Flurries of white snow drifted across the sky. Helian Wumeng was awash in demonic sha, brandishing his signature long-handled blade with lightning speed. Blood-red radiance circled his face, radiating an overbearing, domineering might.
Yet Ning Wan merely stood amidst the falling snow, two fingers pressed before her lips. Twenty-eight pristine white small banners hung suspended in midair like a colossal cauldron floating between heaven and earth, drawing in every trace of the surging bloodlight and demonic qi, locking them fast within the array.
Though Ning Wan had attained the Violet Palace not long ago, she was already renowned throughout Qingchi as an array prodigy, celebrated above all for her ingenuity and adaptability. With twenty-eight banners suspended in midair, she formed an array out of thin air, securely containing all of her adversary's sha qi.
Specks of pure white snow-light danced through the air, weaving around his long-handled blade. From time to time, they were scattered by his strikes, yet the falling snow in the sky continuously coalesced to replenish them.
It was not that Helian Wumeng feared her techniques. The lineage of Hanqi was not particularly formidable to begin with, and what was more, Ning Wan's cultivation was lower than his. He had already charged back and forth across the river three times to slaughter. But pressing her too hard, he had nearly shattered her grand array—only for the woman to sneer and bring forth Daxue Juefeng from her embrace.
Helian Wumeng had immediately behaved himself, refusing to take even half a step across the river.
‘Daxue Juefeng...’
The spiritual sword already possessed immense renown, and in recent years, wielded in turn by Ling Mei and Louxing, its fame had once again echoed throughout the north. The grand Pijia, through five cycles of samsara, had been battered until northern temple statues and clay idols alike were shattered to pieces. Though Dayu Dao steadfastly refused to acknowledge it, claiming it was merely a reincarnation, everyone knew in their hearts that he had perished.
If some technique had been left behind within the sword, were he to cross the river rashly and be slightly pinned down by the array, taking a single strike from that blade would likely send him straight to meet the Helian clan's ancestors.
Yet while he stayed prudent here, urgent summons kept arriving from the camp behind him. He feigned deafness until several illusory streaks of colorful light faintly surfaced over the southern river. Only then did he leisurely descend, landing by the bank, and step into the grand hall conjured in midair by a magical artifact.
The first sight to greet him was naturally an elder of his own clan, Helian Wujiang, standing with a grim countenance. On the other side stood the white-robed demonic cultivator Xin Du and Master Ye Gui, Bai Ziyu—the former looking leisurely and composed, the latter smiling. Meanwhile, Murong Yan and Shilou Yingge, two ill-intentioned conspirators cut from the same cloth, sat off to the side, chuckling over who knew what.
Only Qi Lanyan stood at the seat of honor, nodding tepidly by way of greeting.
Within this hall of the north, one could not find even three people of one mind: the lineage of Guanxie, noble scions, demonic loose cultivators, Jiangbei Violet Palace cultivators—each harboring their own petty schemes, plotting in secret against who knew whom.
He was not one for good temper himself. Standing beside Helian Wujiang, he maintained a cold face without a word. Then he saw Qi Lanyan smile and say:
“Fellow Daoists, I must make a trip to the territory of Xuanmiao Abbey to back Daoist Kong... There may very well be a clash of dharmic methods. Are any of you willing to accompany me?”
It seemed he had merely been waiting for Helian Wumeng's return; unwilling to delay a moment longer, he had asked immediately.
Helian Wujiang narrowed his eyes slightly. For a moment, no one answered. Soon, however, someone broke the silence with a hearty chuckle and said:
“I am willing to follow Lord Qi's arrangements!”
The Violet Palace cultivators did not even need to look to know it was Master Ye Gui, Bai Ziyu, newly taken in by Guanxie, ever flattering and attentive. Yet within their hearts, the others were quietly weighing the matter, wavering in indecision.
Ever since Qi Lanyan had arrived in Jiangbei, he had maintained a polite demeanor, not putting on any airs of Guanxie at all. But this matter before them was far from simple.
‘Though Taiyang is in decline, its trump cards remain. Seizing Shanji directly... will inevitably stir up chaos. With the Sword Sect at its flank, and Ziyan and Xiukui closer than ever before... once the bottom lines of the three sides are provoked, they might very well resolve to fight to the death.’
One had to know that Shanji had been Jiangnan's territory for so many years. Pushing their forces forward here was tantamount to thrusting the northern powers directly into the faces of the Sword Sect and Ziyan!
Though everyone dispatched here harbored some intention of plundering, none of their families were dogs of Guanxie, and naturally none were keen to stick their necks out first.
Among them, Murong Yan had a comparatively deeper background. Though courteous on the surface, he often watched with cold detachment, and at this moment, he remained completely silent, merely nodding with a smile.
Qi Lanyan looked around the room, then turned his gaze to Helian Wujiang and smiled.
“Fellow Daoist Helian?”
Put on the spot, Helian Wujiang remained remarkably calm and said respectfully,
“In past years, when turmoil broke out in our kingdom, only the Guanxie sect extended a hand to save us. The two of us have no way to repay that debt; we are entirely at your command!”
“Good!”
Qi Lanyan let out a laugh. Master Xin Du, the demonic cultivator with the weakest background among them, still wore a hesitant look. Just as he was about to speak, Qi Lanyan said,
“In that case, I shall invite one more Violet Palace from the north, and our numbers will be sufficient.”
It was not that Master Xin Du refused to defer to him; he was simply afraid of losing his own life. Though he had also been present at the Battle of Luoxia, that had been on northern soil, which was nothing like plunging deep into the south. Yet over this mere hesitation, Qi Lanyan let him off easily. Turning with a smile to Murong Yan, he said,
“I shall trouble you all then!”
Murong Yan smiled and nodded, watching him depart into the distance. Turning to glance at Shilou Yingge beside him, he scolded with a laugh,
“What is this... Fellow Daoist Shilou wasn't willing to go either?”
Shilou Yingge's journey south was driven far less by personal gain than by the necessities of his political stance—merely to shed the label of Wei and Li. Naturally, he had no desire to take risks. Yet seeing Qi Lanyan's demeanor left him feeling uneasy. Though secretly uncomfortable, he replied with a smile on his face:
“I couldn't be bothered to run around.”
As the two chatted casually, Qi Lanyan had already led his people out of the hall without looking back. Proceeding with a smile all the way to Xuanmiao Abbey, he saw Kong Tingyun riding the wind in haste to pay her respects. Qi Lanyan hurriedly helped her to her feet and said solemnly:
“Was the Zhongfu Xuanjin Pill effective? A few days ago, Junior Sister even wrote to inquire about your situation... planning when to have you enter the abbey to receive your cultivation method.”
Kong Tingyun's countenance was visibly less radiant than in days past. By now, she was well aware of the predicament she was in. Forcing a warm, eager smile, she answered:
“Thank you both for your concern, my lords... For such an exquisite spirit pill... I truly do not know how I could ever repay you.”
Qi Lanyan merely shook his head. Pointing out Helian Wumeng and his companion, he introduced them. Kong Tingyun acknowledged them politely, treating only Ye Gui, who stood with his hands behind his back, as though he did not exist. Qi Lanyan offered a few polite pleasantries as they descended toward the mountain, saying:
“My visit today is also to resolve the enmity between the two of you. You have both attained divine abilities...”
Ye Gui remained smiling throughout, showing no emotional ripples, though his eyes were as deep as a clear pool. But Qi Lanyan had never truly intended to resolve anything in the first place; after exchanging a few hollow words, he found an excuse to send Ye Gui away.
Kong Tingyun felt a slight suffocation. Qi Lanyan, however, took a sip of tea, glanced at Helian Wujiang, who had been constantly scrutinizing his surroundings, and said rather casually:
“Fellow Daoist Helian... coming to Xuanmiao Abbey is something you will certainly not regret.”
At these words, Kong Tingyun's expression changed slightly, and Helian Wujiang felt a secret chill in his heart. Then they saw Qi Lanyan's expression take on a faint, playful smile:
“Regardless of whether Shanji can be taken... as long as you follow Guanxie... no one from the Helian clan will die.”
By now, the sky had darkened into dusk. Xuanmiao Abbey observed ancient traditions, keeping no lanterns lit in these mountains. Thus, the entire courtyard was enveloped in a pale purple night, save for the faint luminescence shimmering from the bodies of the three figures.
Helian Wujiang felt both astonishment and a creeping dread. Offering his thanks first, he probed in a low voice:
“Even as the sun sinks beneath the western mountains, it retains three parts of its brilliance. My lord must still exercise caution.”
“Hahaha...”
Qi Lanyan chuckled softly, his voice carrying a trace of chilling sharpness.
“When it comes to foresight, none of you match Bai Ziyu... Even today, you still treat this as a struggle between one or two lineages! Even that Kuiqi has understood, yet you still do not know how everything we see today came to pass!”
He stood up, slowly turned around, and began to chant:
“‘The nature of Xiu Yue is to move like a baleful comet. Arising in times of chaos, it brings state strife, wars of blades, widespread plagues, and the deaths of ministers. In its ascendancy, hearts turn sinister, punishments run rampant, crimes proliferate, generals are marked for execution, nobles are cast into prison, and clans suffer sudden calamity.’
“Though the exalted one of the north has suffered a setback, do not forget what manner of figure He once was! The Taiyang lineage subsequently fell into decline and could never prosper again—where lies the crux of the problem?”
Both remained silent. Helian Wujiang looked at him with burning eyes, words on the tip of his tongue. Qi Lanyan smiled and said:
“It lies in Yuzhen returning to His throne, proving that the seat was vacant!”
He looked back and whispered:
“From the very moment Yuzhen achieved the Six-Nine Union with the Void and returned to His throne, it appeared on the surface that the righteous path was flourishing and a sword immortal had attained the Dao. In truth, the baleful comet's momentum was already sealed. Yet the sects of the south celebrated without exception, utterly unaware that their necks were already placed upon the blade, waiting only for the hour of their doom!”
……
On the northern bank.
Li Zhouwei glanced briefly at the duel, and already someone had descended beside him. Clad in grey robes with a sword strapped to his back, he wore a grave expression. Offering a salute, he said:
“This old man is Chen Yin of Yushui. Greetings, Fellow Daoist!”
“So it is Master Yushui.”
Li Zhouwei figured several Violet Palace cultivators ought to be nearby, though he did not know why this man had revealed himself. After exchanging a few pleasantries, he asked directly, only to see the master smile and say:
“So Daoist Zhaojing is still in secluded cultivation... I caught wind from Daoist Dingyangzi that your noble clan possesses Under-Neck Feathers, but lacking spirit materials for artifact crafting, I came to make an inquiry.”
“So that is why.”
Li Zhouwei only then remembered that the other party was a Fushui cultivator. Unable to trade with Dingyangzi, he had sought him out instead. Chen Yin said solemnly:
“Though I have no artifact crafting materials, fortunately I have a piece of Zhengmu spiritual material obtained from the South Sea, Wujiu Spiritual Wood, to trade with you.”
He withdrew a jade box from his sleeve. Within it lay a fist-sized block of black-green wood, layered like compressed sheets, with distinct grain and abundant spirituality.
“This item belongs to Zhengmu and is exceedingly hard. However, taking its form from metal while differing from metal, it cannot be forged into armor, but is excellent for crafting small accessories... As for whether it can be used in alchemy... that would have to be asked of your noble clan's master.”
“The quantity is indeed substantial!”
Li Zhouwei praised. Chen Yin smiled and said:
“This item was originally twice this size. I cut a portion to craft a sword hilt, and what remains is all here. The quantity is still considerable, and I wish to exchange it for two Under-Neck Feathers.”
The Li clan could produce more Under-Neck Feathers in the future; exchanging them for different kinds of spiritual resources to prepare for unexpected needs was naturally beneficial. Li Zhouwei nodded in agreement. Chen Yin immediately showed a look of joy and said:
“Fellow Daoist is indeed a straightforward man!”
He offered his thanks with a smile, then soon asked with a hint of hope:
“If it is not an imposition... might I ask where your noble clan obtained them? How many do you still have left?”
Li Zhouwei naturally shook his head and replied:
“That is inconvenient to disclose. Only a few remain, and I do not know if Great-uncle has already traded them away. There may perhaps still be one or two in his possession. When he exits seclusion, Senior may ask him yourself.”
“Pardon my presumption, pardon my presumption.”
Chen Yin hastily replied. Not wishing to linger here, he soon took his leave. Once he vanished into the Great Void, the white-robed woman rode the wind down, coming to a halt within the pavilion, and said softly:
“Greetings, Fellow Daoist Minghuang!”
Ning Wan's demeanor was as gentle as ever, yet her brow harbored deep sorrow and unease, as if weighed down by countless matters that she could not speak aloud.
“Senior is too courteous.”
Li Zhouwei returned the salute. The two walked together toward the river isle and took their seats in the grand hall. Cultivators came forward to serve tea. After a brief pause to consider, Li Zhouwei asked:
“What are the Grand Master's arrangements?”
At these words, Ning Wan lowered her head in silence and replied:
“Action will be taken immediately. The instructions the Grand Master gave me were precisely to wait for you to exit seclusion.”
Evidently, during the days Li Zhouwei had spent in secluded cultivation, at least several Taiyang lineages in the north of Yue had reached a consensus—or rather, had been forced to reach a consensus—to hold Shanji Commandery.
Li Zhouwei remained calm at heart and asked a rather profound question:
“What of Hengzhu's arrangements?”
Years ago, when Ye Gui visited the Li clan, his words had subtly touched upon this immortal sect of the south, even hinting at the Grand Invoker behind it, covertly suggesting he was watching the tigers fight from the mountain, keeping himself hidden away.
The intelligence Ye Gui possessed might not have been entirely accurate, but it certainly had basis. Hengzhu's actions likely carried unusual significance in themselves.
At his question, Ning Wan shook her head and revealed an ambiguous smile, answering:
“Fellow Daoist must not know yet! It is wonderful news, in fact. A few days ago... Master Hengli of Hengzhu passed through the canzi stage, attaining four divine abilities... It is only a pity for Senior Tinglan; had she not been injured back then, calculating the days, she too would have had a great chance at a breakthrough now.”
“Oh? That is naturally a joyful occasion...”
Li Zhouwei raised his brows slightly, yet seeing no joy on her face, he asked with some bewilderment. Sure enough, Ning Wan's smile faded, and she said flatly:
“However... when our envoys went to Hengzhu to offer congratulations, they were informed that Hengzhu Dao intends to seal its mountain. The entire immortal sect prepares for Hengli's ascent to the rank of True Monarch.”
Li Zhouwei fell silent for a moment, not knowing how to reply. Ning Wan's expression grew complicated as she continued:
“Senior Tinglan and the others... conferred for a time, though I do not know what was said. Some matters are no longer fit for my ears today, but by the same token, there are things I am no longer in a position to voice!”
At these words, it was even less fitting for Li Zhouwei to say more. He could only act as though he had heard nothing, silently lowering his head. Ning Wan shook her head and exhaled a heavy breath:
“At dawn, I am to send word to Tinglan and Houfu... The northern forces are all by the riverbank. We shall march north together, cross the river and make landfall, with the Grand Master holding the line for us to reclaim Jiangbei.”
The darkness of night had already receded. A faint golden radiance rose with the morning sun from the horizon, swiftly climbing across the grand hall to drape over Ning Wan's shoulders.
Her expression was fraught with unease. Her lips trembled slightly as she whispered:
“So... this is what it means to have no choice of one's own.”
Specks of golden light likewise surfaced in Li Zhouwei's eyes. Reaching out slightly, the brilliance of Dasheng coalesced, instantly condensing into the great halberd in his grip. Gazing quietly at Ning Wan, he sighed softly:
“Senior, after you.”
Chapter 948