Qize.
The mountain forests were pitch-black beneath a mantle of white snow. The mingling of black and white produced a striking vista. Li Ximing descended by ray of light, only to behold roiling demonic smoke churning violently. A man draped in brown robes plastered a smile across his face and stepped forward against the wind to meet him.
"Fellow Daoist Zhaojing!"
He called out warmly. Only then did Li Ximing recognize him—it was indeed Real Person Luo from the Southern Border.
This demon had finally stopped wearing his Thousand Eyes Demon Robe, replacing it with a rather decorous set of brown clothing. His face was not particularly sinister, and stripped of that demonic cloak, he actually looked quite upright. Smiling, he said:
"Your esteemed clan harvested abundantly within the grotto-heaven. Congratulations!"
Li Ximing replied with a smile:
"You flatter me! Fellow Daoist Luo has taken on a new look as well!"
Before Real Person Luo could answer, Dingyangzi, who was pacing around a furnace in the mountains with his hands clasped behind his back, let out a cold sneer and replied:
"He was beaten into terror in the grotto-heaven, so he finally learned some restraint... A good thing too, lest he soil my Mount Baiyang!"
Li Ximing had noticed Real Person Luo visiting here more than once, so he assumed Luo must share quite a deep friendship with Dingyangzi. Still, with Luo being a demonic cultivator after all, Dingyangzi could never resist taking a few verbal jabs at him.
"Heh."
Real Person Luo chuckled, inviting Li Ximing to take a seat at the table, and replied:
"I merely used a few ape-folk. What fuss is there to make over creatures little better than monkeys? My own people hold sway and live comfortably, and that is quite enough. What do other species and alien tribes have to do with me?"
Seeing Dingyangzi sit down, Real Person Luo sneered:
"Sometimes, giving them too much face only makes these ape-folk think too highly of themselves. Treat them ruthlessly, and they actually grovel in gratitude. Did the descendants of Zhou spread across all directions by politely borrowing land? Was it not carved out through slaughter? And now look—just using a few ape-folk, and they want to settle scores with me."
Li Ximing guessed that Luo had suffered a miserable thrashing at the hands of some Northern Di cultivator in the grotto-heaven and had his treasures snatched away, which left him brimming with resentment. Thus, he did not reply, merely shaking his head with a wry smile. Dingyangzi, however, said:
"Were it not for that, you would not find it so easy to enter this Qize."
Li Ximing cast a subtle glance and noticed that Dingyangzi's expression was far more somber, as if weighed down with heavy thoughts. The man turned to look at him:
"Fellow Daoist Zhaojing reaped quite a harvest. It seems you have come once again for the spirit armor."
"Indeed!"
Refining a spirit artifact took no small amount of time. Now that Li Ximing possessed the materials, he naturally was unwilling to delay. He immediately drew jade boxes from his sleeves and laid them out in a row on the table, introducing them:
"These are two pieces of Red Light Li Amber and a Jiangsheng Stone—one Lihuo, one Bright Yang. They should be suitable."
Dingyangzi took them to examine them closely, nodding silently. Only then did Li Ximing rise and speak with solemn courtesy:
"I have heard that Mount Baiyang still possesses a portion of Lesser Sky Li Gold, a rare and precious spiritual material. My clan has already gathered numerous spiritual resources for this armor, lacking only such a supreme spiritual material to serve as the core. I ask that Fellow Daoist name your terms, and I shall exchange for it."
Dingyangzi had anticipated this ever since he had mentioned that spiritual material back then, so he was not surprised now. Stroking his beard lightly, he said softly:
"That stands to reason. Fellow Daoist previously left three Under-Neck Feathers with me to trade for spiritual resources. I once presented them to the lineage of Mount Qusi, and they expressed interest in trading. Combined with a few items of my own, that will be just enough to exchange for an inheritance..."
His expression grew slightly solemn as he replied:
"However... I intend to use that piece of Wujiu Spirit Wood to exchange for something else with Fellow Daoist Qinghu, so I will need to take it as well... Would Fellow Daoist be willing?"
Li Ximing understood inwardly. Over these years, he had left his spiritual resources in Dingyangzi's hands for bartering; how could Dingyangzi have kept his sights solely on materials for the spirit armor? He would inevitably make inquiries about what he himself needed, and had secretly lined up trade partners, merely waiting for Li Ximing to bring up the subject.
This price was fair and reasonable. After all, the Wujiu Spirit Wood was quite large and held higher value, having originally been obtained in exchange for two Under-Neck Feathers back then.
'In truth, that makes five spiritual resources from my clan to exchange for this Lesser Sky Li Gold!'
Yet the issue was that the Lesser Sky Li Gold was not a full portion—it was merely the remainder of a sword immortal's scabbard ornament, which made the trade feel slightly uneven. As Li Ximing hesitated, Dingyangzi had already produced a golden box from his sleeve and said:
"Fellow Daoist has refined pills for me all these years without ever asking for compensation. I have kept that in mind and naturally will not take unfair advantage of you. Over half a portion of this Lesser Sky Li Gold remains... If Fellow Daoist provides me with one more spiritual resource, it shall count as covering the crafting fee as well."
Li Ximing's heart leapt at once, and he rejoiced:
"Splendid! My thanks to Fellow Daoist!"
Refining a spirit artifact under Dingyangzi was no simple matter. For any spirit artifact of decent quality, this Violet Palace Real Person would have to pour in years or even over a decade of time, not to mention the various material costs and mental exhaustion throughout the process... It was by no means something a single spiritual resource could cover.
Now that past favors had cleared the debt for the crafting fee, on top of securing the exchange for the Lesser Sky Li Gold, Li Ximing actually felt he owed a bit of gratitude. He smiled and said:
"If Fellow Daoist requires any spirit pills refined in the future, simply send someone to the lake!"
Dingyangzi nodded with a smile, stood up briskly, and raised his brows:
"Then we shall take the Lesser Sky Li Gold, Astral Red Gold, and Jiangsheng Stone—two Lihuo and one Yang—as the core, supplemented by Six-Phase Spirit Stone, Huakan Metal Essence, and Red Light Li Amber, with Moxuan Sky Iron, Bright Candle Gold, and other materials supporting them..."
He made a quick calculation and murmured:
"Regrettably, almost all the primary spiritual materials are of Lihuo and of no low grade. I fear this armor will ultimately become of Lihuo, merely attuned to Bright Yang."
Li Ximing frowned slightly, while Real Person Luo shook his head:
"That cannot be helped. In this world, Bright Yang has waned while Lihuo flourishes. Even collecting spiritual items normally, Lihuo will far outnumber Bright Yang."
Inwardly, however, Li Ximing quietly considered:
'It isn't necessarily a bad thing. Zhouwei already has a full set of Bright Yang spirit artifacts; having more Lihuo will also make it harder for others to scheme against him. Moreover, Bright Yang ores and stones are hard to find, and dragging it out would only invite more trouble...'
'As for this spiritual resource to give him...'
Li Ximing still had two Under-Neck Feathers in hand. Though fewer than the Red Light Li Amber, they remained the most suitable. While Bichen Water was growing increasingly scarce, Kuang Yu's Xinyu Market could scour nearly all of Zhulu; delaying two or three months could usually replenish the supply, and no matter what, more could be obtained.
Yet he did not produce it immediately, instead smiling and saying:
"I will arrange it for Fellow Daoist upon my return!"
After all, the number of Under-Neck Feathers the Li family gave out was increasing, gradually drawing the attention of observant people. Chen Yin, who cultivated Fushui, had specifically asked about it. If they continued being so lavish, trouble would inevitably follow.
'I should still ask around. It would be best if I could trade for something else to give him.'
"No hurry."
This matter could wait until the spirit armor was completed before settling anyway. Dingyangzi appeared very understanding, but after hesitating repeatedly, his expression suddenly turned peculiar, and he said:
"I almost forgot Real Person Minghuang... If he is willing to make a trip to Qize, spit a mouthful of essence-blood into the spiritual fire, and commune with it using his mind and spirit to fix the status of the White Qilin Armor... it might not fall short of a Bright Yang spiritual material..."
"Oh?"
Li Ximing's eyes lit up, suddenly illuminated:
"Brilliant..."
Once one attained a divine ability in the Violet Palace, one naturally possessed a status. Whether casting spells, concocting pills, or forging artifacts, one often relied on this status to accomplish tasks—not to mention Li Zhouwei, who was universally recognized throughout the world as the White Qilin!
Keeping it firmly in mind, he said joyfully:
"That would indeed be wonderful. I will ask him when I return. When Fellow Daoist requires it, just send a letter to the lake!"
Dingyangzi agreed. After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Real Person Luo finally found an opportunity to chime in, saying hastily:
"Fellow Daoist Zhaojing! I also saw Real Person Minghuang in the grotto-heaven... though my harvest was not as great as his. I obtained some Kanshui items, and I heard... I heard that a Gathered Wood spirit artifact fell into his hands... I wonder..."
Li Ximing instantly understood that he was referring to his clan's Biting Qingyuan Profound Tripod. He smiled and said:
"There is indeed one, but it is of great importance to my clan. When the time comes, we may well need to ask for Fellow Daoist's assistance... We can discuss it further then."
He subtly deflected Real Person Luo's desire to trade, but he did not let slip the information revealed in the man's words. Smiling, he asked:
"It seems Fellow Daoist has Kanshui items in hand!"
Real Person Luo had not expected him to turn the tables. Taken aback for a moment, he replied:
"Indeed..."
Li Ximing waved his hand and inquired:
"Might there be a few spiritual resources you could trade to me?"
Seeing his sincerity, Real Person Luo simply raised his hand, retrieved a box from his sleeve, placed it on the table, and replied:
"There is a Huashui Kui Stone, which can be considered rather rare."
Li Ximing nodded.
His family had no use for Kanshui items, but they were useful as gifts. The Xiao family had relocated to Cangzhou in the North Sea, and Li Ximing ought to pay them a visit. Naturally, he could not go empty-handed. He originally had a Cangzhou Viper Scale in hand, but since that scale originated from Cangzhou, it might well be tied to the Xiao family's current territory. Presenting it would be like visiting the Li family and paying a hefty sum to buy a Wanling Flower as a gift—somewhat awkward.
The matter had been delayed due to the events of Wanling Heaven. Now that Li Zhouwei had returned, the lake was safe, and most importantly, his hands were less constrained. Thus, it was time to pay a visit... Furthermore, he hoped that old Real Person could offer some guidance on the current situation.
Although Real Person Luo did not know why he wanted this spiritual material, he remained very enthusiastic, smiling as he said:
"Take it, Fellow Daoist! It serves no purpose in my hands anyway. When you obtain Gathered Wood spiritual resources, you can compensate me then."
However, Luo cultivated the demonic path and was a demonic cultivator after all. Li Ximing could not rest easy. He gave him Gathered Wood spirit pills that his clan's juniors had obtained from Nanxiang Hall, added two Nangong Xuansui Pills, and promised to refine pills for him, thereby acquiring the item.
Real Person Luo, however, had an ulterior motive; smiling, he asked Li Ximing to introduce him to Si Yuanli.
That was hardly a difficult task. Li Ximing understood clearly and nodded in agreement. Without speaking further with the two, he soared directly into the air by ray of light, traversing the Great Void. A weight was finally lifted from his heart, having settled what had been pressing upon his mind. He mused inwardly:
'It is finally settled. All that remains is to come collect this spirit armor when the time comes...'
Yet as he traveled by light toward the lake, he frowned slightly. He actually sensed the aura of a Violet Palace cultivator of the Path of Zhengmu!
"Mm?"
Who else could it be? It had to be Si Yuanli!
'Before leaving, I instructed several juniors to say I would be back shortly... It seems he was determined to wait for me here.'
Thus, he rode his light downward and manifested in the pavilion at the foot of the mountain. Sure enough, he saw the Real Person standing patiently in the courtyard. Though appearing calm on the surface, he was sighing repeatedly, his eyes tinged with anxiety.
"Fellow Daoist Qinghu!"
Li Ximing stepped out from the void with a smile. Si Yuanli instantly breathed a sigh of relief, turning his head with a look of helplessness:
"Fellow Daoist Zhaojing!"
Guiding him up the mountain, Li Ximing smiled and said:
"What fine harvest did Fellow Daoist obtain in the grotto-heaven? For you to seek me out here, you must be looking to refine some precious pill!"
At the mention of his harvest in the grotto-heaven, Si Yuanli was struck speechless with choked frustration. The words that had welled up in his chest were abruptly blocked. Letting out a long sigh, he shook his head:
"What harvest or lack thereof... When I came out of seclusion, I thought it would be a whole new world, yet little did I imagine Qingchi would be such a shambles! How can this be called an immortal sect? How can this be called a power under a Golden Core..."
"What happened?"
Li Ximing seemed to recall something and asked with great solemnity. Si Yuanli raised his brows and offered a bitter smile:
"Zhaojing! Yang Zhuo has rebelled! The Xunlin Plain has rebelled!"
Li Ximing was momentarily stunned. Taking a moment to process the words, he asked dubiously:
"Ah?"
"Yang Zhuo?"
"Rebelled? Against whom?"
Si Yuanli sat down beside him at the table, his expression carrying a deep sense of frustration. He sighed:
"Qingchi... He executed the Qingchi cultivators at the Xunlin Plain market, listed their crimes, crossed the Xunlin Plain, and has already reached the borders of Quanwu... Raising a banner, he claims to be eradicating evil and defending the right path."
"Eradicating evil and defending the right path..."
As Li Ximing listened, an overwhelming sense of absurdity arose in his heart, yet he did not know how to respond—or even whether to call it absurd or fitting.
The current Qingchi was no longer what it once was. The myriad upheavals north of the river had ruthlessly torn away all veneer of respectability. Ning Wan had been saddled with monstrous guilt. Even Qingchi's own people no longer believed in Qingchi's title as an immortal sect, firmly nailing the name of a demonic sect to the mountain gates. To speak of eliminating demons and defending the right path was now entirely unassailable.
Yet for a single Foundation Establishment cultivator... dragging along a few subordinates who were not even at Foundation Establishment, to speak of toppling Qingchi... would that not make any cultivator in the State of Yue burst into laughter upon hearing it?
Even if Qingchi was now in decline, mobilizing thirty or forty Foundation Establishment cultivators would still be effortless. And even if those thirty or forty Foundation Establishment cultivators failed to encircle and slay him, it would take no more than a single glance from a Violet Palace cultivator.
Yet this very thing had happened, leaving two Violet Palace cultivators sitting opposite each other on the mountain in silence, momentarily wordless.
"His surname is Yang... Not only does he bear the surname Yang, but he also has the Heavenly Mandate upon him..."
Li Ximing's heart pounded as well, and he offered a reminder. Si Yuanli merely lowered his head in frustration and sighed:
"It must be the True Qi of Tianwu bestowed upon him!"
How could Si Yuanli not know? If the man were not surnamed Yang, if he did not have True Qi bestowed upon him, based solely on his seizure of the Xunlin Plain, Yang Zhuo and that rabble of his would have died several thousand times over!
'Eradicating evil and defending the right path... What a marvelous "eradicating evil and defending the right path"! Whose fault is it that Qingchi has ended up like this today? Now they speak of eradicating evil and defending the right path... Where were they during the calamity of demons? Where were they during the strife between North and South? Where were they during the upheaval of Zhuoshaling?'
'If they truly had the courage to eradicate evil and defend the right path, why didn't they tear down the Lushui fruit position! Truly a rotten plaque—normally thrown under the table to prop up a leg, yet now that the birds are gone and the good bows are stowed away, it can be pulled right back out for use!'
The Real Person's face gradually darkened. He set his cup down on the table and gritted his teeth:
"Those lords in the heavens intend to push Qingchi and the State of Yue out and hand them over to the Yang family! How could this be! This is an immortal sect! How could it have fallen to such a state!"
Li Ximing lowered his gaze to look at him, poured him some tea, and replied:
"And what if they do? Has it not always been so... You and I are of the Violet Palace. Being of the Violet Palace grants one the qualification to pick a side, the qualification to serve as a chess piece... Those stretching out their necks for slaughter today are merely the ones who have yet to leap from Qingchi's ship."
"As for Fellow Daoist... that might not be the case."
Si Yuanli raised his brows to look at him, the resentment and fury on his face suddenly melting away as he simply nodded in silence. Li Ximing, however, looked up at him with bright, smiling eyes:
"Not a single member of the Si family holds a key post. For all Qingchi's grandeur, the one managing the sect is a guest elder surnamed Qin."
"To claim that Fellow Daoist has made no preparations whatsoever today would be underestimating me."
Si Yuanli smiled bitterly in his heart. Pausing briefly, an expression of heartfelt sighing surfaced on his face:
"How could I underestimate Fellow Daoist? Your renown over ten years in the Violet Palace already filled me with envy back then. Knowing you are a talent among men, how could I still cling to past preconceptions?"
This middle-aged man had attained the Violet Palace late and appeared older than Li Ximing, even...
Chapter 981