Chapter 1001: Singing and Following

‘The Divine Scroll of Tiansi Buxu…’

Sunlight and moonlight intertwined, creating a tapestry of light across the heavens and earth. Within the Shanghuan Pavilion, clear energy permeated the air. Li Zhouwei stood with his arms clasped, meticulously reading the cultivation method, carefully weighing its implications in his mind.

The Li family had encountered many divine scrolls, such as the Wugui Suoyin Divine Scroll, the Xingwei Taicang Divine Scroll, and even the Kujin Daoxuan Cunxu Divine Scroll, which Liu Changdie had only mentioned—all of them belonged to the same category. These scrolls typically contained a vast number of spells and techniques. The more Li Zhouwei read, the more he subtly perceived a similar essence, especially between Tiansi Buxu and Xingwei Taicang. Their uniform style clearly indicated they originated from the same source.

Looking back now, he even discerned subtle similarities with the Lingguang Huiyang Divine Scroll, which caused him to fall silent for a long time, his heart stirred.

‘Something is amiss… these seem to originate from the same Daoist tradition. Even the Lingguang Huiyang Divine Scroll, which is the most distinct, shares commonalities. At the very least, they are branches of an ancient Daoist tradition that evolved through ages of change—what major sects refer to as a "Dao track"… there's a strong sense of them being derived from a common origin.’

In the current era, with disorder among the various prefectures, the origins of many things could no longer be traced. However, in ancient times, these items had strict classifications. For instance, Changhuai and Xiuyue, both from the Solar Daoist tradition, though not explicitly called "Solar," could fundamentally be considered part of the same Dao track. These divine scrolls differed considerably from the scriptures the Li family had previously acquired, clearly belonging to another Dao track. The only exception was the Wugui Suoyin Divine Scroll; although it was a divine scroll, many of its spells lacked a clear interconnected lineage.

‘Sitian is definitively a Douxuan Daoist tradition… divine scroll… Sitian… sacrifice… also serving as a divine office…’

‘Daoist Nun Xiangchun once said… in ancient times, there were Prefectural Lords, Divine Lords, Imperial Lords, True Lords… all bearing the character for "divine." The collapse of incense offerings and divine offices today is precisely the same phenomenon…’

He raised an eyebrow slightly.

‘If that’s the case… the ancient Wei kingdom of the Lingguang Huiyang Divine Scroll also has a deep connection with Douxuan…’

Li Zhouwei reined in his thoughts and checked his immortal merit. The figure had increased from 329 to 364, with Li Ximing’s battle contributing 35.

‘I fought Zhulianmin and severely wounded Helian Wujiang, who cultivated demonic arts, within the grotto-heaven, yet I only gained 32. But killing Nvxiao yielded 35, despite their strengths being incomparable. It seems Buddhist cultivators are more "valuable"… yielding more immortal merit upon their demise…’

‘Next time, even if I cannot kill them, I must at least destroy their physical bodies. Otherwise, mere suppression in a duel yields very little immortal merit…’

He examined it carefully. The Divine Scroll of Tiansi Buxu was a full six-grade text, with complete spells and a rich inheritance. It required 189 merit points to exchange, which would leave him with 175.

‘With so many spells available now, Uncle Zhouluo hasn't even mastered a dozen of his own and is busy cultivating. They won't be needed for at least three or four decades… that’s perfectly sufficient.’

He had been hesitant and meticulous when exchanging for the Diqi Guang. Now, he exchanged it without a second thought and quickly exited the pavilion, where he met Li Ximing, who held out a pill.

The pill, a vibrant blend of black and gold, disturbed the spiritual energy around it. However, the Yin-Yang balance within the grotto-heaven suppressed this disturbance, preventing any significant fluctuation. Li Ximing, looking serious, said:

“Now that you have finished healing, and the outside world is unstable, it is an opportune time to cultivate with this Nangong Xuansui Pill. This pill can open a profound palace within your body, allowing for slow cultivation without much loss of medicinal power. It is ideal for situations where you might be interrupted at any moment to act…”

“Once consumed, this pill can also enhance divine abilities and is suitable for bestowing upon younger generations for their protection!”

Four Min Prefecture.

Four Min Prefecture was the foundation of the Qingshi Sect. It was densely populated with numerous clans. For centuries, while Yue had experienced more turmoil than peace, Four Min Prefecture, as Qingshi’s base, had remained consistently stable with few disturbances. Looking across the landscape, one could see connected rooftops and eaves, and tiered terraces and pavilions.

In the main hall high above, a man in bright white feather robes was deep in thought, meticulously examining the official robes laid out on the table. He softly said:

“The adornments… should mainly feature five-colored true jade patterns, and the entire robe should use four-fold ruyi cloud patterns… As for the symbolism…”

He frowned slightly:

“What does Great Zhao use?”

The junior officials before him quickly raised their eyebrows and whispered:

“They use Kui beasts, with a wood and stone pattern base…”

Li Jiangliang glanced at the smiling woman beside him and saw Yang Tianyou raise an eyebrow:

“Use intertwined snakes, water and fire, and large pythons.”

The subordinates on either side quickly assented, respectfully stating:

“We will go draw them now and await your esteemed corrections.”

Li Jiangliang nodded slightly, and the group departed, carefully carrying the official robes as if they were precious treasures. Yang Tianyou then turned to look out the window and remarked casually:

“Four Min is indeed prosperous.”

Even with the widespread turmoil of recent years and the devastation of battles outside Four Min Prefecture, the prefecture itself remained remarkably stable. Li Jiangliang stepped forward, still somewhat incredulous:

“Qingshi just yielded Four Min like that…”

When Yang Zhuo led Li Jiangliang and others to Four Min, the Qingshi Sect itself was in disarray. Only the faction led by Qin Xian resisted at the front of the prefecture. That man, Qin, had a premonition, yet he had no choice but to ascend on the wind to defend. Qin Xian, from humble origins, was an opportunist, rising step by step to his current position. Despite his less-than-ideal Dao lineage, he had enjoyed many benefits. Even a Qingshi Peak Lord might not have been able to defeat him easily.

Yet, before Yang Zhuo, he lasted but a single exchange. Before the Jingyi Nine-bend Halberd even descended, six types of water and fire fell upon him in succession. Qin Xian perished, body and soul, without uttering a sound. This sect leader, the only one from humble origins in Qingshi Sect’s history, died publicly before everyone’s eyes.

The remaining people fell into chaos. Those cultivators, led by Qin Lianfu, Qin Xian’s son, were attempting to flee when a direct descendant of the Si family under Yang Zhuo called out. Qin’s people, no matter how incredulous, lowered their heads and surrendered, immediately receiving rewards.

Thus, Four Min Prefecture, cultivated by Qingshi for six hundred years, fell in less than half an hour. The forces on both sides joyfully welcomed the “Royal Army.” The cultivators, led by the Deng family, knelt weeping. The Deng family patriarch cried uncontrollably, counting on his fingers and enumerating how Qingshi had persecuted the Deng clan for centuries, and how many individuals had been harmed.

Li Jiangliang found it difficult to watch. He knew the Deng family’s true nature; if they harbored genuine hatred, they would not have remained utterly quiescent during the disturbances of the Chi family back then. It was simply a matter of perceived gain. However, Yang Zhuo needed them. He granted them three towns, and according to future arrangements, this would also be a founding martial meritorious peerage, a minor sixth-rank title of Yuan Dian Zhi.

“Qin Lianfu, Si Xunlong, Zheng Shuyan, Li Quantao, Quan Yuduan… all received fiefs… after the founding of the nation, they will all be ranked among the martial meritorious nobles. How many aristocratic families will that be…”

Li Jiangliang sighed quietly, causing the woman to turn to him. She softly asked, “Is that not good?”

“It’s not that it’s not good… Yue has endured too many disasters, vast stretches of barren land and common people… If not for local clans, our people would not be enough to hold the territory… But… this is simply too much, and it’s unnecessary to grant land.”

Li Jiangliang’s expression was hesitant as he whispered:

“I understand that Lord Yang wishes to minimize killing, but for a mighty Qingshi, only the primary culprit, Qin Xian, died… In a single day, seventy-one fiefs were granted in Four Min alone. This single prefecture will, by precedent, have seventy-one major and minor aristocratic dukes after the nation’s founding…”

“I just feel something is amiss. I fear… it will cause harm…”

Yang Tianyou lowered her eyebrows slightly, concealing the emotion in her eyes, and interrupted:

“My elder brother has his considerations…”

“We are not yet ready to raise the grand banner. Qingshi’s rule is indeed nominal, but if we completely topple this behemoth, we can certainly control all of Yue’s territory. But what about the East Sea and South Sea? As long as this grand banner isn’t raised, we will surely be deliberately overlooked and carved up by other families.”

“This is also why elder brother stopped at Qingshi Mountain. Otherwise, this matter might have cost him a divine ability! But we still need this behemoth to linger, enticing it with benefits. Only then can we truly consolidate the entire Qingshi. The Si family is now on our side… Qingshi Mountain still has immortal decrees connecting to the two seas, which can barely maintain these overseas territories. After all… even within the mountain, the people are already ours. Elder brother had Si Tongyi establish the Immortal Rite Bureau, maintaining the Qingshi registry, still firmly controlling these people and lands…”

“A while ago, there were disturbances on Qingshi’s islands in the East Sea. If not for True Person Si Qinghu of the Si family and True Person Ning of Qingshi intervening, they would have been carved up during these drastic changes. It would be difficult to extend our reach overseas again in the future.”

She sighed:

“We are not of the Solar Daoist tradition. We can only legitimately inherit what overseas territories we already have, with little room for expansion. Similarly, once lost, they are difficult to reclaim.”

But this did not seem to be the answer Li Jiangliang wanted to hear, nor was he unaware of these principles. He merely hesitated and said:

“My concern is for the common people. If aristocratic families truly spread throughout the land, where will commoners find a way to rise? Besides, if these people are granted fiefs like this, what about the immortal families?”

“Do commoners have a way to rise today? What about Qin Xian?” Yang Tianyou asked, her expression calm, a smile playing on her lips. “As for the immortal families… they will be granted titles of kings!”

Li Jiangliang was silent for a moment, then asked:

“Have the royal titles been decided?”

Yang Tianyou found it amusing and covered her mouth, chuckling:

“It’s too early for that… but for your family’s title, do you even need to think about it?”

A pang stirred in Li Jiangliang’s heart, bringing a measure of comfort. He secretly mused:

‘Lord Yang said that the king’s position is of great benefit. Moreover, if we are kings and marquises, our family members will have status when they go out, and it counts as doing something for the family.’

Although, given Yang Zhuo’s attitude towards aristocratic families, his own family would likely still attain a king or marquis title even without his involvement, his meritorious service in accompanying the new regime would certainly secure more land for his family. He reflected on this, then changed the subject, expressing concern:

“I heard the Karma Fire has passed through the wilderness and reached Lixia. Lord Yang has been in seclusion for a long time; is there any news?”

When the Karma Fire was mentioned, Yang Tianyou showed no worry, only a slight smile:

“That’s the Sparrow Carp Fish; there’s no need to worry about him. He is here to reincarnate. When the Sparrow Carp Fish reaches Four Min Prefecture, you will naturally see Elder Brother.”

Li Jiangliang was thoughtful and about to speak when he saw someone rush up the steps and whisper:

“Reporting, my Lord! A secret letter from Lord Chen!”

Li Jiangliang was interrupted. He turned, took the letter, and scanned it, his expression slightly peculiar:

“Linhai experiences a celestial change, with witch winds, owl feathers, and owl cries of ghostly wails…”

He looked at Yang Tianyou and asked:

“Has this succeeded or not?”

Regarding such divine matters, the Yang family, or rather the Netherworld Bureau, would naturally be the most knowledgeable. When asked, Yang Tianyou nodded, her expression serious:

“The old Sword Immortal poured all his efforts into cultivating them. How many of the Linggu family have been sacrificed? First Linggu Yi, Linggu Dan, then Linggu Rao. How many spiritual items? How many precious pills? Finally, a Linggu Lanying emerged, even seeking help from our family. Which family has such good conditions? Only their Linggu family! So, naturally, it succeeded!”

“Others don’t know… but we are clear. Besides Linggu Lanying, there are two others in secret seclusion. Although the hope for their breakthrough is slim and they are considered a last resort, almost all the Linggu family’s geniuses have been used… Sword Immortal Lou Xing is truly resolute!”

Li Jiangliang praised him, shaking his head:

“You are mistaken. This is righteous greatness, not ruthlessness. If the Linggu family hadn’t been so incompetent, a Linggu family Purple Mansion cultivator should have ascended to power long ago.”

“It’s not slow now,” Yang Tianyou sighed.

Li Jiangliang nodded:

“It’s a testament to the senior’s dedication. Now that Linggu Lanying has emerged, Linhai Prefecture is saved. Even if Great Xiukui Temple seals its mountain, the Linggu family can protect the Lin clan mortals and many other lineages in Linhai… and Great Xiukui Temple can remain uninvolved… it’s truly brilliant.”

Yang Tianyou remarked with emotion:

“Brilliant it is, but also utterly ruthless. To uphold the integrity of Great Xiukui Temple, he refused to speak a single truth to Houfu and Kuizhi, preferring Qin Ling to risk her life to block Xue Yang, hoping for a remote possibility. This shows the firmness of his sword heart…”

Li Jiangliang could only sigh in respect, but then his wife smiled:

“No matter what, your family benefits significantly. Your uncle’s title has already reached the palace; several people are discussing it, at least a third-rank, to be enfeoffed in Lixia. As for yours…”

The uncle she referred to was naturally Li Zhouluo. The Li family had not been deeply involved in this turmoil, and only Li Jiangliang and Li Zhouluo gained titles. Li Jiangliang shook his head:

“You don’t need to consider me. A nominal title is enough. I have no desire for fiefs.”

A smile appeared on his face, his eyes filling with hope and longing:

“When Lord Yang succeeds and Jiangnan is stable, when the common people have homes and sustenance, I will resign from worldly affairs, take you back to the lake, acquire a small pavilion on the island, correct Daoist scriptures, organize Daoist traditions, and in my leisure time, row a boat on the lake, warm wine, and fall asleep drunk.”

Yang Tianyou turned her head away, not looking at him, and forced a smile:

“My husband, with such talent, designated by elder brother as a gentleman for governing and bringing peace to the nation, how could you merely acquire a small pavilion?”

Li Jiangliang chuckled, his gaze still fixed on the scroll in his hand. He shook his head and sighed:

“You don’t understand. My elder brothers are the true talents; I, a mediocre person… on the island, I’d only acquire a small pavilion!”

His voice was gentle, his brows curved in a smile:

“Then I’ll show you the moonlit lake scenery.”

Yang Tianyou responded softly, not daring to look at him. The smile on the face of this direct descendant of the Yang clan, a proud daughter of heaven and Golden Core bloodline, faded. She pretended to be calm, looking out the window, her slender hand on the window sill tightening and loosening. Her beautiful eyes closed, lips pressed together in silence, and a sudden pang of pain flared in her heart.

‘You, oh, you…’