Chapter 1003: Positive Sexuality

The elder asked this question without looking at him. He picked up another cup of tea that had already been poured on the table, motioned for Li Zhouluo to take it, and invited him to sit down and talk.

Li Zhouluo, already at a loss for words, seized the opportunity to breathe and think. He stood up, took the tea, and resettled himself beside the elder, sighing:

"I don't know either... When I went to Simin, an elder came to see me. He told me to call him... to call him 'great-uncle'... his name is Yang Ruiyi."

Li Xuanxuan's expression subtly tightened as he considered:

'Yang Ruiyi... of the Rui generation... he's from the same generation as Yang Xiao'er's brothers...'

He nodded in realization, a smile appearing on his face, and asked:

"What kind of high-level cultivator is he? I've never heard of him."

Li Zhouluo seemed somewhat hesitant, replying:

"I can't quite tell... His profoundness reminds me of how my father inspects me; he just stands there without a hint of aura, like an ordinary person..."

Li Xuanxuan sighed inwardly, listening as he continued:

"He told me a few things, pointing out the situation in the north... He said that if our family still wants the wild territories, it's best to occupy them early, especially with Xuanyue watching nearby..."

"If our family doesn't claim them, someone else will come to guard them."

Li Xuanxuan put down his cup and asked seriously:

"Regarding Yue Kingdom's affairs, since the Yang clan is taking charge, how will the various sects and schools be handled?"

Li Zhouluo shook his head and replied:

"You'll probably have to ask Jiang Liang about that. He's highly regarded by the elder and is very clear on these matters. I've only just established a distant family connection; I'm not considered one of the 'people of the hall'."

"I only heard one thing..."

Li Xuanxuan raised an eyebrow and listened to the junior say:

"A few days ago, that great-uncle visited both the Xueji and Wanyu sects, even more than once. He arranged many affairs, so at least these two sects... should be fine."

The elder said in surprise:

"The Xueji Sect has been closed for many years; does it really have a connection with the Yang clan?"

Li Zhouluo's expression was solemn as he replied:

"I'm not sure, but I heard that the former master of the Xueji Sect was called True Master Guan Xu, and it seems... he had a close relationship with the Yang clan."

"Oh?"

Li Xuanxuan pondered for a moment, then hesitantly raised his eyebrows and asked:

"What about Yuan Qin? Is there a chance for him to return?"

Li Zhouluo had clearly inquired about this beforehand and had already prepared his answer. He said naturally:

"None of the many cultivators from Qingchi, their names or soul lamps, were spared. All were handed over by the Siyitong and recorded by the Celestial Ritual Bureau. The elders are among them, but they haven't emerged from seclusion yet and are still confined within Qingchi Mountain."

Li Xuanxuan had anticipated this and raised an eyebrow, saying:

"Do you know what arrangements Li Quantao has in Simin?"

Li Zhouluo was slightly taken aback, surprised by how quickly the elder changed the subject. He simply replied:

"I've met him! Perhaps because both the Si family and Jiang Liang recommended him, he's highly regarded. He personally met with the elder, and I heard they had a long private discussion in the main hall. The territory he received is also among the best!"

Li Xuanxuan sighed inwardly, no longer asking questions about the previous topic. Instead, he inquired about Li Zhouluo's cultivation and daily life. After chatting for a long while, he finally sighed:

"Since you have a family connection and the Yang clan has also sought you out, what are your plans now?"

This question made Li Zhouluo quickly stand up and say in a low voice:

"I have no other intentions... It's just that... I heard that great-uncle say that an elder wants to protect this lineage that's intermarried with the Yang clan... That's why he granted me land in Simin. I don't wish to stay long with the Yang clan, which is why I rushed back."

A hint of melancholy appeared between his brows as he replied:

"Lake-side is my true lineage. No matter how influential the Yang clan is, they are merely my grandmother's family. While there's an intention to be close, it's difficult to truly confide in them. Ultimately, we are different. How could I possibly settle as a guest in Simin indefinitely!"

Li Xuanxuan hesitated for a moment, then nodded and said:

"Sometimes, it's not up to us. For now, continue your cultivation at Lake-side and observe how things unfold."

Li Zhouluo nodded heavily, bowed slightly, and was about to withdraw from the room when Li Xuanxuan suddenly asked:

"Linhai Commandery... was it a breakthrough or a downfall?"

"Reporting to you, honored one, it was a breakthrough... Neighboring Valley Orchid Shadow!"

The junior acknowledged, carefully closed the door, and quietly withdrew.

Only then did streaks of heavenly light descend, revealing a man in white-gold Daoist robes appearing in the seat on the other side. He had evidently been sitting there for a long time. Standing beside him was a man in black-gold attire—these were clearly the two True Masters from Lake-side.

"Ming'er..."

Li Xuanxuan stood up, listening as Li Ximing said thoughtfully:

"Assigned to Simin... the Yang family intends to keep him for their use."

"Indeed..."

The elder frowned, appearing very doubtful, and replied:

"Not just Zhouluo, but Quantao has also been given important roles... Even though Yuanqin has managed to stay hidden and hasn't emerged from seclusion, he'll likely be unavoidable in the future. The people from the south are watching very closely."

Li Zhouwei paced in the hall, his mind filled with doubts. He raised an eyebrow and said:

"Neighboring Valley Orchid Shadow... so the old Sword Immortal had foreseen this! The Lin clan no longer needs others to worry about them."

Li Ximing nodded thoughtfully. Silence fell upon the grand hall for a moment, then Li Zhouwei raised an eyebrow and murmured:

"Que Liyu really did go south on orders..."

Both looked at him, seeing the golden-eyed young man's somber expression:

"Even if he is one of the Three Daoist Armors, the golden essence reincarnation of True Monarch Tianwu, he probably doesn't have the qualification to steadily ascend to the Fruit of Dao simply through cultivation. Since everyone in the world hopes to expedite this matter, naturally, everyone wants to help him."

"Mysterious divine light within, fierce might overflowing without; righteousness curbs lust, benevolence and power boundless; slaying demons and fiends, upholding truth through martial might..."

Li Zhouwei raised an eyebrow and said:

"Righteousness curbs lust. If the Great Desire Path doesn't go south, what good is curbing lust? This matter doesn't require the intervention of the Underworld Bureau or Lord Yang at all; the north will naturally provide opportunities for the elder to curb lust!"

Quanwu Mountain.

Quanwu Mountain, the northern barrier of Simin Commandery—the largest commandery in the heartland of Yue Kingdom—was a mountain forest with numerous demonic creatures. Yet, it had always been a back garden for immortal cultivators. Fortunately, Qingchi, which had most heavily exploited Quanwu Mountain for decades, had once declined, making the demonic creatures now somewhat more vibrant.

However, this densely forested Quanwu Mountain was now shrouded in gray light, appearing dim and colorless. Swathes of karmic fire circled in the air, casting down countless black rays.

"Awooo..."

Wails echoed one after another throughout the mountain. The demon kings who had barely survived in these mountains were now clearly like fish on the Buddhist cultivators' chopping block. One after another, brilliant lights fell amidst the karmic flames, subduing them one by one.

"Crack..."

The colors beneath the mountain ridge were dim. A massive crow, shrinking within a patch of light, folded its wings and transformed into a dark-faced man. He appeared very flustered, whispering:

"Fellow Daoist Yuan? Fellow Daoist Yuan!"

Then, an old man hurriedly approached from the side. His magical power was murky; he was merely a cultivator of mixed qi, aged beyond recognition, with anxious eyes. He asked:

"This... the world has changed!"

The demonic creature's expression shifted, and he gritted his teeth, saying:

"Aren't you Yuan Huzhong of the Yuan family? How could there be no news about such a major event! How are we to escape now!"

"What Yuan family is left...? Alas!"

At the mention of the Yuan family, the old man Yuan Huzhong raised an eyebrow, not daring to say more. He looked at the many lights illuminating the mountain range below, appearing terrified:

"The Buddhist cultivators have attacked... There are at least twenty thousand people in the mountains; we can't hide!"

"Run for your lives!"

The demonic creature cursed, but dared not fly on the wind. He said viciously:

"At least you're not a demon; you won't attract much attention. Escape through the mountain paths; there's a good chance of survival!"

The old man, however, shook his head.

When Yuan Huzhong was young, he passed through this place and saved the local people from demonic creatures. Since then, he had protected them here for over 130 years without wavering. Now, with little lifespan left, he had no desire to cling to life. Even with lips pale from fear, he still whispered:

"They are Buddhist cultivators, not demonic cultivators. If I plead and inquire here, perhaps there will be a good outcome..."

Before he finished speaking, there was already movement in the mountains. Faintly, people stumbled within the forest, startling Yuan Huzhong, who turned to look. He saw children emerging from all corners of the mountain woods.

"You... you all..."

Yuan Huzhong had dedicated his entire life to these villagers, so he naturally recognized that these children were from the foot of the mountain; each one was familiar to him. He could even name their parents. Instantly, he became very anxious, hurriedly stepping forward and lowering his voice:

"We agreed to stay indoors and not come out! What are you doing coming up the mountain? Go back quickly!"

These children, only three to five years old, walked with difficulty through the pitch-black forest. Their appearances varied, but their faces all wore the same joyful, blank smile as they trudged towards the mountain, gradually passing the man and the demon.

Yuan Huzhong was momentarily stunned. He instinctively pulled two of the children closer, feeling helpless as more and more children continued up the mountain. Cold sweat beaded on his forehead, when suddenly he heard a thud behind him.

The demonic creature, Daoist Wu, had already respectfully knelt on the ground, not daring to move.

Yuan Huzhong looked in the direction the demon was bowing and only then noticed that, at some unknown point, a monk had appeared in the forest. He was tall, with extremely narrow, pale red eyes. A green silk sash, faintly glowing, was tied around his waist.

The monk stood silently in the shadows of the forest, staring intently at him.

"Thud!"

Yuan Huzhong was never a particularly brave man. Terrified, his body went cold, his legs buckled, and he immediately knelt, stammering:

"Sir... my lord!"

The monk took a step forward, silently watching him. The sound of twigs snapping under his cloth shoes echoed through the forest. Yuan Huzhong trembled:

"My lord... they are all just children... please be lenient..."

"Precisely because they are children, it is good..."

The monk smiled, paused in the mountains, and said calmly:

"The world is full of obstinate delusion. They consume flesh, sleep in skins, fail to recognize the fundamental law, and commit sins by upholding earthly norms... Humans are born innocent, but once they enter worldly norms and step into the mortal realm, those in power oppress others, and those who are slaves become accomplices. Even the most oppressed tenant farmer, upon returning home, has a wife and children to oppress. This is your 'mortal root of depravity'."

"Ordinary people must endure various sufferings to cleanse their sins before they have the karmic fortune to enter the Mountain of Desire. These children are ignorant, not yet entangled in mortal norms, and thus carry no sins. Once they ascend the mountain, they will enter the fundamental law. Beneath the golden lotus, all beings are equal, they will study scriptures, achieving ultimate bliss without suffering... Isn't that better than staying in this mountain?"

He raised his hand, pointed at Yuan Huzhong, and smiled:

"Letting them ascend the mountain is their good fortune, and also your merit."

Yuan Huzhong was drenched in sweat, vaguely sensing that the monk intended to bring these children into the Buddhist Pure Land. He whispered:

"Perhaps, perhaps they should choose for themselves..."

The monk's expression gradually grew cold as he said calmly:

"This is an act of benevolence and compassion... Since children are born without sin, why should they be allowed to enter the mortal world to commit evil, be blinded by worldly norms, and then wait until their karmic fortune leads them to awaken and atone? That would be our sin as cultivators! Wouldn't it be better for them to directly enter the Pure Land of our teaching?"

Yuan Huzhong watched the monk's lips move, his own eyes showing confusion. Yet, the monk smiled:

"You say you want them to choose for themselves, but in reality... do your worldly norms truly allow them any choice? Yet you pay no mind, which shows how deeply the norms of heaven and earth have poisoned people to the point where it's hard to distinguish anymore!"

"Since you wish for them to choose for themselves, I will give you an opportunity. The common folk down the mountain are entangled in sin and will suffer for the rest of their lives; I cannot interfere with them, so I will let them go. You, however, will take these children and ascend the mountain together."

He smiled:

"If, after seeing my Pure Land in the mortal realm, you still find it unacceptable, I will let you all depart!"

He raised his hand, and a golden light flickered from his sleeve. The small hill beneath his feet instantly rose, its peak radiating brilliant light. Countless golden flowers bloomed, and hundreds of silver streams cascaded from the sky, flowing down the mountain range as beautiful music arose.

"You are a truly benevolent person. I have observed the four realms with my magic, and there is no one more suited to my path of the Pure Land in the mortal realm than you. Over 130 years of merit, originating from your true heart, over 130 years of dedication... You have long since formed a connection with my Dao!"

Yuan Huzhong's gaze towards the surrounding children remained gentle and kind, but an expression of sudden realization appeared on his face as he murmured:

"I understand..."

Then, resplendent light flared, and an enormous, mountain-like golden body emerged from the blazing flames. It pulled him upwards, engulfing him in dense golden radiance.

Que Liyu stood on the ground with a smile. The six-armed, four-legged golden body descended from the sky and transformed into the size of an ordinary person beside him. It was Nuzimohe, whose expression was quite respectful:

"Congratulations, my lord!"

Que Liyu nodded with a smile, listening as Nuzi exclaimed admiringly:

"Is he a descendant of Yanyang Temple?"

"Indeed!"

Que Liyu's eyes narrowed slightly, revealing a smug expression:

"Although his cultivation isn't high, he is considered a direct descendant. What's rare is his exceptional merit, which is highly compatible with my Dao!"

Nuzi sighed continuously:

"A legitimate descendant of Dazhi Chantian Canyan, with the status to reside in Dayang Mountain... and possessing such great merit, he must be an extraordinary figure. Your lord's karmic fortune and methods are beyond our comprehension! We can only admire and revere them!"

"Dazhi Chantian Canyan... truly a great power."

A hint of emotion flashed in Que Liyu's eyes as he listened to Nuzi shake his head and say:

"After all, he was the master of Tianjue Susikong. It was only because of him... that Tianjue had the possibility of attaining his position. Moreover, he was a Dao Fetus disciple. His karma... only someone of your lord's status, combined with the current situation, could possibly touch upon it..."

The greatest gain from this clandestine endeavor was now secured. Que Liyu clasped his hands behind his back, looking content and confident, and said calmly:

"Tell me... is his karmic connection better... or is Guangchan's karmic connection superior?"

Nuzi merely praised:

"My lord, Guangchan is merely of the Wei-Li bloodline. He just gained an early advantage in cultivation and achieved the Dao a bit sooner. Given time, he will surely be trampled underfoot by this one..."

The monk chuckled, raising his chin.

"Let's go, let's go experience Lord Yang's power."