Chapter 1005: 元白(1+1/2)

The world was shrouded in grey. Layers and swathes of fire descended from the sky, burning with shimmering undulations. A man, clad in white-gold armor and a snow-white feathered cloak, stood in mid-air. True Qi swirled around him as he held a gleaming golden trident, upon which electricity, water, and fire intertwined, emitting a subtle crackling sound.

The man had narrow, dark eyes and handsome brows. He stood upright in the air, like the sole light in the darkness.

Beneath his feet, a dark, ink-colored cauldron was pressed into the ground, slowly pushing down the surging karma-fire. Even as hundreds of snake-like flames tried to erupt from its edges, they remained firmly suppressed, unable to move.

The Carp-Sparrow beneath the great cauldron had already transformed into a mass of karma-fire, yet it continued to struggle, causing ripples, but it couldn't push the cauldron away.

‘Carp-Sparrow... Six-World Maha...’

The Great Void churned and tumbled, with no place of peace. Yet a patch of green light remained fixed amidst the turmoil, quietly observing.

It was Sima Yuanli.

Sima Yuanli had been standing in the Great Void for a long time, silent. He watched the peacock descendant struggle beneath the cauldron. His heart was undisturbed, only a tranquil coldness.

‘The Great Desire Path planted the Great Benevolent Golden Lotus outside the commandery, surely with a plan... Everyone knows about this; this peacock dares to be so arrogant because it has something to rely on. But with this treasure revealed, is there any way out for it?’

Sima Yuanli, of course, recognized the dark, ink-colored cauldron. It was one of the founding ceremonial artifacts of the Yue King, the Hub State Cauldron, a spiritual treasure ranked among the Banished Qi.

Because of its connection to Banished Qi, Sima Yuanli feared that those below would never be able to return to the north!

The path of Banished Qi had been severed for a long time. Many Purple Mansions spent their entire lives without ever seeing even a Banished Qi spiritual object, let alone a spiritual tool or treasure. The Hub State Cauldron, ranked among the Banished Qi, had most likely flowed out from the Underworld. It was also material evidence of Yue Kingdom's connection to the Underworld.

With the disappearance of the Yue King, the Hub State Cauldron also vanished. Now it suddenly appeared before him. If not for being under the oppressive power of another, Sima Yuanli would have laughed aloud:

‘Back then, they didn't care; now they're majestic and imposing. It's clear that this matter is about interfering with Jiangnan for the second time. All that's missing is for Lord Yang to appear and offer some guidance!’

He smiled feignedly. Fearing his thoughts would be noticed, he stopped pondering. He watched as the grey flames were suppressed bit by bit. Piercing roars continuously echoed. The more violent the fluctuations in the Great Void became, the more envious he felt.

‘The True Qi of Water and Fire is indeed powerful... Back then, Tinglan, with a portion of the Boundless Water and Fire, could make all cultivators wary; it was one of his Six Manifestations, a born Golden Spirit. How enviable!’

The path of True Qi cultivation emphasizes upholding martial prowess and preserving truth. Reaching its peak, it gives birth to six types of water and fire. However, this Yang Zhuo before him was a reincarnation of a Golden Spirit. He could summon the six types of water and fire without fully mastering divine abilities. Although their power and form were slightly diminished, it was still enough to astound people.

He waited for a moment until the spiritual treasure settled on the ground. Only then did he step out, appearing amidst the chaotic water and fire. He bowed slightly and respectfully said:

"Sima Yuanli, of the Sima clan from Yue Kingdom... on behalf of the Sima family, I congratulate you, my Lord, on achieving divine abilities!"

To be frank, Sima Yuanli was certainly no match for the other party, not to mention the disparity in their status and position. Although he had countless thoughts in his mind, he was definitely not someone who couldn't humble himself. With an expression of deference, his demeanor was so humble that he hardly seemed like a Purple Mansion cultivator.

Water and fire intertwined; the figure in the sky lowered his gaze and glanced at him. The magnificent aura finally receded, and he casually said:

"So it's True Master Qinghu. Over the past year... I've troubled you, True Master."

"I wouldn't dare... I wouldn't dare!"

This naturally referred to the disturbances he experienced during his seclusion. Sima Yuanli had proactively intervened to guard his overseas territory. Sima Yuanli was flattered and bowed low, respectfully saying:

"My family was once subordinate to Great Ning, a retainer of Tianwu, a noble family of the Immortal Dynasty. Today, to return under Tianwu's command, I am deeply moved to tears..."

His words undoubtedly pleased the person in the Great Void. They also clearly highlighted Sima Yuanli's unique status and were pleasant to hear. Even Yang Zhuo lowered his gaze and praised him, saying:

"In the past, all of you jointly assisted Tianwu. Due to past karma, you must now all return and restore the glory of the former dynasty."

Sima Yuanli bowed deeply, overjoyed. He knew the matter was settled. He immediately stepped forward to escort him back to the commandery, but he heard Yang Zhuo laugh and say:

"True Master Sima, have you ever considered being enfeoffed as a king?"

Sima Yuanli's heart trembled.

‘Indeed... he really asked!’

Since the Great Desire's southward advance, Sima Yuanli had always felt uneasy. He made numerous inquiries, relying on the connections left by his predecessors. He finally managed to contact Jiuqiu of Peacock Sea!

But after he asked several times, Jiuqiu, finally annoyed, replied with just one sentence:

‘The Sima clan are subjects of Tianwu.’

It was precisely this sentence that made him declare himself "Sima family" before the Yang clan. And he faced Yang Zhuo's offer of kingship without hesitation, resolutely stating:

"The Sima clan are subjects of Tianwu, and only subjects!"

These words made Yang Zhuo pause. He looked at Sima Yuanli with a new respect, then smiled and stepped inside, softly saying:

"You are quite good."

Sima Yuanli lowered his brows and nodded, following him into the commandery. The cheers from around them were overwhelming. The reincarnation of the True Qi Golden Spirit maintained a smile on his face and casually remarked:

"True Master Chen is, after all, a senior. It seems I will have to make another trip."

Sima Yuanli was not foolish; with Jiuqiu's prior hints and various verifications, his mind was very clear.

‘Just now, during the turmoil in the Four Min, quite a few people were observing from the Great Void. Presumably, Senior Chen observed from the Great Void but quietly withdrew...’

Yang Zhuo's divine abilities were obscured by the Banished Qi Hub State Cauldron. Ordinary people couldn't even see his figure, so there was naturally no scene of congratulations. Only Sima Yuanli, who had surrendered early, was able to watch from the side. It was normal for Chen, unable to discern clearly, to retreat. Although there was no blame in Yang Zhuo's words, Sima Yuanli felt fortunate.

‘The Chen clan... Others might not know, but wouldn't the Underworld know? The Chen clan held immense power at the end of the Ning Kingdom. The so-called Yu River Chen clan was also a branch that came down from the Ning Kingdom, merely descendants of Chen Xuanli's brothers who moved south earlier... The best move for Chen... would still be to wait for my Lord outside the commandery!’

He naturally thought this way, but after Sima Yuanli finished pondering, he secretly felt a chill of lingering fear.

‘The great aristocratic families of the Ning Kingdom back then, apart from the Li and Jiang clans who ruled regions and had special backgrounds making them difficult to control, the rest of the clans were either regional hegemons in Jiangnan, or had widespread renown. At worst, their traces were revealed and they were taken in early... It was all prepared long ago.’

‘Three feet of ice does not form in a single day...’

Zhijing Mountain.

The sunlight was dazzling, and gardenia flowers danced. A tapestry of colorful light intertwined. Before a white jade-like table sat a Daoist. He looked composed, holding a jade slip pressed against the table.

Opposite the Daoist sat an old man. He had a kind expression and carried a sword on his back. He looked ordinary, almost like a common person, if not for the brilliant convergence of divine abilities radiating from him.

The two Purple Mansions sat silently opposite each other, apparently for some time.

"Fellow Daoist Zhaojing..."

The swordsman before him was naturally True Master Yu River Chen.

The Yuyang Chen clan and Wangyue had always been harmonious. They grew closer due to the Solar Dao lineage. During the Turbid-Slaughter Tomb rebellion, Li Zhouwei had offered him assistance, adding to their mutual obligation and further strengthening their bond.

So when the karma-fire of the Four Min fell, and water and fire glowed brightly, True Master Yu River, having lost the support of the sun, came all the way to Zhijing Mountain. He sat down in the mountains, sighing and lamenting, appearing very uneasy.

Li Ximing remained silent for a moment, then lowered his gaze, glanced at him, and asked:

"How are the Four Min?"

"With Banished Qi providing protection, it's not very clear. It's just... I'm afraid the Carp-Sparrow can no longer be arrogant."

Chen nodded with a touch of melancholy.

"My junior has already sent back news. I presume fellow Daoist already knows... Most likely, it will be a matter of establishing a kingdom from now on; perhaps the Great Yue will be rebuilt!"

Li Ximing sighed inwardly, finally finding an opportunity, and said gravely:

"Now that things have come to this, I have a few questions for you, Senior, to clarify some matters."

Chen nodded, and Li Ximing frowned, saying:

"The Yue Kingdom... it was the Underworld's Yue Kingdom, widely known back then. Why has it fallen to its current state?"

This doubt had been hidden in Li Ximing's heart for a long time. But for a long time, the Three Sects and Seven Gates had suppressed information, obscuring the past. These matters were buried in history, always taboo.

Li Ximing originally had no intention of delving into this. But now that the Yang clan was rising and resuming state affairs, the former Yue Kingdom became especially significant.

Hearing this, Chen was not surprised. He nodded slightly and sighed, saying:

"This matter... my Chen clan's records are limited. Information about Jiangnan must begin with Great Chu..."

"Back then, the Chu Kingdom was in chaos, and the imperial family engaged in internal strife. It reached a point where there were five emperors in ten years. Finally, the powerful minister Xiao Ci usurped the entire Jiangnan region from Chu and established Great Wu. At that time, the Yang clan was merely a subject of Great Wu."

His expression was somewhat complex as he replied:

"It's a bit shameful to mention... my Yuyang Chen clan... also received favors from Great Wu at that time. From then on, we established ourselves and held a commandery in Jiangnan..."

"But times were difficult. Although Xiao Ci held immense power and was skilled in schemes and strategies, he was merely a Purple Mansion cultivator. Though he seized the throne during the Chu Kingdom's chaos, he had no lasting support and quickly repeated past mistakes. The Wu Kingdom also collapsed, and rebel armies rose in various places. Only then did the Yang clan enter the stage."

"Xiao Wu's forces then retreated to Wu Kingdom. Yang Yue quickly established its kingdom, with its first capital being Huzhou, which is now the Jingchuan Commandery of the Sword Gate. The Huzhou Cauldron became famous because of this!"

He mused:

"I suspect... that treasure has already appeared, in His Lordship's hands."

Li Ximing nodded, seeing the old man say:

"Yang Yue and Xiao Wu are now defunct in name. Although they played vastly different roles back then, they shared a common characteristic. People referred to Wei and Chu as Emperor Wei and Emperor Chu, but Wu and Yue were merely kings!"

"Xiao Ci usurped the throne and proclaimed himself emperor, but who in later generations recognized him? Not to mention the most tyrannical Emperor Wei, whether Emperor Liang or Emperor Chu. Even Great Qi, which suffered from southern rebellion and western betrayal, and for whom people could only sigh helplessly, its Shi Chang was still a True Monarch. How could Xiao Ci, a mere Purple Mansion cultivator, claim an imperial title?"

He paused, organized his thoughts, and replied:

"As for the Yue King, it's even more straightforward. Back then, the Yue state rose in rebellion, swept across most of Jiangnan, and was on the verge of reaching the True Monarch realm, but then vanished overnight. His descendants inherited the imperial legacy but couldn't unify the land. They tried several times to bestow an imperial title upon their predecessor but were obstructed by various aristocratic families, eventually calling themselves king in isolation."

"The aristocratic families..."

Li Ximing showed a doubtful expression, and Chen immediately understood, replying:

"The Yue King disappeared too suddenly. The entire Yue Kingdom had not yet been cleared, and there were hardly any imperial family members left. At that time, there were many aristocratic families, most of whom could carve out territories and govern themselves. The Yue royal clan was powerless to control them and co-governed with the aristocratic families, gradually losing power, though still retaining some prestige."

"Later, the Solar Dao lineage established its traditions and founded sects. As the Yuan Mansion withdrew from the world, the prohibitions were gradually broken. The last shred of dignity for the Yue royal descendants vanished, and various regions became defunct in name. The original aristocratic families all became sects, such as Hongxue, Wuzhu, and Lizhi. Even those who didn't form sects mostly held important positions within existing sects, with prominent surnames."

"However... the Wuzhu clan and a few others have long since been swallowed by dust, with no trace remaining!"

He revealed a look of lamentation:

"The Yue Kingdom's continued existence could rely on the protection of ancestors, but its rise and fall... that was the descendants' own affair."

He spoke politely, but his thoughts were dismissive:

‘If they hadn't borrowed the prestige of the Underworld, they would have long since followed the Wu Kingdom's fate... How could they have dragged on for so long, ending up in such an awkward, neither-here-nor-there state...’

Although he didn't voice his thoughts, the unsaid meaning was quite clear. Li Ximing silently calculated, pondering for a long time. Before he could ask, Chen gravely said:

"Fellow Daoist, don't just look at the Yue Kingdom; the Wu Kingdom is not exempt either, still in turmoil. The Light of True Qi, I hear, is also a great figure, making the various clans of Wu Kingdom groan in misery."

Li Ximing sipped his tea; the old man before him narrowed his eyes and said:

"My family is close to the Wu Kingdom, so our information is more current. Given the current situation in the world, what Purple Mansion cultivator wouldn't sense something amiss? Even the unluckiest ones would realize after suffering a loss or two. The stability of the Wu Kingdom is just around the corner!"

He whispered:

"Back then, among the three portions of True Qi in Anhuai Heaven, one was obtained by Changhuai. Another fell into Zipai's hands. If the last portion transformed into a demonic entity, it would certainly be in the hands of the Yang clan."

The old man's meaning was exceptionally clear. He gritted his teeth and said:

"It wasn't without reason that Qingtang cultivated True Qi early. He specialized in the Tianwu Dao lineage, simultaneously learning the Tianwu cultivation of the Martial Peace Offering, and refining the True Strategy Mysterious Whip, finally even learning the Martial Seal of Authority and Karma... He refined this and that, making neither look proper... I only thought he was doing things haphazardly, but it turns out it was just a rehearsal!"

Li Ximing keenly caught the fluctuation in his emotions. He vaguely realized that the Chen clan's relationship with Changhuai was not very good. Chen merely shook his head.

"Two of the three paths have emerged; the turmoil here should not be over yet. If there's any news, I hope your esteemed clan will inform us..."

At least in his eyes, no matter how great the karma of the Li clan, as long as Li Zhouwei didn't die prematurely, Wangyue Lake would certainly experience a period of glory. Regardless of how significant the fall would be after this glory passed, at least before its arrival, the Li clan would be safe.

He made this lamentation unaware of the inside story, but Li Ximing's mind became increasingly clear.

Where was the last path?

His own aunt had already explained! It was in the hands of the Dragon Faction, preparing for their pursuit of truth. It was hard to say whether the various Dragon Lords would allow it to reincarnate. Even if it did reincarnate, it would be a True Qi Dragon from the sea!

Li Ximing remained silent, serving tea to see his guest off. He escorted the True Master all the way out. He then saw Li Zhouwei appear in the mountains with a grave expression, and whispered:

"Jiangliang has sent a letter."

"Hm?"

Li Ximing showed a hint of doubt, a vague ominous premonition stirring in his heart. Li Zhouwei glanced at the nearby court guards, and the two sat down in the mountains. Then Li Zhouwei took out a letter.

Li Ximing watched him place it on the table and glanced at it. The expression on his face instantly froze.

‘Yang... Tianya...’

He met Li Zhouwei's grave gaze, knew something was wrong, and said in a deep voice:

"Go and invite the old senior here!"

The name Yang Tianya was not particularly famous in Jiangnan. In fact, it was merely rumored about a century ago, and now few of the younger generation knew it. But the Li family could never forget it!

‘Back then... my family received the talisman seed, and to conceal that all elders had talent... we falsely claimed that Old Ancestor Li Mutian was a Foundation Establishment cultivator...’

This lie briefly protected the Li clan. But a Foundation Establishment cultivator having so many children also raised suspicion! It was only with Li Zhouwei's birth, when the title "Mingyang Wei Li" was attributed to the Li family, that this historical origin was finally completed.

Yet, as Old Ancestor Li Mutian's direct superior back then, Yang Tianya had even intentionally acknowledged the existence of Li Mutian as a Foundation Establishment cultivator. This was utterly absurd!

"Descendant of an old acquaintance..."

These four words were plain, yet they carried an undeniable impact. Li Ximing frowned, unsure if it was sarcasm or a threat.

It wasn't until the old man sat down in the mountains, taking the small letter to read it, that Li Zhouwei said in a low voice:

"Yang Tianya must know the hidden intricacies here... Those four words were intentional. We must go to the Four Min Commandery!"

Li Xuanxuan read it over twice, his lips slightly pale. Li Ximing frowned, saying:

"Since he's already a Purple Mansion cultivator, he must have photographic memory. If Old Ancestor didn't catch his eye, we still have room for maneuver. But if he saw through it early, then this matter will be difficult to resolve."

"In any case, the fact that Old Ancestor had four sons, and at least three of them possessed spiritual apertures, cannot be erased! Even if he were truly a Foundation Establishment cultivator, there would naturally be a slight flaw..."

He said gravely:

"The four elders of the four lineages were close in age, almost born one after another... Normally, an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator couldn't have such descendants. Only if he was also a descendant of Mingyang Wei and a Foundation Establishment cultivator... would it be possible."

He pondered for a few breaths and replied:

"One must know... even if he has photographic memory, he wouldn't remember tens of thousands of names. He absolutely couldn't match Old Ancestor among tens of thousands of mortals. As long as he hadn't met Old Ancestor, we could simply say he was a Foundation Establishment cultivator from elsewhere, fabricating his background... falsely associating himself with his name..."

Li Xuanxuan was silent for a moment, then finally spoke:

"Yang Tianya must have met him. Not only did he meet him, he even... could call out his name."

Li Ximing's heart clenched. The two True Masters looked at him together. The old man softly said:

"When I was young... I had the good fortune to meet Old Ancestor. He told me about the conscription in Guli Dao; he was a mid-ranking official at the time."

The old man's face was filled with alarm, tinged with a belated fear:

"He said: 'General Yang's military discipline is strict, yet he ate and lived with us, like family, personally passing down the Yue military tactics.'"

Li Xuanxuan's pupils dilated, and his voice trembled slightly:

"Now, of course, we know... Yang Tianya used the army formation of ten thousand men to refine weapons... If that's the case! If that's the case! Why would he, a dignified Foundation Establishment cultivator, a dignified imperial descendant of Yue Kingdom, eat and live with mortals, like family..."

"He did it intentionally. He was the first to notice my family, noticed the Wei-Li bloodline on us, earlier than anyone... earlier than anyone..."

Li Xuanxuan's words were deeply significant, sending a chill down Li Ximing's spine. He put down the cup in his hand and said with lowered brows:

"So... he had already met Old Ancestor a long time ago. And even... intentionally let Old Ancestor return to Wangyue Lake."

"It was precisely for this reason... that he inexplicably vouched for my family..."

Li Zhouwei's expression was grave as he took over the conversation.

"It was also from that time that the Underworld's plans were already set. It wasn't Peak Master Yuan Tuan who sought out someone on Qingsui Peak, but Diyun Peak who came looking. At least it's possible Diyun Peak intentionally led her to our doorstep..."

"The exposure of our family's Wei-Li bloodline... was also within the Yang clan's expectations."

Li Ximing hesitated to speak, but Li Zhouwei's expression gradually darkened.

"If the union of the Wei-Li bloodline and the Yang bloodline was orchestrated by the Underworld, then I, a junior, have doubts: a seamless union would necessarily require the Li clan to first enter the Green Pool Sect. In that case, did Sima Yuanbai, the cultivator of Qingsui Peak back then, truly just happen to pass through this area?"

His words made Li Ximing subtly break into a cold sweat. Li Zhouwei, however, narrowed his eyes.

"If the elders of the family joining the sect was the initial goal, then the Sword Immortal exhibiting talent and obtaining the Grand Yin Moonlight was probably unexpected by them, forcing them to abandon that plan..."

"But what about Sima Yuanbai?"

Li Zhouwei's tone grew slightly cold:

"He inexplicably vanished from Green Pool, leaving only the words that he 'fled to the West'. He's been missing for over a hundred years, with no trace to this day; no one can find him... Even Sima Yuanli has completely forgotten him... Could there be a reason for this?"

Li Ximing's expression didn't change much; he sat quietly in place. But his mind was already in turmoil, a chilling dread swelling within him.

Sima Yuanbai.

This name was not unfamiliar to him; Sima Yuanbai could even be considered his grand-master. His disappearance was a concern for Xiao Yuansi, something he should constantly worry about. But as he spoke of it, a sudden doubt sprang up in his mind:

‘If Master always worried about Sima Yuanbai... even if True Master Xiao didn't care... when I achieved Purple Mansion and personally went to the lake to meet him and spoke with him for a long time, he should have asked me...’

‘But he didn't.’

When did Xiao Yuansi remember Sima Yuanbai?

In Cangzhou.

Xiao Yuansi's original words were: ‘Over these years, one matter has repeatedly come to my mind.’

‘This was during his time in Cangzhou... In Jiangnan, he wouldn't remember him. Even if he did remember him, it would be fleeting and passed over without investigation. Only after leaving Jiangnan and arriving in Beihai Cangzhou did he become thoughtful... only then did he remember to ask about my grand-master's whereabouts.’

Suddenly, Xiao Chuting's aged face appeared before his eyes, and his weathered voice once again echoed in his ears:

‘Befriend and shelter with caution.’

‘Can it truly be investigated?’

Zhijing Mountain was utterly silent. White flowers tumbled and danced in the wind. Li Zhouwei's voice grew even lower, and he softly said:

"If that's the case, since they noticed the Wei-Li bloodline so early, wouldn't it be reasonable to send one or two Yin Emissaries, or perhaps just one or two cultivators, to monitor?"