Chapter 1013: Po Refining (1+1/2)

"Ding..."

In the absolute silence, a crisp, resonant sound echoed across the sky. A speck of gold emerged from the void, transforming in mid-air into a small, brownish-yellow interwoven umbrella. Adorned with golden-green patterns and imbued with spiritual light, it floated gently.

It was Cheng Yan's Hundred-Roofed Profound Stone Umbrella!

The surface of this spirit umbrella, imbued with spiritual energy, was now covered in layers of golden threads. These threads firmly bound each rib of the umbrella, preventing the artifact from escaping despite its continuous struggles.

This was the most wondrous divine ability of the Dual-Flame Bright Regulator: Profound Seizure! It could suddenly lock away another's spiritual artifact without them noticing. If timed cleverly, it could even achieve the immense effect of crippling an opponent in an instant!

Spiritual treasures are sentient. With Cheng Yan now suppressed, the Hundred-Roofed Profound Stone Umbrella was immediately brought back.

Li Zhouwei's gaze, however, lingered on the mountain. Within his golden eyes, dark flames flickered, and every Longxiao Sect disciple who lowered their head seemed to make the flames in his eyes surge even more fiercely.

He simply raised his halberd horizontally, its bright tip pointing towards the immortal mountain below.

Simultaneously, the rumbling sound of thunder gradually rose. One thousand eight hundred and twenty-one silver-white, hiltless, rhomboid long blades appeared together, spreading across the sky. As the halberd's tip rotated, the profound lightning patterns on the blades all lit up.

"Open the formation; only the ringleader will be executed."

His voice was calm, yet it landed on the mountain like a clap of thunder. It startled the cultivators, turning their faces ashen. The white-bearded man's face was drenched in sweat. Those around them either silently wept or murmured with lowered brows, but no one dared to speak further.

Most people even rose to their feet, abandoning their former indignation. They dared not look at the old sect master, and with lowered brows, said:

"Sect Master! Open the formation..."

Their True Lord had been suppressed, and his spiritual artifact taken! Once the Thunder-Breaking Formation Wedge shattered, there would surely be a complete blockade. At that point, they might not even be able to escape!

The white-bearded man, of course, understood this. He looked around, utterly terrified.

Not only Cheng Yan recognized the Thunder-Breaking Formation Wedge, but the high-level cultivators of Longxiao Sect also saw it clearly: the Azure Pond Sect must have been behind it. Now that Longxiao was gone and Cheng Yan captured, a great disaster was upon them!

But at this moment, the white-bearded man stood rooted to the spot. With lowered brows, he gritted his teeth and said, "The Great True Lord must have a trump card!"

"Boom!"

The one thousand eight hundred and twenty-one silver-white, hiltless, rhomboid long blades struck down decisively!

Unlike the earlier shimmering light and spiritual energy clashes when the 'Gate of Heaven' descended, the Thunder-Breaking Formation Wedge firmly settled onto the formation, locking it down tightly. Streaks of silver-white patterns began to travel across the formation, and violent thunder spread, immediately causing the surrounding mountains to tremble.

"Sect Master!"

Pleas suddenly rang out, but the white-bearded man remained indifferent, an unusually cold expression on his face. He thought, 'If he enters the formation, I will surely die!'

The thunder before the formation grew thicker, even causing the geomagnetism in the mountains to respond, making dry leaves float and clothes intertwine. The crowd stirred restlessly, and the white-bearded man sternly declared:

"The Great True Lord has not returned; how dare the sect yield!"

However, Longxiao Sect had never been a place where one person's word alone held sway. There were conflicts of interest among the various peaks, and the surrounding people had only obeyed him because of the True Lord's appointment. Now that the True Lord was subdued by the enemy's divine ability, what good were his words?

Even though his shouts were deafening, the expressions of those around him did not change in the slightest. The mountain darkened again, and a thunderous storm leaped above the formation's light. Amidst the commotion, two people secretly exchanged glances and shouted:

"We obey the Sect Master's divine command!"

The white-bearded man's expression changed, but several hands grabbed his arms. The crowd already surrounded him, escorting him towards the hall. Someone even cried out:

"Sect Master, your integrity is great! Your clan, over a hundred souls... We will surely protect them before the True Lord! Please rest assured!"

In the sky.

The bright white Gate of Heaven shone brilliantly in the darkness. Rolling colorful clouds spread out, and beneath the Gate, the brownish-yellow divine ability struggled desperately, yet it could not move an inch. Each collision merely caused the bright white scroll, acting as a proxy for the Gate of Heaven, to gently sway on the gate.

Li Zhouwei stood beneath the divine ability. The entire mountain gate beneath his feet was already covered in silver-white lightning. He waited quietly, forming hand seals at his chest, casually exhaling dark flames.

The small umbrella, brownish-yellow with interwoven golden-green, lay in his palm, shimmering with Earthen light. Li Zhouwei subtly appraised it, already having a clear understanding.

This item could be considered a mid-grade spiritual artifact. While it would be more potent in the hands of an Earthen cultivator, 'Bright Sun' was not compatible with 'Earthen', making it slightly less effective in his hands than for a normal cultivator. Its power was thus similar to that of the 'Mountain-Shifting Sea-Crossing Tiger'.

'It's a pity this fellow is also a pauper. That spirit embryo is definitely unusable. The only valuable thing is this Hundred-Roofed Profound Stone Umbrella; at least it has some potential for circulation if I acquire it...'

As he pondered, he suddenly raised an eyebrow slightly and said, "Daoist Qinghu."

Only then did a middle-aged man emerge from the side. He wore a long-sleeved green robe, with a gourd tied at his waist and a sword on his back. He appeared slightly reserved and hastily said:

"Congratulations... Congratulations, Your Highness!"

Sima Yuanli had witnessed the entire combat process firsthand. Even though he had intervened, he knew Cheng Yan wouldn't last long, yet at this moment, his heart still trembled: Cheng Yan had been defeated too quickly.

One must remember that Cheng Yan cultivated Earthen! This lineage was reputed to be 'leak-free,' and it wasn't just talk; it was something truly established by former Earthen cultivators through real combat! This lineage possessed a unique advantage against immortal cultivators!

Even if Cheng Yan was incompetent, he was still an Earthen Purple Mansion cultivator. He practiced 'Immortal Leak-Free' cultivation. Even if he wasn't of the Northern orthodox lineage, and most East Sea traditions dabbled in demonic paths, it would still be genuinely difficult for ordinary people to defeat him!

'He was defeated too decisively... If the White Qilin were to kill me one day, how long would it take?' A shudder ran through his heart as he hesitated, preparing to speak. However, Li Zhouwei looked at him and raised an eyebrow, saying:

"Please!"

Sima Yuanli quickly dismissed his thoughts and nodded understandingly. Their figures changed simultaneously, appearing beneath the Gate of Heaven.

Beneath the Gate of Heaven, it was incredibly scorching. Purple flames surged fiercely, and the headless body, with its translucent flesh, held a brownish-yellow skull. Rolling purple flames flowed over his dharma body, yet he seemed completely unaware, kneeling amidst the purple flames.

The life force of a Purple Mansion cultivator was extremely tenacious. Cheng Yan also cultivated Earthen, which was originally a noble lineage. However, having fallen to such a state, he could only struggle against the suppressive and erosive power of the Gate of Heaven.

"My Lords... Both Lords!"

Cheng Yan's headless body prostrated itself on the ground, revealing pinkish-red tendons and bones, and a section of bright white windpipe. He had completely lost his spirit, was utterly terrified, and pleaded sorrowfully:

"Your Highness... Everything was instigated by Longxiao. What power could a single divine ability of mine possess before his Great True Lord!"

Li Zhouwei acted as if he hadn't heard. He gently raised his hand and retrieved an item from the flames, which turned out to be a bulging golden storage bag.

'Since Longxiao had left the immortal sect, he must have been prepared to sacrifice this place. Therefore, there wouldn't be many Purple Mansion items within Longxiao Sect... Whatever little there was, would be in Cheng Yan's storage bag.'

According to the prior arrangement, this item was to be shared with Sima Yuanli. He tossed it forward, allowing Cheng Yan to release the divine ability within the storage bag. With a flick of his finger, the item was then bound by heavenly light and hung beside the scroll on the Gate of Heaven, indicating that it remained untouched.

Cheng Yan could no longer concern himself with much else. After a slight pause, his voice filled with uncontainable regret, anger, and hatred, he said:

"Longxiao... Longxiao... I was loyal to him, risking myself in every matter... He deceived me! He used me as a pledge of allegiance... Whether it's me or Longxiao Sect, we were merely tools for him to declare his stance!"

Cheng Yan had been kept in the dark by Longxiao, receiving too much misinformation. He had remained oblivious even when the enemy arrived at their gate. Now, having been under the divine ability for only a short while, he had realized everything.

'Longxiao... Longxiao has already chosen the North...'

But even if his heart swelled with hatred like the East Sea, he could no longer care about anything else. He only said subserviently:

"I have long repented, now that I am in your Lords' hands... I only beg for my life!"

"Although this humble one's cultivation is not high... I am still a Purple Mansion cultivator... I have no ambitions, and am willing to guard a region for my Lords... I am willing to be your Lords' lackey, serving you diligently..."

He adopted an extremely subservient posture, not daring to reattach his head. Only a headless body knelt, its shoulders repeatedly thudding against the divine ability as he pleaded bitterly.

"Hehe..."

Sima Yuanli watched silently and sneered.

Li Zhouwei glanced at him with a smile and asked, "Daoist Qinghu, are you here to intercede for him?" Sima Yuanli shook his head and said faintly:

"I merely recalled... a story from my clan's history."

"Oh?"

Li Zhouwei glanced at him again, seeing Sima Yuanli smile as he said:

"Back then... there was a Bixuan Sect in the State of Chu that took in the southward-moving rogue Purple Mansion cultivator, True Lord Xiangxiao. He also served as a guardian of a region. Unfortunately... the old True Lord of Bixuan Sect perished in a great battle, causing Bixuan Sect to change masters... and its lineage was severed..."

"This Bixuan Sect was also in Helin. True Lord Xiangxiao had many descendants, so it's no wonder the Helin aristocratic families have good bloodlines! So many talents have emerged."

His words were too blatant, explicitly hinting at his background. This caused the headless body to raise itself, the skull in its arms enduring the humiliation, and say submissively:

"My Lord, you exaggerate."

Li Zhouwei laughed, and his tone turned resolute: "Then, he must be killed."

Li Zhouwei let out a laugh, but his tone was resolute, causing Cheng Yan to grit his teeth and finally curse:

"Sima Yuanli! Your family stole the Chi family's Azure Pond, and you dare speak of usurpation!" Sima Yuanli sneered and casually replied:

"The truth behind Azure Pond is not easy to speak of, but your Daoist friend's deeds of murdering his son-in-law and debauching his sister are quite clear for all to see! Pity those illegitimate offspring; Daoist Cheng Yan must have taken good care of them too, right?"

Sima Yuanli was not afraid of people speaking of his family's usurpation, but Cheng Yan's matters were far more disgraceful. With a single sentence, he had rendered Cheng Yan speechless. Trembling within the divine ability, filled with rage, he neither dared to look up nor down.

Sima Yuanli, however, did not let him off, and laughed:

"You are an uninteresting fellow. If not for your debauchery with your sister and your Earth Virtue demonic practices, I don't think my Lord would have completely ignored you. Purple Mansion cultivators are easy to kill but hard to cultivate; it's always easier to recruit them into the court!"

His words made Li Zhouwei's eyes narrow slightly, but Cheng Yan's heart sank completely. The headless body trembled for a moment against the ground, and his chilling voice came forth:

"You... one is a Northern aristocratic clan, having endured four dynasties; the other is of imperial lineage, favored by Bright Sun. My ancestors were bound by the moral codes established by your ancestors, leading to Bright Sun's brothers killing each other, and aristocratic families treating human lives like grass. Yet, your moral codes turn a blind eye to this. Today... your Li family executes in the name of justice, while your Sima family usurps without fault. It's simply that one of you is named Li and the other Sima. How is this different from ancient times?"

"As a mere commoner, perishing by your so-called moral codes, what is there to say?"

Sima Yuanli burst into laughter and replied:

"It seems I was right; in your view, your debauchery with your sister is truly the most righteous."

Flesh grew on Cheng Yan's skull, his eyes blazing, and he gritted his teeth as he replied:

"Righteousness? I have divine abilities empowering me, and I refuse to heed your moral codes. Sima Yuanli, listen closely, you are nothing but a junior. Do not think that the moral codes of the world, or the world's morality, have triumphed. I die because of the circumstances of the times, not because of morality. Stop waving your banner of morality; what good are your Sima family's principles anyway!"

Sima Yuanli's gaze turned grim as he gave him a faint look. Li Zhouwei, however, held him back and chuckled:

"Daoist Qinghu, please don't force him to his death. I still need to keep him to see if I can ascertain Longxiao's whereabouts."

At these words, Sima Yuanli paused slightly, frowning in silence. Cheng Yan's gaze turned even colder, and he sneered:

"Longxiao is cold-blooded and ruthless; why would he care about me?" Li Zhouwei calmly replied, "I have my own methods."

Two divine abilities shot out. Sima Yuanli's face still showed confusion. Li Zhouwei glanced at him, sighed inwardly, and replied:

"Daoist friend truly has good calculations."

Sima Yuanli looked slightly embarrassed and shook his head slightly. Li Zhouwei then casually unfastened the dark-golden long axe from his waist and replied:

"My family's lineage does not favor Earthen, nor do we have use for it. If Daoist friend truly needs it, leaving this fortune here is fine. However... I want the Hundred-Roofed Profound Stone Umbrella."

Even if Li Zhouwei hadn't spoken, the Hundred-Roofed Profound Stone Umbrella would have been his nine times out of ten. He went with the flow and granted a favor. Sima Yuanli nodded repeatedly, without a hint of awkwardness at being exposed, and replied:

"Then I'll trouble Daoist friend!"

The golden-eyed youth then raised his long axe and glanced at the divine ability beneath his feet. The Huayang King's Axe, after many years, shone brightly once more, its profound patterns trembling and suddenly erupting with light!

Light Splitting!

The Gate of Heaven suddenly lifted, instantly emitting endless brilliance. A vast, mountain-like golden radiance broke through the clouds, crashing down with colorful clouds. Cheng Yan's terrified and furious voice immediately echoed through the night sky:

"Li Zhouwei... you!"

But the long-weakened Earthen light appeared incredibly fragile beneath this dazzling radiance. The light from the long axe paused for a moment, then utterly disintegrated.

"Boom!"

Amidst the rolling thunder storm, an even vaster radiance lit up. A powerful aura soared into the sky, and all the dark clouds above suddenly dispersed, revealing dazzling multicolored light that enveloped a thousand miles!

Countless dark lights converged from a single point, quickly spreading across the sky. Thick mist spread out, forming an upper layer of radiant mist and a lower layer of fog. From it, specks of black earth rained down like stars.

On the ground, an ominous earthly qi was sensed. The earth roared, cracking open abyss after abyss. The malevolent energy hidden beneath the ground surged forth one by one, erupting, mingled with metal, stone, fire, and earth, spreading across the land.

The dark flames in Li Zhouwei's eyes grew denser. The light of the Huayang King's Axe in his hand pulsed, brightening and dimming with excitement, like breathing.

'Earth collapsing into emptiness, upper layer is radiant mist, lower layer is malevolent spring... Cheng Yan is broken.' Sima Yuanli lowered his brows and remained silent, not surprised.

He and Li Zhouwei had discussed this matter long ago. Sima Yuanli was now a figure of the new dynasty, and could not act rashly. Even lending out spiritual treasures carried certain risks. However, his relationship with the Li family had been genuinely good in recent years, and he coveted the immortal mountain, which was why he had borrowed this item.

Sima Yuanli's relentless pressure within the divine ability earlier was not a matter of personal pique. It was entirely intentional, meant to make Cheng Yan perish on the spot! The Earthen radiance would then descend upon this very place, adding another layer of glory to his future mountain gate!

Li Zhouwei naturally saw through his thoughts. With two of them present and several spiritual treasures suppressing, even if Cheng Yan committed suicide, it wouldn't cause much trouble. However, Cheng Yan committing suicide was a minor matter, but Li Zhouwei would never allow it!

He had come all this way with the intention of breaking down the sect and seizing its territory. He aimed to use this opportunity to cultivate the 'Sixty-Year Soul Refinement Halberd Technique'. Longxiao Sect, though not ancient, had once been renowned, possessing deep foundations and a strong reputation, making it an excellent resource! The 'Sixty-Year Soul Refinement Halberd Technique' could undergo such tempering, becoming more than just a minor spell to merely observe!

His whole elaborate act was to let the world witness him capture Cheng Yan alive, and then execute him before the mountain gate, overlapping the execution and the sect's downfall at the same time... If he were to let Cheng Yan commit suicide, where would the good show be? It was precisely for this reason that he had to appease Cheng Yan and execute him personally!

'Moreover... since it was said he possessed demonic methods, perhaps there would even be immortal merits to gain after executing him...'

Li Zhouwei stood firm amidst the rolling multicolored light. Looking at the surging malevolent energy and fleeing beasts in the mountain range, his heart held a different meaning.

He felt that he would have to confront Earthen cultivators sooner or later, and he had been secretly observing during his fight with Cheng Yan, gaining greatly:

'Earthen is indeed impenetrable. The 'Upper Radiance Subduing Light' is somewhat better. But the 'Imperial Qi Light', as a guest position of Bright Sun, its power is greatly reduced when it lands on Earthen... it's weakened even more severely!'

When the opponent used his divine ability to block his 'Imperial Qi Light' just now, Li Zhouwei had a premonition. He immediately became vigilant, but he understood the importance of timing and unreservedly used his magic power to overwhelm the opponent's divine ability. It was fortunate that Cheng Yan's courage had already wavered... otherwise, given more time, the 'Imperial Qi Light' might not have been able to suppress his Earthen!

'Emperor Wei has been tormented for so many years... The damage to Bright Sun is definitely there, it's just that he hasn't completely fallen from his position yet. The loss is internal, not yet externally apparent... This loss is especially evident in the guest position. If he truly gets pulled down one day... then both the main and guest positions will truly be subdued by the Earthen radiant light.'

As he pondered, he heard spiritual energy fluctuating within heaven and earth, faintly accompanied by colossal sounds. The dark flames within his body suddenly surged, and he knew that Longxiao Sect below could no longer hold out. Indeed, he then heard Sima Yuanli say:

"Oh?"

He glanced at it, and with a gentle lift of his hand, the Thunder-Breaking Formation Wedge transformed back into a silver stream of light, returning to his hand. He congratulated:

"Congratulations, Your Highness!"

"And congratulations to you too, Daoist friend."

Li Zhouwei gently closed his eyes, not rushing to descend. Dark flames surged around him as he exhaled deeply, feeling the feedback from the 'Sixty-Year Soul Refinement Halberd Technique'. He held up 'Great Ascent' and gently tossed it.

The halberd hovered above the mountain gate, spewing streams of dark flames. Only then did he pass through the void, slowly descending, landing within Longxiao mountain gate.

A violent thunder storm permeated the area. The silver light on Longxiao Mountain finally slowly descended, revealing the spirit-rich immortal mountain. The originally colorful, noble, and elegant immortal towers and pavilions seemed to be covered in a layer of hazy grey. The cultivators among the pavilions and on the stairs either knelt in fear, not daring to move, or rose on the wind, attempting to escape. Some even raised their magic artifacts, fighting against the descending cultivators of the Li family.

The four golden characters 'Western Etiquette Longxiao' on the Jade Gate at the foot of the mountain, once shining brightly, were now dim. The golden-eyed youth stopped before the gate, and rolling dark flames immediately surged out of thin air, rapidly spreading along the steps.

He walked up the mountain step by step. Wherever he passed, heavenly light shone brilliantly, and dark flames surged. Although the trees remained unharmed, the pavilions collapsed one by one. The cultivators still resisting were engulfed by the dark flames one after another, like talismans, exploding into fragments.

Rows of white-clad armored soldiers stepped in. They moved orderly through the many steps and pavilions, apprehending Longxiao Sect disciples, one by one, who were ashen-faced and bewildered. In the mountain, only the clinking of armor and low sobs could be heard.

By the time the youth stepped onto the mountaintop, the entire mountain gate was a ruin, already pacified. Rolling black, invisible flames soared into the sky. Li Minggong quietly stood beside him, observing the crowd on the mountaintop with a cold gaze.

"Greetings, My Lord!"

There was still some chaos at the mountaintop, but the Longxiao Sect cultivators who had opened the great formation had already gained initial control of the situation. The white-bearded man was pressed down by two peak Foundation Establishment cultivators, prostrating himself before Li Zhouwei's feet. A black-robed man beside him dared not look at Li Zhouwei, timidly kneeling and crawling forward, respectfully saying:

"My Lord... The chief culprit of Longxiao Sect, the white-bearded man, is here!"

Li Zhouwei's gaze fell upon him, instantly recognizing the old man. He surveyed the surroundings, and before he could speak, the black-robed man immediately raised an eyebrow, motioning for people to push open the main hall behind him, and hastily said:

"The white-bearded man's mortal family... is in the county. His disciples who cultivated on the mountain are all here!"

Inside the hall, five cultivators were bound. All their six senses were sealed, and they lay on the ground like five corpses, dragged forward and thrown onto the ground.

"Helin County has already sided with the righteous path. He also has clan members in the county. Please, My Lord, grant us an opportunity to identify them one by one, and ensure that we utterly eradicate them, bringing the villains to justice!"

At these words, the white-bearded man sobbed uncontrollably. He raised his head in fury, only to meet the golden eyes directly. Before the curse words could leave his mouth, black flames surged from his ears and nose, making him roll on the ground, his entire body emitting scorched smoke. Yet, his life was sustained by a divine ability, making death impossible.

In an instant, the mountains were filled with his mournful howls. Everyone lowered their brows in horror, and the crackling of the flames seemed to grow louder. The True Lord calmly said:

"And more."

That year, when he was besieged in Xianhu Lake, there were six people in total. Daoist Yun Nanzi had been slain by him. Daoist Zhuang had just been 'killed by his gaze' in the market town. The white-bearded man was here, leaving three others.

However, the black-robed man had already considered this. An old man was immediately dragged out from the crowd and thrown before them. The black-robed man dared not look up at Li Zhouwei, hastily saying:

"My Lord, there were three others that day. One was killed overseas, another perished while attempting to break through to the Purple Mansion realm. Only this old wretch, who has made no progress... is still clinging to life here!"

The old man's eyes filled with despair, and before he could speak, the True Lord before him gently parted his lips. A breath of purple flame blew forth, incinerating the old man into ashes. Only then did the True Lord step forward amidst the white-bearded man's wails, looking at Li Minggong beside him, his voice somewhat hoarse:

"That day, I emerged with a senior's treasured sword, but when the sword was drawn, I could not kill, which was truly disrespectful. Send this white-bearded man back to the lake and execute him before the sword, to honor the spirits of my ancestors."

"Yes, My Lord!"

Li Minggong bowed and nodded, a hint of joy appearing at the corners of his mouth. Yet, there was still some disbelief and shock in his eyes, and he likewise dared not look directly at Li Zhouwei.

Li Zhouwei then turned his gaze towards the black-robed man.

The black-robed man immediately kowtowed, tears streaming down his face, and said respectfully:

"My Lord... My Lord... This humble one is originally from Jingchuan... Wu Fan. I was brought here to cultivate at a young age, and I have also heard of your Lordship's esteemed reputation!"

He raised both hands, taking out a whitish-grey token from within. It was about a foot long, engraved with swirling cloud patterns. He loudly proclaimed:

"This is the Longxiao Sect Master's secret token... a treasure for transmitting the Dao, offered to My Lord!"

He was both terrified and filled with greedy delight. He felt his palm empty, and for a good while, heard no sound. He cautiously raised his head slightly.

The person before him stood amidst surging dark flames. It was as if a hallucination; this Lord seemed even taller than when he arrived, standing before him like a colossal statue. A face filled with golden patterns looked down, and he, Wu Fan, lay prostrate on the ground, seemingly unable to even reach the other's knees.

Those golden eyes narrowed, and dark flames surged within them. His large, claw-like hand slowly tightened, powdered silver light flowing from between his fingers. The shadow cast by him covered everyone:

"Where are the sect's spiritual treasures and Daoist scriptures?"