Chapter 1017: Ten Thousand Chariots (1+1/2)

Chen Yang...

Li Suining bowed his head and cupped his hands, his expression relatively calm. Hearing his words, Chen Yang smiled and nodded.

"The Young Master speaks truly... This sentiment cannot be erased. In the past, whenever an important person arrived on the island, I would pay my respects one by one. Now that I've been in seclusion, I have neglected you, and I ask for your forgiveness."

Li Suining's words were so flattering that Chen Yang couldn't help but smile. The 'Qingdu Bloodline' concept was originally quietly promoted by Chen Yang and others. It referred to a few clans who had intermarried with the main family early on, maintaining close ties for generations, with their ancestors all under the governance of Qingdu's clan elders. The most typical among them were the Chen, Liu, Tian, and Ren clans.

Drawing such a clear line was, first, to foster a sense of closer integration with the main clan, and second, to counter rising factions like the Ding clan's Funan faction, the West Bank He family faction, even the Nanzhang lineage, and the An clan's Huayu faction. These factions either had many Foundation Establishment cultivators, controlled vital artifact refining resources, or even boasted a large number of cultivators, each possessing their own strengths.

The phrase "Qingdu Bloodline" created a distinct social stratum above these rising powers, and it had always been propagated by the four families of Lijing. While other cultivators remained silent, Li Suining's remark naturally delighted Chen Yang. His gaze towards Li Suining overflowed with smiles.

Li Suining understood perfectly. In his previous life, during a dispute between Nan Tanchen and Chen Jingguang, Chen Jingguang had declared, "I am of the Qingdu Bloodline; how could I be commanded by a remnant?" This caused Nan Tanchen's expression to change, as his painstakingly claimed ancestry as a descendant of the Tian clan was starkly exposed. From then on, he harbored resentment, and the conflicts between various factions intensified.

Although this had not yet transpired, Li Suining knew Chen Yang's weak spot. With this flattery, Chen Yang nodded repeatedly, his face full of righteousness, and stated solemnly,

"If you encounter any difficulties in the future, just come to me!"

Li Suining didn't believe him for a bit, laughing,

"Court Minister Chen, you overstate it."

This Court Minister Chen, who would later become General Chen, indeed had a good outcome. When King Wei sought gold, two princes perished in the north, their whereabouts unknown for a time. Later, when Li Zhouming gathered his forces and arrived in the Southern Frontier, he only then heard some news.

Nine out of ten of King Wei's former subordinates were gone. General Chen gathered the remnants and surrendered to the Zhao court, where he was highly regarded. Because he carried the bloodline of Wei Li (Li clan of Wei), and his Mingyang was not from the paternal line, and he cultivated Kanshui, he was accepted.

'As Jueyin and Kanshui were compatible, and with Mingyang falling and defecting to Zhao, at that time... he was considered a useful figure.'

This Court Minister Chen was highly skilled and adept at currying favor. He served as a minor official under Zhixuan Pavilion. Though not a particularly prominent figure, he maintained close ties with the Damu Law Realm through his cunning. Afterward, news of him became scarce, and Li Suining never heard of him again until the day of his own death.

'Chen Yang... after all, has half of my Li clan's blood. Naturally, he would have a good status in the Zhao court.'

This was, after all, a matter that occurred after the Li family's decline, like monkeys scattering when a tree falls. Li Suining didn't dwell on it but could tell from his past life's experience that this person was extremely shrewd.

'He was, after all, one of the few outstanding figures from the Lijing lineage. He was highly valued and achieved remarkable merits back then, and his talent was first-rate even by current standards on the lake. His words could reach King Wei... If I could get close to him... it would greatly help the future situation.'

So, he still wore a smile.

"A few days ago, the senior hadn't emerged from seclusion, yet I noticed the atmospheric phenomena to the south: the rivers flowed with a resounding 'dong-dong,' drawing everyone's attention. The foundation of Jingguang Peak's cultivation is truly profound!"

"Hahahaha."

Chen Jingguang had achieved Foundation Establishment, and Chen Yang himself had taken a pill to break through to the late Foundation Establishment stage. The Chen family's power had ascended to a new level, which was a great boon. Chen Yang nodded, laughed heartily, patted Li Suining's shoulder, and said earnestly,

"The True Master has returned, and I must report a few things to express my gratitude, so I won't talk much more. If you have free time while studying formations, you are most welcome to visit me on the island. Jingguang and the others... they've all heard of your great reputation!"

The two exchanged courtesies, marking their acquaintance. Chen Yang then exited the room and stepped out of the pavilion, his smile slowly fading. A young man approached from the room, bowing his head and saying,

"Father!"

Chen Yang nodded silently, his eyes slightly narrowed.

'He's quite a formidable character... I heard his formation skills are exceptional, and in the future, he could be someone like Li Quewan, capable of ascending to the mountain. He's already showing promising signs; it's worth trying to win him over...'

He paused briefly in the corridor, his gaze inadvertently sweeping over the golden boat in the sky. A hazy, nascent ambition flickered in his eyes.

'The destruction of Changxiao demonstrates immense power. With such maneuvering, there's enough room on the mountain... for us to achieve a divine ability...'

'Opportunity... where is this opportunity?'

The golden boat glided across the sky, and Chen Yang and his son disappeared from view. Li Suining withdrew his gaze and descended the steps, one by one.

Rolling waves of air made his clothes flutter. Numerous streaks of light descended one by one onto the island. The golden boat settled, its internal grand formation glowing brightly as it slowly opened.

As Li Suining was admiring the scene, he saw a robust-looking middle-aged man hurrying towards him. Upon reaching him, the man, visibly excited, called out,

"Suining!"

Li Suining instinctively looked up, and Li Zhoufang had already grasped his hand, pulling him forward, saying somewhat mysteriously,

"Come!"

The elder's hand was warm, and his face was flushed with excitement. He led Li Suining all the way to the boat, showed a token, and entered through a small side door. Only then did he let Li Suining stand still, smiling,

"Look!"

A shimmering white radiance filled their eyes. As far as they could see, there were seemingly endless stacks of pristine white jade boxes, piled neatly, filling the entire cabin!

Li Suining was speechless for a moment, slowly surveying the scene. Cart after cart of spiritual resources flew out from the golden boat's belly, forming a continuous, tail-to-head long dragon in the air. The storage compartments on both sides of the boat roared open, and vast quantities of spiritual rice, like golden waterfalls, poured down into the jade ponds under their astonished gaze, quickly accumulating into mounds.

Within this spiritual rice waterfall, the two were as tiny as specks of white light, frozen in stunned silence inside the boat.

A look of pride swelled on Li Zhoufang's face, and he said, unable to contain himself,

"There's still more in Changxiao Mountain Gate's secret vault, and our family has already collected it. This is just the first batch brought back!"

Li Suining's gaze swept over the scene, gradually recovering from his shock, as he heard the man say,

"Changxiao's accumulated wealth... it might be inexhaustible for six generations!"

Li Zhoufang was absolutely right. Li Suining, whose foresight was even greater, knew that if this was true, these resources would be enough for all of the Li family's descendants to live lavishly for a century! Even during the subsequent years of north-south warfare, there would be few opportunities like this to completely wipe out an entire sect and claim all its resources.

Li Suining had anticipated this, and quickly processed his shock into delight. He turned to look at the elder, who picked up two scattered jade boxes from the ground, gently opened them, and admired the spiritual resources inside, sighing,

"Look... this quality..."

Li Suining examined them with him, wondering if the elder intended to take some for himself in advance, or if he was indicating some spiritual item for Li Suining. But the middle-aged man turned, grasped his hand, his eyes instantly reddening, and said hoarsely,

"Suining... from now on, whether it's the East Residence or the West Residence, our clan members by the lake will no longer have to endure hardship!"

Inner Formation.

The main hall was dimly lit. Li Ximing stood in the center, his sleeves gathered. Beside him, Li Jiangqian bowed slightly, serving. After a moment, the golden-eyed young man descended, enveloped in light.

Li Jiangqian immediately prostrated himself, respectfully saying,

"Greetings, Father! Congratulations on your great victory, conquering our enemies in the south and slaying divine abilities!"

Li Zhouwei landed in the hall, instantly illuminating it. His golden eyes flickered slightly as he turned to Li Jiangqian.

"Rise!"

Li Jiangqian answered respectfully, then slowly straightened up a little. His gaze swiftly darted to the Huayang King's axe hanging inverted from his father's waist. His expression and eyes showed no change, yet he bent his waist even lower.

The light in the hall flickered from bright to dim. The gold in his golden eyes was identical to the deep gold of the king's axe, appearing utterly pure. He respectfully gazed at the ground.

Li Zhouwei sat down and asked,

"How is your cultivation progressing?"

Li Jiangqian glanced at him briefly and replied,

"Your son has already refined Chonghuo and Tianxing. For the third technique, I am beginning with Shehuo from the Lihuo secret methods."

"Tianxing..."

Li Zhouwei calculated with his fingers, saying with some surprise,

"Tianxing progressed much faster. Was there a boost?"

Li Jiangqian calmly nodded and replied,

"Tianxing is closely related to the 'Tianli Rizhe Sutra,' and received some enhancement. Your son also has some cultivation experience, so I fortunately managed to refine it!"

His expression was slightly regretful as he replied,

"Your son was rather fortunate to master this technique. I didn't expect that once I started practicing the third stage, Shehuo, the difficulty increased by several levels... it probably won't be a matter of just two or three years. And finally, there's Zhengyan, which is even more difficult than all other methods."

Li Ximing looked quite impressed and soothed him,

"This cannot be rushed at all, and it must be practiced diligently. Not everyone is like your father. For you to master these two secret techniques within ten or fifteen years would be a great blessing..."

"Yes!"

After Li Jiangqian bowed, Li Ximing took a jade box from his sleeve, opened it to show him, revealing a round, golden stone inside. He smiled,

"There's no need to worry about spiritual items. Your father has already found your portion of Lihuo spiritual material. Although its specific name isn't known, it's undoubtedly a Lihuo spiritual item!"

Li Jiangqian was overjoyed. He stepped forward, prostrated himself, and said in a deep voice,

"Your profound benevolence, honored sirs, Jiangqian has no way to repay!"

Li Ximing glanced at him with a smile, raising an eyebrow,

"Do you wish to keep it?"

After all, it was a dignified Purple Mansion spiritual item. Even with Li Zhouwei having just emerged from the grotto-heaven, the Li family possessed no more than five such items. Li Jiangqian's heart surged with excitement as he bowed,

"I only ask that the elder manage it on my behalf. Your junior will now go into seclusion!"

The allure of Purple Mansion divine abilities was enough to make one disregard life and death, let alone such a Lihuo Purple Mansion spiritual item placed before him. Even someone as composed as he couldn't help but be excited. He bowed deeply and then hastily retreated from the hall.

Li Zhouwei watched the entire exchange, somewhat lost in thought. Li Ximing, meanwhile, coughed lightly, raised an eyebrow, and asked,

"Did you truly slay him?"

"I did."

A hint of surprise flashed in Li Ximing's eyes as he asked,

"What were the gains?"

Li Zhouwei smiled faintly, raised his left hand, and brought two fingers together before him. A scorching black flame emerged from his fingertips.

This black flame appeared somewhat ethereal, gray on the outside and black within. As the flame rose, the atmosphere throughout the grand hall shifted; the clang of weapons and the neighing of warhorses seemed to echo, and heat waves surged.

"This..."

Li Ximing's pupils constricted slightly, and he asked doubtfully,

"Jiazi Po Refining Halberd Soldier Art?!"

Realizing it belatedly, he slapped the table and exclaimed,

"By slaying Chengyan, this technique has yielded immeasurable benefits!"

Li Zhouwei gazed at the black flame on his fingertip with a wide smile and replied,

"Exactly! This technique is the profound Qi art of Daliang, and also the most fundamental ancient demonic cultivation method. It involves refining weapons with one's soul to achieve a Dharma Body. Previously, I never had the opportunity to destroy a sect, and although the family tried their best to create conditions for me, it only barely met the standard for using this technique."

"I exhausted myself striving for this. This time, the matter of the Changxiao Sect finally allowed the Jiazi Po Refining Halberd Soldier Art to receive its greatest enhancement. I've just entered its threshold, gaining Black Souls, thus laying the foundation for the Black Soul Mara Dharma Body!"

Li Ximing listened intently as Li Zhouwei continued,

"Destroying a sect, as it's called, enhances the maximum power of the Black Soul Mara Dharma Body. However, this Dharma Body still requires me to cultivate and nourish it to maintain its Black Souls. This can be done either by countless killings, sustaining it with a sea of blood, or by cultivating with the immense spiritual resources left behind after destroying a sect. These two paths are different and will yield different wondrous effects."

Li Ximing clicked his tongue and asked,

"Are those the resources from the Changxiao Sect?"

Li Zhouwei shook his head.

"The Dharma Body has just gained its foundation, and its needs are not extensive. I won't touch these things, only the vast quantities of spiritual rice that are difficult to preserve. I've taken some to appease the Dharma Body's hunger and restore some of its wonders... There will be plenty of opportunities for great battles in the future."

He composed his expression and said regretfully,

"It's just a pity that Chengyan was truly unworthy. Displaying brilliant power requires a well-matched opponent. Even though he died by my hand, it wasn't as beneficial as Shilouyingge sustaining an injury... I was expecting a grand battle with Helian Wujiang and Shilouyingge, and my cultivation was already not far from Helian Wujiang's. But Chengyan turned out to be useless, what a shame!"

Li Ximing's expression was slightly peculiar, and he nodded silently.

'...Actually... Chengyan had cultivated for many years. From the way he subdued the Mingshan Art Scroll... his cultivation was probably even higher than mine...'

As he mused inwardly, Li Zhouwei had already changed the subject. With a flick of his sleeve, several jade boxes wrapped in celestial light landed on the table. As the colorful light dissipated, various spiritual items were revealed. Li Ximing glanced at them and smiled,

"Changxiao left quite a few things behind."

Li Zhouwei lifted his head and returned the round Chonghuo Liangmingyi, resembling a golden core, to him, saying,

"The Crane-Embracing Stone should be handled by the elders. Our family coincidentally lacks spiritual pills capable of resurrecting the dead and healing severe injuries. These three Qiuxin leaves should be refined by Uncle-Grand for emergencies."

"Good!"

Li Ximing acknowledged, taking the two Xuanwen scrolls and several jade slips from his hand, listening as Li Zhouwei said,

"The Mountain Sacrifice Stone Splitting Art is not very useful, and subduing the Mingshan Art Scroll is even more demanding. The Han-Guang Yu-Jing Art can be given to Jiangchun. The other Purple Mansion cultivation methods are not very useful to our family, but they can at least be legitimately traded. They should be stored in the family. As for this scroll, it needs to be opened by Kujin and handled by Senior Liu."

His gaze fell upon a precious vase.

"As for this Lingzun Xihua... I ask Uncle-Grand to consume it!"

"Hmm?"

Li Ximing was slightly stunned. He had the "Six Harmonies Treasure Bottle Treatise" in his possession and thus knew how to use this spiritual resource. While consuming it could aid in cultivating techniques, it seemed somewhat extravagant. He asked doubtfully,

"This..."

Li Zhouwei shook his head and replied,

"I know Uncle-Grand is considering the Six Harmonies Treasure Bottle. It is indeed a good item, but our family neither cultivates the Upper Rite nor does Mingyang particularly align with it... Why expend so much time and effort refining the bottle? Greed for too much leads to indigestion. The spiritual treasures in both your hands and mine are enough for a century of study!"

"The purpose of spiritual resources isn't about luxury or extravagance, but about suitability. Consuming this spiritual essence to cultivate techniques and further enhance Uncle-Grand's spells would be a much better approach!"

Li Ximing pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded and replied,

"You're right... My Dali Bai Xi Guang can barely utilize Jin Xi, and won't make significant progress anytime soon, so it's not needed here. Daoyan Xing and Diqi Guang, however, could be used."

"As for the Wutu spiritual artifact..."

"I will now entrust Kuang Yu and the others... to search for a Wutu True Person across the four seas. The Mountain Sacrifice Stone Splitting Art, the Mingshan Art Scroll, and the Baimeng Black Stone Umbrella combined are entirely sufficient to establish a complete Dao lineage. Someone will surely be tempted."

The two settled the matter. Li Zhouwei slowly turned around and whispered,

"The Changxiao Sect ruled this prefecture for centuries, and now its resources are entirely ours, Uncle-Grand. Guess... how much is there?"

Li Ximing paused slightly, then smiled.

"I'm only looking at Foundation Establishment... there must be over a hundred precious medicines and magical artifacts, right?"

The golden-eyed young man shook his head and replied,

"The golden boat has only brought back one or two tenths; it will take at least ten days to half a month to move everything. The magical artifacts obtained are enough to arm ten Jade Courts, and the resources, even if used extravagantly and discarded, would suffice for our entire clan to live lavishly for a century!"

Li Zhouwei chuckled.

"And there's also an Upper Rite Formation Plate!"

This was the greatest gain from conquering Changxiao in the south. Li Ximing naturally wouldn't forget, and he nodded with a smile, replying,

"True Persons from a mountain sect wouldn't use it. Instead, we could find True Persons establishing sects in the outer seas. They lack resources but have ample time to modify the formation array little by little. If that doesn't work, we can temporarily leave it with Senior Liu and have him handle both reselling and repairs. Two families could live off the resources of one!"

When this topic came up, Li Zhouwei's expression became serious, and he asked,

"Is there any news about Qunyi?"

Li Ximing's smile faded, and he said gravely,

"News from the West Sea came first. Sheng Baidao made a move... Fuxun and Qingyan had problems. Senior Liu also received the news... but he is always cautious, considering that someone might be trying to lure him there. He stayed put guarding Qunyi and only ordered Demon King Fuxun to temporarily retreat to the East Sea."

Li Zhouwei paced two steps, exchanged glances with Li Ximing, and Li Ximing shook his head.

"The timing is too coincidental..."

Li Zhouwei nodded decisively. Li Ximing then asked doubtfully,

"Sheng Baidao and Zhixuan Pavilion have a close relationship, as both were once connected to Shaoyang... Could this be an arrangement from the north?"

Li Zhouwei shook his head slightly, rubbed his brow, and replied,

"It doesn't seem like it. Wei Xuanyin wouldn't go to such lengths; what would he gain?"

He suddenly stopped speaking, pondering,

"I need to go meet that Dragon Prince."

Despite the destruction of Changxiao, neither of them felt at ease. They remained silent together, then rose and entered the Sun-Moon-Sharing Radiance Heaven and Earth. Li Zhouwei still stood in the pavilion, lost in thought as he gazed at the twin celestial bodies. Li Ximing watched him for a moment longer, then suddenly spoke.

"During your time at Changxiao, I've been pondering your words..."

Li Zhouwei's expression was slightly complex as he listened to Li Ximing, who raised an eyebrow and said,

"Actually, the family should have understood the moment you descended. There's no such thing as a free lunch; everything has a purpose. You're right, the Elder wouldn't have let you make this trip for nothing. The so-called act of reincarnation has always been a delusion."

The two exchanged glances. Li Ximing said faintly,

"Our Wei Li clan, and my cultivation of Mingyang, all served as preparations for you. For a small aristocratic family to rise in a hundred years, it needs a foundation, and you are that foundation for our family. Without you, the lake would have long ago been overturned and destroyed, and the north-south conflict would not have repeatedly halted at the lakeside."

"Now, you can only contend."

Li Ximing paused, his expression gradually becoming serene.

"Our family has no retreat left but to fight, no matter the cost... whether it's me or Wangyue Lake. Perhaps we can exchange it for a glimmer of light. Let's try."

Li Zhouwei turned his head, his golden eyes dim, and replied,

"Thank you, Uncle-Grand."

Li Ximing smiled, then said earnestly,

"However... there's one matter that needs to be put on the agenda."

Seeing Li Zhouwei raise an eyebrow, Li Ximing stated solemnly,

"The Dao tradition."

"Of the Mingyang Dao, 'Visiting the Heavenly Gate' and 'Monarch Treads Danger' are complete. There remain 'Emperor Observes Origins,' 'Scarlet Arrowhead,' and 'World Illumination.'"

"Your 'Monarch Treads Danger' should reach perfection soon. Whether it's 'Emperor Observes Origins' or 'Scarlet Arrowhead,' drawing vital energy alone takes three to five years. Although there's ample time, preparations should begin now."

Li Ximing paused slightly and replied,

"I've checked the pavilion; both 'Emperor Observes Origins' and 'Scarlet Arrowhead' are available. Minghuang, which one should you cultivate first?"

"Alright."

His words made the golden-eyed young man fall into deep thought. He paced two steps in the hall, then together they entered the pavilion. The jade-green stone platform still glowed, and ink-black wooden slips lay upon it.

Li Zhouwei gently stroked it, and silver characters appeared one by one. He murmured,

"'Emperor Observes Origins' includes the 'Bright Mountain Grand Wave Emperor Sutra,' which is undoubtedly an ancient method, of extremely high quality, and very likely a cultivation technique that originated from the Wei imperial palace back then."

"As for 'Scarlet Arrowhead,' there are two parts: 'Myriad Chariots Punishing Light Emperor Book,' and 'Scarlet Distant Guardian General Method Sutra...' "

He straightened his expression slightly and shook his head.

"All three paths are currently obscure and must be slowly pursued. For now, we can only seek one..."

"'Scarlet Arrowhead' is a method of offense, sweeping away all difficulties with the might of myriad chariots. 'Emperor Observes Origins' is an orthodox divine ability of a monarch governing ministers and issuing clear decrees. Both offer significant assistance."

Li Zhouwei whispered,

"Truth be told, the orthodox imperial path of 'Emperor Observes Origins' might not necessarily be more powerful, but its aid to Mingyang would definitely be greater. Otherwise, the Wei imperial court wouldn't have specifically locked this technique away in the palace, using the 'Changming Staircase' as a substitute for its widespread transmission..."

He then changed the subject and replied,

"However, from the perspective of cultivation, Mingyang is a Dao tradition that progresses step by step, with clear divisions. With 'Monarch Treads Danger' for the Mingyang throne, and considering the 'Enlightenment and Repentance' realm, 'Scarlet Arrowhead' is clearly suited for the third divine ability slot. 'Emperor Observes Origins,' being so grand and orthodox, would be more appropriate for the fourth or fifth divine ability."

He carefully examined the silver characters. Li Ximing, however, looked concerned and replied,

"I only have one concern: both 'Scarlet Arrowhead' and 'Emperor Observes Origins' are long-lost Dao traditions. 'Scarlet Arrowhead' is somewhat better, as it can still be found in the Eastern Fire. But 'Emperor Observes Origins' is a secret treasure of the Wei Kingdom, which will inevitably draw unwanted attention... 'Scarlet Arrowhead' is a safer choice."

Li Zhouwei nodded, raised his hand, the gold in his eyes deepening.

"'Myriad Chariots Punishing Light Emperor Book'."