Chapter 1024: South Pool Sinks

Zhi Jing Mountain.

Zhi Jing Mountain is perpetually adorned with white blossoms. Whenever the wind rises, a cascade of white flowers pours forth from the mountains, scattering with the wind, and settling into the surrounding forests, dotting them with white.

Li Suining arrived on the wind, a flash of silver, to find a man in crimson armor standing amidst the mountains. His spiritual power was profoundly deep, and his piercing tiger eyes gave him an imposing presence. This was Ding Weizeng.

“Senior Ding!”

He had clearly been waiting for some time. Upon seeing Li Suining, he nodded and said courteously, “Young Master, now that you’ve arrived, let us ascend the mountain together!”

Ding Weizeng was True Immortal Zhaojing’s trusted confidant and had always represented the True Immortal’s stance in the continent. His politeness toward Li Suining wasn’t due to personal familiarity, but rather because Li Suining had been personally promoted by True Immortal Zhaojing, which added a layer of closeness.

Accompanying Ding Weizeng was an elder with a long beard, who appeared to be of great age with no small cultivation. He had a somewhat shifty-eyed and furtive appearance. Upon seeing Li Suining, he quickly cupped his hands and bowed, “Nanzhang Ku greets Young Master!”

A strange feeling stirred in Li Suining’s heart, but he remained outwardly polite, cupping his hands in return, “Greetings, Guest Elder!”

This so-called Nanzhang Ku was, in fact, Situ Ku of the former Tangjin Gate. The Situ family had been annihilated by Buddhist cultivators, and their bloodline and legacy were divided among various clans. The branch that fell into the Li clan’s hands went to the Shanyue territory and merged into what is now the Nanzhang Seven Lineages. All members adopted Nanzhang as their surname, and he had long since changed his name; he was no longer named Situ.

Li Suining rarely heard the name Nanzhang Ku, as this person had a less-than-illustrious origin and only survived thanks to Ding Weizeng, always keeping a low profile. In his previous life, Ding Weizeng had perished prematurely, and perhaps Nanzhang Ku had also fallen in some battle.

Behind Situ Ku stood a middle-aged man with sharp, angular features, appearing quite robust. His ordinary clothes could not conceal his keenness. Upon seeing Li Suining, his eyes lit up.

‘Nantan Chen!’

He instantly understood, ‘The True Immortal’s emergence this time is to meet with juniors. Nantan Chen is also a genius; he has indeed established his Foundation. And he's an alchemist, so naturally he would come up the mountain to pay respects… He happened to run into us!’

‘No wonder Guest Elder Ding came.’

This was the first Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Nanzhang remnants in so many years. He had remained quiet for years only to astound everyone. Naturally, the True Immortal would want to see him. At this moment, Nantan Chen had not yet been granted a new surname and was still called Nanzhang Chen. Li Suining merely bowed to him and smiled, “Senior… you truly possess a fine demeanor.”

Nanzhang Chen was a talent, and more crucially, he was born at the right time. In the previous life, neither Li Suining nor Pu Xinya lacked talent, but they both achieved Foundation Establishment a step too late, far less impactful than figures like Nanzhang Chen and Chen Jinguang in the grand sweep of history.

This life would surely be different, but these important figures still needed to be befriended. Although Nanzhang Chen’s birth was not auspicious, he ultimately died in battle. The He family, now of high status, also surrendered to Li Suining in the end. Li Suining did not dwell on the past, but he couldn't help but feel a slight partiality towards Nanzhang Chen, offering a very polite smile.

This left Nanzhang Chen flattered. Although he was a Foundation Establishment cultivator, his origins meant he had little support in the lake region; the only one he could rely on was Nanzhang Ku, whose own problems were even more complicated. He had heard that a genius from the main lineage would be ascending the mountain with him and had prepared himself for Li Suining’s arrogance. His surprise was evident as he repeatedly waved his hands, “You flatter me too much, Your Excellency.”

Ding Weizeng watched him with a smile. Nanzhang Ku stopped at the foot of the mountain, and the three of them ascended together.

The white flowers on the mountain were like a sea, carpeting the bright jade steps. Li Suining seemed fine, but Nanzhang Chen grew genuinely nervous, his jaw clenched tight, his head bowed all the way, not daring to lift his gaze.

He cautiously knelt firmly before the steps and called out, “This humble cultivator pays respects to the True Immortal!”

There was nothing extravagant on the mountaintop, just an ordinary table with a tall white jade teacup and a white porcelain, glazed, long-necked jade pot, simple and harmonious.

The True Immortal was deeply engrossed in reading a jade slip. He picked up the cup, took a sip, and then set it aside.

The cup radiated a brilliant colorful light, rippling with a clear brown-yellow aura that surged skyward, then converged entirely into the small porcelain cup, drawing the colors of the entire mountain peak into it. Faint sounds of grand chanting and scriptures echoed.

As the True Immortal closed the cup lid with a gentle clink, all phenomena vanished, leaving only the quiet flow of light over the mountain.

This item was none other than the Purple Mansion spirit essence, Lingzun Xiguang, whose consumption could aid in the cultivation of spells!

Li Ximing, possessing the Six Harmonies Precious Bottle Treatise, naturally knew how to consume this item—it required the continuous illumination of either the sun or moon, a stable spiritual aura, and a pot of mild spring water for brewing. It was to be brewed and consumed slowly.

The Lingzun Xiguang, when dropped into the cup, was no larger than a quail’s egg. As spiritual water was poured in, it gently swirled. Li Ximing brewed three pots, taking over half a month, before the essence diminished slightly.

And in that short half-month, cultivating spells was like a series of fleeting insights, his mind filled with inspiration. Activating and applying them became effortless. The Dao Yan Xing, a spell that had been stuck for years, showed signs of loosening, as if it could advance at any moment!

‘Though I deliberately took time to rest, the effect of this item cannot be underestimated. It’s roughly three to five times my usual cultivation speed, and for spells like Dao Yan Xing, which are aided by valley winds that draw fire, it’s even more remarkable, potentially reaching nearly ten times the efficiency!’

‘It truly is a treasure. Given this, it’s fine to use it for a year or two… I can use it slowly… and maintain it with mild spring water on a daily basis.’

If this year or two were entirely dedicated to Dao Yan Xing, it would be equivalent to a full decade of cultivation, already sufficient to confidently employ it in most battles without falling behind!

He was in a good mood. He slowly finished the last trace of Lingzun Xiguang from the ascending sun, then set down the jade slip, finally turning to look at the three.

“Suining has reached Qi Condensation!”

Li Ximing nodded with a smile, raising an eyebrow to stop Li Suining’s words of thanks, then turned to Ding Weizeng, “Is this the genius of the Nanzhang lineage?”

Ding Weizeng quickly nodded and replied respectfully, “Reporting to the True Immortal, it is he!”

He raised his hand to introduce, “He was raised by his mother, taking her surname, Nanzhang… His mother’s family has had close ties with the Ye clan for many years. It is rare to have such a genius born to them…”

The Nanzhang bloodline was mixed, containing not only a large amount of Shanyue blood but also remnants of the lake region clans from bygone years, numerous commoners from the former Yu family, and finally, the arriving Situ family. In recent years, the lake region had intentionally mixed bloodlines, disrupting ancestral lines, and sending many distant relatives of the Li clan with the Ye surname there. Their bloodline could actually be considered quite good, and there were no longer any clan laws to be strictly followed. However, public perception was not easily erased. Bearing the name of a remnant lineage still didn’t sound good.

Li Ximing glanced at him and said with interest, “He can also perform alchemy?”

“Precisely!”

Nanzhang Chen quickly kowtowed in reply. Li Ximing looked at him for a few more moments and responded, “Rare indeed.”

There were actually quite a few alchemists in the lake region, and even a direct descendant of the Li family later became one. This rarity wasn’t in his alchemy itself, but in having alchemy talent while also possessing significant cultivation talent. The other alchemists in the lake region were merely at the Fetal Breath or Qi Condensation stage, truly not capable of major tasks.

Li Suining knelt obediently to the side, not uttering a word, yet feeling no surprise inwardly.

In his previous life, Nanzhang Chen was the chosen successor for major alchemy matters in the lake region. Although he wasn’t heavily relied upon by King Wei, he received several scriptures from True Immortal Zhaojing, and while not formally a disciple, he had a connection akin to a registered student. His talent was beyond doubt!

Indeed, Li Ximing immediately grew interested and inquired, “What kinds of medicines have you refined?”

Nanzhang Chen slightly raised his head and replied steadily, “I came to the lake region a few days ago to test myself. Senior Ding gave me the Tri-Complete Boundary Breaking Pill to try… This humble one was incompetent, only producing one pill from the batch.”

Li Ximing raised an eyebrow and turned to Ding Weizeng. The Protector cupped his hands, revealing a jade bottle in his palm, and answered, “This subordinate was observing. It was his first attempt.”

Li Ximing did not take it, merely scanning it with his spiritual sense. The joy in his heart settled, and he sighed inwardly, ‘Rare! Although he cannot compare to my past self, he truly possesses first-class talent!’

Li Ximing possessed Talisman Qi, which allowed him to disregard all difficulties related to fire manipulation, making alchemy twice as effective with half the effort. The benefits he gained significantly reduced the difficulty, and these advantages grew greater with each cultivation stage up to the Purple Mansion. This not only enabled him to support the entire Li family by himself in the past but also made alchemy effortless for him even after reaching the Purple Mansion stage, achieving what ordinary people could not!

Nanzhang Chen, without Talisman Qi, was still able to produce a pill on his very first attempt at the profound Tri-Complete Boundary Breaking Pill. While it was a modest result, it indicated exceptional talent. Li Ximing smiled and asked, “Who is his father?”

Nanzhang Chen looked slightly embarrassed, while Ding Weizeng replied, “Reportedly… he was a Shanyue… a degenerate from the Tian family who left a child in Eastern Shanyue back then…”

“Oh?”

The Tian clan had cultivated the Shanyue region for many years, so such an incident was not surprising. Li Ximing straightened up, raising his eyebrows as he looked directly at Ding Weizeng, “Reportedly?”

This single question startled Nanzhang Chen, making him bend over even further. Even Li Suining’s heart trembled. Fortunately, Ding Weizeng immediately said in a deep voice, “This subordinate personally investigated, and it is true. His father indeed came from the Tian family during his lifetime… but… I privately asked the Tian clan head… he refused to acknowledge him.”

Nanzhang Chen was, after all, a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Although the Tian family currently lacked a pillar of support, they certainly did not wish for such a pillar to suddenly appear in their family and usurp their position. Li Ximing smiled and said, “Stay in Nanzhang, there’s no need to return. It’s also excellent to establish your own surname. If more individuals like you emerge, Nanzhang will have an honorable origin in the future. With the Nanzhang surnames unified, I shall permit you to establish your own surname.”

Nantan Chen had waited and waited. Although he didn’t expect to return to the Tian clan, what he feared most was being categorized as a Shanyue. He bowed deeply in gratitude. Li Ximing casually tossed an alchemy book into his hand and instructed, “Practice these pill formulas thoroughly. In the future, the alchemy of the lake region… might very well fall to you!”

Nantan Chen joyfully bowed and departed. Li Ximing’s tone softened considerably as he turned to Li Suining and said gently, “How is your cultivation speed? You’ve also read True Immortal Yuanbian’s formation book. What are your insights?”

Li Suining replied respectfully, “True Immortal, your knowledge rivals that of the heavens. This junior can only burn the midnight oil and strive to learn! As for the cultivation method… its profundity far exceeds this junior’s imagination. My cultivation speed… I personally believe it to be slow.”

“Although the cultivation method has some difficulty, you must cultivate it even more diligently.”

Li Ximing rubbed his brows and shook his head with a wry smile. What Li Suining had received was the Qi Condensation chapter of the Heavenly Celestial Arrangement Divine Scroll, so its profundity naturally exceeded imagination. He casually replied, “I will be using a Purple Mansion spiritual resource for my cultivation, which aids in spell practice. When activated, its efficacy permeates the mountain, imbuing it with a certain mystique. Your brothers… and those elders of yours should all come here to cultivate when the time comes.”

“And the main reason I summoned you this time, with no other intention, is concerning the Dao of Formations. True Immortal Yuanbian is burdened by certain karmic ties and opportunities, making it inconvenient for him to take you as a direct disciple. However, it is permissible for you to study in his immortal’s cave for a period. This would require you to leave the lake region and go to the East Sea.”

“It’s not quite suitable at this moment. Just wait until I finish using this spiritual item. You can all share in the benefits. After a year or half of use, you can depart.”

This sentence seemed innocuous, yet it instantly stumped Li Suining, and his mind suddenly went blank.

‘Go to the East Sea? How can I observe the world’s situation if I go to the East Sea? How can I secretly provide warnings?!’

A shiver went down his spine.

‘I absolutely cannot go to the East Sea!’

But what the True Immortal said was ostensibly a reward, yet in essence, it was a command! How could he refuse? Li Suining’s mind raced. He immediately knelt to the ground and said with a contrite voice, “True Immortal, you consider me so thoughtfully, and I am unworthy of it… However, in my cultivation this year, I have secretly felt my talent to be lacking… far inferior to my uncles. Whether it is cultivation or the Dao of Formations, if I am to repay the clan, I must first establish my Foundation…”

He lowered his brows and sobbed, “The opportunity to study, which the True Immortal obtained by incurring a debt of gratitude—this junior does not wish to be half-hearted, waste the opportunity, and disgrace the True Immortal… I only hope to first achieve Foundation Establishment here in the lake region before discussing matters overseas!”

Li Ximing looked at him for a long moment, then nodded slightly.

‘That’s good too. This Heavenly Celestial Arrangement Divine Scroll is truly too difficult; it’s scared the child!’

He then said, “Both your parents are deceased, and your lineage hangs precariously. It is indeed unsuitable for you to travel. You should first leave behind an heir… also as an account to your parents! I will have the old elder find a suitable match for you.”

Out of the frying pan and into the fire. Li Suining could not refuse this time. Feeling extremely awkward, he could only grit his teeth and agree. However, Li Ximing’s expression suddenly changed, and he raised an eyebrow, “You may both leave!”

He raised his sleeve, sweeping the two down to the foot of the mountain. Just then, a laugh came from outside the formation: “Fellow Daoist Zhaojing! I’ve come to congratulate you!”

Li Ximing didn’t have time to respond to him. He quickly put away the Lingzun Xiguang from the table and replaced it with ordinary tea, then smiled, “So, Fellow Daoist Sima has arrived! Please come in for a detailed discussion!”

He stepped out of the formation and saw three people standing in the void!

The one in the lead wore white robes with a sword at his waist. It was undoubtedly Sima Yuanli, holding a box and smiling.

To his other side, at a slight distance, was a woman in a pale green Daoist robe with soft features and a tall figure. She smiled, with two strings of blue and white jade beads tied at her waist, making her waist appear slender enough to grasp with one hand. She bowed and said softly, “Fellow Daoist Zhaojing!”

“It’s True Immortal Kuang Yu!”

This was the source of Li Ximing’s surprise. Upon closer inspection, there was also a person following behind Kuang Yu.

This person appeared young, but his hair crown was neatly tied, and his clothes were meticulously kept. His expression was calm, appearing very composed. He respectfully raised his hand and said, “Greetings, Senior!”

Truth be told, it was Li Ximing’s first time being called ‘Senior’ by a Purple Mansion cultivator, which struck him as both amusing and perplexing. He temporarily put his questions aside and smiled, “And this is…”

Kuang Yu pushed him forward and said seriously, “This is True Immortal Nanwu… His Daoist name is rarely used now. The fellow Daoists in the East Sea all call him True Immortal Guo. You can safely call him that—we are all family!”

“Oh?”

Using a surname rather than a Daoist name usually indicated a distinguished family origin. The reputation of the Guo family of Red Reef Island was truly immense, and Kuang Yu also mentioned the East Sea. Li Ximing immediately grew vigilant, saying with a hint of doubt, “Guo family… Fellow Daoist, are you…?”

Upon hearing this, the newly introduced True Immortal Nanwu repeatedly shook his head, showing a hint of distaste, and replied with a smile, “I wouldn’t dare cultivate Binghuo!”