Chapter 1029: Wan Sheng

The sunlight shone brightly.

Li Ximing listened in the mountains for a while, silent for a long time, hearing Li Zhouwei say in a low voice: "This matter is far from over. With the new dynasty established and the conflict between North and South, the pressure from Lieyun in the East will grow. We still need to appease the Dragon Clan. In the end, not only can they not be trusted, but they might even become adversaries."

Li Ximing finally heard this, and a hint of helplessness flashed across his face: "Does the Li clan... not even have a place to breathe under the Dragon Clan's thumb?"

Li Zhouwei slightly turned his head, his gaze shifting from the other's face to the cup on the table, and shook his head: "That's not entirely true. Success, of course, means everything is fine. But if we fail, all our descendants must be cut off. However, Quewan and the other lineages could still become the Cui Clan of Chongzhou."

Li Ximing looked slightly doubtful, seeing Li Zhouwei reply: "This is also why I chose Quewan to go out... rather than Jiangqian. She is not a Golden-Eyed Disciple. If you and I arrange things well, and if she has even a slight chance of obtaining a Pill of Perfection in the future, it would be profitable. A place among the barbarians is not impossible." He emphasized, saying: "After all, the thunder of Liehai cannot be moved! I have seen that important person... she is highly valued by the Dragon Clan!"

These words made Li Ximing thoughtful. He pondered for a long time, found it somewhat reasonable, sighed, and nodded: "I just hope Aunt's words are effective in the Dragon Lord's presence." He added: "On the other hand, Jinyu... might cause trouble in the future!"

Li Zhouwei didn't bring it up, but instead recounted his observations from Chongzhou one by one. He took out the Sleeve Mansion Evolution to Perfection Art for Li Ximing, who didn't even have time to look at it closely, suddenly frowning and asking: "I'm somewhat familiar with the reputation of that important person, Jinyu. Given that... he rose from the ashes of the Wei dynasty's destruction, he surely doesn't want the Wei Emperor to cling to life. He might even have ideas about you... As for whether it's help..."

Li Zhouwei shook his head: "The schemes of that important person cannot be underestimated. Who knows if Jinyu's actions toward our family over the years have been part of his plan? As for you saying he rose from the bones of the Wei dynasty's demise... I don't quite see it that way. From the descriptions of his age, it seems more likely that he was already in a position of honor, and the fall of Great Wei was merely a ritual he used to legitimize himself."

"A ritual to legitimize himself..." His words were so blunt that Li Ximing fell silent, his heart pounding as he looked at the junior's piercing gaze: 'Does that mean... the Gengdui Transformation?'

'Since True Chi can achieve Green Dissolution and Water Harmony, the transfer between Geng and Dui likely originates from this True Lord Taiyuan... Such a wide-ranging transfer, involving almost all currently popular Gengdui spiritual objects, demonstrates the profound influence of True Lord Taiyuan on the current situation and his mastery over destiny!'

'The Gengdui Transformation... logically, there are two. Since this one is Dui, the other is likely Geng... I wonder from what era that person came.'

He dared not say more, quickly changing the subject and replying: "You're right. Tian Huo still owes me a favor. I don't know if it's intentional, but the more I look, the more I seem like a facade for our family's actions... The attitudes of those in high positions... there have actually been signs for a long time." The junior didn't pursue the topic, smiling: "But now, there's good news."

Then Li Zhouwei took out a box from his sleeve and placed it on the table: "This is Hearing Violet Qi."

Li Ximing lowered his brow, seeing the layers of hazy purple mist enveloping the box. Li Zhouwei said: "This item was obtained from Minghui. It aids in breaking through divine abilities and was specially prepared for you, Uncle. I estimate it's not far inferior to the Mingzhen Combined Spirit Pill... Since you've come out of seclusion, your immortal foundation must be complete, so it's perfect to take now."

"This..." Li Ximing was slightly stunned, picked it up to look, and frowned: "This is a good thing. I wonder if it can be used with the Mingzhen Combined Spirit Pill. It should be combined to help you pass through the Violet Contemplation stage..."

Li Zhouwei shook his head and smiled: "If the situation allows, it would be best for the Violet Contemplation immortal threshold to hold me back a bit, giving me more time to plan. There's no need for these things. Uncle, please take it and use it; your immortal threshold is what's important."

"I no longer hope for Violet Contemplation!" Li Ximing sighed: "I understand what you mean, but we must consider how the situation between the two sides changes. If they collude to cause harm on the lake, and you don't break through, people on the lake will surely die."

Li Zhouwei remained silent for a moment, not answering him. Watching him put away the spiritual item, he then said: "It was originally agreed for an exchange between the two parties. Unexpectedly, just as I returned to the lake, True Master Liao from Quyi Mountain arrived. Since Uncle He Baoshi was at the clan, I took the Hearing Violet Qi and had him deliver He Baoshi." Then he flipped his hand, revealing a dazzling golden, multi-colored pearl, with a somewhat mesmerizing power, allowing Li Ximing to examine it closely. The young man then smiled: "This is the true treasure!"

"Hmm?" Li Ximing suddenly raised his eyebrows in surprise, saying: "Lamplight?"

Li Ximing, being highly skilled in fire control, observed it with his spiritual sense, a pleased look on his face. After a while, he said: "It looks like Light-Red Evil Fire, the essence of 'lost lamplight' and its true form, drawing the malevolent energy of earth fire, a heat-stealing, life-destroying fire. It was originally an excellent spiritual fire for combat and slaying enemies, quite valuable... but it's been tampered with by Buddhist cultivators, adding a dazzling, disorienting aura, which isn't good." He questioned: "Did Minghui give this to you? He must want something!"

Li Zhouwei nodded: "First, it concerns Uncle's Soul-Listening Mulberry Wood, and second, he asks for the preservation of his dharma body when going south. But I don't trust him; he still has schemes, and I don't know what he's planning." These words made the Taoist rise, pacing around the mountains twice, yet he was reluctant to part with the spiritual fire in his hand. He said earnestly: "There's never a free lunch. He must have an agenda. Perhaps there's something fishy about this He Baoshi matter too."

Li Zhouwei nodded: "Lotus Temple has kept to itself for so many years; they must have a plan. I've considered this long ago. The Light-Red Evil Fire is not to be used... First, I'll try the Leap Yang Method. If I can't handle it, I'll need to find one or two cultivators of Fire Virtue to exchange it."

Li Ximing nodded in deep agreement, conjured a wisp of divine ability, and from it, extracted a wisp of luminous flame. Placing the flame on his fingertip, he performed three ritual bows with his divine ability, calculated for a long time, then shook his head with some hesitation: "The Leap Yang Method primarily uses the three True Li Male Fires, while Light-Red Evil Fire is a lamplight fire. I calculated with the Leap Yang Method... Although there's interference from Buddhist radiant light, it's very likely—it probably doesn't seem to be an ordinary spell." He withdrew his divine ability and mused: "This item could have been asked about True Master Junjian. He cultivates Fire Virtue and has many treasures, making him the most suitable, but I've inquired several times, and he's been seeking the Dao in Jieyu Land all these years, not returning south... Now that I think about it, he probably doesn't want to get involved in the turbulent waters of Yue Country."

"Now that Guo Nanzhu is here, I could ask him about the Brahma Vulture's 'Spiritual Sparrow Calamity Sun'..." Li Ximing hesitated for a moment, then shook his head: "It's a pity... Buddhist cultivators changed it with those strange spells, making it a hybrid. If we want to modify it, we'd have to invest more spiritual resources. It would be best if we could negotiate for them to take it back themselves to refine and purify it."

While he was deep in thought, Li Zhouwei asked: "Guo Nanzhu?" Li Zhouwei frowned, listening as Li Ximing explained the background information, which made the golden-eyed man stand up and ponder for a long time. "I was wondering why that True Master from Quyi Mountain was so enthusiastic..." After a long while, he looked up and smiled: "A good plan, and bold."

Li Ximing shook his head somewhat helplessly, hearing Li Zhouwei smile: "After all, our family will certainly benefit in the future. They've lost their solar radiance and are in an awkward position, needing to endure this chaotic era. Their old True Master does have sharp insight, but this thirty-year agreement is certainly conservative."

"Even if I, Li Zhouwei, were to die trying to obtain a position, it would be more than thirty years." Li Ximing replied: "How could I not know? Kuang Yu told me long ago that their old True Master won't last much longer. The two sides complement each other. My agreement with Guo Nanzhu today is a matter of mutual need... At least, it will save us a lot of trouble." He added: "As for thirty years... it's just testing the waters."

Li Zhouwei then secretly nodded and smiled: "Coincidentally, I hurried back and didn't have time to go to Nanshun Luojia. If this person is trustworthy, I'll let him handle it on the way."

Li Ximing said solemnly: "The Qingyan matter also... Quyi Mountain is trustworthy, but Guo Nanzhu might not be. We have no power in the South Sea, nor can we keep an eye on his clan members. Moreover... as a mere Purple Mansion cultivator, if he's shameless enough, he can escape and hide anywhere in the world, and how would we ever find him? First, entrust him with small tasks to test his character."

Seeing that Li Ximing had a clear understanding, Li Zhouwei felt relieved. But Li Ximing shook his head and said: "However, I have something to consider... Back then, when I practiced secret arts, I could benefit greatly from the insights provided by holding the spiritual treasure 'Huaijiang Map'... So today, when Jiangqian was cultivating, I took the 'Two Bright Instruments of Heavy Fire' to him." A hint of doubt appeared on his face: "But... the Two Bright Instruments of Heavy Fire offered little help to his cultivation..."

Li Zhouwei's cultivation of secret arts was done in one go back then, and he didn't think about spiritual treasures or not. He hadn't considered this aspect, but his current cultivation level is not low. After a moment's thought, he replied: "I've also seen that spiritual treasure. The Huaijiang Map is not ordinary; it wasn't originally a top-grade treasure, but it has the handwriting of True Lord Shangyao on it, which is how it gained its profundity..."

Li Ximing understood then, feigning a gnashing of teeth as he smiled: "Sooner or later, I'll get that thing!"

Li Zhouwei chuckled and shook his head, asking: "Have you paid attention to the matter of the Ten Thousand Chariots Light-Slaying Emperor's Tome, Uncle?"

"This is important, I can't forget it!" Li Ximing smiled: "The Ten Thousand Chariots Light-Slaying Emperor's Tome states that one must gather the 'reverent light energy,' which requires the aura of a revered clan position, or the patronage of imperial aura. This can be taken from places where spears are broken and swords buried, or where noble figures have fallen, or from halls where mandates are received and enemies purged, with thousands of armored people worshipping, and aided by the Bright Yang sky; only then can one obtain a wisp in half a year."

This made Li Zhouwei ponder deeply, frowning: "So much trouble is still required?" Li Ximing's expression was strange as he replied: "No need. I investigated with my divine ability and sent people to each place. This magnificent Moon-Gazing Lake has as many as four suitable mountains and halls that can be chosen, even... even on the north shore."

Li Zhouwei immediately nodded: "That's true. Moon-Gazing Lake has experienced a century of bloodshed and tears; it certainly deserves such energy." Li Ximing, still pondering, replied: "After much deliberation, I felt that imperial aura was stronger than other things. The Great Jue Court, being where generations of kings resided, is also more noble and convenient than other places, so I collected the energy there." He added: "Counting the days, it will only take three or four years."

Li Zhouwei was not in a hurry. His cultivation speed was extremely fast. It hadn't been long since he achieved the Jun Dao Wei stage. Too much is as bad as too little; continuously refining divine abilities, even with his destiny, would be too much for him. He just nodded and said: "Thank you for your trouble, Uncle."

Li Ximing's expression grew somewhat complex as he replied: "Actually... Meichi Mountain behind our ancestral land could also be used, but it's not a treasure land, and its Qi flow is somewhat stagnant, so collecting energy there probably wouldn't be very smooth." He added: "That place... is where our Zhongmai ancestor... Grandfather Tongya fell, and it was my second uncle who received the mandate..." This made Li Zhouwei fall silent for a moment, then he replied: "Minghuang swore to kill Shen Lufu."

"Alas!" Ever since breaking through the Changxiao, Li Ximing's thoughts had been troubled, and the Dragon Clan matter made him anxious. Now, with this single sentence, he choked up and replied: "This... situation, how will it end? It looks like a blazing inferno, yet there are deities above, causing trouble everywhere, and you, suffering, still have to remember the Demon King of the Southern Border..."

Li Zhouwei silently shook his head and replied: "Uncle... this matter cannot be calculated that way. Even if Zhouwei is swept up by the grand currents of the world, the ancestors' revenge must be exacted! As for where Zhouwei is powerless, he will bravely sacrifice himself, and this revenge will naturally be left for descendants to complete." He comforted Li Ximing with these words, making him seem to receive some promise. Li Ximing secretly sighed, feeling even more dejected. He composed himself, stood up, put away the Hearing Violet Qi, and sighed: "I will now go and adjust my breath. The success or failure of my divine ability depends on this battle! I must not relax easily."

Li Zhouwei nodded, saw him out of the mountain, then stood still amidst the swirling flower petals, suddenly falling silent. The golden-eyed young man walked a circle with his hands behind his back, his gaze cold: 'In the past, I felt that none of the sons could survive, so I didn't enter the family register. But now... I fear the entire clan might easily be overthrown!'

He gently extended his hand, his sleeve with golden patterns shimmering in the sunlight. One or two gardenia petals fell onto his palm: 'Uncle... actually, there's nothing left for descendants to avenge. I, your junior, will kill Shen Lufu because what I bear and what I am fixated on should end with me. Zhouwei isn't fighting for the past, nor the present, nor for three or ten generations, but for the glory that will never fall for ten thousand ages.'

'It's been nearly two thousand years... The Mingyang lineage, so unstable and antagonistic to the mountain, a lineage that has consumed nearly two millennia of Luoxia Mountain's efforts, cannot tolerate even the slightest further change.'

'I don't believe Luoxia and the Dragon Clan have no arrangements for Mingyang, nor do I believe there are no grand cultivators of Mingyang in the Dragon Palace and on the mountain. There's no turning back on this path. If father falls, and the son cannot take his place, then others will. Even if they can't sit steadily, they'll sit on the side, ambitiously waiting. No matter if others can sit or not, as long as they still want to sit, is there any way for the direct descendants to survive?'

After all... He murmured with a hint of self-mockery: "As long as the position has an owner, who cannot sit?"

A gentle breeze swept through the mountains, carrying away all the white flowers in his palm. The young man had vanished, leaving only the scattered white flowers and the utterly silent immortal mountain bathed in sunlight. The grand formation slowly closed, freezing everything in the past.

The sunlight in the mountains was silent, but the clouds to the east kept swirling, alternating between the forms of intertwining serpents and water-and-fire. The fire's glow grew fainter and was soon driven back north.