Chapter 1031: And the Immortal

Moonlight Lake.

The spring breeze blew, and abundant rain fell. Amidst the swaying wind, a young man descended. Dressed in white with a sword at his waist, he moved with the wind, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"Spring has returned. By my calculations, it's time to visit my uncle."

Time had flown by. Li Suining was now at the fifth level of Qi Condensation. As he rode the wind, manipulating light, he drew envious glances from those around him.

'In my previous life at this point... I was still in seclusion, striving for Qi Condensation!'

Ostensibly, Li Suining was pursuing knowledge and enlightenment. However, unlike other direct descendants of the Li family who focused on array formations, esoteric Daoist theories, or movement techniques, he ignored them all. For years, his sole focus had been on "cultivation."

There was no other reason; Li Suining had already mastered these things in his past life. As a former Foundation Establishment cultivator and one of the few pillars of the Li family who persevered until the very end, his Daoist cultivation was far superior to most on the lake.

His cultivation progress was even more astonishing. With the experience from his previous life, his cultivation speed was incredibly fast. He was now just a step away from the sixth level of Qi Condensation, and his ethereal core grew brighter, anticipating the imminent arrival of his immortal foundation.

Having achieved Foundation Establishment in the Li family in his past life, he clearly understood that once he passed these two stages, reaching the seventh level of Qi Condensation, the family's elixirs and spiritual medicines could elevate him to the ninth level, allowing him to touch the barrier of Foundation Establishment.

"I am only twenty years old this year. If I make this breakthrough, I could reach the ninth level of Qi Condensation around the age of twenty-two... that would be far too conspicuous!"

Compared to the family's two True Sovereigns, the Prince of Wei was incomparable, with only one Foundation Establishment cultivator appearing in their early twenties in many years. True Sovereign Zhaojing achieved Foundation Establishment at thirty-two or thirty-three; by calculation, they only reached the ninth level of Qi Condensation around twenty-eight or twenty-nine.

Therefore, he decided to slightly restrain himself, pausing at the sixth level of Qi Condensation. He began to gather people and forge connections on the lake, based on his memories from the past.

Li Suining was deep in thought when he suddenly paused mid-air. He looked into the distance and saw a man in a bamboo hat rowing a boat through the spring rain.

After just one glance, his expression became complex.

'So... Fifth Uncle-Grandfather is here.'

When Li Suining was reborn, he had actually seen Li Zhaoming early on, during the induction ceremony into the state. Li Zhaoming had made an appearance then, but he couldn't stand the quietude. After hearing only the beginning, he couldn't suppress his impatience and left immediately.

Li Suining was eager to find cultivation techniques, and later he met Li Jiangchun. However, Li Zhaoming, having stayed up all night watching a play, was sent into seclusion by Li Xuanxuan, causing them to miss the chance to meet.

Li Suining returned to the mountain only to find the True Sovereign consuming spiritual objects. He should have seized the opportunity to cultivate on Mount Zhijing, but after waiting and waiting, he didn't see Li Ximing. Instead, he met the Prince of Wei several times, which delayed him until today.

He had no idea that Li Ximing had also been sent into seclusion by Li Zhouwei. He simply thought the True Sovereign's whereabouts were unpredictable. In any case, the spiritual energy on Mount Zhijing was abundant, so his cultivation wasn't delayed at all.

His heart became uneasy. He flew closer through the rain and found the Fifth Young Master holding a crudely carved, broken wooden stick, seemingly spearing fish. Suddenly, upon seeing him, the man raised an eyebrow and chuckled:

"What a handsome young man!"

"...This..."

'Is that Fifth Uncle-Grandfather?'

Li Suining knew, of course, that this uncle-grandfather had a history of outlandish behavior in his younger years, at one point even speaking ill of elders. He was even their ancestor, Li Xixuan. But in his previous life, Li Suining had little contact with him on the lake. Seeing this dignified Foundation Establishment cultivator spearing fish seemed a little odd. He replied:

"This junior is Suining..."

"Heh."

The young master lifted the wooden stick, as if observing Li Suining's expression, then removed the fish from it and smiled:

"How could I not know! Come in and sit!"

Li Suining observed his noble demeanor and jovial expression, finding it hard to reconcile with the pale-faced, immortal-foundation-damaged clan leader he knew in his past life. Yet, accustomed to his commands, Li Suining instinctively landed on the boat.

As Li Zhaoming lifted the curtain, a warm breeze immediately wafted out. Inside, a bronze brazier glowed with red charcoal, and a young woman sat there, holding a pipa, her head bowed in waiting.

"This..."

Li Suining was startled, pulling back the foot he had already stepped inside. He stared blankly at Li Zhaoming.

Li Zhaoming sighed wistfully, shaking his head. "She comes from humble origins, displaced and lost, and happened to run into me. This spring chill is quite biting, so I'm letting her warm herself."

Li Suining hesitated, on the verge of speaking. 'This is quite hard to believe, Uncle-Grandfather.'

Li Zhaoming, however, appeared utterly oblivious. He hung the fish he was holding to one side, turned back, and chuckled, "Don't look at her; she's a poor child. How could she play something so refined? She entered the boat with empty hands, and I, being vain and wanting to appear refined, simply had her hold a pipa as decoration."

Li Suining was at a loss for how to respond. His throat felt dry. He stared at Li Zhaoming for a moment, then sat down by the edge, watching him pour wine, momentarily lost in thought.

The last time he had drunk wine in his previous life was with Li Zhouda. That uncle-grandfather of the clan was short-tempered, cruel, and had killed countless people. When Wang Qushuan led his troops south to fight against the Song, Li Suining had seen him off, watched him bravely depart, and fall in battle on the northern bank.

"Gulp..."

The wine was clear and fragrant. Li Zhaoming raised his hand, brought the cup to himself, took a sip, and then poured for Li Suining. Li Suining watched quietly, listening to Li Zhaoming chuckle, a hint of guilt in his voice as he said, "It's just that I met you today. If it were anyone else... I wouldn't bother with them... but... but..."

He refilled the wine and added, "It's to avoid Master Xia finding out..."

Only then did Li Suining remember that Li Zhaoming was henpecked. On the lake, Li Zhaoming could never win an argument with that aunt-grandmother. But in the Southern Frontier, it was different; Xia Shouyu had become gentle and an able wife... though no one had the heart to tease her anymore, and such times didn't last long.

Li Zhaoming simply gazed at him, smiling mischievously, "I've met your younger brother; he's truly brilliant. His great-grandfather... that Li Chengzai, understands nothing at all. I dislike him immensely, so everything has to be a burden on him!"

Hearing such unpleasant words from the young master, Li Suining was taken aback and quickly said, "The East Manor has many faults, and the elders may be confused... but the juniors shouldn't be blamed..."

He didn't want Li Suikuan to suffer. In his previous life, his younger brother had been melancholic every day because of their ancestors' affairs. In this life, he absolutely did not want to see that scene again. He gritted his teeth and whispered, "The affairs of the East Manor's ancestors are not solely my brother's concern..."

Li Zhaoming continued to watch him quietly, drinking with a smile on his lips, his gaze unwavering. Only then did he say, "I said he's burdened, not that I'd torment him. You're too protective."

Li Suining suddenly realized. He was accustomed to Li Zhaoming's decisive actions and methods for suppressing unrest in his previous life, but he had forgotten that the young master before him was merely a carefree idler on the lake at this time! Even if displeased, he wouldn't have the leisure to torment a junior!

Coming to this belated realization, Li Suining gave a relieved, bitter smile and repeatedly apologized. Li Zhaoming, however, praised him with a laugh, though a hint of doubt lingered in his brows. He joked, "Some people on the lake fear me, but you're the first among the direct descendants... What is there to fear about a useless person like me!"

Just as Li Suining was about to say more, his eyes suddenly flared with golden light, obscuring his vision. His true essence surged restlessly, his nose subtly bled, and the ethereal core in his Qi Sea bobbed up and down, constantly sensing something.

Li Zhaoming had already risen and stepped out. Li Suining, suppressing his discomfort, took a step forward and looked up at the sky!

The mid-heaven was ablaze with light, and a brilliant star suddenly rose!

'The Martial Cultivation Star... The Song Emperor has ascended! Yes, it's at this time. But back then, I was in seclusion, and my cultivation method wasn't this sensitive to the void...'

This familiar feeling of powerlessness, as if under the gaze of immortals and gods, surged into his heart, making Li Suining clench his teeth. During his years of cultivation, Li Suining had replayed this scene thousands of times, never forgetting the past:

'Can the Great Song be trusted? How much affection is there between the Li and Yang families?'

The Yang family and Yang Zhuo cannot be conflated. Yang Zhuo was Yang Zhuo of the Yang family; even in the end, he was only of equal status. But the Li family was the Li family of the Prince of Wei. If there were harmony or conflict between the Yang and Li families, it would be between the Yang family and the Prince of Wei.

'The Netherworld Bureau is using my family, and perhaps also using Yang Zhuo. With the immortal means of that person from the Netherworld Bureau, even if a True Monarch of Heavenly Martial emerges, it would be difficult for them to escape His grasp... But for the Netherworld Bureau, Yang Zhuo is more reliable than the Prince of Wei, no matter what.'

Precisely because of this, even after the Li family's defeat and their retreat to the Southern Frontier, and Li Zhaoming's demise transforming into the Green Water, Yang Zhuo remained their emperor. Until the day Li Suining perished, he never learned the ultimate fate of this emperor and his sagacious crown prince.

The only noteworthy point was that the Great Song Emperor and the Prince of Wei did not have a good relationship, even a cold one. Officially, there were numerous awards and promotions, but meetings between the Emperor and the Prince were exceedingly rare.

'The Great Song... a backing for my family, yet also a chain...'

He could only take a small breath, raise his eyebrows, and gaze at the lake, masking his emotions.

"The era of Subduing, Pacifying, and Celebrating Martial might... is about to begin."

Mountains rose, wreathed in light clouds, purple energy flowed, and palaces stood scattered.

At the highest point, the Purple Platform shimmered with golden light, and waterfall-like purple energy intertwined, coalescing into a woman in purple robes.

Her face was young, as if she had only recently achieved divine abilities. Her gaze towards the sky was filled with worry, and she hesitated slightly.

"The moon sets, the sun rises, at the cusp of dawn."

She stared intently, her pupils reflecting a small point of white light in the sky. For a long time, she remained silent, then after much hesitation, finally took out a purple talisman from her sleeve. Waving it gently between two fingers, she instantly stepped into a swath of purple light.

Within this blessed land, rich purple energy permeated everywhere. Amidst the vast expanse, there was only a jade seat and a small platform. As the True Sovereign took two steps forward, a hint of autumn yellow became visible.

It was a woman in an autumn-yellow robe, kneeling amidst the purple energy. Green patterns adorned the corners of her eyes, her face was beautiful but slightly weary, and her hands were clasped before her chest, silently circulating her divine abilities.

This was none other than True Sovereign Tinglan.

Hearing the movement, the woman turned her head slightly and asked, "Wenqing?"

The purple-robed True Sovereign knelt beside her, a position slightly inferior to hers, and whispered, "A bright star in broad daylight, the spiritual aura is changing. According to ancient texts, it signifies 'Subduing, Pacifying, and Celebrating Martial might'... and that star... is the Martial Cultivation Star."

True Sovereign Tinglan fell silent for a moment, then couldn't help but cough twice, a slight flush rising to her face. She replied, "It's not surprising, just shows how eager they are!"

True Sovereign Wenqing lowered her head, remaining silent, her tone filled with unease as she replied, "I don't know... I don't know where the Grand True Sovereign is... The current situation truly requires someone..."

Her words were cut short by Tinglan's shake of the head. Tinglan covered her lips with her hand, swallowed an elixir, causing white mist to scatter, and then replied, "Do you know there are words inscribed by the Ancestral Master behind this immortal seat?"

True Sovereign Wenqing paused, then nodded, listening as Tinglan said softly, "'Cultivate the true then attain the immortal; be neither agitated nor speak; seek the ultimate realm of purple qi, embrace the passive and sleep.'"

True Sovereign Wenqing looked up, but Tinglan offered a pale smile.

"Since returning from the north... I understood. Now it's even clearer. What is meant by 'cultivate the true then attain the immortal'—this 'true' is not the truth of the Dao, but the true qi. And 'attain the immortal' is not the immortal position of gold, but the immortal essence—it is our Dao's Heavenly Cultivation of Purple Qi Immortal Essence."

She coughed and raised an eyebrow. "Only when this Heavenly Martial True Qi is cultivated... will there be a path for Heavenly Cultivation and Purple Perception... Martial Uncle... Martial Uncle embracing the passive and sleeping, is just waiting for that day..."

True Sovereign Wenqing stared blankly at her, watching Tinglan lower her gaze and say, "Therefore, do not be agitated... therefore, do not speak!"

True Sovereign Wenqing had to let go of a fleeting thought and could only ask, "Then what about us?"

Tinglan had already stood up, stating softly, "The Daoist theories of all sects, the two Qis of Heavenly Cultivation and Heavenly Martial, should revere the Taihua Scripture. The scripture states: 'Heavenly Martial equalizes Yin and Yang on the left, Heavenly Cultivation revolves light and darkness on the right. Not only does it equalize Yin and Yang, but it also places itself within Yin and Yang. When both stand side by side, Heavenly Cultivation is Yin, and Heavenly Martial is Yang.'"

She turned her gaze to her junior, coughing. "It cannot be avoided. Heavenly Cultivation and Heavenly Martial are closely related, and True Qi favors our cultivation. Now, with Heavenly Martial prominent in the world, holding the revered position, the Purple Mist Blessed Land must be sensible."

True Sovereign Wenqing's eyebrows shot up in alarm. She finally realized the gravity of the situation, stood up from the ground, and frowned. "How can this be! We've already given up the entire Jiangnan region; is that not enough? Are we to disband the sect and all submit to the Yang family's command? How is that different from the destruction of the sect!"

When such a major issue was involved, the purple-robed True Sovereign immediately couldn't bear it. With a resolute expression, she said coldly, "Our Dao is the lineage of the Sun! Even if the sect is annihilated, the immortal gate may shatter, and the True Sovereigns may die, but there is absolutely no possibility of disgracing our ancestors!"

Not to mention the Purple Mist Sect being controlled by the Kan and Wen families, merely considering the Daoist traditions and the numerous disciples within the mountain, the arrogance of the Sun lineage naturally would not allow True Sovereign Wenqing to back down.

Tinglan, however, shook her head, reassuring her, "True Joy is not Mingyang. There's no reason to drag you out of the mountain for loyalty and filial piety. Furthermore, the Heavenly Cultivation of Purple Qi Immortal Essence is a floating lineage of immortal Dao, and our Purple Mist Sect is an auspicious and joyful image. What we want is the immortal sect; we will not allow you or me to be destroyed."

"Heavenly Martial and Heavenly Cultivation are akin; they will not be abolished without reason. It's merely opening the mountain gate and obeying the honored monarch's command. Heavenly Martial is extremely lenient towards the immortal Dao; haven't you seen the superior sect of Wanling?"

True Sovereign Wenqing quietly breathed a sigh of relief, yet she still felt a sense of loss. Tinglan's gaze, meanwhile, was filled with a hollow coldness. 'Is the dignity of the Sun lineage preserved just like this?'

How could True Sovereign Wenqing not know! She closed her eyes tightly, knelt in place for a long time, and murmured, "I... my Sun lineage... we gave Jiangnan to them... yet it's still not enough; they still want us to submit."

Tinglan shook her head grimly, her gaze slowly turning cold. She helped Wenqing up and said faintly, "One moment 'Sun lineage,' the next 'Sun lineage.' Haven't you heard that the sun's brilliance is no more? Everything has been about submission. Whether it was the Sima family, or the Li and Chen families, they never felt it was wrong; they were even ecstatic when they had the chance to submit..."

"Ultimately, you've stood at a high place for too long, enjoying the widespread distribution of spiritual resources to demonstrate the Sun's nobility, and now your knees can no longer bend."

A flush of crimson flashed across the face of the autumn-yellow robed woman. She stabilized the divine abilities within her body and said quietly, "Last year he knelt to me, today I bow to him. Even one as noble as a true dragon's son still suffered the slaughter of the Xuanhu! Even a True Monarch cannot be exempt. To be spared execution today and have our sect pardoned, what is there to resent!"