Chapter 1048: Liuhe

The river surged, churning with spray.

Long, pale blue stone walls, adorned with mysterious patterns, stood along the riverbank, washed by the surging water. On a high, ornate terrace, a man in crimson robes gazed into the distance, a silent expression on his face.

Standing beside him was a man in black, who appeared much more mature and possessed deeper cultivation. He wore a polite smile as he spoke:

"Brother-in-law, you've worked hard. The Changrang Army is already stationed on the bank; you can leave this place to me."

Hearing the address, the man in crimson robes turned, revealing a refined face. It was Li Jiangzong, currently in charge of affairs, who had clearly achieved Foundation Establishment and emerged from seclusion.

The man in black was Sima Xunhui, Li Queyi's husband. Both Li Queyi and Li Jiangzong came from the paternal line, born of the same father, making their relationship extremely close. Naturally, Sima Xunhui was also quite close to them.

Li Jiangzong sighed and replied:

"Then I'll trouble you, brother-in-law."

Sima Xunhui was adept at leveraging situations. Regardless of his true thoughts, he always managed to maintain harmonious relations between the various families. He immediately chuckled:

"I once visited the lake years ago, cherishing the memory that the lake and river scenery are unmatched in Jiangnan. I even fished in the river. Now, being stationed here, I'm truly feasting my eyes."

Sima Xunhui represented the Song court and the Sima family, stationed on the riverbank to prepare for any southward advance from the north. Although his troops were not numerous, it was still a shared burden for the Li family, and Li Jiangzong replied politely:

"It's the rainy season, so the river is even wider. I went to the river yesterday and saw that there have always been conflicts over the years, with many casualties. The fish in the river have grown plump from it, but they're full of fingernails and are no longer fit to eat."

Sima Xunhui sighed in silence, while Li Jiangzong pointed:

"Yesterday, Guest Official Ding's ambush was successful, and he captured a group of people. Finally, a Zhao general was caught and is now held in the pavilion; you can go see him."

The two then descended the steps. Sima Xunhui spoke earnestly:

"I came precisely for this matter! Our True Monarch observed for a long time and finally intercepted the Mahā who was rushing here in the Great Void. We must thank your esteemed clan for your cooperation!"

Li Jiangzong waved his hand and shook his head.

More than three years had passed since the great war that established the Great Song Dynasty. On the northern bank, the grand formation had been rebuilt, tall city walls erected to connect with the formation, and troops stationed, making the defenses impregnable.

Perhaps the war three years ago had also inflicted a heavy blow on the north, as there had been significant friction between the north and south over the past three years. Occasionally, some Liánmǐn and Mahā would cross the river to probe, but ultimately there were no proper duels. Clearly, things had become much more peaceful.

The Li family members had benefited greatly. Li Minggong, Li Zhouda, and others had recovered from their injuries, and their cultivation methods and Dao attainments had progressed. Li Jiangzong had also survived this deadly tribulation. Yet, he still harbored many worries:

'King Wei is injured... According to True Monarch Qinghu, his injury is severe, and he certainly won't be able to act for the next few years. True Monarch Zhaojing remains in seclusion, nowhere to be seen. All matters concerning the lake have to trouble True Monarch Qinghu, and over time, this is truly not a sustainable solution...'

Li Jiangzong led the way to the highest terrace. It was still early, but the sixteen lampstands in the plaza were brightly lit. The grand hall's doors were tightly shut, and two guards knelt silently before them, heads bowed.

It was clear that someone was already inside. Li Jiangzong calculated the time and understood, turning back with a smile:

"It seems Father has come to the bank and is in the hall... I'll take you to meet him."

"So it's my esteemed father-in-law!"

Li Zhoufang's talent was not outstanding, his cultivation was not deep, and he had no great reputation. Yet, no matter what, he was Sima Xunhui's father-in-law. This scion of a Purple Palace (Zifu) straightened his robes and followed closely behind his brother-in-law. As Li Jiangzong stepped forward, the hall doors creaked open on their own.

Father Li Zhoufang was indeed inside, standing at the very end of the hall. A woman in red robes adorned with gold, radiating surging True Fire energy, and a formidable man in brilliant armor with a swallow-like jaw and tiger-like beard stood on either side of the main seat, both silent and turned slightly sideways.

In the center of the hall knelt a man with a rather sharp and extremely pale face. He wore noble armor, and as he knelt, he closed his eyes and remained silent, appearing stubborn.

Yet, this man, clearly at Foundation Establishment, was pale-faced and beardless. His helmet had already been removed, and his head was bald, without a single strand of hair—he was most likely a Buddhist practitioner.

Li Jiangzong stepped inside. Ding Weizheng immediately cupped his hands and whispered:

"True Monarch Qinghu instructed that he not be harmed... and he refuses to speak."

Everyone exchanged glances, finally turning their attention to Sima Xunhui. To their surprise, this Sima family cultivator was also utterly bewildered and smiled wryly:

"We'll probably have to wait for the True Monarch's command!"

But just then, a misty white light filled the entire hall, floating softly like morning mist. The formidable man with the swallow-like jaw and tiger-like beard had already knelt down, as if a golden mountain had toppled and a jade pillar collapsed:

"Your subordinate greets the True Monarch!"

In the very center of the main seat, a middle-aged man in white and gold Daoist robes had suddenly appeared and was seated!

This man had long, relaxed eyebrows, authoritative eyes, and a brilliant golden light on his brow. His facial features were natural, and despite his casual demeanor, he exuded an inviolable, awe-inspiring dignity.

'True Monarch!'

It was precisely True Monarch Zhaojing, Li Ximing!

Perhaps it was because his divine abilities had become more profound, but the current Li Ximing seemed subtly different from what Li Jiangzong remembered. His facial features had undergone slight changes. Li Jiangzong didn't dare to look closely, only feeling that his eyebrows were a bit longer and his nose bridge more prominent. He still looked the same, yet he now possessed an extremely distinct aura of majesty.

A mix of surprise and apprehension flooded his mind. After a moment of stunned silence, Li Jiangzong retracted the foot he had half-raised onto the steps, dropped to his knees with a thud, and reverently said:

"This junior greets the True Monarch and congratulates the True Monarch on the great accomplishment of his divine ability!"

While Li Jiangzong was still somewhat relaxed in his own great hall, Sima Xunhui, already a bit reserved, reacted more quickly. He immediately prostrated himself behind his brother-in-law, only then hearing a faint voice from above:

"Jiangzong has reached Foundation Establishment. Not bad."

Li Jiangzong hastily uttered some auspicious words about the True Monarch's divine blessings. Li Ximing, with a relaxed brow and a smile, nodded for him to rise.

"You may all rise."

Sima Xunhui quickly stood up, took a few steps forward, and stood beside someone to the side. Li Jiangzong quickly raised his eyebrows and glanced over. On the guest seat beside them, a man in green robes had appeared at some point. He didn't dare to look at his face, but based on Sima Xunhui's actions, it had to be True Monarch Qinghu.

Neither of the True Monarchs displayed any divine abilities, yet the atmosphere in the hall instantly became solemn. Only the Zhao general's face was slightly flushed. He raised his eyebrows, revealing a hateful expression, and opened his mouth as if to curse.

But Li Ximing, having just received a cup from Li Minggong, quietly looked at him.

His face was like warm, polished jade, and the divine light in his eyes was subtly restrained, like a profound spirit seated within a shrine. The floating white light in the hall was like a curtain before the shrine, making him mysterious and impossible to look at directly.

This gaze instantly left the Zhao general bewildered. In an instant, it was as if something swept across his face; the hatred, like foul air, was completely blown away by an unseen force, vanishing from his features. He shuffled forward twice on his knees, his eyes revealing deep, irrepressible reverence, and he cried:

"Your subordinate greets the lord!"

The spiritual shackles tightly binding him clanked to the ground. The man stood up and naturally knelt before Ding Weizheng, beneath the main seat, blending in respectfully with the rest of the Li family members.

For a moment, a chill ran through the hall; even Ding Weizheng's eyelids twitched, feeling a slight apprehension in his heart.

Li Ximing didn't spare him another glance. He nodded slightly towards Sima Xunhui, who, as the direct descendant of the Sima family, quickly bowed in salute. Li Ximing took a sip of tea and said quietly:

"Speak."

This was clearly directed at the Zhao general, who then respectfully stated:

"This subordinate, Li Jie, is from Lingbei. I cultivated under the Great Mufa Realm and followed Grand Chan Mahā south, obeying orders in the army..."

Li Ximing looked thoughtfully at Sima Yuanli. True Monarch Qinghu nodded slightly, his expression grave, and replied:

"This year, I observed significant troop movements on the opposite bank, all figures from the Great Mufa Realm. I felt there must be some arrangement in the north, which is why I devised a plan to capture one... It just so happened that you emerged from seclusion, so we can discuss countermeasures."

Li Ximing frowned slightly.

He naturally knew Grand Chan's name, and even through that female Liánmǐn from back then... he knew that this Mahā also possessed the Wei-Li bloodline!

'This is not good news...'

As he pondered carefully, Sima Yuanli observed his expression, chuckled, and with a hint of envy in his voice, sighed:

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Zhaojing... this is truly rare... truly rare!"

Emerging from seclusion today, his Destiny Divine Ability, "Illumination of All Under Heaven," had been perfected!

A Destiny Divine Ability held a completely different meaning for cultivators across the world. It was not only a shadow cast over the hearts of all lower cultivators but also a crucial means to complete the Purple Palace rank. Now that he had achieved it overnight, he appeared utterly transcendent, like a completely different person!

'This was truly not easy!'

Li Ximing felt quite emotional.

The cultivation of a Destiny Divine Ability placed great emphasis on Dao attainment and fate, making it inherently difficult. For the current Li Ximing, it was exceptionally challenging. This time, he remained in seclusion for five or six years straight, and even came close to failure!

'I was a bit too hasty this time... Although I refined pills every year and became increasingly proficient in the Dao of Mingyang, strictly speaking, my Dao attainment was still a step short... If not for that 'Listening to Purple Qi' that perfectly compensated in this regard... I would have failed again this time!'

Currently, Li Zhouwei's Dao attainment was just below that of a Grand True Monarch, while Li Ximing, during his seclusion, was merely at the early stage of a typical Purple Palace cultivator. Many True Monarchs with extremely high Dao attainment had not managed to cultivate a Destiny Divine Ability, let alone him.

Yet, with success achieved overnight, his Dao attainment had advanced considerably. He felt quite pleased and relieved, raising his eyebrows with a smile:

"Just luck..."

Sima Yuanli shook his head and remarked with emotion:

"That's not necessarily true. Firstly, your family's fate is high, and secondly... you are exceptionally skilled, Fellow Daoist... My elders also advised that if one cannot achieve the Dao with a Destiny Divine Ability, and talent permits, one should try to cultivate it as their second divine ability. After all, the later you cultivate divine abilities, the harder it becomes; the third divine ability is even more difficult. If you wait until you encounter the Purple Realm to cultivate a Destiny Divine Ability... that would be truly foolish!"

Sima Yuanli truly felt a touch of envy in his heart. His Dao lineage was clear, and now that his Destiny Divine Ability had become the foundation of his Dao, he still had no certainty of success... Yet, the situation was urgent, allowing no room for his strength to remain stagnant. His heart had been troubled, so how could he not be envious upon seeing Li Ximing overcome this great hurdle?

Li Ximing smiled faintly as he listened to his words.

With the divine ability perfected, the world in his eyes was utterly transformed!

Streaks of mysterious light, like luminous pearls, descended upon everyone's heads. They varied in color, but their light was pure and bright, some full, others shriveled. They corresponded with their spiritual energy cultivation, and this was the perception of "Illumination of All Under Heaven"!

In other words, everyone in the entire hall was enveloped by his Destiny Divine Ability. Even beyond the hall, wherever his spiritual sense reached, it was covered by "Illumination of All Under Heaven."

The wonders of this Destiny Divine Ability were mainly divided into two parts: primary and secondary. The most significant part was its miraculous effect on Li Ximing himself, hailed as 'born of the divine, formed by kingly endeavors, master of the Six Directions, balancer of heaven and earth, partner to spirits and gods, questioner of the universe.'

This part of the wonder was related to his own Dao attainment, influence, and status. Once activated, "Illumination of All Under Heaven" would bestow its blessings, conjuring a Six Directions Light from nothingness, which could command containment, dispelling evil and misfortune.

This Six Directions Light was closely associated with "Illumination of All Under Heaven" and highly correlated with the Dao attainment of the Mingyang path. Besides its use in combat, it also had the so-called functions of balancing heaven and earth and questioning the universe, meaning it could be used for divination and seeking answers.

Aside from the Six Directions Light, the other wonders further highlighted the uniqueness of this Destiny Divine Ability.

If a Mingyang Purple Palace cultivator were compared to a mortal, then "Paying Homage at the Heavenly Gate" would be like a sharp weapon in hand, "Lord's Perilous Tread" like armor on the body, while the wondrous aspect of "Illumination of All Under Heaven" was more like intangible qualities such as appearance, strength, demeanor, cultivation, temperament, and fortune.

This divine ability was unlike "Paying Homage at the Heavenly Gate," which had concepts of summoning and restraining. "Illumination of All Under Heaven" was more like an innate characteristic's ascension, naturally formed...

Rather than saying the wonder of "Illumination of All Under Heaven" covered a certain area, it was more accurate to say it enveloped the power dynamics of a faction.

This divine ability governed promotion and demotion. Those close to and cherished by the ability's master would receive the grace of promotion and advancement from "Illumination of All Under Heaven." Heavenly light would be born in their Qi Sea, enabling them to dispel evil with righteous thoughts and illuminate their true origins.

Its miraculous aspect, used to control subordinates, ensured that those removed from their positions would not harbor disloyalty, and those who died in service would not bear resentment. For example, if individuals like Ding Weizheng or Qu Bushi harbored disloyalty or resentment, he would immediately sense it!

Once sensed, if anger arose in his heart and he reprimanded them, he could even strip these individuals of their cultivation. Qi Condensation and Embryonic Breathing stages were needless to say, but even someone at the peak of Foundation Establishment like Ding Weizheng, with just a single word from him, could have decades of his cultivation undone, falling in an instant to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage.

Furthermore, the complementary wonders of "Illumination of All Under Heaven" did not stop there. A mere sweep of the aforementioned Six Directions Light could instantly make a person disoriented and utterly forget themselves, causing them to regard his every command and word as sacred.

'While it wouldn't transform them into a completely different person, like a monarch reincarnated... unless broken by a special Destiny Divine Ability of another Purple Palace cultivator, this person would consistently pledge loyalty according to my instructions, until their death or the dissipation of their Dao! Over a long period, they might even completely lose their minds... and even if other Purple Palace cultivators intervened, they couldn't be saved.'

At the same time, "Illumination of All Under Heaven," as the culmination of the Mingyang method, was capable of responding to "Paying Homage at the Heavenly Gate"!

Once "Paying Homage at the Heavenly Gate" was unleashed, golden-armored figures in golden robes would appear throughout the sky. These summoned armored soldiers possessed only the strength of Qi Condensation or Foundation Establishment. Aside from some combat instincts, they had no sentience. Without some Wei Kingdom techniques, they would always be no match for a Purple Palace cultivator, merely a matter of a single breath.

However, the wonder of the Six Directions Light, known as 'partner to spirits and gods,' lay precisely here. As soon as the golden-armored figures throughout the sky received a gentle touch from the Six Directions Light, their sentience would greatly increase. If his Dao attainment reached a certain level, he could even use the Six Directions Light to coalesce divine abilities, transforming them into golden-armored immortal generals capable of participating in battles between Purple Palace cultivators.

'This... must be a manifestation of the Wei-Li Heavenly Dynasty's methods!'