Chapter 1051: Preparing Purple

Li Jiangqian came up from the mountain and knelt in the woods, respectfully saying:“Congratulations, Esteemed One, on achieving divine ability… This junior is overjoyed and deeply honored.”

Li Ximing hadn’t seen him for quite some time. Having been in reclusive cultivation for years and rarely involving himself in worldly affairs, he noticed Li Jiangqian’s attire had been simplified to just a light white Daoist robe, which was quite a change. Li Ximing looked him up and down and smiled:“Your time is precious; I’ve made you wait too long.”

Li Jiangqian bowed and said respectfully:“It was not a long wait. This junior listened to my cousin Jiangchun describe the changes over the years in the mountains and pondered deeply, realizing how swiftly the situation has evolved… far exceeding expectations. The matter of divine abilities should not be delayed…”

Li Ximing knew he always had his own ideas and wondered what he might be thinking now. He asked:“I hear… Jianglong has been ordered to guard the wilderness, and Jiangxia is currently still in the Imperial Capital. Both brothers have their own ambitions, and the Purple Gold Palace is a great opportunity… What are your thoughts on this?”

Li Jiangqian smiled and replied:“This is not for this junior to comment on. My brothers are devoted and will certainly not neglect our family.”

Li Ximing simply shook his head and asked:“How is your cultivation progressing?”

Li Jiangqian’s expression turned serious, and he said in a low voice:“Of the four secret arts in the *Heavenly Departure at Sunset Scripture*, the third, ‘Laying Snares,’ is complete. Only ‘Righteous Flame’ remains, and its difficulty is extremely high. This junior has studied it closely; its profound intricacies are as vast as the sea. I’m afraid… it cannot be mastered in five or six years. If things go smoothly, it might take ten.”

Li Ximing already felt a headache coming on after hearing this. As a cultivator of the Purple Mansion realm himself, he had witnessed the difficulty of secret arts. He knew that the ‘Bright Yang Secret Art’ he had studied back then was fully analyzed and explained clearly… far simpler than the scroll Li Jiangqian held!*After all, not everyone can compare to his father…*

Li Jiangqian didn’t elaborate on his own progress but bowed slightly and said:“Over the years, several secret letters have been sent home from overseas, all from my sister Quewan. Her progress is not slow; the Hou Shu Golden Book has five secret arts, and she has already mastered three of them!”

“Three?” Li Ximing was slightly surprised.

Due to her long-term cultivation of witchcraft, Li Quewan’s cultivation speed had lagged behind Li Jiangqian’s. When Li Jiangqian was cultivating the second secret art, "Heavenly Apricot," she had only just begun studying secret arts. Now, her speed was surprisingly faster!

Li Jiangqian nodded and smiled:“The witchcraft she has cultivated over these years has greatly aided her Dao cultivation and significantly helped her master secret arts. Even though her techniques are more difficult than mine, she is still a bit faster than me.”

Li Ximing nodded with a smile, moving past the subject. He calculated on his fingers, frowning inwardly:*‘Righteous Flame’ will take ten years… and that’s if things go smoothly. Then, secluded cultivation to break through to the Purple Mansion realm… by my standards, that’s another ten years. Over twenty years will pass in a flash. By then… Minghuang might already be a Grand True Master.*

Li Jiangqian was truly young. In Li Ximing’s opinion, if the situation were stable, he could afford to wait not just twenty, but even forty or sixty years… Yet, Li Ximing understood Li Zhouwei’s dilemma:*To suppress the Buddhist cultivators, he ideally needs assistance from a Purple Mansion cultivator. Estimating the cultivation time, twenty-plus years… is a bit too long…*

He secretly looked at Li Jiangqian and whispered:“Righteous Flame… is it absolutely necessary to cultivate?”

Li Jiangqian immediately understood his meaning and said seriously:“This junior came precisely to discuss this matter with True Master—it would be better to abandon this art and directly seek divine abilities!”

He paused slightly, showing a hint of regret, and replied:“When True Master was in reclusive cultivation back then, this junior had already asked the Elder, but the Elder strongly refused, insisting that I complete all secret arts before attempting it… So I had to return to my cave dwelling…”

Li Xuanxuan’s protective instincts were stronger. Li Ximing, however, was different. He frowned and nodded, responding:“If it’s not smooth, it’s over ten years… we really can’t wait that long… If you put in that effort and then take the pills, it would already be enough for you to cultivate an additional divine ability…”

One must know that Li Jiangqian had not yet received his official ordination… If all went smoothly, the two divine abilities he would acquire after breaking through to the Purple Mansion realm would be extremely simple. Reaching the Mid-Purple Mansion stage would not only be a certainty but would also happen with astonishing speed!*A Mid-Purple Mansion cultivator fifteen years earlier… that’s enough to change the situation.*

As Li Ximing pondered for a long time, Li Jiangqian, kneeling on the ground, was equally thoughtful, his emotions complex and cautious.According to his personality, he would never allow the slightest mistake in something as life-threatening as breaking through to the Purple Mansion realm, nor would he let go of any opportunity to increase his success rate. But the current situation… the more he heard, the more wrong it felt.*Father is seeking Mingyang… and the North-South conflict is fierce. If something goes wrong, it will inevitably be a world-ending catastrophe…*

His heart sank:*I originally thought Father’s protection would be more than sufficient for three hundred years, but now it seems that might be far from enough. The matter of seeking gold depends on the world’s circumstances and will certainly not exceed one hundred years; in extreme cases, it might even be only sixty or seventy years…*

Throughout Moon-Gazing Lake, the person Li Jiangqian was least certain about was his own father, Li Zhouwei. How much confidence did Li Zhouwei truly have? He had no idea. In such circumstances, Li Jiangqian always prepared for the worst.*Once something happens to Father, I need to have enough strength to protect myself… ideally, I should already be a Grand True Master… valuable enough to be regarded by important figures…*

Under these circumstances, Li Jiangqian could no longer wait. One ‘Righteous Flame’ would take over ten years… Time was fleeting; where would he find another ten years for himself?*Mid-Purple Mansion isn't difficult, but considering the renowned Purple Immortal Threshold, I cannot wait any longer.*

Driven by these considerations, Li Jiangqian solemnly bowed before the True Master and said seriously:“Father is caught in the North-South entanglement, and misfortunes frequently befall the Lake. In this time of crisis, Jiangqian is unwilling to wait any longer!”

Li Ximing nodded gravely and comforted him:“You don’t need to be nervous. I’ve considered this matter deeply.”

He took out a box from his sleeve, revealing the spiritual item within.Inside the box was a golden treasure bead, perfectly round and brilliant. Its surface had layers of feather-like floating patterns, and dense golden light brewed within, revealing an extremely profound aura of separation fire. Li Ximing said earnestly:“I also inquired about this item; it is the Golden Separation Treasure Amber. It greatly aids cultivators of separation fire, capable of enhancing divine abilities and forging magic artifacts, though it cannot be consumed when injured… It is also an extremely suitable spiritual item for breakthroughs!”

This item was obtained from the Separation Fire Palace within the Grotto-Heaven back then, prepared by the senior surnamed Lu for the lineage successor. It was clearly carefully selected. Li Ximing first handed this item to him, then took out a jade bottle and said:“This item is the Embracing Feather Harmonizing Heart Pill. It was obtained when I was refining elixirs for a separation fire demon king in Puluoduo. It is a Purple Mansion elixir, and the ingredients used were extremely solid, acquired to exchange for spiritual fire, so it can greatly enhance spiritual wonders… It is more than enough for your use.”

Li Jiangqian quickly took it. Before he could express his gratitude, Li Ximing waved his hand to silence him. With a flip of his palm, he revealed a spiritual treasure, perfectly spherical like a golden elixir—it was the Dual Luminous Heavy Fire Instrument!

Li Ximing said:“This item is an extremely valuable spiritual treasure and also belongs to your father. He had long intended to give it to you, but I have been keeping it for him. It contains a wondrous Daoist power, which can assist in cultivating divine abilities related to the true fire of separation fire.”

He smiled slightly and replied:“It is precisely because of such a wonderful spiritual treasure that I am willing to let you enter reclusive cultivation early!”

Li Ximing’s series of actions were undoubtedly deliberate. He said meaningfully:“Back then, your father entered reclusive cultivation hastily at sea and didn’t have the conditions you have now, let alone myself… These items… even ordinary Immortal Sects cannot fully prepare them. Your father prepared each of them for you; you must remember that.”

Li Jiangqian’s eyes welled up with tears, and he bowed, saying:“This junior will always remember the family’s kindness… and will certainly live up to your trust…”

Li Ximing sighed slightly and asked:“Have you chosen a location?”

Li Jiangqian shook his head and sighed:“Nowhere but on the Lake… I wouldn’t feel at ease elsewhere.”

Li Ximing had considered Zhengtang Manor, pondering inwardly:*The spiritual aura of Jiangnan should not change, and it’s actually a bit safer than overseas. What I fear is the slight chance that our family might not be able to defend it, and it will eventually be breached…**Quewan is certainly in Zhengtang Manor, so it’s better for Jiangqian to be on the Lake. If they cultivate in separate locations, should one place encounter an issue, at least one of them can be preserved.*

He agreed, flicked his sleeve, and said seriously:“You will cultivate in seclusion within the inner formation. The spiritual energy there is stable, and no one will disturb you. I will personally activate the Dual Luminous Heavy Fire Instrument, locking the spiritual treasure within the grand formation with my divine ability, to assist your breakthrough to divine abilities!”

Amidst the Isles.

Divine light always shone brightly on Zhijing Mountain. Leaving this mountain and travelling to the Lake, the radiance dimmed considerably. Li Suining, covered in dust from his journey, arrived and landed before the high hall amidst the Isles, just as he saw a man in a rough linen robe quickly descending.

“Guest Official Nantan!”

Li Suining gave a slight bow, and Nantan Chen cupped his hands and smiled:“Greetings, Young Master!”

Similar to his previous life, Nanzhang cultivator Nantan Chen, whose origins were not particularly prestigious, had revealed his talent in alchemy and quickly took over the family’s alchemical responsibilities. Li Suining had come to visit the Elder, Li Xuanxuan. Seeing Nantan Chen descend from there, he knew that Nantan Chen had personally reported to the Elder. He smiled kindly and said:“Congratulations, Guest Official.”

Nantan Chen shook his head, bowed, and soon departed. As Li Suining watched his retreating figure, a sense of strangeness and emotion arose within him.*Chen Jinxi… he actually fell…*

Chen Jinxi was Chen Yang’s son and the pillar of the Chen family. His cultivation once reached the late Foundation Establishment stage. He and Chen Jingguang were known as the Twin Prodigies of the Chen clan. Though not widely famous, they were at least among the top ranks of non-Li family cultivators on the Lake.*This battle was inexplicably fierce, causing his death. Even Nantan Chen expressed deep regret and went to offer condolences…*

This was what Li Suining found strange: in his previous life, Nantan Chen had been suppressed by Chen Jinxi his entire life, constrained at every turn. The conflict between them was extremely bitter… The entire Chen family had never shown Nantan Chen any respect. If Nantan Chen had learned of Chen Jinxi’s death, he should have burst into laughter.*Instead, Chen Yang lost a pillar of her family and immediately became subdued, with no mind to bother Nantan Chen. That’s why Nantan Chen has risen so quickly in this life…*

He was filled with unexplainable emotion, but his greater concern remained the situation on the shore, causing him constant worry.*This time, Prince Wei might have been more severely injured and probably won’t be able to emerge from seclusion easily. Fortunately, nothing major happened.*

He stepped forward quickly, entered the grand hall, and said respectfully:“This junior, Suining, pays respects to the Elder!”

The elder gave a brief affirmative sound, letting him in. Li Suining bowed again and said respectfully:“Suining’s cultivation is complete; I have come to request an elixir!”

He looked up and noticed that the elder before him was white-haired, leaning on the main seat, seemingly somewhat distraught. He held a book in his hands, and his old eyes appeared somewhat cloudy under the light, even approaching the image from Li Suining’s memories of his previous life. Li Suining felt a sudden daze:*The Elder… has aged so much.*

Li Xuanxuan, however, seemed unaware of his age, standing up with great joy and smiling:“You’ve finished your internal adjustments… ready to break through!”

Li Suining quickly smiled. Li Xuanxuan personally helped him up, his eyes showing admiration as he sighed:“Sometimes I can’t even tell anymore. Whether it was Quewan back then, or your younger brother, you children who grew up by the lake are more sensible, while those who grew up amidst the Isles… tend to be disobedient.”

Li Suining thought he was referring to Li Zhouming and shook his head with some confusion. Li Xuanxuan sighed:“That cousin your Uncle Jiangzong had… Li Suiqing… has become more disobedient with age. Although his father was in reclusive cultivation for many years when he was born, he was clearly taught by others. I don’t know how he turned out this way, causing everyone to be dissatisfied with him. Anyway, enough of this. Today is your joyous occasion; let’s not talk about such disheartening things…”

Li Suining then realized.Currently, a large portion of the family’s affairs, big and small, had fallen into the hands of his Uncle Li Jiangzong. This uncle was a rare and capable talent… but he had a legitimate son named Li Suiqing, who was quite useless.

Li Suining had a very clear memory of him. Li Suiqing had a mischievous nature; when scolded by the family elders, he would restrain himself, but he simply couldn’t get rid of his greed. He repeatedly committed offenses, was exiled to the market district, committed severe embezzlement, and was then brought back to Qingdu, disappearing without a trace thereafter.

With more members in the family, quality inevitably varied. Li Suining was not in Yuting and thus not privy to these matters. However, this person’s distinguished status made him a great source of pain for Li Jiangzong, which was why Li Suining remembered him. He offered a word or two of persuasion:“My cousin is still young and foolish… he will still need the Elder’s guidance…”

Li Xuanxuan appeared distressed and replied:“How can he be merely foolish? Zhouming, at least, is often by my side; I know his temperament. I’ve also observed Suiqing; he’s not just mischievous, he’s malicious… How long can an old man like me keep changing him?”

Li Suining was astonished by his keen insight, silently drew a sharp breath, and shook his head inwardly:*This is with Prince Wei still present… When Prince Wei is gone, and several Purple Mansion cultivators go missing or perish, that’s when chaos will truly erupt…*

As he was pondering, a white-robed cultivator rushed into the hall entrance. It was a stranger, not high in cultivation, who had only been admitted after three reports. His face was streaked with tears as he knelt on the ground, weeping:“Elder… my Old Ancestor… he can’t hold on any longer!”

Li Suining clearly felt the elder before him freeze, take a few gasps, stand up, and say blankly:“Qiuyang… it’s Qiuyang.”

The white-robed cultivator only sobbed and nodded. The elder wept:“Qiuyang is a few years older than me; it hasn’t been easy for him… not easy! He was once burned by converging fire. Even with so many spiritual elixirs and medicines, and Sun Bai personally treating his injuries, it only prolonged his suffering in bed during his later years…”

Li Xuanxuan’s hands and feet turned cold. He tossed the book onto the table and hurried out of the hall. Full of worry, Li Suining quickly supported him and carried him out on the wind.

Flying all the way to the lakeside, the elder seemed to finally regain his senses. Li Suining felt a chill on his wrist as the elder suddenly clutched his hand, choking out with a sense of bewilderment and helplessness:“Suining… how much time do I have left to look after you all… Qingdu is arrogant, Yuting is strict, True Master only cares for those few individuals, and their eyes are fixed on heavenly matters. What will happen when I am gone… who will show kindness to the disciples of the four branches!”