Chapter 1055: Silver Light

Simin.

The morning light scattered among the layered pavilions. The newly built official residence looked imposing, and several carriages hastily pulled up in front of the mansion, heavy chests being unloaded and carried into the residence.

"Sir, we have arrived at Military Advisor Li's residence."

The servant walking ahead of the carriage asked with lowered brows. The carriage curtain immediately opened, and a man stepped out unhurriedly. He wore blue and white robes, had handsome features, a purplish-blue mark between his brows, and a purple-gold python pattern, making him unforgettable. He nodded to the attendant at the gate and said, "Please inform your master that Li Jiangliang, Chief Mystic Envoy of the Fengwu Hall, requests an audience."

The attendant immediately went inside, taking hurried steps into the mansion. There, he saw a robust young man stride out, cupping his hands in salute at the gate, and said, "Greetings, Sir!"

Li Jiangliang raised an eyebrow, and their golden eyes met for a moment, seeing him smile. "It's been a long time. Brother, you haven't changed a bit."

Li Jiangxia watched him silently for a moment, then grinned and replied, "Please come in, Sir."

Li Jiangliang waved away his attendants, instructing them to carry all the richly bestowed gifts inside. He followed his brother forward, passing through the hall into the main chamber, and once seated in the magnificent residence, he sighed, "Brother, you've become distant."

"Oh?" Hearing this, Li Jiangxia laughed heartily, his golden eyes appearing bold and generous. He shook his head, saying, "I'm not Li Jianglong; I'm not that petty. You've become very capable today, and I'm very proud. It's not estrangement, but a difference in status. You dare to act boldly and forge your own path, gaining divine abilities. You deserve to be called 'Sir.'"

The purplish-blue mark between his fourth brother Li Jiangliang's eyebrows deepened, and his aura clearly transcended Foundation Establishment, possessing the might of divine abilities! With Yang Chen becoming Emperor, he was clearly one of the first to benefit!

But Li Jiangliang did not agree with his words and shook his head, saying, "Brother, that's not right. There's no such thing as just daring to act boldly and forging a path. It's simply that the times require my services. I know my own capabilities."

Though Li Jiangxia was only at Foundation Establishment, his aura seemed even more imposing than Li Jiangliang's. He chuckled and replied, "The Sovereign's rewards are immense—positions of power, official residences, spiritual resources, and beautiful women. I don't feel worthy of them."

Bringing up the matter, Li Jiangliang said with a serious expression, "The Sovereign has told me several times that among all the generals, he favors you the most. He intends to promote you beyond your rank and have you enter the Hall to 'hold the Xuan'... Compared to that, this residence and spiritual resources are insignificant." The positions in the Purple-Gold Hall were not achieved overnight but granted based on location and authority, with "holding the Xuan" being the highest. Yang's intention was clearly to make him the chief of the military officers.

Seeing his brother neither confirm nor deny, Li Jiangliang sighed softly. Li Jiangxia, however, was more concerned about his divine abilities. His gaze slightly narrowed as he asked, "What state are you in now...?"

Li Jiangliang raised his eyebrows and said, "My current official positions are Chief Mystic Envoy of the Fengwu Hall, Envoy of True Light and Cloud, Founding Duke of Lizhou, and 'Holder of the Xuan' in the Purple-Gold Hall, with the Heavenly Martial divine ability bestowed upon me… Although I don't have a specific divine ability, I possess the marvels of various True Qi, the status of a Purple Mansion cultivator, and the ability to traverse the Great Void…"

Li Jiangxia squinted and asked, "Lianmin?"

His fourth brother shook his head and said with a serious expression, "It's even a bit stronger than that. It should be above the Golden Lotus Throne, but below Maha."

This made Li Jiangxia's expression turn serious, and he replied, "That's perfectly sufficient… What about your own divine ability? I vaguely remember… you cultivate Li Fire, right! Do you still have a chance for a divine ability, and how confident are you?"

When this was mentioned, a trace of hesitation flickered across Li Jiangliang's brows as he replied, "My immortal foundation is complete, nurtured by the marvels of True Qi, and it is becoming increasingly perfect. However, I admit my cultivation level is not high. I estimate… attempting to achieve a divine ability is at least ten years away."

Li Jiangxia put down his cup, a flicker of doubt in his heart, and raised an eyebrow, saying, "You can still achieve a divine ability!"

Li Jiangliang did not deny this, nodding and saying, "That's right. In fact, it's quite beneficial for me to achieve a divine ability. Once I achieve it, with both combined, I will immediately possess power that surpasses an ordinary Purple Mansion cultivator with one divine ability!"

Li Jiangxia was silent for a long time, then asked, "How many positions do you currently hold?"

Li Jiangliang replied, "The Sovereign governs both water and fire; water represents civil officials, and fire represents military officers. The Fengwu Hall, where I serve, is essentially a military hall for external defense. If we truly consider it, I am now half a military official, with the honorary title of Founding Duke of a Commandery… I am considered the head of all officials."

Li Jiangxia let out a heavy breath and asked, "What instructions has the Sovereign given you to convey?"

Li Jiangliang said with a serious expression, "The Sovereign wishes to welcome you to 'hold the Xuan' but lacks an excuse. Considering that the various Witch Kingdoms in the Southern Frontier have not yet submitted, the Sovereign intends to dispatch troops to pacify the six bordering states, thereby stabilizing the rear for the Jinghai Jiedushi." He waved his sleeve, extended his hand forward, and said softly, "The Tiger Tally and Seal are outside. If you hold them, Brother, you can 'hold the Xuan' and go out to guard a region. As long as the Sovereign does not order you back, you can act as the 'Holder of the Xuan,' on equal footing with me!"

In Li Jiangliang's view, Yang's favoritism towards Li Jiangxia was extremely obvious. It wasn't just about his fondness for his character and conduct; it involved much more. 'Second Brother was brought back by General Yang and is clearly a confidant. I don't know what benefits General Yang promised him… Second Brother's actions are extremely cautious. After meeting the Sovereign… he quickly left to lead troops by order, only briefly seeing me.' Li Jiangliang couldn't figure out if this second brother had sided with Yang Ruiyi. However, Emperor Song clearly had little interest in him, preferring instead this third brother who arrived later in the imperial capital and had a more straightforward personality… Li Jiangliang dared not say there was any conflict between Emperor Song and the Yang clan, but at least… Emperor Song disliked the Yang family interfering too much. For this reason, Li Jiangliang had long been certain that Third Brother Li Jiangxia would "hold the Xuan" earlier than Second Brother. But when he received this order this morning, he was still extremely shocked: 'This is too urgent…'

His expression was complex. Li Jiangxia, facing the temptation offered by his fourth brother, showed no great sign of being moved. Instead, he stared intently into his golden eyes and said softly, "Liang'er, you seem like one of the Li family now."

Li Jiangliang was caught off guard, but he reacted quickly, smiling faintly and saying, "I thought Brother would mention Guest Official Cui."

Li Jiangxia smiled, stood up, walked to the window, and shook his head, saying, "Among us five brothers, only Jiangnian is overshadowed, merely an ordinary person. What he's least good at is… Li Jiangqian, you probably don't know this, but our eldest brother is very fierce. He's the most unscrupulous, and once he gets serious, he can abandon anything." He took a step forward, emphasizing, "No matter what."

Li Jiangliang showed a thoughtful expression, but Li Jiangxia laughed and said, "Li Jianglong, your second brother, doesn't truly submit to him in his heart, but he also understands that he's actually very much like our eldest brother. He cherishes his life and is selfish, but he lacks a ruthless streak, which is why I don't like him. But you are more like me. At least… I read the family records: when the great army swept through, leaving devastation, only you and I would consider the common people. What you sent home, Eldest Brother dismissed, but I believed it. You said you entered Song for your ambitions, and I believe that too. I also know that you feel guilty."

Li Jiangliang was thunderstruck, staring blankly at him. His brother smiled and said, "But there's no need for that."

"Now that Heavenly Martial is on the rise, rather than saying I came to Simin by reluctant order, it's more accurate to say I came with ambition. In this regard, we are both like Father." He pushed open the hall doors, looked at the golden Tiger Tally and the purplish-blue sash seal held by the Xuan official, resting quietly on a jade plate with a soft cushion, and said faintly, "You and I cannot sit idly by under his wing. No one's ambition is greater, more arrogant, or demands more sacrifice than his."

The setting sun fell, the white cloth in front of the hall fluttered, casting fragmented golden light into the shadows. Li Suining waited for a while in the corridor before finally seeing Li Zhoufang hurry out from the hall.

Li Qiuyang held considerable influence, but for most of the Li family, his life or death made no difference and no one cared. This funeral even had a lively atmosphere. Even Li Zhoufang, a direct descendant of the Li family, emerged from the rites with little sadness on his face, only a slight concern for Li Xuanxuan's health. The young man following behind the middle-aged man was looking around, his top half-tucked casually into his belt, revealing a bit of white lining, making him appear distracted. It was Li Suiqing.

Li Suining sighed inwardly. Li Zhoufang was actually very pleased that his son, Li Jiangzong, had become the clan leader. It wasn't about how noble he was among his peers, but simply that his own child was promising and could alleviate the clan's worries. However, after Li Suining emerged from several years of seclusion, he saw that Li Zhoufang had clearly aged significantly, showing only deep exhaustion.

When he saw Li Suining, he showed a hint of joy. But his grandson behind him was clearly bored and restless, about to leave. Li Zhoufang turned and glared at him, but the child wasn't afraid, staring straight back, about to ask something. Li Zhoufang gritted his teeth, feeling bitter: 'My child… your brother is exceptionally talented, and you, useless as you are, will have to rely on him in the future… If you don't build a closer relationship now, how will you establish yourself later?!' But fearing he would make things too awkward, he could only wave his hand to dismiss him. Turning to Li Suining's smiling expression, he sighed, "You must be laughing at me."

Li Suining shook his head. The elder immediately took his hand and walked forward, saying worriedly, "Over these past years, Suiqing's incompetence and bad behavior have worsened. Your Uncle Jiangzong only has this one son. Uncle Grandfather has tried to manage him repeatedly, and the more he tries, the more he realizes he's beyond hope…"

Li Suining was about to speak, but Li Zhoufang waved his hand and said, "Don't try to console me with Zhouming's situation; it's different. Zhouming might have been a bit playful when he was young, but he always smiled when he saw us, and his character isn't bad. But Suiqing has a stubborn temper from who knows where, and his mind is devious. The more you scold and beat him, the fiercer his defiance becomes. Even if he's confined to the clan's disciplinary courtyard, he still radiates that fierce, malevolent aura, unless you beat him to death in one go." He stared blankly at Li Suining, his eyes glistening, and replied, "Old Master and I still thought he could be saved, but your Uncle Jiangzong scolds him every time he sees him and has told me privately many times that he truly feels like striking him dead with one palm."

Li Suining knew that this younger brother was indeed good for nothing and had brought too much gossip to their family, but he didn't think striking him dead would resolve the matter. He bowed and said, "Just restrain him more, and don't let Uncle see him…"

Li Zhoufang shook his head bitterly and replied, "My talent is extremely poor; I can't even grasp the possibility of Foundation Establishment. The year before last, I still wanted to advance further, so I hastily took medicine, only to cause my Qi Sea to shake and my vital energy to be greatly damaged. One or two blood feuds cannot be avenged now. Only King Wei remembers me, killing Nv Xiao for me. I still resent it, secretly feeling it's not enough, still hoping for a great revenge. But Suiqing's current state makes me feel utterly ashamed, and my resentment turns into even greater helplessness." He vented his emotions in a few sentences, then shook his head somewhat distractedly and smiled, "You are about to break through Foundation Establishment… I have already reported it to the True Immortal. He specifically asked you to visit Zhijing Mountain; he should be preparing pills for you."

Li Suining felt a pang of sympathy for him, but ultimately couldn't offer any words of comfort. He could only nod silently and journey by wind to Zhijing Mountain.

From a distance, he saw the mountain covered in white flowers, but Li Suining had no mind to appreciate them. Lost in thought, he landed at the pavilion at the foot of the mountain, discovering someone already there.

This person wore a blue-gold feathered robe and a dark blue crown. His attire was extremely mysterious and magnificent, making his not-so-outstanding appearance seem quite imposing. His face was like white jade, his aura full, and he stood with his hands clasped behind his back.

Li Suining first froze, then, seeing those golden eyes, he quickly reacted and hastily said, "Second Uncle!"

This person was indeed Li Jianglong, who had returned from the Song court.

Li Suining only observed him briefly but noticed his cultivation was extremely complete, his aura boundless, subtly linked to the Martial Star in the heavens. He knew then that Li Jianglong had entered the Purple-Gold Hall. Although he couldn't yet "hold the Xuan," with a divine ability within reach, it was undoubtedly a great joyous occasion. He immediately congratulated him, "Congratulations, Second Uncle!"

Li Jianglong's expression wavered slightly, as if judging the intent behind Li Suining's words. He nodded slightly and said to him, "Suining, you are thoughtful."

Li Suining first looked at him with a smile, but his smile gradually faded. He felt a strange sensation in his heart: having achieved military merits and gained significant trust, this should have been a time of triumph and joy, yet his Second Uncle showed no such elation, appearing even somewhat gloomy and melancholic.

Li Suining's arrival did not divert much of his attention. His hand rested on his wrist, gently tapping, revealing his inner disquiet.

Just then, a court guard arrived in front of the pavilion, saluted, and invited the two inside.

Li Ximing disliked luxury, and the mountain had a distinct immortal aura. This True Immortal sat quietly in the mountain, with a tall alchemy furnace beside him. Agile red and white flames danced at the bottom of the furnace, occasionally emitting terrifying fluctuations. And surprisingly, another True Immortal sat at the table. He wore dark blue and black robes, a smile on his face, looking somewhat reserved. As soon as he saw the two approach, he carefully observed Li Jianglong.

It was Guo Nanu.

Li Jianglong did not recognize him, but Li Suining suddenly became aware and thought, 'It's True Immortal Nanu. So he entered the lake this early…' Among all the True Immortals, the closest to the Li clan was True Immortal Yuanbian, Liu Changdie. However, this True Immortal guarded the East Sea and never entered the inland. Among those who came to the lake, True Immortal Nanu and True Immortal Kuangyu were the most frequent. But a True Immortal's power was boundless, and he dared not think too deeply, silently lowering his head and collecting his thoughts.

Guo Nanu was currently working for the Li family, having just returned from Boruo. His trip was, of course, to deliver a message and to deal with the Crimson Fiend Fire of Light that Li Ximing had obtained from Minghui! This Crimson Fiend Fire of Light was originally a good item, but unfortunately, it had been tormented by Buddhist cultivators for a hundred years, making it very troublesome to deal with. Li Ximing carefully questioned Huoyang, the fire sparrow, but received a reply indicating little interest. This was not difficult to understand. Li Ximing wanted other spiritual fires, and Huoyang certainly had other spiritual fires besides the Red Pheasant Rushing Flame. They might not be inferior to the Crimson Fiend Fire of Light… But for Huoyang, why bother exchanging a perfectly good spiritual fire for a mottled flame tormented by Buddhist cultivators for a hundred years, a task even Li Ximing found difficult to handle, let alone anyone else? This trip naturally came to nothing. He only took Huoyang's spiritual item to refine pills for her. As Tulong Jian had not yet returned, Li Ximing thought it over and had to accept this outcome: 'It's truly not easy to find a scapegoat. This item will ultimately have to be dealt with by myself. Once it's cleaned up, whether I use it myself or wait for a buyer to come knocking… it will at least be useful, instead of just sitting uselessly in my hands as it is now.' So he entrusted Guo Nanu to go to the East Sea to exchange for some spiritual resources. Guo Nanu agreed but lingered, instead asking about Li Jianglong's whereabouts.

The Song court still held many secrets before the Purple Mansion cultivators, and a group of True Immortals in the South Sea remained restless. This True Immortal clearly wanted to see him specifically. Since Li Ximing also happened to want to see him, he casually invited him up and smiled, "This is Li Jianglong." As he introduced him, he took a closer look and perceived layers of True Qi marvels subtly emerging within Li Jianglong's Bright Yang aura, continuously nourishing his cultivation. So he placed two fingers together, and the world responded with light, an invisible glow flickering at his fingertips. Activating his Fate Divine Ability, he finally sensed Li Jianglong's abnormality: 'His destiny is unusual.' When Li Ximing achieved his Fate Divine Ability, he had secretly observed Li Zhouwei, feeling that his divine abilities were flourishing like a blazing sun in the mortal world, intensely hot! Now, Li Jianglong subtly emanated a purple light, as if connected to some infinitely profound hidden treasure. Li Ximing withdrew his Fate Divine Ability and asked, "Nanu, what did you perceive?"

Guo Nanu nodded slightly. He cultivated the Evil Absolute Pursuit path within the Shaoyang Dao, possessing marvelous abilities in observation and traversal, and even the great divine marvel of transforming Shaoyang into Yin. His insight was exceedingly high. This glance unexpectedly caused a subtle sense of crisis to rise within him, and he suddenly had a premonition, transmitting it with his divine ability: "If I kill him, disaster will surely befall me!" "How formidable… No wonder they aren't worried about Buddhist cultivators acting against him. Forget about converting him… even harboring killing intent is extremely unwise." Li Ximing squinted slightly, already understanding quite a bit.

Guo Nanu also sensed the pressure from the Martial Star, but this made him feel truly strange… He simply felt no threat from the so-called Martial Star at all.

Li Ximing watched for a long time without speaking, but Guo Nanu, after observing for a while, had made up his mind, rose, and took his leave.

Li Ximing's expression was natural, and he asked a question with a smile, showing no abnormality. Li Jianglong, meanwhile, knelt down in the mountain, respectfully saying again, "Congratulations, True Immortal, on emerging from seclusion and achieving great divine abilities!"

Li Ximing's smile deepened considerably, and he asked, "I should be congratulating you! Tell me, what marvelous powers do you possess?"

Li Jianglong's expression was composed as he respectfully said, "Reporting to the True Immortal, this junior has only just entered officialdom. The Sovereign has appointed me as an Attendant Officer of the Fengwu Hall, a minor cultivator of the Purple-Gold Hall, and the Administrator of Jiangjuan Commandery. I am to lead the Great Song army to garrison and support Tingzhou, quietly awaiting instructions from Father and the Great General!"

The so-called Jiangjuan Commandery was located in what was now the wilderness. It would not be an exaggeration to say it was there to support Wangyue Lake. Li Ximing quickly understood the South's intention as he listened to Li Jianglong say, "As for divine marvels… I cannot compare to my fourth brother. I merely control one or two True Qi methods, which have enhanced my cultivation slightly. I still need to earn further merits to advance."

Li Ximing said with interest, "How is Jiangliang doing?"

Li Jianglong whispered, "Fourth brother is now the head of all officials, 'Holder of the Xuan' in the Purple-Gold Hall, and in charge of the Heavenly Martial Divine Ability! He has already become a Purple Mansion cultivator!"

Li Ximing held his breath, his heart filled with extreme complexity, and he secretly sighed: 'Seeking the Dao, seeking the Dao… it's merely about nature and destiny. Yet, this nature and destiny are not cultivated by oneself but bestowed by others. How is this different from Lianmin or Maha!' 'But… it's so easily achieved! It must make the world flock to it like ducks.'

His gaze was complex, while Li Jianglong appeared somewhat anxious as he replied, "As for these marvels… I'm afraid I cannot demonstrate them for the True Immortal…"

Li Ximing frowned and asked, "Why not?"

Li Jianglong gave a helpless smile and shook his head, saying, "Father has the Mandate of Heaven bestowed upon him and was enfeoffed by the Sovereign. Within his own state, he is autonomous. Martial cultivation is not involved. Even the first immortal official of the current dynasty, upon reaching our Wei State, would be rendered powerless… not only unable to 'hold the Xuan,' but even losing those marvels that aid cultivation!"

"Oh." Li Ximing's initial conjecture was suddenly confirmed, and he slowly understood, though still somewhat skeptical: 'So this is true! Is it really that effective? Even the North can be illuminated by the Martial Star. This so-called enfeoffment actually has such a miraculous effect… Could it be that only territorial grants have this kind of influence?' He was puzzled in his heart, yet his expression remained calm, feigning sudden realization, and he smiled, "So that's how it is… It seems none of you brothers are suited to stay by the lake."

Li Jianglong lowered his head slightly and replied, "True Immortal, you are discerning. The Great General recommended this junior to administer Jiangjuan Commandery precisely for these considerations: to both receive the illumination of the Martial Star and to watch over the lake. It's the best of both worlds…"

Li Ximing listened for a while, then turned to look at the alchemy furnace, as if to adjust the heat. He left Li Jianglong kneeling, pondering for a long time, and secretly resolved: 'I must still bring out the Immortal Artifact for a look!' With a thought, he slightly shifted his gaze, his spiritual consciousness retracting, responding to the Immortal Artifact!

Everything before his eyes suddenly became clear. The purple light on Li Jianglong's body silently thinned, revealing clusters of silken purple threads spewing forth from his Ascending Yang Mansion, like broken strings, drifting alone in the air. 'It seems that here, the power of the Martial Star is like water without a source… unable to connect to the star in the heavens… Is it truly as he said, because this place is a feudal territory…' There was no joy in his heart; instead, it suddenly tightened: 'If that's the case… can the rules of the Martial Star still take effect on the lake?' If the rule that martial cultivators cannot harbor killing intent also doesn't apply to the lake, it means the North could freely slaughter Wangyue Lake…

His heart was heavy, but he did not ask further, slowly shifting his gaze. Unexpectedly, a silver light suddenly burst into his vision! Li Suining, kneeling to the side as if nothing were amiss, was strikingly enveloped in a brilliant silver light, a hundred times denser than the faint Martial Star light on Li Jianglong, almost dazzling to the point of blinding!

At that instant, Li Ximing felt as if he had discovered a malevolent entity beside his own bed. His hair stood on end, countless terrifying conjectures flashed through his mind, and an intense sense of crisis rushed at him, almost making him leap from his spot: 'What?!'