Chapter 1057: Shaoyang

Minghui listened, shaking his head and sighing. "Master," he said bitterly, "you don't understand. This 'dead end' isn't truly death... Sometimes, a dead end is the only way out. If I don't die now, I'll truly perish later!"

Changyun, always shrewd, instantly grasped Minghui's predicament upon hearing his words. He lowered his gaze, pondering with uncertainty, then remarked, "If that's your intention, fellow Daoist... there are plenty of Zifu cultivators from the State of Song stationed at Shanji. I hear you're dispatched daily, so surely it wouldn't be hard to find an opportunity to seek death!"

Minghui shook his head. "Master, you don't understand. Xuanyue now has Gongsun Bei and Qi Lanyan. While they haven't directly intervened, their eyes are fixed on the spell duel between me and Tinglan. The most I can hope for is an injury; there's no opportunity to seek death." He continued, "And if I can't seek death, but keep accumulating injuries, won't my chances of survival be even slimmer when the real disaster strikes?"

Changyun nodded slightly. If there truly were a method of escape, he wouldn't know more than Minghui, a high-ranking Buddhist practitioner. Clearly, Minghui had something to ask of him. So, he inquired, "What do you need my help with, then?"

Minghui nodded as expected, lowering his voice. "I came south to this region years ago at the request of the Great Mu Dharma Realm. Now that I can't extricate myself, I naturally sought their help to resolve this crisis. But after waiting and waiting, who should arrive from the Great Mu Dharma Realm... but Guangchan..."

At the mention of Guangchan, Minghui's expression darkened. Changyun, however, looked thoughtful as he asked, "Is that the descendant of Mingyang who settled in the Golden Land of Baoya, after the Victorious King Jingming?"

Minghui stared at him blankly, seemingly surprised. Then, suddenly recalling that Changyun had already visited Zhixuanxie and likely interacted with many Buddhist cultivators, he nodded. "It's him... The Great Mu Dharma Realm acquired the Golden Land of Baoya, expanding their Buddhist territories, and he became a favored figure under the Venerable One. But precisely because he's so entrenched in the Golden Land of Baoya, he feels little affinity for the Great Mu Dharma Realm in his heart and doesn't acknowledge their doctrines. I simply can't reason with him!"

Minghui showed signs of distress, but Changyun merely shook his head quietly. "I see more than that... You are set on self-preservation, and your temple wishes to avoid entanglement in Mingyang's downfall. He, however, came south specifically for Bailin. How could you possibly reach an agreement? He would probably be glad to see you perish at the hands of the Southerners, dragging your temple into the conflict."

Seeing that Changyun understood perfectly, Minghui stopped explaining, resorting to flattery. "Master, your insight is truly remarkable... My situation is dire right now. Seeing you journey south, I finally feel there's a turning point. I'm hoping that once you're under Qi Lanyan's command, even if you can't explicitly demand my return... you could at least offer some assistance when fighting the Southerners."

His voice grew emotional, tinged with apprehension, as he sighed, "You are the only one I can rely on, Master!"

Changyun remained noncommittal, fixing him with a deep gaze.

*The grand scheme is just beginning, and the time is not yet ripe. The northern bank appears impregnable, and the south can defend but not attack. Yet, human strength has its limits; how can it contend with the Venerable One's methods? When the True Qi continues to rise and Mingyang becomes increasingly unstable, the northern bank will be difficult to hold. The Venerable One made arrangements early; my opportunity will surely come...*

*...However, before that, I will inevitably have to defer to Zhixuanxie. If I rely solely on myself, who knows how Qi Lanyan might scheme against me? Lotus Temple has no ambition to stir up the world; their only thought is to retreat north. Using them as support would indeed be convenient...*

After a moment of contemplation, he stood up and said, "You and I have been friends for many years... I can indeed help you with this, but I also have my own intentions. If I save your life this time, you will owe me a favor in the future."

Both spoke with feigned closeness, emphasizing their "long-standing friendship" and "deep camaraderie." Yet, each understood the other's nature and knew that pure friendship was rare between powerful Zifu cultivators, especially when their allegiances differed. Ultimately, it was all about an exchange of interests.

Precisely because they understood each other so well, Changyun was direct, and Minghui was even more solemn. He raised a hand and declared, "If you save my life, fellow Daoist, with this karmic connection, how could I abandon you? Today, I swear by the Great Compassion and Joy Lotus World Form, there will certainly be a generous reward in the future!"

"A generous reward..." Changyun's expression turned a little strange as he shook his head. "Your Buddhist 'generous rewards'... I'm not entirely convinced by them. Back then, when the master of the Path of Emptiness failed in his cultivation, various factions seized the opportunity. The Buddhist lands crumbled, and Zhelu fled from Longdao... After receiving the beneficence of the Bianjia Gate, once he became the master of the Path of Emptiness, he immediately proceeded to forcibly convert every single person of that family... Quite the 'generous reward,' indeed..."

Buddhist cultivators, after all, had a less-than-stellar reputation, and such incidents were common. Minghui was utterly embarrassed, beginning to curse Zhelu, but Changyun paid him no mind.

*Once the Venerable One's plan comes to fruition and I reveal my true identity, I won't have to worry about you failing to fulfill your promise!*

Meanwhile, Minghui was also calculating in his mind: *My master told me to seek out Changyun, so this fellow must possess something valuable that can protect me. If, after all this struggle, I truly have no escape, my master will intervene and find a way to thoroughly vex those two beasts...*

The two quickly reached an understanding, each harboring their own thoughts. Minghui lowered his voice. "I've considered this carefully: once the North and South engage in conflict, the crucial points will revolve around just two individuals: first, Yang Ruiyi, and second, Li Zhouwei."

The monk, usually appearing lackadaisical, now had a clear gaze. "And I might have to contend with Yang Ruiyi, or even be left alone on Yang Ruiyi's unavoidable path! As for you, fellow Daoist... I suspect you are also connected to Yang Ruiyi."

His expression grew somber. "After all, as things stand, Qi Lanyan has set his sights on Li Zhouwei. The ones sent to fight him will undoubtedly be figures like Gongsun Bei and Guangchan, who are his sworn enemies. If he were to send you, he'd surely worry you wouldn't commit fully... Whereas against Yang Ruiyi, fellow Daoist, you would undoubtedly have to fight to protect yourself."

Changyun nodded, listening as Minghui continued, "Yang Ruiyi wields the Degraded Qi, making it highly probable he could seal off all traces, arrive in the North unnoticed, and easily kill me. My master will observe the Great Void with formidable power; though he won't be able to discern the movements of the Degraded Qi, he will instantly know if I disappear and will immediately notify you, fellow Daoist!"

"I'm confident I can protect myself for a time, and you, fellow Daoist, will surely come to my rescue."

Changyun nodded slightly, sealing the arrangement. Only then did Minghui retrieve a jade slip from his sleeve, presenting it to Changyun, and raising an eyebrow. "Master Qi instructed me to bring this."

Changyun raised an eyebrow and unwrapped the jade slip. His spiritual sense found it empty, no words within. Only by further deciphering it did he discover a line of text written in ink on its bright white surface:*To claim land and establish dominion, the time is now. Why hide within your sect, how can you repay such grace?*

Changyun sneered inwardly. *You, Qi, are also playing with fire. Your 'superior' must be referring to my True Lord! Very well, you can jest today, but Wei Xuanyin is destined to achieve the Dao. We shall see who protects you then.*

Minghui lowered his gaze, silently staring at the table. Seeing Changyun, he chuckled. "How rare, how rare! Master Qi actually seems concerned about me, worried that I might betray Lord Wei's trust!"

Minghui, also unwilling to be drawn into their dispute, merely assented and did not linger. After informing Changyun of the deadline for him and the disciples of the Chengyun Sect to journey south, he stepped into the Great Void and departed.

Changyun watched him disappear into the distance, remaining on the platform for a long time, deep in thought. "Li Zhouwei has already achieved his second Divine Power... Zhixuanxie was too ruthless this time; he won't recover for at least five or six years. Qi Lanyan has designs on delaying Mingyang's demise..."

Zhong Qian, who stood nearby, heard the news regarding the Li clan. His gaze grew complex, but he offered no reply. Changyun, meanwhile, strolled across the platform, silent for a long time.

*When I first met Li Tongya back then, I only sensed his unusual destiny; I never imagined he was a legitimate descendant of the Mingyang Wei lineage. Now that I reflect, it makes perfect sense. Truly, the Venerable One's schemes run deep...*

*The Wei Emperor... the Wei Emperor...*

Many throughout the land hoped for Li Qianyuan's downfall. He didn't know what the Venerable One above thought, but in Changyun's opinion, it would be better if something went awry with this matter.

*Luoxia's current power is simply too immense... so vast that it's suffocating us all. If something could go wrong with this matter... I wouldn't even hope for Li Qianyuan to regain his former status. Even if he could just cling to life for another century or two, that would be enough...*

*Back when the State of Wei dominated, the Venerable One was cultivating in Guji Mountain. Wei soldiers entered the mountain, and the Wei Emperor met the Venerable One once, leaving behind the treasure, the Qingshixin Stone... The relationship between the State of Wei and my Jinyishangqing lineage was originally excellent...*

Later, when the Wei Emperor fell ill, our Venerable One's avatar descended, stirring up events throughout the land and personally undermining Emperor Qi. Even if this was done for his own benefit, in Zhang Yun's eyes, it had already repaid their past camaraderie. Otherwise, had Emperor Qi truly attained the Dao and persisted, aiding Luoxia in oppressing Li Qianyuan, Li Qianyuan's plight would have been immeasurably more tragic.

As for the Wei Emperor's bloodline slaughtered in Guanzhong, Zhang Yun had also heard of it, but he inwardly dismissed it.

*They were going to die eventually anyway; what difference does it make whose hands they died in? They are True Lords now; would they truly care about the lives of a few blood descendants?*

After much deliberation, he secretly stroked his beard. *I believe Qi Lanyan intends to push Li Zhouwei to his death. This matter won't be easily resolved. The Seven Phases are immensely powerful, with numerous Dharma Aspects, and are still probing. How could a mere cultivator like him possibly comprehend their machinations? I can observe closely from the sidelines. The Seven Phases cannot suppress their desires regarding Mingyang's descendants. When the time is right, this could be exploited...*

He mused deeply to himself: *True Qi greatly aids the Path of the Complete Core. Indeed, throughout the world, few possess the Divine Powers of the Complete Core... If our Ancestor can succeed, my Jinyi Dao lineage will finally gain some breathing room beneath the divine radiance...*

*I must still wait... The Complete Core True Lord perished in the East Sea back then, and his profound root nature subsequently fell into Beijia's hands. The Venerable One was compelled to compromise with the Dragon Faction...*

He stared intently at the table, his expression calm. *As things stand, no matter the faction... no one can afford to lose.*

The Zhentao Residence.

The sea surged restlessly, and the sky was dim.

Li Quewan stood anxiously by the shore, feeling the bracing sea wind. She waited and waited, her heart growing heavy with hesitation.

*That Demon King Fuxun has already entered the formation. The anomaly on him is clearly ominous. If someone is orchestrating this, I fear the Zhentao Residence will be lost...*

Li Quewan activated her Immortal Mirror, discovering that the anomaly was still scanning its surroundings, wandering through the cave dwelling. Through the immortal artifact's vision, she could even see the object enveloped in a hazy golden glow, illuminating the entire island, and at one point, penetrating deep underground, occupying every single blind spot.

It was because of this shimmering aura that Li Quewan still couldn't confirm if she was within the anomaly's line of sight, which also made her hesitant to crush her jade talisman.

*With the talisman seed, at least this thing can't discern my thoughts. But if I crush the jade talisman without a clear reason, it will certainly draw attention...*

It was crucial to remember that this object resided within a formidable Zifu cultivator, Fuxun, who was entirely oblivious. Li Quewan could not afford to be anything less than extremely cautious. If Li Ximing hadn't also been protected by an immortal artifact, she might have even feared something would happen to him if he arrived!

Li Quewan stood silently for a long time. Only then did she faintly perceive a golden light emerging on the horizon, which swiftly appeared before her eyes, revealing a True Immortal in white-gold robes with a glowing mark on his brow. Who else could it be but Li Ximing?

Her first reaction was not joy, but concern. Yet, excitement still flashed across her face, like a girl seeing a long-absent elder. She rose on the wind, immediately crossing the formation at once!

This action was quite natural, yet it conveniently prevented Li Ximing from moving forward.

However, Li Ximing had stopped there and had not entered the formation, already on his guard. Why would he move forward? He smiled warmly at her, his gaze not fixed on the island, but his spiritual sense was connected to his immortal artifact.

In an instant, the entire island's situation materialized before him, and Li Ximing's heart jolted with alarm.

He immediately noticed Fuxun, who was in secluded cultivation within the cave dwelling. The demon had golden lips and white teeth behind its head, bizarre and inexplicable. Its eyes were tightly closed, and a pale golden hue surged forth, almost engulfing everything.

*What kind of demon is this...?*

But just as he appeared on the island, those eyes abruptly opened, revealing pure white pupils that stared at Li Ximing with intriguing curiosity!

Li Ximing's heart skipped a beat. *It can sense me from afar, even through the Zifu grand formation... This thing is simply too terrifying!*

At first glance, he thought it was some kind of Dharma Body cultivated by the other party, or perhaps a unique injury. But after that single gaze, Li Ximing's heart turned utterly cold. He naturally said, "Has True Immortal Yuanbian entered seclusion?"

Li Quewan, being very clever, nodded repeatedly. Li Ximing knew this was not the place to talk, so he immediately fabricated an excuse and smiled. "I came out this time to visit Jiugui. It's a perfect opportunity to take you along, so we won't disturb him. Let's go!"

Li Ximing had her leave a handwritten note, then casually took her hand and, feigning nonchalance, soared away on the wind. He watched as those pure white eyes slowly shifted, silently gazing in the direction of their departure.

Only when Li Ximing disappeared from sight did those eyes slowly return to their original position. The pale golden lips clicked together, and the previously indistinct murmuring suddenly became clear:

"Ming...yang...Li."

The lips twisted incessantly, as if controlled by many different individuals, forming awkward curves, clicking together repeatedly, gradually gaining fluency. After a long moment, they finally formed words again: "Mingyang is useless... I need... Shaoyang..."

This sentence seemed like a command. Fuxun instantly opened his eyes, instinctively stood up, and immediately intended to move forward. But as his hand touched the entrance of the cave dwelling, he awoke as if from a dream, yet detected no abnormality whatsoever. He lowered his head, his eyes clear and calm, and mused, "Indeed, although my injuries are severe, if a Shaoyang cultivator could examine me, it would certainly be far better than me spending years fruitlessly!"