Chapter 1063: Crossing the Ridge

Mount Zhijing.

The light of day shimmered across the mountains, and white flowers bloomed everywhere. Li Ximing sat serenely atop the mountain peak, his aura calm and steady, holding a secret letter, deep in thought.

‘Fuxun... he’s actually established a cave dwelling in the sea,’ Li Ximing put away the letter he held, lowering his gaze in contemplation, quietly pondering:

“Back then, both Ying Hebei and the Monster King Xushui came... but judging by their demeanor, it was hard to tell if they truly understood the profound mystery. Fortunately, Quewan had already departed; otherwise, as Senior Liu’s letter mentioned, Fuxun might still have returned for a visit, and Zhenyao Mansion would not have been suitable for seclusion.”

That day, after returning from Jiuqiu, Li Ximing naturally went to Chongzhou first. Cui Changfu was now utterly deferential, constantly by his side. Li Ximing merely expressed his wishes, and this True Lord immediately delved into the sea to search for the Huyao. Clearly, the entire Cui clan’s attitude had undergone a complete reversal.

It wasn’t that Li Ximing hadn’t been here before; back then, he was also a revered Purple Mansion cultivator. The only time the Cui clan had been truly terrified was during Li Zhouwei’s visit:

‘Minghuang had made a visit. That very night, Cui Changfu achieved divine ability, and the Cui clan was clearly terrified. Cui Changfu was actually older than me, and a respected Purple Mansion cultivator, yet he referred to himself as a junior.’

The young demon Huyao, elevated due to his connection with the Li family, had spared no effort and dared not be negligent. This trip had been quite smooth. If there was any regret... it was only that Cui Jueyin had long been in seclusion, and he hadn’t been able to meet her.

The Dragon Clan’s actions were not slow. When Li Ximing returned to the lake two years ago from Chongzhou, he had already received a reply from Liu Changdie, who also mentioned Zhenyao Mansion’s past protection by the Dragon Clan, expressing profound gratitude.

This letter had thoroughly startled Li Ximing. Only then did he realize that Changxiao’s stratagem back then had involved his own aunt. However, Liu Changdie didn’t fully believe Monster King Xushui’s words, and neither did Li Ximing, who sneered inwardly:

‘Back then, Aunt clearly said she wouldn’t intervene. Even when I fled to Liehai, she couldn’t meet me. This statement must be false. Perhaps it was Minghuang’s influence, or perhaps someone was pulling strings behind Liu Changdie. It certainly couldn’t have been out of sentimentality.’

Now, intelligence from the sea kept coming back. He heard that Fuxun had established a small demon cave on that island and had sent his subordinates to gather information. He also heard that Fuxun’s injuries still hadn’t healed and he was searching for some Shaoyang cultivator to treat him.

Liu Changdie was genuinely loyal; he was still writing back and forth, inquiring about this matter for Fuxun. Li Ximing naturally played dumb. It wasn’t that he was heartless, but he truly didn’t dare to get involved with him... He merely subtly reminded Liu Changdie, taking up his brush:

‘The Monster King is now under the Dragon Clan’s command and must not act lightly, and you should meet less often. If a meeting is unavoidable, please visit him on another island... to avoid providing others with an excuse to talk.’

Liu Changdie, who achieved the Purple Mansion realm on his own, was also an intelligent man, and a hint was enough. He would naturally understand the unspoken meaning and adjust his actions.

He then put down the letter he held. Guo Nanwu, who was nearby, smiled and looked over. Li Ximing flicked his sleeve, and a white jade bottle appeared on the table. He nodded towards Guo Nanwu and chuckled:

“Your Shaoyang realm pills, it turns out, are not easy to refine. I suppose it’s because Shaoyang generates Yin, and the furnace itself has a feminine aspect; the obvious convergence of Yin and feminine qualities generates much damp-cold... Fortunately, the difficulty wasn’t high; one batch yielded seven pills.”

Guo Nanwu’s heart sank at the first half of the sentence, but by the time Li Ximing finished, his face was alight with a smile, and he praised:

“Senior, your cultivation is astonishing! Your alchemy skills are superb! We juniors are filled with admiration and respect!”

Li Ximing hadn’t expected his own cultivation to be praised one day. He somewhat awkwardly suppressed the amusement in his heart. Seeing Guo Nanwu about to pay for the pills, he simply waved his hand to decline.

In the past two years, he had successfully refined several batches of pills. The most important was the batch of Empty Sleeve Profound Dao Powder from the Sima family. He had secretly kept two for himself, carefully hiding them, intending to give them to Li Zhouwei.

Upon his return from overseas, he had actually lost some of his cultivation due to the incident with Yan Dushui. However, he understood that his past rapid cultivation speed at the Yatain Gate was due to the benefit of Talisman Pills and several other spiritual elixirs. His future cultivation, however, seemed distant and uncertain. He had simply taken a few ordinary pills from his own reserves to get by, reluctant to use the Empty Sleeve Profound Dao Powder.

Guo Nanwu was indeed financially constrained. He accepted with some gratitude. Li Ximing then raised a cup, looking at the pills, and suddenly remembered that Guo Nanwu right before him was a Shaoyang cultivator. He immediately became alert:

‘...Everything seems to be connected... Guo Nanwu is quite useful right now; he must not be dragged in by Fuxun!’

He then smiled and looked at him, asking:

“Nanwu, have you been to the East Sea in recent years?”

Guo Nanwu folded his green sleeves, seemingly pondering the meaning of Li Ximing’s words, and hesitated:

“Not really much; my juniors went more often, and quite a few incidents occurred. Considering the vastness and distance of the East Sea, I haven’t had a chance to investigate thoroughly. A few days ago, I asked True Lord Kuang Yu, and I’ve been thinking of going to see for myself.”

While he spoke, his eyes meticulously observed Li Ximing’s reaction. Li Ximing immediately misunderstood, suspecting it was an enticement from someone behind Fuxun, and probed:

“The East Sea... I don’t go there often anymore. The Luolai Island area is being watched by my enemies and is also dangerous. The world is in turmoil; it’s not advisable to act casually.”

Guo Nanwu listened to these words, and instead received many hints. He quietly twirled his cup, struck by a sudden realization:

‘That’s right, why would the Li family kill my family without reason? A few True Lords never believed it, which shows the divination was inaccurate. It seems there are enemies plotting, and Senior Zhaojing knows... but it’s inconvenient to bring it up directly. He’s subtly reminding me that Luolai Island is off-limits.

‘If I were to state this matter plainly, I would instead be meddling in the struggle between the Li family and their enemies... It’s best if I just play dumb.’

So, he nodded solemnly, and even felt a touch of guilt for his earlier suspicion, replying:

“This junior understands!”

This conversation, though a complete misunderstanding, achieved an unexpected effect. Li Ximing was surprised that Guo Nanwu grasped the meaning so quickly, and instantly felt delighted, thinking:

‘How perceptive, how obedient... It’s just a pity he’s not one of my own juniors... what a shame, what a shame...’

Guo Nanwu was intelligent and understood the bigger picture. Li Ximing had always been quite pleased with him and felt a pang of regret that such talent wasn’t his. He then heard Guo Nanwu ask:

“Senior Zhaojing, what’s the situation like in the wilderness now?”

Li Ximing smiled wryly in his heart, shaking his head and sighing:

“Hard to say... I heard that Protector Liu has already arrived in the wilderness. With such a large movement, the North cannot possibly be unaware. Conflict between the two sides is imminent. It truly feels like there won’t be many years of peace!”

Only because Yang Ruiyi had personally seen Li Zhouwei’s injuries did this Great General still harbor some conciliatory feelings towards the Li clan and had not commanded him to come. But Li Ximing estimated that he wouldn’t be able to avoid it, and the two Bright Instruments of Heavy Fire were still suspended within the inner formation, assisting Li Jiangqian, which was truly troublesome.

However, these words could not be spoken openly. Li Ximing casually discussed the manpower in the wilderness, when a person hurriedly ascended the mountain and reported in a low voice:

“True Lord Qinghu has returned from the land of Shu and has entered the tent for a secret discussion with the Master... He requests the True Lord’s presence now.”

Li Ximing sighed inwardly, then stood up. Guo Nanwu immediately took his cue and bid farewell, stepping into the void and departing. Li Ximing, meanwhile, felt secretly vexed:

‘He’s finally back, and there’s not much time left; I can’t delay... I had already asked Sima Yuanli about that Bright Truth Soul-Uniting Pill long ago, but he merely gave me perfunctory answers. This pill is one less each time it’s used; he won’t give it without some substantial compensation!’

His worries weren’t limited to this; he also felt a sense of unease:

‘Minghuang is in seclusion, but there are still quite a few who want to test him. That Great Monk Guangchan on the other side of the river must be targeting my family. We must be prepared... Now, both sides are preparing more thoroughly. Within one or two years at most, conflict is inevitable.’

Two years ago, when he entered the Sun and Moon Radiance Heaven and Earth, Li Zhouwei could still discuss things in detail with him. A mere two years was absolutely not enough for him to emerge from seclusion; he probably didn’t even have much time to truly attempt to achieve divine ability. At this moment, it was impossible for him to emerge and assist.

‘Although I have achieved a fated divine ability, I must be even more careful. I must help Zhouwei get through this period... Only then will we have time to breathe.’

He had considered this point early on. He slightly lowered his brows, and with a flick of his sleeve, a golden scroll was revealed within. He had clearly been reading it for a long time. Its mystical runes revealed several large colorful characters:

‘The Marvelous Scroll of Divided Spirits and Other Bodies.’

The Wilderness.

Dark, ethereal colors enveloped the mountaintop, like an impenetrable shadow, concealing all traces beneath layers of dark light. Within the grand hall, an inky blackness surged, like a dark sea.

On the high main seat sat a man. Though his appearance was ordinary, his armor shimmered with mystical light. He sat quietly in his seat for a while, before another man ascended from the front of the hall.

Under the nourishment of the Empty Sleeve Profound Dao Powder, which had been supplied regardless of cost over the years, True Lord Qinghu, Sima Yuanli, displayed a dazzling array of divine abilities, clearly having reached their peak. There were even faint fluctuations of aura from the Ascending Yang realm, suggesting he had likely failed in an attempt to elevate his immortal foundation within the past year or two.

What divine ability practitioner doesn’t experience a few failures? Sima Yuanli had no regrets, only fortunate that the timing was good, and it even allowed him time to visit the land of Shu. Now, standing at the front of the hall, Yang Ruiyi immediately raised an eyebrow and asked him:

“What was the response from that fellow surnamed Qing?”

His tone was quite impolite. Sima Yuanli hurriedly replied:

“General Qing agreed to depart from the land of Shu and attack Long Province... However, he adamantly refused to withdraw the troops near Tongmo, and even... showed great disdain for the concerted efforts proposed by your subordinate.”

The geographic advantage of the Song Kingdom was considerable. Several mountain ranges almost completely cut off communication between Shu and Song, leaving only a few passages like Mushan Plain and Tongmo Commandery. Qing Jifang clearly coveted something. Yang Ruiyi’s expression was grim. He held back from speaking and simply said:

“If he won’t withdraw, then he won’t withdraw... so be it. Let Prince Yuyang remain in the kingdom... But what about the forces in Mushan Plain and Guyan?”

Sima Yuanli was visibly embarrassed. He quickly said:

“General Qing... General Qing said that when he last fought against the King of Wei, he felt unfulfilled.”

This was much more direct. Yang Ruiyi was so amused he almost laughed. He asked:

“So, he wants to kill Li Ximing to provoke the King of Wei? That’s one thing usually, but at this critical juncture, he’s also trying to sicken my Song court!”

Sima Yuanli covertly observed his expression, lowered his voice, and immediately changed his address, saying:

“I spoke subtly for a long time, but Qing Jifang only proposed one condition: that our Great Song’s martial inheritance is too fierce, absorbing all the light of martial cultivation. He said there’s a vacant position for a ‘Holder of Profundity’, but the blessings of the Celestial Constellations cannot fall upon the land of Shu. He hopes we would step back... and concede one more position to them...”

Yang Ruiyi tossed the vermilion brush he held, slamming it onto the table, and said decisively:

“That is absolutely impossible!”

His eyes flickered with suppressed anger. He sternly said:

“This was settled long ago. One receives as much light as one’s ability allows. Currently, for the position of ‘Holder of Profundity,’ there are six from Song and one from Shu. This was earned by our own dynasty’s abilities; how could we possibly yield it to them!

“If Qing Jifang is truly capable, he should expand his celestial radiance himself, making the Martial Cultivation Star even brighter. Naturally, there will be more positions for him then. That would benefit both nations. Why should I be forced to concede anything!”

Sima Yuanli quickly lowered his head, and with somewhat awkward phrasing, relayed the other party’s words in a softer manner:

“Qing Jifang said... the Li clan and the Golden Feather clan were close relations and should have merged into the Shu Kingdom along with the Golden Feather. But our Great Song snatched them away prematurely. And the King of Wei should also belong to the land of Shu... In that case, the light of martial cultivation would be skewed. It should be four from Song and three from Shu...”

Yang Ruiyi was so amused he almost laughed, and said:

“Absurd!”

He loudly rolled up the wooden slip, and rapped it on the table, saying:

“What is that Qing Jifang? He’s detested by everyone! The Golden Feather clan would help him? They’d be thrilled if the Li clan came to us! If he had crossed Xiping Mountain back then, do you think Li Zhouwei wouldn’t have fought him to the death! And he still dares to mention enfeoffment!”

Sima Yuanli could only lower his head in silence. Yang Ruiyi also suppressed the anger on his face, stood with his hands behind his back, and whispered:

“There’s no need to pay attention to this matter. I don’t think the Shu Emperor will let him run wild. However, it’s inevitable that one or two individuals will make things difficult, thinking of shifting some territory eastward...”

Sima Yuanli glanced at him discreetly, and raised an eyebrow, saying:

“In that case, who should remain by the lake? Should we invite the King of Wei to come out?”

Yang Ruiyi swept a glance at him, and finally shook his head, saying indifferently:

“We don’t need him. You just handle your own affairs. I’ll leave True Lord Tinglan to guard Mushan Plain, so that both sides can assist each other.”

Sima Yuanli’s expression suddenly changed. His responsibility was attacking Shanji, and without Tinglan, it would be like losing an arm. He grit his teeth and replied:

“But Shanji...”

Yang Ruiyi, however, didn’t answer him. He showed a thoughtful expression, and asked:

“I vaguely recall your junior... Sima Xunhui should also be at the peak of Foundation Establishment now, shouldn’t he!”

Sima Yuanli’s expression instantly changed. He lowered his brows, quite uncertain and surprised, and whispered:

“Yes... that child still has some ability. He has been summoned by the Song Emperor... He is the most promising one in our family... and has been granted the title of Deputy General.”

When Yang Ruiyi heard the words ‘summoned by the Song Emperor,’ his original thoughts were immediately disrupted. He frowned thoughtfully, musing inwardly:

‘In that case, it’s not good for me to intervene.’

He closed his eyes for a long time, then suddenly spoke:

“True Lord Xianyao of Guoling Peak has been acquainted with your Sima family for generations. You go to Guoling Peak for me and invite him to the Wilderness for a discussion.”

Sima Yuanli hesitated, and said:

“His lifespan is nearing its end...”

Yang Ruiyi narrowed his eyes, and said:

“His limited lifespan is precisely what I want.”

Sima Yuanli hurried away. Only then did Yang Ruiyi put down the wooden slip he held and quietly paced two steps within the grand hall:

‘The struggle between the Dragon Clan and the Benevolent Dao in Hetian will eventually end. The Benevolent Dao won’t be willing to suffer too many losses at sea. This battle must be fought. Even if I don’t make a move, the North will...’

He seemed somewhat vexed:

‘I heard the Xiangxiong Kingdom is heavily investing in mountain furnaces to seek pills... They have no time to deal with the Shu Kingdom. Otherwise, they would never allow that fellow surnamed Qing to be so arrogant... Every high-ranking official is making their own plans... With the world in such a state, who can afford to maneuver freely!’