Chapter 1064: Baoting

Upon entering the hall, Li Ximing saw dark light flowing. The man at the head of the room had just put down his brush and quickly came down, raising an eyebrow with a smile. "Brother Ximing has arrived!"

His greeting was very warm. Li Ximing then remembered that they were relatives. At this moment, it was clear they were not interacting as Grand General and subordinate, but as brothers-in-law.

This Grand General was not particularly striking in appearance, but with such a smiling welcome, he resembled an ordinary man's elder brother-in-law, looking kind and amiable upon meeting a close family relative.

While the other party was friendly, Li Ximing found it inappropriate to be overly familiar. So he cupped his hands and smiled, "General, you are too kind..."

Yang Ruiyi smiled and invited him to sit down. He produced a gleaming jade pot and poured tea, saying, "I've been here for some days and have been truly busy. You were also in seclusion refining pills, so we haven't met. I've invited you today to discuss matters concerning the North."

"Please speak, General!"

Li Ximing acknowledged. Yang Ruiyi appeared somewhat indecisive, then carefully asked, "This northern expedition was originally launched under the banner of revenge. However, after so many years of turmoil between North and South, the remaining True Sages turn pale at the mention of war, and their morale is low."

"King Wei is brave and skilled in battle; only he could undertake such a great responsibility and uplift the spirits of the generals. But now he is still in seclusion, and the cultivators are even more apprehensive, feeling quite anxious and hesitant. That's why I specifically invited Protector Liu."

Li Ximing would never allow anyone to disturb Li Zhouwei. Upon hearing this, his eyes reddened slightly, and he began to recount the heavy losses and injuries his clan sustained in the last major war. Yang Ruiyi listened carefully, his expression calm, and said, "I understand the Li clan's contributions. This time, I invited you specifically to protect Tingzhou."

Li Ximing's expression froze slightly. Yang Ruiyi, looking worried, replied, "The Emperor has entrusted the northern front to me. I see clearly that Qi Lanyan and others have not yet used their full strength. Guangchan from the Great Mu Buddhist Realm has also arrived, and it's highly likely that people from Dayang Mountain are also at Dayuanguangyin Mountain."

He said softly, "Zhao's national power is strong, and I understand that clearly. To put it bluntly, the current Great Song cannot even compare to Shu. Even if Jin Yu answers calls to action but not proclamations, one Changhuai is worth the entire Great Song."

"This northern expedition, to put it harshly, is merely to protect Wei and share the pressure..."

He stared intently at Li Ximing and said sternly, "The intentions of Guangchan, Qi Lanyan, and Gongsun Bei are common knowledge. Currently, they are internally divided and don't know my true strength, making negotiations difficult. Once the three of them decide to move south, I'm afraid Ximing knows where they will land."

Li Ximing sighed slightly and replied, "Tingzhou."

"Exactly!"

Yang Ruiyi's expression darkened slightly. He replied, "There will inevitably be a great battle. If I appear to launch an offensive and mass troops on this bank, even if it's not a chosen main battlefield, it can at least tie down their main force. But if the court remains passive and only sends a few people to guard the river, the final battle will definitely break out around Tingzhou."

"Initially, the Emperor decided that at the founding of the nation, we would focus on peace and recovery, selecting Xuan wielders and choosing one from three candidates to guard the North. It was my strong petition that set this northern expedition in motion."

His expression appeared very solemn. Li Ximing paused slightly, then sighed, "Thank you, General! I never realized you were considering... ensuring the safety of my clan..."

Yang Ruiyi waved his hand, signaling him to dispense with formalities, and replied, "I'm speaking plainly with you this time to get a clear understanding of Tingzhou's defenses—I'm not trying to win your favor!"

With Yang Ruiyi having spoken so frankly, Li Ximing believed him halfway. He solemnly composed himself and replied, "Zhaojing will tell you everything he knows!"

Yang Ruiyi then stood up, turned to look at him, and asked with downcast eyes, "In case of an emergency, can King Wei intervene?"

Li Ximing's expression was complex. He sighed, "Honestly, I don't think he will!"

If Li Ximing had definitively said he couldn't, Yang Ruiyi might not have believed him. But this answer made him scrutinize Li Ximing. He paced two steps, his gaze heavy: "How much longer will it take?"

Li Ximing remained silent for a long time. After a difficult assessment, he replied, "Perhaps... six or seven years..."

According to Li Zhouwei's cultivation speed, he should now be at the pinnacle of Immortal Foundation, ready to ascend to Yang. Six or seven years was neither fast nor slow, even somewhat conservative. Yang Ruiyi, however, frowned: "I can't wait that long. He must emerge from seclusion within five years at most, otherwise, I won't be able to hold them back here either!"

Li Ximing was alarmed. Yang Ruiyi realized his tone had been too harsh. He sighed, "Brother Ximing is also in a difficult position."

So he sobered slightly and asked, "Leaning on the formation over the lake, how long do you believe you can hold out against Guangchan?"

Li Ximing asked in a low voice, "I wonder how capable this Guangchan is?"

Yang Ruiyi paced two steps and said softly, "He is comparable to Zhelu, a top-tier Mahā in Buddhist cultivation. By my estimation, he should be in his fifth generation now and is highly valued by the Dharma-body. Ordinary cultivators who have passed the mid-stage cannot contend with him."

Li Ximing's heart instantly grew cold. An ordinary Purple Mansion mid-stage generally corresponds to three to four generations. Only by achieving a significant breakthrough beyond the Purple stage can one firmly suppress a sixth-generation Mahā. By the eighth generation, one is comparable to a perfected Divine Ability.

Without arrogance, he merely shook his head and said, "Leaning on the grand formation, I might be able to hold off an ordinary Purple Mansion mid-stage cultivator... but my spirit treasures are currently used to protect the cultivation of junior disciples. To face Guangchan, I am still far from ready."

Yang Ruiyi clasped his hands behind his back and said, "Can the True Sages of the Quci sect lend a hand?"

Li Ximing knew he was referring to Kuang Yu, Guo Nanwu, and others. He shook his head repeatedly. Finally, Yang Ruiyi sighed and said, "I sent Tinglan to assist you at Mushroom Forest Plain, which should have been enough, but Qing Jifang is still secretly coveting... How about this, I'll have Sima Yuanli accompany you on the lake..."

Li Ximing's eyes lit up, but then he saw Yang Ruiyi look at him with a serious expression and say, "If everything goes as planned, Guangchan won't stay on the lake for more than two hours. When we penetrate Dayuanguangyin Mountain, he will definitely have to return. Zhaojing only needs to hold out against him for two hours."

Li Ximing's expression gradually settled as he heard Yang Ruiyi whisper, "I have only one request... Once Guangchan retreats, Zhaojing must cross the river with two True Sages and capture the land of Baijiangxi."

Hearing his words, a hint of worry appeared on Li Ximing's face. After a long pause, he said, "If Guangchan has severely wounded me and I am at death's door, please forgive Ximing for not being able to advance at the risk of my life!"

Yang Ruiyi stared at him silently. After an unknown period, he finally uttered, "This concerns your clan's future breathing room, and also our future cooperation. This is the only chance we have for a surprise attack. Zhaojing, weigh it carefully yourself."

Li Ximing merely cupped his hands in a salute, indicating he understood. But deep down, he still hesitated and felt doubt: *'This General Yang seems to favor my Li clan in every matter... But even Yang Zhuo is indifferent to my family, so where does this treatment come from? Is this northern attack truly a surprise opportunity...'*

His heart heavy, he soon withdrew. Yang Ruiyi remained seated in the hall for a long time. After an unknown duration, a faint, ethereal light emerged from the void and gently floated down onto the table.

This object was, surprisingly, a black jade slip. On its surface was a line of pale golden characters, radiating golden aura: "Fellow Daoist Yang, I have arrived at Xianhu."

Yang Ruiyi quietly stared at the jade slip for a moment. Then he picked up his brush and wrote: "Rest easy. Do not be impatient."

Li Ximing exited the main hall and indeed saw Sima Yuanli still waiting outside. He bowed and sighed, "In the future, I will still need much assistance from Qinghu!"

He then informed Sima Yuanli of Yang Ruiyi's arrangements. Sima Yuanli was suddenly startled and somewhat perplexed: *'He actually... sent me over too! Yang Ruiyi's partiality towards the Li clan is evident, far exceeding that of the Song Emperor...'*

On his face, he put on a smile and quickly said, "It's just a matter of working together; it's what should be done!"

Li Ximing gritted his teeth, his mind on the Mingzhen Divine Unification Pill. He whispered, "May I ask for a Mingzhen Divine Unification Pill from you, fellow Daoist? I see that this Hundred Ridge Profound Stone Umbrella... has long caught your eye!"

Sima Yuanli's eyes immediately lit up. He stroked his beard and mused.

The Hundred Ridge Profound Stone Umbrella in Li Ximing's possession was only considered mid-to-low tier among spirit artifacts. Its strength, however, lay in its excellent earth element affinity, allowing it to resist many wondrous techniques. This was why Li Zhouwei had kept it. When it was transferred years ago, Sima Yuanli wasn't particularly reluctant to part with it, but he still recognized its exquisite utility.

*'Li Ximing proposing the Hundred Ridge Profound Stone Umbrella clearly means he won't settle for just one Mingzhen Divine Unification Pill. But it is still a spirit artifact, and only the current Li clan can afford to part with one...'*

However, Li Ximing had reached the point of reluctantly bringing out the Hundred Ridge Profound Stone Umbrella. The other party wasn't particularly interested in the other items he possessed, and although he had plenty of Soul-Listening Mulberry Wood, he had other crucial uses for it and couldn't part with it.

Li Zhouwei had acquired a significant amount of spirit resources from the grotto-heaven. However, with Li Jiangqian and Li Quewan's attempts to breakthrough to Purple Mansion, the cultivation expenses over the years, and the depletion of "Neck Feathers" from Zhengtong Manor, Li Ximing's finances were no longer abundant. Weighing his options, and unwilling to part with a few other precious spirit artifacts, he ultimately chose the Hundred Ridge Profound Stone Umbrella, which was already waiting for a buyer.

After all, the spirit artifacts he personally possessed were quite sufficient, and the Earth Element affinity of the umbrella wasn't compatible with his juniors' cultivation. Furthermore, Li Zhouwei's matter was urgent. Though Li Ximing felt a pang of regret, he ultimately let it go.

Sima Yuanli, however, was quite satisfied. After carefully pondering for a moment, he made a gesture of invitation and said, "What do you wish to exchange it for?"

The Hundred Ridge Profound Stone Umbrella's value was limited. Li Ximing ultimately didn't expect to get something as good as a complete pill or spirit item of that caliber from him. He merely mused, "At least three Mingzhen Divine Unification Pills, and preferably an additional portion of spirit resources."

At his words, Sima Yuanli frowned and replied, "Mingzhen Divine Unification Pills... I truly don't have many on hand. If that's the case, I'd be willing to supplement with more spirit resources. How about I give Zhaojing one Mingzhen Divine Unification Pill for now?"

Li Ximing's heart suddenly sank, and he grew suspicious: *'Well, Sima Yuanli, you're playing the rare commodity game! You've seen that my family has a considerable need for this pill, and, confident in its value, you're looking for an opportunity to extract greater profit.'*

He then withdrew his hand, signaling that there was nothing more to discuss. Sima Yuanli immediately smiled apologetically and tried to pull him back, saying, "What kind of relationship do our two families have? There's no need for formalities in this matter. I also have some Cold Autumn Gold on hand, which I'll add for Zhaojing!"

Li Ximing shook his head and smiled, "I have no use for Cold Autumn Gold. However, I heard that you, fellow Daoist, possess a Hundred-Heart Soul-Blending Wood of Geng, and I need this item to nourish my spiritual flame."

Sima Yuanli was thoughtful. Only then did he realize that Li Ximing's purpose in bringing out the Hundred Ridge Profound Stone Umbrella was not merely for the pill, but to obtain something he possessed. As for how the other party got the information, he already had an idea. He asked thoughtfully, "Is this news from Senior Ding Yangzi?"

Li Ximing smiled without speaking. Sima Yuanli pondered for a long time, seemingly carefully assessing whether he had misjudged. He then said, "This item indeed has little use in my hands. It's no trouble to let you have it, fellow Daoist."

Li Ximing knew that this person was always outwardly polite but stingy at heart. He also broke into a smile and said cheerfully to him, "Our two families are so close, this is naturally a great thing. But now is a time of great war. I will need to use this item first, and you, fellow Daoist, should also give me a pill first so I can experience its profoundness. Once Guangchan has retreated, I will then hand over the Hundred Ridge Profound Stone Umbrella to you."

His expression was serious: "After all, the Grand General mentioned that we should cooperate well on this matter, and it is only right..."

*'I wondered why he was willing to part with a spirit artifact; so this is what he was waiting for!'*

Sima Yuanli looked a bit pained, clearly becoming unwilling. But with a greater cause at stake, and unwilling to offend Li Zhouwei, he feigned generosity. He magnanimously took out all the items and stuffed them into Li Ximing's hand, laughing, "Why are you being so formal, fellow Daoist! Take all of them for now. Consider the Hundred Ridge Profound Stone Umbrella borrowed from me!"

The other party escorted him all the way back. Li Ximing spouted some perfunctory words of thanks, pocketed his smile along with the items in his sleeve, took a deep breath, and silently descended into the grand formation.

Once he reached a secluded, uninhabited spot, he immediately sensed the world where sun and moon shone in unison, and ascended to the grotto-heaven, which was rich in spiritual energy and balanced in yin and yang. He cautiously approached the courtyard and found that Li Zhouwei's original dwelling was now tightly sealed, making it impossible to observe anything inside.

Yang Ruiyi's words had been discussed with no one else. Li Ximing hesitated repeatedly, then gently placed the jade bottle in his hand at the entrance of the courtyard, pondering: *'I wonder if Zhouwei has begun to advance his Divine Abilities. I'll place this pill before his hall. If he has succeeded, that's best. If not, when he sees this pill, he can still use it...'*

*'It's just that five years is too short...'*

After much thought, he took out another jade box from his robes. Inside was the "Light of Condescending Grandeur" from the Myriad Chariots Imperial Scripture of Light Slaying. He then took out paper and brush and wrote down the reasons.

*'Although I don't know his current situation, it's never wrong to prepare more, just in case...'*

Li Ximing tidied up all the items. He then exited the courtyard, passed through the Shanghuan Pavilion, and saw the Xuan-white immortal pavilion that led to the grotto-heaven. Its brightly colored, intricately patterned door was slightly ajar, allowing a faint glimpse of what was inside.

Surprisingly, a blurred figure was seated cross-legged within!

Yet, Li Ximing showed no surprise. Instead, a sense of anticipation arose within him. He hastily stepped into the pavilion, pushed open the door, and saw a man in white and golden Daoist robes sitting cross-legged on the central meditation cushion.

This person had a dignified countenance and an extraordinary demeanor. A dazzling point of celestial light shone brightly between his brows. Beside him was an alchemy furnace, within which vibrant true flames danced, emitting smoke and fiery vapor that permeated his clothes with the scent of alchemy fire.

It was another Li Ximing!

Although this "Li Ximing" remained motionless, faint currents of divine ability flowed from his lips and teeth. His face was slightly redder than Li Ximing's own, and his features appeared rigid and wooden. Upon closer inspection, the differences were discernible.

Li Ximing walked up to himself. Only then did he reveal the Golden Scroll of Split Divine Body Marvel from his sleeve. Holding it between both hands, he gently unfolded it, and a look of joy appeared in his eyes: "As expected of the Soul-Listening Mulberry Wood, what rapid progress!"