Chapter 1066: Complete

Cultivating one's inner self and spiritual truth was a long and arduous process.

Light permeated the attic. Li Ximing rubbed his temples, stood up, and exhaled deeply. Feeling a faint dizziness, he closed his eyes for a moment or two, finding relief and comfort afterward.

On a nearby meditation cushion sat a man, virtually identical to Li Ximing. His clothes fluttered gently in the spiritual energy, and his features were more refined and handsome, appearing almost divine due to their serene lack of expression.

This was his Divine Avatar.

The construct was no longer as rigid as before; its skin appeared warm and supple. The only difference between its face and Li Ximing's was a subtle, almost imperceptible blush in the avatar's complexion.

Its attire differed slightly. A jade pendant hung from its waist, inscribed with the name "Li Gufeng."

Li Ximing had long planned for this creation. On his Zhijing Mountain, he established a mountain guardian position, assigned it the name Li Gufeng, and specifically commissioned a family jade pendant and attire for him.

The Divine Avatar was intended as an external manifestation, designed to conceal heavenly secrets and mislead divination. While Daoist techniques could normally discern a person's true nature, with the avatar now dressed and bearing an identity token, Li Ximing activated the Six Harmonies Light.

This was the wonder of the World-Illuminating Divine Light. With "Li Gufeng" now his subordinate, the heavenly light naturally shone brightly, and their divine abilities connected, greatly reducing the time and difficulty required to nourish the avatar with life-force abilities. Its nurturing progressed by leaps and bounds.

Even with this clever method, the intense nurturing had nearly exhausted his mind and spirit. Seeing the avatar with its eyes closed, as if in meditative practice, Li Ximing felt a jolt of alarm: 'It's too realistic... Divine abilities certainly won't be able to discern the truth...'

Only now was the Divine Avatar finally complete!

Li Ximing was eager to complete the final steps. The primary marvel of this item was cultivated for one purpose: before a major battle, he only needed to sever a fingertip, magically instruct "Li Gufeng" to consume it, and then connect with it using his life-force ability. This would establish a life-link, a technique known as "Life Sealing."

After Life Sealing, for a short period, 20 to 40 percent of most injuries he sustained would transfer to this Divine Avatar. When facing curses, talismans, or evil spells that interfere with spiritual consciousness—such as the Longxiao Treasure Vase technique—up to 60 percent could be transferred.

'This means... if I suffer a fatal injury on the lake... it would merely sacrifice this Divine Avatar, granting me an opportunity to escape...''If I could master the Profound Vastness technique that elevates pure qi, perhaps I could even abandon my main body and escape using the Divine Avatar...'

Each instance of Life Sealing, regardless of whether the Divine Avatar was ultimately used, would foster a greater intimacy between the avatar and the main body. After hundreds or thousands of uses, combined with his cultivation, he could even share injuries without needing to perform the sealing.

The uses of this wondrous technique extended beyond this. Ancient Daoists could employ this avatar to deceive enemies in various ways. While Li Ximing lacked that particular skill, he did possess some insights.

'The scroll mentions that during Life Sealing, a spiritual object—preferably jade, as long as it doesn't conflict—can be placed in its mouth to reduce the avatar's damage by consuming the object.'

This greatly surprised and delighted Li Ximing!

He silently went to a cabinet and retrieved a portion of Lunar Essence!

The Divine Avatar would sooner or later be revealed to others, so he hadn't dared to use Lunar Essence for its refinement. However, for consumption, it was perfectly suitable. He lacked many things at home, but this was one thing he had in abundance!

He brought two fingers to his lips, drew the moon-white treasure from the bottle, condensing it into a pill the size of a fingertip. Then, as he gently closed his eyes, Li Gufeng, who had been silently meditating on the cushion, suddenly opened his own.

Its eye sockets were empty, containing nothing, yet something invisible seemed to observe its surroundings, a truly unsettling sight. It slowly parted its lips, revealing teeth as white as jade, and took the pill into its mouth. Immediately, its eyelids drooped, and it returned to its meditative state.

Li Ximing then opened his eyes, quite satisfied. "This way, it can be used anytime."

He subtly raised his hand, and "Li Gufeng" lightly sprang up, transforming into a palm-sized wooden carving that floated gently into his sleeve.

He shook his sleeve slightly and calculated. Six months had passed, and the jade pendant representing Yang Ruiyi flickered erratically, clearly indicating that a major event was imminent.

So he descended to the mortal realm, appearing in the mountains. As expected, he was informed that Sima Yuanli was already waiting in the region, so he invited him in.

Unlike the confident Li Ximing, this man now appeared anxious and worried. He hurried to the desk and said, "Greetings, Zhaojing!"

Li Ximing returned the greeting, noticing a graceful beauty following behind him. Dressed in plain white, she carried a casket in her arms, surrounded by floating cold clouds that formed silver sparrows—it was the Autumn Lake Immortal, Ning Wan.

Yang Ruiyi had not instructed Ning Wan to deploy in the region. Li Ximing was slightly taken aback and greeted her. Ning Wan smiled and nodded, setting down the jade casket in her arms, and softly said, "Greetings, Zhaojing... Congratulations on the completion of your divine ability. I've brought something for you."

She opened the jade casket to reveal a crimson jade bead, sparkling and translucent, covered only by a thin layer of crystal. Inside, a small, exquisite, curved-backed beast was trapped, filling the bead completely.

"This item is a Changlong Bead, originally a special protective talisman for cultivators of Daliang. Inside is a Carefree Xuan Ox, which is very powerful."

Ning Wan resealed the box with her divine ability, adopting a solemn demeanor. "The old True Man Di Yan from Qu'e Mountain asked me to deliver this," she explained. "He heard my concerns about the coming great battle on the lake and how King Wei hasn't emerged from seclusion. So he specifically sent me to bring this, saying it's his way of offering support."

The woman seemed hesitant, pausing before speaking. "This item is precious," she said, "it's the old True Man's most treasured possession, and it can save a life at a crucial moment."

Li Ximing had long heard his name and knew that Qu'e Mountain intended to curry favor. However, this concern was genuine, almost to the point where he felt unworthy of it. With a touch of emotion, he asked, "Please thank the elder for me... How can I possibly accept such a precious treasure?"

Ning Wan shook her head. "The old True Man asked me to relay a message to you," she replied. "He said... 'Thank you, Zhaojing, for protecting Nanwu amidst the animosity and preventing the Guo family from getting involved...'"

Li Ximing paused, a slight frown on his face. "The East Sea matter?"

Ning Wan seemed somewhat sensitive, silently changing the subject. "That I wouldn't know, nor should I."

Li Ximing immediately fell silent, thinking to himself: 'It's clear this old True Man is making arrangements for his legacy, yet he's reluctant to stir up trouble, dragging things out day by day. I truly need this item now, but afterward, I must have a frank discussion with him.'

Ning Wan, however, showed no unusual expression. Having dealt first with Suiguan and then with Emperor Song, this woman seemed accustomed to surviving in the cracks between major powers. She bowed and quickly withdrew. Sima Yuanli, full of envy, sighed, "Ximing truly has good fortune!"

Li Ximing neither confirmed nor denied. After Sima Yuanli's praise, he spoke seriously: "I have received the Great General's order: in three days, all cultivators will attack Zhao. All cultivators have received their orders, and even the True Man from Guoling Peak has been invited to participate!"

"Guangchan is greatly admired for his origins in the Buddhist Realm, and he has always coveted the south. Once the great battle begins, he will certainly not reinforce Zhixuan but will lead his forces south. You and I shall hold our positions and wait for him."

Li Ximing nodded thoughtfully, but Sima Yuanli himself grew worried: 'Could this be more serious than I imagined? Even Li Ximing has to seek external aid like this, let alone me. I might even be in mortal danger.'

So he solemnly put down his cup, looked at Li Ximing's face, and said, "Zhaojing... On the lake, we rise and fall together. Since you now have such a protective talisman, why not hand over the Hundred Ridge Dark Stone Umbrella to me in advance? Once the battle begins, I will do my utmost to ensure the safety of the lake!"

Since Sima Yuanli had spoken so decisively, Li Ximing had little room for maneuver. After pondering for a long while, he slowly nodded and sighed, "I shall rely on you, fellow Daoist!"

So he took the spiritual artifact from his sleeve and, under Sima Yuanli's hopeful gaze, transferred its ownership to him. The man in green then nodded and began to study the spiritual umbrella, turning it over and over.

Li Ximing, meanwhile, quietly stood up, gazing northward: 'Yang Ruiyi gave me five years. How exactly was this five-year period calculated? This battle will likely be different. Things are not what they used to be. Even if he is a Yang family member, he probably can't afford a fruitless return.'

Baijiang Stream.

In just a few years, the area was filled with temples. Inside the magnificent, golden halls, clear light flowed, illuminating a multitude of kneeling monks. At the head seat sat a monk with a clean, fair face and a golden lacquer dot on his brow, as dignified as a statue.

On a beam above, however, sat a young man. His features appeared ethereal, but his eyes shone brightly with divine light as he gazed into the distance. All sorts of complex and fleeting scenes were reflected in his pupils, like flowing water.

After an unknown duration, the monk on the head seat finally spoke, his voice melodious, "Jiexing, how is it?"

The young man slightly lowered his gaze, withdrew his divine ability, jumped down, and bowed deeply. "Cousin," he said, "I haven't seen anyone coming or going, only a Shaoyang cultivator passed through the Great Void. He shouldn't be involved in this major event."

The monk, whom he called "cousin," showed a flicker of emotion. "You're still the same as when you were a child," he said. "I've entered the Buddhist path; now I am Guangchan, not Li Jieyi. Calling me 'cousin' is inappropriate."

Tao Jiexing's brightly shining eyes blinked, and he quickly apologized, "I've been cultivating with my master in the mountains and haven't visited the mortal world many times, cousin, please don't be offended..."

Guangchan paused, then sighed and let it go. "Truly impressive," he said. "Your divine ability resides entirely in your sight; no wonder others call it 'Eye Divine Ability.' You've only just cultivated it, yet you already possess such power. If Old Master Tao were to act personally, I wonder how powerful he would be."

"The one you saw should be Guo Nanwu, and he should also be leaving... What else have you seen besides that?"

Tao Jiexing spoke frankly: "It's as if something is blocking the distant view; I can't see clearly. But the people by the riverside live quite well, much more comfortably than those in the north. My master says that a righteous cause is necessary to punish the corrupt and assist the people, so this war shouldn't be fought."

The young man truly seemed to have cultivated in the mountains; his words were direct, and his expression serious. Guangchan's expression hardened as he whispered, "Whether it should be fought or not is not for us to decide. Just follow me."

Tao Jiexing could only say, "Yes!"

The monk then pondered in the main seat. The Li clan was clearly across the river, yet his expression showed little joy, instead a deep solemnity. He looked at Tao Jiexing. "Jiexing..." he began, "tell me... are there truly those in this world who can know the future and calculate heavenly mysteries?"

Tao Jiexing paused, then replied, "What's so difficult about that? I also know a bit about calculation techniques; there's no harm in trying."

Guangchan glanced at him indifferently. "Calculate what will happen on this river," he said, "calculate this north-south conflict."

"Absolutely impossible!" Tao Jiexing waved his sleeve, leaving no room for subtlety, and stated flatly, "Cousin, you've now cultivated Buddhism and don't practice divination techniques; instead, you've focused on refining artifacts, so you don't understand this path. But this is completely out of the question. This place is filled with Purple Mansions and Mahas; let alone divination, even the spiritual energies are constantly fluctuating. Not to mention, there are quite a few Purple Mansions who have achieved life-force abilities; these people are 'empty' in divination. To calculate the changes in this place is like asking an illiterate child to read Daoist scriptures; whatever is calculated cannot be trusted."

Guangchan's frown deepened as he listened. "So, even if Duanmu Kui came, he couldn't calculate it?" he asked.

Tao Jiexing answered without hesitation, "Cousin, you're overthinking it. This has nothing to do with cultivation level. A clever cook cannot make a meal without rice; even Lord Xue wouldn't be able to calculate it! What's more, with the Martial Star above and numerous karma positions shifting and interweaving, frankly speaking, it's not easy for any of the lords to control!"

Guangchan immediately fell silent, lowering his brows deeply. 'Strange... From what I see of Qi Lanyan's thoughts, he clearly knows there will be a great battle. Otherwise, he wouldn't mobilize so frequently, nor would he let Tao Jiexing come down... How could he promise Old Master Tao two months of borrowing time and know such precise timing?'

Yang Ruiyi had been by the river for more than a day or two, perhaps even over a year. This timing was undoubtedly difficult to grasp. Guangchan remained silent for a long time, then stood up and paced, growing suspicious: 'Is Zhixuan Manor too powerful now? The lords are preoccupied with the Mingyang affair, but have they considered that Zhixuan's power is now ten times stronger than before? It is clearly the linchpin of Great Zhao. The mortal realm promised to us, is it still ours?'

But in a flash, a monk named Lianmin had already broken through the Great Void, flying down and kneeling before him. "Reporting, Maha," he urgently said, "Yang Ruiyi has crossed the river! Liu Bai is the general, and those two Mingyang disciples are also with him. Ning Wan, Wen Qing, and others among their forces have already surrounded Shanjin. Zhixuan Manor's order... is for you to go directly southeast and block Yang Ruiyi!"

'As expected!' Guangchan stood up, his eyes brightening. He no longer cared about Zhixuan or anything else. Rolling purple flames immediately ignited around him. The man conjured a long spear out of thin air and said coldly, "Let's go!"

In an instant, the Great Void reverberated, and a gigantic golden body emerged. Tao Jiexing quickly stepped forward, watching his monastic cousin step into the Great Void, then suddenly froze. "Cousin, where are you going...?"

Guangchan's gaze was gloomy, tinged with eagerness. "South to attack Wei!"

The young man was confused, but Lianmin beside him looked deeply uneasy, whispering, "My lord... I fear Zhixuan will blame you..."

"Blame?" Guangchan squeezed a cold laugh from his throat, turning his head and saying through gritted teeth, "Do you think Qi Lanyan doesn't know I'll head south? Do you think he doesn't want me to head south? That wretch moved my subordinates out early, then placed me in this border area separated by a river, using me as a scapegoat!"

"Anyway, whether he gives the order or not, I'll head south for him. It's better for him to issue an order for me to block Yang Ruiyi. That way, if anything goes wrong, whatever methods Yang Ruiyi uses... causing major trouble, he can simply blame it all on me!"