Chapter 1075: Adjustment of Defense

The night was gloomy, and dark waves surged. A silver light traveled from the sky, pausing midway to rest for a moment.

The silver light then materialized into a middle-aged man wearing elegant fur robes. Three points of silver light dotted his brow. He formed hand seals and looked around casually.

Lately, Liu Changdie had been living much more comfortably. The Demon King Xushui, sent by the Dragon Clan, had explained various plans to him. Although Liu Changdie still didn't dare venture deep into the sea, he could at least travel within the East Sea, enjoying some freedom thanks to the Dragon Clan's protection.

However, Liu Changdie's hesitation was not about this, but rather about Fu Xun.

After Li Ximing's reminder, Liu Changdie no longer dared to casually seek out Fu Xun. In all this time, today was the only time he had gone.

Fu Xun, after all, had been settled and lived quite freely with no one to restrain him. His subordinate demons were also gradually gaining recognition in the sea. However, the injuries on Fu Xun's body had become strange.

The wounds had healed on the surface, but the insidious damage was in his bone marrow. Like a festering sore, it lingered persistently, causing Fu Xun unspeakable agony. He constantly urged Liu Changdie to find a cultivator of the Shaoyang path for healing, which left Liu Changdie silent.

He thought about his current predicament: he couldn't even leave the East Sea, so how could he find a Shaoyang path cultivator for Fu Xun? And he didn't dare trouble Ximing with this matter.

He had no choice but to set aside this worry for now. He drifted towards the island, deep in thought, and soon saw the large island in the distance.

This island was truly unusual. From a distance, it appeared vast and flat with no towering peaks. Instead, there were continuous low hills, and the terrain grew lower towards the center, all covered in a light grey spiritual mist.

It was the world-renowned Shi Qi.

He did not go forward, but changed direction towards the immortal mountain beneath his feet.

Liu Changdie actually knew several Purple Mansion cultivators in the East Sea. He had once wandered around Shi Qi and formed some connections with the lineage there. When he returned after achieving the Purple Mansion realm, he renewed these connections.

Now, he came again, firstly for some private matters, and secondly, it was also due to Demon King Xushui's guidance from years ago.

Demon King Xushui had said that in the eyes of Lady Xuannü, it would not look good to see someone favored by the Divination Bureau perish.

This was what Demon King Xushui had personally called him!

While Liu Changdie's cultivation in the Purple Mansion realm was not considered high, his knowledge and insight were definitely top-tier. How could he not know about the Divination Bureau?

The Divination Bureau, also known as the Abstruse Helmet, conducts alchemical sacrifices to heaven and earth, develops divine abilities, calculates profound sequences, and monitors all directions.

Liu Changdie naturally knew that this "favoring" referred to his rebirth, and that he was able to live to this day was thanks to Lady Pinshui. Therefore, he had to come and establish some connections.

He descended on a cloud and soon stopped at the Xuanshan mountain by the island. He had his disciples announce his arrival, and immediately, a hazy grey color emerged and materialized into a person.

The person looked frail, lightly treading on a cloud. His face was as pale as paper, but his lips were a vibrant, almost dripping red. His dark eyes stared at Liu Changdie as he spoke, "Fellow Daoist Liu!"

Liu Changdie replied, "Senior Cang Tiaozi, long time no see!"

The True Person lightly nodded and led him inside, asking about his recent situation with moderate concern. However, Liu Changdie could not discern any special regard towards him. After they were seated at a table, Cang Tiaozi said expressionlessly, "Fellow Daoist Liu, have you come to discuss something important?"

Liu Changdie knew that the 'Cang Tiaozi' before him was merely a skin-like manifestation projected by Pinshui's divine ability. The fact that it could walk and converse was already remarkable, so it wouldn't specifically make expressions. He simply inquired about the developments in the East Sea.

He thought it wouldn't be good to ask directly about Pinshui; he should test the waters first before inquiring about Pinshui's matters.

He originally intended to start a conversation, but it seemed he had hit upon Cang Tiaozi's precise worry. He shook his head and said, "It seems Fellow Daoist has also heard about this... Many demons were lost in the depths of the Zhulu Sea. A great demon king of Fushui, who had avoided the world for many years, appeared and caused countless commotions, shattering many demon residences. Those Purple Mansion demons' abilities were far inferior to his, so they had no choice but to temporarily avoid the conflict and scatter to various seas..."

"This can only be considered a strange event," he continued. "It's just that the depths of the Zhulu Sea are unusual; the corpse of the Eighth Prince lies there, making the area extremely sensitive. That's why this matter escalated so much and attracted attention from all sides."

The so-called Zhulu Sea didn't just refer to the color of the seawater; 'Zhulu' actually meant 'execute Lu,' referring to the demise of the Eighth Prince. Liu Changdie naturally knew this, but the two places were quite far apart, so it shouldn't have caused the True Person such concern. Upon closer inquiry, he saw a hint of distress on Cang Tiaozi's face.

"I refined a Lu water treasure there," Cang Tiaozi said. "Now I can't retrieve it. I don't know who took it, benefiting them for free."

Liu Changdie did not leave the East Sea, nor did he even go to its edge, so naturally, he wasn't interested in this matter. He smiled and said, "Fellow Daoist is proficient in the path of Pinshui, inheriting it from Lady Pinshui. Do you also research Lu water?"

Cang Tiaozi's gaze subtly changed, and he smiled. "Pinshui is naturally harmonious with all waters, so it's no problem."

Liu Changdie sensed the other party's aversion. He asked about Pinshui several times, but the man always smiled and brushed him off. So he had no choice but to say, "A few days ago, I sent someone here. Is there any news about the 'Profound Light of Guan Yuan'?"

At these words, the True Person before him repeatedly shook his head and said, "The path of Gathering Wood is not prominent now. This item is truly hard to find. Among the other things you asked about, only one item has news: a complete elixir spiritual object."

Liu Changdie was immediately overjoyed and asked, "Is that true!"

The reason Liu Changdie went to ask the Purple Mansion cultivators of Shi Qi was that the place was quite ancient and possessed many spiritual objects. Pinshui's healing abilities were among the best, and Cang Tiaozi often received favors from others, making it most likely that he would have these items.

When he sent someone over then, he not only asked about the spiritual objects he lacked and the lineage of Ku Jin, but he also shrewdly inquired about spiritual objects of the Complete Elixir path — naturally, for Li Quewan.

Regarding Li Quewan's spiritual object, Li Ximing had already inquired with him. Liu Changdie did not possess it himself, but he greatly sighed on his behalf.

He thought it was the 'Six Instruments Interacting Colors,' which ranked among the top three complete elixir spiritual objects, and likely the only one of its kind in Wanling Heaven.

Now, joy naturally filled his heart.

He thought that the few spiritual objects he sought were too rare, and he hadn't found them himself in so many years, so it was normal for this place not to have them. However, news about a complete elixir was equally a cause for celebration.

Cang Tiaozi listened to his words, then smiled. "What's there to be fake about? Many complete elixir spiritual objects have been plundered by the Golden Feather Sect, and ordinary places no longer have them. Only in the West Sea is there a lineage that also cultivates the complete elixir."

"Their sect originally had a Great True Person of the Complete Elixir path," Cang Tiaozi continued, "who unfortunately perished years ago. As a result, their disciples' situation became increasingly difficult. Now they have specifically sought me out to exchange it for Pinshui healing."

Liu Changdie suddenly realized, and said with a touch of wistfulness, "I understand... Actually, I had also thought of the West Sea, but something happened, making it inconvenient to contact people there... It seems, after all this, it still leads back to the West Sea. What is it?"

Cang Tiaozi opened his palm, and in it, a constantly swirling and jumping red sand glowed. The True Person said, "Vermilion Temple Golden Office Sand!"

Liu Changdie was not surprised. A hint of understanding flashed across his brow, and he sighed, "As expected! It's the Mercury Platform, isn't it!"

Cang Tiaozi shook his head and said, "It's good that you know, no need to mention it further."

The Mercury Platform, as mentioned by Liu Changdie, was originally a major sect in the West Sea and had once flourished. Its Great True Person, Miao Qi, progressed steadily, and in his later years, he transcended to the Purple stage, becoming one of the foremost figures in the world.

Unfortunately, due to turmoil in the West Sea, Great True Person Miao Qi suddenly perished. Another lineage, the Xifu Dongyuan Sect, rose to prominence, and a great war broke the backbone of the Mercury Platform, leading to its decline. This Vermilion Temple Golden Office Sand was precisely a powerful spiritual object from the hands of the Mercury Platform's True Person!

Liu Changdie traveled the world and had a presence in the West Sea. He knew the people of the Mercury Platform, hence his slight melancholy. Cang Tiaozi, however, was much more dispassionate and smiled. "This item lies between the realms of essence and gold. It excels at transforming into a sky full of vermilion cinnabar treasure rain. If it can be refined into a magical artifact or incorporated into a spell, it will surely bring unimaginable benefits, comparable even to water and fire!"

Spiritual water and spiritual fire inherently held value beyond ordinary spiritual objects, and Cang Tiaozi's comparison clearly emphasized the item's value. Liu Changdie quickly took out a jade box from his sleeve and showed its contents to the True Person one by one, but Cang Tiaozi repeatedly shook his head and said, "I only want the 'One Qi White Orb Stone'!"

Liu Changdie found himself in a dilemma. The One Qi White Orb Stone on his person was meant to be exchanged for the Profound Light of Guan Yuan, so how could he use it ahead of time?

He thought that if he didn't use the One Qi White Orb Stone, Cang Tiaozi would show little interest in other spiritual objects and would demand a much larger addition for the exchange.

He hesitated repeatedly, opening his mouth but ultimately saying nothing.

Even though he treated the Li family as his own, faced with something so extremely valuable that it would deplete his savings, he clearly couldn't make an immediate decision. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Please, Senior, hold onto this item for me. I will make preparations and inquire around so I can offer something of equivalent value to exchange for it."

Cang Tiaozi naturally nodded and escorted him out of the mountain. Liu Changdie held his hand and pleaded repeatedly, "I know that complete elixir spiritual objects are rare now, and many lineages are seeking them everywhere... But this particular spiritual object is crucial to me. Please reserve it for me; I will definitely come to exchange it soon!"

In the mountains, summer leaves fell and autumn yellows emerged. On the jade table in the deep cave dwelling were two white jade boxes, glittering brilliantly under the bright sunlight. The True Person sitting in the cave dwelling slowly exhaled and opened his eyes.

He stood up and shook his sleeves. His injuries had healed by more than half, and no aura fluctuations were visible on the surface. This clearly exceeded Li Ximing's expectations. He calculated with his fingers and was slightly surprised.

He realized that more than a year had passed since he sent a letter to Yang Ruiyi.

Li Ximing was slightly disappointed, estimating that Situ Huo had already taken over Jiangbei and that his own escape had become an issue. However, he was prepared for this, so he didn't seem overly disappointed.

He thought he would have to find another opportunity.

The jade stone in his sleeve vibrated continuously. Li Ximing quickly stepped forward, leaving the cave dwelling. As expected, he saw True Person Chengqian standing with his hands behind his back in front of the cave dwelling, pacing back and forth. Upon seeing him, he smiled, and his first words were, "Congratulations, Fellow Daoist!"

Li Ximing was slightly taken aback and asked, "What is there to congratulate?"

True Person Chengqian gestured for him to come out, and, smiling, lowered his head to explain. "News has arrived from the mountain regarding a garrison reassignment!"

He then unrolled the golden scroll in his hand and handed it to Li Ximing. Clearly written on it were dozens of characters, the general meaning of which was to order True Person Xianyao and Sima Yuanli to come to Caishan, while Li Ximing and Chengqian were to depart immediately for Jinghai to quell the demonic uprising.

Chengqian explained, "Many of the southern Witch Kingdoms had already been attacked and destroyed, leading to widespread unrest. When True Person Zhusheng came to the north, those demon kings immediately lost their deterrent and shamelessly probed... That's why you and I need to make a trip!"

If it had been a year ago, Li Ximing would have smiled knowingly, understanding that Yang Ruiyi had given him this favor. But a full year had passed, leaving him somewhat puzzled. He simply suppressed his doubts, bowed, returned the golden scroll, and stepped out of the cave dwelling, where, as expected, he saw Qinghu Sima Yuanli waiting at the entrance.

The two did not say much. They departed together, riding the wind, entering the hazy darkness of the Great Void, and sped southward.

After leaving the mountain, True Person Chengqian looked much more relaxed. Li Ximing also sighed in relief, and seizing the opportunity, he frowned and said, "Out of nowhere, there's a reassignment... Have there been any changes in the situation this past year?"

True Person Chengqian merely said, "Fellow Daoist was in secluded cultivation, healing, so I dared not disturb you... But there have been quite a few changes this past year. None of them were major battle scenes. Caishan only experienced one or two minor probes; it seemed they were trying to find out who was garrisoned here."

"But there have been quite a few major events at Tangdao Mountain."

Li Ximing cast a confused look, and True Person Chengqian said, "As soon as Fellow Daoist entered secluded cultivation, news came from the mountain. Situ Jiedu blocked the northern forces and arrived at Tangdao, but suddenly received orders to go south to the Song court to see the monarch, staying for several months... So, the True Person... had no choice but to remain in the north."

His words made Li Ximing thoughtful; he immediately understood:

Yang Ruiyi had not been able to return to the wilderness but was instead guarding Tangdao Mountain.

"How did General Yang react?"

True Person Chengqian said, "I haven't heard of any reaction. But privately, it's rumored that there will be a major movement in the north to retake the Great Yuan Guangyin Mountain... That's why General Yang will continue to guard this place."

Before Li Ximing could speak, Chengqian continued with a slight smile. "Logically, recalling him would only involve a court audience ceremony. But Situ Jiedu simply refused to return and stayed in the court for a long time, requesting the Song court to gather the remaining bloodline of the Situ family and permit him to re-establish the clan."

Li Ximing slightly narrowed his eyes, realizing Situ Huo's intentions, and asked, "How did the monarch respond to him?"

True Person Chengqian appeared very courteous, and it was impossible to discern his personal stance; he merely said, "The Situ family had long lost its direct lineage. Fortunately, a detailed investigation revealed that when Tangdao Mountain collapsed, Ziyan Blessed Land took in a group of collateral branches of the Situ family. They are still in Yufu and have already been bestowed upon Senior Situ."

He sighed emotionally, "The whole process took a year. Senior Situ only arrived at Tangdao Mountain a month ago. Our reassignment must have been ordered by Lord Yang before his departure."

Li Ximing listened to these words, quietly calculating in his mind, remaining silent for a long time.

He thought that the true direct lineage of the Situ family was still in the hands of the Buddhist cultivators, and with Situ Huo becoming a prominent figure in the south, the fortunes of those direct descendants were also on the rise.

As he was pondering, he saw Chengqian say earnestly, "Thank you, Fellow Daoist Zhaojing!"

Li Ximing was slightly taken aback and turned to look at him.

He thought that Chengqian knew it was thanks to him that they no longer had to guard Caishan. Now, everyone was injured, and whoever guarded the northernmost post was likely to suffer misfortune. Chengqian was quite perceptive!

He then chuckled and shook his head, not directly answering him, but smiling as he said, "When we reach the South Sea, I'll still have some private matters to attend to. Perhaps I'll have to trouble Chengqian then."

The young man looked at him thoughtfully for a moment and quickly said, "I understand! Please, True Person, do not worry!"

With his injuries much better and no longer needing to guard Caishan, Li Ximing's mood instantly brightened. He took a talisman from his sleeve and used his life-bound divine ability to sense: "Qu Si... still needs to head south."