Chapter 1081: 布序

Deep within the palace walls. The hall was brightly lit, and scattered kudzu flowers, blown by the courtyard wind, lay heaped at the foot of the steps. A young man, clad in an imperial robe of deep purple with platinum patterns, stood quietly before the palace gate.

Behind him stood an eunuch, carefully holding a golden birdcage. Within a faint spiritual glow, a small bird could vaguely be seen constantly hopping inside the cage.

The bird was no bigger than a palm. It had two tail feathers, both greenish-white. Its talons were a glossy black, its eyes scarlet, and its long beak was bluish-purple. It tilted its head, gazing outside with intense curiosity.

The young man on the left, Li Jiangliang, possessed golden eyes. He subtly raised an eyebrow to glance at the greenish-white bird, then lowered his gaze and remained silent.

This bird was a spirit beast of the True Qi path, named Tan Zhen. It could control water and fire, and balance Yin and Yang. It had been extinct for many years. When Yang Zhuo ascended the throne, the Yang clan gathered treasures from all over the world to celebrate, and this particular item was considered the foremost among them.

Yang Zhuo was quite fond of this creature, always keeping it by his side and casually playing with it.

In the courtyard before the palace, two cultivators were engaged in a sword fight. The elder one appeared to be in his early twenties, while the other was much younger, only a little over ten years old. Neither of them used their cultivation base, fighting purely with their weapon skills. Yet, their extremely masterful sword control was evident as their blades clashed rhythmically, and light and shadows flowed around them.

Emperor Yang Shen of Song watched with his arms crossed, evidently amused. He turned his head and asked:

“Jiangliang… The Lincun family has presented a precious blade. Although it’s not a spirit artifact or treasure, it’s an heirloom from the previous dynasty, and it’s from the True Qi path. Which prince do you think it would suit?”

Li Jiangliang merely cupped his hands and replied: “The Eldest Prince is fresh and extraordinary, with a magnificent appearance, skilled in philosophical discourse, and embodies self-control when wielding a sword. The Second Prince is a peerless genius, bright as the moon, with a clear voice and dignified bearing, and wields his sword like a sharp edge… It depends solely on Your Majesty’s expectations…”

Yang Zhuo shook his head with a smile, not looking at him, and simply said: “I’ve long since seen all their talents. In terms of progeny, I am not as fortunate as the King of Wei.”

Yang Zhuo had once roamed and cultivated in the Four Min regions, siring many children—a remarkably large number even among Foundation Establishment cultivators. However, they were all scattered among the populace, and these two princes were only found after he became emperor. Both the Eldest Prince, Yang Sui, and the Second Prince, Yang Jiong, were individuals who achieved success at a young age.

The Eldest Prince, Yang Sui, had recently reached Foundation Establishment. The Second Prince, Yang Jiong, possessed even greater talent; though just over twenty, he was already a ninth-level Qi Condensation cultivator.

Furthermore, within the imperial harem, there was a third son, only three years old, born in the palace. Li Jiangliang had already seen him. At birth, he had stepped on water and fire, and a red mark adorned his brow, clearly indicating he was extraordinary. Li Jiangliang also understood that Yang Zhuo was right; these two older princes had been born too early.

Li Jiangliang pondered for a moment, then bowed and said: “Your Majesty…”

Yang Zhuo waved his hand, interrupting him, and said: “But if I truly have to compare these two before me, I prefer the younger one; he at least has some edge.”

Li Jiangliang watched Yang Jiong, who was now wielding his precious sword with increasing speed. Just as he was about to speak, a long announcement from within the palace pavilion abruptly interrupted him:

“Baijiang Prefect, General Conquering South, Li Jiangxia requests an audience!”

Li Jiangliang was slightly taken aback, his expression changing. Yang Shen, however, turned around with a beaming smile, familiarly patted his shoulder, and said: “Your elder brother has arrived.”

Then, a general in black armor quickly strode into the courtyard. He was powerfully built, with an imposing demeanor and piercing golden eyes—it was indeed Li Jiangxia.

After the general bowed before the steps, Yang Zhuo, smiling, helped him up and said: “Congratulations!”

Li Jiangxia knew this referred to the recent birth of his twin children, and he quickly bowed in thanks. Yang Zhuo waved his hand, and an eunuch on the side immediately stepped forward holding a jade tray. The Song Emperor said: “Today, it happens to be a day to add joy upon your joy.”

As the jade tray was brought before him, it held a bluish-golden token engraved with the four characters "Purple-Gold Profound Mystery." Yang Zhuo instructed: “By imperial decree, General Li is granted the Purple-Gold Profound Mystery and will enter the Hall of Martial Veneration to command the army. Henceforth, he will no longer need to act as an external proxy.”

Li Jiangxia had long been highly regarded, having served as a proxy for divine abilities early on to conquer the South. He later attacked Shanjia and dealt with Lianmin, accumulating many merits. Yang Zhuo now had a legitimate reason to station him permanently at the Purple-Gold Hall!

While Li Jiangxia's abilities were indeed outstanding, it was more a testament to Yang Shen's favoritism. If Li Jianglong had been the one to wield the Profound Power as a proxy then, his achievements might not have been inferior to Li Jiangxia's. Ultimately, it was merely an excuse for favoritism.

However, Li Jiangxia's reception of the Purple-Gold Profound Mystery was not equivalent to truly possessing Profound Power. It was merely an upgrade from proxy-wielding to proxy-receiving. The good news was that he no longer needed to lead troops and guard the borders to receive the divine ability's blessing. Instead, it would be with him constantly, like Li Jiangliang, greatly benefiting his cultivation. Compared to truly possessing Profound Power, it lacked only the formal title.

What Li Jiangxia valued most was cultivation of divine abilities, so how could he not be pleased? He quickly bowed in thanks, declaring: “I shall certainly pacify all difficulties for Your Majesty and secure our Song state!”

Yang Zhuo smiled faintly, motioned him to rise, and said softly: “A letter arrived from Jinghai this morning. True Man Zhaojing inquired about matters in the Southern Frontier. Jiangliang and I have discussed it, and we intend to support the demonic creatures in the Southern Frontier to maintain balance. Why don’t you take the Lingqiong Profound Water Stone there, and while you’re at it, reorganize the witch-states you conquered?”

“As for Baijiang…” Yang Zhuo said softly, “Who do you recommend?”

Both men's hearts instantly tightened.

This Baijiang was no ordinary place; situated between Tangdao Mountain and Wangyue Lake, it was clearly impossible for a Foundation Establishment cultivator to guard it. Once someone was sent there, they would certainly receive divine abilities at the Purple-Gold Hall before going! This was a great opportunity!

Li Jiangliang pondered deeply, his mind calculating.

How many individuals possessed Profound Power in Great Song now?

The most prominent were the two commanders at the mid-Purple Palace stage: Situ Huo and Liu Bai. These two, possessing divine abilities, had the true power to stabilize a region, and clearly could not be moved.

The remainder were the brothers Li Jiangxia and Li Jiangliang... that already made four! Li Jiangxia might not know the full implications, but Li Jiangliang, who often accompanied the Emperor, knew many secrets: there were only two or three remaining positions in the Purple-Gold Hall!

The best candidate in Li Jiangliang's mind was his second elder brother, but this matter was too sensitive. So he lowered his eyebrows and said: “There’s a talented individual from the Sima family, Sima Xunhui. He’s already in the late Foundation Establishment stage, skilled in planning, and a top-tier talent…”

“Sima Xunhui.” Yang Zhuo smiled faintly and said softly: “He has neither merits nor faults; how can I bestow a title upon him? The Grand General strongly recommended your second elder brother, Li Jianglong, yet I don’t hear you mentioning him!”

Li Jiangliang felt a flush of embarrassment and said: “It was to avoid suspicion!”

Yang Zhuo shook his head with a smile, his hands clasped behind his back, and said: “Isn’t Sima Xunhui also a son-in-law from Tingzhou? Ning Wan recommended a Li Yuanqin, who I hear is also a direct descendant from Tingzhou. Ting Lan even amusingly suggested a junior from the Li family to me. If one truly wants to avoid suspicion, where would it ever end? Don’t worry so much—you may withdraw.”

Li Jiangliang, feeling quite awkward, assented with a "yes." He withdrew with his elder brother, leaving the emperor standing with his hands clasped behind his back. The bird in the cage chirped continuously, emitting a melodious, winding song.

Yang Zhuo took a step, and the kudzu flowers beneath his feet, stirred by the wind, flew up to the edge of his boots. The Song Emperor looked at the accumulated kudzu flowers on the steps and praised: “How abundant!”

At the other end, the two men exited the main hall together. Li Jiangxia's handsome face remained wreathed in smiles as he asked: “The Hall of Martial Veneration… it quite suits me.”

The high officials of Great Song were divided into three branches: the military, serving in the Hall of Martial Veneration; the civil, serving in the Hall of True Veneration; and atop them all, the Purple-Gold Hall. However, the Song Emperor did not exclusively focus on either civil or military affairs, often holding dual responsibilities.

Li Jiangliang seemed preoccupied, only now snapping out of his thoughts. He offered congratulations, then chuckled: “It just so happens I can return with elder brother and see those two good children!”

“Of course!”

Moon-Gazing Lake.

The trees in the mountains trembled, and a hollow echo resounded, subtly mixed with the rustle of wind.

Fine sand and dust before the cave dwelling danced and leapt with the wind, rising and falling. The stone door vibrated continuously, and brilliant silver light poured out from its seams, flowing through the mountains.

“Boom!” The stone door, untouched for years, suddenly groaned and swung open with a crash. A shimmering silver light gusted out, causing the sky to darken, thunder to rumble, clouds to scatter, and stars to flash. Trees toppled, and starlight seemed to blanket the ground!

From within the cave dwelling, a young man appeared, with stern brows and an extraordinary demeanor. His eyes gathered a chilling silver light, giving him a rather cold appearance. Yet, a hint of joy in his expression, like a spring breeze melting ice, dispelled much of that chill.

It was Li Suining!

“Immortal Foundation achieved!”

He had spent a year in seclusion in the mountains, meditating and recuperating. He then began condensing True Essence, achieving the Immortal Foundation of the "Grand Void Star Shift Art." This also involved the Divine Sequence for calculating prophecies, influencing events, and serving as a divine office!

However, his face showed more than just delight; there was also the serenity of surviving a great trial, and even some cold sweat had appeared.

The difficulty of this path far exceeded his imagination!

It wasn't that Li Suining had never cultivated a path or established a foundation before. His "Star Dome Grand Granary Divine Scroll" back then was also a fifth-grade cultivation method. Yet, the difficulty of this seemingly less noble cultivation method was much higher!

This was because the "Grand Void Star Shift Art" had condensed an additional illusory core in his Qi Sea. The cultivation method mentioned that this core could be dissolved during Foundation Establishment to aid the process. However, true geniuses would transform this illusory core into a real one, thereby enhancing their power after Foundation Establishment.

Having lived another life, Li Suining had access to far greater resources than in his previous life. After decades of Foundation Establishment, how could he settle for less? Naturally, he gritted his teeth and refined it. But this process truly took a heavy toll on him. If not for his past life's experience and the Suiyuan Pill, he might have perished.

'I finally made it through!'

The primary wonder of the Divine Sequence was its ability to calculate and arrange. This "calculating and arranging" was precisely the art of divination!

His own family's divination methods were not nonexistent; True Man Quandan, Li Quewan's ability in magical transformations, was said to rival the autumn waters. However, unlike the divination methods of Quandan or the Witchcraft paths, the Divine Sequence's mystical uses of calculation relied more heavily on celestial phenomena.

Unfortunately, with the stars in disarray and celestial phenomena abnormal in the current era, the power of this mystical application was greatly diminished, making calculations very troublesome. It only offered minor divine abilities to control lightning. Its only unique aspect was self-preservation: if destiny was defied, the Divine Sequence would know.

It could isolate divination and evade detection by divine abilities. The Divine Sequence also had similar effects; for instance, divine abilities like "Clear Hearing" would find it difficult to perceive his thoughts without him noticing. However, true masters would also sense the failure of their divine ability and realize something was amiss.

'However, according to the scroll, the Divine Sequence cannot evade fate-related divine abilities like "Brilliant Sun" or "State Foundation."'

As for influencing events, Li Suining found it much more useful. The more cultivators involved and the more widespread the divine abilities when practicing the Divine Sequence, the more glory would be added to the Divine Sequence itself.

'The Divine Sequence truly gains the miraculous ability to actively influence events only at the Purple Palace stage. But at Foundation Establishment, like a latent dragon in the abyss, this added power is equally not to be underestimated... the added glory can be used for divination!'

As for the remaining mystical aspects related to its function as a divine office, Li Suining did not fully understand them. It allowed one to attach to Grotto-Heavens and Blessed Lands, seize the illusory splendor of the Grand Void, and thus entrust one's life... The cultivation method mentioned that the Divine Sequence was closely related to the Hua Qi path. It had once complemented Hua Qi's Crown of Spiritual Streams. It stated that cultivators of the Si Tian path could use the Crown of Spiritual Streams to supplement this Divine Sequence... Li Suining only half-understood these claims.

'The Hua Qi path is said to be controlled by Buddhist cultivators, and it certainly looks that way now. Perhaps my Divine Sequence path... is also good material for converting to Buddhism!' He smiled sardonically.

It seemed the Si Tian path had long since lost much of its former glory. Not only were several of its main applications incomplete, but even minor, peripheral mystical uses like 'Li Fire consuming Wood Medicine' or 'Kan Water driving away water demons' were virtually absent from the Divine Sequence. The only noteworthy thing was a Qi core he had preserved in his dantian with all his might.

This Qi core had already condensed during his Qi Condensation stage. As he broke through to Foundation Establishment, it transformed from illusory to real, becoming known as the Celestial Supervisor's Thunder Abode.

According to the "Grand Void Star Shift Art," the Celestial Supervisor's Thunder Abode could store Qi and gather lightning. More importantly, it served as a temporary abode, used for cultivating by attaching to Grotto-Heavens and Blessed Lands.

He carefully studied it for a while, a doubt arising in his mind. “As the core of the 'Grand Void Star Shift Art,' the Celestial Supervisor's Thunder Abode should inherently allow for various transformations centered around this illusory Qi core. Why is it that at this crucial point, the immortal art mentions nothing... I spent great effort during Foundation Establishment to nurture this Qi core, only for it to store a mere 10 or 20 percent of True Essence and lightning? What a joke!”

While storing 10-20% of True Essence and lightning was certainly not weak, Li Suining, as a direct descendant of the Moon-Gazing Immortal Clan, would hardly lack such minor advantages. To be blunt, if he asked Li Jiangzong to refine a magic artifact, he could still store 10-20% of True Essence and lightning by his side, perhaps even more effectively!

He examined it repeatedly, and finally, a doubt solidified. “How strange! Is the 'Grand Void Star Shift Art' truly a complete immortal art? Why are the descriptions of the Immortal Foundation so vague and unclear, almost as if some crucial secrets have been concealed?”

What he had obtained from Liu Changdie back then was indeed the "Grand Void Star Shift Art." However, what he received was merely the Qi Condensation and Foundation Establishment sections of the Celestial Supervisor's Divine Sequence Scroll! Naturally, its profoundness was hard to describe, with many secret techniques having been excised and sealed, all of them now in Li Ximing's possession!

Although Li Suining had seen no inconsistencies back then, finding it coherent, now that he had achieved the Immortal Foundation and reflected on it, he felt something was wrong.

He merely attributed it to the limitations of the cultivation method, feeling a pang of sorrow and boundless emotion: “The Si Tian path, renowned in ancient times, if only its complete lineage could be restored one day, what boundless power and wonders it would possess!”

Li Suining sighed inwardly. Having just emerged from seclusion, he arrived at the steps and saw an old man waiting. Dressed in plain clothes, the old man sat on the steps holding a lamp, sighing while tracing the patterns on the steps with his hand.

“Elder Du!” The old man assigned to attend him immediately sprang up, his eyes instantly blurred with tears, and he mumbled: “Heaven be praised!”

He was truly shedding tears like rain: “I thought the time was dragging on... that something was wrong with young master... This is wonderful, truly wonderful now…”

Ever since Du Dou began serving Li Suining, his status had steadily risen. Not only did no one dare to disrespect him, but the resources in his possession had multiplied several times over. Several of his descendants had also received blessings... His tear-streaked face showed joy not only for Li Suining but also a good measure of his own relief and good fortune.

“The cultivation method had some difficult parts, so it took some time.” Li Suining reassured him, smiling: “Come! Let’s go tell the old master the good news!”

Du Dou, however, abruptly stopped him, wiping away his tears, and nervously said: “Young master, wait!”

“Hmm?” Li Suining's expression grew a little more suspicious, seeing Du Dou's nervous demeanor: “Young Master Ning, you might not know, but the war between North and South has become increasingly fierce. A few days ago, a great monk named Guangchan came! He fought with such intensity that the sky darkened and the earth trembled, and it took several True Masters just to fend him off... he came and went as he pleased!”

Li Suining frowned: “Guangchan!”

The old man quickly nodded: “The True Masters have now been transferred to the South, and the lake is currently undefended. The masters gave orders long ago that all direct descendants must cultivate within the mountains and are forbidden from leaving... Even Master Jiangchun has entered the inner formation!”

Li Suining's expression subtly changed. With his hands clasped behind his back, he turned around, paced a few steps before the cave dwelling, stopped at the foot of the steps, and asked with doubt: “Is that true?!”