Chapter 1084: Disguise

The spiritual island of the Pure One Sect is located in the Fenkuai Sea and is known as Pure One Island. A well-known peak, Xiaohai Peak, stands on the island. An old man in red robes was walking with his hands behind his back on the mountain. After waiting a while, he saw a middle-aged sword cultivator descend from the sky.

“Brother Ji’an!”

Hearing this, the old man quickly returned the greeting, replying, “Ling Jiao…”

The sword cultivator, hearing his words, nodded slightly, exuding an elegant demeanor and formidable martial bearing. He was none other than Zhenren Fuxuan, a sword cultivator of the Pure One Sect who cultivated the Taiyin path.

The old man before him was Zhenren Ji’an, who had relinquished Mount Bieri in Cangzhou, North Sea. They appeared very familiar with each other, and the sword cultivator spoke with a sense of closeness:

“Old brother, how has your cultivation been on Dushan Island during this period?”

Zhenren Ji’an stroked his beard and nodded, replying, “It can be considered a treasure land, but unfortunately, it has been used for too long. Later generations did not exercise restraint and extracted too much of its Golden Thunder Fire evil energy. Now it is too depleted. Furthermore… its origin is unknown.”

Fuxuan’s brows showed a hint of sadness as he shook his head and said, “This island is situated on the edge of the near sea, east of Pure One. Initially, it wasn't large; it was a territory our ancestors allocated to a junior for breakthrough cultivation, originally meant for him to settle his clan. Later, he made some mistakes, was expelled from the sect, and left with his clansmen, so it was given to the Qu family…

“Unexpectedly, Zhenren Qu, who had just achieved the Violet Palace realm, died suddenly in middle age. The Qu clan had no choice but to become subordinate to our family. It's rare that a promising young master appeared in a hundred years, only to die in the midst of turmoil. Over the years, they have become increasingly desolate… That's why I thought of inviting you, fellow cultivator, to establish your sect on Dushan Island today. The island's geomantic veins have been rising and expanding in recent years. Originally a fire island, it has gained more metallic stone lightning, and it's close to my Pure One Sect…”

Zhenren Ji’an walked a few paces with his hands behind his back. He naturally understood that by settling on this island, he would almost certainly be bound to Pure One as allies. He pondered in silence for a long time before finally saying, “I hope to get a glimpse of the Great Li Scripture!”

“I understand!”

Fuxuan led him down. Suddenly, he felt a faint heat from the jade talisman in his sleeve and sensed something was wrong. He quickly reassured him, saying, "Leave this matter to me. I will certainly inquire about it in Tingzhou!"

He then hastily left the mountain and flew over the sea for a while. Following the guidance of the jade talisman and the faint blue light rippling on the sea, he landed on a desolate group of reefs.

Indeed, he saw a man in green robes standing with his hands behind his back, a smile on his face: “Fellow Daoist Xi… long time no see!”

Fuxuan felt quite helpless. He stepped forward and sighed, “Chi Buzhi… what mischief are you stirring up now?!”

Xi Lingjiao and Chi Buzhi were acquainted, having had some grudges in their youth. However, the Pure One Sect had strict rules. Even if their ancestors' legacy had created some connection, Xi Lingjiao should not have deepened his relationship with him. He simply said:

“You devil… since you knew about my elder Zhenren’s breakthrough, why didn't you just ride the wind, hide behind a cloud, secretly watch, and then find an opportunity to leave? Why did you show yourself and cause trouble again?”

The smile on Chi Buzhi's face froze as he heard this. He said, "What kind of logic is that? Am I, Chi Buzhi, a skulking, uninvited guest?”

Fuxuan's expression was peculiar; he simply stared at him.

“Haha.”

Chi Buzhi chuckled twice, then sobered up and said, "I didn't necessarily come to provoke you… I want to meet Li Ximing from Tingzhou… I can't find a suitable opportunity on ordinary days…”

Fuxuan immediately misunderstood, his expression turning stern for a moment, and he said, “Today is the day my master achieves a breakthrough! Fellow Daoist, you’d better think carefully!”

“Ling Jiao, you’ve misunderstood!”

Chi Buzhi shook his head with a wry smile and chuckled, "Do I look like someone who would seek revenge for those with the surname Chi? Even if Chi Wei were to come back to life today and block my path… I wouldn't hesitate to stab him twice. I merely have one or two important matters to discuss with him.

"His family has some misunderstandings about me. They are afraid that upon seeing me, they would turn and run, causing a lot of unnecessary trouble."

The sword cultivator pursed his lips and said, "I'm afraid you brought this upon yourself…"

Chi Buzhi, thick-skinned, his expression unchanged, simply stepped forward with a smile and said, "Haven't I come to ask for your help, big brother? I just hope you'll allow me to go to the island to secure a position so I can meet him."

Fuxuan was not a pedant; he was considered one of the most open-minded Zhenren in Pure One Sect. He still looked very troubled and said, "It's not that I'm disrespecting you, but in broad daylight… and with my master personally making an appearance, if the elder has any objections, this matter will be difficult to resolve!"

Chi Buzhi, however, sneered, "You don't need to worry. Just go and report. The elder's mind is as clear as a mirror; how could he make things difficult for you? Besides, even Chang Huai and Xiuyue from the Sun Orthodoxy have come. How could Qingchi be absent?"

Fuxuan naturally had to report. He shook his head helplessly and led him back to the peak. Chi Buzhi simply waited on a nearby island, standing with his hands behind his back, gazing towards the distant west.

In those days, Chi Buzhi had traveled through many regions, searching from the North Sea all the way to the South Sea, looking for several ancient orthodoxies: “Although it's not appropriate to ask for their full names, inquiring about fox lineages isn't difficult!”

He had gathered a lot of information. Standing with his hands behind his back, he began to ponder deeply.

“This fox clan… is indeed closely related to the Yuanfu. I heard that the old ancestor of the fox clan, that old demon who achieved complete divine powers many years ago, was enlightened by a Yuanfu cultivator! Could the so-called Yuanfu cultivator be Daoist Xuan’an?”

And the more sensitive information… concerned that Yuanfu cultivator, Li Jiangqun. If that's the case, why would Xuan’an ignore Li Jiangqun? Chi Buzhi knew quite a bit about this matter, and his heart grew increasingly suspicious:

“This implies that the source of Li Chijing’s Taiyin Lunar Essence must be problematic, most likely in the hands of the fox lineage master… which is Xuan’an behind the Li family… Since Xuan’an’s various arrangements are hidden under the Dragon Lineage, the two are almost certainly secretly allied…”

For him, every word Ding Jiao had spoken back then was extremely precious and worth careful consideration. The most important mention was of Moon Gazing Lake!

“Guidance on Moon Gazing Lake… going to Moon Gazing Lake means freedom overseas…”

These were all Ding Jiao's words! Yet, in Chi Buzhi's memory… his own memories on the lake were clearly blank. To fill in this part, he would certainly need the Li family from that time!

More importantly, to convey the Dragon Lineage’s attitude, or at least his own arrangements with the Dragon Lineage, back… the respected elder couldn't possibly be unaware, but Chi Buzhi had to demonstrate utmost loyalty to ensure the best possible unstated understanding with the Li family.

He stood with his hands behind his back, his expression profound: “I'm afraid Li Ximing won't trust me!”

The man in green robes waited for a while and finally saw the sword cultivator coming to greet him. Indeed, the sword cultivator's expression was unusual, showing an unexpected demeanor: “Please!”

Chi Buzhi immediately stepped onto the Green Cloud, flying smilingly towards the island. Upon reaching the highest point, Xiaohai Peak, he glanced slightly into the void and indeed saw radiant light everywhere. He then said, "It's been many years since I've seen such liveliness."

Although Fuxuan led him inside, he didn't really want to engage with him, pretending not to hear. Once they reached the mountain, he warned again, “Do not cause any disturbance!”

Amidst the swirling clouds and mist on the mountain, the Zhenren in white-gold robes stood in a pavilion, frowning as he discussed important matters.

Li Ximing had brought Li Quewan and Li Jiangchun, intending for them to become acquainted with the younger generation of various sects on the mountain. However, as soon as he landed on the peak, he was immediately pulled aside by Chen.

After only a few years, Zhenren Yu Shui’s appearance had drastically changed. This sword cultivator, originally gentle-faced and resilient with age, now had a head full of white hair, his worries having taken a toll. His eyes were filled with a cold light, and he stood silently and somberly in the pavilion, sending shivers down one's spine.

Chen Xuanyu’s death had dealt him a tremendous blow, to the point that Li Ximing was somewhat startled. He could only support him and say, “Elder Zhenren… please accept my condolences!”

Seeing Li Ximing, Chen forced a smile and said, “Congratulations, Zhaojing, on achieving your Destined Divine Ability… I’m afraid I’ve made a fool of myself in front of you!”

Li Ximing only sighed silently. Chen, without any hesitation, spoke in a flat tone, "I heard that the Song Emperor is selecting candidates to go north as Handlers of Xuan. Does Zhaojing know about this?”

Li Ximing had heard a little and nodded. The old man went straight to the point: “My family has a junior named Wen Yao, who is also Jiang Liang’s good friend… The Li family has considerable influence in the Song court. This quota… I hope you can let my family have it. As for compensation, Ximing, just name your price!”

Li Ximing understood. The old man didn't hide anything; he raised the Green Edge sword in his hand and said, “Ximing knows that I pawned all my possessions to acquire this spiritual sword. But you needn't worry that I can't offer anything. Xuanyu's talent was extraordinary; he was the genius of our family's sword dao for three hundred years. This spiritual blade was originally prepared for him. Now that he has been harmed by others… our family's path has been cut off. Only Wen Yao has this glimmer of hope, and we won't have much use for this item anymore…”

Li Ximing listened, his heart heavy, and said, “Elder, you don't have to go to such lengths… Currently, only Jianglong in my family has hope, but he is serving under the Great General now. You should probably seek out the right person for this.”

Chen was also an intelligent person. He stopped there, nodding gravely, and said, “Thank you for the guidance!”

He then put away the Green Edge sword and walked out of the peak, his back looking desolate. Li Ximing, still pondering his own valuable assets, thought for a moment and then happened to see Fuxuan approaching from outside the mountain. He smiled and said, “Greetings, Senior Fuxuan!”

Fuxuan returned a polite smile and said, “I have someone I’d like to introduce to Ximing!”

Instantly, the Void trembled, and a burst of green light appeared. Li Ximing looked up, but upon seeing it, he was immediately stunned.

A man in green robes was strolling through the mountains. His long hair flowed, he had green robes and jade-green eyes, a small, exquisite bronze cauldron hung from his waist, and he held a string of dark jade beads in his hand. He truly exuded an ethereal, otherworldly presence, like an immortal cultivator from beyond the mundane world.

Li Ximing's pupils, however, instantly dilated, and he exclaimed in alarm, “Bu… Zhi!”

His first reaction was to stand up, already having taken half a step forward. Yet, fearing an ambush in the Void, he forcefully suppressed his impulse to enter it. His Immortal Mirror immediately activated, and he sternly asked, “Senior, what is this?!”

Fuxuan was mortified by his shout and cursed Chi Buzhi inwardly. But since things had come to this, he could only step forward immediately and quickly reassure him, “Zhaojing, wait! This demon… Fellow Daoist Buzhi has come to establish a friendly relationship…”

Li Ximing’s Immortal Mirror swept across, having already found an escape route in the Void. He immediately understood that the other party had not come to kill him, and he secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He glanced at him, his heart suddenly tensing.

In the vision of the Immortal Mirror, this person was distinctly gleaming with faint iridescent light!

As he spoke coldly, he retracted his Soul-Searching ability, suppressing the shock in his heart. He merely said, “What good is there for me to talk about with… him!”

Fuxuan felt even more awkward, already cursing Chi Buzhi in his mind: “This devil… normally he speaks with captivating eloquence, but now he dares not utter a sound!”

But Chi Buzhi was completely focused, observing Li Ximing's expression intently. Only then did he give a salute and smile, “Fellow Daoist Zhaojing, you need not worry. If I cared about something like Qingchi, I would have already become someone’s pawn today. How could fellow Daoists easily escape me?

“But I have much to discuss with Tingzhou… I have already passed the Purple Comprehension stage, seeking completion. There is great potential for cooperation with King Wei… Even if Zhaojing doesn't consider himself, he should consider King Wei!”

He was quite confident, standing with his hands behind his back, staring fixedly at Li Ximing. He then saw the man in white-gold robes with a grim face, who said coldly, “You know well what good deeds you’ve done…!”

Li Ximing appeared utterly resistant, seemingly full of hatred, yet in his heart, he instantly recalled many things—how miserable Chi Buzhi was on the lake back then, and how he knew all the words he spoke… What made him stop and listen was not the other's aura, nor was it any cooperation with King Wei, but Chi Buzhi’s unusual soul back then!

The Chi Buzhi before him was the only Violet Palace cultivator who had directly gazed upon an immortal artifact without being its designated wielder!

What kind of person was Chi Buzhi? He clearly heard Li Ximing’s probing words, took a step forward, and said coldly, “Precisely! So what do you intend to do, Fellow Daoist?!”

His face was naturally skilled at deception, concealing a ruthless and unscrupulous heart beneath. Though he knew nothing, those four words were uttered crisply and decisively, as if he held all wisdom, making people look at him askance.

Li Ximing remained silent for a moment, looking at him with cold eyes: “Elder Zhenren Yuanshang is about to break through… countless important figures are watching. This is no place for such a conversation!”

But Chi Buzhi, who was now right in front of him, narrowed his eyes slightly and said in a faint tone, “Whose world is it today…? Have you already forgotten how Li Jiangqun fell on the lake back then?!”

Li Ximing saw him settle into his seat, calm and unmoving, and replied, “Perhaps the Great Zhenren can enlighten me.”

Chi Buzhi’s gaze was profound as he replied, “Li Jiangqun back then became a Ceremonial Counterpart… formed from the majestic Six Wheels of Taiyin, possessing a Moon-Glass body. He traveled Jiangnan. Although his spiritual consciousness was limited and he could steal treasures for Chi Wei, he was captured by Chi Wei with a simple calculation. He was a top-tier Profound Body!”

He mentioned Chi Wei as if referring to a completely unrelated person, his tone flat and without a ripple of emotion. He stated plainly, “Chi Wei mentioned that what's even more terrifying is the array of methods embedded within the Profound Body. Such divine abilities require the Profound Body to experience the mortal world during cultivation, gradually cultivating to the righteous path. Li Jiangqun secretly concealed a Sky-Guiding Karmic Talisman within it. Once the Dharma body shatters, it would immediately summon the Taiyin Profound Light, annihilating both gods and form.”

Li Ximing's heart trembled at this point, as if mountains were crumbling and the earth was splitting: “Taiyin Profound Light! Is it a coincidence, or is this very thing, with this name, indeed the Taiyin Profound Light!”

The Li family's secret, hidden for a hundred years, now fell from a man's mouth as if it were nothing. Li Ximing's heart was greatly shaken, while Chi Buzhi quietly said, “With such ingenious methods, none of the Violet Palace cultivators dared to incur karma, much less allow him to complete this divine ability and become a true Violet Palace Profound Body. It's true that he possessed five divine abilities at the peak of the Violet Palace realm, but few knew that his Ceremonial Counterpart was from an ancient orthodoxy, requiring mortal world experience and serving as a completely new clone to break through to the Violet Palace. At that time, it wasn't complete; it couldn't be considered fully proficient in all five methods. By the time of the encirclement, various sects' Foundation Establishment cultivators naturally came one after another, entering the formation until this Moon-Glass body was completely worn down…”

Chi Buzhi’s voice was low and faint as he said, “If even Li Jiangqun was like this, it shows that that respected elder could barely protect himself, let alone merely defend Great Li Mountain. How could they possibly participate in the Mingyang matter?”

“Respected elder?”

These words made Li Ximing slightly shiver. He chuckled, “King Wei wishes to achieve Dao, and he can only do so by aligning with the True Dragon!”

As soon as these words were uttered, Fuxuan, who had heard everything clearly from beginning to end, finally understood—he had been a witness to the exchange of interests between Wei Xuanyin and Chi Buzhi. Now, hearing these words, how could he not have a sudden realization!

“This devil, after all, has aligned himself with the Dragon Lineage and is preparing for the matter of the union of waters!”