Chapter 1085: Coming and Going

Chi Buzi watched him, his expression calm.

Before coming, Chi Buzi had considered various explanations. Yet, he knew that this mountain must be teeming with the Grand Elders' eyes and ears, making it impossible to reveal too much. Anything that touched upon or exposed the Grand Elders' plans behind the Li family would certainly lead to his demise!

‘Since I don't remember what happened on the lake, it indicates two things.’

‘Firstly, this Grand Elder is very likely confined to the lake, having made immense sacrifices due to the downfall of the Yuan Mansion, to the point of being unable to show herself openly. Why else would things be this way? Secondly, she doesn't wish to expose her connection with me... or perhaps this Grand Elder's compromise is by design, intending to leverage me for greater gain.’

Since the Fox Clan is backed by cultivators from the Yuan Mansion, what else could their purpose be in using him? It must be for the restoration of the Mansion Water!

The position of Mansion Water is extraordinary, and in the eyes of cultivators like Chi Buzi, who possess profound cultivation and ancient heritage, it is exceptionally unique. The phrase "Mansion Water has lost its vastness" is not mere talk!

‘In ancient times, there was a great upheaval. Dongfang Riju, as the leader of the Chi Clan, secretly aided the true Lord of Kan Water in killing Xuan Yuan, thereby seizing the vast essence of the Mansion Water...’

‘The Lord of Kan Water seized that vastness but then perished after failing to break through to the Dao Embryo stage. From then on, that vastness remained locked within the Kan Water fruit position, unable to emerge.’

‘The outcome of the true position seizing the abyss made the true Kan Water position extremely difficult to achieve. Subsequent Mansion Water could not gain surplus, instead manifesting as a "leap" month, supplementary to the Three Yin. Its Dao lineage became rugged, and its masters varied, but it was not a dead end; I would certainly be able to prove it!’

Thus, the Fox Clan's purpose in falsely entrusting him to the Dragon Clan became clear:

‘According to Ding Jiao's meaning, it's highly probable that Grand Elder Xuan'an no longer wishes to guard the Yuan Mansion and has decided to seek her own fortune. That's why she made a move on me, intending to cultivate a friendly True Lord. But even though the Mansion Water has lost its vastness and things are not what they used to be, there are still many in the world who don't want the Yuan Mansion remnants to rise again... She must have hidden this scheme beneath the Dragon Clan's plan to sever the Lusui Plumed Serpent, which led to this arrangement!’

Having clarified this, Chi Buzi's objectives were reduced to two crucial points:

‘First, for my own safety, I must publicly assume the identity of someone affiliated with the Dragon Clan.’

In the current situation, before he achieved the Dao, it was hard to guarantee that no one would seek to harm him. Only Du Qing and the Dragon Clan had a vested interest in protecting him. Since that Grand Elder had exposed his leverage to the Dragon Clan, it was instructing him to align with them. This was both his lifesaver and a cover for that Grand Elder... After all, Du Qing could only oversee matters within the seas, while activities overseas required reliance on the Dragon Clan!

It didn't matter whom Li Zhouwei supported; the goal was to use this statement to cloak Chi Buzi in the Dragon Clan's influence!

‘Secondly, it was to express loyalty to the Grand Elder.’

Chi Buzi had to clearly demonstrate his allegiance to obtain the most crucial item: the Golden Seeking Method!

The Yuan Mansion-level Golden Seeking Method for Mansion Water!

However, expressing loyalty here would both ruin Xuan'an's plan and endanger his own life. Chi Buzi absolutely refused to underestimate the Grand Elders' judgment. In reality, when facing Xuan'an, he only needed to indicate that he had already colluded with the Dragon Clan. Any further word beyond that... would be exposing Xuan'an's scheme!

It was the combination of all these considerations that led Chi Buzi to express an attitude aligned with the Dragon Clan!

Mentioning Li Jiangqun, on the other hand, was to confirm whether Li Ximing truly knew who stood behind him!

‘Grand Elder?’

Upon hearing this, Ximing's mind became completely clear, and a name surfaced in his thoughts:

‘Is it Grand Elder Zhengao? Or... which Grand Elder?’

Li Ximing had not forgotten the origin of the Shanghuan Pavilion token in his hand! It was left behind by Li Jiangqun back then, and he had even used his immortal merits... But behind that immortal artifact was not just one Grand Elder, but the entire Heavens!

‘In terms of cultivation, lineage, and even actual power background, I can't deny that I inherited Li Jiangqun's mantle!’

Chi Buzi had specifically mentioned Li Jiangqun, making it difficult to say there was no hidden meaning!

He fell silent for a moment, his brows slightly furrowed, and replied:

"Despite repeated searches, it seems the True Man has been troubled to deliver the decree again."

Chi Buzi took just one look and understood.

‘If Li Ximing isn't being artful or deliberately deceiving me, he likely comprehends something. He's not entirely ignorant of who is behind me; he might even be a participant.’

So he slightly lowered his gaze and casually said:

"There are differences even among the various sacrificial lines."

Li Ximing watched him intently. Chi Buzi had already stepped forward and whispered:

"I have served under the Dragon King for many years, avoiding disasters and seeking refuge, solely for a chance to pursue the Dao. Yet, I haven't entirely disregarded worldly affairs. If not for King Wei meeting with the Dragon Prince early on, how could I have stood by idly for years! And how would your esteemed clan have remained safe until today!"

Li Ximing frowned and looked up, secretly startled.

‘A chance to pursue the Dao... No wonder he pledged allegiance to the Dragon Clan!’

Chi Buzi stared directly at him, his eyes slightly narrowed, as he listened to Li Ximing sneer:

"No wonder you dare not return to the inner seas. Who knows how many would tolerate a fellow Daoist like you!"

He had probed four times in a row, and with this one statement, Chi Buzi finally discerned the truth. His mind became clear and illuminated.

‘Li Ximing might know a little, but he definitely doesn't know the real key. The true master of the Li family, the one truly serving under that Grand Elder, should be Li Zhouwei. This alchemist has only heard fragments!’

Nothing more; Li Ximing had most likely inferred that he sought the Lusui Water! He also certainly didn't know about the Xinyou Luzhe Seal, otherwise, why would he mention whether he returned to the inner seas?!

The Dragon Clan and Lusui Water are at odds, so it's perfectly normal for them to support him. Li Ximing's judgment is very logical, but what makes this matter illogical is that Lusui Water also supports his quest for gold!

‘Given this... the most suitable person to safely connect with that Grand Elder is none other than Li Zhouwei!’

As he pondered this, he noticed that Fuxuan behind him looked uncomfortable, having opened his mouth several times, now visibly agitated!

‘No matter, I've already figured out a thing or two! Since it's useless... continuing to converse with him would only needlessly increase suspicion.’

The two were discreetly probing each other, but Fuxuan was suffering!

‘These two... these two really don't see my Pure Unity Sect as just any other place!’

Even these two knew that Grand Master Yuanshang of his sect was on the verge of a breakthrough, and that a host of Grand Elders from the Grand Void and beyond would surely be watching. How could Fuxuan not know?! Every word they spoke made his heart pound and his head ache!

‘If I let you continue, will you drag out Lusui Water and the Dragon Lord?! How many Grand Elders are currently watching this small area? If a ray of heavenly light descends upon my mountain then, will my Master still be able to break through?!’

His face was strained. He glared fiercely at Chi Buzi, and just as he was about to speak, he saw a white-robed man hastily ascending the mountain. Dressed in a robe with wavy crescent patterns, it was True Man Chehong. He bowed to the two and said:

"Fellow Daoist Zhaojing... the Grand Master requests your presence!"

Li Ximing's expression was solemn, and he sighed deeply inwardly. Turning to Chi Buzi, he narrowed his eyes slightly and replied:

"The True Man now serves under the Dragon Clan. You've certainly found yourself a good master; let's wait and see!"

Chi Buzi merely burst into laughter. Under Fuxuan's murderous gaze, he transformed, conjuring a handful of clear Lusui water, and vanished into the depths of the Grand Void.

Li Ximing flicked his sleeve and followed Chehong into the mountain. His heart sank again, and he remained silent for a long time:

‘Chi Buzi... is he still the same person?’

The person before him was definitely not the half-human, half-ghost Purple Mansion cultivator of yesteryear. Yet, having endured that encounter, Chi Buzi wouldn't be entirely unchanged. This person might have already been possessed by that immortal official, merely feigning his original appearance!

What shocked him even more was the vibrant light emanating from the other person's body, visible through the Immortal Mirror's vision! This light was hazy gray but incredibly potent, exuding a powerful, surging might!

‘He's the second person whose body glowed in the Immortal Mirror's vision...’

The first was Li Suining, whom he still kept under house arrest. Li Ximing saw clearly that while the glow on their bodies differed in color, their forms were identical, possessing an aura of shared origin!

‘What does this mean!’

Li Ximing fell silent instantly.

Since Chi Buzi was very likely possessed and had become an immortal official or a celestial agent within the Immortal Mirror, was it possible that Li Suining, currently at home, was also a means of the Heavens? Or perhaps what he gained was a heavenly bestowed opportunity!

This thought lingered unsettlingly in his mind, making him appear absent-minded. Only when Chehong, who was ahead of him, stopped before a stone gate, did Li Ximing suddenly awaken, hearing the white-robed True Man say:

"Fellow Daoist, please enter!"

He then saw a silver-glowing mirror hanging deep within the cave dwelling!

This mirror, no more than eight inches, was entirely snow-white, with a pristine surface adorned with patterns of auspicious clouds supporting the moon. Its body was decorated with coiling crab motifs. Merely hanging aloft, it exuded an incredibly terrifying deterrent power!

‘A spiritual treasure!’

Li Ximing slightly raised his brows, unable to help but marvel at the treasure's power, yet there was something peculiar about it:

‘It truly is a spiritual mirror.’

Chehong then bowed deeply, and shimmering silver light rained down. Layer upon layer of osmanthus flowers piled up like snow, and the two were already deep inside, as if in a new world!

Before them stood a simple table and chair, and by the round table, an old man stood.

This man was not tall, with snow-white long hair, a round and full forehead, and world-worn eyes. Standing with his hands behind his back, he slightly turned his face as the two approached and said:

"Fellow Daoist Zhaojing!"

This person was True Man Yuanshang!

Chehong had already bowed and stepped aside. Li Ximing quickly returned the greeting, saying:

"This junior does not presume!"

As he bowed, he raised his eyebrows to look, and the Grand True Man was also observing him.

This Grand True Man's divine abilities were already perfected, yet his appearance held no trace of profundity. His gaze was unusually gentle, bearing a hint of pleased satisfaction. A pair of grayish-black eyes met Li Ximing's, making him feel somewhat more relaxed.

Yuanshang lowered his head and said:

"This can't be taken lightly... You and I... we should be family."

Li Ximing was slightly stunned, seeing True Man Yuanshang smile:

"When Great Ning was founded, the Xi family and the Ning Li clan were related by marriage. My grandmother also bore the surname Li."

Li Ximing actually had some premonition in his heart, but he hesitated, saying:

"Currently, everyone calls my family the Wei Li Mingyang lineage..."

True Man Yuanshang waved his hand, gesturing for him to sit down, and said:

"Wei Li is not necessarily Ning Li, but Ning Li is certainly Wei Li. Back then, a branch of the Mingyang Wei Li had a disciple cultivating in an immortal mansion. Among them was a Grand Elder who traveled afar, became a disciple of the Loose Immortal Wu Che. His surname was Li, and his revered name was Hengqing. He was a Grand Elder who had achieved the Perfection of Lunar Yin and was on the verge of ascending to the ultimate."

Li Ximing gasped, his heart pounding. He hesitated, surprised:

"To be so noble!"

He had considered many origins, but it had never occurred to him that the Ning Li ancestors were actually True Lords!

"How did it... come to this state!"

True Man Yuanshang shook his head and sighed:

"Later, this True Lord seemed to have died seeking the Dao, but left behind descendants. They received a decree from Wei and were enfeoffed in Jiangbei, becoming the Li clan of Jiangbei. Throughout history, they produced numerous geniuses, many of whom perfected their divine abilities!"

"And True Man Donghua was an outstanding figure among them!"

Yuanshang turned around, a hint of profoundness in his brows, and said:

"Elemental... Elemental knew it early on! Only using the Mingyang Li clan to protect you!"

Yuanshang was younger, and during his cultivation era, the Pure Unity Sect was quite weak and not recognized by the Solar Dao Lineage. Yet, even so, he had encountered elemental cultivation; how could he not be moved?

Upon hearing this, Li Ximing stood up and said:

"So that's how it is."

The old man's expression seemed somber. He turned to look at him, moved his lips, and asked:

"What happened back then... we weren't unaware of it. In fact, Fuxuan had inquired! It's just that... at that time, we couldn't persuade Chi Wei... and it was difficult to make a big fuss..."

Li Ximing understood that it concerned the ancestors, but having witnessed much coldness, he surprisingly felt that True Man Yuanshang was being too self-reproachful. He raised an eyebrow and said:

"How can this be blamed on the venerable elder!"

True Man Yuanshang stepped forward and simply said:

"This should be blamed on me!"

His pupils were filled with sorrow, even a hint of embarrassment. His lips moved slightly as he replied:

"That year, the last Purple Mansion cultivator of the Ning Li Immortal Clan, Grand True Man Guanyu, was in seclusion in our sect. He entrusted the final legacy of the Ning Li to our Dao, not only compensating for most of the missing cultivation methods due to changes in our lineage but also, with numerous resources, helped our Dao overcome its most difficult period... This kindness, I should never have forgotten!"

"But at that time, I was still cultivating my divine abilities... Fuxuan... dared not offend that devil!"

The old man stepped back, bowed deeply, and said:

"It truly is my sin."

Li Ximing was overwhelmed by this cascade of words, feeling somewhat at a loss. Frankly, whether Ning Li or Wei Li, it was all too distant. The Li clan was already burdened beyond measure by the "mountain" of Wei Li; how could they possibly shoulder the karma of Ning Li as well!

He stepped away from his seat and stood, lowering his gaze, saying:

"Senior, you speak too highly!"

But Chehong, who had been watching, felt a pang of sadness in his heart. He went to support the old man, saying:

"Grand Master... didn't the Grand Master also offer various Daoist scriptures from the sect for his reference, and bestow secret methods and the treasured Xuan Dan from the sect's collection? Even if there was a debt, how much could it have been!"

Hearing this, Yuanshang's expression grew even more somber. He remained silent for a long time, the color in his eyes showing a deep-seated gloom. He turned his head, gritting his teeth: "Ignorant fool... utterly ignorant!"

The old man's eyes flickered with changing moods; it was unclear whom he was scolding. But Chehong, scolded to his face, looked somewhat terrified, his hands trembling. He dared not support the old man and exclaimed in alarm:

"Grand Elder... please take care... Grand Elder!"