Chapter 1109: Magic Body

Fine snow, light as willow catkins, drifted down in the cold spring.

A misty blend of yellow and white hues veiled the land. A man in white feathered robes sped along on the wind, observing villages of varying sizes appearing beneath him. As far as the eye could see, the terrain was flat.

This region lay north of the prefectures belonging to the Great Mu Dharma Realm. Beyond an ancient city wall stood a majestic city, its palaces all adorned in shades of yellow and white, with black and yellow banners flying everywhere.

Its name was Sheng Le.

The city boasted a long history, originally the domain of the Tuoba Xianbei. Its progenitor, Tuoba Xi Ge Yi, first settled here. It was only after Tuoba Chang Ming adopted the Yuan surname and received imperial favor from Wei that the city truly began to flourish, growing into the magnificent place it is today.

Tuoba Ci, riding the wind, had reached the fringes of the traditional Xia territories. This area was not governed by Great Zhao but fell under the control of his own Tuoba clan's Dai Kingdom. Sheng Le remained the capital of the Dai Kingdom.

He descended on the wind into a grand hall adorned in black and yellow. Someone immediately came forward to bow to him, but Tuoba Ci, his face grim, inquired:

“How much longer until I can enter?”

The cultivator, who appeared to be quite powerful yet remained respectful, quickly bowed and replied:

“The Grotto-heaven’s Profound Strategy has shifted by six parts, aligning perfectly with the obscure position. It’s still too early…”

Tuoba Ci let out a breath, his face still clouded with gloom.

Guang Chan's death had minimal impact on Tuoba Ci. What truly compelled him to rush from Jianghuai all the way to Mobei was something else entirely:

The Black Soul Mara Dharma Body.

Although Li Zhouwei’s Black Soul Mara Dharma Body was not particularly potent, nor did it appear to have been nourished with much blood essence, this was not entirely surprising. While the lineage of Profound Qi was currently dominated by the Tuoba clan, it had flourished in ancient times, so it wasn't inconceivable that Li Zhouwei might have acquired this cultivation method from some hidden source.

However, Tuoba Ci could not be mistaken about the familiar aura emanating from that Dharma Body. He knew deep down that Li Zhouwei was cultivating a portion of his own family’s heritage.

This was a terrifying revelation. After a moment of shock, Tuoba Ci immediately feigned indifference. He lost all interest in the remaining battle, but his mind was consumed by extreme suspicion.

The Tuoba family’s heritage was securely locked away within their grotto-heaven. Furthermore, Sheng Le Tian had been isolated from the world for many years, and even when occasionally opened for reception, it remained incredibly discreet with its inherited magical artifacts, managing to avoid communication with the contemporary world. These Dharma Body divine abilities were even concealed within the artifacts themselves, making it utterly impossible for them to be lost!

He fell silent for a moment, then asked:

“Has my father returned?”

The cultivator nodded repeatedly, saying:

“Yes… Lord Wei has arrived.”

Tuoba Ci had merely asked a casual question, so he was somewhat surprised by the unexpected discovery. He quickly tidied his robes, strode forward, and pushed open the hall doors. Indeed, he saw two figures seated at the head of the room.

On the left sat a man in white, exuding an extraordinary aura, while on the right, another man in black bore a solemn expression. Between them lay a chessboard where black and white pieces were locked in a fierce struggle.

Tuoba Ci chuckled, stepped inside, and simply said:

“Lord Wei, what a pleasant diversion!”

Wei Xuan Yin merely glanced at him. Before he could speak, the man seated beside him had already shot Tuoba Ci a look and laughed:

“You rascal... have you finally realized there are greater powers out there?”

Tuoba Ci quickly picked up the conversation. Regardless of his previous gloom, he now appeared open and relaxed, chuckling as he said:

“Incredible! Absolutely incredible! That White Kylin cleaved Guang Chan in half with a single swing of his axe!”

As the father and son bantered back and forth, Wei Xuan Yin merely shook his head with a slight smile, untroubled, and said:

“It’s been many years. Fellow Daoist Qiye, you’ve also ascended to the realm of Purple Observation. Why are you still playing such games? It seems my long tenure presiding over Zhi Xuan has caused a certain estrangement between us.”

Tuoba Qiye chuckled at Wei Xuan Yin’s words. As the current Dai King's blood brother, he held an extremely high position and, having recently made great strides in his divine abilities, felt no apprehension toward Wei Xuan Yin. He then said:

“Does Lord Wei feel no grief? And the Tao family… are they just standing by?”

Wei Xuan Yin, holding a white chess piece, replied:

“I advised him three times. The Tao family was present for the first two occasions. The last time, he still insisted on returning to Jiangbei, so I could only let him. I had anticipated a fourth attempt, but it seems there won't be one. As for your mention of grief… it is not I who should feel it.”

“The Tao family still held some affection for him, and might perhaps cause trouble for Lan Yan. But to ask them to retaliate for a disciple who embraced Buddhism? The Tao clan has upheld righteousness for many years; such an act is simply beyond them.”

Tuoba Qiye understood his meaning and, after a moment of contemplation, said:

“Lord Wei, are you implying this matter is simply to be overlooked? Surely the Great Mu Dharma Realm must make some kind of statement?”

Wei Xuan Yin placed a chess piece, saying:

“Fa Chang has been dispatched again… the implication is quite clear. The Great Mu Dharma Realm currently has no immediate solutions. As for the situation in Jianghuai… they, along with Dayang Mountain, have begun to withdraw to the sidelines, awaiting an opportune moment.”

“In any case, the matter of Great Desire is also nearing its conclusion.”

Tuoba Qiye shook his head with a sigh. Wei Xuan Yin then looked at Tuoba Ci and said:

“However, I came this time with a matter to inquire of Fellow Daoist.”

Tuoba Ci was slightly taken aback, suddenly realizing how clear the Great True Person’s face had become before him. Those calm, water-like eyes were fixed directly on him:

“Fellow Daoist, you personally engaged him in combat. Is the demonic body on King Wei truly a lineage of your noble clan?”

The question was like a large stone dropped into a placid lake, sending a chill through Tuoba Ci’s heart. Wei Xuan Yin’s words were too pointed, leaving him momentarily speechless.

Only after seeing the black-clad man above nod did Tuoba Ci reluctantly state:

“Reporting to your lordship, it is indeed the Black Soul Mara Dharma Body!”

He spoke evasively, but Wei Xuan Yin’s expression, while not fierce, held a calm, almost serene authority.

“I’m curious how the highest lineage of your noble clan could have fallen into his hands.”

Tuoba Ci narrowed his eyes and said:

“Lord Wei, you’re not the only one seeking answers! Otherwise, this True Person wouldn't have rushed back from Jianghuai to the North!”

Tuoba Qiye noticed a subtle shift in Wei Xuan Yin’s expression, instantly discerning the underlying meaning, and immediately whispered:

“The Tuoba clan’s Black Soul Mara does not share the same origin as the current Great Guan Green Soul. The foundation of my family has always remained under the command of the Long Night Demonic Ancestor. Even the Shaoyang Demonic Lord cultivated the Great Guan Green Soul in his time.”

“While the Black Flame Mara Dharma Body is certainly one of our Tuoba clan’s foundational methods, it was acquired by Emperor Wu serendipitously before he attained enlightenment. It was then practiced and even spread throughout the world. How can it be assumed that our Tuoba clan secretly transmitted this secret method to him?”

“Assumed…?”

Wei Xuan Yin scoffed, saying:

“I am aware that this Dharma Body has circulated, but did Emperor Wu not cultivate it again after attaining enlightenment, establishing a lineage? Your family’s Dao tradition is now distinct from the original Mara Dharma Body. What he possesses is precisely your family’s version. Why play these games with me?”

Neither man had anticipated that their family’s Dharma Body would be understood in such detail. They both gasped. The Great True Person of Zhi Xuan Xie rose to his feet, pacing with his hands clasped behind his back, his gaze turning slightly colder as he spoke:

“Fellow Daoists, consider your answer carefully… This matter is not merely a query from Zhi Xuan.”

He stated quietly:

“Xuan Lou came on orders.”

It was rare for Wei Xuan Yin to refer to himself as Xuan Lou.

In that brief moment, Tuoba Qiye’s face visibly blanched. As a Great True Person, among the most formidable cultivators in the world, he unexpectedly panicked. He took a step back, deferring his position, and pleaded:

“Qiye only just learned of this matter… I implore you, Envoy, please grant us some leniency… some time…”

Tuoba Ci’s reaction was equally swift. All expression was instantly wiped from his face by alarm. Almost simultaneously, he fell to his knees and kowtowed in silence.

With just a single sentence, the dignity of Tuoba Qiye, Tuoba Ci, and indeed the entire Tuoba family—as descendants of Liang and successors to a True Monarch—was utterly shattered, leaving not a trace behind.

Wei Xuan Yin showed no surprise. From his vantage point, he narrowed his eyes and said:

“Since you two have made up your minds, then speak.”

“This…”

Tuoba Qiye fell silent for a moment, then gritted his teeth and said:

“Reporting to the Envoy… this humble cultivator truly doesn’t know, but why would my family… why would we assist Mingyang? Even if we wished to help him, why would we give him our fundamental methods, letting him flaunt them publicly? What benefit could that possibly bring to my Tuoba clan? Someone must have framed us!”

His expression shifted slightly, and he whispered:

“It’s possible the lineage was lost… but even if it were, for him to have cultivated one or two Dharma Bodies, it shouldn't have led to such a grave situation…”

Wei Xuan Yin understood that the man before him was, after all, a Great True Person. If he didn’t clarify the situation, Tuoba Qiye would remain unconvinced and still believe he was overreacting.

So he lowered his voice and said:

“Not this serious? Profound Qi is the Dao of ancient demons, the only Grand Dao that can be spoken of in the same breath as Immortals and Buddhists… Do you dare let such a thing fall into King Wei’s hands? Lord Yao is already deeply worried about him converting to Buddhism; now must we also guard against him embracing demonic arts?”

“I heard King Wei might be cultivating the fundamental method; he was nearly ready to emerge from his seclusion!”

Wei Xuan Yin raised an eyebrow, his tone turning cold:

“If I hadn’t personally volunteered for this, Yao Guanyi would be standing here right now! Given his stance towards your noble clan, Fellow Daoist Qiye, you wouldn’t have needed to explain anything at all!”

Silence descended upon the grand hall. Tuoba Qiye remained with his head bowed for a long time, the duration of his silence unknown, until Tuoba Ci finally stepped forward and spoke:

“The Black Soul Mara has three layers of transformation… what has been seen so far is merely the first, which is still weak. If it cannot be cultivated to its ultimate peak, it cannot connect with the Grand Dao of Profound Qi… Perhaps during the Liang Rebellion a thousand years ago, one or two cultivation methods might have leaked out, but the remaining two layers are sealed within the artifact. They cannot be acquired unless one has direct physical contact… I implore the Envoy to understand.”

These words, though presented as an explanation, were in fact a subtle concession, a quiet acceptance of the situation. Hearing them, Wei Xuan Yin’s expression softened slightly, and he waved his hand, saying:

“It is precisely because I understand the crucial points that I voluntarily stepped forward… to give you some opportunities!”

He pondered for a moment, then said:

“This matter… merely telling me is insufficient. I’m afraid Fellow Daoist will need to return to Zhi Xuan with me.”

“Thank you, Envoy.”

Tuoba Qiye, who had been silent for so long, finally spoke. He stood, cast a deep glance at Tuoba Ci, and then, with a gesture, led the way out, followed by the others.

There was no time for another word.

Only Tuoba Ci remained standing, his fists clenched, his expression slowly hardening.

‘Who exactly is it!’

His words were ambiguous, merely offering both sides a way out. The Tuoba family’s rules were extremely strict; their clan’s mystical seal, a magical artifact, remained. Once someone bowed to the mystical seal and acquired a cultivation method, it was impossible to transcribe it and hand it over to others! Not even the first stage could be transmitted this way!

From another perspective, if the first stage was obtained, it’s entirely possible that all three stages could be acquired!

‘Unless it was soul-searching… but the Mystical Seal is a magical artifact… who possesses such power? A True Monarch? Is there really a need for this? A single word could bring my family to ruin!’

At this thought, a chill ran through him. He sat motionless in the main seat, staring blankly at the half-finished game of chess before him.

‘Could this be… a deliberate ploy to intimidate my family?’

The situation had already unfolded, and Tuoba Ci was forced to consider the consequences:

‘Two magical artifacts have already been relinquished; is that not enough? Do they intend to seize this opportunity to take my family’s treasured seal as well?’

The expression in his eyes grew increasingly grim. He gazed distantly southward, toward the horizon, until the bird-like flash of sunlight searing his eyes forced him to lower his head and close them.

‘Yao Guanyi…’

“In the tenth year of spring, the Tuoba clan entered Huai. King Wei galloped forth to strike them. Zhao General Guang Chan, emerging from an ambush, failed to prevail. They battled at Baixiang, resulting in a great victory. The sky turned crimson, mountains crumbled, and Guang Chan died.”

“At that time, Song stood at Heluo.”

The inky black characters lay silently on the bamboo slip. The young man stared dumbfounded at the table, speechless for a long time, before finally murmuring:

“Guang Chan dead?”

“What?”

Guang Chan just died like that! Li Suining was utterly dumbfounded, unable to utter a word.

‘What is the meaning of this? Is it because of me?’

‘I gave one extra warning… and a venerable Fifth Generation Maha was cut down by the King just like that?!’

Who was Guang Chan? He was the representative of the Great Mu Dharma Realm’s interests in Jiangbei. According to the history of Li Suining’s previous life, he would only now be making his first significant move, later even breaking through to the Sixth Generation, and for a long time thereafter representing the Great Mu Dharma Realm in its struggle against the Great Desire and Compassion Daos…

It wasn’t that this person couldn't die. In fact, if one were to consider it, his demise wasn't premature; he was still ultimately slain by his own King Wei at Baima Mountain.

‘I heard that at that time, a great sun appeared in the sky, the Buddhist lands strayed, and the Great Mu Dharma Realm showed no sorrow, merely declaring that he had reincarnated and that his Dao was complete. Ultimately, he was still dead, just a more dignified demise.’

But with his death occurring so early, events had taken a different turn. Given this, who could possibly replace him in playing that crucial role in Jianghuai? Could the Great Mu Dharma Realm truly find a second Li Jieyi?

Li Suining paced twice around his cave dwelling, then looked at the map again, a strange expression gradually appearing on his face.

“It’s just… the overall situation hasn’t changed much… it’s almost the same frontline as back then.”

He pondered for quite some time when he noticed the cave dwelling’s door gently sway. The black-robed man stepped inside, glancing at the map on Li Suining’s table, and chuckled:

“Did I startle you?”

Even though Li Zhouwei’s tone was quite familiar, Li Suining still felt a surge of awe upon seeing him. He quickly descended the steps and said:

“Greetings, Your Majesty!”

He bowed respectfully, then rose. Li Zhouwei gestured for him to stand, and Li Suining replied:

“Guang Chan’s death was indeed a little premature!”

“I know,” Li Zhouwei said with a smile, his hands clasped behind his back:

“This was a miscalculation by the Dharma Aspect. It’s precisely because your premonition was accurate that you feel Guang Chan died prematurely.”

A thoughtful expression entered his eyes as he said:

“This is neither a bad thing nor an avoidable one. My purpose in coming here today is to ask you something.”

Li Suining raised an eyebrow, listening as Li Zhouwei nodded and said:

“Do you know of Tiansu?”

Li Suining frowned slightly and shook his head.

Li Zhouwei remained silent for a long time, hesitating for a moment. Qing Yushi’s words still echoed in his mind as he pondered secretly.

‘Back then, when Liu Changdie visited the lake, Qing Yiyuan Xinyi severed his connection to the Su Shu, transforming him from a character only discernible as ‘wrong’ by True Monarchs into an anomaly attracting the notice of divine abilities… and even had his profound mysteries confiscated…’

This had been Qing Yushi’s explanation, yet Li Zhouwei meticulously observed Li Suining, and a strange feeling resurfaced in his heart: wasn’t the Li Suining before him essentially a second Liu Changdie?

But Li Suining displayed no abnormality whatsoever in the presence of the Purple Mansion divine abilities!

This implied that Qing Yiyuan Xinyi had not confiscated the profound mysteries from him!

‘The Qing Yiyuan Xinyi, which the fox lineage cannot control, is likely in Tianshang’s hands. It must be that Suining possesses a contingency plan from Tianshang, allowing him to escape from Qing Yiyuan Xinyi!’