Chapter 1120: Weakness of the Mansion

Li Ximing saw the two True Immortals off. The sky had already darkened, and the pavilions and terraces on the island were lit unevenly, with figures bustling about.

The Li family naturally wouldn't invite these two True Immortals into Zhen Tao Mansion. It was only then that Li Ximing descended with ease, entering the cave dwelling, a harmonious blend of black, white, and deep blue. The 'wall-submerged water' in the center had turned pure white, clearly ready to be collected.

‘Ye Gui took a pool of wall-submerged water; only two portions are used here. If this second portion is collected, two Neck Feathers will be acquired, but the source will be cut off again.’

‘Grandfather's matter cost one Late-Spike Golden Branch and one Neck Feather... it can be considered a fair exchange.’

He raised his eyebrows and looked. Liu Changdie was leading someone in, and seeing him approach, smiled: "Fellow Daoist Zhaojing! Please meet someone!"

Li Ximing looked up immediately and saw a True Immortal being led by Liu Changdie. She was only shoulder-height to Liu Changdie, with long hair tied back and a delicate appearance. Yet, her eyes were profound in color, and with each step, there was a faint sound like bubbling springs. Before he could speak, the woman had already bowed and smiled: "Bao Xiang of Bo Jun Mountain greets Senior!"

Neither of the two True Immortals from earlier had entered this place, yet Liu Changdie openly brought True Immortal Bao Xiang back. Clearly, in Liu Changdie's eyes, True Immortal Bao Xiang was highly trustworthy!

Li Ximing felt a surge of goodwill. Seeing her youthful appearance, he politely returned the bow and was about to address her as an equal, but then he saw Liu Changdie smile and say: "This child only broke through to the Purple Mansion realm two years ago. She's a junior of my friend, so she should call you Senior!"

Li Ximing heard the name Bo Jun Mountain and understood that Liu Changdie had taken the matters of the West Sea to heart and made contact in advance. He was secretly grateful and smiled: "What a wealth of young talent!"

The True Immortal repeatedly declined, but Liu Changdie said earnestly: "She cultivates Kan Water, practices the Demonic Dao of Heavenly Embryo, is supported by a unique mansion, and her divine ability is rooted in the mountains. She is, in fact, from a prestigious family!" He paused, then added: "Regarding the West Sea... I will have this junior lead you there."

Li Ximing thanked him and replied: "I'll still need some guidance from Senior."

Liu Changdie turned around, and they sat down together. He poured tea and spoke slowly: "The West Sea... it's not just one sea; 'the various seas' would be more appropriate. From the plateau, heading northwest, past Dayuan, you'll see a sea-lake named the Northern High Thunder-Soaring Sea, as vast as the land of Shu. After several mountains, you'll find another sea of similar size, named the Grand Sea, and the Great Food lands lie between these two seas. Beyond the Grand Sea, you reach the heart of the West Sea, known as the Mansion Sea. It's larger than Jiangnan, comparable to Zhu Lu, and can also be simply called the West Sea!"

Liu Changdie smiled: "This West Sea is particularly unique. Surrounded by many mountains and islands, it resembles a giant pool, yet it's saltwater. It's precisely because of this unique topography, which fits the concept of a lake or marsh, that it is favored by the Mansion Water, being the earliest place of enlightenment and symbol of the Mansion Water!"

Li Ximing had visited the Great Food lands earlier, where the Western barbarians' custom of wearing headscarves left a deep impression. However, the area he visited was only between the Northern High Thunder-Soaring Sea and the Grand Sea, not further west. He had long heard of the West Sea's connection to the Mansion Water, but only now understood the reason, and couldn't help but exclaim: "No wonder the Mansion Water favors it, with such a vast sea located inland!"

In fact, this place wasn't truly unique. The first thing Li Ximing thought of was the familiar Salt Lake in Jiangnan. Legend said it was left behind by the battles of mighty beings; it was also lake-like yet connected to the sea, symbolizing Mansion Water. That's why Li Wuzao, who cultivated Mansion Water, coveted this place and was brought back by his uncle Li Yuanjiao.

‘The Moon-Gazing Marsh back then was already called a sacred place of Mansion Water. If there were a lake as vast as a sea... who knows how much more it would be favored by the Mansion Water!’

Liu Changdie nodded slightly after hearing his words. Bao Xiang listened for a moment, then said thoughtfully: "There were once two branches of Mansion Water, typically distinguished as Immortal and Demonic. One branch was in the ancient mountains not far from the Northern High Thunder-Soaring Sea, dominating the power of the Weak Water's flow, which is the Weak Water in the traditional impression of the Xia people. The other branch was in what is now the West Sea, dominating the vast power of the Mansion Water. At that time, the West Sea was far more formidable than now, with abundant spiritual energy. Because it dominated the vast Mansion Water, the mysteries of the Weak Water were not obvious, and it was extremely glorious. After all, it was far from the interior of the sea, not attracting the attention of mighty beings, and its inhabitants were not Xia people, so there weren't as many traditions and legalities to adhere to. It was a holy land for demonic cultivators... Back then, there was also a great nation built around this sea, called Da Qin, which also saw a lot of bloodshed... Later, some change or dispute occurred, related to dragon-kind... From then on, the Ancient Immortal Mountain disappeared, and the relationship between the West Sea and the Mansion Water became increasingly weak... Moreover, the power of the Weak Water also escaped control, wantonly ravaging, remaining unchanged and unable to make breakthroughs, thus weakening year by year."

She seemed to understand these things thoroughly and answered clearly and concisely. Li Ximing pondered thoughtfully and replied: "So the distinction between Mansion Water and Weak Water originated so early."

The woman smiled: "Isn't that right? The cultivators of the West Sea don't know what Weak Water is. Only your high-level cultivators from within the coastal region refer to it that way."

The Li family heard the name Weak Water very early on, from Yang Xiao'er. This imperial descendant with an underworld background mentioned it casually early on, which established the Li family's impression of Weak Water.

But Li Ximing sharply recalled something:

‘How could Mansion Water not be proven? Only lament that the Yu creature seized the abyss, and the profound turtle lost its vastness. From then on, their natures were hard to reconcile!’

This was a note from the owner of Zhen Tao Mansion back then!

Obviously, given the vastness of the West Sea, it very likely corresponded to the vastness of the Mansion Water!

It is highly probable that the Mansion Water became disconnected from its vastness, and its original authority diminished, becoming completely confined to lakes and marshes. This is what caused the West Sea to lose its connection with the Mansion Water!

‘Perhaps the so-called change... is precisely the 'Abyss Seizure' transformation that allowed Kan Water to gain the Vast Sea!’

His heart sank slightly, gaining a deeper understanding of Mansion Water. He remained silent for a long time, which prompted the woman to deliberate. She glanced at Liu Changdie, then said: "I hear Senior is interested in the situation in the West Sea and the wall-submerged water... This junior also has a suggestion or two..."

Li Ximing's eyes lit up, and he smiled: "Please do!"

True Immortal Bao Xiang then said: "Although wall-submerged water isn't particularly precious, if a large quantity is needed, it's not easy to gather. If it can be utilized, it's best to have the Mercury Platform handle this... it can be discussed in detail... As for the situation..."

Liu Changdie had remained silent until this point. He then put down his cup and reminded: "On Mount Xiao Guang Kong, there's a Temple of Attained Love. Its master is She Shengchi, who had some grudges with me in earlier years. And the spiritual water in his possession suits True Immortal Zhaojing's intentions. He is here to handle this matter."

Li Ximing noted this mentally, but then he saw Bao Xiang frown delicately and say: "This junior understands... But Abbot She Hu is a friend of the Dong Yuan Sect of the West Mansion... I hope both Seniors will consider this carefully and proceed with caution."

Bao Xiang was not foolish; she had already detected the killing intent in Liu Changdie's words. This matter was truly taboo; if anything went wrong and she assisted, she might also be dragged into trouble. Only because Liu Changdie spoke would she agree; if it were anyone else, she wouldn't bother in the slightest.

Liu Changdie turned and met his gaze, transmitting his voice: ‘This matter will proceed as Zhaojing arranges. She Hu and my feud isn't that deep. If we truly act to deal with him, it won't be a major issue, but it needs to be swift and decisive. If it drags on, someone is bound to come to his rescue... His cultivation isn't high, but he has two divine abilities. Can Xiu Zhenmu handle this?’

Li Ximing had quite a few people he could mobilize. With Yan Dushui and Guo Nanwu, two unrelated individuals, providing assistance, there were many strategies they could employ. Coupled with several spirit treasures and Li Zhouwei's intervention, even if She Hu grew wings, he wouldn't escape. Li Ximing simply said: ‘Rest assured!’

Li Ximing agreed. He raised his eyebrows and smiled: "This matter, I'll trouble your Daoist to arrange. I'll act when the opportunity arises... If it truly becomes irreconcilable, someone will naturally deal with him."

True Immortal Bao Xiang thought for a moment in silence. She nodded and said: "This junior understands."

A fierce wind swept through, and dark clouds hung low.

The Land of Qi was vast, with open terrain, overlooking the Jianghuai region. Throughout history, it had been a vital area. But in the current Great Zhao, the Land of Qi, granted to the Gao family, was fragmented and incomplete.

‘The east is held by Yan, the west is governed by Zhao, and the central strategic point, Mount Da Yang, is occupied by Buddhist cultivators. The Gao clan only obtained the eastern part, and although they are the largest clan in Qi, their situation is not good.’

Gazing at the gloomy land before him, the man silently shook his head.

‘The only thing to be thankful for is Mount Xuanzhen in Xiuyue, south of Qi. Although the Xiuyue Sect is reclusive, it still controls a considerable amount of territory. This forms a natural divide, preventing the Gao family from directly contacting Jianghuai, allowing them to retain some degree of autonomy.’

The usually peaceful commandery city was fraught with turmoil, enveloped in dark hues. A man arrived on mystic light, stopping in mid-air. Immediately, a long-faced man in golden robes stepped forward and whispered: "Senior Tuoba, your celestial carriage has arrived! We truly regret not having come out to meet you!"

"So it's Ying Ge... It's been many years since we last met!"

The man on the mystic light was none other than Tuoba Qiye, the Grand True Immortal, younger brother of the Prince of Dai, who had previously gone to Luoxia to meet Yao Guanyi!

The Grand True Immortal's tone was cordial, but Lou Yingge was secretly on guard. He smiled and said: "Our King has been awaiting your arrival, Grand True Immortal, for a long time."

The two Purple Mansion cultivators, one after another, descended towards the palace where true fire surged and danced. They saw golden light everywhere, vermilion gates wide open, layer upon layer. Passing through four halls, they beheld silver platforms with rising dragons, twelve broken pillars, and a riot of colors.

Upon the blazing true fire throne sat a man. His upper garment was snow-white, his robe bright red; he had a majestic build, a handsome beard, and thick eyebrows.

King Bolie, Gao Fu!

Behind him, several blazing fire lights overlapped, illuminating all around like a deity. He had clearly passed the 'Purple Participation' stage, becoming a Grand True Immortal of the True Fire path!

Tuoba Qiye quietly looked at him and said: "Congratulations!"

Gao Fu's eyes, which had turned bright red in the flames, looked at him, and his voice was calm: "I'm almost seventy years behind you, fellow Daoist. What is there to congratulate?"

Lou Yingge had already retreated to the side. Tuoba Qiye chuckled, hands behind his back, and said: "My Tuoba family's Profound Qi Grand Dao, with its Golden Core ahead, how can it be compared to ordinary Daoist lineages? King Bolie shoulders the affairs of kingship and cultivates the True Fire Grand Dao; how can they be spoken of in the same breath?"

Gao Fu stared at him and replied: "Fellow Daoist is too modest. How is the Prince of Dai now?"

Tuoba Qiye spoke without any reservations: "His divine abilities are perfected, and he's just one step away from forming the Golden Core."

"Waiting for true qi to return to its position?"

Hearing the King of Bolie's question, Tuoba Qiye said slowly: "Not necessarily... Whether it returns to its position or not, my brother will still pursue the Dao. It's just a matter of waiting for an opportunity. If not true qi, then another path. He can't always be led by those great figures... What if it doesn't return to its position?"

Gao Fu stroked his beard: "I am not as good as he is."

This statement made Tuoba Qiye's expression complex. If anyone else had said this, Tuoba Qiye would have considered it a given. But Gao Fu's words surprisingly prevented him from feeling any arrogance, instead leaving him with a profound complexity, and after a long silence, he said: "My brother often says that currently, many dragons are rising across the land. While it's due to five centuries of peace and favorable spiritual conditions, unlike the constant changes every three or five years during times of chaos, it is also brought about by the times and fate. What King Bolie lacks is merely birth and fortune."

"If in ancient times..."

Before his words were out, Gao Fu, seated on his throne, waved his hand and said: "There are countless heroes in the world, but it depends on the times to leap over the Dragon Gate. If fate isn't with True Fire, what good is one's talent? Xiao Chuting, Chi Buzi today, or Duanmu Kui, Si Boxiu back then... which of them wasn't a person of astonishing talent? Furthermore... the difficulty of achieving True Fire is only comparable to Mansion Water."

Gao Fu smiled faintly: "I honestly feel I can't compare to the Great Pheasant Demon, who can secretly radiate light, attracting the owner of the Harmonious Quince to observe the ceremony. If he hasn't succeeded, then how can I, a minor cultivator with a severed path, hope to?"

Tuoba Qiye fell silent for a moment. Gao Fu, however, stopped discussing his own Daoist lineage and smiled: "You've been reprimanded by Lord Yao."

At the mention of this matter, Tuoba Qiye's eyelids twitched, and his expression grew gloomy. He whispered: "It was simply to warn me."

Gao Fu easily understood his meaning.

‘That Dharma body wasn't the key. The key was that the Tuoba family had been meddling and very dishonest over the years, and Yao Guanyi simply used it as an excuse to issue a warning!’

The King of Bolie rose and strolled, slowly walking down the steps. He looked at Tuoba Qiye and said: "Since that is the case, Fellow Daoist Tuoba, for what reason have you come to my Gao family?"

Tuoba Qiye remained silent for a long time. Only after a while did he speak: "The State of Dai will further participate in this matter from now on. I will lead people to Yunzhong Commandery to serve as a flank for the State of Yan and to restrain the King of Wei in the future." The gloom on his face gradually faded, replaced by coldness and anger: "As for now, Tuoba Ci will head south, commanded to become a general of the State of Zhao, his life and death no longer overseen by Sheng Letian. And your Gao clan must also send someone to go with him and fight alongside him."

A trace of coldness flashed in Gao Fu's eyes. He seemed unsurprised by the deployment order, yet a smile remained on his lips: "Oh? Fellow Daoist Tuoba must also enter the fray? How many Grand True Immortals have been prepared for His Highness already? Even the Crown Prince of Wei back then was nothing more!"

Hearing the words "His Highness" from his mouth, Lou Yingge raised his head. Tuoba Qiye was even more incredulous; his original words were stuck in his throat. After a long while, he whispered: "Although Ying Ge's actions in recent years were quite concealed within the Grotto-Heaven, in the eyes of those great figures, regardless of whether your injuries are real or fake, your little machinations will certainly be seen through. The Lotus Temple has been able to remain safe until now because Jin Lian has someone backing her! And now... now... they sent me to tell you. Isn't that meaning clear enough?!"

Gao Fu stood with his hands behind his back, not answering him. Tuoba Qiye, with a complex expression, said: "Brother Gao Fu... you must think clearly!"