Chapter 1128: Great Justice and Personal Feelings

Xilian Sea.

The moonlight was brilliant, and waves surged across the Xilian Sea. Layers of light shimmered on the water's surface. Suddenly, two figures appeared, moving with supernatural grace, weaving and surging, one after the other, revealing two Real Persons.

The one in front wore a Daoist robe, with three brocade pouches tied at his waist. In his hand, he held a long, bamboo-like staff, resting on his shoulder. Scattered small, jade-carved swords were tied to its end, clinking crisply as they collided.

This person was dressed rather oddly, appeared middle-aged, had a reddish complexion, and a serious expression. His eyes were slightly closed, revealing a thoughtful demeanor.

Behind him followed an elder, splendidly and neatly dressed, but with a pale face. A flicker of distress showed in his eyes. Seeing the person ahead remain silent for a long time, he finally spoke:

"Daoist Friend Xie...?"

The Real Person, whom he called Daoist Friend Xie, seemed to awaken suddenly, letting out a long breath before saying:

"Senior... this is truly amazing!"

"The witch talismans in this grotto-heaven are extraordinary, and the grotto-heaven secret realm itself is extraordinary... If a person's cultivation within it is high enough... they could even use it to evade and repel opponents... I even suspect this grotto-heaven could be stored away!"

These two were precisely Yan Dushui and Xie Hu!

The distance between Xihai and Xilian Sea was truly vast. The Li family had long since completed their affairs, while these two seemed to have just visited the grotto-heaven. Real Person Xie Hu, with slightly reddened eyes, was deeply moved as he asked:

"May I ask... what did that master your esteemed ancestor encountered back then look like?"

This made Yan Dushui fall silent. After a long pause, he said:

"My ancestors, generation after generation, all guessed he was a figure from the netherworld, but at the time, he spoke of immortals..."

Xie Hu's expression became solemn. He said:

"This person, I fear, is not within the Three Profounds."

"My Dao lineage cultivates witch talismans, and our ancestral heritage dates back many years. My grandmaster once sparred with Duanmu Kui; they were somewhat acquainted, and he had a good understanding of the traditions of the Three Profounds and witch talismans."

"I don't know if this person is from the Underworld, but even if they are, they would be an unorthodox practitioner who became a ghost and joined the Underworld."

Although Yan Dushui had guarded this treasure land for many years, his own lineage was not one of the High Witch or Bingxiu traditions, so he truly couldn't discern the profound subtleties and didn't particularly care. After listening for a while, he sighed:

"I only hope it offers you some help..."

"Help... that's hard to say."

Xie Hu's expression was complex after hearing this, half joy and half sorrow, as he replied:

"My grandmaster once discussed the Profound Dao with Duanmu Kui. That Real Person, renowned across the north and south, once said: 'High Witch appears empty yet is truly obscure; it is merely a response to banishment. If I were to verify it, I fear I would lose my life.'"

Although Yan Dushui was far removed from such circles, he had heard of Duanmu Kui. He paused, stunned, and said:

"I heard he was extremely overbearing and self-opinionated, claiming to be enlightened by immortals with boundless power. Did he really say something like that?"

"Immortals... immortals are not unique. If the Underworld had no immortals, how could it have persisted from ancient times until now?"

Xie Hu's expression was dim. He said:

"My grandmaster then advised him: 'The "gold" spoken by immortals, how could it necessarily be the "gold" of the High Witch? Abundance remains above, so hope for more.'"

"But you're right, that senior was self-opinionated and tyrannical. He blindly followed this path until his death. Even someone as powerful as him... couldn't achieve the Dao... who else in the world would dare to try?"

The middle-aged man turned his head to look at Yan Dushui and thanked him solemnly:

"Senior, the supreme profound talismans inscribed in this grotto-heaven contain profound principles in subtle words, and I, your junior, have benefited greatly. But no matter how powerful these profound talismans are, they cannot compare to the immortal scriptures of yesteryear. Even Duanmu Kui failed; what can a junior like me achieve? I cultivate High Witch, but I seek the Dao beyond High Witch. Therefore, these talismans are of no benefit to my pursuit of the Dao!"

Yan Dushui stood stunned in place, silent for a long time, feeling a pang of sorrow in his heart. Then, Xie Hu changed his tone, lowering his gaze as he said:

"However, with this wall of profound talismans, one can pass the Purple Comprehension! This cannot but be called a great kindness!"

Only then did the elder let out a sigh of relief and said joyfully:

"That's good... that's good!"

His heart was filled with joy. He was already planning how to bring the good news to Li Ximing, intending to completely extract all the benefits from the information Xie Hu had provided in such a short time.

Seeing the elder's face still pale and his lips still mumbling, a flicker of pity crossed Xie Hu's eyes. He said softly:

"I know what Senior seeks, but Senior... pursuing the Dao for oneself, roaming the heavens and earth, that is the true path of immortal cultivation. Why rely on your descendants? That is truly a mistake. After all, Senior possesses divine abilities. If you are willing, I can use some witch talisman techniques to help you dissipate your divine abilities and live for a few more decades... Perhaps there would be a turning point?"

Yan Dushui, smiling broadly at the first half of his words, froze as the latter half reached his ears. He turned blankly to look at Xie Hu, who stood under the moonlight, full of spirit. The elder chuckled:

"Without your grandmaster, how would you today be pursuing the Dao for yourself and roaming the heavens and earth? Whether it's the Dao lineage or descendants, it's not a reliance, but a fulfillment. It's not inferior or useless like the meager existence of you Dao seekers. If the Dao cannot be achieved by me, then it will be achieved through those I entrust!"

Xie Hu watched him quietly, seeing his divine consciousness dispersing and spiritual essence wavering, causing snowflakes to fall all around. Yet, the elder was still smiling, his words powerful and resonant. Xie Hu nodded deeply, cupped his hands, and said:

"This junior has been enlightened."

Simin.

The sky was just brightening, and the road grew cold again. The sound of wheels echoed in front of the gate as a youth in black robes alighted from his palanquin. The crimson main gate swung open, and the first to run out was a boy.

The child was delicately formed, with light steps. His eyes held a subdued golden light, and a smile was on his face. He excitedly stopped at the gate, staring at the youth, and replied with a smile:

"Fourth Uncle... you're back from the imperial court."

A smile immediately appeared on Li Jiangliang's face. He took the child's small hand and said:

"This is Suichu's birthday; Fourth Uncle hasn't forgotten..."

From his dark, greenish-black sleeve, he produced an object: a walnut-sized, brilliantly radiant round pearl. The child joyfully accepted it, and the two entered together. By the threshold of the inner courtyard stood a girl, hiding behind the door, revealing only half of her face, watching him with an awkward smile:

"Fourth Uncle..."

She smiled with a hint of expectation, her eyes fixed on his sleeve. Li Jiangliang's smile widened. He took out a palm-sized small mirror from his sleeve and said:

"I couldn't forget Zhi'er!"

The child received it with bright eyes, thanked him very politely, then gathered her skirt and went to chase her older brother. Li Jiangliang watched with a gentle smile as the two children playfully disappeared into the depths of the corridor. Only then did he enter the courtyard.

His elder brother wore a plain tunic, with both sleeves rolled up. In his hand, he held a small white jade scissors, gazing down at the plum blossoms in a porcelain vase. Scattered pink petals lay around them.

Li Jiangliang stepped forward and bowed. Li Jiangxia smiled and said:

"It was truly hard on you... to single-handedly arrange my transfer back to the capital, so I wouldn't miss these two little ones' birthdays... Suichu is easier to handle, but Zhi'er is very difficult to coax..."

Compared to when they first entered officialdom, the two brothers were clearly much closer. Li Jiangliang replied:

"Both children are close to you and have gentle natures; Madam Zou taught them well."

Li Jiangxia led him to a seat and shook his head, saying:

"You're wrong about that. Suichu is mischievous, not as steady as Suihuan. Although Li Jianglong has nothing remarkable about him, he is truly amazing at having children. I only envy him for that."

The important minister of Great Song, Envoy of True Light and Cloud, was rebuked but showed no change in expression. He only sighed:

"Elder Brother, with your divine ability imminent, you won't have more descendants. Suihuan is being nurtured as the Li clan's eldest legitimate son, and he also strives hard, showing the potential for divine ability... Suichu was born in the Imperial Capital... he hasn't experienced so much..."

His elder brother, however, laughed and said without ceremony:

"You're far too polite. Everyone says my Li clan has three Profound Bearers, and that you monopolize court affairs and I am renowned for my power. But you and I both know that those who end up bearing the Profound here... have already been defeated at Moon-Gazing Lake, falling short by a step."

"And Suichu, born in the Imperial Capital, where everyone calls him 'Young Master'—is that truly a good thing? Though also of the Mingyang bloodline, my child grew up in the deep palace courtyards, bearing no responsibilities and having seen little of the world. In the future, when he meets his clan brother, he will surely feel ashamed of his own inferiority."

"Only Li Jianglong was lucky; he had a child early and had a Real Person grant the child a name."

Listening to his elder brother finish these words, Li Jiangliang found it truly difficult to respond. He shook his head and said:

"I heard... Father went to Xihai."

Li Jiangxia's expression turned serious. He said:

"You truly are well-informed... But did something happen?"

Li Jiangliang gave a bitter smile and replied:

"What could possibly happen...? My wife complained a bit about the issue of bestowing treasures, saying the Heavenly Nurturing Urn was the Lord's own fortune, and not something from the Yang clan. Moreover, it contained a wondrous ability to collect, suppress, and extract essence..."

He raised his eyebrows and sighed:

"Father's character... you know it. He went all the way to Xihai and captured a demon king with two divine abilities. I heard he didn't even lift a finger; just one divine ability and a spiritual treasure were enough to thoroughly terrify a group of rogue cultivators."

Li Jiangxia listened in silence for a moment, then said:

"With Father's current divine ability, I fear even the Great General wouldn't dare claim a sure victory over him!"

Li Jiangliang sighed:

"Indeed, isn't it? He can only be too busy to attend to everything in Xishu, while North Zhao is like dragons without a head..."

Li Jiangxia glanced at him and replied:

"The higher Father's divine ability, the more these people become wary and unable to do anything to him. The day he reaches the Eastern Sea, you won't even be able to discern him clearly!"

Li Jiangliang was stunned. He raised his hand and said:

"They are also well-intentioned."

His words sounded like an explanation, but his elder brother did not elaborate further. He only said:

"I heard that the Abbot of Dakonghai Temple has returned to his position, and there are new rumors from Shitang..."

Li Jiangliang replied vaguely, seemingly a bit absent-minded. After a long while, he said:

"Since Elder Brother came from the north, did you pass by the lake? Did you see Father?"

Li Jiangxia was momentarily stunned. He replied:

"Naturally, I passed by the lake... but Sima Yuanli was on guard, and I didn't see Father's figure. Isn't he still in Xihai?"

The young man in front of him slightly lowered his eyebrows, yet a smile played on his lips as he said:

"This is also something worth celebrating. The Great General just happened to transfer me to the north for joint defense, and I also need to travel via the lake. I can take the opportunity to see Father and offer him a bit of congratulation."

His elder brother smiled and said:

"Then you must be careful! Tingzhou is a land where martial cultivation doesn't flourish as expected, and the feeling of being knocked down from Profound Bearing is not pleasant!"

Li Jiangliang just smiled and left, bidding farewell along the way. As he stepped into the palanquin, he heard the crack of the whip and shouts. Dazzling colors flashed, and passersby on both sides glanced sideways.

Outside, light glittered, but inside the palanquin, it was dim. A woman sat quietly, dressed in white, with a gloomy expression. Seeing him, she spoke:

"Well?"

Li Jiangliang shook his head and said:

"You're overthinking it. Even if Father sees Elder Brother, it will just be words of encouragement and greeting; at most, he'd ask about the two children. How would he talk about his gains?"

The woman's expression was heavy. She replied:

"I can't help but be suspicious. Qu Qian of Luoxia Mountain was a contemporary of the Six Sons of Chongming, a cultivator who had listened to lectures before a True Lord. Not only were his abilities immense, but it's highly likely he received instructions from a True Lord... It was a scheme of the Shaoyang lineage."

"It's precisely because of this, She, that the small demon, without support and with no manifest divine abilities, could barely survive for five hundred years. Although True Lord Zhaojing's matter was an accident... I fear there's something fishy about it."

Li Jiangliang lowered his eyebrows, his tone calm:

"What's there to be fishy about?"

Yang Tianyou paused, sensing his discomfort, and whispered:

"Luoxia's actions have always been at two extremes: either they act like immortals, lofty and detached, or they wield magic treasures, condemning people to eternal damnation. Even... even a True Lord faces the danger of revered figures reappearing to contend for the Five Forms... With all those supreme magic treasures, how can one not be cautious?"

"Shaoyang can be considered the forbidden favorite of the Profound. Moreover, in the current situation—Jueyin collapsed, Shaoyin departed, Mingyang fell, Shaoyang divided, Taiyin and Taiyang vanished in ancient and modern times—these kinds of matters should not be touched... especially items involving the complete Shaoyang."

Li Jiangliang frowned and said:

"The items have already been distributed by Father, so what is there to worry about? I'll just go and ask for clarification. As for whether there's anything else in that grotto-heaven, Luoxia themselves know best!"

This important minister of Great Song had always presented a gentle demeanor, but the repeated attempts to test his relatives had clearly touched his bottom line. A trace of sternness flashed in his golden eyes as he said through gritted teeth:

"They scheme against my family, and my family, in turn, has to worry and be afraid, fearing that we might displease them in some way... I think... Wuguang is far more tyrannical than any Mingyang!"

As soon as these words were out, Yang Tianyou subconsciously scanned the swirling black qi around them, fearing a third person might hear. She only said:

"Within the realm, anything goes. But Xihai is outside the realm; any trick can be used there. I only hope you go back and ask about this, so True Lord Zhaojing can be careful..."

Li Jiangliang glanced at her and sighed:

"True Lord is also your elder."

Yang Tianyou realized she was too anxious and had spoken carelessly, calling Li Ximing directly by his Daoist title. She lowered her eyebrows and only said:

"I spoke out of turn..."

She was quietly silent for a while, then said with a slight feeling of grievance:

"My dear... this... this is also for your sake. Besides me, who else cares if Tingzhou will meddle in Shaoyang's schemes? I overheard a couple of their casual remarks and had to secretly ask you about it..."

Li Jiangliang's brow relaxed. He said softly:

"I understand your feelings, it's just... I can't stand it."

Yang Tianyou wiped away her tears and rested her head on his shoulder, a bitter pang in her heart:

'Among the entire Yang clan, I am the only one who hopes King Wei achieves the Dao and dreams of remaining safe after he does... My sisters all laugh at my naivety... But how could I be coveting this Mingyang True Lord to be a royal uncle? I am a person of the netherworld; sooner or later, I must return to the netherworld. I care nothing for the Li family; I am only considering your life...'

Her tears fell like rain, sprinkling onto the man's bluish-purple black robe, glistening like pearls as they were held by spiritual energy. Li Jiangliang stroked her hair and said softly:

"You'er, I know your feelings."