Chapter 1134: Return to Hometown(1+1/2)

Inside the cave dwelling, white light shimmered and clear qi swirled.

The young man seated on the jade platform had his long hair unbound, and a faint green mark appeared on his pure white brow. He slowly exhaled, then opened his eyes as if from another world, seeing the clear qi swaying before him, remaining silent for a long time.

The green sword rested on his lap.

Li Jiangchun had been in seclusion for a long time, and his mind still felt somewhat hazy.

As he grasped the green sword, it was as if he had fallen into a storybook, experiencing countless ages, studying various ancient texts, and suddenly achieving enlightenment. He had gained this sword, yet it made him feel as if a lifetime had passed.

He slowly raised his hand, opening his palm to reveal a speck of green light.

This speck of green light, like a swimming fish or a gentle breeze, circled and danced, fluctuating back and forth in his palm, as if illuminated by moonlight, threatening to vanish at any moment.

"Sword intent…"

This intent was precisely what he had comprehended from that single sword—named Qingxiang!

"My cultivation hasn't progressed much… but it was worth it no matter what…"

Li Jiangchun had dedicated most of his life to the sword. Sword intent was the ultimate Dao fruit sought by sword cultivators throughout their lives, and he naturally yearned for it. Yet, now that he had attained it overnight, he felt none of the anticipated joy.

"Though this sword originates from the Moon Palace and, combined with my nature, came to me, it is not by my own merit. I am a genius of the sword Dao, having cultivated sword essence for many years, and was only a step away from sword intent. This sword helped me take that final step, yet it left me with a sense of loss—the sword Dao is a personal path, and relying on external forces is fundamentally different. While it's still somewhat unstable, it's considered an achievement. But this sword intent… ultimately deviates from my original intention, differing in many ways."

If his life's sword Dao cultivation were likened to a spiritual root, this current sword intent, though a fruit of the sword Dao, was rooted in the countless experiences that flashed through his mind when he first grasped that sword! Although it had taken root and borne fruit, Li Jiangchun still felt a lingering sense of incompleteness…

He remained silent for a long time, then flipped his hand, dispelling the Qingxiang sword intent. He closed his eyes for a prolonged period, and a faint white light once again undulated in his pure white palm, drifting back and forth, gradually condensing.

This white light was quite different from the green. It was agile like moonlight, yet it transformed into birds, flying and soaring, appearing somewhat unstable, even on the verge of being assimilated and dissipating! This was precisely his Moonstring sword essence, cultivated over many years!

The young man stared at the sword essence in his hand, and a vague idea began to form in his mind:

"They seem like different fruits from the same branch… What if I continue to study this path… Is it possible… to also cultivate Moonstring into sword intent?!"

***

At Wangyue Lake, a heavy snow had just fallen. A shimmering carriage sped across the pristine white sky, long banners fluttering and mystical light casting reflections. It soon landed by the lake, startling a flock of birds.

Purple curtains swayed as a handsome and refined man adjusted his silver-white crown. He stepped down onto the snow, his black and white spiritual boots crunching with each stride. Li Jiangliang raised his eyebrows, his expression complex and filled with emotion:

"Wangyue Lake… it's been so many years…"

He led his wife down and saw a person waiting in the snow. Dressed in red, adorned with gold and silver ornaments, a fan hanging from his waist, his face radiant. Behind him, he led a woman whose lowered eyebrows made her appear gentle and lovely.

Li Jiangliang quickly bowed low, saying, "Junior greets Fifth Uncle… Aunt! How could you trouble yourselves with such a visit…"

"Ah…" Li Zhouming laughed, casually pulling him closer, saying, "You've made quite a name for yourself outside. Today, you're a True Light Cloud Emissary, a Dark Bearer of the Purple Gold Palace. How could you not be worthy… Is this… is this the Princess?"

At these words, Yang Tianyou, who was behind him, also bowed and offered auspicious greetings. Li Jiangliang, however, smiled mysteriously, turned slightly, and pointed to Li Zhouming: "Uncle, please look!"

From the back of the carriage, where the colors were dim, a sedan curtain lifted, revealing a black-clad middle-aged man. Li Zhouming stared, momentarily stunned.

The man had long, severe brows and narrow, sharp eyes. His profile was lean and powerful, marked by faint scars. He had broad shoulders and a thick chest, and his wrists and ankles were tightly wrapped in black cloth like a rogue cultivator, giving him a capable and astute appearance. One foot was planted in the snow, the other rested on the front of the carriage. He stomped the snow, then calmly stepped down. Only then did Li Zhouming notice the golden-white bow on his back.

He somehow saw a shadow of someone else in this man—this restrained, dangerous, yet composed demeanor reminded him somewhat of their own King Wei.

'My brother is steady and deep, his danger lies within his heart; this man's brows are stern, his eyes piercing, inspiring awe.'

Li Jiangliang smiled, but did not introduce him. Instead, he turned first and said, "Sir…"

This caused the black-clad man to raise his brow and step forward, saying, "Duke, you flatter me."

Before Li Zhouming could speak, the man had already turned his gaze towards him and asked, "This is…"

Li Jiangliang laughed, "It's Fifth Uncle, the Grandmaster's grandson!"

Even without ever having met him, Li Zhouming immediately understood who this person was. The scrutiny on his face instantly turned to delight, and he laughed, "So Sir has returned… This is wonderful… Now the Old Master's wish is fulfilled!"

The black-clad middle-aged man before him was none other than Li Yuanqin!

Facing this elder who had been away from home for many years, his feelings of joy and sorrow were not profound. His first thought was of Li Xuanxuan, which filled him with eagerness, and he said, "Excellent… absolutely excellent. Come… Everyone, follow me!"

So they rode the clouds, stepping on light and fire, and swiftly flew towards the mountain peak on the lake. They passed through numerous palaces and eventually came upon a grand hall, shimmering with golden light and layered pavilions.

Li Zhouming stopped, lowering his brow, and said, "The Old Master is old and unwell. He's been taking medicine these past few days and shouldn't be disturbed. Shouyu, you take the two to see King Wei first. I will lead Sir to greet the Old Ancestor."

Hearing this, Li Jiangliang's expression grew solemn. He calculated with his fingers and sighed, "Indeed… I was thoughtless… Upon my return, I will certainly prioritize finding some spiritual treasures."

Xia Shouyu always made sure to give her husband face in front of outsiders, so she meekly nodded and led the other two away. Li Zhouming then led Li Yuanqin forward, listening as the elder said, "My adopted son is still behind, leading the carriages of imperial gifts for King Wei. One more person should be invited to come and see the Old Master."

"Yes…"

The two entered the grand hall, where the elder was already waiting in the courtyard.

Li Xuanxuan had returned from the East Sea feeling much better physically and mentally, his vitality restored. He had resumed attending to family matters, catching up on news missed during his illness and seeing people he hadn't had time to meet.

Upon hearing that Li Jiangliang was returning to the lake, Li Xuanxuan, who had always been deeply concerned about matters in the imperial capital, couldn't possibly not see him. He paced anxiously in circles. When he noticed movement, he stepped down from the main seat, but unexpectedly, when the golden hall opened, it was not Li Jiangliang who entered.

The man was middle-aged, dressed in black, capable, with a steady expression, yet his eyes held a fierce intensity. The golden-white bow on his back was exceptionally striking.

Li Yuanqin remembered Li Xuanxuan. When he had returned to the lake with his mother, everyone on the lake had been kind, but there was an unavoidable sense of distance. Only this uncle had embraced him and wept, pitying him for the loss of his father, in unbearable grief…

Therefore, in this clan, where things had changed so much, Li Yuanqin held him in the highest regard. His gaze, accompanied by a smile, was quite fervent.

But seeing him, the old man gasped, his heart choked, and he was speechless.

'Xuanfeng…'

But echoing in the hall was a respectful voice: "Nephew greets Uncle!"

This caused tears to stream down the old man's face. He immediately realized the difference between this person and his second brother. Li Xuanfeng's fierceness was like an ancient sword, dripping with blood, taking lives; his steadiness was born of enduring hardship, awaiting death, shining sharply from the depths of battle. This person, no matter how similar in appearance, ultimately lacked that killing intent.

He helped Li Yuanqin up, tearfully saying, "I finally see you… Where is your sister-in-law? Your… your wife…"

Li Yuanqin lowered his brows and said hoarsely, "Mother has been reclusive in recent years, unwilling to travel. She only hopes I send her regards… My wife, she perished during a breakthrough."

Li Xuanxuan was startled awake. He led him to a seat, but Li Yuanqin could not sit down while bearing his late father's relic. He held the Shenbai with both hands, presenting it to Li Xuanxuan.

The old man was silent for a long time, embracing the artifact, weeping and chanting. He placed it on the main seat, then sat by the side. Only then did he compose himself and look at Li Yuanqin, repeatedly asking about his recent situation. After a moment of hesitation, he raised his eyebrows and asked,

"I've mentioned it several times… saying that the uncle's lineage is thin, only your father's line. Year after year, I worried about it; it almost became a burden on my heart… but it was difficult to bring up, and I often wrote letters to the Southern Border…"

"I never thought your father's talent was good, and yours is not bad either. Both your father and you… can be said to be among the best of your peers, cultivating faster than anyone… didn't manage to branch out into more lineages… It's good that you are finally willing to continue it."

Li Yuanqin nodded silently and replied, "Thank you for your concern, Elder!"

Li Yuanqin's most important task upon returning to the clan was the matter of adoption. Hearing his words, Li Xuanxuan sighed, "This matter is not urgent. Since you are back, get to know the different lineages, meet these juniors, let them get familiar… You must choose someone whose background you know well, and whom you also like…"

Li Yuanqin could only nod, but then the hall door opened, and a tall, imposing man entered. He bowed before them and said respectfully, "Greetings, Father, Sir!"

Li Yuanqin then spoke seriously, "The matter of succession is also highly regarded by the Ning clan. The Grandmaster carefully selected this child for me. He is now named Li Fuchao. Please, Sir, meet him."

Li Xuanxuan observed him carefully for a few moments, had him speak, and asked repeatedly. Li Yuanqin whispered, "He is from Ning Heyuan's lineage. This person once visited the lake and was always good friends with Father. Sister Qinghong should also know him…"

Hearing this, Li Xuanxuan finally relaxed, and together they exited the hall and proceeded to the ancestral temple.

The entrance to this temple was very quiet. Incense burned, and golden characters shimmered. Most of the time, Li Xuanxuan personally cleaned it. There were six rows of tablets, arranged in order of height, concealed behind deep curtains.

Li Yuanqin knelt with the old man, and looking closely, saw his father's tablet in the fourth row below, prominently in the center, still bearing the characters he himself had inscribed years ago. To the left, however, was an empty space, presumably left by the old man for himself.

He glanced down, seeing Grandmaster Zhaojing's father, Li Yuanping, in the fifth row. But with just that glance, a doubt arose in his mind:

'The space below Father's tablet is somewhat wide…'

He remained silent, but Li Xuanxuan had a vermilion brush brought and the clan register taken out, covered in red cloth. The old man seemed to hesitate, not lifting the cloth. Instead, he led Li Fuchao forward and said solemnly:

"Since the integration of Lijing, you are the only one among those granted the Li surname. I hope you maintain your character, uphold righteousness, and do not disgrace our family… Come… kowtow!"

The man kneeling below, his face flushed and quite emotional, prostrated himself and kowtowed, "This junior will not disappoint you, Sir."

***

The sunlight was brilliant.

White flowers fluttered on Zhijing Mountain. Li Zhouwei sat quietly in the main seat, gazing at the two kneeling figures, a slight smile gracing his face. He said, "Rise… No need for formalities."

Li Jiangliang then raised his head and respectfully stood. Yang Tianyou gently lifted her head, approached the table, picked up a jade pot with slender hands, filled a cup, and held it respectfully, raising it to her eyebrows:

"On our wedding day, we were unable to invite Father. This junior was anxious, and my brother also admonished me, saying, 'How can a marriage be settled without the presence of the groom's father?' Today, we make amends… Please accept this tea, Father!"

Li Zhouwei did not make it difficult for her. He casually took the cup, completed the simple ritual, and took a small sip, saying, "I was in seclusion at the time, with many matters, so it was delayed."

He raised his chin, his golden eyes calm, and looked at Li Jiangliang. "Among all my brothers, Jiangliang is the most disciplined and discerning, with a heart more righteous than his brothers. I only fear he suffered losses in the south."

Yang Tianyou bowed respectfully, saying, "Father, rest assured. The Sovereign greatly values my husband, regarding him as a pillar of the state…"

She raised her eyebrows with a subtle smile, her eyes deepening with meaning, and said, "Sir handles everything appropriately. When I met the Old Ancestor, he also said that your grand breakthrough in the Dao of Release was extremely mighty."

Li Zhouwei was noncommittal, not answering her. Li Jiangliang lowered his brows and said, "You'er… Since the Old Master's place is ready, you go and see Sir first. I will follow shortly."

Yang Tianyou soberly nodded and silently withdrew. The mountain gradually became quiet. Li Jiangliang remained still for a long time. Li Zhouwei, unusually, smiled: "What… what matter could bring you personally to the lake?"

Li Jiangliang, a rank below him, stood to the side and bowed solemnly, saying respectfully, "Son has an important matter to report!"

At this, Li Zhouwei's expression sobered. He listened as Li Jiangliang, with a complex expression, said, "Father's fame has grown greatly from slaying the enemy in the West Sea, but that spiritual item is not simple… I heard snippets and have some guesses, and I hastened to report them to Father."

Li Zhouwei, who already had his own judgment, frowned and said, "Is it about Shaoyang?"

Li Jiangliang nodded heavily: "The object obtained by that demon was continued from a true orthodox cultivator, whose sect is called Xiyang Temple…"

"The founder of Xiyang Temple was originally a cultivator from the Shaoyang remnants, a disciple of the first Shaoyang Master, the prime disciple of Tongxuan. Hence, they recognize him as their founder. The human sect of Xiyang Temple is the Zitai Xuanxie Sect!"

Li Zhouwei had anticipated this, remaining composed. He said, "I'll ask you one thing: Is Yinqin a person of Tongxuan?!"

Li Jiangliang froze for a moment, then lowered his brows and said, "Father is perceptive… Although this person doesn't have a major figure behind them, tracing their origins, they are indeed from their human sect."

Li Zhouwei's expression grew serious as Li Jiangliang hurriedly continued: "That small-leaf Xianan Immortal Plant was bestowed by Emperor Liang, a perfected Shaoyang item. Although it seemed ordinary, when Shaoyang fell, many elders thought… this thing… was related to the Shaoyang Demon Lord's hidden move."

"Hidden move?" Li Zhouwei was noncommittal. Under the Immortal Mirror's scrutiny, it showed no reaction, so it certainly wasn't a major hidden move… If he were to talk about hidden moves, he'd think of something even more suspicious…

'That demonic entity possessing Fuxun… is very likely a tactic from Xi'an, seeking to escape its predicament…'

He frowned, murmuring, "If it's a hidden move, what is Tongxuan doing? Are their own True Monarchs not getting along?"

Li Jiangliang, showing apprehension, organized his words and whispered, "Kuaili, the Shaoyang Demon Lord of Daliang, was originally a cultivator of the Zitai Xuanxie Sect. But he obtained demonic inheritance, plotted for a long time, and took advantage of the Shaoyang Immortal Monarch's ascension to Purple榭Palace and demise, when the fruit position was empty. He bypassed Xiyang Temple and directly ascended to the fruit position…"

"At that time, the entire Xiyang Temple was shocked, angered, and incredulous. But though He came from humble origins, He was still considered a Tongxuan cultivator. Moreover, the Jiuxu Evil Dao was also established by Tongxuan cultivators. Since He had already ascended to the fruit position, they could only grudgingly accept it…"

"Afterward, this Demon Lord repeatedly gained benefits in several major upheavals, significantly advancing His cultivation… once dominating all cultivators. Tongxuan cultivators naturally gradually changed their attitude, elevating Him as their symbol…"

He said hoarsely, "However… I heard them say that He should have… a poor relationship with several other elders."

"This matter has concluded, but my heart is always uneasy, fearing that if our family sees the small-leaf Xianan Immortal Plant, and there are other arrangements… we might get involved…"

His words were already very subtle. Li Zhouwei was silent for a moment, not immediately answering, but instead immediately seized another point of doubt: "If that's the case, why did Tongxuan bother to clean up after the demon back then, instead of simply letting that spiritual object naturally disappear? Isn't all this back and forth just troublesome?"

Li Jiangliang clearly hadn't considered this question before coming. He thought carefully for a while, then hesitated, "Matters of the Tongxuan Dao… are not so simple to understand in detail. In ancient times, if a single path produced two True Monarchs, it would immediately split. Even within the same lineage, there are conflicts, not to mention how many figures are under Tongxuan…"

"Furthermore, Tongxuan has always adhered to the principle of mountains not interfering with immortal affairs. If one were to be scrupulous, the matter of that Daoist Qu was not in accordance with the rules…"

Li Zhouwei, however, did not let his guard down, his thoughts deep.

'From beginning to end, that Yinqin kept advising me not to cut it down, seemingly in great pain, yet at the moment of departure, he decisively destroyed that treasure land…'

Since not cutting down this object did not align with his interests, then it must align with something else.

'Favor.'

His mind suddenly cleared, and he had a few conjectures.

'If Jiangliang is right, and combined with the fact that the Daliang established by Kuaili does not align with Tongxuan's philosophy… it means there are indeed contradictions between them. So even if they are both Tongxuan, the elders in heaven may not want to see Shaoyang return.'

'Yet at this time… there is a suspected hidden move of Shaoyang, and they certainly want to eliminate it.'

But what was the difficulty?

Judging from Daoist Qu's actions, at least Xiyang Temple eventually sided with the Shaoyang Demon Lord. A Shaoyang Demon Lord who had cultivated for many years could not fail to control his own sect. These people would all cultivate under Kuaili's influence, and those who remained would certainly be his supporters!

It's hard to say whether these people have True Monarchs behind them, but they are mostly still in Luoxia Mountain. Even without these people, Kuaili is a Demon Lord acknowledged by Tongxuan within their own sect. This elder, high above, cannot act so unbecomingly.

So they need someone to cut down this tree for them, someone who is involved in so-called immortal affairs, someone they cannot easily stop… Perhaps Yinqiu's order was to protect this object vigorously, but he knew the intentions of those above. He couldn't manage it, nor could he ignore it, he had been troubled for years…

'Precisely why Yinqin seemed extremely reluctant… but was actually overjoyed in his heart, reporting back: King Wei absolutely wants to cut down the tree!'

But was that all?

Li Zhouwei's thoughts quickly returned, focusing on himself.

'And the news from Suining was to eliminate this spiritual root… This was something he specifically mentioned… This matter isn't them actively lending a knife; it's probably *I* actively stating my position!'

'Stating that the figures behind me, Li Zhouwei, are also unwilling for the Shaoyang Demon Lord to potentially return!'

Thus, everything became clear.

'It is because I represent the remnant forces of the Yuanfu lineage, and the ones backing me are those behind Qingyu dispatch!'

'The Shaoyang Demon Lord fell at the hands of that Lord Yingzhe… but this Lord has been missing for many years, very likely having gone beyond the heavens. Even if the remaining Solar Dao traditions are fragmented and fighting among themselves, they absolutely would not want the Shaoyang Demon Lord to make any new moves!'

The gold in his eyes gradually deepened: 'So that's it. If I cut down this object, no one thinks anything of it. But if I don't cut down this spiritual root, the meaning becomes complicated.'

He raised an eyebrow, smiled and replied, "Are you afraid I'll join with Tongxuan?"

Li Jiangliang merely moved aside and bowed, lowering his brows in apology, remaining silent.

Correct. Tongxuan dislikes Kuaili's return to the world, but can the Underworld not be wary? This Demon Lord is extremely powerful. If Tongxuan has one facade and another reality, secretly preparing for the revival of Shaoyang, once successful, the balance of power between them could be broken!

'Yang Tianyou, when entering the mountain, kept referring to me as 'Father,' but only at the end did she mention, 'Sir handles everything appropriately,' yet then brings up Yang Tianya. Does this 'Sir' truly refer to me?'

'If 'Sir' refers to the one behind me, then it means that the Underworld is also extremely satisfied with this felling of the spiritual root… But some among them still harbor suspicions that I, Li Zhouwei, am secretly colluding with Luoxia!'

This Kuaili, Tongxuan dislikes him, but the Underworld is wary!

'Actually, if that day truly comes, the Underworld is not unprepared… Why did the vast Jiangnan region of the Underworld all go to the Solar Dao traditions? Could it be a tacit understanding? Once Tongxuan uses Kuaili, the four, Taiyi, Taiyue, Taiqing, and Taizhu, will immediately side with the Underworld!'

'But the Underworld still greatly dislikes His return… Is it because of differing Dao traditions, or because it would cause trouble, or perhaps…'

Another terrifying answer surfaced in his mind: 'They believe that the combined forces of these four True Monarchs of the Chongming Palace and the four Qingxuan Golden Core cultivators wielding magical artifacts… still cannot stop the Shaoyang Demon Lord Kuaili, who has been dismembered for a thousand years!'