Chapter 1170: Intercalary Yin

Li Ximing understood the situation upon hearing this and secretly admired the plan. "So, the intention is to deal with everything at once, rather than seeking help from two different sources!" Ji An's plan was indeed ingenious. Li Ximing's alchemy was not only well-known throughout the land but also renowned in the East Sea, placing him among the foremost alchemists in the world. Given his affinity for Li Fire and Bright Yang, and the fact that Li Fire cultivators couldn't refine elixirs themselves, it was only natural for them to approach him, a Bright Yang cultivator.

He then smiled and asked, "Senior, do you have the elixir formula?"

Ji An still had a hint of unease in his eyes. He clasped his hands and said, "I do have a few, but they are only fragmented recipes and prescriptions, none of which are suitable for such a spirit fruit. In my view, its medicinal properties must not be separated; they should be perfectly integrated to form a single, profound elixir!"

Li Ximing had anticipated his words. Li Jiangqian, however, chuckled and remarked, "So, the Venerable One wishes to trade a fire and a tool for our family's cultivation method, and the Lisi Apricot Fruit for our lineage's tradition. But isn't the Life Perception Art or the Wonderful Light Method worth more than just a single spiritual item? Especially the Life Perception Art, which is noble and profound, could serve as a valuable reference for you, Senior, if you are attempting to break through to the Purple stage."

Still feeling it wasn't quite enough, Li Jiangqian, though speaking pleasantly, caused Ji An to deliberate. The newly ascended Venerable One then suggested, "Perhaps it would be better if I kept the Wonderful Light Method within our family. I will only provide you, Senior, with a copy of the Life Perception Art. This also allows our lineage to preserve a small part of our tradition privately."

Ji An, who didn't particularly care how many techniques he obtained, naturally breathed a sigh of relief and agreed. Yet, the young man, having conceded on one point, immediately seized upon another: "Refining the elixir, however, is a separate matter. Not only will you still need to acquire various spiritual resources – the principal, auxiliary, assisting, and guiding ingredients – but refining such a grand elixir will also be incredibly taxing for my elder..."

Li Jiangqian's words were veiled, but they alluded to a common practice in alchemy: typically, an alchemist would keep one or two pills from a batch. If only a single profound elixir were to be created, there would be no means of compensation for those missing pills. Ji An, being old, naturally understood. His eyes lit up, showing a hint of pleasant surprise rather than alarm, and he responded, "If a profound elixir can indeed be produced, I assure you, I will not be stingy with my thanks!"

Li Jiangqian offered a faint smile and said, "As the saying goes: 'When officials are well-compensated, even the largest rats don't steal.' Since you have entrusted me with the Lisi Apricot Fruit, and there will be many future occasions where your experience will prove invaluable, while personal favors are one thing, I wish to put your mind at ease."

Ji An looked up, slightly surprised, glanced at him, and silently marvelled, fully comprehending his implication.If they were truly conniving, the Li family could easily manipulate the elixir. They could take a spirit fruit, secretly refine it into a 'mother-child elixir,' keep a smaller one for themselves, and use the larger one to deceive him. It was incredibly difficult to merge all spiritual resources into a single elixir; in fact, refining them into two distinct pills would be far simpler. If the deception was executed perfectly, he wouldn't be able to detect anything, and given Li Ximing's advanced alchemy skills and the availability of numerous auxiliary ingredients, it would likely be impossible to discern even after consumption. Even Li Ximing himself hadn't immediately considered such underhanded tactics, but Li Jiangqian, having managed the family for a very long time, had thoroughly mastered all the dubious methods employed by both rogue and clan cultivators. He was completely at ease as he smilingly brought the matter to light.

Ji An, wary of incurring karma by traveling to Jiangnan, would likely not be able to personally oversee the elixir's completion. He would rather the other party ask for more than have his life's only remaining opportunity ruined by their greed. Upon hearing Li Jiangqian explicitly address the potential for suspicion, and realizing that his breakthrough to the Purple stage would serve as a future reference, all his doubts vanished. He then praised, "I am absolutely at ease with how your esteemed family conducts its affairs!"

Li Jiangqian simply smiled, saying nothing. Though he had only recently advanced to the Purple Mansion stage and didn't require any grand declarations, he subtly gained the upper hand in the negotiation, prompting Ji An to stroke his beard, nod, and willingly state, "I have also clarified this with His Highness. I will naturally undertake the task of finding the auxiliary and guiding ingredients for this batch of elixirs. I have already made some preparations, and while it might well deplete my entire life's savings, I have lived a long time and still possess some connections. By gathering resources from various sources, I might be able to secure two or three spiritual items as collateral... it is not entirely out of the question."

Li Jiangqian slightly lowered his brows, contemplating how much more he could extract from the old man. Li Ximing, meanwhile, observed Che Hong's demeanor. Setting down his cup, he sent a telepathic message: "The grand formation in western Tingzhou must be established and requires spiritual resources. It would be best to agree; it also grants Chunyi Dao some respect. After all, if he successfully reaches the Purple stage, he will also become a Great Venerable."

Following Li Ximing's subtle persuasion, Li Jiangqian feigned a long sigh, looked profoundly at Ji An, and said, "Since we share the same lineage, I shall regard you, Senior, as a fellow disciple. I will have many questions to ask you in the future... Please allow me to impose upon you!"

Overjoyed to hear that the Li family had agreed, Ji An repeatedly thanked them twice before solemnly stating, "From now on, I will reside as a guest in Chunyi. Changli, you are welcome to seek me out anytime!"

With both parties having reached an agreement, the old man's face blossomed into a wide smile, his wrinkles radiating with joy. He placed the Scarlet-Gold Hundred-Turn Spear on the box, pushed it across, and explained, "My spiritual fires were originally stored in Maiden Mountain, the site of my old sect. However, when I journeyed out that year, the spiritual atmosphere in Cangzhou shifted, causing a great flood that damaged two of my spiritual fires. They have only just recovered today!"

The old man did not immediately depart, which brought a smile to Li Jiangqian's face. He produced a blank jade slip, into which his spiritual consciousness flowed. Streaks of crimson light converged upon it, making it glow fiery red. He then handed it to Ji An, saying, "Please!"

Ji An nodded repeatedly, took the slip with both hands, closed his eyes, and began to read with avid eagerness. After a considerable time, his eyes widened with shock. He exhaled a long breath and sighed, "Absolutely marvelous! Truly marvelous..."

He had merely heard Li Jiangqian describe it as comparable to the treasures that safeguard immortal sects, dismissing it as an exaggeration. He never anticipated that every word would be exquisitely profound, far surpassing his former cultivation methods. This realization filled Ji An with delight: "Excellent... there wasn't a single false word after all..."

As his spiritual consciousness withdrew, the Li Fire attached to the jade slip began to rise, causing the slip to shatter into fragments. Ji An, somewhat dazed, stepped into the void, leaving a final remark on the jade platform: "Please wait a moment!"

The old man hastily departed, and only then did Che Hong speak, "Thank you both Venerable Ones for your cooperation!"

In his hand, he now held a jade slip, which he presented to Li Ximing with a solemn expression, saying, "This contains three types of elixir formulas from the 'Cold Night Binding Essence Elixir Scripture' that can be externally refined to avert disasters and calamities. Please, Venerable One, take a look."

Che Hong hadn't even stated any conditions, which left Li Ximing somewhat discomfited, unsure whether to accept or decline. He politely responded, "It wouldn't be appropriate to simply accept such a valuable method from a fellow Daoist without cause..."

Che Hong's expression was quite relieved. He said, "You overstate its value, fellow Daoist. While this elixir scripture is indeed precious, it has been refined fewer than ten times in several centuries, and even fewer cultivators have sought to borrow it. Please, read it first; it will not be too late to discuss compensation afterwards."

Li Ximing had no choice but to accept the jade slip and read it meticulously with his eyes closed. The three elixirs described were: the Azure-tier Leakless Elixir, which used Yin Leap Barbarian Qi as its principal ingredient; the Profound Shore Spirit-Drawing Elixir, which used Anye Moon Treasury as its principal ingredient; and the Yinmu Treasure Body Powder, which used Deep Night Muted Qi as its principal ingredient.

Not only were these principal ingredients unheard of and unseen, but the various methods and crucial techniques involved were also extremely difficult. Taking the simplest among them, the Yinmu Treasure Body Powder, its complexity rivaled that of the Tianyi Essence-Spitting Elixir from years past!

Seeing Li Ximing close his eyes in deep contemplation, Che Hong sighed, "In this current era, it is difficult enough to acquire even a single Solar or Lunar spiritual resource, let alone the exact ones specified in these elixir formulas!"

Li Ximing opened his eyes, a complex expression on his face, and tentatively asked, "Is there no other method?"

Che Hong paused, then thoughtfully said, "You should be aware of the Pure Yin Mother Medicine. This substance possesses the miraculous ability to transmute into various forms; below it lies Fen Shui, and above it, Taiyin. Our sect holds a secret technique called the 'Enlightened Profound Bestowal Transmutation Method,' which can transform it into one of these three spiritual items for you!"

Although he spoke this way, he didn't actually hold much hope. Had it not been for the Fox Clan's backing of Tingzhou, which made the presence of residual Taiyin spiritual items highly probable, he wouldn't even have mentioned this. He would have simply informed Li Ximing of the principal ingredients and allowed him to withdraw, deterred by the difficulty.

Li Ximing indeed wore a troubled expression. Li Jiangqian, having listened for a while, felt a stirring in his heart: "The Enlightened Profound Bestowal Transmutation Method, an art of transformation..."

His eyes were deep in thought. Li Ximing, however, already had an idea and cupped his hands, saying, "I will make inquiries regarding these spiritual items... And since your esteemed Dao has cultivated Taiyin for many years, do you perhaps possess any spiritual items or resources that could serve as suitable substitutes or compensation?"

Che Hong hesitated before responding, "Indeed, our sect does have several sources for Taiyin spiritual resources and a few types of spiritual aura. However, they are not currently stored in our treasury. I can help you search for them..."

Li Ximing had previously obtained Night Asura Spirit Grass from Chunyi Dao, which he had sent to Qu Si early on when refining halberd-soldiers for Li Zhouwei. He himself was in need of several Taiyin spiritual resources to serve as auxiliary components. Given Ji An's favor, he accepted them without hesitation and fell into silent contemplation.

Li Jiangqian waited for a moment. When he saw that the two had finished their discussion, he tentatively remarked, "The Enlightened Profound Bestowal Transmutation Method... to possess such a miraculous art, capable of effortlessly performing transmutations, junior deeply admires the Solar Daoist lineage as one would gaze upon a towering mountain!"

Although the Sun's radiance had dimmed in the current era, Che Hong still smiled and nodded upon hearing this. He explained, "Ancient techniques and profound secrets were abundant; acquiring even one or two could bestow various marvels. It is a pity that our sect only possesses one part of this particular technique. I have heard that there is another corresponding part in the Yuan Mansion, known as the 'Enlightened Transformation Nascent Leap Method,' which can harmonize various waters, enabling one water virtue to transform into another. Its wonders are truly ineffable!"

Li Jiangqian's heart jolted at this. Even Li Ximing, who had only caught snippets of the conversation, looked up. Both felt a strange sensation in their hearts. "Transforming one water virtue into another... this is...""...the Leap Yang Method?!"

The Li family's ancestors had obtained this method from Venerable Jun Jian, a miraculous art that transformed one fire virtue into another. For years, they had greatly benefited from it, gaining many strategic advantages. As their lineage gradually ascended to its peak, the more they came to understand the true power of this terrifying technique. Now, hearing of such a remarkably similar art, how could they not feel an unusual stir? "So, the Yuan Mansion possesses... the corresponding Leap Yin Method?"

Li Jiangqian's heart was filled with a mix of strange emotions, and an expression of astonishment appeared on his face as he inquired, "Such an immortal method truly exists! Could you elaborate on it?"

Although Che Hong paused for a moment, he wasn't surprised; what formidable cultivator wouldn't stop to inquire about such an immortal method? After composing himself, he explained, "The origin of this technique is now untraceable, but it is rumored to be a secret transmission within the ancient Three Profound Sects. It's unknown which Profound Head first passed it down, but it circulated due to exchanges between various Daoist lineages..."

He chuckled and specifically clarified, "Of course, this transmission was confined to the direct lineages of the Three Profound Sects, primarily used for transmuting spiritual items and cultivating specialized techniques. Some say it encompasses the Grand Dao of Leap and Remain, others speak of the wondrous art of Binding Essence and Verdant Ceremony. Furthermore, Venerable Chilang of Tianlang Platform once revealed during a sermon that it contains the Dao of evolution and the power of transformation. Mastering eight or nine parts of it could allow one to transcend the realm of immortals and gods and enter the 'Gate of True Beginning.'"

Li Ximing remained silent for a long time after hearing this, then murmured, "Transcending the realm of immortals and gods... In the world today, cultivators flock to become immortals, attain the Dao, and secure their golden positions. Are immortals and gods still insufficient?"

Che Hong, accustomed to reading ancient texts, hadn't found anything unusual in the statement. However, prompted by Li Ximing's words, he paused, pondered for a moment, and then explained, "In ancient times, both 'Leap' and 'Remain' were complete. So-called immortals and gods probably fell short of reaching the absolute peak by more than just one level."

Li Jiangqian silently noted this, but his focus was more on the practical applications of the Leap Yin and Leap Yang methods. He quietly inquired, "It is said that this immortal method contains the Grand Dao of Leap and Remain... Whose words are these, and which Venerable achieved such a feat?"

Che Hong smiled and said, "These words are considered a Daoist theory of our Solar Daoist lineage. As for achievements, they are countless. Among the renowned figures... for example, Venerable Chongli, who established the Southern Fire Heavenly Mansion and served as the backing for the Chu Kingdom. Later, a descendant of the Southern Fire Heavenly Mansion, with the Daoist name Nanzhao, attempted to follow his path but unfortunately fell short of success..."

"Nanzhao..."Li Ximing's mind suddenly clicked. This name was not unfamiliar; it belonged to the former owner of the Dual Bright Instruments of Heavy Fire, the spiritual treasure in Li Jiangqian's hand, whose common name was Lu Fushi.

"His dying words are preserved within the spiritual treasure: he wished to turn the tide, to ascend to a residual Li Fire position to salvage the grand scheme of Douxuan, but tragically, he ultimately perished, leaving behind only a name and a lingering sigh of regret, passed down to this day..."

He merely felt a sense of lament, but Li Jiangqian seemed to have grasped something profound. He silently clutched the golden-elixir-like spiritual treasure hidden in his sleeve, a look of deep contemplation on his face. "Li Fire has a master; without pursuing the Dao of 'Remain' and 'Leap,' one cannot achieve the Golden Core. With the legacy of the Southern Fire Heavenly Mansion, including the Southern Li Consummation Method and the Leap Yang Method, I now have the qualification to explore further. This is my opportunity... and it is very likely... the path I must take in the future!"

He sank into contemplation, but within moments, the old man in the fiery-red Li Fire robe emerged from the distant void, approaching with a joyful demeanor. He smiled and exclaimed, "Both Venerable Ones! Please behold!"

He then saw the old man holding a small incense burner in his palm. It was made entirely of brass, adorned with intricate carvings of phoenixes vying for fire and inscribed with profound Daoist patterns. Inside, black sand was piled up; though it was only palm-sized, its tiny, numerous undulations made it appear as if an entire black desert had been miniaturized and contained within the censer.

As he activated his divine power, a finger-sized Li Fire swiftly bloomed within the incense burner. It was a distinctive jade-like brownish-yellow, covered in intricate, dense patterns, displaying an exceptionally refined form.

Ji An smiled and said, "This is the Vast Desert Li Flame, which I obtained from Jieyu Land. It possesses endlessly regenerating flames and boundless aura. While it cannot be used for refining elixirs or artifacts, it carries a grand and righteous intent that encompasses both tolerance and destruction. In the current era, it is truly rare!""This fire is one of the few that does not fear Earth Virtue flames. As long as there is a deficiency in Earth Virtue, this flame has an opportunity to ascend. It particularly suppresses Xuantu, one of the Earth Virtues, most severely!"