Chapter 1171: Daling

“Vast Desert Blazing Flame…”

In the realm of spirit flames, Li Ximing was truly a master. The moment the Vast Desert Blazing Flame appeared, he immediately sensed its unique marvels.

‘It actually has a hint of smoke and sand… how rare!’

Violet Manor spirit flames were treasures wherever they went. He eyed it with envy, itching to refine it immediately with his Talisman Qi to test its wonders. For now, he restrained the impulse and drew a wisp of the flame to examine it.

Li Jiangqian also scrutinized it for a while and was quite impressed. But seeing that the other party didn't mention its power, he smiled and said:

“Since it’s mixed with other paths, I’m afraid its inherent power, as a righteous flame, might be… a bit diminished.”

Ji An immediately extended two fingers and lightly tapped the incense burner. A unique, jade-like brownish-yellow flame instantly leaped out. The surging inferno swept across the sky, and above the celestial expanse of this jade platform, it forged a vast desert!

This desert burned with fierce flames. Its blazing light turned into sand, appearing a pale yellow. Smoke and sand billowed, while malevolent fire formed mist, revealing a brownish-jade glow. As he continuously poured more divine power into it, it expanded, casting a vast shadow upon the ground.

For a moment, the surroundings trembled. The white-robed disciples of the Pure One Sect all looked up, staring, either in terror or awe, at the blazing desert of fire, thick with destructive aura, overhead!

Che Hong shook his head and rather helplessly went to calm his disciples. Ji An, meanwhile, chuckled and said:

“It’s not exactly diminished. I acquired this flame when I was first starting out. I once relied on it to leave Xieyu Land and travel the world, and I’ve also nurtured it for many years. If it weren’t for the great flood in Cangzhou that ruined its ‘image’ and turned my carefully arranged nourishment method into an obstructive one, its quality would be truly excellent now.”

He paused slightly, fearing the two might overthink it, and immediately reassured them:

“Even so, its foundation is solid now. Its power ranks as mid-tier among blazing flames. Its strength lies in its vast, desert-like quality. With this wondrous enhancement, it can hold its own or even perform above average in combat.”

After observing for a while, Li Ximing had a realization:

‘It’s likely similar to the Red Pheasant Rushing Flame.’

He had also acquired the Red Pheasant Rushing Flame many years ago. If compared in terms of power, it would be slightly inferior to the Vast Desert Blazing Flame. After all, the Red Pheasant Rushing Flame’s strength lay in its inherent spiritual nature, which neither increased nor decreased.

“Excellent!”

The blazing flame from the sky poured back down and condensed in Ji An’s hand, transforming back into the finger-sized, jade-like flame. A trace of excitement finally appeared on Li Jiangqian’s face. He stood up, gently took it, and chuckled:

“Thank you, Senior! The spirit energy of the Great Separation Tome is a Fiery Essence of Brilliant Separation. As soon as I return to the lake, I’ll have someone send it to the Pure One Sect!”

Ji An chuckled heartily and politely said:

“It’s no trouble… a day or two won’t make a difference.”

A major matter concluded, and both host and guests were pleased. Since Ji An’s elixir was not yet complete, he had a mind to foster goodwill and remained by their side. Li Ximing, however, was already planning to depart. But at the last moment, revealing his true intention, he feigned thoughtfulness, looked at Che Hong, and sighed:

“The Pure Yin Mother Herb is rare and seldom seen in the world. Many Grand Yin spirit items also depend on serendipity. I have some information, but I fear I might not recognize it or be swindled. Perhaps… I could take a look at your sect’s secret records and diagrams.”

Without giving Che Hong a chance to speak, he immediately said:

“I’m willing to offer other texts in exchange!”

There were simply too many instances where spiritual resources were needed right now. Li Ximing also became reserved. He took out a jade slip from his sleeve, which contained outlines of some of his family’s cultivation methods, and slipped it into Che Hong’s hand.

The Li clan’s current collection of Taoist scriptures was both refined and extensive. The True Man had initially intended to decline, but after a quick glance, a hint of shock appeared in his eyes. He swallowed his words and awkwardly said:

“If I don’t accept it, Fellow Daoist… you might not feel at ease.”

“It’s better to have give and take…”

Li Ximing again provided him with a way out. Che Hong showed a conflicted expression and said:

“An elder in my family once had an opportunity and acquired a valuable treasure. This treatise on the Six Harmonies Treasure Bottle is quite useful for my sect…”

The Treatise on the Six Harmonies Treasure Bottle was a method for nurturing spirit artifacts that Li Zhouwei had obtained from a Grotto-Heaven. However, the Li family currently lacked the resources and ability to refine such a treasure bottle. It had never been put to use. Li Ximing hadn’t even considered that the other party would be interested in it. He generously said:

“I will copy it for you right away, Fellow Daoist!”

The Treatise on the Six Harmonies Treasure Bottle seemed to hold great value in Che Hong’s eyes. He quickly expressed his thanks, showing a hint of indebtedness. Yet, he still gave an awkward smile and said:

“Actually… my family has also been searching for the Great River and Mound Scripture for many years. We always thought it was in Jinyu’s possession and never inquired.”

“Oh?”

Li Ximing paused for a moment, then realized:

“Indeed… your esteemed clan’s expertise in the two waters of Fu and Kan is also considerable.”

Che Hong’s hesitation became more apparent. He looked at Ji An and smiled:

“I’ll escort the two True Men out.”

As soon as he spoke, all three understood he had something to say. Although Ji An was somewhat curious, the profound joy of newly acquiring a path made him care for nothing else. He smiled, cupped his hands in farewell, and departed in a burst of flame.

Once the old man left, Che Hong stopped walking outwards. He looked up, his expression solemn, and said:

“How much does the True Man know about the Chen Clan of Lingyu? Has this Taoist scripture already reached True Man Xiao’s hands?”

‘Xiao Chuting…’

When Li Ximing went to Cangzhou to offer congratulations that year, the Great River and Mound Scripture was secretly hidden in the box of spiritual items. It had naturally been given to True Man Xiao long ago. So, his expression hardened, and he said:

“Not very familiar…”

Che Hong saw that he only answered halfway, understanding that he was still cautious. Without showing surprise, he forced a bitter smile and said:

“This matter isn’t really for me to speak much about, but a few days ago… I heard news that a True Man Su achieved divine powers, broke through to Violet Manor, and entered the Shu Imperial Court to meet the monarch. This matter will soon not be a secret, which is why I dared to ask Fellow Daoist about it.”

‘True Man Su? Su Yan!’

Li Ximing’s heart trembled slightly.

This person was not a stranger. That year, it was through Jinyu’s mediation that the Li clan handed over the Great River and Mound Scripture, completing this person’s Dao lineage. In return, they gained a favor. This allowed Jinyu to ultimately bypass Tingzhou despite pressure from the Shu Imperial Court. As a result, Moon-Gazing Lake suffered minimal losses, and Li Ximing incurred few injuries!

True Man Tian Huo’s remark about repaying the favor to Fellow Daoist Zhaojing today referred precisely to this matter!

‘That junior has become a Violet Manor cultivator… Considering the time, with the full support of a Golden Core lineage and ancient inheritance, it’s not surprising…’

Li Ximing thoughtfully raised his head. Che Hong observed his expression and hesitated, saying:

“The Chen clan’s origins can be traced all the way back to the ancient True Monarch Dou Xuan. They possess the bloodline of the ancient Daliang Kingdom. The Great River and Mound Scripture was the fundamental method of the Chen clan back then. It was used to establish a secret realm, located in the Daliang Kingdom, specifically in the Badger Prefecture, north of current-day Luoxia.”

“For years, the Chen clan descendants have been trying to return to their ancestral land. Chen Xuanli, who achieved the rank of Great True Man back then, once intended to go to Badger Prefecture to restart the secret realm, but due to obstruction from multiple parties, he did not succeed…”

Li Ximing’s expression changed slightly, and he asked:

“Multiple parties’ obstruction?”

Che Hong was evasive, saying:

“The complexity of this matter is beyond what a junior cultivator like me can explain. In short, the Great River and Mound Scripture is related to this opportunity. This opportunity originally belonged to the Chen clan, but the Su clan, having intermarried with them for many years in ancient times, also possesses this qualification…”

Li Jiangqian looked thoughtful. Che Hong’s expression, however, grew complicated:

“During the Ning Kingdom era, aristocratic clans intermarried. My Xi clan originated from Gaoping Prefecture, and over the years, we’ve also become entangled with the Chen clan’s bloodline. Strictly speaking, we also have a qualification. Our lineage even possesses three Kan Water arts. True Man Xiao also came to exchange for this inheritance back then.”

“However, after Chen Xuanli achieved the rank of Great True Man but was then forced to his death, my Xi clan ancestors perceived something amiss, fearing they would be seen as ambitious. They didn’t even dare to cultivate Kan Water arts anymore! Now, seeing that True Man Su has reached Violet Manor, we’ve had a change of heart and wish to complete a feasible path for a Great True Man!”

Li Ximing now understood, and he frowned, saying:

“Then how much do these matters… concern True Man Xiao?”

Che Hong let out a bitter laugh and said:

“The Chen clan of Lingyu had two major loyal clans: the first was the Xiao clan, and the second was the Quan clan. Initially, they didn’t intermarry, but later, when the Lingyu Chen clan declined, they had to rely on outsiders, and internal marriages also began. Xiao Jinzhou of the Xiao family, from back then, his mother was a direct descendant of the Chen family!”

Li Ximing shuddered and asked:

“Senior Xiao also has this opportunity?”

Che Hong secretly activated a mystic art and whispered:

‘He originally did… but not anymore… He devoured everything between Jinyu and Qingchi, and his methods are so advanced that even several True Men of Jinyu couldn’t outmaneuver him. He’s on the verge of becoming a Great True Man; who could take anything from his hands?’

‘If it weren’t for this, why would Su Yan be needed? Jinyu firmly suppressed him, not letting go. If he acquired this method, he would only become a second Chen Xuanli! My clan’s Great True Man estimated during his lifetime that True Man Xiao is probably also waiting, waiting for someone to open this place for him…’

Li Ximing had never imagined such complex connections existed within this matter, and his heart was filled with alarm:

‘Doesn’t that mean… confronting Jinyu?!’

Unlike the overt might of Luoxia and the Underworld, the terror of the Golden One lineage was insidious and feared by all. Let alone a Great True Man who was almost a rogue cultivator… Even a descendant of a Golden Core cultivator would feel three parts apprehensive if they crossed the Zhang family!

‘I had long thought his path to Dao was difficult, but I never imagined it would be this difficult!’

His heart was shaken, but he merely said:

“Since that’s the case, I will certainly assist Pure One. Regarding any spiritual resource requirements for refining elixirs later, I’ll have to trouble the True Man.”

Che Hong naturally nodded repeatedly. Waiting for the cultivators below, he escorted them out. Li Ximing stepped into the void, his heart complicated and still unsettled:

‘Indeed… it wasn’t just about letting Su Yan seize all opportunities in Wanling Heaven… No wonder the Jinyu Sect has been so persistent for centuries; no wonder this favor was so significant!’

‘During the Ning Kingdom era, aristocratic clans intermarried, and it wasn’t just the Xi clan. Could the Ning Li clan also be blood relatives? If my ancestors hadn’t been harmed and had truly achieved Violet Manor and opened their Daoist scriptures, they might well have been absorbed by Jinyu…’

‘As for True Man Xiao… was he merely seeking the Sword Immortal path then?… Perhaps he was far-sighted too…’

His thoughts were intricate, and he pondered for a long time. Li Jiangqian, meanwhile, held the flame, his mind wandering. Even though he cultivated the Great Separation Tome, he didn’t possess Li Ximing’s ability to refine it instantly. Golden patterns were slowly climbing up, gradually subduing the flame.

‘The Dou Xuan lineage…’

The two pondered all the way, soon entering Moon-Gazing Lake. They landed in the world where sun and moon shone together, and took their seats. Li Jiangqian glanced around, not seeing Li Zhouwei, and surmising he must be in the pavilion where the Grand Yin qi was stronger, he asked:

“Is Father’s injury still serious?”

Li Ximing shook his head:

“It’s not a problem for now, but it would be better if it could be completely eradicated.”

With his assurance, Li Jiangqian then placed the Crimson Gold Hundred Revolutions Spear and the Lisi Apricot Fruit together on the jade table, respectfully saying:

“Please dispose of them, Grand-uncle!”

“You’re being quite polite now.”

Li Ximing casually pushed them back and said seriously:

“The Crimson Gold Hundred Revolutions Spear is easy to deal with. How do you plan to handle the Lisi Apricot Fruit?”

Li Jiangqian replied:

“This junior’s Great Separation Tome has a heart-palace. It’s excellent for accommodating spirit wood and spirit items. Unlike others who might consume them directly and waste their potential, its effect is no worse than if they were refined into elixirs…”

At this point, Li Ximing shook his head with a smile and said:

“Alchemy, however, isn’t simple harvesting and replenishment. If one or two spiritual resources complement each other, they can yield even more extraordinary benefits! It would still be best to refine them into elixirs.”

Li Jiangqian, however, changed the subject and reminded him:

“Grand-uncle, this junior’s Greed for the Profound Separation is a life-devouring technique. Its essence is to kill and corrupt the Dao. To achieve its maximum effect, the spirit fruit must be consumed directly. If it were refined into an elixir… it would only have the elixir’s effects.”

“So that’s how it is!”

Li Ximing pondered and replied:

“Then consume it directly now?”

“Precisely!”

Li Jiangqian opened the jade box, revealing the perfectly rounded, lustrous apricot fruit, like a supreme treasure. His throat twitched slightly, and he softly said:

“Refining a Grand Elixir requires considerable time and effort. Ji An’s elixir won’t be ready for several years. If it were to be refined for this junior, it would take even more years. Once this junior refines the Vast Desert Blazing Flame, I’ll enter seclusion to consume the Lisi Apricot Fruit! There’s no need to trouble the elder.”

Li Ximing nodded in agreement. Li Jiangqian then rummaged through his clothes, took out a box from his sleeve, and said solemnly:

“Back then, the elder accepted my ‘vision’ and gave me the spiritual resources to refine, letting me keep them myself. Now, with the elder’s expenses everywhere requiring spiritual resources, I won’t hold back anything!”

Inside the box was a golden-yellow blazing water, burning with transparent flames. Although there was only a thin layer, and not much in quantity, its quality was not low, and faintly, it even carried the scent of a spirit essence.

Li Ximing also didn’t stand on ceremony and quietly accepted it. Seeing him kneeling beside him in the pavilion, he stood up. He suppressed the injuries in his lungs and coughed twice.

In truth, Li Ximing himself had been considerably injured in this great battle. He only felt somewhat better after a portion of his injuries was diverted to his separated divine body. Having endured until this hour, it was inevitable he felt some discomfort.

But he wasn’t in a hurry to heal his injuries. Instead, he shook his sleeve and immediately revealed a small statue. This object grew with the wind, its skin warm and smooth, its expression thoughtful, as if it were alive. The nameplate of Li Gufeng at its waist constantly swayed, subtly radiating light.

Li Ximing meticulously examined it for a while, then made some calculations with his fingers. A somewhat eager smile appeared on his face. He brought two fingers together, drew out the Light of Six Harmonies from his divine abilities. He tapped the center of his separated divine body’s brows, placed several jade slips into its embrace. Only then did he sit cross-legged to heal his injuries.

As he gradually entered meditation, the separated divine body slowly opened its eyes with a hint of eeriness. Its eyes were blank, yet they already held a spark of spiritual vitality. It stiffly extended its hand and began to read and ponder!

It was being controlled by Li Ximing’s divided spirit!

The False Female Supporting Other Body method had elevated the separated divine body to a state capable of avoiding disaster and warding off evil. Combined with Underheaven Clarity, it was already exceedingly powerful. The most recent enhancement of its life connection through sealed talismans had finally brought about a qualitative change, allowing it to cross that threshold.

‘Although controlling a divided spirit while simultaneously controlling the main body is slightly sluggish, it’s far from the River Crossing Token, which seamlessly and effortlessly functions, making it indistinguishable even to Violet Manor cultivators. But it still represents a qualitative leap!’

Li Ximing had seen the Tinglan River Crossing Token. The mobile body he had envied all those years ago, after many years, had finally been realized to some extent. This allowed his main body to heal undisturbed, while his divided spirit managed a stiff smile and began to study the alchemy texts.