Chapter 1172: Elucidating the Dharma

The sun shone with brilliant color, and wisps of purple smoke drifted faintly.

A talisman, sealing the essence of the six suns, glowed in the sky like a second blazing sun. It shimmered above the gate of Jin-Yi Mountain, with wisps of white mist floating above it. The Feather-Robe True Man ascended the jade steps. Soon, he met a Daoist waiting to greet him outside the highest cavern.

The Daoist wore a tall crown and a white robe, a smile on his face. Seeing the Feather-Robe True Man, he nodded and said:

"Yun'er is back!"

Hearing this, the Feather-Robe True Man bowed deeply. He straightened up, revealing a face that wasn't particularly handsome, his eyes filled with emotion.

"Greetings, Ancestor!"

It was indeed True Man Chang Yun, Zhang Yun!

True Man Chunshuo sighed deeply. He helped Zhang Yun up and led him higher, sighing:

"As a direct descendant of our family, you should have been cultivating peacefully in Qingge Heaven. It's truly been a hardship for you to toil in the mortal world, subject to others' schemes."

Zhang Yun's expression was complex as he replied:

"Everyone has their own destiny and opportunities. This isn't really a hardship. Although there have been many ups and downs, the current outcome isn't too bad."

The elder and the younger man proceeded into the cavern. After passing three thresholds, True Man Chunshuo then spoke, with a hint of curiosity:

"Your good disciple, haven't you brought him back to meet us?"

When Zhong Qian was mentioned, Zhang Yun seemed quite pleased and smiled:

"His abilities are extraordinary, and his intellect surpasses most. He is a talent rarely seen in a century, perfectly suited to join our clan. He has now achieved divine abilities, cultivating in Primordial Thunder. Given time, he will surely be a celestial prodigy!"

Chunshuo listened for a moment, then pondered deeply before saying:

"So it's the Great Way of Primordial Magnetism, the marvel of the Three Thunders. That's excellent..."

Although Zhang Yun already knew that this elder's Daoist cultivation was profound, hearing him speak now, he indeed found some profound and thought-provoking subtleties. He casually asked:

"All the elders showed great foresight. When they had me retrieve the Heavenly Yin Primordial Pearl from Miaodu Mountain years ago, it was for him. And when they gave up Tangdao Mountain to facilitate the transformation of Metal Malice into magnetism, it also helped him achieve the 'Malice-Shedding Embryo' for Primordial Thunder, also known as the 'Chief Malice Instrument,' forged within demonic malice. Now that he has achieved divine abilities, Primordial Magnetism has manifested."

"It's just that I know nothing about the Way of Primordial Thunder. I'm only afraid of hindering his progress."

His words made Chunshuo chuckle for no apparent reason, and he replied:

"Our Shangqing lineage views the Way of the Three Thunders as a Yin-Yang perspective. The Mysterious Firmament Dual Thunders are the Yin and Yang Thunders, thus they are even. Primordial Thunder governs magnetism, thus it is odd. The interaction of odd and even creates thunder. The clan's heritage is there; just tell him to come and take it!"

Zhang Yun was immediately overjoyed and thanked him profusely. He then proceeded deep into the cavern, where he saw a figure like a dissolute young master seated above. Beside him stood a blue-robed True Man, holding a sword and remaining silent.

Zhang Yun quickly bowed and respectfully said:

"Greetings, Your Highness!"

Tian Huo heard this, turned, descended, and laughed:

"Your divine abilities are now more extensive than mine; how can I bear such a title?"

Tian Huo had an eccentric personality, and after many years without seeing him, he immediately started making some not-so-funny jokes. This startled Zhang Yun, who repeatedly said he wouldn't dare. Tian Huo waved his hand, looked at the man beside him, and introduced:

"This is True Man Su Yan. From now on, you can rely heavily on his help in your cultivation path!"

The blue-robed True Man was none other than Su Yan!

Tian Huo saw that both parties responded politely. Yet, there was not much joy in the brows of this direct descendant of the Jin-Yi lineage, with his noble bloodline. Instead, there was a sense of lingering dissatisfaction, and he said:

"If you conquer the Song Emperor of Baijiang, you will surely be granted a kingship. Your future path, however, will be up to you."

Both parties served different nations. Yet Zhang Yun had calmly arrived in Jinyu. Tian Huo spoke as if to a family member. Whether it was Song or Shu, in the eyes of these direct descendants of Jin-Yi, it seemed to be nothing worth mentioning—not even Su Yan, who had just met the Shu Emperor, showed any hesitation!

Zhang Yun cupped his hands and said:

"I understand... Yang Ruiyi likely intends to grant me a fief in Baijiang. If that can be accomplished, it will provide many conveniences in the future."

Tian Huo casually responded with an 'Mm,' the melancholy on his face deepening. He said faintly:

"Shan Ji is destroyed. Has Cheng Xunzhi arrived?"

Zhang Yun's expression became subtle as he said:

"I haven't gone there, nor have I heard any news of him. After all, Chang Xi doesn't have a clean background. Lending out Tingfeng Baishi Mountain was already the utmost benevolence. We won't shelter him further."

Tian Huo narrowed his eyes slightly, staring at the jade cup in his hand, his voice cold:

"I'm afraid he's become aware."

Chunshuo seemed to want to speak but held back, while Zhang Yun, without much hesitation, whispered:

"This matter... if you say there's no one behind the Great Desire Dao instructing them, I absolutely won't believe it. They're both pointing at the Underworld and plotting against us. I still feel... at this point in time, we're getting too close to the south."

He sighed:

"Ordinary divine abilities can be used as pawns. But he is a Grand True Man and a Sword Immortal, which makes things much more troublesome. He's already at the peak of human divine abilities, with wisdom far surpassing the ordinary. And he has a profoundly cultivated Old Tree guiding him..."

"Once his divine abilities are complete, he'll be even harder to deal with. Those who achieve complete divine abilities are already potential True Monarchs. Whether various parties are pushing him forward or some dislike his success, his perspective will become vastly different from before."

Tian Huo slowly exhaled, and said indifferently:

"What if he is, what if he isn't? We might not even have to wait until his divine abilities are complete!"

Zhang Yun seemed to ponder this, but the elegant man before him was unwilling to discuss it further. He said quietly:

"Leaving him aside for now... are you aware of Li Ximing's journey to find medicine?"

"I have heard about it."

Zhang Yun's expression subtly shifted as he said:

"He visited various places, even sending people deep into the East Sea to find the Jiuqiu lineage. It seems he is truly somewhat urgent."

Hearing this, Tian Huo raised his head. He exchanged a look with Chunshuo, both seeing contemplation in the other's eyes. Chunshuo deliberated:

"In that case... the meaning behind Yuanfu's actions is quite intriguing."

Tian Huo frowned for a long time and said:

"Something's not right."

He stood up and began pacing urgently in the cavern. He strode quickly to one end, then paced back. He said gravely:

"Impossible. While Lunar Arts are precious, they are not difficult for Yuanfu. Even if the Fox Clan doesn't have it, does Yuanfu not? Why would they need to seek a disaster-evading technique externally?"

Zhang Yun stroked his beard and narrowed his eyes:

"Unwilling to provide it?"

This question caused both men in the cavern to fall silent. Tian Huo said faintly:

"Although... for a low-level cultivator to try and fathom the will of a saint is like gazing at the moon from a well, foolishly unaware of one's limitations. But since one has seen this moon, it's inevitable to make some conjectures. In my opinion, putting aside how slim the chances of success are, at least helping Li Zhouwei enter Mingyang completely aligns with Yuanfu's wishes."

Chunshuo frowned, seeing Tian Huo exhale deeply:

"I can't think of any motive for them to harm Li Zhouwei. Since there is a Seeing Yang Ring, and since Qingxuan wants to gain the initiative in this step, it's impossible for them not to hope to produce a True Monarch."

"Unless..."

He said softly:

"Unless even the Fox Clan cannot contact the great figures behind them."

Chunshuo's expression became somewhat complex. Tian Huo, however, stood with his hands behind his back, silent for a long time. Zhang Yun likewise stroked his beard in thought, and said:

"Does Ancestor mean that... Qingyuqian and the others, though seemingly glorious, are actually confined to secret realms, unable to communicate with Donghua Heaven? And although they wish to help, they are powerless...?"

Tian Huo nodded and paced, an air of understanding settling over his expression. He said:

"Nothing said now matters. Let's just wait and see how Tingzhou responds first."

Colors seemed to flicker before his eyes, and an increasing look of sudden realization appeared:

'No wonder, no wonder the Underworld maintains such an attitude... That person's condition has deteriorated to such an extent. If pushed too hard, it could very likely backfire... No one would want to see Donghua Heaven suddenly open in the north and south, catching everyone unprepared and off guard!'

Moon-Gazing Lake.

A drifting cloud-boat slowly approached. Streaks of escaping light soared and descended. The man standing at the bow wore copper armor, flashing with lightning. The cultivator beside him held his sword with lowered brows, silently deep in thought.

'A triumphant return...'

'Qi Lanyan is dead...'

This news was earth-shattering. The lake was filled with jubilation, everyone celebrating. Li Suining, however, was the most disbelieving person. His first thought was that it was a misjudgment by lower cultivators regarding the Purple Mansion battle. But when he looked carefully to the east and saw the sky filled with the auspicious signs of the Hornwood constellation, he had to believe it, whether he wanted to or not.

'Did Qi Lanyan truly fall, or did he fake his death to escape? Is Zhixuanxian no longer able to hold on?'

'If he dies, who will control the situation in Luoxia and even Bolie?'

He pondered it repeatedly. He didn't feel much alarm about major future changes—after all, this wasn't the first time. So, calming his mind, he realized this might not be a bad thing.

'If Qi Lanyan is dead, the Guanhua lineage won't be able to interfere with Jianghuai for a while!'

Even if Qi Lanyan was extremely prejudiced and stubborn, he was still a figure whose background, strength, and status were widely recognized. He could wring out eighty percent of the northern forces' full strength. If he falls, whether it's Tuoba Ci or Louying Ge who replaces him, who would command widespread respect? At that point, they wouldn't even be able to exert sixty percent of the strength!

'This Battle of the White Sea was more thorough and fierce than in my previous life. It crushed all the northern forces in Jianghuai. Not to mention retreating to the Central Plains to eye the south, they couldn't even stir up a ripple...'

'I just don't know... how is King Wei's injury?'

He had specifically waited here. Seeing Li Zhouda return amidst thunder, he stepped forward with a smile and congratulated:

"Congratulations, Uncle!"

"The joy is mutual!"

Hearing his words, Li Zhouda laughed heartily. He pointed to the spiritual treasures piled on the Profound Boat, showing them to him:

"They're not particularly valuable items, but they make up for it in sheer quantity!"

The Mysterious Observation Monastery had been abandoned by Su Mian for many years. These items naturally couldn't compare to those of the Changxiao Sect in its prime. But they were, after all, the foundation of a sect. Li Suining couldn't help but show a slight smile.

'Our family needs to re-establish a secret realm, and the expenditures for Xuantaoshan are considerable. Over the years, our family's influence has expanded rapidly, increasing our troops. Six or seven tenths of Changxiao Sect's resources have already been used. With this replenishment, they can recover to eighty or ninety percent.'

And with Li Suining's rebirth, many tedious trial-and-error steps could be omitted. This eighty to ninety percent, by Li Suining's estimation, was enough to build thirty to forty percent of Xuantaoshan.

This was already a considerable amount. The Li family itself still had vast resources. If Li Suining hadn't known that Li Ximing still harbored thoughts of establishing formations in the West, if the entire clan were willing to live frugally for a dozen years, the basic spiritual resources for Xuantaoshan would have been sufficient.

'However, if that spiritual array is included, it becomes quite dangerous.'

Establishing a spiritual array before the secret realm was a huge and terrifying expense. Furthermore, once Xuantaoshan was activated, one couldn't stop until it was refined. If preparations were insufficient, there was a risk of exhausting all spiritual resources without completing the refinement...

Moreover, he was aware of his family's dealings with the Mercury Platform of the West Sea. With the prosperity of Jiangnan, supporting those minor Daoist lineages was usually not an issue. But in his previous life, during times of financial strain, it had become a burden.

'After all, compressing decades of preparation from my previous life into a short period is quite challenging. If only we could destroy another Daoist lineage somewhere... that would kill two birds with one stone!'

This Foundation Establishment cultivator appeared harmless. Yet what he was thinking of were horrifying schemes that would shock everyone. He, however, seemed perfectly natural. It was just that the family's True Man was injured, so this matter wasn't urgent yet. He then turned to ask Li Zhouda:

"How is King Wei's injury?"

Li Zhouda's smile immediately vanished, and he sighed:

"His entire body is covered in iridescent patterns. I hear it's due to the 'Central Wutu Technique.' Judging by the reactions of the various elders, it's probably not a simple matter."

Li Suining already had many premonitions in his heart. Upon hearing this, he immediately understood, feeling both shocked and pained:

'Indeed! The light of Qingya Wutu! Since Qi Lanyan is dead... he must have released the Qingya Huazhi!'

This treasure was famously potent; how could Li Suining not know of it?

'We need a Lunar Art to evade disaster and calamity!'

He hesitated for a moment:

'Perhaps... it's not even among the vast and boundless Daoist scriptures of our clan...'

Li Suining was also an intelligent individual, having lived two lives. Comparing his different lives, how could he not discern that his family's seemingly endless and rootless array of techniques? In fact, he had long had a premonition:

There must be a hidden Daoist library in the clan! Whether it's my cultivation methods or those of the True Men, they all originate from that place!

When he was reborn for the third time and took out the "Summoning Method of Concealing Xuan within Beams," he realized that the Daoist library had its limitations. Coincidentally, in his previous life, Li Quewan, while guarding Luoxia, also suffered this injury. Her injury was so severe that she couldn't see, and her cultivation was once delayed. It was said she had to enter seclusion for half a year just to prevent the injury from worsening. Li Ximing ran around frantically for her injury. Li Zhouwei even went to Chang Commandery to consult the Han Clan, expending considerable effort to overcome it!

'Since they had to seek it externally in my previous life, then we definitely don't have it on hand in this life. King Wei couldn't have avoided any damage... In the heat of battle, how much could he have dodged!'

The Han Clan that Li Zhouwei consulted back then was a True Monarch Daoist lineage. Although they couldn't directly impart secret arts for resolving calamities, they provided an extremely advanced alchemy method and a secret technique. Among these was one of the Six Interpretations. Although Li Suining had read it, he felt no peace of mind:

'This isn't something that can be overcome with just one method, like the "Summoning Method of Concealing Xuan within Beams." Back then, it was overcome by using the method to transform spiritual objects, and refining various precious spiritual objects into pills... Our family probably doesn't have that many good things now!'

'It's easy for King Wei to rescue others, but now King Wei himself is injured, and the other True Men may not have divine abilities as great as his...'

He hesitated for a moment. He reconsidered, as he originally didn't want to disturb Li Zhouwei. A hint of inner struggle appeared:

'At this point in time, the family should already possess the "Enlightened Primordial Leap Method," one of the Six Interpretations. Other methods should not be available... But when it comes to spiritual objects, it's really hard to say.'

'Considering the time, perhaps I should try to request an audience with King Wei again, and give him the method... and just happen to ask about his condition...'