Chapter 1177: The Scholars (1+1/2)

His attitude caused Li Ximing to pause for a moment. The True Lord asked, "How confident are you? What do you need?"

Li Jiangliang shook his head and replied, "For ordinary cultivators to break through to the Purple Mansion realm, it's simply a matter of raising their immortal foundation into the Yang Ascent, refining their divine abilities, overcoming ignorance, and navigating boundless illusions. For those of us who practice the Mysterious Arts, our True Qi divine abilities are already within the Yang Ascent; raising the immortal foundation into it is merely a thought."

A hint of helplessness appeared on his face: "However, precisely because the True Qi divine abilities are within the Yang Ascent, even upon reaching Tingzhou, remnants of the martial cultivation light still persist within the Yang Ascent. Without practicing the Mysterious Arts, one cannot break through!"

This statement crushed any lingering hope in Li Ximing's heart. Li Jiangliang continued, "Since we practice the Mysterious Arts, the Yang Ascent frequently enters and exits the Grand Void, undergoing much immersion. The ignorance is significantly reduced. The most challenging part, surprisingly, is the final boundless illusion…"

Li Ximing subtly changed his expression, calmly asking, "Even ignorance can be reduced?!"

Li Jiangliang nodded and replied, "It's merely a reduction, incomparable to the legacy of Wuguan! Ancient cultivators possessed methods of spiritual wandering in the Grand Void, allowing them to adapt in advance to reduce ignorance. These methods are no longer usable. However… they also faced numerous calamities, which, in comparison, made ignorance seem more straightforward."

"In reality… the challenge shared by both ancient and modern cultivators, and experienced universally by both internal and external practitioners of the Mysterious Arts, is solely the boundless illusion!"

Li Ximing secretly applauded what he heard: 'While the restrictions are certainly limiting, the benefits are also genuinely substantial!

'However… most who achieve divine abilities through the Mysterious Arts don't really care about such restrictions. Chen Wenyao of the Chen clan is not a heroic figure, merely an average talent. As long as he can achieve divine abilities, Chen would absolutely not care about being constrained by others. For the Chen family… unless he can overcome the Purple Inquiry, whether he practices the Mysterious Arts or not, he will always be subject to others and drift with the tide.

'And Sima Yuanli… everyone knows his compliant and agreeable nature; fundamentally, he isn't a person of deep sentiment. Even if Sima Xun has some ability to independently break through to the Purple Mansion, if he can join the ranks under True Qi, Sima Yuanli would be overjoyed!'

'After all, practicing the Mysterious Arts isn't entirely a disadvantage. In the eyes of many cultivators, Yang Mo is the undisputed master of True Qi. If one practices the Mysterious Arts under him today, and True Qi achieves its potential in the future, how could a meritorious subject not become a figure like Jie Lin or a Judge?'

'Ultimately, in the eyes of lower-ranked cultivators, this remains an extremely alluring and promising path!'

Although it was still practicing the Mysterious Arts, the outcome appeared entirely different depending on the perspective. Those truly hindered were individuals who had no intention of following the Yang clan's path to the end, or who harbored other ambitions.

Unfortunately, the disciples of the Li clan exemplified both these categories.

The True Lord pondered for a long time, then asked, "This is achieving divine abilities by relying on the Mysterious Arts. What about figures like Situ Huo or Liu Bai, who attained divine abilities *before* practicing the Mysterious Arts? How much will they be restricted?"

This was not a simple question; it even touched upon the stance of fence-sitters like Situ Huo. Li Jiangliang, holding nothing back, whispered, "Much lighter! The more divine abilities one possesses when practicing the Mysterious Arts, the less impact they experience. If it's a Grand True Lord with perfected divine abilities, they can almost borrow and return at will, according to their own desires. However… once something is borrowed, there's the suspicion of borrowing from *his* Mysterious Arts. A person with perfected divine abilities would absolutely not touch such things!"

Li Ximing nodded understandingly, then comforted him, "At least your life is still your own!"

This statement was half a reminder, half comfort, prompting Li Jiangliang to nod gently. The Light Cloud Envoy, a high-ranking official of the Song court, also nodded and replied, "After all, True Qi is not like Mingyang; it doesn't force loyalty and filial piety upon common people. One's life remains autonomous, and there's still the path of perfecting divine abilities and cultivating in a subsequent life."

Li Ximing deliberated, "Even if one's life remains autonomous, is the only path left that of cultivating in a subsequent life? Does this 'borrowing extensively from his Mysterious Arts, leading to divine strangulation and locked fate' truly impose such severe restrictions?"

Upon hearing this, Li Jiangliang's expression grew solemn. He said, "True Lord, do not underestimate the power of these eight characters. 'Strangulation' refers to being at a dead end, dying by choking. Divine abilities, while present in the world, possess an inherent will. By extensively borrowing from his Mysterious Arts, one becomes entangled with the karma of a certain fruit-status. Not only does one's own divine ability become impure, but it also incurs the disdain of other fruit-statuses. Even a dignified True Crab, if it touches two positions, must obediently perish!"

"In ancient times, numerous divine paths were established, with prominent positions as abundant as a forest. This tragedy unfolded generation after generation, to the extent that the Three Mysterious Arts all had varying degrees of reclusive advice, stating that ambitious individuals, like secluded maidens, should 'cover their faces and walk away' upon seeing gods or divine lords in broad daylight… Though spoken in jest, the cruelty within is evident!"

Li Ximing secretly sighed and nodded in approval. Li Jiangliang then changed the subject: "There's no room for maneuver in this matter, yet the Emperor has a desire to fulfill. When I had an audience with him, the Emperor also mentioned that, throughout the Song dynasty, if anyone achieves perfected divine abilities and masters the Five Laws, he would not hesitate to return their autonomy, allowing them to shed their karma and reincarnate, thus fulfilling their aspiration for immortality."

Li Ximing finally breathed a sigh of relief and nodded, saying, "Serving martial arts and cultivating truth—both complete!"

Li Jiangliang offered a polite smile and nodded in response. However, both understood the immense value of perfected divine abilities. In other words, if one truly possessed such perfected abilities, how difficult could it be to break through to the Purple Mansion? Would such a person truly lack that sliver of martial cultivation light?

The scholarly-looking young man with golden eyes sighed, "I know my limits… I'm merely a mediocre talent who achieved the Dao by relying on Mingyang. I have some talent, but even if I were lucky enough to reach the Purple Mansion, I wouldn't be able to cross the Purple Inquiry, nor am I material for achieving the Dao… This might be something I'm secretly saying to my elder brothers."

Li Ximing, however, sensed a deeper meaning: 'Regardless of whether he said it to them, in the eyes of cultivators throughout the Song Kingdom, it's probably a case of "when one person attains the Dao, even their dogs and chickens ascend." As the Emperor of Song's foremost minister, why would Jiangliang need to cultivate himself?'

This undoubtedly opened a new perspective, allowing Li Ximing to glimpse the thoughts of various clans, and even those two sons of Mingyang. He patted Li Jiangliang's shoulder and said, "The path you've taken, they all envy."

Li Jiangliang could only offer a bitter smile, then bowed deeply and said, "I will go and see the Elder…"

Li Ximing nodded repeatedly, watching him leave. Amidst his reflections, he began to organize the gains he had acquired.

'This Xuancheng Edict Pill, I probably shouldn't refine it immediately…'

The refinement of this spirit treasure would take time, and not a short amount of it. Hengzhu belonged to the Plain Virtue of the Three Witches and Two Blessings, and was deeply connected to the Complete Elixir. It would ultimately need to be handed to Li Quewan.

'Quewan is returning home soon, and I'm not a Complete Elixir cultivator. If I refined it today, she would have to refine it again upon her return… Wouldn't that be a waste of effort?'

He suppressed his anticipation, put away the heavy spirit treasure, and reconsidered his priorities: 'Since the Expulsion of Yin isn't complete, matters concerning elixirs must also be postponed. Zhou Wei's injuries are the top priority; arrays and grotto-heavens come after that.'

He found himself unexpectedly at leisure. After a brief thought, an idea came to him: 'I have two important tasks at hand. The Song Emperor once sent a Hornwood spirit item during the great war. I can find some time to refine a batch of it first…'

'Furthermore… Helian Wujiang's legacy will require some effort to refine.'

This matter should have been put on the agenda much earlier. However, though the Li family's Purple Mansion cultivators were increasing daily, when it came to practical use, they were still stretched thin, putting Li Ximing in a difficult position: 'Even when Quewan returns, she can't be assigned to refining spirit artifacts. Jiangqian, after obtaining the treasure, hastily went into seclusion again. It seems I'll still have to rely on Nanwu… ask him for some help… at most, I'll give him a few more pills…'

He descended on the wind, landing high on Zhijing Mountain. He retrieved his alchemy furnace, placed it within the array, and first took out the newly acquired Qingxuan spirit artifact.

This Qingxuan Vase had already recognized its master and was named the Eastern Fate Vase. It shimmered with brilliance from all eight sides. Li Ximing, quite fond of it, caressed it. Realizing he had no Qingxuan foundation-building material on hand, he instantly drew out a stream of Climbing Yuan Spirit Water from his storage bag and filled the vase.

He then focused intently, channeling his divine power into it. When dusk approached and the blue talismans on the vase glowed one by one, he could set it down to allow its miraculous properties to slowly nurture.

Knowing he had to wait another year, Li Ximing regretfully put it aside and took out the Vermilion Spring Suspended Wood gifted by the Song Emperor.

This spirit wood, only two fingers wide and one finger long, was a delightful deep green, nestled in its box like a precious jade. Li Ximing closed his eyes to sense it for a moment, then reached into his storage bag and pulled out a feather from under a neck.

'Unfortunately, I don't have Female Water spirit resources. Mansion Water… Mansion Water isn't very useful either. If only I had Lush Water, that would be perfect!'

He currently had a large harvest in his hands, yet couldn't convert it into usable spiritual resources in time. Most of his spirit items had significant uses, and his existing spiritual resources were almost depleted. After pondering for a moment, he devised a method: 'Ziyan's Wenqing is severely injured and in poor condition, but at least the Song court manages her. There's also Linggu Lanying, who is even more miserable. I can go and ask them to gather some spiritual resources. Once this batch of elixirs is refined, I can give each of them one!'

Although Li Zhouwei's injuries were extremely severe and it was uncertain how many pills would be needed to stabilize him, Li Ximing currently had no other good solutions. He gazed at the setting sun on the horizon, just about to rise, when he saw the array subtly shift, and an old man hastily ascended the mountain.

It was Li Xuanxuan.

The elder, having been nourished over the years, looked much healthier, and his steps were nimble. At this moment, he dispersed the crowd and personally rode the wind up the mountain, his gaze filled with worry.

"Grandfather!" Li Ximing's voice softened as he rushed to support him, but the elder gently brushed his hand away, his brow furrowed with anxious worry as he sighed, "Matters of divine abilities are beyond my understanding as a minor cultivator. I didn't dare to disturb you, but everyone outside is spreading rumors that King Wei is gravely injured. If I don't inquire about it now, I would be failing as an elder."

Li Ximing had been too busy to attend to anything else in recent days, but the elder had remained exceptionally composed, unperturbed by external rumors while steadfastly presiding over Tingzhou. However, with Li Jiangliang's visit to bid farewell, it was impossible for the elder not to inquire. Upon receiving confirmation from this influential Song court official who practiced the Mysterious Arts, he finally felt a pang of unease.

Li Ximing felt both tender affection and gratitude. He simply said, "It's my fault for acting improperly… Grandfather, you don't need to worry about King Wei. Although it's troublesome, it's not a severe injury!"

The elder raised his eyebrows, carefully scrutinized Li Ximing's expression, then finally let out a sigh of relief. He exclaimed, "That boy Jiangliang, after talking at length, mentioned his father's injuries just as he was leaving. He handed me a box, left a message, and then hastily departed, as if afraid I'd return it to him!"

"Hmm?" Li Ximing paused, bewildered. The elder had already carefully taken a jade box from his sleeve and placed it on the jade table. Li Ximing's spiritual sense swept over it, and he stood frozen.

Inside the box were two bottles, a pot, and a piece of jade. The bottles contained a profound essence, shimmering grayish and holding vibrant colors within—the marvel of Female Water. The pot held a liquid rising and falling like rain and mist, interweaving and transforming—the fluid of Lush Water. The final piece of azure jade was brimming with vitality, its wood grain faintly visible, revealing it to be a Hornwood resource!

Li Ximing murmured, "Spiritual resources?…"

"Four kinds of spiritual resources?!"

Li Xuanxuan actually didn't recognize these four items, but with his age came some experience. Yet, even with prior mental preparation, he was still deeply moved, his face a complex mix of emotions, his old eyes filled with astonishment. He said, "He mentioned something about being unfilial and unable to ease his father's worries, and that when he heard I was ill earlier, he couldn't come to visit. So he hastily took out a box from his sleeve…"

"He said, 'Father is injured, so I asked several friends and also relied on Tianyou's connections to obtain two streams of Female Water spirit resource, Precious Descent Water… My two elder brothers also kept it in mind. Third Brother received many rewards, so he just happened to have a stream of Lush Water's Heart-Cleansing Spring Liquid. Second Brother is a bit more strapped for resources… he didn't have anything related on hand, so he rushed to another family's place and exchanged for a stream of Hornwood's Manifesting Green Leaf…'"

The 'Third Brother' Li Jiangliang mentioned was, of course, Li Jiangxia, who currently enjoyed considerable favor from the Song Emperor and thus received more rewards. As for Second Brother Li Jianglong, he was clearly not as prominent as before after Yang Ruiyi lost power, but he still managed to squeeze out a portion of spiritual resources!

'Four streams of spiritual resources!' This statement resonated profoundly, catching Li Ximing off guard. Over the years, the Li clan had flourished, and he had been bustling about, moving between various factions, either leveraging his alchemy skills or being driven by others, just to obtain a tiny bit of spiritual resources… Li Ximing understood more than anyone else how much effort these four streams of spiritual resources would cost!

'Even though they practice the Mysterious Arts and haven't yet reached the Purple Mansion, they don't really need these things much. However, they should already be preparing resources for after the Purple Mansion realm… They ought to cherish these resources the most…'

Indeed, when it came down to it, both Li Zhouwei, as the father, and Li Ximing had long regarded Li Jiangliang and the others as figures of the Song court, implicitly excluding them from the family structure, leaving only the bond of kinship.

This was why he was so surprised!

'Jiangliang also understood this in his heart, which is why he subtly handed it to the elder…'

Li Ximing let out a long sigh, glanced at the jade box in his hand, and said with a choked voice, "They actually went to such trouble."

The elder in front of him sighed, understanding his meaning, and said, "Given the father-son bond, it's not excessive for us to accept these things for now. But we should find an opportune moment to return them, if possible."

Li Ximing could only nod, silently lowering his gaze.

'Now, with Female, Lush, and Hornwood all complete, and these three spiritual resources combined with the Vermilion Spring Suspended Wood, it truly embodies the principle of "Ruler, Minister, Assistant, and Envoy" all present. There's no need to consider refining seven or eight scattered pills from one furnace to share with others. I can refine three pills, keeping one or two for contingencies!'

'This batch… will undoubtedly be a sacred medicine for healing!'

Female, Lush, and Hornwood had no significant conflicts, subtly complementing each other in the art of healing. Moreover, it wouldn't take much effort. All at once, the trace of worry between Li Ximing's brows dissipated, replaced by a smile.

Then he heard the elder say, "Since I've finally seen a True Lord, there are a few things I'd like to ask about while I have the chance."

Li Ximing raised an eyebrow. Li Xuanxuan said, "Once divine abilities are sealed off, time becomes trivial. I've given considerable thought to matters concerning the Suiyu generation."

"Grandfather, please speak!"

The elder nodded: "There are many talents in the Suiyu generation; although they can't compare to Jiangque, they are still among the best. I don't need to arrange much in that regard; I'm only concerned with lineage."

"Although Suihuan took a concubine early on, he has no sons. But since he has reached the Foundation Establishment realm, we should select a wife for him, so his chamber isn't left empty."

Li Ximing casually sent the Three-Vigil Xuan Fire into the furnace, placing the jade-like Manifesting Green Leaf inside to refine it, while asking, "Does Grandfather have a candidate in mind?"

Li Xuanxuan said, "Yes, there is a candidate. Her age is suitable, her background is clear, and she is a descendant of loyal officials. She achieved Foundation Establishment at a young age, cultivates a very superior technique, and her appearance and talent are both impressive…"

"Oh?" Li Ximing grew interested. He ran through a mental list, vaguely recalling a name. When he asked, he heard Li Xuanxuan chuckle and say, "Ding Yuqing."

Li Ximing recognized the name — it was Ding Weizeng's only daughter! She had just broken through to Foundation Establishment, and he had met her earlier. She cultivated the inherited Hall Yang Tiger technique; wasn't she indeed a descendant of loyal officials?

Li Ximing was quite surprised. He did a quick mental calculation and said, "That's quite good… This woman has a compliant nature and would make a good partner. How are things between Suihuan and the Ding clan?"

Li Xuanxuan finally smiled and said, "They've known each other since childhood and later worked together. I privately asked, and Yuqing has no objections. As for Suihuan… Yuqing's demeanor and character are excellent. He is wise and understands the bigger picture, so how could he refuse?"

"As for Guest Elder Ding… I'd trouble the True Lord to ask him."

"I understand."

Li Ximing nodded with a smile. Li Xuanxuan said with satisfaction, "When it comes to descendants, some have many, others few. Zhou Daxuan Lei achieved cultivation early and switched techniques early, gaining much favor with women, so he has many descendants. He even gained two more after Foundation Establishment, and he himself is very attentive to each of them. I'm most satisfied with him, though it's a pity none are outstanding…"

A smile appeared in Li Ximing's eyes. He said, "But I know! Zhou Ming mentioned to me… Zhou Da once served in the Jade Court, and besides drinking and fighting, he just married concubines…"

Li Xuanxuan shook his head helplessly and said sternly, "And Jiangchun!"

Mentioning this, Li Ximing also expressed some regret. He replied, "This isn't something anyone can control. He's our family's Purple Mansion seed, and he cultivates sword intent. It wouldn't be good to thwart his desires. If a marriage isn't good and causes him trouble, perhaps emerging in the boundless illusion to hinder his path… we can only let him follow his own heart…"

Li Xuanxuan had also considered this. He sighed, "I'll write a letter and tell Zhou Luo to work harder!"

"As for Sui Kuan… he has two concubines and already has descendants, so we don't need to worry about him. Only Suining, I've asked him twice, and he's always refused. This child is deep-minded and highly talented, spending his days in diligent cultivation; he has great ambitions."

Li Ximing shook his head and said, "He has a secret. King Wei even inquired about his fox lineage, which is also a kind of opportunity. With Suining, if close blood relations are needed, we can always adopt one. We don't need to force him."

Li Xuanxuan actually preferred for everyone to have descendants, so he reluctantly gave up after hearing this. He raised a hand and said, "There's another important matter… the two children of the collateral branch! Qingduo went south, but Qinggong is still by the lake, currently cultivating embryonic breathing. True Lord, you're as elusive as a divine dragon. I was just thinking of seizing this opportunity to settle his Dao tradition…"

"Collateral branch…"

Li Xuanxuan clearly held great expectations for this child, specifically coming in person to request cultivation techniques from the Purple Mansion True Lord, to gather spiritual energy in advance, so that no time would be wasted in making a hasty choice later. Li Ximing pondered for a moment and said, "Since it's a technique for a specific lineage, it's best if it's different from the current ones."

The Li family currently had quite a few Purple Mansion cultivation techniques, not to mention those in the Upper Ring Pavilion. Even among Li Zhouwei's own acquisitions, there were good ones like the Cold Qi's *Scripture of Cold Snow and Lone Peaks*, the Right Wood's *Scripture of Mountains Facing South*, and the Conjoined Fire's *Scripture of Dao Fire and Conjoined Hearts*.

'Among these three, the Conjoined Fire's *Scripture of Dao Fire and Conjoined Hearts* is the most esteemed, but while its power is immense, it hinders one's mind… And the Cold Qi is truly inadequate; looking at that monster from back then, the *Scripture of Mountains Facing South* isn't particularly brilliant either…'

As for scriptures like the *Scripture of Earthly Mountains*, *Scripture of Responding Stone and Glass Light*, or even the *Scripture of Profound Peaks and Mountain Driving*, there was no need to mention them. Li Ximing had no good options at hand, so he could only rely on the Upper Ring Pavilion.

He then said, "The cultivation techniques I possess are not particularly profound. I will ask King Wei and then give you a reply."

Li Xuanxuan could only nod, hastily saying, "I won't disturb your alchemy. Once you have news, just arrange for someone to inform me!"

Li Ximing escorted the elder out of the array, then returned to his alchemy furnace. He settled his mind and focused, performing hand seals and chanting spells before the blazing true fire, simultaneously refining spiritual resources and regulating subordinate spirits. Light and shadow intertwined around him as time flowed by.

The Grand Void.

In the dark and deep ocean, there was no light. Yet, in an unnoticed corner, a mysterious and indescribable light flew along, hiding in the dimness, slowly moving forward.

It was precisely the Taiyin Spirit Treasure: the Profound Jade Talisman of Bestowal!

This Taiyin Spirit Treasure from the Nine Hills Dao Lineage truly broadened Li Quewan's horizons. The Li clan, being a major aristocratic family, possessed many Foundation Establishment-grade concealment artifacts, but most could only hide one's aura and remain still. Only some rare, top-grade artifacts allowed for slow movement while concealed.

However, this Profound Jade Talisman of Bestowal, once activated for concealment, could move freely and travel through the Grand Void. Its speed was even just a notch slower than her normal transit!

'If I wielded this item, roaming freely between heaven and earth, passing before various Dao Lineages, who would know? Even if I offended countless Dao Lineages and their divine abilities, I could still use this treasure to evade disaster and calamity… It truly is a supreme treasure for continuing a Dao Lineage and preserving its heritage!'

Holding this item, Li Quewan felt utterly at ease. After parting ways with Guo Nanwu, she passed by Lucai and Changzhou Island, where she had spent long periods cultivating. She resisted the urge to enter and share her good news with Liu Changdie, instead traveling directly into the interior of the sea.

'My breakthrough news certainly won't escape the Underworld, nor will it be hidden from the major figures at the top. But by acting low-key and concealing it from some of the lower Purple Mansion cultivators, causing them to misjudge the timing, it's still a good thing.'

She pondered carefully and noticed that the Grand Void was rapidly becoming steeper. With a quick calculation using her fingers, she instantly frowned: "What terrifying spiritual energy…"

At this point, flying through the Grand Void was a waste of time. So, she took a step, entering the present world. The vast sunlight shone down, but it left the woman stunned.

'Where… is this…'

Before the White Sea's dangerous cliffs, beneath the Heaven-Pointing Sword Peak, lay an expanse of Mysterious Forest and vast plains.

This land was vast, bordering both north and south. Ancient trees reached the sky, hills undulated like rolling waves, and countless forests vied for beauty. Rivers like white silks wound unevenly among the hills, and spiritual energy flowed like a waterfall. What a truly otherworldly wonderland!

Even more peculiar, the sky above this Mysterious Forest and vast plain was filled with what seemed like endless gentle, beautiful, silken strands of azure Xun winds. Centered on this region, they extended north and south. Although they had no effect on Purple Mansion divine abilities like Li Quewan's, they were undoubtedly lethal to lower cultivators—it had astonishingly become a peculiar land where even Foundation Establishment cultivators dared not fly high!

'This…'

One must understand that plains were rare in Jiangnan, mostly concentrated in the west and north. With the large lake creating a gap, they seemed even scarcer. The most famous were the Mushroom Forest Plain and Shanji Commandery…

However, the low hills before her contained vast flat areas, similar in size to the Mushroom Forest Plain. To the north, it connected to the White Sea; to the south, to Shanji. Countless rivers branched out from this place like veins, flowing into the great sea. Even with the endless Xun winds in the sky, it still did not prevent this area from transforming the entire northern part of the Song Kingdom into fertile land!

'This is… Salty Lake?!'