Chapter 159: Relic

Li Yuanxiu stood in the courtyard, holding his sword. Before him, Li Yuanjiao, clad in black robes, drew and brandished his sword. It whistled several times in the cold wind. His hands clutched the heavy, dark blade, knuckles white, and a light sheen of sweat beaded on Li Yuanjiao’s face.

“Jiao’er, how long have you been studying this ‘Profound Water Sword Art’?” Li Yuanxiu asked gently, patting Li Yuanjiao’s shoulder and adjusting his sword stance.

“A little over two years,” Li Yuanjiao replied softly.

Li Yuanxiu corrected a few of his mistakes. Just then, a boy, who appeared even younger than Li Yuanxiu, entered through the gate. He cupped his hands in greeting towards the two, then looked up and said, “Elder Brother, my father requests your presence up the mountain.”

“Understood.” Li Yuanxiu nodded at Li Yuanyun, then turned his head and said, “Go tell the East Courtyard that I won’t be attending to matters for now.”

Behind him, Li Pingyi had grown tall, his build more imposing than his father, Li Xiewen. Hearing the instruction, he nodded and left. Li Yuanxiu bid farewell to Li Yuanjiao and followed Li Yuanyun up the mountain.

Li Xuanling sat in the courtyard, watching the tea leaves steep in his cup. Li Tongya had instructed him to disclose the matter of the Dharma Mirror to Li Yuanxiu and the others. Yet, his heart was filled with worry and unease.

Li Xuanling had long known that his child, Li Yuanyun, had no spiritual apertures. In recent days, he had held onto a glimmer of hope: if the Dharma Mirror chose him, the problem of his spiritual apertures would be resolved. After kneeling before the Dharma Mirror, Li Xuanling still had to accept reality. His heart was filled with bitterness, and watching his child run around the mountain, he felt an indescribable mix of emotions.

“This child, what can be done…”

When Li Xuanling was young, he saw how much his third uncle, Li Xiangping, adored Li Jingyan. Now, experiencing it himself, he understood it was more than simple love. He would never believe if someone claimed there was no guilt, no sorrow involved.

A soft knock sounded at the door. Li Yuanyun had already led Li Yuanxiu into the room. The child had talked with Li Xuanling late into the night, learning he had no spiritual apertures, and had cried twice. Now, there were no tear stains, and he even seemed to be cheerfully trying to comfort Li Xuanling.

“Greetings, Clan Uncle!” Li Yuanxiu cupped his hands. Little Yuanyun had discreetly left the room, causing Li Xuanling to lower his gaze and turn his head, saying hoarsely, “I called you here today because you have reached the Xuanjing stage, and there are some family matters you should know.”

Li Xuanling had carefully considered his words before sending for him. He organized his thoughts and began, “Our family possesses an ancestral artifact, a slate-grey mirror. It far surpasses the Foundation Establishment level, possesses numerous wondrous uses, and is exceptionally mystical.”

He described each of the Dharma Mirror’s marvelous uses, giving examples from past events. Li Yuanxiu listened with delight. Only then did Li Xuanling continue, “A few days ago, I had your five senses sealed while you were in the courtyard. That was to seek this spirit seed. Your younger siblings, Yuanjiao and Qinghong, received its favor. The Ascension Palace has already secretly bestowed the spirit seeds upon them!”

His words avoided mentioning that the spirit seed could be sought for one person. Instead, he downplayed that aspect, focusing on how only those favored by the Dharma Mirror could receive a spirit seed. This was naturally to spare Li Yuanxiu’s feelings. However, this eldest brother of the Yuanqing generation seemed completely oblivious, saying happily, “That’s truly wonderful.”

After speaking, a hint of sadness flickered in his eyes, and he murmured, “It’s just a pity about Yuanyun.”

These words struck Li Xuanling’s deepest concern. Li Xuanling couldn’t help but nod, saying gravely, “Yuanyun cannot cultivate, and he doesn’t talk much to me, his father... His future will be difficult, so I ask that you, Xiu’er, look after him diligently.”

Li Yuanxiu nodded solemnly. The two spoke for a long time under the lamplight. Their conversation ranged from the menacing Yu Family to the distantly helpful Xiao Family. Many of Li Yuanxiu’s insights genuinely impressed Li Xuanling. They talked until late into the night. Only then did Li Xuanling have him swear the Xuanjing spirit oath and see him out.

“With this son managing the family, we will be safe in the future.” Li Xuanling’s mood brightened considerably. He watched Li Yuanxiu’s back as he descended the mountain, nodding in satisfaction. Then, he turned to resume his cultivation.

At home, Xiao Yuansi paid respects to the Old Ancestor Xiao Chuting and met his clan nephew Xiao Yongling. Only then was he able to leave. He rode the wind along the Ancient Li Road for a while, crossing layers of dense forests until he arrived at the Li family’s territory. The simple mist illusion array that once covered Lijing Mountain had been replaced by a complex, golden-glowing grand array. Xiao Yuansi nodded slightly. Although the array was insignificant to him, now at the Foundation Establishment cultivation level, he could still see that the Li family had made considerable progress over the past few years.

Steadying himself outside the array, Xiao Yuansi spoke with some trepidation. “Green Spike Peak…” Xiao Yuansi reconsidered and corrected himself, “Xiao Yuansi of the Lixia Xiao Family requests an audience. Please open the mountain gate!”

Below, there was a noticeable delay before a small opening appeared. Xiao Yuansi withdrew his magic, descended into it, and found an unfamiliar junior before him. The junior looked somewhat familiar and cupped his hands, saying, “Li Xuanxuan of the Li family greets Senior. Our elders are in secluded cultivation, so please come and sit in the courtyard.”

Xiao Yuansi nodded gently. He looked at the junior, refraining from asking whose child he was. He took a seat and accepted a cup of tea, quietly awaiting the arrival of Li Tongya and the others.

Just as Xiao Yuansi organized his thoughts, Li Tongya arrived at the door. He dismissed the attendants, leaving only the two of them in the courtyard. Li Tongya cupped his hands and spoke respectfully, “Greetings, Senior!”

Xiao Yuansi gazed at him with emotion. Noticing his greying temples, he said softly, “You’ve also aged... Where is Xiangping?”

Li Tongya lowered his head, his eyes downcast and devoid of expression. He replied, “Due to an agreement between the two sects, the Shanyue advanced eastward and forced Xiangping’s death.”

Xiao Yuansi had arrived already burdened with guilt. These words struck him like a heavy hammer, making him lose his composure. He unfastened the Green Edge sword from his waist, offered it, and murmured, “Jing’er... he’s... gone.”

Li Tongya already knew, but he couldn't help but shed tears. He took the sword with both hands, his voice choked with sobs, “Tongya lost his elder brother at twenty. His parents and siblings passed away one after another. Now, he has no parents and no brothers left!”

Xiao Yuansi, now a true cultivator at the Foundation Establishment stage, was also moved to tears by Li Tongya's few words. Remembering his promise to look after Jing’er when he refined pills in the Li family years ago, he gritted his teeth and said, “Tongya... Tongya... I, I have wronged you.”

Li Tongya suddenly raised an eyebrow, his voice trembling with emotion, “Senior Xiao! I have but one question: How did Jing’er die?”

Xiao Yuansi’s face flushed. He struggled internally for several breaths before speaking, “He was harmed by the Chi family... they offered him to the southern border to be used by demonic creatures for alchemy! My master has been locked beneath the pagoda and hasn't been released to this day, so I was powerless...”

“So it was the Chi family!” Li Tongya knew the Chi family held great power within the Azure Pool Sect, making such an act entirely plausible. He bowed and expressed his gratitude, “Thank you, Senior!”

“Don’t mention it.” Xiao Yuansi shook his head, feeling unsettled by the melancholic atmosphere. He quickly changed the subject, speaking earnestly, “My junior brother also asked me to bring many things home, which I now hand over to you!”

“The most precious item is this Azure Ruler Sword.” Xiao Yuansi pointed to the Azure Ruler Sword, encased in its scabbard, in Li Tongya’s hand, and explained, “This sword was forged by my master, who procured seven feet of Azure Nether Copper from Azure Pool Mountain. With the aid of thirty-two kinds of rare treasures and spiritual materials, he entrusted it to the Lord of Primordial Crow Peak for crafting. It was already at the Foundation Establishment level when it was completed. Later, my junior brother nurtured it day and night, allowing its sword intent and blade to resonate. When he broke through to Foundation Establishment, this Azure Ruler Sword gained considerable sentience. It accumulated a pure Moon Lacuna Sword Intent, unfathomably profound. Jing’er specifically instructed me to bring it home!”

Xiao Yuansi shook his head and sighed, “However, since it came into my possession, this sword refuses to be drawn from its scabbard. Even when I try to summon it with spiritual power, it remains dull and lusterless. It seems it has gained sentience and is unwilling to submit to my command.”

Li Tongya looked it over, unable to see the blade, but the pale white sword tassel swayed appealingly. He tried pulling it with some force, and indeed, it wouldn't come out of the scabbard.

“That is one thing.” Xiao Yuansi gazed mournfully at the sword and continued, “Secondly, Jing’er accomplished some feats in the Southern Border. Hearing that our family lacked an alchemy inheritance, he exchanged his merits for one, which is now here.” With that, he took out a jade slip, which glowed beautifully. Small characters were inscribed on it. Li Tongya took it and read: “‘Essentials of Pill Refinement’.”

Xiao Yuansi then took out a storage bag, handed it to Li Tongya, and explained, “This contains miscellaneous items: over a hundred spirit stones, some Qi Cultivation stage talismans, and a precious Suan Yuan Pill, which can increase the success rate of Foundation Establishment by half a percent.”

Li Tongya quickly took it, surprised that Li Chijing had been so thoughtful. He murmured to himself, “This child...”

Finally, Xiao Yuansi produced two jade slips, one large and one small. He placed the smaller one on the table and said softly, “This is ‘Spirit Eye Clear Sight,’ a rare pupil technique skilled at dispelling illusions. It’s difficult to cultivate. Jing’er originally prepared it for Xiangping, hearing that he used a bow.” Then, he solemnly handed the larger jade slip to Li Tongya, instructing, “This is Chijing's sword art. He compiled it into a text called ‘Moon Lacuna Sword Canon,’ claiming it to be a Fifth-Rank cultivation method, exceptionally valuable! You must absolutely not let news of this leak out... It bears Jing’er's spiritual power mark, proving that I have not read it!”

Li Tongya was deeply moved by these words. This was a Fifth-Rank cultivation method, something even Purple Mansion cultivators would covet. Not to mention, Xiao Yuansi probably hadn't even reached Foundation Establishment back then. He immediately stood up and said respectfully, “Senior, Tongya holds you in the highest esteem for your integrity!”

They exchanged glances, and everything was understood without words. Only then did Xiao Yuansi feel at ease, sitting down to drink a few sips of tea. In the empty courtyard, only the two remained. Li Tongya said softly, “Senior, I dare to ask, how much longer can this matter be kept secret?”

Xiao Yuansi set down his teacup. He had some inkling of Li Tongya's concerns. After pondering for a few breaths, he replied, “Aside from a few Purple Mansion cultivators, this matter should only be known to me and Chi Zhiyun of the Chi family. Chi Zhiyun is in perpetual seclusion and dislikes social interaction. The Chi family's actions were disgraceful, so he wouldn't publicize them. Naturally, I won't speak of it. Keeping it secret for another fifty years shouldn't be an issue.”

“Fifty years.” Li Tongya silently noted the timeframe in his mind. He thanked Xiao Yuansi. The atmosphere in the courtyard suddenly grew somber. Both men opened their mouths but found no words.

Xiao Yuansi drank his tea, feeling restless. He had no choice but to speak, “The Yue Kingdom is on the verge of significant change. Three peak Purple Mansion cultivators of that generation have reached the end of their lifespans. Turmoil is inevitable in the coming days. One is a rogue cultivator, whose whereabouts are uncertain. Another is the Shanyue patriarch, who has been relying on secret techniques to prolong his life for years, but something went wrong, leaving him in a very awkward state. The last is Chi Wei of the Chi family. All three are facing their end and are seeking ways to break through to the Golden Core stage. Although the possibility is slim, we must still be on guard.”

Li Tongya listened intently. Xiao Yuansi's eyes suddenly lit up, and he said enthusiastically, “By my reckoning, the Serpent Dragon Fruits should have produced six or seven by now, right? Since I'm here, I might as well refine those pills now, saving them from losing spiritual energy due to prolonged storage.”

“This... how could I impose?” Li Tongya found himself in a dilemma due to Xiao Yuansi's earnestness. After a few polite words, he waved his hand. Li Xuanxuan, who was outside the door, received a spiritual message and hurried off to fetch the Serpent Dragon Fruits.

Xiao Yuansi stayed on Lijing Mountain for several days. During this time, he refined pills and also advised Li Tongya on his cultivation doubts and future path.

“When the ‘River-One Qi Art’ is cultivated to the Foundation Establishment stage, the resulting immortal foundation is called the [Vast Sea]. It is renowned for its endlessly surging spiritual power and immense might. Cultivators of this art can often withstand multiple attackers, as their spiritual power circulates rapidly. The former lord of Moonlit Lake Market cultivated this very art. It took three cultivators of the same realm, wielding special artifacts, to surround and kill him. However, this cultivation method is quite dull on its own. Paired with your sword art, it would be perfectly complementary.”

Li Tongya nodded, carefully noting the information. He then remembered the Yu family disciple who had joined Primordial Crow Peak and asked, “Senior, a disciple from the Yu family by Moonlit Lake has joined Primordial Crow Peak. Are you aware of this?”

Xiao Yuansi nodded, put away the jade box in his hand, and replied, “Before leaving the Azure Pool Sect, I had already thoroughly investigated the surrounding families, including this Yu family. The disciple is named Yu Muxian. His talent is only considered decent, but he possesses considerable aptitude in artifact crafting, which is why Primordial Crow Peak valued him. Speaking of which, I heard an interesting anecdote.” Xiao Yuansi chuckled softly and told Li Tongya, “That Yu Muxian not only pleaded with the Lord of Primordial Crow Peak to report the division of a commandery but also had the quota for accepting disciples allocated to Primordial Crow Peak. However, Primordial Crow Peak has already been full of disciples for the past few years. This means that for the next few decades, unless by pure chance, no one will come to Moonlit Lake to take on disciples!”

Li Tongya pondered for a moment, then sighed, “What a clever strategy!”

The main reason the various families around Moonlit Lake had not engaged in major mergers and acquisitions was their intricate connections with the different peaks of the Azure Pool Sect. Rash actions might incur the sect's displeasure, a constant headache for the Yu family. However, the various peak lords only maintained certain relationships out of necessity; they were not caretakers for these families. The fate of the Lu family was still fresh in memory: such entanglements often involved the familial ties of one or two individuals, and many families had been wiped out when their protection ceased due to the death of one or two family elders. The Yu family's drastic move effectively cut off the future hopes of most families. As the older generation slowly dwindled, there would come a day when their protection would vanish, creating an opportunity for the Yu family to profit.

“Moreover, preventing the various peaks from accepting disciples here also eliminated a significant threat.” While accepting the pills from Xiao Yuansi, Li Tongya pondered silently. “An Jingming’s talent is undeniably among the best in Moonlit Lake over the past century. If he were to join the Azure Pool Sect, the Yu family's path to southern expansion would be completely blocked... Furthermore, with such a genius from a neighboring family joining the sect, the Yu family head would likely lose sleep. Such a brilliant scheme... Yu Mugao and Yu Xiaogui must have spent a considerable amount on gifts to arrange it. That father-son duo is truly difficult to deal with!”