Chapter 291: Not Allowed to Return South

“Fellow Daoist, save me…”

“Hand over the spiritual medicine!”

Li Xuanling, having resolved to return south, naturally flew straight in that direction. Along the way, chaos erupted: at times, immortals and demons battled over newly emerged spiritual medicines; at others, Buddhist cultivators subdued monsters, resulting in mutual destruction. Although there seemed to be opportunities to seize advantages, Li Xuanling was eager to get home, flying southward without pause for even a moment.

Among the Li family members, Li Xuanling possessed the deepest mastery of the "Turbulent River Steps" technique. Consequently, he flew effortlessly, untouched by anything, and after a surprisingly smooth journey, he soon reached the great river at the border of Xu State. Rolling waves surged past, and the shore was battered by layer upon layer of dazzling white, crystalline spray, creating a vast and breathtaking spectacle.

The great river divided north and south, its turbulent waters making it one of the most vital water sources in the world. Its upper reaches extended deep into Zhao State, winding and stretching, turning back at Mount Luoxia, and then flowing into Wu State, earning it the title "Ancestor of Southern Water Veins." Li Xuanling, who cultivated the "River and Qi Unification Art" and was inherently a Qi practitioner of great rivers, could not help but stop and gaze at this sight.

Li Xuanling had passed by this great river when he traveled north, and he had spent several days cultivating beside it, allowing his mind to roam freely, which significantly advanced his cultivation. He had seen this scenery before, but upon seeing it again, his heart was still stirred beyond control. A thought sparked in his mind, and he settled by the riverbank, watching the pale blue waters flow eastward, feeling increasingly insignificant.

“The course of life, like the rushing river, is beyond one’s control.”

Li Xuanling recalled his journey north. Originally, he had only intended to wander within Xu State, but the thought of going to Mount Luoxia had inexplicably sprouted in his mind. This impulse was like a mountain collapse or a tsunami, and before he knew it, he had crossed Xu State and headed towards Zhao territory.

“If it hadn’t been for that Fahui interrupting me, I would still be trapped in that thought, unable to extricate myself... Was it truly my desire to go, or was some Purple Mansion cultivator, some Maha, hoping for me to go?”

A shiver ran down Li Xuanling’s spine. The shadow of the great hand plotting in the world loomed over him, making him tremble. The chaos he had witnessed along the way further confirmed this possibility, chilling him to the bone.

“What emerging spiritual medicines, what Buddhist cultivators subduing monsters—they were likely all deliberately created illusions, designed to make me continue northward!”

As Li Xuanling pondered silently, he walked a stretch along the riverbank. Ahead, a large reef emerged, on which sat an old man in a straw cloak. His dark brown straw cloak was dripping wet, and he was quietly, patiently untangling a chaotic mass of fishing net.

Beneath the dark brown straw cloak were a pair of sharp eyes, fixed intently on Li Xuanling as he approached, startling him into an abrupt halt.

Before the relief in Li Xuanling’s heart could recede, a deep horror surged through him. His mind pounded, and he thought to himself: “I’ve been ensnared by a spell!”

Li Xuanling immediately activated his spiritual power, but before he could fly away with the wind, the old man spoke loudly: “Young man! There’s no need to go further south!”

Li Xuanling had just risen a foot off the ground by wind, but he was forcefully pressed back down. His limbs were immobilized; only his mouth and tongue could move. He exclaimed: “A Purple Mansion Master!”

“Young man, you truly have a strong will. We tried everything along the way—beautiful enchantresses, demons, riches, and treasures—yet nothing could sway you even a bit...” The old fisherman lowered his head again, staring at the tangled fishing net in his hands, and said gently: “I had no choice but to intervene personally and intercept you.”

Unable to move, Li Xuanling could only open his mouth and say dully: “This junior is merely a Qi practitioner. Senior is an immortal cultivator of great power. Why bother meticulously manipulating a minor cultivator like me?”

The fisherman laughed heartily, gave Li Xuanling a careful look, and replied: “We have been planning this game for decades; there can be no mistakes. It took so much effort to lure you north, but who knew you would be so cautious, young man. It really shouldn’t have been this troublesome.”

Li Xuanling felt his body relax; the Master had released his restraints. Realizing there was no escape, he simply sat cross-legged, dejectedly saying: “If this junior’s guess is correct, you are targeting my father, and Xuanling is merely bait, right?”

The Purple Mansion Master shook his head, glanced at him, and smiled: “No, your father is also bait.”

A chill ran up Li Xuanling’s spine. He opened his mouth, and said hoarsely: “It’s just that my father has always been cautious; I fear he might not satisfy you all.”

The Purple Mansion Master shook his head again and said gently: “Li Tongya has no choice but to come. He already has a premonition; otherwise, he wouldn’t be sitting silently on Mount Lijing.”

The man sighed, a look of admiration on his face, and said softly: “We Purple Mansion cultivators have watched the currents of the world for hundreds of years. What kind of character haven’t we seen? It must be said that Li Tongya is a remarkable man, but he isn’t ruthless enough; he cannot abandon his family and his principles, thus he has to wait for his demise.”

Li Xuanling fell silent for a moment, gripping the long sword at his waist. His eyes were slightly watery, and his face flushed as he asked: “If my father and I both comply and face death, will my Li family be able to rest in peace for a night?”

The fisherman looked at him deeply, clapped his hands, and replied: “The Great Li Mountain Demon Cave and Xiao Chuting will both protect your family. The Li family will be safe.”

Li Xuanling let out a long breath and was about to ask further, but the Purple Mansion Master waved his large hand and said in a low voice: “Enough! I’ve humored you twice for your father’s sake, yet you still babble on. Go now, head towards Mount Luoxia!”

Li Xuanling pursed his lips, sighed inwardly, bowed to the man, and flew northward with the wind.

The Purple Mansion cultivator remained where he was, gathering his fishing net, muttering curses, and exclaiming: “What a mess! I couldn’t even control the fate of a Qi practitioner! I had to step in personally...”

Winter gradually swept in. News of Xiao Yongling’s breakthrough reached the market. Li Xuanxuan prepared a modest yet appropriate gift and personally delivered it to Guanyun Peak to congratulate Xiao Yongling.

Xiao Yongling, having broken through to Foundation Establishment, was full of vigor. He looked at Li Xuanxuan with a complex expression, took the jade box from the table, and with a sweep of his spiritual sense, recognized the spiritual medicine within as a top-grade item among Qi cultivation levels. He nodded slightly and merely replied: “You put thought into it.”

“Thank you, Senior, for your care these past few years...” Li Xuanxuan had been operating in the market for several years, and Xiao Yongling’s presence there, guarding it, had indeed provided significant help. Naturally, Li Xuanxuan was now full of gratitude, responding respectfully.

Hearing this, Xiao Yongling paused slightly, rubbed the jade cup in front of him with some difficulty, and hesitated to speak. After more than ten breaths, he waved his hand, somewhat dispassionately, and pointed to the white-robed man holding a long staff beside him, replying: “After I leave, Ruyu will oversee the market. If your family has any important matters, you can certainly seek him out.”

“Greetings, Senior!” Li Xuanxuan quickly cupped his hands. Xiao Ruyu, who was now at the eighth level of Qi cultivation, smiled faintly and said softly: “I have a good relationship with Brother Xuanfeng, so there’s no need to be so formal. Just call me Ruyu.”

After exchanging a few words, Li Xuanxuan cupped his hands and withdrew. Xiao Yongling frowned, a hint of guilt in his expression, and watched Li Xuanxuan’s retreating figure, saying wearily: “Li Xuanling has probably already reached the north. The various Purple Mansion cultivators are playing their game... I couldn’t speak plainly. The Old Ancestor tried his best to be indirect, but still, this was the outcome, making me feel ashamed before Li Tongya.”

“It’s also something we were powerless to change.” Xiao Ruyu looked much more mature, his gaze firmer, and his voice heavier as he spoke: “My Xiao family... has done everything it could.”

Xiao Yongling gave a bitter smile and replied: “Who knows... This is for the best right now. No single family can dominate Moon-Gazing Lake. Once this matter passes, this group of Purple Mansion cultivators might calm down a bit, saving us from constant anxiety.”