Chapter 324: Newly Acquired Cultivation Method

Seeing his three juniors calm their minds, Li Yuanjiao looked at Li Xicheng, whose six senses were sealed. He gently took Li Xicheng's hand, led him out of the courtyard, and brought him to a side courtyard.

"Xicheng."

Li Yuanjiao lightly tapped Li Xicheng's Sun Ascension Point, releasing his spiritual power seal. Li Xicheng instantly became alert. Meeting Li Xicheng's bewildered gaze, Li Yuanjiao whispered, "Do you use a spear?"

Li Xicheng obediently nodded. Li Yuanjiao asked again, "Has Qinghong ever passed on the 'Broken Feather Spear' to you?"

"No." Li Xicheng replied with anticipation, "Auntie said she took a Profound Scenery Spiritual Oath not to teach it to outsiders, so she never taught me."

"Good." Li Yuanjiao took a jade slip from his sleeve and said, "Your younger brothers are all receiving clan inheritances. This is the third-grade cultivation method 'Broken Feather Spear'. Consider it your inheritance. Memorize it in this courtyard and then leave. Take a Profound Scenery Spiritual Oath that nothing, including today's events, will be leaked!"

"Yes!" Li Xicheng immediately took the oath and, as if he had found a treasure, took the jade slip from Li Yuanjiao's hand, repeatedly saying, "Thank you, Second Uncle..."

Li Yuanjiao nodded with his usual composure, walked slowly out of the courtyard, and closed the gate. The formation that isolated the inside from the outside activated, and a complex expression finally appeared on his face.

"This counts as some compensation... after all, we have to keep it from him."

Li Yuanping was waiting outside the courtyard, his face pale. Seeing this, he shook his head slightly and replied, "It's better for him to know less. Apart from the family head and those who have received the true essence, no one else is allowed inside. This rule was set long ago."

"Mm." Li Yuanjiao acknowledged and smiled, "That three people could receive the seed is far beyond our expectations. It's almost time; let's go check on the three children."

Following the incantations in the "Guiding Method," Li Xizhi guided the Profound Pearl from the Twelve-Story Pagoda down into his Qi Sea acupoint. He immediately felt a warmth spread through his body, and his Qi Sea churned endlessly.

"This!"

As a direct descendant of the Li family, Li Xizhi originally practiced the family's most superior Embryonic Breathing cultivation method, the "Supreme Lang Wheel Nurturing Art," a third-grade method known for its peace and neutrality, which did not conflict with most Qi cultivation methods. However, this method was slightly incomplete and would shorten one's lifespan by a few years, though this was insignificant compared to the speed of improvement it offered. After years of practice, he had already formed three "Supreme Lang Spirit Wheels" in his body, which had a beautiful, slightly jade-like quality.

But as the white pill was guided into his body, the two slightly jade-like spirit wheels, originally formed in his Qi Sea acupoint according to the "Supreme Lang Wheel Nurturing Method," slowly trembled and gradually turned bright white. His slightly gray Qi Sea churned even more, gradually clearing in the white light and transforming into a bright, pleasant clear pool.

"What kind of immortal art is this?"

Among the six Embryonic Breathing wheels, Li Xizhi had already condensed the Profound Scenery, Inherited Clarity, and Circulating Path wheels. Now, with the two wheels in his Qi Sea acupoint transformed, he quickly circulated his spiritual power to check the Circulating Path wheel in the Grand Palace, which, sure enough, was also bright white.

While Li Xizhi was still marveling, a majestic and profound voice arose in his mind: "Hereby, a disciple of the Li clan, having abstained... is bestowed with the Profound Luminance Marvelous Method, enabling the cultivation of the Great Dao, from mortal to saint, from beginning to end, starting with the precepts, and then ascending to true being. Bestowed are one volume of the 'Lunar Breathing and Wheel Nurturing Scripture' and one volume of the 'Cold Pine Dew Snow Art'."

Mysterious phrases appeared in Li Xizhi's mind, deeply imprinted. He immediately concentrated, and it was a full incense stick's worth of time before he slowly opened his eyes. The scene before him gradually transitioned from blurry to clear. Li Xizhi found himself in a dim environment, with thick mist underfoot, like an immortal realm. The faint white light from the spiritual power lamps on either side illuminated the area ahead. Directly in front was a tall, ancient stone platform with intricate patterns, so polished it reflected like a mirror.

"This is..."

A bluish-gray Dharma Mirror floated in the air, with flowing moonlight descending from it, rising up along his robes. Li Xizhi didn't even hear Li Yuanjiao's words beside him, only staring at the Dharma Mirror above, murmuring, "Father, what is this?"

Li Yuanjiao stood to the side, his expression solemn, and said gravely, "There was once a cultivator who scorned immortal artifacts and tried to seize one with a spiritual tool. Both the person and the tool were turned into nothingness by the Lunar Profound Light. If you're not afraid of death, feel free to keep staring like that."

"This!" Li Xizhi immediately tensed up, quickly lowered his head, and averted his gaze. After silently saying "Please forgive me" twice in his heart, he joyfully exclaimed, "A spiritual treasure?!!!"

"Perhaps more than that." Li Yuanjiao pulled his eldest son to kneel beside him, and while waiting for the two younger boys to receive the Profound Pearl Talisman Seed, he whispered, "The Immortal Mirror has a long history; it is an artifact passed down through our family for generations. But put that aside for now, what cultivation method were you bestowed with?"

Li Xizhi immediately understood and replied, "'Cold Pine Dew Snow Art' and..."

Seeing Li Xizhi's astonished silence, Li Yuanjiao smiled, "I suppose you've realized it too. No matter what embryonic breathing method you cultivated before, once the talisman seed enters your body, it immediately transforms into the six Lunar Wheels, and you begin cultivating that immortal scripture!"

Li Xizhi was so overwhelmed by this string of revelations that he couldn't speak, only managing to rasp, "I thought the 'Azure White Immortal Sword' was an incredible speculation, but I never imagined our family possessed something so miraculous. Even the rumored Great Snow Absolute Edge, the prized treasure of the Green Pool Sect, probably can't compare..."

As the two conversed, Li Xijun and Li Ximing had already opened their eyes and looked up. Li Yuanping stepped forward, spoke warmly for a moment, his face beaming with joy, and turned back to say, "Brother! Both of them have been granted cultivation methods!"

"Good, good." Li Yuanjiao, his face bright with joy, lowered his voice and replied, "This is not the place for loud talk; let's discuss it outside."

The light in the side hall was much brighter. The two boys were diligently writing at their desks. Li Xizhi, being older, was more adept with the brush and had already finished transcribing the "Cold Pine Dew Snow Art."

"A third-grade cultivation method, with its immortal foundation 'Snow on the Pine,' it's a good method." Li Yuanjiao finished reading the technique and couldn't help but nod. This method, once cultivated, naturally generated cold qi, allowing one to control rain and transform it into snow. It was a decent method, and it also came with a Qi gathering art.

"'One must gather Qi when the highest peaks are shrouded in misty rain and snow, in dense pine forests, with the moon directly overhead and no clouds obscuring it, as fresh snow falls among the green pines. Three months for one wisp, ten wisps for one portion.'"

"That's not difficult." Li Yuanping nodded gently and replied, "Jade Court Mountain is tall and has snow on it, so it should be usable. I'll send people to plant pines first."

"No rush. The northern peaks are covered in pine forests; a trip there would suffice." Li Yuanjiao put away the bamboo slip and said, "Even with spiritual spells, these pine forests can't be grown in a day or two. Besides, we don't know the future prospects of this cultivation method."

Li Yuanjiao's words held a deeper meaning, implying uncertainty about the path ahead. Li Yuanping understood and nodded. As soon as their conversation ended, Li Xijun, who was seated below, presented his bamboo slip.

"'Golden Hall Resplendent Origin Art'."

Li Yuanjiao gently picked up the cultivation method Li Xijun had transcribed. After reading it carefully for a while, he couldn't help but raise an eyebrow and exclaim, "A fourth-grade cultivation method?!" He then eagerly flipped through the method twice, laughing, "Good... good..."

Li Yuanping also leaned in to look. At first, his face was filled with joy, but upon seeing a small line of ink notes at the end of the last section, both their expressions suddenly changed. Li Yuanjiao narrowed his eyes and whispered, "Recorded by Cui Mu of the Zhaoyuan Immortal Sect of Wei, Central Plains. Is this an inheritance from the Zhaoyuan Immortal Sect of Wei in the Central Plains?!"

"The State of Wei?" Li Yuanping's face showed confusion. He whispered, "I've only heard of Yan and Zhao as the great northern states; the rest are mere small nations. I've never heard of any State of Wei... and what's this Zhaoyuan Immortal Sect? Are there still immortal sects in the north?"

Li Yuanjiao carefully placed the bamboo slip on the table, his heart pounding. He whispered, "I fear this State of Wei might be an ancient kingdom from several centuries ago. I heard that seven hundred years ago, when Buddhism was still in the northern deserts and the Central Plains belonged entirely to Daoist sects, there were 127 kingdoms. Wei was likely one of them. If that's the case, it explains things. It must be a Wei from centuries ago, which is why there's an immortal sect..."

This information, of course, came from Xiao Guilan. The Xiao family had a long history, their ancestors having originally been an immortal clan that migrated from the north, and they had a good understanding of such matters, even possessing some northern Daoist techniques. However, Xiao Guilan was a concubine-born descendant of a direct lineage, akin to a concubine-born son of the Li family's main branch. Having married into the Li family, it was even harder for her to gather information.

Li Yuanjiao's excitement was evident. Li Yuanping, after hearing the news, paused slightly, then quickly connected the dots and said gravely, "Brother, do you mean that this cultivation method, and even other methods of the same Metal attribute, are already lost! Wouldn't that be..."

Li Yuanping's "smooth sailing" was caught in his throat. He saw Li Yuanjiao let out a long breath and whisper, "Let's not jump to conclusions yet. There are indeed remnants of immortal sects in the north; we need to verify this properly."

Li Xizhi, listening nearby, his eyes gleaming with excitement, quickly said, "Both younger brothers have just begun cultivating; it'll take at least ten years for them to reach the Qi Cultivation stage. Once I enter the Green Pool Sect, I can investigate this State of Wei and the Zhaoyuan Immortal Sect for the family."

"Good!" Li Yuanjiao praised him. His entire demeanor and aura relaxed considerably. In the years since Li Tongya's passing, he had been treading on thin ice, fearing he would fail to live up to expectations. Now, with new hope, he felt invigorated.

"It's just a pity that Uncle is merely a collateral branch of the Xiao family; otherwise, we could have asked Auntie to investigate..." Li Xizhi, looking at the small script on the bamboo slip, felt quite excited and blurted out a remark, only to see Li Yuanjiao's smile fade. He straightened his face and said gravely, "Zhi'er!"

Li Xizhi looked up blankly, and saw Li Yuanping also lose his smile, explaining gently, "Since your aunt married out, she is now part of the Xiao family. If that Xiao Xian is truly from the Xiao family's main lineage, wouldn't asking your aunt to do this put her in a difficult position?"

As a child, Li Xizhi played on the mountain every day and spent some time with Li Qingxiao; he had always been very close to her. Now, hearing these words, he was speechless for a moment, muttering, "Your child was inconsiderate..."

Li Yuanjiao looked at him and sighed, "Although our family is not like others, we became an aristocratic family after three generations, fostering kinship within the clan. But while kinship is important, we must not overstep boundaries, or it will ultimately harm family ties..."

"Your child understands." Li Xizhi bowed in response. Li Xijun, though small, listened intently without a word, his handsome face filled with a thoughtful expression.

Li Yuanjiao, on the other hand, flipped his hand to put away the bamboo slip. Seeing Li Ximing below, covered in sweat and still writing furiously, he couldn't help but chuckle. He stepped down and said gently, "How come you're still not finished?"

Li Ximing's face was full of grievance. Two bamboo slips were already laid out on the desk. He carefully dipped his brush in ink and replied, "Everyone else's is just a few thousand words, but mine is long, convoluted, and rambling."

His childish words made both Li Xijun and Li Xizhi chuckle. Li Yuanjiao looked over and saw four large characters on the edge of the bamboo slip: "Brief Explanation of the Way of Alchemy."

"Alchemy?!" Li Yuanping and Li Yuanjiao exchanged a look. Li Yuanping said, "How unusual. This is the first time I've seen a cultivation art bestowed, and it's an alchemy book at that."

Before he finished speaking, he immediately realized something. He and his elder brother simultaneously placed their hands on Li Ximing, one feeling for the Qi Sea acupoint, the other pressing toward the Twelve-Story Pagoda.

"This..."

Since the Li family had never produced an alchemist, the two of them studied it carefully, arriving at an ambiguous conclusion. Finally, Li Yuanjiao decisively made up his mind and smiled, "You just practice according to the alchemy book. We'll send someone to the Xiao family to invite Senior Yuansi!"

Yishan City, Southern Border.

A fierce cold wind raged across the city walls. A middle-aged man in leather armor stood silently, his sharp eyes fixed on the demonic beasts below the city. His dark gray eyes were tired, yet calm and unruffled.

Raising the golden-yellow longbow in his hand, he exhaled and spoke. Brilliant golden light gathered in his hand, intertwining and coalescing to form a golden-white arrow. "Go!"

His eyes reflected the golden-white gleam as the arrow plunged like a meteor, streaking across the sky with a dazzling brilliance.

"Whoosh."

An eagle, as large as a house, circling in the sky, let out a piercing cry that could shatter metal and stone. It flapped its wings, trying to gain altitude, but it was too late to dodge. Its high-pitched cry was cut short in its throat. A choked cry.

Watching the eagle fall into the distant forest, Li Xuanfeng lowered his bow and stood. The light in his eyes dimmed again. He sat down on the city wall, took out a wine skin from his embrace, and took a small sip.

"Brother Feng... your archery has improved again." Feiyi He, dressed in white, brought his spear and sat down beside him, whispering, "A Qi Cultivation seventh-level demonic creature, yet just one arrow. You must be close to Foundation Establishment, right?"

"Mm." Li Xuanfeng acknowledged him, then placed the longbow he was holding onto the top of the wall with a loud clang, making the eyes of those around him twitch. "I've already reached the peak of Qi Cultivation; I can choose a day for secluded cultivation to break through."

As soon as Li Xuanfeng said this, everyone around immediately turned their gazes, one by one coming up to offer auspicious words. Li Xuanfeng waved his hand in acknowledgment. Feiyi He smiled wryly, "Brother Feng, your talent is truly rare in my lifetime. If you were on the lake, Yu Mugao and Yu Xiaogui would be having headaches over you again! It's just a pity that we're trapped in this desolate place, watching the Green Pool Sect play chess against the Demon King every day. If they win, the demonic creatures killed are given to the Green Pool Sect; if they lose, we'll be buried in the demons' bellies, becoming their nourishment. Back then, there were fifty-six of us on this city wall, now there are only fifteen. Prolonged gambling always leads to loss, prolonged gambling always leads to loss..."

Li Xuanfeng chuckled and replied, "You've become increasingly unafraid of death, daring to speak such words openly?"

"Alas..." Feiyi He sighed, his expression weary and helpless, and said, "All of us are going to die sooner or later. Why would the Green Pool Sect care what we think?"

Li Xuanfeng took another sip of wine, his gaze profound, though it was unclear what he was thinking. He whispered, "I heard that the Green Pool Sect is summoning a group of formation masters to Yishan City to repair the formations?"

"That's right." At the mention of this, everyone present was filled with joy and anticipation. Feiyi He laughed heartily and replied, "It's been ten years! We've been cut off from the outside world for so long; finally, someone can come up! I wonder what changes have happened outside all these years!"