Chapter 325: Cloud Ship Arrives

The north wind whistled through the air, yet it was completely shut out from the enclosed cabin of the Rosy Cloud Ship. The wooden chairs on board were cushioned with brocade and enchanted, making them wonderfully comfortable.

“Yishan City…”

Liu Changdie sank into the wooden chair, his gaze resting for a moment on the majestic city below. Filled with emotion, he mused to himself:

“In my previous life, I was a mere Qi Condensation Level Two cultivator when I came here. Now, in this life, I’ve reached the peak of Qi Condensation.”

As he looked at the ancient, time-worn city, the image of that golden longbow flashed in Liu Changdie’s mind. He couldn't help but frown, a deep sense of doubt rising within him:

“The changes are accumulating. Li Tongya slaying Yu Xiaogui with his sword… that’s another event that never happened in my previous life. Could it truly be the array I set up for the Li family that changed everything?”

Liu Changdie was originally an ordinary cultivator, but he had always succeeded by relying on these memories. Now, with everything becoming unrecognizable, he couldn't help but feel a chill.

“In my previous life, Li Tongya disappeared after slaying Mohe with his sword, and the Lotus Temple monks besieged Lijing Mountain. I had planned to rescue them to gain some favor… but who knew that Li Tongya now oversees the Li family, and those bald monks from Lotus Temple, whoever stuck their heads in a door, have become timid cowards.”

“Not only did the Yu family fail to break through the Fei family, but they also lost Yu Xiaogui in the process. The situation on the lake is now completely different, and my past life’s memories are of little use.”

As he watched the ship descend, his heart was filled with confusion. He thought to himself:

“Now that Li Qinghong is alive, the Li family will inevitably become even more different. Without the mutual understanding and assistance from my previous life, Brother Jiao might not even acknowledge me as a brother. Fortunately, I’ve established a connection with the Xuan generation, so it’s not too bad.”

Watching the advantages of his rebirth slowly dissipate, Liu Changdie’s heart grew dim:

“I wonder if Mufeng and Zhongqing have also reached Qi Condensation. It seems I’ll have to return to the Li family after all… I just don't have the destiny to wander the world alone.”

He thought wistfully, when suddenly, his feet lightly touched down as wisps of rosy clouds appeared. The man standing at the ship's bow poked his head in and said in a deep voice:

“Fellow Daoists, we’ve arrived!”

Liu Changdie quickly stood up and stepped onto the city, guided by the rosy glow. He saw the majestic Great Wall stretching far into the distance, intricately carved with dense array patterns, forming a seamless whole. The entire city was, in fact, a grand array.

“After all, it’s a great city left behind by the Moon Essence Yuan Mansion. It's simply incomparable to the various arrays of the present age.”

Liu Changdie had climbed up and down these city walls countless times in his previous life, yet he was still filled with emotion. He looked up to see eagles and sparrows circling, bones scattered everywhere, and in the distance, a vast, dense forest sea, its leaves rustling like waves in the north wind.

“This is Yishan City!”

Following his memories, Liu Changdie landed on this premier stronghold of Yue Kingdom. He saw cultivators at this pass gathering around him. He searched carefully and indeed spotted a middle-aged man with a golden bow on his back, smiling as he looked at him.

“Brother Xuanfeng!”

Liu Changdie ignored everyone who gathered around, rushing forward eagerly. He said joyfully:

“Congratulations!”

Li Xuanfeng raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. He asked curiously:

“What’s the good news?”

“Hahahaha, Senior Tongya slew Mohe with his sword, forcing back the aristocratic families with a single strike! His reputation is truly renowned!”

Most of the cultivators at this pass were from Wangyue Lake. Hearing this, they all froze, finding it hard to believe, and quietly swallowed. Before Li Xuanfeng could speak, someone asked:

“Has Senior already broken through to the Purple Palace realm?”

“Not quite…”

Liu Changdie pulled everyone to sit down and began to elaborate. As the others listened with sighs of wonder, he reached the part about Fei Wangbai’s death, when Fei Yihe suddenly shot up, his face full of disbelief, flushed red as he exclaimed:

“How is that possible! Is our Cloud-Gathering Southern Sky Array just for show?! What nonsense are you spouting?!”

Liu Changdie gave a wry smile, having anticipated his reaction. He simply said:

“If you don't believe me, fellow Daoist, you can go to other city walls and find someone to corroborate. There’s nothing else I can do…”

Watching Fei Yihe's incredulous expression, Liu Changdie mused to himself:

“It’s only Fei Wangbai who died; it’s already much better than the entire clan being annihilated!”

The Li Family.

Inside the hall, Li Yuanjiao and Li Yuanping stood with cupped hands. The middle-aged man at the head of the room, with several medicine pouches hanging from his waist, had a gentle demeanor. He stroked his beard with one hand, placed the other on Li Ximing’s back, and lightly closed his eyes.

“The Qi Sea’s Danxia rises fourfold, the ascending Yang and descending Yin complement each other, the Juque spiritual energy flows ceaselessly, and the Twelve Story Pagoda functions as one integrated system.”

Xiao Yuansi nodded gently and said warmly:

“Congratulations to you both. This child indeed possesses a constitution suitable for alchemy, and his heart-fire is calm and balanced. He is particularly adept at refining pills that enhance cultivation and aid in breaking through bottlenecks, which is quite rare.”

Xiao Yuansi had always been gentle and refined, treating even the two younger cultivators with politeness and a calm tone. Hearing this, Li Yuanjiao was immediately overjoyed and replied:

“Many thanks, Senior!”

Xiao Yuansi chuckled and shook his head, saying warmly:

“Why thank me… it just so happens to be convenient.”

He took a jade slip from his robes and handed it to Li Ximing, explaining:

“Your family’s Serpent Dragon Treasure Tree bears fruit, and it’s troublesome to send it to me every year. So, I specially used a private pill formula I obtained to exchange for this Serpent Essence Pill formula from my clan. Consider it a gift for Ming’er’s first meeting.”

Li Yuanjiao had always heard that this senior had taken good care of his clan and was a trustworthy person, which was why he dared to invite him. He never expected Xiao Yuansi to give such a grand gift, and he was immediately taken aback. He said gravely:

“How can this be?!”

“Oh!”

Xiao Yuansi smiled and shook his head, replying:

“Don’t be so polite. Since you invited me, I can't be too stingy. As I promised Jing’er, I will naturally take good care of your family.”

The Li Yuanjiao brothers were about to continue with formalities, but Xiao Yuansi immediately waved his hand, saying sternly:

“My clan’s Old Ancestor has been away for many years. I was in the mountains searching for herbs and only returned to Lixia a few months ago. However, I heard about Tongya slaying Mohe with his sword and forcing back the aristocratic families. What happened?”

Li Yuanjiao's heart subtly tightened:

“The Xiao family absolutely cannot be ignorant of the truth behind Li Tongya slaying Mohe. Even if they don't know the Old Ancestor's final fate, they must know that the Old Ancestor acted as bait!”

Xiao Yuansi’s gaze was frank, his eyes gentle, yet he appeared utterly unaware, sending a quiet chill down Li Yuanjiao's spine. He pondered:

“It seems the Xiao family is deliberately keeping him in the dark… Should I tell him… or not?”

He paused slightly, his mind racing, a secret horror rising in his heart:

“My Li family should not know! Although Xiao Yuansi means well, a gentleman can be deceived in a proper manner. It’s possible that Xiao Guitu and others are using this to test us…”

He immediately shook his head and replied:

“The Old Ancestor went into seclusion immediately upon his return. We don't know the details; we only know that Mohe was merely a reincarnated body.”

Xiao Yuansi fixed his gaze on him, nodded thoughtfully, and then asked again:

“Earlier, I received a letter from my junior sister. Do you have a junior disciple who has apprenticed under her?”

“Precisely!”

Li Yuanjiao was eager for him to change the subject, so he quickly called Li Xizhi forward.

Li Xizhi wore a brocade robe and had a dignified appearance. Although not as striking as his younger brother Li Xijun, he was certainly a presentable young man, possessing a refined demeanor when standing in the courtyard.

“Xizhi greets Senior!”

After Li Xizhi respectfully bowed, Xiao Yuansi nodded and pondered:

“Yuan Tuan… owes your family a great deal. She will certainly protect this child. Don’t be polite with her; if you need anything, just ask her for it… indeed!”

As he spoke, he looked down at the shimmering Serpent-Coiling Pillar at Li Yuanjiao’s waist and nodded, saying:

“This Serpent-Coiling Pillar has been in the Yuan family’s possession for many years. Even though they had no swordsmen in their family, they were unwilling to let it go. The fact that it was so easily given to your family shows something significant.”

The Serpent-Coiling Pillar was a congratulatory gift from the Yuan family to Li Tongya for his Foundation Establishment back then. It had circulated and eventually came into Li Yuanjiao’s hands, but Li Yuanjiao had never considered these implications.

“The Yuan family of Xianlin owes your Li family a great debt of gratitude. Even presenting the Serpent-Coiling Pillar can barely repay a fraction of it. If you have any needs, you can certainly seek help from the Yuan family.”

Li Yuanjiao listened with growing suspicion. Instead of joy, an alarm blared in his heart. He narrowed his eyes and softly asked:

“This junior was unaware of this… Could Senior enlighten me?”

“This…”

Xiao Yuansi, however, looked as if he found it difficult to speak. He paused for several breaths, then said obscurely:

“I only learned about this recently from a letter… Qing Xuanyue was originally… was originally a substitute participant for Hu Yueqiu, which is why my junior sister delayed for many years… This… what a preposterous mess, how can one explain it clearly?!”

Seeing the two Li Yuanjiao brothers’ puzzled expressions, Xiao Yuansi awkwardly shook his head and abruptly changed the subject, saying:

“It’s been many years. Yuanjiao, though young, has already reached Qi Condensation Level Six!”

“Senior flatters me.”

Li Yuanjiao paused, then politely responded. Xiao Yuansi chuckled, saying suggestively:

“Talented individuals emerge from generation to generation… Rare, truly rare!”

Then he looked up with a smile at the two juniors’ respectful demeanor, and with a playful tone, he chuckled:

“Senior Mutian… he likely didn’t just simply achieve Foundation Establishment, did he?”

Li Yuanjiao and his brother exchanged glances. Li Yuanjiao himself was quite confused, and merely cupped his hands, saying:

“The clan records are not detailed on that…”

Xiao Yuansi waved his hand, interrupting him, and said clearly:

“Never mind then. I have other important matters, so I won’t stay longer. When Tongya emerges from seclusion another day, please inform me.”

“Yes!”

The two acknowledged. Xiao Yuansi then rode the wind into the distance, and Li Yuanjiao courteously escorted him to the boundary before returning.

All matters in the hall had been settled. Li Yuanping was reading the pill formula. Seeing Li Yuanjiao stride in, he gave a wry smile and said:

“Senior Xiao has been so considerate. We have no way to repay him. The Xiao family truly has been benevolent towards our family… and furthermore, we still rely heavily on the Xiao family now.”

“Xiao Yuansi is Xiao Yuansi, and the Xiao family is the Xiao family.”

Li Yuanjiao acknowledged with a sigh:

“Senior Xiao’s concern is genuine, but Xiao Guitu may not be the same. There’s no rush with this matter… However, how did the Yuan family end up owing our family a favor again?”

“It sounds related to the Sword Immortal. Hu Yueqiu is the Sword Immortal’s Dao foundation, so perhaps Yuan Tuan owes a favor… It’s just a pity we can’t ask the Old Ancestor about it.”

The two deliberated for a while, but lacking sufficient information, they couldn't deduce anything and had to give up. Li Yuanjiao picked up a jade slip, and as his spiritual sense entered it, he said softly:

“This 'Golden Palace Brilliant Essence Art' is excellent, and the Brilliant Essence Pass also holds many wonders. However, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, called ‘Golden Yang Brilliant Essence,’ is truly difficult to collect.”

Li Yuanping, who had also read this cultivation method, immediately said:

“This spiritual energy sounds extraordinary from the start. We’re fortunate that this cultivation method also includes a qi-gathering technique; otherwise, such ancient spiritual energy would be impossible to find even if you scoured all of Yue Kingdom.”

Li Yuanjiao chuckled and shook his head, reciting:

“Seek a thousand-mile-long desert pass. Wait until twilight when the wind and sand settle and the sun is half-set. Then, activate your spiritual power to draw forth the power of Brilliant Yang. You can only gather qi for a single moment, acquiring one wisp every two years, and ten wisps make one portion.”

“Ancient methods are truly ancient methods; what a hassle!”

Li Yuanping sighed and reminded him:

“That's not all. Golden Yang Brilliant Essence must not come into contact with gold or iron. If it touches copper, water, or wood, it transforms into scorching smoke qi. You also need to choose a high-quality jade box for storage.”

“That’s nothing to worry about.”

Li Yuanjiao still possessed a Purple Palace-grade jade box that Li Tongya had found in Huzhongzhou years ago. It was more than sufficient to store the Golden Yang Brilliant Essence. He was currently contemplating where to find such a pass.

“Elder Brother, let’s put these matters aside for now.”

Li Yuanping gently shook his head and said:

“The Rosy Cloud Ship is about to arrive!”

The Rosy Cloud Ship, radiant with golden light, its golden wings stretched wide, broke through layers of clouds and mist. As it glided with the morning light over the deep blue lake, it reflected a shimmering golden glow.

At the very front of the Rosy Cloud Ship, a young man in simple green robes stood quietly. His face bore a striking resemblance to Yu Mugao’s, but Yu Mugao’s gloomy expression had transformed into an aura of indifference and tranquility on his face.

“Wangyue Lake, once Wangyue Marsh…”

The Rosy Cloud Ship slowly docked in Milin Commandery. Yu Muxian stood with his hands behind his back. His transcendent aura made his simple attire appear elegant and spirited. Simply by standing there, he drew the gaze of every cultivator on the ship.

Yu Muxian had been away from home for over twenty years and barely recognized the scenery below. He gazed down indifferently, continuously fiddling with the jade buckle in his hand.

The jade buckle was as clear as ice crystal, faintly revealing a moonlight-like hue. As it twirled in his hand, Yu Muxian's eyes silently stared straight ahead, as if quietly observing something.

“Wangyue Lake… truly a treasure trove.”

The jade buckle in his hand subtly emitted a colorful glow. The Immortal Foundation’s Golden Pinewood Cavern within him continuously circulated. Several shadows appeared in Yu Muxian’s pupils, and he silently counted them:

“The Yu family’s Jade Mist Mountain, the Li family’s Green Ruler Sword, and Daoist He’s Nine Gates Temple.”

“Oh?”

A flicker of purple light appeared in Yu Muxian’s eyes, and the corners of his mouth subtly curved upwards. He whispered:

“So… there’s still a spear hidden here!”

He withdrew his gaze, glanced around, and raised an eyebrow, asking curiously:

“A mere Mountain Yue cultivator actually possesses a Foundation Establishment artifact… Ah, that’s right. After all, he’s from Duanmu Kui’s Wushan lineage; he’s bound to have one or two good items on him!”

Yu Muxian scrutinized it for a moment, then frowned, a hint of aversion surfacing. Looking at the mountain of corpses and sea of blood that appeared in his mind, he thought to himself:

“Human Head Mountain, what a sinister artifact!”

Though he verbally expressed disdain, Yu Muxian couldn’t help but sigh in admiration for the artifact's ingenious design. Only then did he ponder:

“Over a dozen Foundation Establishment inheritances and five Foundation Establishment artifacts on one lake. Besides the strongholds of the Three Sects and Seven Gates, there’s probably no place in Yue Kingdom richer than Wangyue Lake!”

As he thought this, the Rosy Cloud Ship beneath his feet slowly came to a halt. Yu Muxian leisurely stepped down, hearing a chorus of respectful greetings from the mountain peak below:

“Greetings, Envoy!”

Yu Muxian looked up to see a dense crowd of cultivators bowing respectfully, their heads lowered. He rubbed the jade buckle and replied:

“No need for formalities!”

Only then did the cultivators straighten up and return to their seats. A cultivator from the lower ranks approached; a middle-aged man with a haggard face, yet his eyes were as sharp and aggressive as an eagle’s, exuding gloom and malice. Under Yu Muxian's indifferent gaze, he slowly cupped his hands and bowed, saying clearly:

“Yu Mugao of the Milin Yu family greets the Envoy!”

This person was none other than his biological elder brother from the same mother—Yu Mugao.

“Rise.”

Yu Muxian's expression, calm as a snow mountain, finally showed a slight ripple. He stared at Yu Mugao, who slowly raised his head. Yu Mugao’s tone was respectful and courteous:

“Many thanks, Envoy.”

The two brothers held each other’s gaze for a breath: one as gloomy as an eagle, the other as cold as snow. Their faces were quite similar, yet their temperaments were strikingly different. Their eyes met, and both remained silent.