Chapter 360: Morning Glow and Colorful Air

Azure Pond Sect.

A gentle breeze stirred along a quiet path as a cultivator, wrapped tightly from head to toe, strode rapidly. His feet emitted a white glow, clearly indicating the use of a Movement Spell.

"Finally, I'm back," thought Li Xizhi. He looked disheveled, his brow furrowed, as he silently walked along the path at the foot of Azure Sprout Peak. His black robe was tattered, giving him a travel-worn appearance.

"This assignment lasted a full two months. The tasks down the mountain were endless... If I hadn't gained some experience at home, it would have been truly difficult."

Disciples of the Azure Pond Sect did not always get to cultivate peacefully on the mountain. They often had various mundane duties, some easy, some quite arduous. How these duties were assigned largely depended on the influence of their respective Immortal Peaks within the sect.

Azure Sprout Peak had been in decline for many years. When Li Chijing cultivated, he was protected by Si Yuanbai, so no major incidents occurred. After all, Si Yuanbai had profound cultivation in talisman arts and backing within the sect, meaning he didn't even have to perform these mundane duties.

However, Yuan Tuan was soft-hearted and lacked authority or backing within the sect. When it was his turn, it was naturally not a good situation. He had to go down the mountain to handle many matters, keeping him incredibly busy.

Furthermore, many sword cultivators from various peaks came seeking challenges, making Li Xizhi even more hesitant to show his face openly. He was filled with endless complaints.

Most of these sword cultivators were Qi Condensation stage practitioners, claiming to have suppressed their cultivation. However, these cultivators had been training for decades longer than him. Not only was their swordplay profound, but their insights were also incredibly sharp. How could he possibly contend with them?

Li Xizhi also feared losing face for his family and Azure Sprout Peak. He had to sneak up and down the mountain every day, wrapping himself tightly and keeping as low a profile as possible to avoid attracting trouble.

Finally, he reached the platform at the mountain peak. Li Xizhi let out a long breath and suddenly looked up.

Before him, a bamboo forest swayed in the biting wind. Amidst the slowly falling bamboo leaves stood a human-sized green deer, on top of which sat a beautiful Taoist nun, quietly observing him.

"Master!" Li Xizhi exclaimed respectfully. Yuan Tuan calmly nodded, not questioning his attire, as if she had expected it. She spoke softly, "I have retrieved the cultivation method for you."

With a flick of her slender hand, she offered a pale yellow jade slip. Li Xizhi quickly took it, and with a sweep of his spiritual sense, he saw five large characters: "Morning Glow Dew Collection Art."

Li Xizhi immediately felt relieved. Yuan Tuan then spoke softly, "This cultivation method is also Fourth Grade. While it can't compare to those practiced by the direct lineages of the other Immortal Peaks, it's not inferior to the commonly practiced methods within the sect. It's quite difficult to cultivate, which is why few in the sect practice it. It only contains content up to Foundation Establishment."

Li Xizhi did not ask his master why she didn't want the better "Yuanqing Rain Control Art". He just listened silently as Yuan Tuan's lips moved, a whisper sounding in his ear: "Most of the companion methods for this cultivation technique are lost. Only a few fragmented legacies remain in Wu State, so there's no need to worry."

Li Xizhi didn't know how much effort Yuan Tuan had put into acquiring this cultivation method. Touched, he could only say respectfully, "Master's kindness is like..."

Yuan Tuan, however, suddenly interrupted him directly, her voice gentle: "It's only right."

She gazed into Li Xizhi's eyes and said softly, "This cultivation method requires collecting the radiant energy of the morning glow, ascending to the clouds and descending into deep valleys. It's quite troublesome. The sect will absolutely not hand over the energy collection technique to your family for your clansmen to assist with. You can only purchase it from the sect at a high price."

Li Xizhi looked up slightly, his voice strained: "I wonder about the price..."

"One hundred and twenty spirit stones." Yuan Tuan's voice was clear and cool, yet carried a hint of gritted teeth. Li Xizhi was stunned by the price and lowered his head, his mind in turmoil. Yuan Tuan merely replied, "Have your family gather what they can. If it's not enough, I will make up the difference."

"Thank you, Master!" Li Xizhi bowed respectfully. When he rose, Yuan Tuan had already vanished. He walked absently into his small courtyard, lit a lamp without a word, and spread out a piece of letter paper, but did not write for a long time.

The flickering yellow lamplight cast golden and red hues across his face. Li Xizhi pursed his lips, and a drop of ink fell from the brush in his hand.

He calmly put down the brush, took a new sheet of Xuan paper, then became anxious again, staring blankly into space.

Snow fell heavily. Li Ximing bid farewell to his relatives and friends in the clan and set off to return to the Xiao family. Although he had not yet reached the Qi Condensation stage, the magical artifact 'Azure Declaration' on his wrist transformed into a blue-striped muntjac, which hopped and skipped, following closely behind him.

The Li family naturally wouldn't let Li Ximing travel to the Xiao family alone. With rogue cultivators appearing in various prefectures, even if Li Ximing's azure deer was much faster than ordinary cultivators in the Fetal Breath stage, it would still take several days of travel, which was ultimately unsafe.

Without needing any pleas from the clansmen, Li Yuanjiao personally rode the wind to escort him to the Xiao family.

This year, the snow came early, falling profusely. After Li Yuanjiao had departed with Li Ximing, and Li Yuanping had given instructions to a group of people who were just dispersing, a white light was seen flying from afar, rapidly descending upon the grand formation.

"Yuan Huyuan, a cultivator from the Yuan family, requests an audience! Please open the mountain gate!"

The sound of spiritual power resonated, and Li Yuanping, inside the mountain, paused slightly. "Yuan Huyuan? Why has he come?"

Yuan Huyuan was a cultivator at the peak of Qi Condensation and a direct descendant of the Yuan family. Although he had no hope of reaching Foundation Establishment, his status was honorable. Now, clad in a cultivation robe, he waited quietly outside.

Since Li Yuanjiao was not in the clan, Li Qinghong, who was nearby, rode the wind. She passed through the grand formation, advanced with her spear on her back, and clasped her jade hands, saying clearly, "Li Qinghong of the Li family greets Senior."

Li Qinghong, in her jade armor and with her long spear, looked heroic and spirited. Although Yuan Huyuan was an old cultivator of over a hundred years, his eyes still lit up. He stroked his beard and smiled, "So it's the esteemed clan's Lightning Cultivator. I have heard of your name, young lady."

His spiritual sense briefly touched upon her and then respectfully withdrew. He said in surprise, "I didn't expect the young lady to already be at the sixth layer of Qi Condensation! It's only been a few years! You must be only around thirty, right! This..."

Li Qinghong had no desire to discuss such matters with him. She rarely showed her true abilities, so she considered his comment a polite remark. She smiled faintly, "May I ask, Senior...?"

"Oh." Yuan Huyuan then snapped back to attention, still with a look of disbelief on his face. He shook his sleeve and pulled out a sealed letter, replying, "A letter arrived from my family, including one from Xizhi, which I've specially brought for your esteemed clan."

For Yuan Huyuan, a dignified cultivator at the peak of Qi Condensation, to personally make this trip, it naturally couldn't be as simple as he claimed. Presumably, there were things he couldn't conveniently say outside the formation. Li Qinghong thanked him, accepted the letter, and understood.

So she first tucked the small letter into her sleeve and said with a beaming smile, "Please, Senior, come inside the formation and rest a while."

"Good!" Yuan Huyuan didn't stand on ceremony. The two descended together. Below, Li Yuanping had already prepared the main hall, and by the time they both entered, spiritual tea had already been served.

Yuan Huyuan first exchanged some pleasantries, talking about various unrelated topics, before gradually getting to the point. He asked softly, "How is Senior Tongya these days?"

When Yuan Huyuan first came to the Li family, he was escorting Li Chijing back. His cultivation was already at the middle Qi Condensation stage, while Li Tongya was just a minor cultivator in the Fetal Breath stage. Foundation Establishment was a venerable realm, yet now he had to address Li Tongya as 'Senior'.

Li Qinghong chuckled softly and replied, "Unfortunately, the Old Ancestor has gone into seclusion. I'm afraid I must disappoint you, Senior."

"Ah." Yuan Huyuan gave her a meaningful look, then changed the subject without lingering on it. He said, "Your Xizhi is cultivating diligently on Azure Sprout Peak and has already reached the sixth layer of Fetal Breath. I have come on behalf of Old Ancestor Yuan Tuan to ask: Both you and I are Xizhi's elders. Now that the child is about to break through to Qi Condensation, does your esteemed clan have any arrangements?"

Li Qinghong first feigned surprise, then replied without hesitation, "The cultivation methods within the sect are naturally far superior to those of our minor aristocratic family. Everything will be arranged by the Old Ancestor."

"Haha." Yuan Huyuan let out a dry chuckle and replied, "The Old Ancestor naturally wishes Xizhi well. The Fourth Grade 'Yuanqing Rain Control Art' is certainly indispensable, but she was hoping to aim for a Fifth Grade method. Among the Azure Pond inheritances, the Fifth Grade 'Dark Cloud Gathering Scripture' can only be cultivated by the Chi family's direct lineage, and the 'Heavenly Words Strategy Scripture' is a secret art not to be passed down...' Yuan Huyuan rattled off a long list before pausing slightly and smiling, 'There are indeed many ancient methods. I wonder what your esteemed clan thinks?'"

Li Qinghong sipped her tea, looking at Yuan Huyuan before her, who practically had 'Lunar Essence' written all over his face. She felt helpless, thinking, 'Does he think I'm easy to deceive? His words are far too blunt.' She parted her red lips and smiled, "My Li family is poor and humble; everything is decided by our Old Ancestor."

"Good, the young lady is perceptive." Yuan Huyuan nodded naturally, feeling quite ashamed within. He, Yuan Huyuan, was an old cultivator over a hundred years old, always having treated others with generosity. His old face still carried some weight among various families; he normally wouldn't stoop to this. If not for his family's Old Ancestor Yuan Licheng's greedy opportunism and constant pressure, why would Yuan Huyuan ever lower himself to do such a thing? Now, he let out a sigh as if relieved, and smiled, "There is one piece of news for which I must congratulate the young lady."

Li Qinghong pretended to listen attentively. Yuan Huyuan continued his congratulations, "Fellow Daoist Li Xuanfeng of your esteemed clan has already established his immortal foundation in Yishan City, successfully cultivating the Carved Gold Stone!"

"What! Uncle Xuanfeng has broken through to Foundation Establishment!" Li Qinghong instantly reacted, a truly genuine smile now gracing her face. She laughed, "Many thanks for the information, Senior Yuan!"

Yuan Huyuan nodded cheerfully, "Congratulations! Congratulations! Your esteemed clan now has three generations of Foundation Establishment cultivators, already showing the signs of a great aristocratic family!"

Yuan Huyuan's words naturally included Li Mutian, which was a bit far-fetched, but it was auspicious nonetheless. Li Qinghong smiled and thanked him. Then, she heard the rustle of falling snow, and a young man in black entered the hall.

On his trip to escort Li Ximing, Li Yuanjiao had indeed caught a rogue cultivator on the way. However, the cultivator was only at the peak of the Fetal Breath stage. There was a world of difference between a rogue cultivator who had reached Qi Condensation and one who hadn't. Li Yuanjiao instantly killed him with a single palm strike and returned with a storage bag.

He shook off the snow from his body, holding a bloody storage bag in his hand. He breathed out warm air, threw the storage bag onto the table, and glanced at Yuan Huyuan, asking suspiciously, "Who is this?"

"Yuan Huyuan of the Yuan family," Yuan Huyuan replied. Li Qinghong explained the situation, and Li Yuanjiao also nodded with a smile, saying, "Greetings, Senior."

He had already made some conjectures, so he wasn't surprised. Yuan Huyuan continued, "Senior Xuanfeng has also been promoted by True Monarch Element and is now a general in Yishan City! He can now be considered a disciple of the Azure Pond Sect. Times have truly changed."

The siblings exchanged a glance. Their Li family had been harmed by Purple Mansion cultivators for so long that they had long lost trust in these Azure Pond Purple Mansion figures. They only felt that something bad was about to happen, forcing smiles.

Yuan Huyuan, however, spoke mysteriously, "True Monarch Element has always acted alone, not close to any of the other Purple Mansion cultivators within the sect. He also has no Immortal Peaks or aristocratic families under his command. Your family could very well seize this opportunity..."

Seeing the siblings lost in thought, he laughed heartily, cupped his hands, and smiled, "The message has been delivered. I shall take my leave!"

The two escorted him out of the formation, still confused. Once they returned to the hall, Li Yuanjiao finally said, "I heard True Monarch Element is a Cave Spring Sound, which has nothing to do with Carved Gold Stone... This immortal foundation is probably only useful to the Metal Forging Sect..."

Li Qinghong remembered something and whispered, "Cave Spring Sound? My family has a cultivation method of the Cave Spring Sound, which Uncle Xuanxuan cultivated, the 'Cave Spring Clear Spirit Art'. Unfortunately, it's only Third Grade... and can only be cultivated up to Foundation Establishment. If it were an Azure Pond Sect cultivation method, even if it shared the same immortal foundation, it would surely be higher than Third Grade."

The two discussed it to no avail and reluctantly gave up. Li Yuanjiao then took out a green jade bottle from his storage bag and smiled, "Look at this item."

Li Yuanjiao's arduous trip was not merely to escort a junior.

Years ago, Li Xuanxuan had obtained a Heavenly and Earthly Spiritual Water from a rogue cultivator's storage bag in the market, whose origins remained unknown to this day. Now, having the opportunity, he decided to ask Xiao Yuansi about it on his way.

Xiao Yuansi was knowledgeable and experienced. With a brief examination, and after comparing it with several scrolls of books, he understood the item's origin.

Seeing Li Qinghong's puzzled expression, Li Yuanjiao replied, "This item is a type of Heavenly and Earthly Spiritual Water, comparable to a precious medicine, called Earth Fiend Cold Spring. It can neutralize fire toxins and increase fiendish energy... It's an excellent spiritual water that can be combined with many cultivation methods."

"Comparable to a precious medicine?" Li Qinghong immediately clutched it tighter.

Precious medicines were not simply spirit items for Foundation Establishment. Spirit items like the Wanling Flower could only be called Foundation Establishment spirit items, not precious medicines. The difference between the two was vast.

Foundation Establishment spirit items were merely spirit items that could affect Foundation Establishment cultivators. However, some excellent precious medicines possessed miraculous effects, to the extent that even Purple Mansion cultivators would covet them.

The two put away the Heavenly and Earthly Spiritual Water, then took out Li Xizhi's letter and read it carefully.

After more than ten breaths, Li Yuanjiao silently put away the letter. Li Qinghong stood holding her spear, having clearly seen the contents with a sweep of her spiritual sense. She lightly bit her lip and said in a deep voice, "One hundred and twenty spirit stones? Are they mad? What kind of Heavenly and Earthly spiritual energy costs such a price?! It's clearly extortion of our family!"

Though she spoke thus, Li Qinghong looked at her silently brooding brother, unsure of what he was thinking. She tentatively said, "We still have to gather it for Zhier..."

Li Yuanjiao gently put away the sealed letter, gritting his teeth. He raised an eyebrow, a grim expression on his face, "Gather... Even if we have to sell the clan's spiritual items, we must gather it for Zhier!"

He paused, then said in a deep voice, "How many spirit stones does the family still have?"

Li Yuanping stepped forward and replied, "There are still over eighty pieces." As soon as he finished speaking, Li Yuanping quickly emphasized, "The date for paying tribute is not far off, Elder Brother! We already gave Qingxiao a sum of spirit stones, and now we are struggling. We cannot take out any more to use!"