Chapter 362: Compassionate Appearance

Guyanfang was situated in the heart of the great desert; its market roads were paved with gravel and sand. Chen Donghe walked with Li Yuanjiao for a while before hearing the calls of hawkers all around. Looking up, they saw people everywhere.

As they walked, Li Yuanjiao informed Chen Donghe of Li Xuanfeng's successful Foundation Establishment. Chen Donghe's expression brightened slightly, though his tone remained somewhat matter-of-fact as he replied:

“Xuanfeng has been extraordinary since childhood, possessing the best talent among his siblings. His Foundation Establishment is only to be expected.”

After they had walked for a while, Chen Donghe's expression returned to normal. He gestured towards the boisterous crowd around them and explained:

“Although the Guyan Great Desert is predominantly sand and not particularly nurturing for cultivation, it yields a vast amount of spiritual resources and minerals. Cultivators from all four bordering regions flock here, which is why the number of Fetal Breath cultivators in this market far surpasses those at Guanyun Peak.”

He glanced left and right, his voice dropping to a whisper, eventually resorting to spiritual transmission:

“Ultimately, the Golden Feather Sect exerts some control over the temples and clans under its dominion. They also register rogue cultivators and mediate their disputes. Consequently, most low-level cultivators manage to live stable lives, and their numbers are several times greater than those in Qingchi.”

Li Yuanjiao observed the vitality of the people around them, nodded, and responded in kind:

“However, the Qingchi Sect boasts the highest numbers of Purple Mansion, Foundation Establishment, and Qi Refining cultivators in the Yue Kingdom. In truth, for Fetal Breath cultivators, the resources gained from nurturing them are far less than what's achieved by allowing them to be absorbed, then periodically culling a portion...”

“This way, the less capable naturally yield to the talented and competent, ensuring valuable resources aren't squandered on the mediocre.”

Having thrived under the Qingchi Sect for many years with deep connections, the Li family possessed keen insight. Li Yuanjiao continued:

“In the same territory, scattered, small Fetal Breath and Qi Refining clans can only cultivate a single type of spiritual rice. They are also prone to friction, disputes, and skirmishes among themselves. Such groups can never compare to organized Foundation Establishment families with high-level cultivators.”

His gaze swept over the small stalls at their feet, and he sighed:

“Yet, one must admit that the Qingchi Sect's governing principles, clan system, and methods are far more sophisticated and ruthless, more complete and clandestine... This is precisely what allowed it to grow from a minor sect on Mount Qingchi into the formidable power it is today.”

Chen Donghe remained silent. In the oppressive atmosphere, the two tacitly shifted the topic. Li Yuanjiao frowned and asked:

“Uncle Donghe, I brought a bottle of Minor Pure Spiritual Qi. This is usually a common item, but I haven't seen anyone selling it here... Why is that?”

Chen Donghe pointed to the pervasive yellow sand and explained:

“Minor Pure Spiritual Qi must be gathered from deep mountains and high ridges. This desert naturally doesn't yield such a resource. Throughout history, many alternative methods have existed, and nowadays, Minor Flowing Sand Qi is mostly used as a substitute. It's rarely used in cultivation anymore, making it both uncommon and cheap...”

After Chen Donghe's explanation, Li Yuanjiao understood. They found a shop, put the Azure Blade up for sale, and received fifty spirit stones for it.

Although the item was a pair of mid-grade Qi Refining magical artifacts, the curved twin blades were simply too rare. After several rounds of negotiation, they only managed to secure a moderate price.

Li Yuanjiao accepted the spirit stones, a sense of relief washing over him:

‘No wonder most Qi Refining cultivators use Fetal Breath artifacts. These fifty spirit stones are enough for an ordinary Qi Refining cultivator to laboriously gather qi for over a decade without cultivating. If they were to cultivate and purchase resources, that time would more than double... Forty years for a single artifact... How many forty years does one truly have!’

He then retrieved the demon cultivator's great hammer, confiscated by Li Qinghong, from his storage bag. As a low-grade Qi Refining artifact, it was only worth thirty spirit stones. Selling off the remaining Fetal Breath artifacts, along with Li Qinghong's nine pieces, he nearly accumulated one hundred spirit stones.

Minor Pure Spiritual Qi was cheap and scarce here, so Li Yuanjiao put it away. Chen Donghe then handed him six spirit stones, which, though barely making up the bulk of the amount needed, still left a shortfall of over ten spirit stones.

‘Xi Zhi's letter mentioned that while Yuan Tuan could offer some spirit stones, it wasn't worth expending a Foundation Establishment favor for just a few.’

He put away all his items, and the two of them exited the market together. Riding the wind across the vast desert, Li Yuanjiao hesitated for a moment before turning to Chen Donghe and asking:

“Are there any ways to earn spirit stones in the desert?”

Chen Donghe pondered for a moment before replying:

“There are some methods, but most would waste several years of time, and even then, they wouldn't yield more than a dozen spirit stones.”

Li Yuanjiao could only concede. He handed Chen Donghe a few elixirs he carried and whispered:

“Uncle Donghe, what about the Golden Sun Radiant Core?”

“It's already eighty percent complete.”

Chen Donghe retrieved an emerald jade bottle from his storage bag and replied:

“Another year or so, and the Golden Sun Radiant Core will be ready!”

“Good.”

Li Yuanjiao complimented him, then replied:

“Then I'll return to the clan first. Uncle Donghe, please take care. In a while, I will personally come to greet you.”

The two exchanged farewells. Li Yuanjiao promised to offer sacrifices to Li Tongya on his behalf, then rode the wind and departed.

Linghai Commandery.

The Yu Family.

The Yu family of Linghai had been an established aristocratic clan for generations. Their disciples cultivated in multiple immortal peaks within the Qingchi Sect. The various branches of the clan each supported different immortal peaks, even engaging in power struggles and rivalries.

Within the desolate city, the streets and alleys were pristine, devoid of people. Only faint human voices emanated from the grand hall at the highest point of the city. It turned out to be several Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Yu family, standing awkwardly in a line.

The patriarchs of these various branches had never previously met in person, relaying messages even for clan discussions. Now, however, they all stood together in this desolate city, their faces filled with deference, dressed in various attires, quietly awaiting.

Seated high in the great hall before them was a black-roobed monk, cradling a belly that resembled one six months pregnant. His face glistened with oil, and he laughed boisterously, pausing occasionally to gasp for deep breaths.

“Is the Master still pleased?”

Among the Yu family members, the eldest elder, standing at the forefront, stepped forward with a smile and a hoarse voice. Murong Xia chuckled in response:

“Pleased! Exceedingly pleased! Your family is truly the most generous, offering sixteen thousand people right away. And the Yu family possesses the greatest spiritual insight, not clinging to this mortal flesh.”

“Hahaha, as long as the Master is pleased! As long as the Master is pleased!”

A solitary wind whistled through the desolate streets. The Yu family patriarch chuckled, feeling deeply satisfied as he mused inwardly:

‘This one is about to become a Maha! Were it not for the exchange of interests between the immortal and Buddhist paths, how could someone of our Yu family's standing even approach such a figure? Now, before he fully achieves Maha, wouldn't it be splendid to earn a significant favor?’

His benevolent smile grew even warmer, and he asked again:

“Is this city sufficient for the Master's needs? If not, I can find more individuals blessed with great fortune, cleanse them thoroughly, and send them to the Master's belly to enjoy bliss.”

The monk half-reclined on the golden throne, grunting a few syllables. His belly resembled one six months pregnant, its exposed skin covered in purplish-blue marks. He chuckled and said:

“No need, no need! One hundred six thousand seven hundred fifty-six individuals are already sufficient. Any more, and I fear my blessed land would burst.”

He groaned twice, as if in discomfort, and it was several breaths before he continued:

“Since I practice good deeds and embrace Zen, I will naturally no longer follow the path of compassion and futility. Now that I've attained enlightenment, I'm on the verge of becoming a Maha! From this point on, I will reclaim the cultivation I amassed in my previous life and advance even further!”

This Master was, of course, Murong Xia, the one who had once passed through the Li family's territory. For over a decade, he had journeyed and consumed, finally walking all the way to Linghai Commandery. He sat at the head of the hall, cradling his belly, smacked his lips, and proclaimed loudly:

“This old monk is about to attain enlightenment! This old monk is about to attain enlightenment!”

The Yu family naturally offered their congratulations, then observed blood trickling from beneath Murong Xia. He shifted, as if adjusting his posture, and cried out:

“Ah!”

“Thump!”

His great belly burst open with a thump, releasing waves of exotic fragrance and streams of vibrant light. The whistling winds, luxurious melodies, and joyous laughter of men, women, and children from within his belly suddenly intensified, seeming to fill the very air around them.

Amidst the bleeding internal organs, an infant sprang forth from Murong Xia's belly. It grew rapidly with the wind, instantly transforming into the form of a seventeen or eighteen-year-old, neither male nor female, possessing a feminine and benevolent aura. It had six arms, both in front and behind, each grasping a magical artifact.

His body shimmered with golden powder, which cascaded down with his every movement. Upon touching the ground, the powder instantly transformed into figures of varying sizes, cheering joyfully and scattering in all directions.

Witnessing this bizarre spectacle, the Yu family members panicked and recoiled repeatedly. The genderless being turned its head, picked up Murong Xia's motionless corpse from the ground, and, as if eating a cucumber, devoured it in four or five bites.

“A delightful flavor.”

Blood stained the Maha's lips, and his form rapidly expanded. In a short time, he became the size of a small mountain, casting a vast shadow over the land. His feet crushed houses and city walls, and with a slight parting of his lips, he emitted a soft, eerie voice:

“I am Murong Xia. Today, I have attained the path of the Ninth Incarnation Maha, connecting with the compassionate six paths of sentient beings, and acquiring great divine powers... A Dharma assembly will be held in seven days; I welcome all fellow cultivators...”

This voice rippled like water, echoing throughout the Great Void. Congratulatory voices emanated from within the Great Void, and cultivators from various sects and factions, both north and south, arrived to offer felicitations. Murong Xia stood tall and proud, silently in Linghai Commandery.

Murong Xia's gaze shifted, and he was about to utter a few more grand words. However, the Great Void before him was violently torn open, and a white-clad man emerged from the rift, holding a sword in his arms, silently observing him.

The man's face was obscured by mist, his features indistinct. Murong Xia, however, stopped abruptly, rendered speechless for a moment. The congratulatory sounds from within the Great Void also vanished, leaving an absolute silence throughout heaven and earth.

“Shang... Shangyuan...”

A flicker of fear abruptly crossed Murong Xia's genderless, compassionate face. All fourteen of his slender hands drooped downwards.

True Man Shangyuan simply held his sword, stared coldly at him, and whispered softly:

“Return to the Yan Kingdom.”

Murong Xia, who had just appeared so arrogant, instantly fell silent, wilting as if deflated. He shrank to the size of an ordinary person. Without a word, he slipped into the Great Void and vanished.

The remaining Yu family members were still trembling on their knees. True Man Shangyuan didn't even spare them a glance, likewise vanishing into the Great Void, leaving behind an empty city with two enormous footprints.

“Phew!”

The Yu family members wiped sweat from their brows, exchanged glances, snorted coldly, and then dispersed.

Mount Yuting.

After bidding farewell to Li Yuanjiao, Li Qinghong had cultivated on Yuting Peak for a period. She found the Changkong Weique within her growing restless, her heart troubled, and her cultivation progressing slowly.

“How could this be?”

She laid down the long spear she held, a wave of doubt rising within her as she pondered:

“Could it be that a demonic cultivator has appeared somewhere in the family, or that a surge of blood qi has emerged, stirring my talismanic energy...! Or perhaps I haven't engaged in a proper, satisfying battle in too long... These past years, my fights have been clean and decisive, often settled within a few moves.”

Everyone possesses their own path. Li Qinghong was never destined for quiet cultivation. She required combat and slaying enemies, staining her spear with blood to easily advance. Now, having cultivated on Mount Yuting sporadically for nearly a decade, her progress was naturally becoming increasingly slow.

“Having offended that creature, Daili Mountain is not safe for free entry or exit. Moreover, most of the demonic creatures in Moon-Gazing Lake reside in the hidden currents at the lake's bottom, making them difficult to locate...”

Concerned for her family and unable to venture too far, she sat morosely on Mount Yuting, holding her spear and watching the morning glow. Suddenly, she heard a commotion, and the crunching sound of footsteps on snow filled her ears.

“Aunt!”

Li Xijun approached, treading on snow. He cupped his hands and said in a deep voice:

“A monk has arrived at the lake and set up a shelter at the foot of the mountain to cultivate.”

“A monk?”

Due to the incident involving Li Tongya, Li Qinghong harbored a lifelong hatred for monks. She immediately frowned, gripped her spear, and spoke coldly:

“What is his cultivation level?!”

“He appears to be a common monk.”

Li Xijun replied, raising an eyebrow. Fearing Li Qinghong's impulsiveness, he immediately added:

“Aunt, this individual, traveling south as a mere monk, must surely have some backing. I urge you, Aunt, to act cautiously and not put yourself at risk.”

“I understand.”

Li Qinghong gripped her spear, her almond eyes slightly widened, and replied:

“However, we cannot allow him to simply sit at the base of the mountain. What if he's waiting for Brother Jiao to return? Send someone to inquire why this bald donkey has come calling.”

After a brief pause, Li Qinghong continued:

“Does Li Jing know about this, and is he preparing to... suppress this fiend?”

“The clan patriarch is already aware.”

Li Xijun nodded in understanding. They proceeded to the main array's central formation plate. Li Qinghong pressed her slender hand onto the formation plate, and her spiritual sense, channeled through the array, confirmed that a monk was indeed seated amidst the vegetation at the foot of the mountain.

The monk wore a brown robe with wide sleeves, bore ordination scars on his head, and had a round face with small eyes and thin eyebrows. His appearance wasn't ugly, but it certainly wasn't imposing.

He sat cross-legged, a Zen staff resting on his lap, its copper rings dangling loosely, and his eyes tightly closed.

Li Xijun gave the order, and soon the great array stirred faintly. An Siwei, spear on his back, approached with a wary expression and whispered:

“I am An Siwei of the Li family... May I ask, Bhikkhu... having traveled so far, do you have any instructions?”

The monk opened his small eyes and spoke:

“This humble monk is Kong Heng of Liaoning River Temple in the Yan Kingdom. I hope to meet the Peak Lord of Yuting. I trouble you, Taoist priest, to invite him on my behalf.”

An Siwei had already received instructions from Li Xijun before descending the mountain. He nodded and asked immediately:

“May I ask what guidance Master Kong Heng has? If you could reveal a hint or two, it would assist me in relaying the message when I go up the mountain to invite him.”

Kong Heng bowed his head and said gently:

“This humble monk bears no ill will. It is simply as indicated by the Buddhist path, a place where destiny lies. Thus, I have traveled thousands of miles and await the Peak Lord here.”

An Siwei, of course, could not return empty-handed. He pressed with a few more questions, but the monk merely repeated the same few phrases. He had no choice but to retreat up the mountain and report the conversation.

Li Qinghong had always held little affection for Buddhist cultivators. Hearing this, she shook her head and replied:

“Given we don't know this monk's identity or background, we shouldn't simply strike him down. If he wishes to wait, let him. Furthermore, send someone to the Xiao family to inquire about the origins of this Liaoning River Temple.”

The two acknowledged and departed. Finding her cultivation progress stagnant, Li Qinghong took out the two secret techniques from the *Purple Thunder Secret Origin Art* and quietly began to research them.

After several days of quiet study, An Siwei ascended the mountain with his spear on his back and said in a deep voice:

“Peak Lord, this individual initially claimed to offer medicine and healing. However, the townspeople, still traumatized by Murong Xia, paid him no heed.”

“The monk, undeterred, has now constructed a hut at the foot of the mountain and commenced his solitary cultivation!”

Li Qinghong put away the jade slip and said softly:

“What did the Xiao family say about it?”