Chapter 376: Leaving the Fire Gun

Li Qinghong had just arrived in front of the courtyard when she saw a female cultivator standing quietly, holding a little girl by the hand. A shimmering spiritual gauze was wrapped around her wrist. Seeing Li Qinghong descend into the courtyard, she smiled, "Qinghong is here!"

This female cultivator was Xiao Guiluan. Although over forty years old, she still looked like she was in her twenties. After all, the Xiao family was an immortal clan, and she possessed a cultivation level of Qi Refinement Stage three.

"Greetings, sister-in-law." Li Qinghong nodded gently, a smile unconsciously appearing on her face. The younger generation of the Yuanqing family shared deep affection, and Xiao Guiluan was always tactful and exceptionally capable, ensuring a harmonious relationship between the two women. Softly, Li Qinghong asked, "Is Yuexiang still diligent in her studies?"

The girl was Li Yuanjiao's youngest daughter, Li Yuexiang. She simply called out "Auntie" and affectionately hugged Li Qinghong. Xiao Guiluan looked at Li Qinghong with a smile, saying, "Qinghong has also reached Qi Refinement Stage eight, haven't you? And you're only forty-two or forty-three?"

"That's right," Li Qinghong replied. Xiao Guiluan praised, "It's hopeful you'll establish your foundation by fifty. That truly makes you a genius."

The later stages of Qi Refinement require significant time for refinement, with breakthroughs taking at least five years. Xiao Guiluan, unaware of the Talisman Pill, estimated Li Qinghong would establish her foundation by fifty, while Li Qinghong herself anticipated it by forty-five.

After the two women chatted for a while, Li Qinghong frowned and said, "I wonder why my brother... suddenly went into seclusion without a word. It's unlike him."

Xiao Guiluan shook her head and replied, "According to the Xiao family records, among the three hundred seventy-six Qi Refinement cultivators who broke through to Foundation Establishment, one hundred seventy began their breakthroughs suddenly and silently. When the spiritual opportunity arrives, unless a secret art from an immortal sect can suppress it to wait for a more auspicious time, it's better to break through on the spot."

Li Qinghong's brows furrowed slightly. Noticing her apparent confusion, Xiao Guiluan explained, "Even the elders in our clan are perplexed. After years of inquiry, all we know are rumors within the three sects, suggesting it might be related to the activity of 'golden essence'... Within the same cultivation lineage, several people often forge the same immortal foundation within a few years, then a few years later, several others might all fail..."

Li Qinghong nodded gently. Being astute, her eyes immediately lit up. Thoughtfully, she said, "If one could master the activity of 'golden essence,' it would greatly increase the probability of disciples breaking through. Then, cultivating the 'golden essence,' wouldn't it be..." She stopped abruptly, looking at Xiao Guiluan, whose expression also subtly changed. The two women exchanged a silent glance. Li Qinghong thought to herself, 'No wonder the Kong family, a prominent great clan in Xu State, was tormented to ruin by a reincarnated Venerable... Just a glimpse of the 'golden essence' is enough to inspire fear...'

The two stood in the courtyard for a while, the spring water on the ground flowing quietly, making a trickling sound. Xiao Guiluan said gently, "There shouldn't be such a thing... In ancient texts, among the sects from the past three hundred years, no lineage claimed that one could establish a foundation simply by saying so."

The two were merely speculating. As they gazed at the rippling water inside the cave dwelling, they suddenly heard an explosive sound nearby: "Boom!" The sky outside the courtyard abruptly brightened. The clouds in the sky were golden and luminous, with fine lights flowing, and several beams of magical light passed through the air. Li Qinghong suddenly looked up and ascended into the sky on the wind.

Golden light circulated in the sky. The distant setting sun was a fiery red, and the light from the east was particularly intense, shining brightly for several breaths before slowly fading.

More and more magical lights appeared in the sky, as cultivators of all sizes rode the wind—black, white, golden, and red—all flying eastward.

She waited for a while, riding the wind. Not far away, a Qi Refinement Stage one cultivator flew past. Li Qinghong, holding her spear, went up to intercept him.

The cultivator was hurrying along when he was inexplicably intercepted. His expression initially showed annoyance, but upon seeing the energetic female cultivator at Qi Refinement Stage eight before him, his attitude immediately improved. He asked, "How may I help you, Immortal?"

Li Qinghong asked, "May I ask, fellow Daoist, what's happening in the east?"

The cultivator looked at her, eager not to waste time, and quickly replied, "Senior must have been in seclusion for a long time. This phenomenon is a fallen grotto-heaven, likely the East Fire Grotto-Heaven in Yufu Prefecture that has been widely rumored recently. If Senior intends to go, I hope you might take this humble cultivator along."

"East Fire Grotto-Heaven?" Li Xuanxuan had heard the news from Kong Yu countless times and had already repeatedly warned his clan's disciples. Upon hearing "Yufu Prefecture," Li Qinghong shook her head slightly and casually made up an excuse, replying, "There's no such good thing! The three sects and seven gates have probably taken complete control. The restrictions and mechanisms within the grotto-heaven are all intact, so for people like us, going there would merely be to clear the path for others."

The rogue cultivator shook his head and replied, "Senior is joking. How could we possibly enter a grotto-heaven? When it falls, spiritual energy scatters. Dongli Mountain will certainly have many spiritual Qi, spiritual water, and spiritual fire resources. We can just 'drink the soup' around the edges, collect some spiritual items, and leave. There won't be any major trouble."

Li Qinghong frowned, then let him go. Xiao Guiluan also rode the wind to catch up, looked in the direction, and explained, "It must be Chu Yi, the Blazing Spear, who opened the East Fire Grotto-Heaven. This matter has been widely publicized, and considering the timing, it was bound to happen soon."

Li Qinghong asked in return, "Where did this Foundation Establishment cultivator, the Blazing Spear, come from? I've never heard of him."

For someone who favored spear techniques like Li Qinghong, it was inconceivable that she wouldn't know of a famous Foundation Establishment cultivator skilled in spears. Her mind filled with doubt.

Xiao Guiluan explained, "Qinghong, you might not know, but this person only gained fame in recent years. He received the inheritance of the Dongli Sect when he was young and achieved Foundation Establishment at thirty-one, making him a top-tier genius."

"Chu Yi was originally a rogue cultivator in Yufu Prefecture. Later, when his inheritance was exposed, he was framed by the Han family, a prominent clan in Yufu. Within just a few years, he broke through and successively killed two Foundation Establishment Old Ancestors in Jiangnan. His great name spread throughout Jiangnan, earning him the title 'Blazing Spear.'"

She paused, then continued, "Though he killed them, now all of Jiangnan knows he obtained the Dongli Sect's inheritance. It's widely rumored that there's an East Fire Grotto-Heaven in Yufu Prefecture, and Chu Yi will enter it soon."

After hearing this news, Li Qinghong understood everything clearly. She thought to herself, 'What genius... he must be a True Lord-level figure...'

As Li Qinghong was contemplating, an old man, full of wrinkles and with white hair, flew up from below on the wind. His face was filled with anxiety as he called out, "Hong'er, you must not go! Hong'er, you must not go!"

Li Qinghong quickly rode the wind to meet him, smiling brightly as she replied, "Uncle, you worry too much! How could Qinghong be someone blinded by greed?"

Xiao Guiluan also respectfully came forward and said gently, "Father!"

Li Xuanxuan sighed softly and replied, "You are certainly not rash, but divine abilities are indiscriminate. I'm just afraid you'll end up like Yu Yufeng, lured to your demise."

His face was filled with worry as he replied, "Just hearing that Chu Yi is the Blazing Spear, I was quite frightened. Even though our family received so much information, I never dared to wake you..."

The three descended and took seats in the small courtyard. Xiao Guiluan took Li Yuexiang away. Li Xuanxuan said, "You've also heard from Guiluan. This Chu Yi, the Blazing Spear, is very likely the True Lord that the Azure Pool Sect has been waiting for. As for the Han family, they are merely a replica of the Kong family."

"Except for the three sects, seven gates, and a few immortal clans, most other smaller and larger aristocratic families are probably unaware. Who knows how deeply involved they've become by now..."

Li Qinghong stared at the magical lights in the sky for a while, then shook her head, quite puzzled. "With disciples from the three sects and seven gates going there, these glows are clearly enhanced by escape techniques... Where do all these aristocratic families with escape techniques come from?"

Li Xuanxuan paused, then also observed carefully. Indeed, just as Li Qinghong had said, he wondered, "Kong Yu doesn't seem to be lying."

Li Qinghong pondered for a moment, then said, "Kong Yu said that disciples of the three sects and seven gates were forbidden from entering for three years, and those three years have now passed."

Li Xuanxuan sighed in relief, understanding Li Qinghong's unspoken meaning. He replied, "Your meaning is... that Chu Yi, the Blazing Spear, was most dangerous before he established his foundation... once he achieves Foundation Establishment and opens the East Fire Grotto-Heaven, things will actually be much better..."

Li Qinghong nodded, and softly said, "I've also thought about Kong Yu's matter. To say that this reincarnation is merely a game for a Golden Core True Lord... I'm a little skeptical."

"Among these True Men in Jiangnan alone, which one isn't far-sighted and highly skilled? A Golden Core True Lord is above the Purple Mansion stage. Would they really descend to the mortal realm just for amusement? And wouldn't a reincarnated body be weak?"

Li Xuanxuan nodded more and more as he listened. Li Qinghong continued, "This person merely explained it from the perspective of a Qi Refinement cultivator. If viewed from the perspective of a Purple Mansion or even Golden Core cultivator, it would surely be different..."

"There are Purple Mansion Immortal Clans, but how many of them have become sects? Why did the Kong family fall apart overnight, yet True Man Changxi was immediately able to establish the Xuanyue Gate and secure a foothold in Yue State?"

Li Xuanxuan felt a chill run down his spine, murmuring, "Could it be Changxi... This... this..."

Li Qinghong softly said, "This matter is a disgrace in the eyes of the Kong family... but who's to say it wasn't True Man Changxi's foundation for gaining favor with that individual!"

Cold sweat broke out on Li Xuanxuan's brow. He sighed and said, "Continue..."

Li Qinghong softly affirmed, "Hmm," then gently said, "This junior believes that the so-called powerful rise of Chu Yi, the Blazing Spear, which appears to be a True Lord's reincarnation playing among mortals, must secretly be driven by a True Lord. As for the East Fire Grotto-Heaven, it should be the reward promised to the three sects..."

"As for the seven gates, they merely have the right to be informed..."

Li Xuanxuan felt enlightened and sighed, "As for rogue cultivators, they can't even see what's happening on the surface; they simply believe it's the genius Chu Yi soaring to prominence... If not for Kong Yu telling us, our family would also have been kept in the dark..."

After the two sorted out the matter, Li Qinghong pursed her lips and said, "As for why Kong Yu told Uncle... part of his intention was likely to show goodwill towards our family."

"It's evident that the Kong clan of Xuanyue Gate does bear some goodwill towards our family."

Li Xuanxuan hesitated for a moment, then whispered, "But... in this situation, does our Li family... have an opportunity to profit from it?"

***

Azure Pool Sect, Green Sprout Peak.

The bamboo forest on Green Sprout Peak swayed gently. Li Xizhi stood within it, his true essence emitting a faint purplish-red glow, casting a rosy shimmer over the bamboo grove.

The *Morning Glow Dew Gathering Art* he cultivated was a fourth-grade cultivation method, complete with six magical formulas and three secret arts, from the accompanying movement technique *Morning Glow Imperial Travel* to the spell *Golden Descent in the Clouds*. Movement techniques, escape techniques, and spells—everything was included.

Although Li Xizhi had only broken through to Qi Refinement two years ago, he could single-handedly defeat three or four rogue cultivators at the initial Qi Refinement stage.

"This is the true depth of the three sects..." He took out a small letter from home and reread it, chuckling to himself. "Our family is well-off this year; they even moved a mountain and named it Green Du Peak. It's probably not Father's doing... I wonder when I'll be able to go back and see it..."

As he was thinking, a soft call came from the forest: "Senior Brother!"

Li Xizhi turned around and saw a young woman approaching, dressed in a black-patterned gown. She appeared to be no more than seventeen or eighteen, with a rather delicate face and a fervent smile. Staring at his brow, Li Xizhi cupped his hands and replied, "Junior Sister Yang..."

This was precisely the woman Yuan Tuan had inquired about at the Yang family for Li Xizhi. Yang Tianya, the Peak Master of Emperor Cloud Peak, was in secluded cultivation and unavailable for a meeting. After much back-and-forth, she was sent instead.

Yang Xiao'er's talent wasn't particularly high, and her appearance was ordinary. She was usually quiet, but during their few meetings, she spoke with endearing enthusiasm. Li Xizhi, being in secluded cultivation, had genuinely had little interaction with her.

Li Xizhi's tone seemed distant, but the young woman showed no sign of discomfort, remaining enthusiastic. She smiled and said, "Senior Brother is often in seclusion, so Xiao'er rarely gets to see you."

Li Xizhi nodded slightly. Yang Xiao'er stepped forward and asked, "Recently, there have been many disturbances outside the sect. I wonder if Senior Brother has heard of the East Fire Grotto-Heaven?"

"East Fire Grotto-Heaven?" Li Xizhi raised an eyebrow in surprise. "I have heard a little about it. I heard there's a Foundation Establishment cultivator named Chu Yi, the Blazing Spear? Is this person real?"

Yang Xiao'er nodded gently and replied, "Chu Yi, as a mere rogue cultivator, was able to turn Yufu upside down. He truly is an amazing genius! My father said this person is quite peculiar and should not be provoked; he likely has a special destiny."

Li Xizhi nodded, secretly thinking about writing a letter to warn his family. Yang Xiao'er then added, "When the immortal sects of Wei State fled south years ago, one branch established the Dongli Sect, and the East Fire Grotto-Heaven also became renowned. Now it has finally manifested, startling cultivators across Wu and Yue."

"The three sects and seven gates have already acted to seal the grotto-heaven, waiting to break through its formations... Only Chu Yi has already entered by means of a secret art."

Li Xizhi sat quietly on the bluestone, listening to Yang Xiao'er chatter on about the news she had heard. After a while, Yang Xiao'er asked, "I wonder how many spots our Green Sprout Peak has?"

Li Xizhi estimated for a moment and replied, "Most likely, it's just the two of us."

"Good..." Yang Xiao'er nodded, a look of determination appearing on her face as she gazed steadily at him.

Yang Xiao'er's features weren't particularly striking, but she had made an effort to adorn herself, managing to look somewhat delicate. She raised her eyebrows, looking at him hesitantly, and said in a slightly strained voice, "Senior Brother comes from a sword immortal clan, is handsome, and highly talented. Xiao'er believes herself not to be a suitable match. Although I have harbored such dreams... I don't wish to waste time."

Li Xizhi was caught off guard by her words. Yang Xiao'er quietly said, "Xiao'er has been on this peak for two years... and Senior Brother has never truly looked at me. Xiao'er's talent isn't high, nor do I possess a charming face. If Senior Brother is willing, let us support each other for the rest of our lives. If not, Xiao'er will go ask my father for a divorce."

Li Xizhi had never expected someone usually so enthusiastic to say such a thing. He stared at her blankly for a moment, then said in a deep voice, "Xizhi is not such a person. Since we have drunk the nuptial wine, we are husband and wife for this life, with no divided loyalties. The past two years were merely for solidifying my cultivation..."

He said, then smiled sheepishly, "Secondly, I also feared you might think... I was too frivolous."

Yang Xiao'er had been waiting for him to simply concede, but she was stunned by his reply. Seeing his earnest expression, she took a step forward and quickly kissed him on the cheek.

Immediately, she excitedly took out a white feathered magical robe covered in mysterious patterns from her storage bag and said, "This is a feathered robe I acquired from my clan. It can save your life at critical moments, so please, Senior Brother..."

"How can I accept this..." Li Xizhi's face flushed slightly. Still recovering, he gasped, looking at the snow-white feathered robe. He whispered, "Is this a mid-grade Qi Refinement feathered robe?!"

Feathered robes and armors were already rare. The entire Li clan only possessed one Jade Armor of the Embryonic Breath stage, which had long ago been sent to Li Qinghong as a precious treasure...

Now, with such a valuable magical robe in his hands, Li Xizhi felt as if he were holding two huge piles of spirit stones. 'Is two hundred spirit stones enough? Three hundred?'

Yang Xiao'er simply pushed the feathered robe into his hands, smiling, "This is the dowry my father gave me..."

"You..." Li Xizhi stared at the sheer joy in her eyes, his chest feeling a little constricted. 'She is showing such sincere affection with the innocence and enthusiasm of a young woman...'