Chapter 390: 除伏代木(上)

Mount Qingdu.

Li Ximing, a rare sight outside his courtyard, stood with Li Xijun on the green altar. Still hesitant to face his father, Li Yuanping, he kept his eyes downcast and remained silent.

Li Yuanjiao slaughtered the two demonic beasts with a jade knife and waited quietly. He breathed a sigh of relief only when the aura around both individuals surged, and they simultaneously sat down cross-legged. After all, immortal talismans choose their recipients. Without bestowing the spiritual energy, the two Foundation Establishment demonic beasts would have been wasted. Fortunately, the family still had over ten talisman pills, more than enough for their needs.

“Talisman pills possess the power to break through realms. While not as miraculously effective for Foundation Establishment cultivators as for those in Qi Condensation, they can be consumed when breaking through to later stages. Once the Three-Perfection Realm-Breaking Pills are refined, the chances of reaching the peak of Foundation Establishment will significantly increase, and the time required will be greatly shortened.”

Li Yuanjiao waited for a while. Li Xijun, having regulated his breath for a long time, was the first to open his eyes. His eyebrows were like swords, complementing his handsome and elegant eyes. Now, his eyes were deep, and a bone-chilling white energy surged around him. He pursed his lips, exhaled a puff of white air, and stood up, respectfully stating:

“This junior has obtained the Bright Frost Pine Ridge and has already broken through to the fourth level of Qi Condensation.” He paused, his expression significantly calmer than before receiving the talisman. The faint arrogance had subsided, making him appear more composed: “Having received this talisman, my mind is like still water, capable of breaking illusions and discerning subtleties. My True Essence and magic power are like frost and snow, allowing me to cultivate spells with twice the results for half the effort.”

Li Yuanjiao watched him, smiling and nodding repeatedly. On the other side, golden-red light rose from Li Ximing’s body, surging and flowing within his Sun Ascending Palace and Grand Arch Courtyard. He opened his eyes and said softly:

“This junior nephew has already broken through to the fifth level of Qi Condensation and obtained Valley Wind Igniting Fire. I can now manipulate fire to draw in Qi and refine my True Essence.” He briefly introduced it, then added with some surprise: “Not only did I achieve this breakthrough, but I also obtained a cultivation method, the Pheasant Fire Eternal Path Technique, which is a fourth-grade method.”

“A cultivation method?”

Li Yuanjiao was immediately delighted and took out a blank jade slip. Li Xijun chimed in from the side: “This junior obtained the secret technique Cold Snow Collection.”

Li Yuanjiao, immensely pleased, had them record their new acquisitions. He then took out another jade slip, placed it into Li Ximing’s hand, and instructed: “This is the Leap Yang Method that I observed from Tu Longjian. I’ve roughly reviewed and silently transcribed it here. Since you can manipulate fire to draw in Qi, you should study it carefully.” He then took out a green jade bottle: “This is Profound Yang Departing Fire; take it and use it.”

Li Ximing quickly took it, read it carefully, and replied with great delight: “I’ve heard that immortal sects possess methods for internally cultivating spiritual flames, allowing them to draw the spiritual flames of heaven and earth into the Sun Ascending Palace. Internally, these flames can be used for alchemy; externally, they can be unleashed to defend against enemies. Now that I have Valley Wind Igniting Fire, I can also draw upon fire for alchemy.”

“Profound Yang Departing Fire is violent and scorching, making it unsuitable for alchemy. This junior nephew plans to transform it into Enduring Primal Fire. Firstly, it can assist with alchemy, and secondly, it can be used to cultivate the Pheasant Fire Eternal Path Technique!”

Li Yuanjiao smiled with satisfaction, nodding repeatedly as he said: “Excellent, that is precisely what I intended.”

Li Ximing sighed regretfully and continued: “It’s a pity that this cultivation method requires Enduring Primal Fire, not Spring Yang Spiritual Fire. The Leap Yang Method records over ten variations of spiritual flames, and Spring Yang Spiritual Fire, like the spring sun, is warm and nurturing, making it the most adept at alchemy… It’s not that coincidental… If only I had two spiritual flames…”

“Hahahahahahaha.” Li Yuanjiao, in a great mood, patted his shoulder and reminded him: “It’s fortunate that the Leap Yang Method and the Pheasant Fire Eternal Path Technique were obtained through immortal talismans not tied to destiny. If they were also the spiritual flames best suited for alchemy, one would have to suspect if a Purple Mansion cultivator was laying a trap!”

Li Xijun, standing nearby, heard his words. Holding the Cold Snow Collection in his hand, he looked thoughtful, then subtly glanced at the smile on Li Yuanjiao’s face and chuckled: “This junior, Jun’er, will now go down to find people to gather spiritual energy and practice spells.”

Li Yuanjiao nodded and said to Li Ximing: “There’s no rush regarding the mutated spiritual flame for now. Various specialized spiritual objects still need some time to be collected; I will send people to search for them. You two should first stabilize your cultivation; take your time.” He added: “For now, do not descend the mountain. Go into seclusion for a few years to account for the changes in your cultivation.”

The brothers Li Ximing and Li Xijun cupped their hands and said in unison: “This junior obeys your command.”

Li Yuanjiao cultivated on Mount Qingdu for over a month. Fuluoya arrived as promised and called out at the green mountain gate. Li Wushao was the first to fly out of the lake, proclaiming loudly: “I am Li Wushao. May I ask the purpose of your visit, esteemed senior?”

“A Hook Serpent?” Fuluoya, a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, had a pair of eyes that flowed with blood-red light, quite terrifying. He recognized Li Wushao’s true form at a glance and replied: “An Eastern Sea demon… It is indeed your good fortune to be able to join the Li clan.” Fuluoya, originating from the Shanyue tribe, spoke in an archaic and domineering manner, only speaking softly in front of Li Tongya. Li Wushao listened, nodding grimly, and said: “Excellent discernment, senior.”

On this side, Li Yuanjiao had already ridden the wind to meet them. He cupped a fist and exchanged a few polite words before Fuluoya directly asked: “Have you received any news? Can Li Tongya make a move? How about we go and kill Fu Daimu immediately?”

Li Yuanjiao replied: “I have already asked someone within the sect. Fu Daimu had a friend who joined the Green Pond Sect but died in the demonic calamity, so he doesn't have any strong backing. However, he does have some minor dealings with the peak master of Fuchen Peak, one of the Thirty-Six Peaks.”

Fuluoya hadn’t expected this fellow to actually have connections with the Green Pond Sect, and hurriedly said: “What should we do then?”

Li Yuanjiao whispered: “My son has inquired, and it’s merely a matter of mutual interests. Fuchen Peak doesn’t want too many disputes with this person. Once you and I kill him, we can send some precious herbs over to apologize to that fellow cultivator and consider the matter closed.”

Fuluoya was immediately overjoyed and happily exclaimed: “Indeed, your esteemed clan has profound backing and many solutions!”

Li Yuanjiao smiled, thinking that his calculations went far beyond just that: “Fuchen Peak Master Li Encheng, known as ‘Wall Water Pill,’ is one of the few prominent alchemists in the Green Pond Sect and has been at the peak of Foundation Establishment for many years. He wouldn’t care about such an insignificant person, treating him only as a pawn who sells precious herbs. As long as we share a portion of the precious herbs and let Xizhi deliver them, we might even establish a connection. It would be beneficial for both of us if this child has more backing within the sect.”

Most Shanyue people had fierce dispositions. Since Fuluoya had decided to kill Fu Daimu, waiting even one more day was torture for him; he wished to kill him immediately. He eagerly said: “Fellow Daoist! Let us depart now!”

Li Yuanjiao cupped his hands and explained: “Our elders at home are not permitted to act casually. Esteemed senior, please wait a moment for fellow Daoist Fu Qingshan.”

Fuluoya had no choice but to wait patiently. After more than a day, a red light broke through the sky. Yuan Chengdun, steering a crimson red jade small boat, slowly stopped in front of the mountain. He put away the boat and laughed: “Chengdun went to Helin Commandery, hence my delay. My apologies to you two.”

“No matter!” Li Yuanjiao looked at the two of them. Li Wushao in the lake also flew up, cautiously following behind him. Li Yuanjiao then said: “I have a grand formation at hand; Fu Daimu won't be able to escape.”

The group rode the wind and ascended. Fuluoya said: “My helper is called Zhu Xian, an early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator. He is currently keeping an eye on Fu Daimu.” He added: “Three early-stage cultivators, two mid-stage cultivators, and Yuan Chengdun's particularly outstanding strength, combined with this grand formation, assure our victory.”

Li Yuanjiao echoed, thinking to himself: “Even if this person changes his mind and conspires with Fu Daimu to kill me, with Yuan Chengdun present and the grand formation at hand, I can advance or retreat, ensuring no mishaps occur.”

Mount Wu was originally Duanmu Kui’s cultivation ground. He was a grand cultivator at the peak of Purple Mansion, and possessing an immortal book, his strength was among the best in the Jiangnan Purple Mansion realm. Even with just a few casual instructions to some Shanyue tribesmen for errands, they formed a significant force. Duanmu Kui died overnight, leaving nothing for his disciples and grand-disciples. The Shanyue people immediately dispersed like birds and beasts. Fu Daimu, Fuluoya, and a few other powerful individuals divided the Shanyue lands. The strongest, Jiaozhong Zi, occupied Mount Wu, while the next strongest, Fu Daimu, established himself in the Great Jue Court.

Fuluoya rode the wind, explaining as he went: “Fu Daimu and I had many conflicts on Mount Wu. He disliked me, and his strength greatly surpassed mine. For years, I’ve only cultivated in seclusion within my territory, always ready to escape. But in today’s world… who knows what’s outside? We should kill him early.”

The group chose a spot to land. The Shanyue helper, Zhu Xian, also rode the wind over. He had the appearance of a pure Eastern human with regular features. Holding a rattan whip, he cupped his hands and said: “I am Zhu Xian. Greetings, fellow Daoists.”

Li Yuanjiao and the others exchanged greetings. After setting up the formation disc, Fuluoya said: “We still need to lure him here. I’ll trouble fellow Daoist Yuan to come with me. This fellow is cautious; if our strengths aren’t comparable, he will surely become suspicious and definitely won’t dare to pursue me.”

Yuan Chengdun nodded straightforwardly. As he rode the wind away with Fuluoya, their voices gradually faded: “You and I will exchange blows with him for a while. Then the early-stage Foundation Establishment Zheledai will surely make a move. You and I will feign ignorance and lure the enemy…”

Li Yuanjiao watched the two leave, narrowing his eyes slightly. The Profound Rune Bottle secretly activated, trailing remotely behind them. Witnessing flashes of witchcraft and magical light erupting in the Great Jue Court and Fuluoya’s feigned cries of alarm and anger, with no abnormalities, he then retreated.

Not long after, two streams of magical light pursued them. Fu Daimu, a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, was a robust old man with a face full of wrinkles, wielding a long halberd. Zheledai, on the other hand, held two swords, looking very sturdy, cursing triumphantly as he pursued.

Until all four entered the formation together, enveloped by an emerald green light. The two immediately changed color. Fuluoya burst into wild laughter. Fu Daimu scanned his surroundings and sneered at Zhu Xian: “Junior martial brother? You've placed the wrong bet!”

Zhu Xian, holding his long whip, calmly said: “Thank you, Senior Martial Brother, for your concern. Today, I'm here to ask Senior Martial Brother to contribute some resources to my cultivation path.”

Fu Daimu didn’t argue with him; he merely glanced at Li Wushao: “You even brought a Hook Serpent! Two early-stage, two mid-stage, plus a grand formation—what a grand scheme!” Though inside the formation, he was utterly fearless, confident that he held a trump card. He laughed heartily: “You underestimate us both!”

Zheledai, holding his two swords, met Zhu Xian and Li Wushao directly, his expression unchanged. His long swords opened and closed, steadily blocking both of them. Fu Daimu likewise engaged Yuan Chengdun and Fuluoya in battle, creating a grand spectacle of flowing golden and blood-red light.

Li Yuanjiao, enveloped in Profound Rune Spiritual Mist, silently pressed his sword and approached. Compared to the three fighting nearby, the exchanges between Li Wushao, Zhu Xian, and Zheledai were much more ordinary. Although all three were Foundation Establishment cultivators, they were lone cultivators who practiced independently, and their magical artifacts were still at the Qi Condensation level. Zheledai and Zhu Xian also didn't seem to know any advanced spells, merely testing each other with the wonders of their respective immortal foundations. Li Wushao, who originally had some strength, was much inferior after his tail was broken by the hook.

Li Yuanjiao gradually drew closer to the three. The Green Ruler Sword leaped from his hand, and a sudden flash of blue-white sword light appeared. Zheledai finally changed his expression and raised his sword to block.

“Not good!”

But the magical artifact in his hand was only Qi Condensation grade; it was no match for the Green Ruler Sword. Li Yuanjiao had been accumulating power for a long time, and his dazzling Moon Gate Sword Arc struck Zheledai’s twin swords with a cracking sound, sending blade fragments flying everywhere. As Zheledai blocked, Li Wushao’s serpent tail broke through the air, and Zhu Xian also attacked with all his might. They collectively struck him, making him vomit blood. He barely managed to retaliate, parrying the second, most fatal strike of the Green Ruler Sword.

At this moment, Zheledai felt a chill at his neck, his heart dropping, and he exclaimed in horror: “This is bad! King Jing Dragon!” Immediately, his vital blood surged, and a secret witchcraft technique activated, turning his True Essence bright red. He seized the opportunity to turn around, only to see a huge greenish-gray flood dragon pouncing towards him. He parried with his sword, shouting loudly: “Senior Martial Brother! Act quickly!”

As a newly advanced Foundation Establishment cultivator, Zheledai’s strength was certainly not bad; his twin swords, moving with precision, solidly blocked Zhu Xian and Li Wushao. If Li Yuanjiao had fought him one-on-one, it would have been difficult to defeat him. However, ambush relies on surprise. Li Yuanjiao’s attack was at close quarters and exceptionally powerful, causing Zheledai to lose his composure. It was fortunate that he wasn’t severely wounded.

Fu Daimu knew that Zheledai had already done his best but still hadn’t forced out Yuan Chengdun’s immortal foundation. He could only sigh bitterly. He flicked his sleeve, and a black-red object flew out.

“Human Head Mountain!”

This magical artifact expanded with the wind, covered in black and red, densely adorned with thousands of human heads. They stared with wide eyes, drooling, howling fiercely as dark long hair fluttered, causing gusts of chilling wind to sweep all around.

Fuluoya gestured with both hands, conjuring two streaks of magical light, and sneered: “How shameless of you to go to the Jiang family back then to seek their methods. You meticulously observed the Jade Smoke Mountain three times, only to imitate it into such a monstrosity!” Despite his sarcastic words, Fuluoya composed himself. His Immortal Foundation: Do Not Probe Me activated, and he suddenly vanished into the air, allowing the Human Head Mountain to press down, spewing filthy, evil sounds.

Yuan Chengdun calmly watched the approaching giant Human Head Mountain, letting its enormous shadow envelop him. His short staff was gripped tightly in his hand, and faint golden patterns slowly crept onto his face. “Beast! Ridiculous! To dare suppress me with a demonic mountain.” Golden light flared on the short staff. Yuan Chengdun’s Subduing Green Mountain technique suddenly activated, and two strikes went towards the incoming giant mountain peak, transforming into two golden staff shadows: “Boom!”

The Human Head Mountain emitted black smoke from the impact, and the individual human heads on it screamed in unison. Yuan Chengdun remained silent, his short staff striking faster and faster, causing the magical artifact to rumble loudly.

On this side, Fu Daimu had just intervened to save Zheledai. He swept away Li Yuanjiao and the others with a flick of his sleeve, his face turning pale. He turned back, crying out in alarm: “Fu Qingshan! You are Yuan Chengdun!”