Chapter 394: Kong Family Arrives

Li Ensheng remained seated, calmly observing Li Xizhi's expression. "I have people who handle things on my behalf," he said mildly. "Your esteemed family is a Sword Immortal lineage, so it's not my place to interfere. As for the Shanyue region, it was merely to find a Blood Sun Fruit, and that Shanyue Foundation Establishment..."

Li Ensheng paused for a moment, as if he didn't even know the Shanyue's name. Fortunately, Li Xizhi prompted him, and Li Ensheng continued, "Somehow, Fu Daimu learned of this and found my shopkeeper in Xuanyuan Square, leading to this connection. It's nothing significant; I can find it myself. There's no need for your esteemed family to get involved!"

"As for other matters..." He narrowed his eyes slightly and said softly, "I'm not interested in forming ties with any peak. Please return to where you came from—back to your Azure Spike Peak."

"Understood, Master." Li Xizhi offered an apology and slowly walked out of the main hall, maintaining a neutral expression. Once outside on the steps, a middle-aged man, who was Li Ensheng's second disciple, approached him. He quickly denied anything was amiss and spoke a few kind words on behalf of his master. Li Xizhi smiled and then departed by wind.

The middle-aged man entered the hall and saw Li Ensheng drinking at the head of the table. He lowered his voice, "Father! This..."

Li Ensheng glared at him. The middle-aged man quickly closed the doors and activated the shielding formation before speaking, "This Li family is our kin, and they are quite weak—in name only. It would have been a perfect reciprocal arrangement! Azure Pond has controlled the connections for so long, and you've been longing for this for ages. Why did you just send them away?"

Li Ensheng shook his head indifferently and replied, "What does it matter? I told him everything he needed to know. The tone of my words is irrelevant. Don't mistake Yuan Tuan and Li Xizhi for Si Yuanbai... even Xiao Yuansi has his own intentions."

The middle-aged man recalled Li Xizhi's expression and nodded hesitantly.

***

**Azure Spike Peak.**

Li Xizhi returned to his courtyard by wind. As soon as he closed the door, Yang Xiao'er asked, "What about the Wall Water Pill?"

"It's done." Li Xizhi nodded with a smile, picked up a brush and ink from the table, and began writing effortlessly: "...Requesting the family to find the Blood Sun Fruit... and send it to the Azure Pond Sect's shopkeeper in Xuanyuan Square. This person belongs to Li Ensheng..."

Li Ensheng was a Foundation Establishment cultivator; how could he forget a name? Moreover, Li Xizhi had clearly stated Fu Daimu's name just moments ago. Li Ensheng's demeanor merely conveyed that the person was unimportant, clearly implying an intention to foster good relations. Furthermore, Li Ensheng had made his requirements very clear: first, the Blood Sun Fruit, and second, to contact him through Xuanyuan Square, not to go to Fuchen Peak anymore.

"This person has kept to himself within the sect for many years. He indeed has his own agenda..." Li Xizhi pondered for a moment, then set aside his writing tools and said to Yang Xiao'er, "Xiao'er, I'm afraid you'll need to make a trip to Emperor Cloud Peak. Investigate Li Ensheng's affairs before and after joining the sect. See if he offended anyone, as he doesn't even dare speak freely on his own peak."

Although Li Ensheng was a master alchemist, he was constantly constrained by Cloud Pill Peak. Most favors sought were directed towards Cloud Pill Peak, and the benefits from the pills he painstakingly refined largely went to them. However, he had always acted strangely, and everyone assumed he didn't care. Li Xizhi now found this suspicious and, not wanting his father to act rashly, decided to investigate thoroughly.

*Yang Tianya personally covered for my family. He must either be connected to us or have plans involving the Xiao family. Going to Emperor Cloud Peak is the only way to uncover the true information without revealing our tracks.*

He put down the writing tools and took out "Six-Color Elemental Escape." The senior who created this escape technique clearly cared about appearances, as the jade slip was colorful and adorned with various ornate patterns.

*If we're talking about magnificent True Essence, "Morning Cloud Dew Gathering Art" truly is top-notch...*

Li Xizhi studied it all night. Then, Yang Xiao'er returned by wind, entering with a furrowed brow, and reported, "Li Ensheng... he really did offend someone!"

"Who?" Li Xizhi quickly looked up, only to see Yang Xiao'er's strange expression. She whispered, "Chi Wei!"

"Chi Wei?!" Li Xizhi froze for a moment, saying incredulously, "How is that possible?"

Yang Xiao'er carefully checked the doors and windows, then transmitted via secret art: "Back then, when Chi Wei was still in Foundation Establishment, he went out with Li Ensheng. The two of them found an alchemy inheritance in a ruin. Li Ensheng, driven by greed, injured Chi Wei, locked him in the secret realm, and seized the inheritance... Unexpectedly, Chi Wei later gained great benefits from it and returned to the sect. Li Ensheng was apprehended and questioned, but he was protected solely by the then-Fuchen Peak Master. Chi Wei, being magnanimous, also chose not to pursue the matter further. The two reconciled, and after that, Li Ensheng never left the sect again, spending his days on the peak refining pills as atonement..."

Li Xizhi shook his head upon hearing this. "So that's the connection... no wonder..."

Yang Xiao'er continued, "Now that Chi Wei is dead, Li Ensheng has become a money tree. The sect has erased this part of history and no longer mentions it. Our Ancestor had someone tell me this."

"No wonder Li Ensheng rarely leaves the sect..." Li Xizhi nodded, thoughtfully, "It might not be that he's unwilling to leave the sect; perhaps he doesn't dare to."

Li Xizhi took a jade slip from the shelf, examined it carefully, and seemed to understand something. He whispered, "Indeed, there's a small record here: 'obtained an alchemy inheritance from the Secret Fan Sect'... So there's such a story behind it."

Yang Xiao'er pursed her lips, reminding him, "This matter is truly ancient. Except for a few Violet Palace cultivators, no peak masters or disciples in the sect know about it now. There shouldn't be any issues. Our family's ancestor was just a young disciple back then. How much of this story is true, and how much is false, is unknown, both what the sect says and what happened in the secret realm. Just take it with a grain of salt."

Li Xizhi nodded slightly, silently considering. He picked up the pen and added a few more sentences to the letter, folded it carefully, sealed it with his family's secret method, and prepared to send it out.

The three precious herbs sent by Li Yuanjiao were not used. Although his father Li Yuanjiao's letter suggested keeping them for personal use if a connection was impossible, Li Xizhi was reluctant to pocket them all. Li Xizhi examined them carefully, took out one Cloud Vine Spirit Pepper, and prepared to give it to Cloud Pill Peak to refine a batch of pills. The other two he kept untouched, placing them in a small pouch and sending them home along with the letter.

***

**Azure Capital Peak.**

Li Ximing sat beside the furnace fire, its golden-yellow flames flickering across his face. With a slight flick of his hand, Profound Yang Divine Fire leaped forth, swirling and outlining patterns around his fingers. The Profound Yang Divine Fire, though explosive and unruly, was docile as a sprite in his hands, leaping and flowing. This was originally an excellent spirit fire for combat, but unfortunately, it was the only one his family possessed, so it could only be converted into a persistent elemental flame. Li Ximing played with it in his hand, feeling its powerful explosive and scorching might, and felt a touch of regret.

Li Ximing, having received the talisman seed, reached Qi Condensation Layer 5. He was originally just a step away from Layer 6. After four months of secluded cultivation, he easily broke through to Qi Condensation Layer 6, his aura smooth and his control effortless.

*The Talismanic Qi is so miraculous, yet I can only receive one. If only I could consume several...*

After two months of secluded cultivation, Li Ximing emerged from seclusion. Feeling restless, he called in his attendants from outside the courtyard and instructed them, "Call up Dou... those few people..."

This attendant, having assisted with numerous summons, understood his master's intent without needing explicit instructions. As he bowed and withdrew, Li Ximing quickly added, "Wait! Wait... someone's coming."

Just then, the courtyard gate creaked open, and a white-robed youth entered. With sword-like brows and star-like eyes, his true essence flowed like cold snow. He smiled and said, "Ximing, you've emerged from seclusion! What a coincidence!"

Li Xijun's cultivation had also reached Qi Condensation Layer 5. Both of them, having received Foundation Establishment-level blessings, broke through consecutively, surpassing Li Xizhi within the sect. They both reached the mid-Qi Condensation stage, while only Li Xicheng, down the mountain, remained at Qi Condensation Layer 2.

The two brothers sat down. Li Ximing felt a bit awkward, but Li Xijun didn't dwell on it. He recounted everything that happened before and after Li Ximing's seclusion, pointing out the two mineral veins. Li Ximing was quite pleased and replied, "That's good news!"

Li Xijun said, "Second Uncle is currently in seclusion recuperating. These past two months, I've been out gathering energy and cultivating the 'Slaughter Jun Kui Light.' On my way, I visited two markets and have already gathered all the spirit herbs and materials you need for the Shunyang method." As he spoke, he produced various items from his storage bag: spirit stones with phoenix-tail patterns, a warm jade bottle, crimson spirit herbs... a series of spiritual items: "This is Phoenix Tail Stone, this is Grey Crow Smoke, Origin Yang Spirit Herb..."

Li Ximing took each item. Seeing Li Xijun's travel-worn appearance, he quickly thanked him. He placed the items on the table, feeling too awkward to say more than just "thank you."

Li Xijun waved his hand, dismissing it. Now that his cultivation had advanced, and he had begun cultivating "Clear Eye Spirit Pupils," his eyes gleamed with a circulating light, as if he could see through people. He said softly, "Grand-Uncle has been quite haggard lately. It's likely he's afflicted by inner demons, but he never speaks of it. You should refine more tranquility-enhancing pills... I'll find an opportunity to send a few more people to the great southern county to search for such pills. Coincidentally, there's a type of spirit water I also need to search for. Combining these two tasks will make things more convenient."

Li Ximing listened, nodding in agreement. Li Xuanxuan was his paternal grandfather; he should have been the most concerned, but his secluded cultivation had delayed him. He said apologetically, "I'll go refine pills right away, I'll go refine pills right away... I'll diligently look after Grandfather's matters from now on, so you don't need to worry."

Li Xijun nodded with a smile. Li Ximing then asked, "Is 'Slaughter Jun Kui Light' really that difficult to cultivate? Our family already has one cold water ingredient, and one cold qi. The Yuan family obtained another, and 'Cold Snow Collection' has three cold qis and a method for finding cold water... do you still need to go out?"

"It's just that one cold water ingredient that's missing," Li Xijun nodded with a smile and replied. "My Clear Frost Pine Ridge is adept at using spells, and 'Slaughter Jun Kui Light' is very powerful in my hands." He extended two fingers, placing his thumb against the base of his index finger, and recited an incantation. Immediately, a dazzling cold light burst forth, emanating chilling energy. From his fingertips, strands of pure white, flawless radiance drifted, scattering and dancing in the air.

Li Ximing felt his face grow cold, the hairs on his back stood on end, and a layer of glistening white frost appeared on the ground beneath his feet. The circulation of true essence within his body became somewhat sluggish. Spirit materials were laid out on the table, so Li Xijun dared not fully unleash it. He merely gave a brief demonstration, then waved his hand to dispel the spell, explaining, "'Slaughter Jun Kui Light' is not just about coldness, but also yin. Once I obtain the spirit water, it can advance another level. When I use this spell in combat then, even if someone's cultivation is much higher than mine, they'll suffer a hidden loss if caught off guard."

Li Ximing looked on enviously, "It's a pity my cultivation method is of the Golden Yang lineage, so I can't cultivate it. Although 'Golden Hall Radiant Origin Art' is good, it lacks corresponding spells and escape techniques."

After the two chatted for a while, a clear shout came from outside the great formation of Azure Capital Mountain: "Kong family of Xuanyue Gate, here by appointment! Please open your mountain gate!"

The two were slightly startled. They rose into the air by wind. Outside the formation stood a woman in plain clothes, adorned with golden beads at her waist and carrying two curved blades. Her appearance was exquisite. Behind her stood an unremarkable middle-aged man who remained silent.

*What a beautiful woman.*

Li Ximing had a gentle nature. Although he occasionally indulged in female beauty, he wasn't so infatuated as to lose his wits. Knowing she was a Foundation Establishment senior, he kept his head lowered and dared not look. Li Xijun, however, cupped his fists and said, "Is the esteemed Senior Kong Tingyun the one who has arrived?"

"Indeed. And you are...?" Kong Tingyun glanced at him, secretly praising him in her heart. She spoke politely and softly, "Brother Jiao once agreed with me to construct a fire vein for your esteemed family. I have now arrived as promised."

"Splash..." As they spoke, the deep blue surface of Moon-Gazing Lake suddenly burst open. A black-robed youth ascended by wind, his gaze fixed on Kong Tingyun, his expression dark. His eyes lingered on the two curved blades at her waist, and his face instantly turned grim. He stood there silently.

Kong Tingyun glanced at him, finding him very familiar. She was momentarily shocked and blurted out, "Hooked Serpent?!"

Li Wushao took two deep breaths and said humbly, "The Hooked Serpent is dead. I am Li Wushao of Azure Capital. Wushao greets this immortal."

Kong Tingyun responded rather unnaturally, her long-held doubts finally resolved: *I wondered why Li Yuanjiao inexplicably brought this Hooked Serpent all the way back to the Li family, enduring hardship without complaint... So he has a method for controlling demonic beasts... It's not surprising, being close to the northern regions after all.*

It was just that she still had a pair of Foundation Establishment artifacts made from the Hooked Serpent's former tail hooks hanging from her waist, which was quite awkward. The Hooked Serpent was now part of the Li family, so she had to show due respect. Silently, she put the artifacts into her storage bag and then said, "Kong Tingyun of Xuanyue, I greet fellow Daoist."

Li Wushao's expression improved considerably, and he quietly retreated behind Li Xijun.

With Li Yuanjiao and Li Qinghong in secluded cultivation, the responsibility naturally fell to Li Xijun. He politely said, "Please wait a while, Senior. Our elders are currently in secluded cultivation and cannot come out to greet you at this moment..."

Kong Tingyun waved her hand, appearing nonchalant, and said directly, "There's no need for Li Yuanjiao. Just point me to a mountain where I can open a fire vein, return the formation disk to me, and I'll depart. I don't have much time to spare." After speaking, Kong Tingyun still somewhat anxiously inquired, "Li Yuanjiao hasn't broken that formation, has he? Is that why he hasn't dared to see me until now? This is a valuable item; if it's damaged, your family will have a lot to compensate!"

"Rest assured, Senior, it's perfectly fine." Li Xijun nodded. The location for the fire vein had already been planned by the Li family: Wutu Mountain. Changes in fire veins often affect surrounding spirit fields. The other peaks were all situated amidst large spirit fields, but Wutu Mountain stood alone, suspended within the mountain forest. Thus, it was the only mountain that could be chosen.

At Kong Tingyun's gesture, the Qi Condensation Peak middle-aged man already descended by wind towards Wutu Mountain. Li Xijun led his people there by wind, and they all watched from the air.