Chapter 398: Qingdu Li Qinghong

"Qinghong is about to succeed!"

Li Yuanjiao felt a slight joy upon hearing this, but his thoughts were deep. He merely nodded, saying in a low voice, "Master, please come back with me first."

Kong Heng, who was relatively talkative in front of Li Wushao, simply nodded and rose in front of Li Yuanjiao. The two floated up, riding the wind, and returned along the path.

There was no conversation on the way back. Kong Heng flew on a golden light, his Zen staff glowing and shimmering, looking significantly different.

Li Yuanjiao glanced at him and asked, "Now that you have achieved a breakthrough, Master, what are your plans for the future?"

Kong Heng bowed slightly and replied, "If your esteemed clan has any requests, Kong Heng will do his utmost to repay you. If there are no demands, Kong Heng will continue his cultivation on Moon-Gazing Lake."

Once they reached the peak, Kong Heng excused himself and descended to cultivate. Li Yuanjiao returned to the peak but did not resume his secluded cultivation; instead, he stood in the forest with his hands clasped behind his back.

Indeed, after the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, an urgent summons came from outside the formation. Kong Heng's voice was very anxious: "This humble monk wishes to meet Benefactor Yuanjiao! Please open the grand formation."

Upon landing in front of Li Yuanjiao, Kong Heng said anxiously, "Senior! This humble monk... I absolutely cannot let Xijun suffer for me."

"Previously, I only thought of my own cultivation secrets and could not speak much, so I delayed disclosing them. That was Kong Heng's fault! Now that I have succeeded in my cultivation, I must thank your esteemed clan for helping me achieve it..."

Kong Heng explained himself at length. Li Yuanjiao glanced at him but said nothing. Kong Heng had been with the Li family for over ten years, and his character was well-known. Although Li Yuanjiao did not particularly like Buddhist cultivators, such combat power could not be wasted.

'After understanding his background this time, this person might be useful.'

Li Yuanjiao replied, "This is a family matter; there is no need for Master to trouble himself. Once his punishment is complete, he will naturally be released."

Kong Heng shook his head, about to speak, when Li Yuanjiao asked, "Is the 'Liaohe True Dharma' that enabled your breakthrough different from the Buddhist cultivation in Zhao Kingdom? Your current strength, Master, is probably not beneath that of an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator, is it?"

Kong Heng could only continue, shaking his head repeatedly, and replied, "Benefactor does not cultivate Buddhist Dharma; this is very complex, and this humble monk cannot explain it clearly. It is only comparable to a Foundation Establishment cultivator of the Purple Mansion Golden Core path. However, compared to the Seven Paths of Northern Buddhism, it is still a notch weaker."

Li Yuanjiao had met Wang Xun from the ancient immortal cultivator Wang family and had assumed ancient Buddhist cultivation would also be much stronger. He was immediately surprised and asked, "Is ancient dharma not as good as modern dharma?!"

"Precisely."

Kong Heng sighed and explained, "In the Buddhist path, 'Master' and 'Maha' correspond to Foundation Establishment and Purple Mansion respectively. The path of a Master requires internal cultivation of spells, understanding scriptures, and seeking enlightenment..."

"However, the Buddhist cultivators of Zhao Kingdom have now taken a shortcut. Masters do not cultivate dharma themselves; instead, they worship the Maha Dharma Form, recite its name daily, borrow its divine powers, and collectively use their golden essence to forge giant statues for cultivation. Therefore, their strength is formidable, far surpassing Foundation Establishment."

Li Yuanjiao rarely heard such secret information and listened attentively. Kong Heng continued, "This path involves no self-cultivation, resulting in a strange form of 'compassionate attainment.' They lose the divine powers they should have cultivated, becoming Masters who are one notch stronger than normal but naturally one notch weaker when facing a Purple Mansion cultivator!"

"Conversely, these Mahas, freed from the constraints of heavenly laws, reincarnate freely from one life to the next. What was originally a near-certain death is now a steady path, making them much stronger than Purple Mansion cultivators."

"So that's how it is!"

Li Yuanjiao had been puzzled by the strength of these Buddhist cultivators for many years. With his doubts resolved, his brow relaxed. Kong Heng sighed, "Because they borrow Maha's magical power, these Masters are especially wondrous. There is nothing they cannot do: bewitching minds, collecting resources, or divining. Monk-soldiers and tenants have their minds enchanted, controlled by the Masters. The 'compassionate attainments' and Masters, in turn, are controlled by the Mahas. In the vast Zhao Kingdom, day and night, billions of people show no difference, utter no sorrowful cry, and raise no single objection!"

"A single word from a Master above, and those below joyfully obey. Killing is justified, cannibalism is charity. Elders queue up, eager to be consumed, and children only wish to grow up quickly to ascend to ultimate bliss."

Tears welled in Kong Heng's eyes as he whispered, "Such a world, all the Masters call it──"

"The Buddhist Kingdom on Earth!"

Kong Heng looked somewhat lost, murmuring, "The Buddhist Patriarch once said he wanted to achieve a Great Harmony, where the world would be free of evil, sorrow, killing, and strife. They have achieved it; the people of Zhao Kingdom know no day without joy, no day without happiness."

At these words, Li Yuanjiao felt stifled. He asked in a deep voice, "Then... what about the Zhao Emperor?!"

"And those Hu-Jie..."

Kong Heng lowered his head: "When the Hu-Jie entered the pass a thousand years ago, they were very formidable, endowed with the Mandate of Heaven and the appearance of emperors, hoping to rule as emperors for generations. Emperor Zhaowu of Zhao's father, Qi Yan, suppressed Buddhism, but died overnight. His descendants, within a mere hundred years, bowed down at the feet of the Mahas."

"Later, they offered their golden essence and welcomed the Mahas into the capital. The current Zhao Emperor is like a slave, only capable of kneeling in worship!"

Li Yuanjiao was silent, then whispered, "No wonder it is said... Zhao Kingdom has no hope of breaking free. They live as they die; their minds aren't even their own. How can there be any hope of breaking free?"

"Alas!"

Kong Heng sighed again, speaking softly, "This humble monk lost his composure. My lineage originates from Northern Buddhism and is at odds with Zhao Buddhism. I have always felt sorrow for Zhao. Please forgive my emotional display, Benefactor."

"As for what is right or wrong, who can truly argue it? Every night, common folk flee from the territory governed by my Liaohe Temple, sneaking into Zhao Kingdom, even threatening to die if stopped, calling my temple a 'heretical path'."

Kong Heng looked desolate, pausing on the peak. Li Yuanjiao asked a few more minor questions, then waved him away.

Monk Kong Heng was a reasonable man. Although he still wanted to argue a few points for Li Xijun, he sighed softly and murmured, "Xijun is suffering because of me."

With that, he flew off on the wind, leaving Li Yuanjiao standing rooted to the spot, his hands clasped behind his back, holding the Qingchi Sword, wavering.

"Second Uncle!"

While he was still hesitating, Li Ximing flew over from behind, bowed with clasped hands, and whispered, "This junior congratulates Second Uncle on his improved cultivation and wishes him an early ascent to the Purple Mansion realm."

Li Yuanjiao's return marked his first appearance after secluded cultivation. Li Ximing flew over to pay his respects, his words very earnest: "Xijun also has his reasons..."

"Sixth level of Qi Condensation, not bad."

Li Yuanjiao did not reply but looked at Li Ximing's cultivation, feeling a slight joy. He asked, "It seems you're not far from breaking through to the seventh level of Qi Condensation. You should be able to attempt Foundation Establishment around thirty years old."

Li Ximing recounted all the details of his cultivation, both major and minor. Li Yuanjiao listened attentively, then asked in doubt, "This... private matter of yours also aids cultivation?!"

Li Ximing looked a little embarrassed upon hearing this but nodded. Li Yuanjiao, however, did not gloss over it. He pulled out a jade slip from his storage bag, read it carefully, and said in a deep voice, "It seems this is indeed the case! Although I don't know which 'golden essence' the 'Golden Hall Radiant Origin Art' refers to, it is after all of the 'radiant sun' attribute, so it makes sense either way."

He nodded, then said in a low voice, "I understand. You may leave now."

He watched Li Ximing depart, then picked up the small letter on the table. This letter had been sent from Qingchi Sect a long time ago. Li Xizhi was reliable, having gathered the information clearly and thoroughly.

"Blood Sundew Fruit."

Li Yuanjiao had never heard of this spirit medicine. He could only send out people to inquire about it first. As for finding it, he would likely need to venture deep into the mountainous regions of Yue.

"First, I will go into seclusion for cultivation. This matter can wait until Qinghong breaks through and returns!"

Meanwhile, Li Ximing returned to his courtyard and opened the lid of the dark, black furnace. The medicinal liquid inside was crystal clear but slightly greyish and appeared somewhat viscous.

"Good! Good!"

Coming and going quickly, the medicine in the furnace had not yet fully formed, so this batch of pills wouldn't be ruined. Li Ximing's talent was already high, and with Xiao Yuansi's guidance, he hadn't spoiled a single batch of pills since returning home.

He spent some time refining the remaining pills, yielding six from one batch. He carefully stored them in a jade bottle. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door outside.

"Knock, knock."

Li Ximing frowned slightly. The door creaked open, and a servant entered, saying respectfully, "My lord, a female cultivator has arrived outside. She says she comes at the Clan Head's command to seek instruction."

"Seek instruction?"

Li Ximing paused, then said softly, "Bring her up."

The servant withdrew, and soon a woman ascended.

The woman appeared to be no more than twenty, with a beautiful countenance and fair skin. Dressed in a dark blue gown, she blinked and bowed, saying, "This humble one, Meng, greets Senior."

Li Ximing lowered his gaze and said softly, "So it is Miss Meng."

Meng Zhuoyun saw his lowered gaze and, with a quick glance, already perceived that Li Ximing's demeanor was somewhat off. She merely said respectfully, "This humble cultivator has been instructed to seek your guidance on the Dao of Alchemy, Senior... The Clan Head has also given his approval."

"Very well."

Li Ximing sized her up, a strange glint in his eyes. He smiled and said, "Summon your inner fire; let me see."

He had just finished speaking with Li Yuanjiao when Meng Zhuoyun arrived in the courtyard. It was hard for him not to overthink the situation. Li Ximing was undecided in his heart, so he gently began teaching her, secretly thinking, 'Could it be that the Meng clan intends to align with our family, thus offering a woman to be my wife? She is about to break through to Qi Condensation, so she will surely be of great benefit to my cultivation.'

Meng Zhuoyun was a complete beauty, with delicate skin and a charming appearance. Li Ximing, of course, was no exception to human nature; while speaking the secrets of alchemy, thoughts stirred in his heart.

Meng Zhuoyun, for her part, was no longer a young girl; her mind was quite astute. She secretly thought to herself, "This Li Ximing seems quite different from other members of the Li family. I've heard he's quite fond of beautiful women. If I can use this to my advantage, perhaps I'll have an easier time in the Li family in the future."

Both harboring their own ulterior motives, they exchanged a glance. The man was interested, and the woman was willing, and their voices grew softer.

Li Xijun did not kneel in the ancestral hall for long; he went off to cultivate on his own after just a few days. However, Kong Heng took it to heart and came to inquire frequently.

The Li family continued its stable operation until winter passed and spring arrived, and all the heavy snow melted away. A beam of spiritual light came from the west, riding the clouds and mist, appearing very anxious.

The spiritual light stopped above the Li family's territory. Someone immediately flew up to greet it; it was Xu Gongming, a mid-stage Qi Condensation cultivator, who clasped his hands and said, "May I ask, fellow Daoist..."

The spiritual light ceased, revealing a burly man with a broad back and a powerful build, his eyes wide with fury. He appeared very anxious, dressed in leather armor, and simply shouted, "Is this the Li family of Lijing?!"

Xu Gongming was startled for a moment, then corrected him, "Currently, it is the Li family of Qingdu..."

The burly man exuded a powerful aura, his eyes slightly red. He glared fiercely and swore, "I don't care about your 'Qingdu' whatever! I only ask if your family has 'Wanling Flowers'!"

Only then did Xu Gongming realize this person was actually a Foundation Establishment cultivator. His heart pounded with fright, and he stammered, "My family indeed has this item... May I ask, Senior..."

The Foundation Establishment cultivator was immediately overjoyed. He reached out and grabbed Xu Gongming's collar, saying fiercely, "Quickly! Bring it to me! I won't let you suffer any loss!"

Xu Gongming felt excruciating pain in his limbs from the grab, crying out in discomfort, his heart and lungs feeling as if they were on fire. He struggled to say, "Please wait, Senior, I will go report to my elder!"

Only then did the big man relent. He hastily released him and shouted, "Go on, go on!"

Xu Gongming dared not delay and quickly flew down. The Jade Court Guards on this side had long since noticed the commotion and swiftly surrounded the area. Li Xicheng flew over and said in a deep voice, "What's going on?! Why is there a Foundation Establishment cultivator from another family here?!"

Xu Gongming explained the entire situation. Li Xicheng frowned and said, "What is this about?! We have to pay tribute next year! The Wanling Flowers harvested in recent years have long been sold to other aristocratic families! How could we have any specifically set aside for him?"

"Although the family keeps some for our own use, they are in the Ancestor's cultivation cave, and he has been in secluded cultivation for a long time!"

As the two discussed, the big man above could no longer hold his patience and shouted, "You young fellows! Does your family have this flower or not?! Don't waste this old man's time!"

He was extremely anxious. He took a step forward and extended his hand. The assembled cultivators reacted as if facing a great enemy, swiftly protecting Li Xicheng. Chen Mufeng, who was nearby, called out, "Senior, please consider carefully!"

The big man immediately stopped. Though extremely anxious, he still retained some rationality. He swept his gaze over them with a gloomy expression, then gritted his teeth and said, "Then quickly hand over the flower!"

Li Xicheng was equally nervous and instructed, "Go to Qingdu at once! Summon the Ancestor!"

"Rumble!"

No sooner had he spoken than rolling thunder roared in, lingering in the heavens and earth, effectively drowning out his words.

"Rumble!"

From the south, dark clouds rolled in. The thunder, stifled throughout the winter, now resonated across the sky. As the first clap of spring thunder sounded, a magnificent purple light came from the south.

"Fellow Daoist, you seek something from us, yet you act so domineeringly. It seems you hold my family in no regard!"

Then, a female Foundation Establishment cultivator arrived, riding on thunder. Her jade armor was smooth and lustrous, and her willow eyebrows and almond eyes were bright and beautiful, yet they subtly contained a warning, giving her an exceptionally heroic and valiant appearance.

Her long, black hair cascaded gently in the wind, framing her delicate, exquisite ears. Fragments of purple lightning flickered through her hair, emitting several silver-white halos, leaving everyone present stunned and speechless for a moment.

"Aunt!"

Li Qinghong, holding a silver-white long spear inverted, landed gracefully before them, her demeanor heroic and spirited. Li Xicheng was the most excited, exclaiming aloud on the spot, unable to contain his joy, and let out a hearty laugh.

Li Qinghong nodded slightly, her eyes as bright and beautiful as ever. She seemed much gentler when looking at her family members, yet even more captivating. With rolling lightning under her feet, she closed the distance.

Behind her, the black-clad youth Li Wushao, his eyes full of awe, respectfully bowed and retreated. His clothes showed signs of disarray, charred in places, looking as though he had just received a beating.

The burly man, startled by the shout, was initially somewhat annoyed, but his gaze lingered on her, repeatedly captivated, unable to look away. He then asked, somewhat lacking in conviction, "And who might you be, esteemed one?"

Li Qinghong's attire was practical and dashing, her bearing heroic and spirited. Without any makeup, the vibrant purple lightning around her face only added a sense of magnificent inviolability to her already valiant features.

Purple lightning swirled in her eyes as she declared in a clear voice, "Li Qinghong, of the Li family of Qingdu."