Chapter 406: Heng Zhu Dao

Li Xijun and Kong Heng flew south on the wind, continuing along the Mushroom Forest Plain. Li Xuanxuan flew behind them. Li Xijun suddenly remembered something. He pulled Kong Heng aside and whispered, "Master, since you cultivate using the Thunder Lake as your opportunity... why didn't you say so earlier?"

"Initially, I heard that Jiangnan was a dangerous place, so I didn't dare," Kong Heng replied. "My cultivation method is of a very high grade. Nobles might suspect me of ill intent, but I was also afraid that nobles would plot to seize my wealth or even my life."

Kong Heng stroked his smooth, clean-shaven head, his narrow eyes widening slightly as he softly said, "Ah, let me explain clearly to you, Fellow Daoist. The cultivation method I practice requires the heaven and earth to generate nine thunders. However, the corresponding divine position for this path in heaven and earth is currently vacant, and thunder techniques are not manifesting, making them difficult to find. Only when a thunder cultivator breaks through and condenses their immortal foundation will one of the nine thunders inevitably emerge."

"The elders in my temple calculated for a long time before their passing, and only then could they deduce that thunder would inevitably emerge in Jiangnan within the last century. That's why they sent me here, also calculating that there would be a tribulation here that could temper my mind and will."

He lowered his gaze, speaking gently: "Fellow Daoist Yuanjiao often doubts me... The truth is, my Liaohe Temple is more destitute than even nobles. After the abbot passed away, I became like a stray dog with nowhere to go."

Li Xijun nodded slightly, his mind growing wary, and asked, "How long has it been since your temple's elder passed away?"

"It's already been... over forty years!" Kong Heng replied. Li Xijun calculated in his mind for a moment, realizing it was precisely the time when Ling Yanzi of the Purple Smoke Sect had fled to their family, been saved by their ancestors, and left behind the *Purple Thunder Secret Origin Art*.

"Over forty years... Several thunder cultivators have emerged in Jiangnan now. If there's any Purple Manor level arrangement involved, it must have been set up more than forty years ago."

Li Xijun had never met Ling Yanzi, but he had read the family history and knew that Li Tongya had dealt with this person. He thought to himself, 'Ling Yanzi... couldn't have deceived the old ancestor. That means Ling Yanzi himself was unaware, having inadvertently become someone else's pawn. The Purple Smoke Sect... could it be a true master from the Purple Smoke Sect?'

He then asked, "Master, do you know of Thunder Cloud Temple?"

Kong Heng shook his head slightly, indicating he didn't know. Li Xijun pondered for a moment, thinking, "It seems I'll have to find an opportunity to visit the Purple Smoke Sect and ask about this Ling Yanzi."

Li Xijun made a guess from the worst possible angle, thinking, "Ideally, it's precisely because Ling Yanzi and others brought this item from Thunder Cloud Temple that the Liaohe Abbot calculated it and sent Kong Heng out into the world..."

While Li Xijun was pondering, the group had already passed through Helin County, part of the Evernight Gate's territory. They rested briefly and then settled down in the mountains at one end of Helin County.

Li Xijun activated his visual acuity, a snowy mist swirling as he surveyed the terrain, and softly said, "This should be the place. We just crossed Mount Quanwu, and ahead lies the Helin Mountain Range, which is a convergence point of ley lines. Several types of water veins described in the *Cold Snow Collection* are gathered here."

This trip was partly genuine and partly a pretense. Ostensibly, Li Xijun was collecting cold water. Li Xuanxuan still wore a gray robe, his face stern as he followed behind. Kong Heng, however, seemed quite interested, looking at the beautiful mountains and rivers before them and remarking, "Jiangnan's water veins are truly abundant."

Li Xijun nodded gently, turned to Li Xuanxuan, and respectfully said, "Uncle, you've also read the *Cold Snow Collection* on the way. The Helin Mountain Range is vast, so if we search separately, we might find what we're looking for sooner."

Li Xuanxuan simply nodded. Li Xijun then looked at Kong Heng and whispered, "Although the spiritual energy in the Helin Mountain Range isn't strong, and there aren't many famous spiritual treasures or demonic beasts, there are inevitably some rogue demonic cultivators. So, please, Master, keep watch and guard us."

"Very well!"

Seeing his thoughtful and methodical approach, Li Xuanxuan nodded, chose a direction, and left. Li Xijun watched him leave, then turned to Kong Heng: "I'll trouble Master to look after our elder. I'm going to Hengdong County."

Kong Heng understood and nodded, giving him a few words of caution. Li Xijun then continued flying north, passing between two large mountains in the Helin Mountain Range, and followed the path to Hengdong County, which belonged to the Hengzhuo Daoist Sect.

As soon as he flew out of Helin, he saw a vast plain. Everywhere he looked, there were buildings of all sizes, towers, and pavilions, with continuous roofs and connected structures. Hengdong County was a large county, with a population of over a million. The Hengzhuo Daoist Sect had managed it for many years, making it one of the wealthiest counties in Yue State.

Li Xijun flew for a while, looking around. All he saw were open, fertile fields. He felt doubt in his heart: "The Hengzhuo Daoist Sect... doesn't even have an immortal mountain?"

As he was thinking, a person flew toward him from ahead. He stepped on a wisp of cloud, dressed in white robes adorned with golden-red cloud patterns. With thin lips, large eyes, and slender brow bones, he did not resemble a person from Jiangnan.

"I am Bi Chengjuan of the Hengzhuo Dao. Greetings, Fellow Daoist... May I ask which sect or lineage you are from?"

Bi Chengjuan had deep-set eyes and a high nose, his expression difficult to discern. His gaze swept over Li Xijun, and he had already deduced that Li Xijun was not from any of the Three Sects or Seven Gates, though his words were quite tactful.

"I am a humble cultivator from Moon Lake... Li Xijun of the Qingdu Li family."

Li Xijun replied gently. Bi Chengjuan was slightly surprised and nodded, saying, "So it's the Li clan... No wonder I saw the clear energy flowing gracefully in your eyes, outstandingly. I was wondering if you were from some lineage in Wu State."

Li Xijun offered a few humble words. Bi Chengjuan politely asked, "May I ask, Fellow Daoist, what brings you from so far away?"

Li Xijun replied, "I've heard that the Hengzhuo Immortal Dao possesses the Serene Purity Demonic Cleansing Art, which can eliminate inner demons and resolve mental blockages. An elder of mine is troubled by an inner demon, so I've come specifically to seek treatment."

Bi Chengjuan had clearly seen this many times and was not surprised. He said, "Since we are all fellow Daoists, providing treatment is naturally no problem... There's just one thing I need to make clear to you first."

He paused, then said very cautiously, "Our Immortal Dao's Serene Purity Demonic Cleansing Art is not some top-grade immortal spell; it's merely a fifth-grade one. Some inner demons are simply beyond its power. If you wish to seek treatment, Fellow Daoist, you must be prepared!"

"Of course. Nothing is ever guaranteed." Li Xijun replied as a matter of course. Only then did Bi Chengjuan nod apologetically and say, "Over the years, people often accuse our fellow disciples of incompetence when the spell fails, and some even blame our Hengzhuo Dao itself... Our sect has been operating for many years, and we're truly tired of being cursed at, so we have no choice but to take extra precautions."

Seeing his demeanor, Li Xijun felt a bit more goodwill towards him, secretly thinking, "This Hengzhuo Daoist Sect is quite different from Qingchi; it's better than most sects in northern Yue... truly rare."

Once Bi Chengjuan had clearly explained the responsibilities, his tone immediately became warmer, and he smiled, "This is your first time visiting our Hengzhuo Dao, isn't it, Fellow Daoist?"

"That's right." Li Xijun replied. Bi Chengjuan explained, "Our Hengzhuo Dao has a long history. For generations, we've simply been called Hengzhuo Dao. It was only later that some busybodies ranked us among the 'several sects and several gates,' leading to people calling us the 'Hengzhuo Daoist Sect,' and this name gradually spread, becoming difficult to change."

His expression was somewhat helpless: "That's why fellow Daoists from the north all call us 'Daoist Sect'... but that's not actually the case... Our Hengzhuo Dao cannot be compared to Qingchi or Jinyu. Although we both cultivate the Purple Manor Golden Core Dao, our Hengzhuo Dao follows the path of ancient arts cultivation."

Li Xijun listened carefully. Bi Chengjuan continued, "To be precise, our cultivation method is actually closer to the Great Owl Sunflower Temple in the east. Many years ago, both our Hengzhuo Dao and the Xiukui Dao were branch establishments set up by the Moon Splendor Immortal Manor."

He chuckled lightly: "Therefore, the Great Owl Sunflower Temple also has this problem; they are often called the 'Xiukui Daoist Sect.' Those Daoists are much fiercer; calling them by the wrong name can genuinely lead to trouble."

Li Xijun nodded thoughtfully. Bi Chengjuan's choice of words was very precise, and looking at the common people under Hengzhuo's rule, Li Xijun praised, "Your sect has a very ancient style."

"Don't even mention it..." Bi Chengjuan's tone became much lower, and he changed the subject, asking, "Fellow Daoist, could you please wait a few days? I'll go back to set up the formation and prepare the pills."

"Alright." Li Xijun cupped his hands and asked, "How many spirit stones will it cost?"

Bi Chengjuan was polite, but the price was firm. He replied, "Only fifty spirit stones."

Li Xijun secretly winced at the cost but nodded in agreement. He took out twenty-five spirit stones from his storage bag as a deposit, then flew away.

After leaving Hengzhuo's territory, Li Xijun secretly began to worry. He wasn't sure how to explain things to Li Xuanxuan. His grand-uncle had held positions of power for a long time, and although his spirit was somewhat broken now, he could still be very stern when he put on a serious face.

When he arrived at the Helin Mountain Range, Li Xijun took out his jade pendant and tried to sense them, but they were too far away to locate. So he flew around for a while until he finally found the two of them.

He saw Li Xuanxuan silently casting spells beside a small hill, with Kong Heng standing guard nearby. Li Xijun landed beside them, calculated using a secret method from the *Cold Snow Collection*, and said joyfully, "Sure enough, there's a vein of cold water hidden beneath these water channels!"

So the two of them performed hand seals for a while. The ground trembled slightly, and a small opening, about the size of a baby's mouth, appeared. A shimmering blue light of water flew out. Li Xijun quickly took out a jade bottle and collected it inside.

"Mulin Cold Water, it can nourish true essence and cold energy."

This spiritual water of heaven and earth was not rare and was found at the convergence of ley lines. Compared to Heavenly Prime Pure Essence, it was even less significant. But for Li Xijun, it was like finding a treasure. On one hand, it could refine true essence, and on the other, it could aid in cultivating the Butcher Monarch Sunflower Radiance. He put it away, feeling much better.

Li Xuanxuan also rarely smiled, and he said, "This old man is quite lucky; I found it quickly... It's only been one day, so you and I can find some more to keep at home..."

Li Xijun apologized, slowly bowed, and softly said, "This junior has heard that the Hengzhuo Dao has a method to dispel demons... Perhaps we should go and see it first. It won't be too late to search again later."

Li Xuanxuan glared and exclaimed, "No! What's the big deal? I just take a couple of pills. I'll draw talismans as usual; it won't slow me down!"

Li Xijun gritted his teeth and said in a deep voice, "This junior took the opportunity to make arrangements in Hengdong County and has already paid the fees... I implore Grand-Uncle to accompany me."

"You!" Li Xuanxuan immediately realized, paused for two breaths, and said, "Oh, fine! You and Ming'er are ganging up to trick me!"

Li Xijun merely lowered his head and replied, "It was just a moment of impulse for this junior... If Grand-Uncle doesn't go, I'm afraid it will be a waste."

Li Xuanxuan couldn't possibly not understand. After a long silence, he finally blurted out, "Don't let it happen again!"

He glanced at Li Xijun, and then his floodgates of speech opened. He began to ramble about his father, Li Yuanyun, then drifted to his grandfather, Li Xuanling, and finally spoke of how frugal Li Tongya had been in his life, not daring to spend even a single spirit stone.

Li Xijun led him, listening in silence. After a long while, he said, "If Great-Grandfather were still alive, he surely wouldn't wish to see Grand-Uncle tormenting himself like this."

Li Xuanxuan immediately fell silent and flew on gloomily. After a long time, he said, "Back then, I was completely unaware... If only I could have gone to Zhenhui Monastery instead of my brother Ling..."

He turned his head, his aging, unsightly face wet with glistening tears: "I, Li Xuanxuan! Will not utter another word!"

The old man covered his face: "I owe him too much... I owe him too much... If my brother Ling were alive, he would have achieved Foundation Establishment by now, unlike me... utterly useless!"

"And then your father died right before my eyes, but I abandoned him and fled alone! How can I face you? How can I face him?... I'd rather die!"

Li Xijun was moved. He stood by, comforting him, only saying, "The family is doing better now..."

Kong Heng, who was naturally kind-hearted, listened with deep emotion, thinking to himself, "I only thought Li Xuanxuan was an old-fashioned, stubborn elder... I never imagined he had such a story. Ultimately, my cultivation is still insufficient..."

The three of them flew to the Hengzhuo Dao's territory. Bi Chengjuan quickly came to greet them. His gaze swept over the three, cautiously fixating on Kong Heng, and he asked with a somewhat cold tone, "May I ask which sect's Master this is?"

Kong Heng was puzzled and replied, "I am originally a Buddhist cultivator from the north, and I am currently honored to serve as a guest elder for the Li family."

"A Li family guest elder?" Bi Chengjuan's expression immediately darkened. Fortunately, he didn't turn hostile at once, merely saying coldly, "Right, Moon Lake is near the great river... It's not surprising for the Li family to take in a few monks."

Li Xijun noticed the change in atmosphere and quickly said, "This is Master Kong Heng of Liaohe Temple. He originally cultivated in the northern desert, practicing ancient Buddhist methods and strictly adhering to the precepts... Please forgive us, Fellow Daoist..."

Bi Chengjuan suddenly realized, apologized, and his expression softened as he sighed, "I was impulsive! I'm truly sorry!"

His face showed grief as he explained, "Many years ago, that Murong Xia traveled south, devouring people everywhere, and even harmed my eldest sister! Our old ancestor fought all the way after him, so forcefully that he alarmed the Qingchi Sect, who came down to mediate, and ultimately, nothing came of it!"

Bi Chengjuan sighed deeply, then gritted his teeth and said, "Two of our three Purple Manor masters were dispatched, yet we still couldn't avoid this humiliation!"

Master Kong Heng murmured, "The Murong family... It seems they are of the Compassionate Aspect."

"What kind of damn Compassionate Aspect!" Bi Chengjuan seemed to be insulted, flew into a rage, and said hatefully, "That... that Murong Xia harming my eldest sister was bad enough! But he even... he even made her soul appear to comfort our old ancestor! How can such a thing exist in this world! Ah!"

Li Xijun felt indignation as he listened, and was secretly alarmed by the Murong family's strength: 'Suffering such humiliation... yet the Purple Manor masters of Hengzhuo Dao actually endured it...'

Bi Chengjuan sighed dully, apologizing for his outburst. He took out five glistening golden pills from his sleeve and whispered, "Please prepare yourself, Fellow Daoist..."

As he spoke, he took out a jade knife, saying with a lack of enthusiasm, "These are Body-Application Pills, corresponding to five acupoints of the mind and will. This is a method of ancient arts cultivation. Please cut open your flesh, insert these pills, and then use a secret method to seal the flesh."

He looked at their surprised faces and explained, "Tiny formations are inscribed on these pills. Later, when they enter our sect's Serene Purity Profound Reversal Grand Formation, they will naturally dissolve under the formation's guidance, assisting in the elimination of inner demons."