Chapter 408: Inquiry

"So it was the Golden Feather Immortal Sect…"

Upon hearing his surname was Zhang and seeing his attire, Li Qinghong immediately understood that Zhang Yun, unwilling to reveal his true identity, was merely claiming to be a swordsman from Jiangnan. She naturally didn't expose him.

"Zhang Yun…"

The name sounded very familiar. Combining it with his earlier tone, Li Qinghong instantly thought of someone.

Back when Li Tongya had broken into the Serpent Demon's cave, he had shared the spoils with a swordsman named Zhang Yun. Zhang Yun acquired the Serpent Demon's pearl and the *Blood Demon Manual*, while Li Tongya obtained the Du Ruo Spear and the *River Mausoleum Scripture*. That spear was now in Li Qinghong's hand.

Li Qinghong estimated that this person was indeed the Zhang Yun from back then. Seventy or eighty years had passed, and he was now close to achieving the Purple Palace realm.

"This is… a direct descendant of the Three Sects!"

She cupped her hands gently and replied: "Greetings, Senior. This junior is Li Qinghong, and Li Tongya is my great-grandfather."

"So, you're the descendant of an old acquaintance." Zhang Yun glanced at her, his golden robes fluttering, and said directly: "Your immortal foundation is decent, and that lightning talisman has some power. Your spear technique is ordinary. As for your escape techniques, spells, and secret arts, none are truly impressive. They're only good for bullying aristocratic families, similar to cultivators from the Seven Gates. If you were to face me, a member of the Golden Feather Azure Pool, you would likely lose more often than win."

Li Qinghong nodded in response. Zhang Yun swept his gaze over both of them, stood with his hands behind his back, and asked: "Since you know I have a connection with your elders, why don't you invite me in?"

With Zhang Yun having said as much, Li Qinghong could only invite him to descend. The *Green Ox Resting by the River Array* on Qingdu Peak would likely be useless before him; if he intended harm, he would have acted already.

Zhang Yun seemed not to notice her apprehension, or perhaps simply didn't care. He landed on the mountain, gazed at the blooming Du Ruo flowers covering the slopes, and said softly: "Li Tongya… what a pity. Back then, when I heard he broke through to Foundation Establishment, I still thought I'd eventually get to have a proper fight with him! In the end, there was no opportunity."

After taking a couple of steps, Li Qinghong remained cautiously silent, while Zhang Yun mused to himself: "Li Tongya trained his descendants well; they are much stronger than mine. Although my three sons are all very talented, due to my long years of secluded cultivation, they lacked proper discipline… and grew up with arrogant temperaments."

Zhang Yun seemed to suddenly realize he had strayed from the topic and replied: "However… I came this time just to caution you about one thing: Do not concern yourselves with Zhang Huaide's matter, nor any of the affairs, large or small, happening along the entire riverbank. I was personally dispatched to oversee this. I feel a certain camaraderie with Li Tongya, which is why I made this trip. You all should act accordingly."

Li Qinghong softly expressed her thanks. Zhang Yun suddenly stopped, stood with his hands behind his back, and said softly: "The *River Mausoleum Scripture* is in your family's possession, isn't it?"

At this remark, Li Qinghong hesitated, then replied: "Indeed, Senior."

Zhang Yun, though old, still had a somewhat frivolous air about him. He merely chuckled: "Excellent, excellent."

Zhang Yun squinted at her, a look of sudden confusion on his face, and murmured: "Did the Wanling Flower originate from your family?"

Li Qinghong hadn't expected him to suddenly ask about this, but with a quick thought, she immediately understood: 'It's said that the Wanling Flower has been extinct in Jiangnan for hundreds of years. The fact that my family suddenly acquired it, and since all movements in Jiangnan are under the control of the Three Sects, news of it must have reached their ears…'

"Yes!" Li Qinghong respectfully assented. Zhang Yun finally became serious and said gravely: "Where did it come from!"

Li Qinghong's mind raced. Zhang Yun clearly knew what the Wanling Flower represented, which was why he specifically inquired about this spiritual object, while her own family was completely unaware… 'Most likely related to the Wang family!'

Her family was at a disadvantage in terms of information and unequal in status. Playing tricks would almost certainly backfire, so Li Qinghong could only try to be vague: "It was left by a northern Daoist. My family helped him, and so he bestowed this spiritual root upon us."

When Zhang Yun had smiled earlier, he seemed somewhat frivolous, but now, with a serious expression, he was very imposing. He said gravely: "What was his cultivation level? What was his surname!"

Li Qinghong showed hesitation, then murmured: "That senior was very unusual. His aura was vast, yet I couldn't discern his cultivation level. His surname was… Wang!"

She was sharp-witted and spoke with careful measure. Although Wang Xun had addressed her as an equal, she respectfully called him "Senior." Coupled with her description, the image of a powerful Northern figure emerged, causing Zhang Yun to frown.

"Indeed, surnamed Wang!" Zhang Yun let out a deep breath and thought to himself: 'The Yinghua Wang family! A Golden Core aristocratic family!'

His heart jolted, and he immediately asked, puzzled: "That's an immortal family from the North. What could a small aristocratic family like yours possibly do to help him?"

Li Qinghong murmured: "An elder of my family once left behind a sword named Azure Ruler, within which was sealed a sword intent of his. That senior merely wished to take a look."

Zhang Yun finally understood and said softly: "Right, that's the only thing of interest in your Li family… Where is the sword?"

"My elder brother has taken it and gone south."

Zhang Yun had no choice but to drop the matter. He nodded, then suddenly chuckled, saying softly: "This is your family's fortuitous encounter, but don't imagine it's too grand… The Yinghua Wang family is most wary of being entangled in mortal karma. By giving your family this spiritual root, they have already settled the karmic ties completely!"

Li Qinghong raised an eyebrow slightly. Zhang Yun's eyes were clear, evidently seeing through all calculations, and even a hint of bluff was not missed. She sighed inwardly: 'A direct descendant of Golden Feather, truly formidable.'

Little did she know, Zhang Yun, standing before her, also felt a great pity in his heart, musing: 'It was actually bestowed by the Yinghua Wang family! What a shame, what a shame. I was originally thinking that this Wanling Flower was extremely useful, and I could just conveniently take this Foundation Establishment spiritual root from the Li family for my own use in the sect… Now it seems I truly can't take it.' After all, it was a gift from the Yinghua Wang family, signifying the settling of karma. If Zhang Yun were to snatch it away within a few years, the Wang family would inevitably be displeased. Although a Foundation Establishment spiritual root was precious, it wasn't indispensable for Zhang Yun, and it wasn't worth offending the Wang family.

He looked at Li Qinghong and suddenly asked: "Is your elder brother also at Foundation Establishment?"

Li Qinghong dared not lie about such an obvious question and merely nodded. Zhang Yun chuckled, muttering: "Interesting… interesting… A single family with five Foundation Establishment cultivators across three generations. There must be something peculiar."

After a moment of recollection, he spoke: "And Ning Tiaoxiao personally arranged the marriage contract. He must have discovered something… Hmm… the Li family." Zhang Yun continued: "Li Qinghong… has your elder brother also cultivated the Vast Ocean technique?"

"Indeed," Li Qinghong softly replied. Zhang Yun chuckled, nodding: "Good, very good."

As soon as he finished speaking, he disregarded the Li family members before him, rolled up a golden light, passed through the Li family's grand array, and headed north on his own.

Li Qinghong bowed her head in respectful farewell. Only after he had laughed and soared far away did she let out a breath, her back sweating. Seeing Li Xicheng rushing into the courtyard, she said gravely: "Immediately seal off the news! Zhang Yun's visit absolutely cannot be spread!"

Li Xicheng nodded and replied: "Don't worry, Aunt. The fight just now was too quick; they only know someone used a lightning spell. I'll spread the word that you were practicing a spell."

Hengdong Commandery.

"Friend, you can leave us here… no need to be so polite." Li Xijun and his companions flew all the way to the edge of Hengzhu Commandery. He cupped his hands to Bi Chenjuan, who was beside them, and said softly: "We shall take our leave now!"

Bi Chenjuan nodded upon hearing this and replied: "If you ever pass through Hengzhu again, simply mention my name, and I will personally come out of the sect to welcome you."

Li Xijun smiled and departed. Li Xuanxuan, who was beside them, though still looking frail and aged, seemed much more invigorated, his eyes brighter, and a smile on his face.

"This Hengzhu's Spirit Cleansing Demon Purging Art is quite remarkable! Much of the stagnation in my heart has dissipated, and circulating my true essence no longer feels sluggish."

Li Xijun merely chuckled: "That's wonderful news. Granduncle must strictly adhere to the instructions: no engaging in combat for the next few years. If you were to fight… it might affect your immortal cultivation." Fearing that Li Xuanxuan wouldn't listen, he quickly added: "If you were to fight, those dozens of spirit stones would go to waste."

"I understand… Of course, I know…." Li Xuanxuan mumbled a few trivial remarks, and the atmosphere became much lighter. Kong Heng, meanwhile, recited scriptures along the way, watching the old and young pair chatter.

They flew into the Helin Mountain Range and landed. Only then did they separate to search for spiritual objects. For two months, they searched the periphery of the Helin Mountain Range, finding one or two spiritual items, but no other major gains.

Li Xijun met Li Xuanxuan at the agreed time. Over the past two months, the old man's expression had grown increasingly relaxed, showing a sense of ease. He carried a few plums in his pouch and offered some to Li Xijun.

Li Xijun chuckled as he accepted them, lamenting: "I never expected the spiritual energy of Helin Mountain to be so meager. No wonder no good spiritual objects have appeared here for so many years."

Li Xuanxuan took out a few more plums and handed them to Kong Heng, who accepted them with a smile. Only then did Li Xuanxuan say: "There are hardly any demon beasts in the Helin Mountain Range, so naturally, it can't compare to Dali Mountain."

Li Xijun took out a map, glanced at it, and suggested: "It's still early. Why don't we cross the commandery and go check out the Quanwu and Dongli mountain ranges?"

Li Xuanxuan naturally had no objection. The three of them finalized their itinerary, immediately rode the wind eastward, planning to follow the path northeast and first visit the Quanwu Mountain Range.

"The Quanwu Mountain Range is truly vast," Kong Heng looked at the mountain range vaguely visible in the distant clouds and exclaimed: "When we traveled south, we crossed the western foothills of this mountain. Now, after circling a great distance, we've only reached its eastern foothills."

Li Xijun listened and immediately seized the opportunity to ask: "How does it compare to Luoxia Mountain?"

Kong Heng pondered for a moment and replied: "It's difficult to compare. The North also has grand mountains, most of which are known for being tall, perilous, and rich in spiritual energy, but unlike this mountain, which is endlessly continuous, stretching for thousands of miles…"

"If we're solely comparing spiritual energy, Luoxia Mountain is naturally unparalleled; it's number one." Kong Heng spoke with rare certainty, saying: "Without a doubt, the most abundant source of spiritual energy in the world must be Luoxia Mountain. Only then do the grotto-heavens and blessed lands of various sects get their turn… As for other mountain ranges, they can only be ranked further down."

"This Luoxia Mountain… what Daoist lineage does it belong to?" Li Xijun asked curiously. Kong Heng seemed a bit lost in thought, then praised: "The name Luoxia (Falling Radiance) originates from a True Monarch in the mountain. He achieved the Dao through radiant light. It's said that all the radiant light in the world is under his command… When the sun and moon alternate, the first ray of dawn emerges from Luoxia Mountain."

"Only after this first ray descends the mountain do other forms of radiance dare to be born. It is said that there are seventy-two kinds of radiant lights in heaven and earth, and forty-eight of them are creations of this True Monarch's divine abilities."

Li Xijun asked: "Since Luoxia Mountain is the foremost Daoist lineage in the North… there's probably more than one True Monarch there, right?"

Kong Heng said softly: "As for how many True Monarchs there are on Luoxia Mountain? How many within the country? How many overseas? And how many have left this realm… opinions have always varied, with no fixed number."

"However, in the past few centuries, three True Monarchs have demonstrably appeared and acted; these are verifiable Golden Core True Monarchs!" Kong Heng, seeing that both the old and young members of the Li family were listening very attentively, added: "However, I've also heard some rumors that the True Monarch who achieved the Dao through radiant light… has actually become an immortal."

"Became an immortal?!" Jiangnan Dao cultivators often said "immortal maiden" and "high immortal," and Northern Buddhist cultivators often said "enlightened" or "achieved the Dao." But Li Xijun understood that the meaning of "immortal" in Kong Heng's mouth was far more profound. He whispered: "Is it… a Dao Embryo?"

"Correct." Kong Heng nodded, a hint of envy appearing on his face. He said softly: "I've heard that He actually achieved an immortal body and Dao Embryo long ago, becoming indestructible, coexisting with heaven and earth, and shining with the sun and moon… I don't know why He is still on Luoxia Mountain."

"Truly a great divine being," Li Xijun praised. Kong Heng gently shook his head, saying softly: "Don't you also have a clearly identifiable immortal in the South?"

"This…" Seeing Li Xijun and his companion look puzzled, Kong Heng asked in surprise: "I heard that whenever a Purple Palace cultivator in your South breaks through to Golden Core, that person sends someone to collect the golden essence. Could this rumor be false?!"

"So that's what you mean!" Li Xijun suddenly understood and replied: "Indeed, it's true! It's absolutely true! So it's sent by an immortal!"

"Then that's right!" Kong Heng quickly asked: "May I ask what cultivation level this immortal possesses? By what path did they achieve immortality? And where is their immortal dwelling?"

To the monk's string of questions, Li Xijun could only shake his head helplessly and replied softly: "To be honest, Jiangnan has always had its information blocked by the Three Sects. It's said that they once collectively destroyed books, obscuring much information about achieving Foundation Establishment and Purple Palace."

"My family's foundation is shallow, and we even have to rely on cultivators from overseas to ask about news within Jiangnan, let alone anything about immortals…" Kong Heng nodded thoughtfully and offered an apology.

The group traveled day and night, flying for half a month. They reached the other side of the Quanwu Mountain Range, an area bordering Libu Commandery to the north and Dongli Mountain to the east. This region had fewer demon beasts and was much safer. The group dispersed to search for water veins and spiritual objects.

Li Xizhi left the sect and quickly flew north on the wind. Along the way, he awkwardly managed to lull Huaier, who was in his arms, to sleep. They stopped at a small town.

Although Chenghuai was well-behaved, after lying in his arms for two full days, he finally couldn't bear it anymore and began squirming, wanting to go out and explore. Li Xizhi tried feeding him some fruit, but he didn't like it.

"Let's rest for a while… Libu Commandery is still a long journey away." Li Xizhi landed. The night was deep, and lights still flickered in the town below. He paused to look and saw that the townspeople were holding torches, gathered in a circle.