Chapter 451: Selecting the Martial Art Technique

The True Master has truly gone to great lengths for you; you must reflect deeply on this. Li Xuanfeng advised, and Ning Heyuan nodded in response, his expression complex, as he said softly, "I understand. I don't resent the True Master's lessons, nor do I fear offending any 'Son of Destiny.' My only fear is that one day the True Master will stop teaching me, truly abandon me here, and never inquire about me again—that would be truly hopeless."

Li Xuanfeng paused. Ning Heyuan took out a jade vial from his embrace and said softly, "The matter my brother-in-law entrusted to me... it's been handled. The ten Changmu Spirit Pills were exchanged for eight Xuanmin Pills of even better quality, and they are all clean."

Li Xuanfeng nodded slightly and accepted it. Ning Heyuan bowed to him and withdrew.

Li Xuanfeng said nothing more. Watching Ning Heyuan depart quietly, he then turned around and flew on the wind towards his cave abode.

Several cave abodes in the market town were rich in spiritual energy, with spirit springs gushing forth. Normally, renting them out would cost over ten spirit stones annually. One had already been vacated for Li Xuanfeng to cultivate in, while Li Qinghong, meanwhile, was arranged in a secondary, lower-grade cave abode nearby.

Yet, even this secondary cave abode was richer in spiritual energy than Qingdu Mountain. Li Qinghong cherished this opportunity and immersed herself entirely in cultivation. She only came to pay respects upon Li Xuanfeng's return.

Li Xuanfeng took out a Zuowu Stone, several weighty pieces of Haiying Xuan Mercury, and azure Tou Jade, handing them all to Li Qinghong and instructing her: "I have no use for these things; take them home with you."

Li Qinghong nodded in agreement. Li Xuanfeng then took out a jade vial from his embrace and asked softly: "Don't be sparing with the Yuwa Stone Liquid I gave you earlier; take it whenever you have time. This is a Xuanmin Pill. If you consume both of these treasures, you should be able to break through to the middle stage of Foundation Establishment."

Aside from consuming talisman pills, the Li family had rarely taken any high-quality elixirs when breaking through or cultivating. Now, these two items were direct lineage supplies from an Immortal Sect. Li Qinghong took them and replied: "Thank you, Uncle."

Just as Li Xuanfeng was about to say something, he saw someone ascend from below: a man with a broad forehead and thick eyebrows, none other than the elder brother of the Ning family, who respectfully announced: "A black-clad cultivator has arrived in the market town, claiming to be Li Yuanjiao, and wishes to pay his respects."

"Quickly, bring him up!" Both of them revealed expressions of joy. Li Xuanfeng waved his hand in response. Ning Dingbo quickly descended. Soon after, a person ascended from below. He had dark grey eyes and a slightly gloomy expression, with short eyebrows that hinted at some cunning. His black robes were very practical.

The man paused briefly before the cave abode's entrance. First, he pushed open the stone door and probed with his spiritual sense. After clearly seeing the two inside, his brows relaxed, and he stepped in with joy in his eyes.

"Yuanjiao greets Uncle!"

Compared to his sister's reaction upon seeing Li Xuanfeng, Li Yuanjiao appeared much more restrained. However, the joy in his eyes and brows was undeniable. Li Xuanfeng smiled and nodded, taking a quick glance, and then nodded, saying: "Middle stage of Foundation Establishment, good!"

Li Yuanjiao bowed. Li Xuanfeng's eyes swirled, revealing various clear lights. Although he cultivated the same Clear-Eyed Spirit Pupils, his had been refined by various spiritual waters. Upon closer inspection, he said softly: "Unfortunately, your cultivation method is a bit rudimentary; the clear light is not abundant."

Li Yuanjiao had rushed over immediately after his breakthrough, his cultivation still somewhat unstable, which Li Xuanfeng noticed. He nodded, admitting that his own "River and Qi Unification Art" was indeed unsatisfactory. Then Li Xuanfeng continued: "Qinghong's cultivation method is an ancient one. Although the modifications have led to some scarcity of spiritual power, its profoundness is in no way inferior to fourth or fifth-grade cultivation methods... Does the family have any high-grade cultivation methods these past few years?"

Li Yuanjiao nodded and explained the situation of recent years. Li Xuanfeng paused slightly, then finally brought up Yu Muxian, saying softly: "I have a chance to enter Qing Song Monastery, and Yu Muxian will also be going. This is our family's only chance to seize treasures from this person. True Master Yuansu has also promised that once the matter of Qing Song Monastery is concluded, we will act simultaneously on the lake."

After explaining his deductions, Li Xuanfeng said softly: "With my current strength, defeating him is easy, but he inevitably possesses life-saving artifacts, making him difficult to kill."

Li Yuanjiao pondered for a moment. He unfastened a greenish-white treasure sword with a blue tassel from his waist, held it flat with both hands, and said softly: "The Azure Ruler Sword can slay Foundation Establishment cultivators. Please, Uncle, take it with you."

Li Xuanfeng did not take it, but instead glanced at the blade and replied: "Qing Song Monastery is hidden within the Great Void. When this grotto-heaven opens an aperture, we can use a magic tool to carefully examine it; perhaps we can enter."

Li Yuanjiao was slightly startled, his heart stirred: 'The Immortal Mirror can penetrate heaven and earth; even formations cannot resist it... Perhaps it's truly worth a try. Our family might even be able to send one more person inside!'

'Furthermore, that Sun-Gazing Ring belongs to Daoist Lu from Qing Song Monastery and can resonate with the Immortal Mirror. Perhaps Qing Song Monastery has a deep connection with the Immortal Mirror!'

He pondered carefully, then nodded to Li Xuanfeng and replied: "Yuanjiao understands. It might be worth a try."

Li Xuanfeng nodded, had Li Yuanjiao and Li Qinghong divide the pills and spiritual liquid, and instructed them: "The spiritual energy here is abundant. While I am stationed here, you two should cultivate and break through here, waiting for the right moment. Zhong Qian is only at the peak of Qi Refinement and preparing for Foundation Establishment, which indicates that Qing Song Monastery won't open for some time. Qinghong can attempt to reach the middle stage of Foundation Establishment."

Li Yuanjiao and his sister exchanged glances, then obeyed. Li Qinghong took the pills and entered a secret chamber to cultivate.

Hesui Sea.

The world was gloomy. Fine raindrops fell upon the sea surface. A few drops of mercury still floated between heaven and earth, slowly losing their magical support, then trickled down and vanished into the seawater.

Amidst the spiritual energies of heaven and earth, the Great Void slowly parted. A green-robed cultivator broke through the void, walking on air amidst the wind and waves. The light gold jade seal at his waist swayed. He stood with his arms clasped behind his back, stopping above the light brown seawater.

The Great Void before him swirled. A woman in purple robes broke through the void. A purple-gold mark on her brow shone brightly. Her gaze swept around, then landed on the green-robed man before her, and she said softly: "So it's True Master Yuansu. I was wondering what it was... It's your people who are dealing with this demonic creature."

In her hand, she produced a light white object, crystal clear and transparent, about the thickness of a woman's wrist, coiled and curved, seemingly several zhang long, and shimmering with white light. She said clearly: "Dongfang Ai is already dead. Here is the dragon tendon back; consider it settled."

The purple-robed female cultivator raised her arm and tossed the object into the air. Yuansu waved his sleeve, collecting the item into it, but said nothing. The female cultivator paused, then spoke: "Where did you get that golden bow? It certainly has some power..."

Yuansu waved his hand, answering casually as if it were of no consequence: "He's my Ning family's son-in-law."

"So it was a honey trap. I never expected such a ploy." The purple-robed female cultivator acknowledged this, about to break through the Great Void and depart, when unexpectedly Yuansu spoke abruptly: "This 'honey trap' is never about physical seduction, but emotional enticement. A beautiful exterior is easily found; what's rare is a delicate heart, one that can think what you think, ponder what you ponder, clever and perceptive, capable of solving your worries..."

"Hemian is the most intelligent child in my clan; outwardly, she is decisive and resourceful, knowing when to advance and when to retreat. Inwardly, she is always smiling pleasantly, understanding subtle intentions with a mere glance, treating others with sincerity, without regret or complaint. Who could bear to abandon her? Li Xuanfeng, naturally, is no exception."

He coldly stared at the purple-robed True Master before him and said softly: "Clever people must be managed by clever people. This principle... has not changed in millions of years, let alone four centuries."

The purple-robed female cultivator's expression gradually turned cold. She stood with her hands behind her back, staring at him icily: "Tiaoxiao, you're still as sarcastic as ever... Back then, I never saw you do anything. You hid in Qingchi Mountain, not moving a single step, while the battle raged for three days over Moon-Gazing Lake. What a comfortable life you led."

Thunder boomed across the sky, and the continuous rain persisted. As the purple-robed female cultivator opposite him grew grim-faced, the surrounding clouds violently churned, emitting wisps of purple mist. Yuansu met her gaze coldly and chuckled: "Immortaless, you truly have an excellent memory. I, however, have forgotten who personally led a group of cultivators to Moon-Gazing Lake, and who opened Donghua's grand formation!"

They exchanged a look, then averted their eyes. The purple-robed female cultivator's aura slowly subsided, and she merely said: "There's no need for True Master to say more. You and I have contended for centuries; eventually, dust returns to dust. When I break through to the Golden Core stage, and you witness me turn to ash, I presume your hatred will be appeased."

"Tiaoxiao will personally attend the ceremony then," True Master Yuansu retorted coldly. The two parted unhappily. The purple-robed female cultivator broke through the Great Void and vanished. Yuansu stood with his hands behind his back, then also stepped into the Great Void. His expression was calm, his hands clasped behind him as steady as a sculpture, his eyes fixed straight ahead, as if secretly pondering something.

'She has always been clever and perceptive; she should be able to understand... At least it offers some comfort, saving her from years of tormenting herself.''Shangyuan must have known long ago that the Li clan were Jiang Qun's kinsmen, which is why he personally slew Mohe as a hint... But now, only I am suitable to intervene... Too much involvement, and those two might notice...'

His expression was icy, but his heart secretly trembled, as if he were walking along the edge of a cliff thousands of feet high: 'Back then, I was confined within the sect by my master, unable to repay my gratitude. Now... this is the only plan.'

He had not much lifespan remaining and did not fear death, but he feared falling into the hands of Golden Core cultivators, and even more, feared harming the Li family.

Qingdu Mountain.

Li Xijun flew out of the Qingdu Cave Abode on the wind, having finally broken through to the seventh layer of Qi Refinement. He landed on the mountaintop, where a group of people were waiting for him.

Most of those gathered were teenagers, sixteen or seventeen years old, some with sabers or swords at their waists, others carrying spears or bows. They waited animatedly on the mountaintop, led by several guest elders, arranged in rows, chatting softly.

The members of the Li family's Chengming generation were growing older, and even Cheng Huai, originally the youngest, had reached the age for cultivation. Since Li Xijun had emerged from his seclusion, he naturally had to check on them and impart cultivation methods.

As he descended on the wind, An Zheyuan, Chen Donghe, and several others bowed in unison. Li Xijun offered a slight return bow, and the group of youths behind the guest elders collectively said: "Greetings, Clan Uncle!"

Li Xijun waved his hand. A young man stepped forward; it was Li Chengliao. He was now twenty-four years old, with a cultivation of the fifth layer of Fetal Breath. Given his talent, this level of cultivation was quite good.

Li Xijun looked at him for a moment, nodded, and said softly: "You've done well. Do you have a preferred cultivation method?"

The Li family now possessed more than one fourth-grade cultivation method: one was the "Golden Hall Radiant Yuan Art," another was the "Pheasant Fire Enduring Art," and there was also the "Purple Lightning Secret Yuan Art," comparable to a fourth-grade method. There was still one copy of the "Golden Hall Radiant Yuan Art" remaining. As for the "Pheasant Fire Enduring Art," many copies were prepared. Li Chengliao, as the young clan head, naturally knew the specific situation. He lowered his head slightly and said softly: "I leave it all to Clan Uncle's arrangement!"

Li Xijun smiled slightly, first waving his hand to dismiss the guest elders. He then looked at the group of expectant teenagers before him and said loudly: "You all must have heard your elders speak of the clan's cultivation methods. Fourth-grade is the best, and we have two such inheritances."

"However, while fourth-grade is best, these cultivation methods are difficult, and spiritual energy is limited. If one's innate talent is too poor, cultivating them would be a hindrance rather than a help. Although these two methods do not demand exceptionally high talent, they still have requirements."

He looked at the group of juniors. The Chengming generation's talents were mostly above average, with only two or three truly standing out: "Li Chengliao!"

Li Chengliao bowed in response. Then Li Xijun said softly: "Among the Chengming generation, your talent is the best, and you are the young clan head... This 'Golden Hall Radiant Yuan Art' should be cultivated by you."

Li Chengliao bowed deeply. Li Xijun then pointed out a young girl, the eldest sister of the Elder Branch, named Li Minggong. She was bright and graceful, her talent on par with Li Chengliao's, and she cultivated the "Pheasant Fire Enduring Art."

The last person Li Xijun pointed out was the youngest son of the Middle Branch, named Li Cheng. Silent and reserved, he stepped forward and whispered a few words to Li Xijun, surprisingly requesting to cultivate the "Purple Lightning Secret Yuan Art," which Li Qinghong had even approved.

Li Xijun nodded and made a note of him. The rest of the individuals chose their own cultivation methods. There were only five streams of enduring pheasant fire for the "Pheasant Fire Enduring Art," so they had to select the remaining four individuals based on merit. The rest could only freely choose from the third-grade cultivation methods.

After arranging everyone, Li Xijun took Li Chengliao and Li Cheng Huai downstairs. Once inside a secret chamber within the cave abode, he took out a talisman pill and whispered: "This is a realm-breaking pill, a secret family transmission. Take it quietly when you go; don't spread the word, lest others covet it."

Li Chengliao nodded solemnly and entered a stone chamber in the cave abode for secluded cultivation. Only then did Li Xijun lead Li Cheng Huai to sit down.

Li Cheng Huai, just six years old, sat slightly bewildered on a stone stool. Li Xijun covered his eyes with his hand, and the boy murmured: "Eighth Uncle..."

Li Xijun softly responded with a hum, and said gently: "I'm sealing your six senses. Wait patiently."

Hearing the child assent, he then sealed Li Cheng Huai's six senses, carried him into the secret chamber, and bowed before the cold, desolate stone altar.

"...Qingdu Li Clan, devoutly offering pure libations, simple delicacies, and cold food sacrifices... Never failing in devotion, consumed with the talisman, body returning to the Great Yin."

After Li Xijun finished reciting the prayer, his heart sank little by little. The greenish-white Immortal Mirror above remained still and unresponsive. Moon-white smoke drifted down, hovering above the stone bricks before him.

He silently apologized, then slowly stood up. He picked up Li Cheng Huai, quietly exited the secret chamber, left the cave abode entirely, and landed on the peak of Qingdu Mountain.

Sitting on the stone steps at the mountaintop, he unsealed Li Cheng Huai's six senses. The full moon was perfectly round, and bright moonlight drifted down. The boy looked up at him, then leaned against him, sitting quietly in his embrace.

Li Xijun forced a smile, sitting in the mountain breeze with his arm around the boy, and said softly: "Tomorrow, Eighth Uncle will take you to the Impartation Hall to choose a Fetal Breath cultivation method."

"Mm." Li Cheng Huai softly responded.