Chapter 455: Five Lords Observing the Cup

Li Yuanjiao flew back to Qingdu Mountain. Li Xijun was in seclusion, attempting a breakthrough, so his daughter, Li Yuexiang, came to greet him.

Li Yuexiang had grown into a graceful and capable young woman. Dressed in crisp white, her hair was adorned with a simple, fingernail-sized white jade osmanthus flower. She had inherited Xiao Guiluan's phoenix eyes and possessed the gentle charm of a Jiangnan water town. She bowed and said, "Yuexiang greets Father."

Li Yuexiang's polite address made Li Yuanjiao lower his eyes and close them, whispering, "Xiang'er has begun Qi cultivation."

Li Yuexiang had already broken through to Qi cultivation, practicing the "Pheasant Fire Long-Stride Art." Li Yuanjiao had been completely unaware; in his memory, she was still a tiny child. Looking back now, he realized he had entirely missed her childhood.

Li Yuexiang smiled and nodded. Li Yuanjiao was silent for a moment, then softly said, "I've only returned this time to see you and your mother. I am about to enter the Qing Song Temple ruins, which will likely be perilous."

Li Yuexiang paused, glanced at the silent, black-clad middle-aged man before her, and replied, "Father, you've worked hard."

Li Yuanjiao, with his hands clasped behind his back, walked up with her, his lips moving as he awkwardly spoke, "Do you... have any preferred artifacts?"

"No," Li Yuexiang answered casually. The middle-aged man awkwardly tried to make conversation and soon found Xiao Guiluan.

Xiao Guiluan had been stalled at Qi Cultivation Layer Nine for some time. Although Li Yuanjiao led the Li family, he had been unable to acquire a Suiyuan Pill for her. Knowing he disliked her interfering much with family matters, Xiao Guiluan had always quietly cultivated on the mountain.

To pass the time over the years, Xiao Guiluan had learned some talisman arts. Seeing her husband suddenly return, she was very pleased. Li Yuanjiao spoke a few intimate words with her, then brought up the matter of Qing Song Temple.

Xiao Guiluan watched him quietly, waiting for the black-clad middle-aged man to finish speaking, then asked, "Must you go?"

Li Yuanjiao was silent for a long time before replying, "If he breaks through to Purple Mansion, our family will be utterly annihilated. This person must be killed. Uncle Zhong, alone, might defeat him but cannot slay him. I must enter with my sword and unleash my sword intent to kill him."

Ostensibly, Li Yuanjiao used the feud between the two families as an excuse, but the more crucial reason was for the jade buckle. Xiao Guiluan's expression darkened. She sent Li Yuexiang away, then whispered, "I know you have a compelling reason to go. I only hope you take care of yourself."

Li Yuanjiao nodded and took a small letter from his sleeve, saying softly, "If I don't return, send this letter to Xizhi in Qingchi."

Xiao Guiluan silently accepted it. Li Yuanjiao scrutinized her for a moment, looking at her phoenix eyes, then smiled, "Don't worry too much. Perhaps Yu Muxian isn't skilled in combat."

With only three months and urgent travel ahead, he dared not delay. He quickly summoned the Immortal Mirror and flew off. Li Yuexiang waited at the mountaintop. Li Yuanjiao paused to watch, and his daughter hesitated for a moment, then softly said, "Father, take care."

Li Yuanjiao nodded slightly, gave a short laugh, and flew away.

He did not head north but first flew east, all the way to Xianyou Mountain.

Xianyou Mountain, home to the Xiao family, was considered a renowned and grand peak. Li Yuanjiao rarely visited. Upon his arrival being announced, a man in a brocade robe quickly emerged to greet him, walking with a powerful, imposing stride.

"So, my brother-in-law has arrived," Xiao Guitu personally came to greet him. Li Yuanjiao hadn't seen him in decades and noted his perfected aura, indicating late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation. He replied, "Congratulations, congratulations. The family head cultivates remarkably fast."

Xiao Guitu waved his hand and softly said, "The path ahead is long; it's too early for such words."

Li Yuanjiao exchanged a few polite words without further ado, then softly asked, "Regarding the Qing Song Temple matter, is your esteemed family involved?"

Xiao Guitu paused, then replied, "The Old Ancestor has already gone. Our family's Elder Feather Mountain, Senior Xiao Yongling, has entered. As for collecting spiritual energy outside the grotto-heaven… our family is short-handed, so we won't partake in that activity."

When Qing Song Temple neared the mortal realm, it would inevitably draw forth abundant spiritual energy and precious items, with many people specifically arriving to collect them. Hearing this, Li Yuanjiao cupped his hands and recounted Li Xuanfeng's entry. Xiao Guitu thoughtfully said, "The two seniors have a good friendship, so they will handle everything appropriately."

Li Yuanjiao explained the situation, exchanged pleasantries for a while, and then departed. Xiao Guitu saw him off, then returned, murmuring, "It seems Yu Muxian might be killed... Even if the seniors have a good relationship, they wouldn't compromise their own family. So, there's no need to worry."

Leaving Xianyou Mountain, Li Yuanjiao flew north.

He had not expected the Xiao family to offer assistance in this matter. After all, it involved offending at least one True Immortal, and if things went awry, potentially a future one. The Xiao family would certainly not get involved; he merely informed them out of respect.

"This matter... we can only rely on ourselves."

He flew swiftly, reaching Xian Lake, then followed the water veins eastward, quickly passing over the coastal waters, diving into the sea, and arriving at the marketplace on Fenkuai Island.

The marketplace was bustling with an increasing number of cultivators. Many Foundation Establishment cultivators, rarely seen on ordinary days, were also arriving to inquire about news.

The matter of the Qing Song Temple ruins had been a subject of contention for many years. As news gradually spread, rumors circulated that the Qing Song Grotto-Heaven was about to approach the mortal realm. Cultivators, like sharks smelling blood, gradually became active in this sea area.

Regardless of whether one could enter the Qing Song Grotto-Heaven, its approach to the mortal realm was a tremendously significant event. It would trigger various anomalies on Qing Song Island, giving birth to numerous special heaven-and-earth spiritual energies—some long extinct—or spiritual waters and fires, just like the incident with the Eastern Fire Grotto-Heaven back then.

Although the Qing Song Grotto-Heaven was only approaching the mortal realm and not falling like the Eastern Fire Grotto-Heaven, which had dropped many items, it was much larger and far more ancient. The sheer variety of spiritual items it would produce was enough for cultivators to vie for.

Li Yuanjiao flew back, discussed things with Li Qinghong for a while, and, seeing only a few days left, browsed the marketplace. To his surprise, he ran into an acquaintance.

This middle-aged man had an ordinary appearance and rustic attire. Behind him followed a tall, burly man. The middle-aged man was quite sharp-eyed and eagerly came forward to greet him: "Han Shizhen of the Han family from Dongliu. Greetings, fellow Daoist!"

This was indeed the young master of the Han family from Dongliu Island, who had once visited the Li family to purchase Wanling Flowers. Li Yuanjiao had specifically made several trips to Dongliu Island to check if the prices he sold were infringing on their family's share.

Han Shizhen had long been identified by him, and his dealings over the years had been reasonably fair. Thus, their meeting was cordial. Han Shizhen glanced at Li Qinghong nearby, nodded, and smiled, "This must be your esteemed sister, yes?"

He offered a few compliments, which were mere pleasantries, then got straight to the point: "Fellow Daoist, are you aware of the Qing Song Grotto-Heaven matter?"

"Naturally, I am."

Han Shizhen immediately began discussing with a smile, whispering, "Our Dongliu Island, in conjunction with several families, plans to collectively station ourselves ten miles offshore from Qing Song Island to collect spiritual energy and jointly defend against enemies. The spiritual energy will then be divided at the end. I wonder if your esteemed family has any interest..."

Li Yuanjiao intended to entrust the matters outside Qing Song Temple to Li Qinghong. It would be best if she could obtain a few treasures, but it would be acceptable if she couldn't. He had initially considered collaborating with the Xiao family, but perhaps fearing entanglement from within, the Xiao family had not sent anyone.

He immediately discussed the details with Han Shizhen. Li Qinghong's combat strength was currently quite high, and partnering with the Han family, who were local experts, would be mutually beneficial.

The group set a date. Han Shizhen bid farewell and left. Li Yuanjiao softly told his sister, "Don't draw too much attention. Take one or two spiritual items and then leave. We don't know what might happen then, so it's best to return to the clan to avoid trouble first."

Li Qinghong nodded silently. Li Yuanjiao said no more, again flying to find Li Xuanfeng. After calculating the time, the group departed together for Qing Song Island.

Qing Song Island was near Chijiao Island. Thanks to Li Xuanfeng, the Ever-Jade Flowing Cloud Boat was still with him. Li Xuanfeng tossed it into the air, and it instantly expanded, emerald light surging as it transformed into a great vessel over ten zhang long.

Zhong Qian, Li Yuanjiao, and Li Xuanfeng boarded with great curiosity. They reached Qing Song Island with lightning speed. The island was very close to Chijiao Island, where Zhong Qian's two friends were already waiting for him.

The leader was a woman of mid-Foundation Establishment cultivation. Dressed in purple robes swirling with purple mist, she had a beautiful face and carried a long purple jade sword on her back. She first smiled at Zhong Qian, then cupped her hands towards Li Xuanfeng: "I am Kan Ziyu of the Purple Mist Sect. Greetings, fellow Daoist."

The other person wore black robes, with short, faint eyebrows that gave him a somewhat unruly air. His gaze was rather fierce, and he was adorned with many jade and beast bone ornaments. He was relatively polite to Li Xuanfeng, replying, "Lin Chensheng of the Great Xiukui Temple."

Zhong Qian chuckled, "These two seniors are friends I made during my travels. This is Senior Li Xuanfeng; I'm sure both of you have heard of him."

'To be able to befriend three Immortal Sect Foundation Establishment cultivators with mere Qi cultivation... This is truly absurd.'

The three understood implicitly. Li Xuanfeng put away the jade boat, stated his name, and Kan Ziyu smiled, softly saying, "I have already opened a grotto-mansion here. We plan to activate a formation to enter when the grotto-heaven is closest to the mortal realm. There are still ten days. Perhaps you could come with me first, and we can discuss the details thoroughly."

Li Xuanfeng nodded and sent a message to Li Yuanjiao: 'Go and check the situation first, then come find me.'

After all, it was still uncertain if the Immortal Mirror could be used to enter. If not, only Li Xuanfeng could enter with his sword. Li Yuanjiao nodded silently, watching them depart.

Li Qinghong went to find the Han family members, while Li Yuanjiao flew alone towards the island.

There were many cultivators here, soaring back and forth in the sky, occasionally pausing to observe. Evidently, as news of Qing Song Temple gradually spread, many clan cultivators and rogue cultivators had come to investigate.

Qing Song Immortal Island was of moderate size, with low mountains and covered entirely by pine trees. Many figures were already ascending and descending, and some were even fighting fiercely over good positions.

As the Qing Song Grotto-Heaven drew closer, the spiritual energy on the island became increasingly dense. Many spiritual plants inexplicably flowered and bore fruit, mineral veins rose to the surface, and fire veins gushed ceaselessly.

Li Yuanjiao squinted for a moment, then extended his spiritual sense, slowly sweeping across the sky before him.

Before him, the wind was calm, the sea a dark blue-black. A moderately sized island stood amidst the vast ocean, covered in pine trees, under a clear blue sky, appearing quiet and serene.

He stopped amidst the crowd of cultivators, looking around twice, but found nothing unusual.

The island before him was ordinary; he saw nothing strange about it. Observing it with the Immortal Mirror showed no significant difference from observing it with the naked eye, which slightly surprised Li Yuanjiao: 'It seems... I really can't see anything. This is troublesome.'

While Li Yuanjiao was observing, Lu Jiangxian had already condensed his divine sense and stood motionless.

With a single glance, Lu Jiangxian saw the originally calm island, where the pine winds rustled, completely transformed in his eyes.

The once empty sky was densely packed with figures. Various arcane lights flowed across the sky, slicing it into five sections.

In each of the five directions sat a colossal figure, reaching from earth to sky, blocking out the sun. They stood within the clouds, enveloped by layers of circular, colorful light, from which various golden seal characters sprinkled down like rain. Countless figures clung to them like ants, each with a different expression.

Directly ahead, ten sun-sized spherical objects hung in the sky. White on the outside and black within, they were in fact ten eyes, their pupils vertical, square, or six-pointed, staring intently at the small island in the center.

'Eyes...'

The "suns" he had just seen were precisely the eyes of these five figures. Their faces were hidden within endless clouds, yet their eyes appeared in his mind like suns, simultaneously distant and close.

These figures, their heads touching the sky, stretched upwards into the boundless celestial mist. Their immense forms seemed to press against the uppermost heavenly barrier, forcing them to stoop forward, like children peering at ants on the ground, their heads close together.

They sat on the seabed, their bodies stretching endlessly, disappearing into the deep ocean. Some gazed into the distance in contemplation, others pressed their palms together, or cupped their faces, completely obscuring the entire sky.

The five figures sat in a circle, with Qing Song Temple in the center, like a dice cup waiting to be revealed. Each of them had made their guess about the outcome and waited in silence.

Above this island, an arc was slowly emerging, accompanied by alternating visions of earth, water, wind, and fire. This was presumably the grotto-heaven, appearing like an exquisite pastry before the five True Monarchs.

Lu Jiangxian stared fixedly, not daring to turn his head. Four colossal figures surrounded him. Their shoulders, knees, and even fingertips were densely covered with various figures, all holding artifacts, motionless like statues, posed in various ways, staring directly at him.

The fifth colossal figure sat directly behind Li Yuanjiao, one hand held vertically before his philtrum and golden-white lips, while the other lay flat on his chest, palm upward, supporting what looked like an island.

The two of them were situated precisely in the palm of his hand, where the lines of his palm resembled ravines, and his skin was golden-white, as if he were some extraordinary treasure.

His clothing resembled golden-white cloud vapors shrouding the world, or a waterfall extending upwards into the endless heavens. Lu Jiangxian focused intently and vaguely discerned a face with indistinct features.

The True Monarch wore a jade crown like a mountain, and the pupils of his eyes were silvery-white ovals. Within them, various illusions appeared one by one: true gold being refined by fire, metal clashing, sand and stone rising...

What suddenly made Lu Jiangxian gasp was that this figure was coldly staring at Li Yuanjiao in his palm.

Lu Jiangxian vaguely heard a cold voice emerge from the void, like a handful of golden-iron fragments falling, manifesting from the void directly before the world within his mirror: "Senior Yingze... I've finally waited for you."