Chapter 464: Conspiracy

The youth’s voice echoed through the air, changing the expressions of those present. Some looked thoughtful, some nodded, others scoffed. Tu Longjian, standing nearby, silently fixed his gaze on the jade pot held by the youth’s phantom.

The white-robed figure stood starkly in the clouds. After a few moments, he spoke:

“In primordial times, we established morality and governed the world with virtue. People’s minds were just awakening then, innocent and kind. I, along with Gong Xu and Zhu Hao, created a world of great harmony. Consequently, the Grand Void gave birth to the Five Virtues, Five Waters, and Five Fires, and the world rejoiced.”

“Morality was originally established by us. You are unwilling to be bound, wishing instead for an eternal, immutable heavenly law to constrain you. Yet, it is inherently vague, ever-changing, and infinitely extensible—much like a Dao Fruit.”

“This thing is neither noble nor sacred. Whether you revere it or despise it, if you cannot see through it and remain within its confines, how can you ever obtain a Dao Fruit?”

The youth set down the jade pot, remaining silent. The white-robed figure slowly turned his head to face the people in the clouds, his face slightly blurred, as if smiling.

“What!” In an instant, everyone simultaneously recoiled, hearts pounding. They watched as the two figures slowly disappeared, leaving behind only the empty clouds and the cold jade tablet standing on the inner side, with nothing else remaining.

One by one, the characters on the jade tablet lit up, scattering into the air. Each transformed into a streak of radiance, shooting towards the sky, then dividing into streams of light that descended upon the crowd.

Li Yuanjiao’s vision blurred for a moment. A streak of brilliant light shot out from his Sun-Ascension Manor, and everything before his eyes slowly receded.

He squinted his eyes. His feet slowly touched solid ground. Raising his brows, he saw that he was in an ordinary Daoist temple. Beneath his feet were common bluestones, and in a corner stood a plain large vat. Incense was burning at the main altar, but there was no specific deity being worshipped.

Facing him was a stone wall. He merely glanced at it, and a dense array of cultivation technique names appeared before his eyes, each pointing to a different immortal foundation. Li Yuanjiao understood:

“This is the opportunity... Those Three Drum Walls, I suppose, must be where cultivation techniques are transmitted within the Grotto-heaven.”

Li Yuanjiao immersed himself in it, his heart filled with joy. He thought to himself:

‘I’ll look for the Huangyuan Gate first!’

Instead of searching for his own Jing Dragon King, he scanned the wall up and down, spotting the ancient characters for Huangyuan Gate, outlined in brilliant golden patterns.

As his consciousness sank into it, golden ancient seal script quickly appeared before his eyes.

*The Wei Mingqian Gate Method.*

This ancient method bore no grade, yet Li Yuanjiao was greatly excited. He quickly memorized it and examined it carefully, noting that the spiritual energy it utilized was Tianqian Mingyuan.

Upon seeing this, his heart sank. Ancient spiritual energy was naturally different from that of the present day, and considering the unknown grade of *The Wei Mingqian Gate Method*, his own Golden Sun Huangyuan likely couldn’t compare.

‘What’s more... it only contains the Foundation Establishment section...’

He looked closer, feeling a hint of regret. These cultivation methods, named after immortal foundations, were explicitly limited to the Foundation Establishment section. Though they belonged to the Purple Palace Golden Core Dao, they appeared to be ancient methods, which would likely make gathering the required spiritual energy quite difficult.

Armed with the experience from this section of *The Wei Mingqian Gate Method*, his heart stirred, and he suddenly remembered his younger sister.

“Qinghong’s *Purple Thunder Secret Origin Art* was revised. Originally ‘Winter Thunder Sound,’ it has been cultivated into ‘Profound Thunder Lake’...”

He didn’t bother looking at the “Winter Thunder Sound” method, as his family lacked the techniques to gather its associated spiritual energy. Instead, he sought out “Profound Thunder Lake,” hoping to find a high-grade cultivation method for Li Qinghong to transition to.

As his consciousness sank into it, light purple ancient seal script quickly appeared before his eyes:

*“The Cloud-Soaring Thunder Inquiry Method”*

This technique also lacked a grade. The immortal foundation it cultivated was indeed “Profound Thunder Lake.” Li Yuanjiao, not being proficient in thunder techniques, couldn’t judge its quality, so he only checked the spiritual energy: Profound Yin Thunder Liquid.

“Fortunately, *The Purple Thunder Secret Origin Art* is indeed an ancient method, so there isn’t much difference.”

After memorizing this, the jade tablet before him still hadn’t vanished. He then sought out the Jing Dragon King, whose immortal foundation, being an ancient name, was quite conspicuous and easily spotted.

*The Azure Serpent Facing the Sea Art.*

This cultivation method was naturally less fortunate. The spiritual energy it utilized was Chunyuan Qingjiang, different from the clear qi found in rivers. Li Yuanjiao carefully memorized it, and then, the many cultivation methods and immortal foundations before his eyes finally vanished.

He slowly opened his eyes, finding himself still within the Daoist temple. He looked at the jade tablet before him, where golden characters suddenly began to appear.

Li Yuanjiao paused, reading it once, yet remembering nothing. Thousands of words were clearly inscribed elegantly on the stone wall, but as he stared, his mind went blank, as if he were encountering something utterly complex and incomprehensible.

He could only watch as the golden characters floated three times before finally dissipating into specks of starlight. The Daoist temple before him slowly receded, and after a moment to collect himself, he found himself back in the clouds.

The jade tablet was nowhere in sight; it had long since disappeared. Even the cloud formations were empty, leaving only the dim moonlight and starlight.

Everyone seemed to have gained something; most wore expressions of pleasant surprise, while some appeared regretful, having evidently found no spiritual energy for any of the three paths.

Li Yuanjiao looked around in the clouds and saw Li Xuanfeng, clad in dark golden armor, standing quietly in the air not far away. Beside him stood a white-robed middle-aged man.

The two exchanged a glance before looking away. Tu Longjian seemed quite satisfied and quietly withdrew from the sea of clouds. Unwilling to waste time, Li Yuanjiao silently took out a jade slip to record the cultivation methods he had obtained. He then descended with Tu Longjian, landing on a small peak.

This peak had been explored earlier and was now empty. Tu Longjian said softly:

“Senior, my Tujun Dao lineage has fallen, and I am the only one left. You alone have a connection to my lineage, and you extended kindness to me in the past. There’s no need to say more; I will certainly help.”

Li Yuanjiao thanked him. Tu Longjian looked up at the stars and said softly:

“This Grotto-heaven should close in seven days. Whatever arrangements need to be made, we must act soon.”

Li Xuanfeng composed himself, and Xiao Yongling, standing nearby, asked:

“How was it?”

Li Xuanfeng nodded slightly, looking at him. He descended and stabilized himself in the mist. Xiao Yongling followed him and saw Li Xuanfeng briefly ponder, then say softly:

“Senior... Your clan’s True Person’s thoughts are as profound as an abyss. Do you know the purpose of my entering this Grotto-heaven?”

Xiao Yongling was surprised by the sudden question. He pondered for a moment and whispered:

“Yu Muxian?”

The Li family had steadily risen, with the Xiao family providing years of clandestine support. They had a clear understanding of the situation around the lake, so it wasn’t difficult for Xiao Yongling to immediately answer. Li Xuanfeng softly said:

“Precisely.”

Xiao Yongling was silent for a moment, then whispered:

“The True Person’s arrangements always have their own purpose, though he didn’t tell me directly. But his sending me here to this Grotto-heaven must signify an intent to assist.”

Li Xuanfeng thanked him softly. Xiao Yongling then said gravely:

“Xuanfeng, there’s no need to say more. Naturally, no family would be pleased by Yu Muxian achieving the Purple Palace realm. Furthermore, years ago, the Yu family and your family vied for supremacy, and they’ve long held a grudge against my family.”

“Yu Muxian appears detached from worldly concerns, indifferent and even ruthless towards his own family. Who’s to say this isn’t a deliberate ruse? Furthermore, True Person Yuan Wu has a long-standing animosity with my Xiao family’s elder... Regardless, I will assist in this matter.”

With their decision made, Li Xuanfeng said gravely:

“Good. I’m just unsure when this Grotto-heaven will close. We should act quickly and not waste time searching for other things here!”

Xiao Yongling nodded. As he followed, he whispered a reminder:

“However... he alone is extremely difficult to deal with, not to mention he has Tang Shedu by his side, who has also been renowned for many years... I’m afraid the two of us alone won’t succeed.”

Li Xuanfeng had previously identified the direction Li Yuanjiao had descended. Soon, the jade pendant at his waist slowly warmed and shone, and the clouds and mist before them dissipated, revealing a small hilltop.

On the hilltop stood two figures, both clad in black. One had a somber demeanor, his face expressionless, standing quietly, while the other appeared much fiercer, carrying a golden hammer, seemingly deep in thought.

As the two passed through the mist, they were immediately exposed to spiritual sense. Tu Longjian’s gaze shifted; he seemed to understand Li Yuanjiao’s purpose for stopping here and took a slight step back, choosing not to speak first.

Li Yuanjiao cupped his hands and stepped forward. Xiao Yongling, without much preamble, softly said:

“Xiao Yongling, from the Lixia Xiao family.”

Li Yuanjiao cupped his hands in return:

“Ah, Senior Feather Mountain Sage...”

To Li Yuanjiao’s surprise, Xiao Yongling was secretly startled upon seeing Tu Longjian behind him, and his confidence in their plan grew significantly. Li Xuanfeng stepped forward and softly said:

“This sea of clouds can block spiritual sense. I only noticed him heading east just now. To track him down, we need to follow quickly.”

Without further pleasantries, the group took to the wind. Tu Longjian suddenly spoke:

“Let me search; I have a method.”

Tu Longjian appeared to possess the ability to bypass the cloud sea’s spiritual sense blockage. He flew to the very front, holding a token at his waist, his eyes fixed intently ahead.

Xiao Yongling pondered, then said softly:

“Leave Tang Shedu to me; holding him off for a while won’t be a problem.”

Tu Longjian turned his head slightly and softly replied:

“This will be difficult. Yu Muxian has two Purple Palace spirit artifacts.”

At his words, Xiao Yongling’s pupils dilated in shock. He murmured:

“Ah, yes, it’s Yuan Wu after all...”

Tu Longjian continued:

“What’s more, though Tang Shedu has rarely acted in recent years, his strength has greatly improved. He’s difficult to deal with, so don’t underestimate him. If this succeeds, I want the jade box he carries.”

The two naturally agreed. Tu Longjian, however, seemed to harbor deep concerns and unspoken words. He secretly communicated with the token at his waist:

‘You said... there’s something unusual about Yu Muxian... What does that mean? Does he possess a special destiny?’

The token vibrated with a hum, its tone turning gritting:

‘Yuan Wu Peak again! Damn it, year after year, Tang Yuanwu remains an obstacle... There’s absolutely something wrong with Yu Muxian; my divine abilities have no effect on him. In my opinion... Tang Yuanwu must have known all along, perhaps even viewing this young fellow as his own opportunity and secretly observing him!’

‘No effect at all?’

Tu Longjian frowned and softly asked:

“Could it be that the various spirit treasures on him resisted your divine abilities? Or is it that he has a special destiny?”

‘Absolutely not! Guo Shentong and you both possess special destinies, yet can still be calculated.’

The token’s tone was heavy:

‘I was forced by Yuan Wu to hide in this Grotto-heaven, and I’ve been in this Binghuo Token for a long time. I could already control a trace of its golden essence’s power, yet I can’t calculate a single detail about this person’s origins. He’s likely connected to something at the Golden Core level!’

The token trembled slightly:

‘That’s why I told you not to provoke him... Otherwise, I too bear a deep grudge against Yuan Wu Peak. Tang Yuanwu caused my physical body to be destroyed, forcing me to cling to a meager existence. How could I not hate him?’

Tu Longjian pondered for a moment, then suddenly felt something amiss and asked:

“According to what you’re saying, if the True Monarchs within the Grotto-heaven are all watching, wouldn’t he have been noticed by them long ago?”

The token replied:

‘What kind of existence is the Mirage Mirror Grotto-heaven? It’s already impressive that they can quietly observe while the Grotto-heaven is masterless! How could they calculate someone inside the Grotto-heaven from outside? How do you think Guo Shentong and Chang Xiao escaped back then?’

‘Furthermore, things above the Golden Core level are terrifying to us, who are ignorant of the full truth, but to them, they might just be a small pawn laid out by someone.’

Tu Longjian slightly lowered his gaze. Using the spiritual treasure to scan the sea of clouds, he quickly pinpointed the scene ahead. He turned to the others and softly said:

“I’ve found him!”

Yu Muxian walked through the sea of clouds with his hands behind his back, displaying a relaxed, unhurried demeanor. Tang Shedu silently followed beside him, cradling a long halberd.

He rarely relaxed like this. Since he began cultivating at Yuan Wu Peak as a child, Yu Muxian had always practiced in silence, never displaying his abilities in public. After decades, this was a rare opportunity for him to unwind.

He was young at the time and didn’t understand the significance of Tang Yuanwu personally taking him as a disciple. He only noticed Tang Yuanwu’s spiritual sense constantly lingering around him, assuming his master was always keeping a watchful eye.

It wasn’t until he read Daoist scriptures that he realized a Qi Condensation cultivator like himself shouldn’t be able to discern the movements of a Purple Palace cultivator’s spiritual sense. Observing Tang Shedu appear dazed and sweating profusely in Yuan Wu’s presence, he then understood it wasn’t due to his own extraordinary willpower.

“It was all because of this jade buckle!”

He gradually understood, but it was too late. Tang Yuanwu had discovered that his divine abilities couldn’t influence a mere Qi Condensation cultivator, and his expression had already turned wary. No matter how Yu Muxian acted, Tang Yuanwu’s spiritual sense constantly shadowed him.

He was just a half-grown child at the time. Had it not been for the jade buckle calming his mind, he would likely have broken down and gone mad under that silent pressure long ago. He could only rely on the buckle’s influence to project an image of indifference, ruthlessness, and the heart of the Grand Dao.

Fortunately, his talent was immense. With the jade buckle, he displayed extraordinary comprehension, gradually leading Tang Yuanwu to another speculation: that he was a reincarnated immortal cultivator.

“If this jade buckle hadn’t recognized me as its master, it would have been useless to anyone else... I would have died by Yuan Wu’s hand long ago...”

His heart was gloomy. After decades of bitter perseverance, he was finally nearing the Purple Palace realm. As soon as he took that final step, he could slowly escape this person’s control.

“Decades of blades traversing my meridians... decades of enduring spiritual sense passing through me day after day... decades of cultivating cross-legged and unmoving in that grotto-mansion... Tang Yuanwu...”

“Once I achieve the Purple Palace, I can legitimately establish my own peak, integrate Moon-Gazing Lake, sweep through and plunder the various families, and finally uncover the origin of that jade buckle.”