Chapter 492: Ming Huahuang Yuanyuan Scripture

The Central Hall Pavilion.

On the steps of the pavilion stood two heavily armored straw figures. A middle-aged man, clad in white armor, stood silently observing them, holding a short halberd and bowing slightly. Half his face was covered by a mask, and the exposed skin on one side of his neck was a ghastly black and red, making him appear quite terrifying.

Though he appeared menacing, his tone and expression were humble. He stood silently behind the boy, watching him practice with the halberd, striking the armored figures until they clanged. After a full quarter of an hour, he softly said:

“Your Royal Highness learns remarkably fast. In just two years, you’ve already achieved a respectable level.”

Li Zhouwei, standing before him, had replaced his wooden halberd with an iron one. It was shorter than a standard long halberd, custom-made to his height, and crafted from light spirit-iron. He wielded it skillfully with both hands, adept at thrusting, hooking, chopping, and stabbing, accurately finding the gaps in the armor and producing a cacophony of clanging. Li Zhouwei then planted the halberd on the ground, wiped sweat from his brow, and replied:

“Commander Xu… this is merely playful practice; you’re exaggerating.”

The masked man was Xu Gongming. His face had been disfigured years ago during an attack by demonic cultivators. Over the years, he had cultivated his way to the middle stage of Qi Condensation. His innate talent was not exceptional, and further progress had become difficult. Following his elder’s dying wishes, he had worked diligently and conscientiously. Although he occasionally made minor mistakes, as he grew older, his conduct became increasingly steady, bringing renown to the Xu family among the various towns.

Xu Gongming shook his head and replied: “The halberd is a domineering weapon. I have practiced both long and short halberds for many years, and my skill in weapon artistry among cultivators is barely entry-level. This demonstrates how difficult this path is. For a young prince like yourself to achieve such proficiency is truly remarkable.”

Li Zhouwei nodded and put away the halberd. He had just changed his clothes and was putting on a robe. The White Ape stood silently by his side, glancing at Xu Gongming before speaking:

“Today is the day for spirit-testing. His Highness will go to Qingdu, so Gongming, you should return early.”

“Yes, Senior.”

The White Ape was old and highly cultivated, holding a significant position in the Li family. Xu Gongming quickly acknowledged and departed. Li Zhouwei waited for a while at the foot of the steps, drinking a few sips of tea. Then, a young man entered from the front of the hall.

Li Chengliao was dressed in very solemn attire, draped in a grey wolf-fur cloak. The grizzled wolf fur shimmered faintly, making his figure appear somewhat larger and giving him an air of dominance. Although this occasion was for spirit-testing, Li Chengliao had, of course, already checked his child himself. Li Zhouwei was just over seven years old and possessed spirit apertures, so his worried heart had long since settled. However, as he couldn't discern the quality of the talent, he still needed to send him to the mountain.

He picked up Li Zhouwei, saying little, and rose into the air, riding the wind. His spiritual energy shimmered as they flew across the lake, soon landing on Qingdu Mountain. Li Zhouwei found the sensation of cloud-riding somewhat novel. Upon settling, he noticed two people already standing on the mountain.

The person at the forefront was a middle-aged woman, holding a long spear with her long hair tied up. She stood at the mountain peak, her translucent jade armor giving her a formidable presence. Beside her stood an elder, Li Xuanxuan, whom Li Zhouwei had also met before.

Li Chengliao quickly cupped his hands and replied: “Great-aunt, you’re back!”

Li Qinghong slightly raised an eyebrow and softly said: “I had matters to attend to back home anyway. I’ve been back for several days now, and it just happened to coincide with Zhouwei’s spirit-testing, so I’ll take him to pay respects at the ancestral hall.”

Li Chengliao nodded slightly. Meanwhile, the elder Li Xuanxuan beside him wore a solemn yet expectant expression on his aged face and softly said: “The rest of the matters… leave them to us. You may wait in the mountain.”

Li Chengliao didn't ask further questions, simply nodded and withdrew. Li Qinghong stepped forward and gently asked Li Zhouwei a couple of questions. She gazed into his eyes for a few breaths, then picked him up. The two of them then entered the grand hall at the mountain peak together.

Li Qinghong paused slightly before asking: “Where is Ximing?”

Li Xuanxuan waved his hand and replied: “He’s currently in secluded cultivation, regulating his breath, preparing to break through to the middle stage of Foundation Establishment… This child cultivates truly fast. In just a few years, even with the aid of the spirit liquids and pills Xuanfeng brought back, his speed is astonishing.”

Li Qinghong’s return this time was indeed partly to observe Li Zhouwei’s reception of the talisman, but she had also gathered much news. She softly said: “The East Sea is becoming increasingly chaotic. I heard that the young master of Tangjin Sect mysteriously died in the sea. The Tangjin Sect sent people to search multiple times, and even invited cultivators from the northern Buddhist sects to help, but they couldn’t find any trace.”

Li Xuanxuan frowned. As his family was at odds with this immortal sect, he naturally felt no pity or regret. He merely asked: “In that case, what is the Tangjin Sect’s attitude? With their Purple Mansion cultivator missing, do they still dare to investigate?”

“Of course not!”

Li Qinghong softly said: “When I passed by Qingsong Island, I asked Zhier in detail. The Tangjin Sect’s investigation reached a point where they realized a Purple Mansion cultivator might have been involved, so they no longer dare to investigate deeply. Now, they’ve aggressively dispatched a team into the sea, claiming they want to capture and kill the culprit… but it’s merely because their young master was killed and they couldn’t save face. They’re just making an empty show in the sea to prevent a complete loss of prestige.”

“It’s just to fool clan cultivators and rogue cultivators!” Li Xuanxuan sighed: “How arrogant this immortal sect once was! They were only slightly interfered with by two immortal sects in a dispute… Yet after merely a few decades, their talents have withered. Not only are their young masters useless, but even their Purple Mansion cultivators have vanished without a trace. Sooner or later, Tangjin Sect will become merely the Tangjin Situ Family!”

The two conversed casually. Li Xuanxuan placed his hand on the child’s crown, his spiritual sense and magical power surging, intending to seal his six senses. After a series of manipulations, Li Xuanxuan released his hand, but saw the child’s dark golden eyes still keenly fixed on him. He was momentarily stunned and could only look at Li Qinghong.

Li Qinghong shook her head and said: “He is certainly meant to know. If it cannot be hidden, then so be it.”

Li Xuanxuan pondered and nodded. He took a bamboo slip from his sleeve, pressed it into the child’s hand, and softly said: “You should memorize this.”

Li Zhouwei quietly nodded. He took the book and read it carefully once. He gently flipped through it, reading it from beginning to end again. Then he handed the book back to Li Xuanxuan and replied: “Your child has memorized it.”

“Good!” Li Xuanxuan couldn't help but praise him. One should know that this was several thousand words, and without any cultivation, it was truly not easy to memorize it like this. After testing him once or twice and confirming he had indeed memorized it, they continued forward.

The three entered the ancestral hall. After tapping a few times on an empty stone wall, a stone door unexpectedly appeared.

“Clatter…”

A slightly coarse grinding sound echoed as Li Zhouwei slowly widened his eyes. As he followed his elders inside, he found the stone chamber quiet and smooth, with a pale white pearlescent light illuminating the stone platform, making it shimmer faintly. The child’s dark golden eyes scanned the surroundings, looking at the greenish-white spirit sword suspended above. He thought to himself: ‘That must be the Azure Ruler Sword and the Sword Scripture!’

Just as he was about to stand still, he heard Li Xuanxuan softly say: “Wei’er, bow down.”

Li Zhouwei felt curious. He had just lowered his head when he heard Li Xuanxuan and Li Qinghong on either side of him speak in unison. One’s voice was hoarse and ancient, the other’s heroic and strong, echoing in the secret chamber:

“The Li Clan of Qingdu, reverently presents pure libations, common delicacies, and cold-food sacrifices, to request talismans for the descendants, respectfully inquiring about profound and wondrous methods, to calm the soul under the guidance of destiny, and to cultivate the Dao… We shall dedicate our efforts in due time, not fail in our trust, be consumed with the ritual document, and yield our bodies to the Great Yin.”

The two voices echoed in the secret chamber. Li Zhouwei slightly widened his eyes, a look of shock appearing on his face. Without time to ponder the meaning of the words, he slowly looked up, only to find a beam of white light illuminating the stone platform. The white light was dazzling, shining through a small hole, as if something was slowly breaking free from within. Faintly, the dark color of the great void could be seen.

He stared blankly for a moment, the scent of osmanthus appearing at his nostrils. Li Xuanxuan and Li Qinghong exchanged a glance, a look of joy just appearing on their faces, when they heard Li Zhouwei beside them let out a muffled groan.

“Ugh…”

He suddenly covered his eyes, trembling tears streaming down his cheeks, as he let out a pained groan. Li Qinghong, with her quick mind, immediately understood: ‘This child’s eyes are extraordinary! Staring directly at such a divine object would naturally have an effect!’

She quickly patted his back and gently said: “Calm your mind and focus your spirit. Remember the incantation and guide the talisman seed.”

Li Zhouwei felt his Qi Sea tremble lightly. A white light emerged, which turned out to be a tiny white pellet, glowing brightly and clearly. He quickly sat cross-legged, recited the incantation, and guided the talisman seed.

Li Xuanxuan let out a sigh of relief. He quickly withdrew from the secret chamber with Li Qinghong, a smile appearing on his face, and whispered: “Although we had already surmised that this child would certainly receive the talisman seed, it’s only now that it’s truly settled that we can relax.”

“It wasn’t easy.” Li Qinghong said: “How long has it been since someone in our family received a talisman? Ximing finally had one or two children, and we don’t even know if they possess spirit apertures. Xijun is still single… Not a single person of the Chengming generation has been blessed by the immortals… Thankfully, there’s Zhouwei…”

Li Xuanxuan sighed, his spirits greatly lifted. Li Qinghong was about to speak when she suddenly lifted her head, a mix of surprise and joy on her face, looking towards the mountain range to the north. Li Xuanxuan, after all, was not at the Foundation Establishment stage, and his perception was much weaker. He quickly looked up, faintly seeing flying snow and a chilling north wind. His face immediately lit up with joy, and he hastily said: “It’s Jade Pavilion Peak!”

That mountaintop was covered in white snow, with gusts of pine-scented wind. Li Qinghong quickly stepped out, riding a streak of lightning. Indeed, on Jade Pavilion Peak, snow was fluttering and the north wind howled. Although the surroundings were still clear for thousands of miles, the snow on that peak couldn't be stopped, continuously falling into the mountain.

At the same time, the north wind trembled, and snow rustled down from every pine tree on the mountain. A pure white stream of light rose from the peak, icy pine snow assailing their faces, revealing a young man in white, carrying a sword on his back.

“Auntie!”

Li Xijun looked a few years younger than before his secluded cultivation. He elegantly strode over the snow, the spirit sword Cold Abode on his back humming joyfully. His sword-like eyebrows were raised, showing a hint of joy.

“Well done, lad.”

Li Qinghong pursed her lips, smiling without speaking. Li Xuanxuan laughed heartily as he followed. Among the many children of the Xiyue generation, Li Xijun was the closest to him, and his current joy was genuine. He took Li Xijun's hand, grinning from ear to ear.

Li Xijun’s demeanor now held an even greater ethereal coldness than before. He smoothed his white robes and replied: “I have not failed the expectations of my elders. Xijun has forged a Dao Foundation of 'Pine Snow,' which allows me to walk on snow and control the cold, summon the north wind, enhance sword light, refine spells, increase longevity, and resist injuries…”

He descended with the two of them, politely explaining his immortal foundation: “Walking on snow, controlling the cold, and summoning the north wind are remarkably effective against Qi Condensation cultivators. I can dissipate others’ magical winds, and imbue my spells and sword light with cold snow and the north wind. It is an immortal foundation skilled in combat. This immortal foundation can also increase my lifespan, reduce the severity of injuries, and allow me to persevere longer in dangerous places with sparse spiritual energy…”

He explained the main effects and then demonstrated several new spells gained from his immortal foundation. Only then did he pinch two fingers together and explain: “The Tu Jun Sunflower Radiance has also undergone significant changes. It is now 30% stronger than before. I now understand why one should practice spells before Foundation Establishment…” He thoughtfully continued: “Perhaps it’s due to its influence. Now, whenever I use this spell, it naturally resonates with my immortal foundation within, complementing each other and greatly increasing its power…”

Li Xuanxuan listened with a smile, clearly in a good mood. Li Xijun, a hint of confusion appearing on his face, whispered: “It’s just that I was in secluded cultivation perfectly fine earlier. Who knew the spiritual energy and ley lines between heaven and earth would fluctuate ceaselessly, sometimes bright, sometimes dim… It was quite dangerous. If it weren’t for the augmentation of that Suiyuan Pill, I might have been utterly thrown into disarray.”

“…Such a muddled affair!” Li Xuanxuan momentarily didn’t know how to begin. He just softly said: “You’re fortunate… As for Guiluan… she has already passed away through spiritual dissolution… Your sister buried her spiritual remains with Yuanjiao. It’s considered a joint burial for husband and wife.”

Li Xijun’s face turned pale. He seemed to have expected it and softly said: “Second Uncle came looking for her. Aunt was one of the most intelligent people; she had already guessed that he wouldn’t return. This secluded cultivation for breakthrough was originally undertaken with a resolve to die, not aiming for a path of survival.”

Li Xuanxuan became even more silent. His gaze fell upon the ancestral hall on the mountain, remembering Li Zhouwei. He just softly said: “This is a long story. You and I will discuss it in detail later… Zhouwei is currently in the ancestral hall, so let’s go check on him first!”

After all, the three of them were outside the array formation, so it wasn’t appropriate to discuss matters of receiving talismans. Li Xijun was someone who understood seven parts from hearing three. Just hearing that Zhouwei was in the ancestral hall, he already understood what was happening. He gently said: “Indeed, this is not the place to talk. Let’s speak once we are inside the mountain.”

The three returned to the ancestral hall, only to see Li Zhouwei already standing quietly in the secret chamber. He raised his dark golden eyes, staring blankly at the stone platform, as if sensing something.

“So fast!”

Li Xuanxuan had witnessed generations of his family receiving talismans. Which one of them hadn't taken several hours? Some even waited from day until night before the talisman reception was complete. Now, in barely the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Li Zhouwei had already completed the talisman reception and was standing thoughtfully in place, waiting. The elder sighed inwardly, quickly approached, and asked: “Zhouwei, have you received any spells or incantations?!”

The boy gently looked up, his golden-white robe fluttering in the wind. He replied: “I received a Purple Mansion cultivation method.”

These words exploded like thunder in the ears of the three, causing them all to freeze in astonishment. Li Xuanxuan’s face flushed, and he muttered: “What?!”

Li Zhouwei simply nodded slightly, his dark golden eyes blinking, and said, word by word: “A fifth-grade Purple Mansion cultivation method, the ‘Minghua Huangyuan Scripture.’”