Chapter 493: Purple Mansion Cultivation Method

"A fifth-grade Purple Mansion cultivation method, the 'Minghua Huangyuan Scripture'."

The weight of those words was immense; even half a sentence would make someone jump. Li Xuanxuan's eyes went wide, and he gasped in shock: "A Purple Mansion cultivation method!"

The Li family was not without Purple Mansion cultivation methods. In fact, compared to other places within the sea territories, Moonlit Lake, due to the fragmentation of the Jiang family, was arguably one of the most abundant and complete repositories of cultivation methods. In contrast, in places like the Yuan family's Mushroom Forest Plain or the various prefectures of Green Pool, let alone a single method that could be cultivated all the way to Foundation Establishment, even the Fetal Breathing Six Revolutions would be split into six parts for preservation, rigidly restricting one's progress step by step. It was only after Moonlit Lake lost its overlord status that such complete cultivation methods could circulate freely. Other regions were even stricter. But this was *the* Purple Mansion cultivation method, a Purple Mansion method that could actually be cultivated! It wasn't fragmented chapters, incomplete pieces, or lost ancient qi. Not to mention the strict sealing of cultivation methods within the inner territories, even in the chaotic and unrestrained overseas regions, Purple Mansion cultivation methods remained closely guarded secrets, truly the supreme methods that could elevate a noble family to the status of an immortal sect. How could the three not be shaken upon hearing these words?

The old man's beard trembled. He snatched a bamboo slip from the table, scattering a pile of wooden slips onto the floor with a clatter. With his other hand, he grabbed a brush and urgently said: "Wei'er, come... write this down first!" His tone was hurried, as if he were coaxing a child, afraid he might run off. Li Zhouwei took the wooden slip, wielded the brush with a flick of his small hand, and muttered: "What a pity... this technique can only be cultivated to the early Purple Mansion stage, condensing... the first divine ability." "It's truly a Bright Yang Purple Mansion cultivation method..."

Li Qinghong even looked a little envious. Her own cultivation method only reached the late Foundation Establishment stage, and no matter her talent, she ultimately had no chance to break through to the Purple Mansion. Her eyes fixed on the wooden slip, she softly said: "What a wonderful stroke of luck..." Li Xijun, suppressing his emotions for a long time, broke into a surprised smile. Many of his initial plans had been completely disrupted, yet he chuckled and asked: "Is Ximing still in seclusion?! He's also quite lucky! We used to worry so much about him, but now everything is falling into place, and he too has a path to follow."

"You're still worried about him!" Li Xuanxuan chuckled, his eyes never leaving the precious child. He felt a sense of familiarity in the child's actions and demeanor, a feeling that quickly passed, leaving him unable to recall why.

Before long, Li Zhouwei had finished transcribing the cultivation method. Li Xuanxuan took it, read it from beginning to end, then slowly sat down beside him, his face creased with a wide smile. Holding the method, he read it carefully, slapping his thigh repeatedly: "What an excellent fifth-grade cultivation method! It is indeed Golden Yang Radiant Origin! It is indeed the Radiant Origin Pass!"

Li Xuanxuan slapped his thigh three times in a row, his aged face full of admiration. Li Qinghong couldn't help but purse her lips and let out a soft laugh, pulling Li Xijun closer and whispering: "I don't know how long the old man hasn't been this happy. I've never seen him like this since I was old enough to understand things." Aunt and nephew exchanged smiles. Li Xuanxuan watched for a while, then as if waking from a dream, he looked over to find the two adults and the child all smiling at him. He quickly composed himself and said earnestly: "Come, all of you, take a look!"

Li Qinghong took the cultivation method. She only briefly skimmed the initial sections, focusing instead on the final part, the chapter on the immortal foundation nurturing divine abilities. It described nine methods and incantations for nurturing and catalyzing divine abilities, explaining how to overcome various difficulties to achieve them. She couldn't help but read the descriptions of the perfected divine abilities at the end, muttering: "Fire kindled in the heart, Yang brightness permeating inside and out, the Bright Radiance divine ability thus perfected, glowing more than nine feet, purple flames emanating light, colored clouds rising and vanishing, golden armor and golden robes, arriving from all over the sky... The heavenly sun resounds in the east, earth's malevolent qi bursts forth in the south, then one roams the great void, forging golden lotuses..."

The Li family had once obtained a lost cultivation method, the "White Hair Knocking at the Court Scripture," which was also of the Purple Mansion level. Compared to the current "Minghua Huangyuan Scripture," the "White Hair Knocking at the Court Scripture" was very brief, let alone containing such detailed descriptions.

Li Xuanxuan looked at the yearning expression on her face and simply said: "How many people cultivate, how many reach Foundation Establishment, and how many break through to Purple Mansion? Such grandeur... only a rare few achieve it." Li Qinghong smiled without saying much, then carefully questioned Li Zhouwei, confirming that he had not received the "Great Yin Breathing and Wheel Nurturing Scripture." She softly said: "Perhaps the Bright Yang body conflicts with the Great Yin... just cultivate well. Zhouwei is sensible; it's probably best not to tell your father about this matter, lest it ultimately harm him..."

As she spoke, her eyes were fixed on Li Zhouwei's golden pupils, as if discerning his emotions. Li Zhouwei merely nodded gently, showing no emotional fluctuation, and quietly said: "Wei'er understands." He didn't say much, but there was an inexplicable sense of conviction in his words. Li Qinghong paused slightly, hummed in affirmation, and gently said to the two people beside her: "First, take Zhouwei downstairs. Don't let Chengliao wait anxiously."

The two naturally nodded. Li Xuanxuan simply picked up his teacup and took a sip. By the time he set it down, Li Qinghong was already standing before the hall again, having moved as swiftly as lightning, now beside them. She then said sternly: "My return this time isn't just for this matter." She softly continued: "I passed by Qingsong Island and met Xizhi. According to information from Green Pool, Li Encheng of Fuchen Peak is nearing the end of his lifespan and is preparing to attempt a breakthrough to the Purple Mansion. He has come to our family for help..."

Li Xuanxuan paused, surprised, and replied: "This person... he probably doesn't have a Purple Mansion cultivation method, does he?" Li Qinghong nodded, saying with some concern: "He has no such method. It's said he borrowed similar cultivation techniques from his sect for reference and refined some elixirs himself, preparing to risk his life before his death."

Li Xuanxuan immediately showed a troubled expression, saying somewhat helplessly: "Speaking of which, we asked him to do something for us, and he hasn't even done it yet! But he's about to die... what a waste of effort..." Li Qinghong nodded; she had clearly considered this point as well. She replied: "Not only that, Xizhi said that Li Encheng couldn't help much with our family's matters... it's just been a back-and-forth hassle."

She took out a jade scroll from her sleeve, densely inscribed with many items. She whispered: "He's asking for precious medicines and spiritual waters again, promising to repay us if he breaks through. But who doesn't know he's likely going on a one-way trip? How much chance does he really have of succeeding?" Li Xijun took the jade scroll and examined it carefully. It listed dozens of items, such as Tongyuan Water and Changshan Spirit Stones, all quite valuable. Finally, it even had a small handwritten note: 'If any clues to Heavenly One Pure Origin can be found, there will surely be a great reward!'

Li Xuanxuan scoffed upon seeing the jade scroll, remarking: "If our family possessed such supreme spiritual water as Heavenly One Pure Origin, would we take it out for him? That's preposterous!" Li Xijun read it twice, then softly said: "Our family genuinely can't afford these items. What are Auntie and Elder Brother's intentions?"

Li Qinghong replied: "Li Encheng's brother, Li Enxi, a dignified Foundation Establishment cultivator, humbled himself and pleaded bitterly in your elder brother's hall, shedding tears, invoking the favor of that Suiyuan Pill from years past and the friendship between the Wei and Li families... Your elder brother found it difficult to refuse..." "I understand." Li Xijun naturally put away the jade scroll and softly said: "I will gather one or two of these items, and for the rest, I'll substitute them with similar Qi refining spiritual items. We'll spend some spiritual items and send them to Qingsong Island." "Our family has just established a new grand formation, so we're indeed not well-off. I'll explain it properly to Li Enxi; he should understand."

Li Qinghong nodded slightly, whispering: "That's all we can do!" Li Xuanxuan winced, feeling a pang of regret, and reminded them: "Why are we always giving him things for free? Li Encheng hasn't done anything for our family..." Li Xijun understood his reluctance and softly said: "Since Brother Zhi has agreed, he naturally has his plans. We should just do our best to support him." Aside from other considerations, Li Xuanxuan trusted Li Xizhi. He then said: "You're right, then it's settled." Li Qinghong nodded, and then recounted the news she had gathered on her journey, softly saying: "There's no rush to come and go. Jun'er, arrange for the collection of spiritual items first. We can leave in a few months."

Lijing Town.

Li Chengliao had waited on the mountain for a long time, gradually growing anxious. He then saw Li Qinghong bringing Li Zhouwei down and chuckled: "You've only taken him for a short while, and you're already so reluctant to part with your little treasure?" Li Chengliao offered an awkward smile, picked up Li Zhouwei, and glided down on the wind, crossing the lake and entering the great hall. He looked closely at the child; though he seemed the same as before, Li Chengliao sensed a subtle change in him. He asked: "Wei'er, how was it on the mountain?"

Li Zhouwei seemed to still be replaying the recent scene in his mind. He softly replied: "Father, there were many irises on the mountain." Li Chengliao was stunned for a moment, suddenly realizing the child was speaking in riddles. Yet, how many simple individuals could sit in this central hall? He raised his eyebrows slightly and began to ponder carefully.

He quickly pulled out a memory from his dusty past. That year, he was only twelve, sent up the mountain to have his aptitude assessed. His father, Li Xicheng, wasn't with him, and a few younger siblings were also present. "Ancestral hall... soft mat... Bright Palace... Cheng..." The vague memories slowly became clearer. Li Chengliao gradually recalled being taken somewhere, his five senses sealed, kneeling, and finally being slowly led out and taught a magical technique.

His current knowledge was far beyond what it used to be. He lowered his gaze and said in a deep voice: "Did they take you to the ancestral hall?" Li Zhouwei raised his eyebrows, meeting his father's gaze. His dark golden eyes shifted slightly, and he softly asked: "Father, have you been there too?" Li Chengliao nodded silently, a thoughtful expression appearing in his eyes. His mind was incredibly quick. He whispered: "Of course I have. Your eyes couldn't be sealed... In any case, Wei'er must know."

Li Zhouwei seemed slightly surprised. He paused, then replied: "Father is asking too many questions." Li Chengliao felt as if he had just woken from a dream. He was momentarily speechless, stunned for several breaths before bursting into laughter and picking up his son. He softly said: "My apologies, I lost my composure for a moment. My child, with such a divine appearance, will not disappoint anyone." He sighed: "It's just that, no matter what, it's for the good of the family..."

Li Zhouwei stared at his father's expression, seemingly observing his demeanor. As his dark golden eyes freely gazed, they inadvertently revealed a tiger-like, leopard-like wildness. He took his father's words to heart, silently pondering: 'It's just that, no matter what, it's for the good of the family...' He then smiled brightly, pulled Li Chengliao into the great hall, grabbed a long halberd from the side, and laughed: "My halberd technique has improved again! Let me show Father a thing or two!"

Dōngshān Yuè.

Rain pattered. Yuan Fuyao completed a patrol of the town and soon returned to his cave dwelling. Two servants greeted him, asking for news. Yuan Fuyao waved his hand and replied: "The climate in northern Yue seems to be gradually returning to normal. I wonder how far the two sects have taken their conflict." He sat by a stone table and couldn't help but ask: "How are things at home... with Second Elder?"

The Yuan family's internal struggle, like the weather, was slowly drawing to a close. Yuan Fuyao had informants within his own family and was not entirely ignorant; his grand-uncle, Yuan Huyuan, no longer dared to return home, and there was no news of his father. Now, Second Elder Yuan Hudu was in control of the situation. Yuan Fuyao had actually anticipated this. With the Chi family backing Second Elder, how could he possibly lose? From start to finish, it had been a meaningless struggle of cornered beasts, pointlessly depleting their family's strength. Now that the dust had settled, Second Elder Yuan Hudu, who had originally been quite amiable with Yuan Fuyao, couldn't help but feel annoyed: "Why did they settle on the Li family, for goodness sake! I used to have some kinship with Yuan Hudu and received much care from him. Now, it seems I've become his enemy... The world is vast, yet I'm confined to this single town!"

He was sighing mournfully in the courtyard when, unexpectedly, two servants came up excitedly, calling out: "Young Master! A letter from home!" Yuan Fuyao quickly took it, read it carefully from beginning to end, his hands trembling. He found the handwriting quite sharp. Upon closer inspection of the signature, it was indeed Yuan Hudu!

Yuan Hudu was very polite to him, analyzing the situation thoroughly and explaining all the intricacies to him with candor. He wrote: "I am now in charge of the family, and to gain the Chi family's trust, I have sent Huyuan out to search for the sect master's whereabouts. This was carefully discussed with your father. We have arranged a marriage alliance for you with Miss Song, and I hope you will return home quickly." "Your father made an early promise and had no choice but to send you. The betrothal gifts are valuable, and the Li family will surely demand them. If you have already obtained them or found clues, absolutely do not announce it. Find an excuse to escape Moonlit Lake and return quickly. As long as you can return safely, I will personally go and retrieve them for you... I only fear you will fall into others' hands and become their pawn, in which case there will be no more opportunities."

Yuan Hudu explained everything to him in detail, even clarifying which immortal sect faction each elder represented. He warned: "The Li family is now aligned with the Ning family. The Ning family has been in the Southern Frontier for many years, and the Chi family has long been dissatisfied... Your father only has you as his heir! Do not be buried with them!"

Yuan Fuyao read, breaking out in a cold sweat, feeling a sense of sudden realization. He thought to himself: "Is that truly the case?! So Father had planned it all along! And the elders were merely pretending." He pondered repeatedly for a while, yet he also felt that Yuan Huyuan's expression that day hadn't been deceptive. His heart was conflicted, unsure what to do, when he saw a Yuan family servant nearby say: "Young Master... the messenger said... that at midnight tonight, he will be waiting for you in the south... This is..."

Yuan Fuyao was instantly horrified and cursed: "Why are you only telling me this now!" Looking at the moonlit sky, his mind immediately fell into disarray. He was not a decisive person to begin with, and he paced like an ant on a hot pan. He wanted to rush out, yet also wanted to wait and think a bit more. He stomped his foot and exclaimed: "What am I to do?!"

(Happy Qixi Festival to everyone.)