Chapter 511: Two Pieces of News

Yishan City.

The formation on Yishan City gleamed, its patterns sharp against the winter snow. Golden light arrived from afar, settling on the city walls.

“Greetings, General!”

Li Xuanfeng arrived, carried by the wind, still clutching a scaled demonic creature. Its blue eyes stared fixedly at the sky, long dead. The guards on both sides respectfully stepped back, calling him 'General'.

He nodded, descended the steps, and made his way to his residence. Pushing open the door, he found no attendants inside; the house was even somewhat dim. A young man was squatting in the courtyard, holding a longbow and carefully adjusting it.

At the sound of Li Xuanfeng opening the door, the young man raised an eyebrow. His face bore a striking resemblance to Li Xuanfeng, particularly his sharp eyebrows, which held a rebellious air. With a glance, the young man raised his brow and said:

“Father’s back.”

He showed no signs of excitement, his lips merely trembling with an unidentifiable emotion. He called out into the courtyard:

“Mother!”

Li Xuanfeng stood silently. The temperature in the residence had dropped considerably due to the watery aura emanating from the demonic creature in his hand. The old man watched, unmoving, as the young man turned his back, his expression remaining calm.

“Husband!”

Ning Hemian hurried out from the courtyard. She was already advanced in years, a late-stage Qi Cultivator. She swiftly approached him, her gaze lingering on the gruesome wound on his neck. She choked back a sob, speaking softly:

“Oh…”

Li Xuanfeng stroked her back, dropping the scaled tail he had been clutching to the side. His hands were covered in a multitude of fine, fish-scale-like wounds. He whispered:

“They were mostly young ones. I was just too hasty in killing them, so some injuries were inevitable.”

Li Yuanqin stood to the side, glancing at the wounds on his father’s hands. One hand was hidden in his sleeve, the other clutching his bow, as if deep in thought.

Ning Hemian sobbed twice against his chest, then quickly composed herself and replied:

“Since you’re back, you should go see the Master right away. He’s been temperamental in recent years, and my brothers have suffered greatly because of it.”

Li Xuanfeng nodded slightly, then laid the scaled aquatic beast on its side, cut open its belly, and retrieved dozens of brocade pouches. These pouches were tied together in a bloody cluster, all hanging from a jade talisman.

He picked up these items, concealed his presence, and quietly left the residence.

Li Yuanqin observed clearly, remaining silent. It wasn't until Li Xuanfeng had completely vanished that a look of realization mixed with dark resentment appeared on his face. Ning Hemian called his name twice before he finally came to his senses and said softly:

“Mother.”

Ning Hemian frowned and said gravely:

“Your father only gets to come home a few times in ten years. Why aren’t you smiling at all?”

Li Yuanqin remained silent. Suddenly, a clear, youthful voice rang out from outside the residence:

“Brother Qin, are you home?!”

“It’s those two Chi brothers again!”

Ning Hemian showed some displeasure but said little more. Li Yuanqin picked up his bow and swiftly exited the courtyard, a warm smile appearing on his face. He pushed open the gate and saw two young men, both Qi Cultivators, standing outside.

The leading one, exuding a pure aura and possessing a remarkable appearance, held a treasured sword. He smiled softly at Li Yuanqin and said:

“Brother Yuanqin.”

“Brother Fuxuan.”

The three greeted each other warmly and headed onto the street. Li Yuanqin seemed completely unaffected by his father’s injuries, appearing carefree. The two brothers exchanged a glance, and the leading young man said:

“We heard the General returned to the city. How is he?”

“Oh, him…”

Li Yuanqin looked at the longbow in his hand with interest and casually said:

“He went to find the Master as soon as he entered the door. How would I know his arrangements? I just wish he’d teach me his archery skills, but he refuses to!”

The two laughed heartily. Li Yuanqin, with his hands behind his back, swaggered down the street, his expression arrogant. He raised an eyebrow and declared:

“Let’s go drinking!”

The two brothers exchanged a look, then embraced him and moved forward, their eyes filled with wild laughter.

The Chi brothers silently followed behind him. One chuckled secretly and transmitted a thought with his spiritual sense:

‘Li Xuanfeng has been away for ten years, neglecting this boy. He’s long become a wastrel easily manipulated by us. The clan’s arrangements are truly brilliant! As long as this boy is in our hands, when Master Yuansu dies, Li Xuanfeng, to protect his clan, will be constrained from all sides and ultimately become our family’s dog.’

The other stroked his beard contentedly, also replying with his spiritual sense:

‘What’s more, Li Yuanqin’s seniority is significant. In another fifty or sixty years, he’ll be one of the most senior figures in the Li family. If he’s sent back to Qingdu then, the Li family will lose half its autonomy.’

As the two reflected on their triumph, they looked at Li Yuanqin ahead of them. Li Yuanqin was also smiling. Like his father, he had a naturally fierce look, and his smile inexplicably carried a chilling coldness.

Li Xuanfeng entered the cave dwelling, carried by the wind. Inside, white mist lay everywhere, and the main door was already open, as if awaiting his arrival.

He stepped inside. Master Yuansu sat in the main seat as usual, his face already shrouded in a cloud of mist, completely obscuring his features.

Opposite him sat a young man in a blue and white robe, handsome with smiling eyes, almost feminine in his features. He held a jade cup, sipping carefully, and looked down with a gentle smile.

“Xuanfeng greets both Masters.”

Judging by this person’s demeanor, he was most likely also a Master. Li Xuanfeng bowed deeply, as if toppling a mountain of gold and a pillar of jade. The handsome young man nodded, and Master Yuansu waved his hand, saying:

“Li Xuanfeng.”

After speaking, he turned his gaze back to Li Xuanfeng, gesturing:

“This is Master Puyu, the Sect Master of Penglai Quhai Sect.”

Li Xuanfeng bowed again, but Master Puyu spoke first, his voice gentle:

“No need for formalities. My sect’s founding patriarch was a cultivator from the Wei Kingdom, so we share some affinity.”

As he spoke, his handsome eyes began to glow softly with a deep blue light. This light settled on Li Xuanfeng, and he let out a faint exclamation.

Master Yuansu seemed to have anticipated this, pouring and drinking for himself. Master Puyu softly said:

“His vitality is exceptional, and he possesses innate divine strength. Indeed, a fine physical body.”

As he spoke, he didn’t avoid Li Xuanfeng’s gaze at all. He chuckled twice and asked:

“Elder Yuansu, are you planning to inhabit this body?”

Li Xuanfeng’s expression remained unchanged as he listened silently. Master Yuansu let out two muffled laughs, and the mist on his face trembled slightly. He said languidly:

“Forget it. I’m not used to using others’ bodies, nor am I bothered to perform all those techniques. If I had the inclination, I’d already be at the peak of the Purple Mansion realm by now. Why would I still be barely surviving today?”

Master Puyu chuckled and replied:

“The cultivation world is rigid and dull. You, Yuansu, are among the most rigid.”

Master Yuansu burst out laughing and replied:

“If I were to practice the wondrous method of extended life, even Chi Wei would laugh himself back to life, and that Biluo Immortal Sword would probably cleave through the Void and chop off my head.”

Master Puyu fell silent, then whispered:

“Li Jiangqun…”

Master Yuansu waved his hand and simply asked:

“What’s the situation in the Northern Sea?”

Master Puyu replied:

“Qing Jifang and others found signs of spiritual energy fluctuations in the Northern Sea, all the way to the northernmost point. Jade rain poured down with a clatter, frightening them so much that they ran for their lives.”

“So it was in the Northern Sea.”

Master Yuansu showed no surprise and replied:

“The Xiu Yue sect’s struggles are just for show. They made preparations in the Northern Sea long ago. I suspect Qing Jifang was also ordered by that person from Changhuai Mountain to specifically seek out that location.”

“Indeed.”

Master Puyu nodded, speaking gently:

“Since it’s been discovered, there’s no point in hiding it. Just wait a while, and the Xiu Yue Sect should send out invitations for the ceremony.”

Having discussed this much, they brought up Yuanwu for a round of ridicule, and their conversation drew to a close. Master Puyu cupped his hands in farewell, smiled at Li Xuanfeng, and said:

“This young man is resolute and has endured much in the mortal world. His future is promising. Why doesn’t Fellow Daoist break through the Tangjin Gate and retrieve the *Tianxu Zengjin Sutra*?”

The mist on Master Yuansu’s face rippled, and the hidden features beneath seemed somewhat sinister. He merely replied:

“That boy Situ isn’t dead. I fear he might be plotting.”

No sooner had he spoken than Master Puyu vanished. Only then did Master Yuansu dispel the mist from his face.

Master Puyu could manipulate Yin and Yang and discern life and death, and he was an overseas cultivator. If Master Yuansu hadn't hidden his features, with Yuanwu as a stark warning, he might have fallen into some new scheme. Thus, Master Yuansu had to constantly keep his face obscured.

Now that the man had left, Master Yuansu finally relaxed. He looked at Li Xuanfeng and asked:

“How was it?”

Li Xuanfeng replied:

“I have completed ninety percent of your command, Master. The rest are either hidden in the mountains or not on the island. Xuanfeng is incapable; I couldn’t find a way to get to them.”

Master Yuansu waved his hand indifferently, drawing up a large bundle of storage bags from the ground. They all appeared unopened. He tapped them twice on the table.

Soon, footsteps were heard from the entrance of the cave dwelling. Ning Heyuan hurried in. Master Yuansu picked up the bundle of storage bags and casually tossed them into his arms, saying offhandedly:

“Take these to Chi Zhiyun! You know how to talk to him.”

Ning Heyuan bowed deeply and quickly withdrew. The mist swirled, and soon only Master Yuansu and Li Xuanfeng remained.

Master Yuansu leaned back slowly against the jade seat, a hint of weariness in his expression. He said softly:

“Don’t go out these next few days. Yuanwu will be going mad for a while. When he passes away, you will accompany me to the Northern Sea for the ceremony.”

Li Xuanfeng acknowledged him and slowly retreated, moving back until he was at the entrance of the cave dwelling. Only then did he lift his head. In a haze, he saw that atop the jade platform, shrouded in white mist, sat not Master Yuansu, but a clear, verdant pool of water.

The mournful, weeping sound of a flute drifted past his ears. It was only after Li Xuanfeng exited the cave dwelling that he slowly recovered, sighing inwardly:

“Master Yuansu doesn’t have much time left.”

Qingsong Island.

Qingsong Island was not particularly large, but in recent years, nourished by spiritual energy, its earth veins had grown stronger. The entire mountain had risen several times in height, and submerged mountain ranges beneath the sea gradually emerged. Besides the territories originally divided by various sects, some overseas Foundation Establishment forces had also established outposts.

However, ten years passed in the blink of an eye. The spiritual energy on Qingsong Island diminished year by year. After all, it was never a blessed land; it was merely a place where an ancient Grotto-Heaven once rested, which explained its concentrated spiritual energy. Now, it was slowly reverting to its original state.

The Qingchi Sect, a renowned force within the cultivation world, occupied a solitary peak, abundant with green pines, where cold winds constantly swept through.

Li Xizhi sat quietly in the mountain. Beside a jade table stood Li Yuexiang, dressed in flowing robes, holding a sword and emanating faint flickers of light. Thanks to the spiritual energy of this place, Li Yuexiang had made swift progress in recent years, already breaking through to the fifth level of Qi Cultivation.

Li Xizhi remained as composed and at ease as ever. His cultivation had advanced to the middle stage of Foundation Establishment, and his spells had become more refined. As he quietly contemplated his magic, various iridescent lights would appear around him, adding to his mysterious aura.

After a moment, someone quickly came forward to report:

“Reporting to Daoist, Han Shizhen has come to visit.”

“Let him come up.”

Upon hearing that Han Shizhen had arrived, Li Yuexiang found an excuse and quickly withdrew. Li Xizhi put away his jade slip, then saw a middle-aged man ascend from below, his smile hearty. He simply said:

“Greetings, Daoist!”

This man was the head of the Han family of Dongliu. His cultivation was decent. When he was still a young master, he had personally visited the Li family, establishing a connection and selling Wanling flowers together with them.

The Han family was relatively close by. Han Shizhen was sociable and adaptable, not afraid to humble himself, and thus very well-connected. Hearing that a Daoist from the Li family was guarding this place, he immediately took an interest. He came more than a dozen times, bringing gifts and trying to get close, eventually managing to ascend the mountain.

Given that this man had a connection with his family, Li Xizhi allowed him to come. After several years of persistent effort, Han Shizhen truly managed to forge some rapport.

Han Shizhen’s smile was warm. After a few polite inquiries about well-being, he said:

“I’ve come this time to inform Daoist of some news.”

Seeing Li Xizhi look at him, he adopted a serious expression and said gravely:

“Daoist, I’ve received some clues. It seems Yuan Chengdun may have died!”

“What?”

Li Xizhi merely frowned, and Han Shizhen hastily pulled a piece of bluestone from his sleeve, offering it to him. He said gravely:

“A few days ago, a group of rogue cultivators arrived at Qunyi Strait. They brought back many spiritual artifacts to sell in our family’s market, and my subordinates kept reporting that these artifacts were unheard of.”

“I went to see for myself and looked through several ancient texts before recognizing it as a Demon-Suppressing Stone. These have long been extinct overseas, with only remnants found within the mainland… So I carefully questioned those rogue cultivators and learned that the stones were inexplicably spewed from the air and fell into the sea.”

“I heard that Yuan Chengdun cultivated on Fuqing Mountain, and after his death, he transformed into this very spiritual object! Suspicion rose in my heart, so I searched meticulously and indeed found many in that seabed.”

Li Xizhi, being well-informed, immediately understood his meaning. He said softly:

“Are you saying… he died within a certain secret realm, transformed into a spiritual object, returning to the world, but was then expelled by the secret realm and all thrown into the sea?”

“Daoist, what keen insight!”

Han Shizhen quickly praised him. Li Xizhi, having received his master’s benevolence, was very concerned about Yuan Tuan. He had spent years searching all over the East Sea for him. Han Shizhen understood his concern and reported to him as soon as he had news.

Now that he finally had clues regarding Yuan Tuan, Li Xizhi’s heart stirred greatly. He merely asked:

“Were the two Fumo Bronze Staffs found?”

Han Shizhen shook his head. Li Xizhi pondered for a moment, then immediately made an inference. He said softly:

“If this truly signifies Yuan Chengdun’s death, then those two Fumo Bronze Staffs were likely picked up by them long ago. They are probably on these rogue cultivators, but they are too valuable, so they’ve hidden them carefully and wouldn’t tell you.”

Han Shizhen was slightly stunned, then immediately understood and said regretfully:

“I was careless! After drawing the conclusion, I didn’t dare to be negligent and immediately came to find you, Daoist. I should have apprehended them earlier.”

Li Xizhi, long aware of the lack of moral bottom line among East Sea cultivators, was not surprised. He said gravely:

“I will accompany you to that market. On the way, we can also see where exactly in Qunyi Strait it occurred.”