Chapter 522: Divine Power

The main hall of Qingchi Sect stood grand and towering, imbued with ethereal spiritual energy. Steps of white jade gleamed under the bright glow of treasure lamps, and white spiritual energy flowed down like mist. Chizhiyun was descending the steps when he saw a middle-aged man ascending, who seemed quite at ease, his steps steady. Chizhiyun simply asked:

"What is it?"

The man was, of course, Ning Hejing. He immediately cupped his hands and reported:"To the Sect Master, the people from Qingsong Island have returned… We met a few, and Li Xizhi's sister said she went to the Han family and is now missing.""Those who followed up went to the Han family, but heard that the family said Li Xizhi had left early, only sending Han family members to investigate in the Qunyi Sea."Ning Hejing paused, then continued:"Following their trail, we heard that Li Xizhi had accepted an invitation from Kong Tingyun of Xuanyue Sect to collect mist from Zhuan Mountain for True Person Changxi. As for the two Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Han family, they are most likely dead."

Chizhiyun listened quietly, his expression rather intriguing. He simply asked:"So, Li Xizhi didn't go near Leiyun Temple, but instead went straight to Xuanyue Sect… Interesting."Ning Hejing bowed his head in affirmation, seeing Chizhiyun murmur:"Could it be Changxi who made a move?"

A look of hesitation appeared on Ning Hejing's face, but Chizhiyun quickly shook his head:"It shouldn't be that True Person. He hasn't cultivated a Life Spirit Technique, and he wouldn't dare interfere with Qingchi's affairs..."Both were direct descendants of immortal sects, with Purple Mansion elders in their families, and thus understood the various Purple Mansion spirit techniques and the Purple Mansion cultivators of Jiangnan.While Purple Mansion cultivators cultivate spirit techniques, not every technique falls into a single category; they encompass a vast array: Body Spirit Techniques, Life Spirit Techniques, Eye Spirit Techniques… Each has its own profound intricacies, but the most crucial is the Life Spirit Technique.The Life Spirit Technique is key for a Purple Mansion cultivator to interact with fate, similar in some ways to various Buddhist cultivation methods. It can be used to confuse minds and conduct inquiries, subtly influence situations without detection, or discern signs and deduce origins.Although it's rare for Purple Mansion cultivators to engage in large-scale combat—aside from a few peak figures, others seldom clearly establish superiority—possessing a Life Spirit Technique is considered a true threshold to becoming a player on the grand stage.

Because the spirit techniques of each sect's True Persons differ, there are also distinctions in standing among the immortal sects. For example, Ziyan Sect has two True Persons at the peak of the Purple Mansion realm, subtly giving them the reputation as the foremost sect below the Three Great Sects. In contrast, the weakest, Xueji Sect, has had its Purple Mansion cultivators missing for years, to the point where even its disciples dare not show themselves.Several of Qingchi Sect's Purple Mansion cultivators possess Life Spirit Techniques. Originally known as Qingchi's Three Primordials, Yuansu had the most renowned reputation, not only because the seal in his hand was exceedingly powerful, but also because the Green Water Spring Sound Spirit Technique he cultivated was both a Body Spirit Technique and a Life Spirit Technique, making it exceptionally profound.True Person Changxi's cultivated spirit technique, the Foolish Mountain Driving Art, is a rare Art Spirit Technique and not suited for offense. Due to a lack of cultivation methods, he has stagnated for years and has always been the one keeping a low profile among the Seven Gates. Chizhiyun naturally did not suspect him.

After a moment of thought, Ning Hejing asked:"Could it be True Person Chuting…?"At the mention of Xiao Chuting, both their expressions grew uneasy. Xiao Chuting had not appeared for many years, yet he was a figure to be truly feared.This True Person had initially broken through to the Purple Mansion realm in dire straits, struggling every step of the way. Later, he became calm and composed, handling matters with ease. By now, he had become a figure everyone sought to win over.Chizhiyun's expression was displeased, but he still shook his head, whispering:"If Xiao Chuting had made a move, there would be no need for such complexity… Moreover, he has been in the Northern Sea, likely with Yuanxiu in Cangzhou. There's no way he'd be controlling the situation in the East Sea from millions of miles away…"

Ning Hejing fell silent for several breaths before speaking:"This subordinate doesn't understand, how dare he go to the Northern Sea!"Chizhiyun replied softly:"After all, it's a grand event for a Purple Mansion cultivator to break through to the Golden Core. Xiao Chuting couldn't miss it. Besides… his cultivation is of the Kan Water element, and Cangzhou has the most abundant Kan Water. This is a hard-won opportunity for him."

Ning Hejing parted his lips, his voice barely a whisper:"What the Sect Master says is true… but… Xiao Xianyou's death back then was suspicious, suspected to be at Shangyuan's hand… Those below dare not speak of it, the Xiao family dare not know, but Xiao Chuting must be aware! If I were him, I wouldn't even dare go north…"Chizhiyun's expression darkened. He simply said:"What nonsense! How many people were involved in the Donghua Li Jiangqun incident back then? Not just Xiao Xianyou, wasn't that one from Ziyan Sect also involved? Yuanwu, Yuanxiu, Tianyuan… who wasn't part of it? There's no reason not to go to Xiuyue.""Shangyuan was indeed supported by Donghua… but what would he dare do? If you ask me, even if he achieves Golden Core, he wouldn't dare say much about this matter…"

Ning Hejing could only nod repeatedly. The two had only briefly discussed this event from centuries past, yet they felt a jolt of fear. Chizhiyun reined in his emotions and came to a conclusion:"If Li Xizhi truly didn't go, it's nine times out of ten a matter of fortunate coincidence… As for the remaining one or two possibilities…"Ning Hejing nodded slightly, and softly said:"There's also the possibility that this person has simply been putting on an act… that he never truly intended to investigate Yuan Tuan's matter, which is why he delayed so casually…""After all, with Yuan Tuan's death, Qingsui Peak would fall into his hands."Chizhiyun nodded noncommittally, seemingly holding other answers in his heart that he did not voice. He waved Ning Hejing away, then sat alone in his seat.

He waited for a moment, then rose on the wind, flying all the way to the highest point of Qingchi Peak. There, he saw it enveloped in white mist and ethereal clouds. He entered, making his way to the deepest part of the cave dwelling.In the deepest part was a clear, inviting deep pool. Chizhiyun carefully surveyed the surroundings, then gently formed hand seals.Patterns quickly lit up on the stone walls of the cave dwelling, spreading out densely to isolate the inside from the outside. The faintly emanating fluctuations were exceedingly powerful; it was a Purple Mansion-level array, one that even cut off this segment of the Great Void.

Chizhiyun then bent down, gazing with fervent eyes at the deep pool. After waiting for a full fifteen minutes, a reflection slowly emerged in the originally dark water.Above the pool, there was clearly only empty, greenish-blue rock, yet reflected in the water was a small, radiant silvery-white tree. Its delicate, beautiful leaves, like silver threads, swayed gently with the ripples of the pool.A soft, gentle moonlight slowly emanated from it. Chizhiyun quietly watched the small tree in the pool, calculated the days, and his heart grew increasingly joyful:"Soon… soon… it will bear fruit… Bu Zi always kept them for himself, no matter how much I begged, he wouldn't give me even one. Now that fellow is missing, I finally have the chance to consume this fruit… just a bit longer…"As he slowly pondered, the small tree in the pool slowly unfurled as if breathing, emitting a clear and gentle moonlight. Around the pool, wisps of orchid grass grew, their fragrance delightful.

Yishan City.The ancient walls of Yishan City were weathered and covered in the marks of spells. A group of guards looked down from above, seeing the desolate land before the city walls covered in white bones. A few crows perched on the wasteland, cawing.

Directly above them stood a group of young men, all in splendid robes, a stark contrast to the many clan cultivators beside them. Some even sat in the air, holding cups, leisurely gazing at the scenery.For these guards, Yishan City was a place where lives were gambled, but in the eyes of these Qingchi Sect disciples, it was merely a location for exchanging benefits with demonic beasts and for training disciples, thus nothing to be feared.Several of them were in a holiday mood, chatting and drinking on the city wall. To the left of the center sat a young man, seemingly already drunk, leaning softly against the wall.His robes were loose, and he sat astride the steps, head tilted, raising his cup. His grayish-black eyes were filled with intoxication. This was Li Yuanqin, Li Xuanfeng's descendant in the Southern Wilderness, surrounded by the group.

The group gathered, sharing amusing anecdotes about noble families and who had recently found opportunities in other immortal sects, making for a lively discussion. One person, after a drink, laughed and said:"Brother Yuanqin, you carry that bow every day. Why not unstring it and shoot an arrow? Let's see how much of your father's skill you've inherited?"Li Yuanqin heard this, gave a cold laugh, unslung the bow from his back, and casually tossed it to the man, saying:"What skill could it amount to? It's just for show."The others exchanged glances, tacitly moved past the topic, and quickly brought up jokes. One person remarked:"I heard there have been significant changes in the Southern Wilderness recently. Several witch states near the northern border are warring among themselves, seemingly trying to establish some grand sect… That's a rare occurrence."

The Southern Wilderness was not entirely under the dominion of demonic beasts; it was merely that Yishan City directly faced their territory. The borders of the Southern Wilderness stretched for thousands of miles, extending deep near the State of Wu, and even bordering Jinyu Sect's domain.In that area were many witch states, most of which were raised by demonic beasts for consumption. There were also some obscure small forces, many of which fell during the demonic catastrophe."It seems there were many small sects there originally…"One of them asked.These small mountain temples certainly couldn't compare to behemoths like the Three Great Sects and Seven Gates. Most were small sects founded by rogue Qi Condensation cultivators, nestled in the vast wilderness between the State of Wu and the Southern Wilderness, rising and falling daily. He showed a reminiscent look, murmuring:"It seems there was a decent force back then… called Tu… Tujun Sect?"How would a small sect from that wilderness area reach the ears of these direct descendants? After thinking it over, only Tujun Sect came to mind. Once ignored, it was now renowned throughout the world because of Tulongjian. Everyone present seemed to understand.

These tangential remarks led to someone finally chuckling and asking:"Say… I hear True Person Shangyuan is about to break through to the Golden Core. Young masters… have any of your families heard any rumors?"Upon hearing this, Li Yuanqin's previously hazy eyes immediately focused. He discreetly watched his wine cup as a Chi family member said:"What news could there be! Even Duanmu Kui failed… how much chance does Shangyuan have?"As soon as he spoke, another person nearby, of higher status and more splendid attire, immediately sneered and softly said:"My clan brother is truly amusing. Shangyuan is backed by that one from Xiuyue Sect. What does Duanmu Kui have? Just an immortal book, powerful in combat, but can it help him break through?"The previously speaking Chi family member, clearly not aligned with him, immediately retorted:"The immortal once said he could achieve Golden Core, and what happened now?"

Immediately, a cacophony of voices erupted into an argument. Li Yuanqin remained silent. He then looked at the other Ning family members present; their expressions were equally grim. All were in low spirits, drinking heavily.There was a reason for this: a few days prior, Yuansu had personally appointed Ning Heyeun as family head and also as Immortal Peak Master. With Ning Heyeun's appointment, the Ning family members naturally realized that True Person Yuansu did not have much time left.With their backing declining, they naturally had no mind for jokes, and the Ning family members' faces were etched with worry. Li Yuanqin listened quietly. Finally, he saw them unify their topic, asking:"Where is True Person Yuanxiu now?"With the sect's Purple Mansion cultivators visibly nearing their end one by one, True Person Yuanxiu, whose status was unclear, suddenly became a sought-after topic. Everyone collectively cast their gaze toward a person in the corner.This person, with thick eyebrows and large eyes, sat smiling in the corner. The Chi family member spoke up:"Brother Sihong Lang… perhaps you know some news you could share with everyone…"Sihong Lang's talent was not high, nor did he have any outstanding achievements, usually remaining unnoticed among the group. Now, he finally had his moment of pride. He simply said:"My True Person is skilled in health preservation, and he is the youngest of the Three Primordials, so he still has a long time!"

Everyone laughed heartily, when the leading Chi family member suddenly stopped. He saw a golden figure flying straight towards them, slowly stopping before the city wall. The figure's expression was stern, and his gaze swept over the gathered group.Most of the young masters lost their nerve, retreating and lowering their heads. Only a few direct descendants of the Chi family remained somewhat firm, cupping their hands respectfully and saying:"Greetings, General. Brother Yuanqin is here."

Li Xuanfeng immediately saw Li Yuanqin, flushed with drink, sitting among the crowd. Even the bow that the child carried daily was casually discarded at his feet, lying cold on the ground. For a moment, Li Xuanfeng said nothing.The others looked slightly crestfallen, daring not to speak, though an undercurrent of schadenfreude passed among many. Li Yuanqin scrambled up from the ground, picked up the bow and arrows, and stumbled unsteadily to stand before his father.Li Xuanfeng gave him a cold glance, then reached out, grabbed his collar, and unceremoniously lifted him. Riding the golden arcane wind, he swiftly flew towards the mansion. Once the father and son had departed, a low burst of laughter erupted from those remaining.One person commented:"Truly a tiger father, dog son!"A direct descendant of the Chi family, sitting nearby with a smiling face, simply said:"You fool, Li Yuanqin is no simple character; he just doesn't see eye to eye with his father!"His eyes gleamed with triumph.

Li Xuanfeng ascended on the wind, carrying Li Yuanqin all the way to the mansion. Only then did he release him, setting him down in the courtyard. Li Yuanqin silently straightened his clothes and stood to one side.Li Xuanfeng stood quietly for a moment, then whispered:"I don't know how you ended up like this. When I return from the Northern Sea, I'll take you to various places… Don't associate with them."Li Yuanqin nodded, took a step back, excused himself, and went his own way. Li Xuanfeng stood there for a few more breaths, then rose on the wind and descended towards Yuansu's cave dwelling.

Circling past the stone statue at the entrance, the cave dwelling remained shrouded in white mist. Before Li Xuanfeng even drew near, he could hear the tinkling sound of a spring. He bowed and entered. True Person Yuansu was still seated serenely on the jade platform.He consistently maintained the appearance of a round-faced man in his twenties, quietly seated in the primary position. Seeing Li Xuanfeng approach, he finally rose and softly said:"Accompany me to the Northern Sea."