Chapter 530

A world revealed in the Mirror Artifact.

The world was a desolate expanse. Moon-white buildings were neatly arranged, nestled among the rocky terrain. Most of these white jade-like palaces were curved and glistening. Large, grotesque stone figures lay sprawled on the cliffs, appearing silver under the moonlight.

Lu Jiangxian sat quietly before a jade table, as a pale green light began to emanate before him.

He was startled awake as soon as Chi Buzhi's trace appeared on Zongquan Island. The contingency he had previously placed in Chi Buzhi's soul swiftly transmitted all information back, and various scenes from the East Sea began to unfold in his eyes.

After a mere two breaths, Lu Jiangxian settled back down at the jade table.

"Chi Buzhi."

Lu Jiangxian had originally placed a contingency in Chi Buzhi's soul, partly to extract memories and partly to suppress him. Now that he had received the immortal official's memories, he immediately realized something was amiss.

"Since memories were transmitted back," he mused, "then the contingency I placed in his soul has not failed."

Lu Jiangxian frowned. As he read through the memories, he found that over the years, Chi Buzhi had indeed engaged in a battle of wits with the water mansion's immortal official, traveling all four seas in search of the so-called Immortal Court traces.

This memory had been fabricated by Lu Jiangxian on the fly to explain the immortal official's origin. How could it possibly be consistent? After circling the four seas, both the man and the soul immediately realized something was amiss.

Yet, while the Daoist sects of this realm appeared to share a common origin with those of his previous life, they were also quite different, and various Daoist techniques could still trace their roots. The fabricated splinter-soul argued with Chi Buzhi for a moment, but ultimately had to admit that the Immortal Court had collapsed and vanished during a certain Immortal-Demon conflict.

This immortal official's soul, originally a splinter-soul of Jinlian Maha, proved to be something sinister after all. Upon realizing the Immortal Court was gone, it immediately conceived a wicked idea: to seize Chi Buzhi's body and live another life.

The two struggled against each other. One was a Purple Mansion True Lord, an old demon who had emerged from the Green Pond Sect. The other, though believing itself to have once been righteous, was equally cunning when it came to wicked schemes. They truly conspired and plotted against each other, battling for over a decade.

In the end, Chi Buzhi successfully absorbed the Talisman Qi as he wished, and the immortal official was tragically devoured. However, the light in Lu Jiangxian's hand clearly verified that over these past ten years, the immortal official had learned and applied the soul arts of this path proficiently, perhaps still hiding in some corner of Chi Buzhi's soul.

Meanwhile, the restriction within Chi Buzhi's soul was still gently glowing. Chi Buzhi and the immortal official had battled fiercely, inflicting severe harm upon each other, yet they tacitly avoided touching this restriction.

Lu Jiangxian sat quietly on the jade throne for a moment. He was no longer the Lu Jiangxian of the past; at this moment, he secretly conjectured:

"Chi Buzhi might not be unaware that the immortal official is still alive. Perhaps he dares not kill someone associated with me, and he intentionally places leverage in my hands... making me feel that he can be controlled."

"As for joining forces to deal with Lushu..."

Lu Jiangxian was naturally not impulsive enough to confront Lushu now. The more he understood this realm, the more cautious he became. He only wished to focus on restoring his Mirror Artifact; why would he provoke Lushu?

"I can't even leave the Mirror Artifact. How could I possibly have the ability to pull him down from that Fruit Position?"

Those few were still battling beyond the heavens. His true body was hidden in the Great Void, where he could faintly feel the tremors. If he were to reveal even a slight trace of himself, he would likely be immediately sensed.

"Shangyuan has achieved True Monarch status..."

Lu Jiangxian first set aside the numerous cultivation techniques and spells from this memory fragment. His spiritual sense stirred, and he indeed found that many of the sorcerous talisman arts he had previously researched had changed. They now included a "Jade True Component," making them quite different.

He sat at the stone table for a moment, secretly tallying:

"Over the past century, I have gradually come to understand this world. Not to mention Purple Mansion cultivators, I've learned quite a bit about Golden Core cultivators too..."

"In the State of Yue, Green Pond Lushu, Golden Feather Taiyuan, and Xiuyue Taiyue are three True Monarchs. The State of Wu is similar in size to Yue; I only know of Changhuai Taiyi, so there are likely two or three more. By this calculation, there should be around six True Monarchs in Jiangnan."

"The East Sea Dragon Clan has two, and I've heard Pingshui is still among them. The North Sea is said to have two, and the South Sea is similar in size to the East Sea. So there should be around nine in the Four Seas..."

"And accounting for the Wang and Xie families, Luoxia Mountain, the Underworld... the numbers really add up."

Lu Jiangxian calculated repeatedly. By his reckoning, the Immortal Dao still boasted at least ten True Monarchs, enough to certainly suppress the others. No wonder the Northern Buddhists had always been well-behaved...

"As for ancient True Monarchs, weren't there even more!"

Lu Jiangxian had gained much information from the immortal official's memories. What he most wanted was to find his own origins, as he might have had a previous life as the master of the Moon Essence Yuanfu.

He considered the possibilities and still felt that Yingze was the most likely candidate.

Firstly, although his Mirror Artifact was a Moon Essence treasure, he had heard that the Moon Essence Yuanfu possessed both Sun and Moon Dual-Polarity Profound Light. One could tentatively guess that it was formed from Lunar Profound Light and Solar Profound Light, implying complete Yin and Yang, which perfectly matched Yingze.

Secondly, Yingze was a person from the Green Pine Temple, and the Jianyang Ring also bore the inscription "Lu Jiangxian of Green Pine Temple." This too was a match.

And most importantly, the Green Pine Temple Grotto-Heaven, reflecting everything above and below, perfectly fit the nature of a mirror. Coincidentally, this Grotto-Heaven was forged by Yingze.

With these three points aligning, Yingze's likelihood became the greatest.

"Golden Feather Taiyuan referred to Yingze as a senior, meaning Yingze must be at least a True Monarch or even a Dao Embryo existence..."

However, things weren't so conclusive; two other matters still left him puzzled:

"The master of the Moon Essence Yuanfu is said to be an Immortal Lord; Yingze is probably still a bit short of that. Moreover, Li Jiangqun has seen me, indicating I still had traces at least in recent antiquity. But Yingze seems to have perished many years ago."

For now, he could only list Yingze as a suspect:

"In any case, at least five True Monarchs are ambushing Yingze. Luoxia Mountain has a Dao Embryo, and the Underworld should too. I absolutely cannot expose myself."

He didn't even consider Chi Buzhi's proposal, only finding the man a nuisance. He sighed:

"At least Lushu is in a bad situation. This time, he will definitely suffer some injuries and will have no energy to bother with subordinates."

He conjured those memories, and soon, numerous ancient texts appeared before him, stored within pale green jade slips.

"Chi Buzhi was cautious, only showing him the Foundation Establishment chapters of these Green Pond cultivation methods. However, Lushu's five paths were all complete."

He specifically extracted these five paths, which were:

— *Scripture of Dark Floating and Gathering Clouds*— *Scripture of the Green Pond Cavernous Mystery*— *Technique of Ugly Kui Seeking Water*— *Scripture of Clear Serene Evenings*— *Technique of Dew Tribulation and Falling Flowers*

They corresponded to Lushu's five paths:

— Heavy Turbidity— Sound of Cavern Spring— Ugly Kui Concealing— Clear Evening Rain— Cleansing Dew of Tribulation

Lu Jiangxian temporarily categorized these aside. Naturally, it was impossible to let the Li family members cultivate these techniques; they could only serve as a reference for his own spell compilation and as materials for researching the nature of Lushu's Noon Essence Talismans.

"After all, Lushu's path is quite related to talismans, which is why talismans are easily formed in Jiangnan. Perhaps it can offer some inspiration."

He did not examine the other Green Pond methods in detail, only reviewing various spells, large and small, all of which were characteristic Green Pond techniques and movement arts.

As he looked through them, he indeed found something interesting.

It was a small, quite ancient biography that Chi Buzhi had specifically sought out, hoping his splinter-soul could see if there were any corresponding individuals.

This book was rather peculiar. The author's surname was Chen, and his given name was Xuanxiang. Lu Jiangxian specifically retrieved it, conjuring a small book and holding it in his hand.

"On the twenty-first day of the eleventh month, just as the turbulent times were settling, I was betrothed to a member of the Li family in my youth and returned with my mother to Ning State, gaining the service of two servants, Xiao and Quan... I journeyed south, traveling throughout Jiangnan."

This person's birth year was very distant, likely a thousand years ago, precisely when the Yuan family was flourishing and the Dongli Sect still existed. It was rare to find records of the Six Sons of Chongming:

"Taiyue, Taiyi, Taiyu were prominent in the early period, while Taixu, Taizhu, and Taiqing rose later. The Green Pine Dao tradition flourished in recent antiquity..."

Lu Jiangxian read carefully for a while, matching each person one by one. A strange feeling settled in his heart:

"So... these people are all Yingze's disciples...?"

"One sect with four Golden Cores? Even six Golden Cores..."

Doubts arose in his mind; he secretly pondered:

"Green Pine Temple... what kind of Dao tradition is it, after all?"

***

**Zongquan Island.**

Li Qinghong waited for a short while in the cave dwelling but received no response. Even Chi Buzhi's trace disappeared. The spring water in the cave turned clear again from its muddy state, and the tinkling sound of the spring vanished.

She let out a soft breath in the cave, not daring to think too much. She turned and exited the cave dwelling. All was quiet; Zongquan Island was shrouded in night. The formation was intact, without the slightest change or any ripple of warning.

Outside was the altar of Xuanlei Lake, where Li Cheng sat upright, cultivating. He was only about ten *zhang* from the cave entrance and hadn't noticed anything at all; not even the knocking sound had reached his ears.

Li Qinghong gently stepped out into the bright starlit night. Having just experienced the receding seawater, the dragon swallowing the purple pearl, and a Purple Mansion True Lord's arrival, even someone as resolute as her had no mind for cultivation.

As soon as she exited the cave dwelling, she immediately startled Li Cheng, who was beside her. He steadily rose and said in a deep voice:

"Aunt, there is now a lead regarding the matter the family asked us to investigate some years ago."

Li Qinghong quickly understood and asked:

"Is it the Mingyang treasures?"

She had received a letter from Li Xijun, asking her to keep an eye out for several Mingyang treasures in the East Sea to assist Li Ximing in his bid for the Purple Mansion realm. Li Qinghong had inquired repeatedly but found no trace. Now, with this reminder, she secretly thought:

"For a Purple Mansion cultivator to take our lives is like reaching into a bag for something. Ximing is already nearing late Foundation Establishment; I wonder how many secret techniques he has mastered and how much opportunity he has."

Li Cheng, however, had found something else. He merely said:

"In Zhulu Sea, there is a Dao tradition that cultivates Mingyang, located in a remote eastern area. We have now found its specific location; we can go and inquire. Perhaps there will be a gain."

Li Qinghong asked in detail. Li Cheng presented a jade slip, and she saw that everything was clearly noted within it, including the veracity of the inquired information and how the terrain would likely change after the seawater receded, making it easy to identify. All was written in meticulous detail.

He also presented the changes on the island in recent years: how much land had appeared as the sea level dropped, how it was to be managed, and how it was to be distributed among the newly arrived clan members and the original inhabitants. All was clearly and fairly organized.

Li Qinghong read through it, and her previously worried brow relaxed considerably. She said softly:

"Good child, among the Chengming generation, only Cheng Liao, Ming Gong, and you have truly amounted to something. Cheng Liao is now the family head, and Ming Gong is gradually taking charge of family affairs. Only you are here with me at this remote corner of the world... you've suffered."

"Your eldest brother," she continued, "didn't intentionally send you here. It's simply that the family truly had no one else to spare. Please be more understanding..."

Li Cheng shook his head. He was always quiet and without ambition, simply managing the tasks assigned by the clan in an orderly manner and never speaking ill of others. Rarely did he speak in such a deep voice:

"By sentiment and reason, even just looking at the Young Master, Eldest Brother is the family head. I understand my own abilities; managing this small island is enough."

He said softly:

"The three of us cultivated together since childhood, but our cultivation is far from matching our fathers' generation. Whenever this matter is discussed, we feel restless and uneasy. Now, this situation is good; I am content."

Li Cheng's words encapsulated the heartfelt concern of the entire Chengming generation, from eldest brother Li Chengliao to the youngest, Li Chenghuai: that they were "far worse than before."

No matter how diligently these children cultivated, they found that they consistently fell far short of the records left by their fathers and grandfathers. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn't even reach a fraction of it. Then, Li Zhouwei rose rapidly like the morning sun, eclipsing the stars and moon.

These children were all earnest and intelligent. They looked at each other, always feeling unworthy of their positions in Qingdu. This even led to the Chengming generation having very little voice within the clan now, with most not daring to speak up.

Li Qinghong naturally understood. Li Xijun had specifically written several letters about this matter. Now, talisman seeds were becoming increasingly difficult to bestow, which also meant they couldn't receive talismans. The younger generation was already less talented; lacking these two things, how could they possibly catch up?

As for the Young Master Li Zhouwei, Li Qinghong naturally placed great hopes in him. But she had seen much, knowing that what was eagerly anticipated often failed, while things that were not focused on succeeded easily. Leaving Li Cheng to cultivate lightning techniques back then also had Li Qinghong's own intentions.

She merely encouraged him, saying:

"I have prepared various elixirs for you. Now, with water receding and thunder rising, cultivation progresses quickly; it is a good time to break through to Foundation Establishment. To put it bluntly, among the Chengming generation, only you have a chance."

"And cultivate diligently on the island. Things within the sea are constantly changing. Breaking through to Purple Mansion is vague and without hope. Succeed, and you will be an immortal clan; fail, then... if there are changes in the family and we are no longer here, there will always be a Foundation Establishment cultivator to hold things down. Whether escaping overseas or gathering remaining forces... you must at least reach Foundation Establishment."

She had spoken to this extent, and Li Cheng was startled and alarmed. He stared blankly at her for a moment, then understood, prostrated himself in a deep bow, and said in a deep voice:

"Cheng will bear it in mind and dare not be negligent," he vowed.

Li Qinghong nodded, rode a beam of lightning into the air, and swiftly flew away in the direction indicated on the jade slip. Li Cheng stood quietly for a moment.

Li Cheng had originally been comfortable. As an outstanding student from Qingdu in the clan, managing a small island with his abilities was effortless. He only wanted to peacefully manage his area and await the family's assignments.

But Li Qinghong seemed to have seen through his thoughts. After her words, his entire demeanor changed. His eyes were still downcast, but faintly glowed with a keen light. He sat cross-legged again and began to cultivate, now suppressing the surge in his heart, faintly resonating with the thunderous intent in the clouds.

"If there are changes in the clan, I shall be the backup," he vowed, "wielding my spear and riding the thunder forth."