Chapter 540: Departure

Li Xijun felt a chill in his heart. This single assignment would almost empty the Li family's resources. Upon careful calculation, the number of people requested was precisely fixed, amounting to seven-tenths of their available manpower.

He almost immediately signaled his displeasure, exclaiming in spite of himself:

"What?!"

Zhao Tinggui could only offer a dry laugh. Li Xijun immediately composed himself and said softly:

"Xijun, forgive my rudeness."

Zhao Tinggui quickly waved his hand, looking slightly apologetic. He had not wanted to offend the Li family, but these individuals absolutely had to be brought along, as it concerned his very life. Regardless of personal favors or reputation, Zhao Tinggui ultimately could not back down. He simply drank his tea in silence.

With Zhao Tinggui's stance clear, Li Xijun could only speak up himself, saying softly:

"Reporting to Your Excellency... this is completely unreasonable... Even ordinary aristocratic families wouldn't be requisitioned to such an extent. Our family is stationed at Wangyue Lake, directly facing the impact, serving as a barrier for Qingchi. We hope for your understanding..."

Although Zhao Tinggui was the senior disciple of Moon Lake Peak, he came from a humble, commoner family and had fortuitously become a disciple of Ning Wan.

Now, though he was a staunch supporter of the Ning family and did not fear ordinary aristocratic families, he felt somewhat intimidated facing the Li family. He simply said:

"Tinggui is also just following orders..."

The two men were in a stalemate for a while. Although Li Xijun did not know which peak the visitor was from, he had researched the possible peaks beforehand and recognized Zhao Tinggui. Sensing a hint of hesitation from the other party, he thought there might still be room for negotiation:

'This person comes from a humble background,' he mused, 'relying solely on his talent and disposition to gain Ning Wan's favor. He is well-rounded, and his character still holds some kindness. If I apply some pressure... there might be room for maneuver.'

Li Xijun gradually fell silent. Zhao Tinggui pondered for a moment, then finally gritted his teeth and said:

"After all, our two families have deep ties... Tinggui will be frank... there are two requests..."

He said in a deep voice:

"The direct descendants of your esteemed family, especially those of your generation, Daoist Xijun... it would be best if they could come along..."

He had barely finished speaking when Li Xijun understood:

"So that's what he's planning..."

Zhao Tinggui's consideration was clear: as long as crucial direct descendants of the Li family went, if anything happened on the battlefield, the Li family would certainly rescue them. Furthermore, Li Xuanfeng and Li Xizhi, who were not under Moon Lake Peak's jurisdiction, could not simply stand by.

Once those two became involved, if the situation became even more critical, it could even draw in the Yang and Xiao families to help...

Li Xijun saw this clearly and sighed inwardly. If Zhao Tinggui had come prepared, his intention was even clearer:

"It seems Yuexiang must go too..."

Li Yuexiang was Li Xizhi's younger sister. During the Yuan family incident, it was clear that Li Xuanfeng also cared deeply for her. Zhao Tinggui had secretly calculated that having her accompany them was likely a precise move.

He pondered for a moment, nodded silently, and instructed:

"Go and ask Yuexiang to come up."

Seeing Li Xijun's action, Zhao Tinggui's expression brightened slightly, and he continued:

"There's one more thing. I've heard your esteemed family possesses a kind of Wanling flower that can dispel worries and sustain life... If your esteemed family could provide this item for six of my fellow disciples from the peak, Tinggui would be immensely grateful!"

This request was not excessive. Li Xijun had already set some aside for his own direct descendants, and although giving some away now would make things a bit tight, their existing stock could last for another year or two without issue. He nodded slightly.

Zhao Tinggui, however, appeared very pleased and replied:

"On behalf of my fellow disciples from the peak, I thank your esteemed family!"

Li Xijun's thoughts were still on his own family's arrangements. Zhao Tinggui paused, then replied:

"Returning to the manpower arrangements," he said, "if your esteemed family is indeed stretched thin, there's no need to dispatch so many people at once."

"Four late-stage Qi Cultivators, four mid-stage Qi Cultivators, nineteen early-stage Qi Cultivators, and eighty Fetal Breath cultivators... How does that sound?"

Li Xijun understood that this was the result of two compromises. He only sighed and said:

"An order has been issued by the sect; the Li family will naturally comply."

As the two were speaking, a woman entered the courtyard. With willow-leaf eyebrows and almond eyes, her white dress fluttered, and a long sword hung at her waist. She seemed to have just finished cultivating, as faint golden-red flames flickered across her body.

Li Xijun said softly:

"This is my younger sister, Li Yuexiang."

"This is the envoy from Moon Lake Peak, Senior Zhao Tinggui."

Zhao Tinggui glanced at her and returned the greeting. Although Li Xijun had anticipated this, he still looked at his sister and asked:

"Our family is stationed below Moon Lake Peak, but we still lack a direct descendant capable of holding the fort," he said. "Yuexiang, are you interested in this?"

Li Yuexiang only smiled and said:

"Idly staying at home," she said, "I can finally contribute. Brother, please make the arrangements."

Li Xijun had the two introduce themselves, then smiled at Zhao Tinggui and said:

"Your Excellency, do not underestimate the women of my family," he said. "Yuexiang is not one of those delicate maidens. Her journey north should be of great help."

Zhao Tinggui quickly assented. Li Yuexiang listened to their arrangements and said softly:

"I will go down now and gather the personnel."

She quickly departed. Zhao Tinggui watched her retreating figure and took a sip of tea. Li Xijun, deep in thought, said softly:

"Yuexiang is my youngest sister; all us brothers dote on her," he said. "I would trouble Your Excellency to look after her."

After all, Li Yuexiang's presence there was the intended point, and the Li family would naturally step in to help. Li Xijun absolutely did not want this person to treat Li Yuexiang as a pawn, and there was a hint of warning in his tone:

"My sister will be in your care, Daoist friend!"

Zhao Tinggui merely said:

"Rest assured, Xijun," Zhao Tinggui said, "Tinggui is certainly not such a petty person. Should anything happen to Daoist Yuexiang, you may hold me accountable."

"Good," Li Xijun replied. "Then, please, Your Excellency, come down with us and help my sister select personnel from the clan."

Zhao Tinggui nodded and withdrew, leaving Li Xijun sitting in the hall. He pondered for a moment, refilled his teacup, and murmured softly:

"Zhao Tinggui is still single, and only thirty-nine years old... The Ning family seems to have inquired about marriage several times, but he refused, prioritizing his cultivation."

He absolutely did not believe that Zhao Tinggui's glance was one of being tempted by beauty. Nor did he believe that this young and highly skilled Foundation Establishment cultivator, who had risen from a humble commoner family to board the Ning family's ship and step by step become the head disciple of Moon Lake Peak through talent and perseverance, would openly linger on beauty in front of him. It was nothing more than a hint.

'He wants background, intellect, appearance, and talent...' Li Xijun thought. 'My sister truly is a good match for him...'

A hint of coldness flashed in his handsome eyes. Recalling Zhao Tinggui's hint, he thought:

"Striking the mountain to shake the tiger, knowing when to advance and retreat, achieving three objectives with one stone, serving both public and private interests — he is indeed a notable figure. But it all depends on what Yuexiang thinks. Once she's spent enough time with him and seen his true colors... she'll know what to do."

News from the Immortal Sect had spread earlier, and the Li family had also received it. Now that the cloud ships had arrived and several clan leaders had descended the mountain, the message was very clear.

Li Yuexiang descended the mountain to see Li Chengliao. He was incredibly busy and only rushed to greet his aunt after she descended on the wind.

"Nineteen early-stage Qi Cultivators are needed," he muttered, "and they must practice righteous cultivation, not too poor..."

Li Chengliao reviewed the list. Even if all the non-family members were sent, several of his own brothers would still have to go. Not to mention needing to leave some people for the prominent families, if few of the dispatched individuals were surnamed Li, Zhao Tinggui probably wouldn't be satisfied.

"An Zheyen, Li Chengzu, Chen Mufeng, Li Wen... these late-stage Qi Cultivators should be enough..."

"Li Minggong, Li Cheng..."

He finished writing the list. Li Yuexiang looked it over; the arrangements were very proper. The An family retained An Siwei, and their own direct descendants were also involved. She only asked:

"With all these people dispatched, what combat strength remains in the clan?"

"Elder Chen and others are all here," he replied. "As for the Chenming generation, I'm afraid only Chenghuai and Cheng, who stayed in the East Sea, will remain. The rest of those with cultivation will mostly have to go."

Li Yuexiang softly acknowledged, nodded, and replied:

"Your arrangements are fine. Call everyone over."

Li Chengliao nodded. Then he heard Li Yuexiang say softly:

"From my perspective," she said, "the northern war will certainly not be easy. As time passes, more reinforcements will surely be requested; they won't stop until all families are emptied. You must guard the family well, and be prepared to send more people when the time comes."

Li Chengliao understood. He took out several storage bags and replied:

"All supplies and elixirs are ready here. Aunt, please be careful."

As the two were discussing, the people outside the hall had all gathered. Just as Li Yuexiang emerged from the central hall, she saw Zhao Tinggui descend on the wind.

As soon as Zhao Tinggui left Qingdu Mountain, he had a thought:

'I've met Li Xizhi too; he struck me as indescribably refined and worthy of being a direct descendant of an aristocratic family, though we didn't converse. But this Li Xijun is truly difficult to deal with.'

Zhao Tinggui had met many people within the sect, even Yu Muxian. He couldn't help but sigh with emotion, thinking to himself:

"Wangyue Lake truly gathers spiritual essence and nurtures exceptional talents; how many remarkable figures have emerged from here? The trials and tribulations of the past hundred years have largely fallen upon this place."

Coming back to his senses, he looked at the two. Always polite in his speech, he simply said:

"Greetings, Daoist friends."

Li Yuexiang respectfully acknowledged. Zhao Tinggui immediately looked at the people below. He pointed out a few to be replaced, and new ones filled their spots. After checking twice, he asked:

"Your esteemed family has very few who cultivate the Wood and Earth paths, but there are a few lightning cultivators."

He smiled. Without waiting for their reply, he simply said:

"It's fine," he said. "I have two fellow disciples who are of the Wood and Earth elements, so they can compensate. Lightning cultivators, however, are rare."

Li Yuexiang smiled slightly. Zhao Tinggui said no more, only speaking softly:

"Then it is settled," he said. "Please give the list to me, and board the ship within these two hours."

"Also, please allow the clan disciples to bid farewell to their families..."

Li Yuexiang turned to look at the people below. Most had complex expressions, while some were eager to try. Li Yuexiang spoke:

"This journey is a matter of life and death, but also an opportunity," she said. "Please bid farewell to your loved ones; in one hour, proceed to the cloud ship in Milin Commandery."

The crowd loudly assented and dispersed. Li Yuexiang also went to the peak to pay respects to her parents and bid farewell to her brother. Li Xijun took out a few talismans for her and said softly:

"Always prioritize your own safety," he said. "I've spoken with Zhao Tinggui; he will ensure your safety."

Zhao Tinggui made a gesturing motion. Li Yuexiang bid farewell to her brother and went with him towards the cloud ship. The area was already filled with mournful sounds and looked desolate. On the massive cloud ship, few faces showed any cheer.

Moon Lake Peak was courteous to the Li family, but they directly apprehended people from the smaller clans. After all, if they went through each family with elaborate inquiries, they might not gather everyone even by tomorrow, and the ship simply didn't have that much manpower for such a process.

At that moment, weeping filled the air. These people had crude cultivation methods; a group of old men combined couldn't even manage three spells. Going north would almost certainly lead to working themselves to death.

As for killing enemies and gaining treasures, they didn't even know if they could kill enemies, let alone whether they could gain treasures from doing so, or what percentage of what they obtained they'd be allowed to keep. They could only place their hopes on Moon Lake Peak acting honorably.

Zhao Tinggui clearly saw this and deliberately spoke up:

"Fellow Daoists," he said, "going to Xuguo will be different from Jiangnan. Do not feel disheartened... Xuguo now is unlike other places; truly, opportunities are everywhere..."

After all, he was the highest-ranking person there. The moment he spoke, everyone immediately looked at him and saw him smile and say:

"Xuguo is inherently a land of conflict, with countless Spirit Transformation Caverns," he said. "Moreover, the spiritual auras are chaotic, with disputes between the Demonic, Buddhist, and Immortal paths. The great forces of various sects collide, and the Great Void itself is in turmoil. Within a single day, several types of spiritual auras rotate and shift, drawing forth countless opportunities..."

"Here, Purple Mansion cultivators cannot be seen, and Mahasattvas cannot comprehend it," he continued. "Anomalies are everywhere, and the entrances to grotto-heavens open or close unpredictably. Ancient relics are undoubtedly revealed. The rain from the sky is jade, golden stones tumble on the ground... and clear water ripples."

Zhao Tinggui spoke for a while, and the expressions of the crowd visibly changed, revealing some greed. He then smiled and said:

"Since you have all come, why remain dispirited and decadent?" he said. "Why not strive hard, fight for a sliver of life? Perhaps in a year, you'll return flying on the wind, having reached Foundation Establishment or even Purple Mansion!"

Li Yuexiang secretly shook her head. To say Foundation Establishment was still remotely possible, but achieving Purple Mansion just by going to Xuguo was pure nonsense. Yet many below were swayed. These low-level cultivators did not understand what "spiritual auras" were and began asking quietly and doubtfully.

Zhao Tinggui listened for a few moments, then explained:

"So-called spiritual aura refers to the spiritual flow of a place," he explained. "Whether the area is large or small, if it often aligns with a certain elemental symbol, it will connect to related grotto-heavens or manifest opportunities... The more chaotic a place, the smaller the area and the greater the changes..."

"For instance, when water descends and lightning rises," he continued, "it becomes easier to connect with a certain lightning-attribute grotto-heaven. Xuguo currently undergoes three changes a day and has nine types of areas, so naturally, many opportunities arise."

The crowd became agitated and started talking among themselves. Some even asked what "elemental symbol" meant. Zhao Tinggui felt that explaining further would be endless, and since the atmosphere had improved, he closed his mouth and said nothing more.

Li Yuexiang watched for a while. There were indeed a few young people whose talent and cultivation were decent, their eyes shining brightly with anticipation.

"As times change," she thought, "everyone hopes for dragons and snakes to rise from the land..."

Not to mention these youths, although everyone present was sorrowful, who among them didn't harbor a shred of hope? All hoped they might be the protagonist of that era.

Opportunity and crisis coexisted in Bianyan Mountain. Who knew what spells, magic artifacts, supplies, or elixirs they might find?

She waited for a while. Her family members gradually gathered, and the cloud ship slowly began to move. Qingdu Mountain vanished from sight.

Soon, the scenery below began to shift rapidly: sandy villages, menacing boulders, fields strewn with bones, and brilliant magical lights flashed by. Li Yuexiang waited until a great river appeared beneath them before she finally felt a sense of leaving home.

Indeed, just as Zhao Tinggui had said, the world turned misty. Golden light shimmered in the eastern mist, as if from a scorching sun, but the southern mist was heavier, seeming ominous and boundless.

"My brothers at home always doted on me, leaving no room for me to intervene," she thought. "Now, I finally have a chance to contribute."

She did not feel afraid; instead, she felt much more at ease. She gazed quietly northward. Until Bianyan Mountain emerged into view, Li Yuexiang's expression became somewhat complex:

"There should be a Zhenhui Temple on the mountain..."

Zhenhui Temple was not well-known and was now even reduced to crumbling ruins. But in the hearts of the family, it was comparable to the Southern Frontier. She vaguely saw vast white mist in the mountain gully and stared at it for a long time.