Chapter 557: Miao Family Members

Mount Qingdu.

The morning light had just risen from the mountain, flowing gently over the treetops. The jade-green road, beautiful in color, was often called the “Green Steps” by the families around the lake, metaphorically referring to a path of advancement.

Soon, a young man descended the steps. He had a dignified air, dressed in a platinum Taoist robe with tight cuffs, giving him a clean and sharp appearance. As he came down, bathed in the golden morning light, his pupils were hidden in the shadow of his nose bridge, yet a hint of gold shone through.

Behind him, a stern-faced youth in black followed, speaking in a low voice:“Your Highness, the new disciples from all clans have arrived at the mansion… compared to last year, there are twenty percent fewer.”

Li Zhouwei was exactly seventeen years old, fully devoted to cultivating pupil techniques. At his age, Li Xizhi and Li Ximing had only just begun qi cultivation in their time, yet his cultivation had already reached the fifth level of Qi Condensation, making him the top-tier talent of several generations in his clan.

Chen Yang similarly surpassed his peers by a significant margin. He had only recently begun qi cultivation in previous years, yet he was hailed as the foremost non-clan member in a hundred years. Most in the clan attributed this to his being half-blooded from the main family line, so while they praised him, they weren't surprised.

“Twenty percent.”

The two walked on the peak, both understanding the reason. Li Zhouwei stood with his hands behind his back, golden specks of light constantly shimmering in his pupils.

This color no longer had its former eerie appearance; it clearly showed the radiance of magic power. It was the Grand Rune Golden Eyes that Li Xizhi had brought back years ago, causing golden light specks to constantly float in his eyes.

He had refined the Grand Rune Golden Eyes earlier. This pupil technique of the Bright Yang path was not easy; even the Wei and Li families of ancient times took twenty years to master it. Yet, in his hands, it was effortlessly achieved.

Chen Yang was exceptionally skilled at reading expressions and assessing situations. He merely cupped his hands and replied:“The war in the north is still uncertain… these fellows are scared. They fear sending their family disciples here, only for them to be dispatched to the north in a few years… They’ve kept one or two behind, sending them away under the guise of travel, scattering them among various families, thus controlling the reduction to twenty percent… Since the number of spiritually gifted children naturally fluctuates year to year, it’s hard to find an excuse to object.”

Li Zhouwei and he arrived at the foot of the mountain. The lake shimmered golden. Several Spirit Breath cultivators were already traversing the lake by boat, having activated water-repelling spells to dive into the lake and mine for minerals. The young man lowered his gaze and asked:“How many fewer?”

Chen Yang respectfully replied:“The prominent clans Chen, Dou, Xu, Tian, Li, and Jing all saw slightly increased numbers compared to previous years. Huaqian’s four towns and Huayu’s seven cities all saw a ten percent decrease. The eight towns of Wutu, primarily inhabited by mountain people, saw no decrease in population, while the population in the dense forests was dwindling significantly, with a full twenty percent fewer people… As for the list of omissions, it’s overseen by the Jade Court; your subordinate does not dare to inquire.”

Upon hearing this, Li Zhouwei, his pupils glowing, glanced at the water and replied:“These families have enjoyed our favor for many years and can be considered loyal. Chen Yang, go verify the roster, personally visit each family and ask them, and while you’re at it, send a few family letters to the north.”

Chen Yang understood and nodded, his tone respectful, a hint of deep amusement showing in his expression.“Your Highness… only ask once?”

Li Zhouwei waved his hand:“Ask once first.”

Chen Yang acknowledged the order and withdrew. Li Zhouwei stood by the shore for a moment, a hint of coldness appearing in his expression.

Li Xijun was severely wounded in that great battle and immediately entered seclusion to preserve his life. Li Ximing had no choice but to emerge from seclusion, simultaneously patrolling the lake and needing to refine pills and care for Li Xijun. Consequently, matters at home were neglected.

His age was also steadily increasing, and he had temporarily taken over the authority on Mount Qingdu. His family was now constantly mobilizing; not only did they need to send people to the north, but they also had to dispatch others for extensive investigations in various directions, and manpower was becoming insufficient.

Furthermore, external investigations were much more dangerous, primarily aimed at preventing demonic cultivators from sneaking into towns and preying on people. Ultimately, from the perspective of the various families, it seemed somewhat unworthy to risk their lives for mortals. Several families under their governance were particularly reluctant, and Li Zhouwei, naturally, understood this perfectly and had no mood to negotiate with them:“I’ve only just begun managing family affairs, and at a time of such great change, it’s not appropriate to be too ruthless… otherwise…”

He had no choice but to send Chen Yang. Officially, it was an inquiry, but privately, it was merely a warning. Chen Yang was fierce and stern, making him the most suitable for such a task.

Li Zhouwei simply rose on the wind, ascending the mountain all the way. He floated to the summit, where he saw a stone platform, radiant with light and intricate patterns.

Atop it was plunged a deep golden halberd with long, curved branches, resembling a crescent moon. In its center, a bright white arc was outlined. Its structure was profound and ingenious, shrouded in a hazy spiritual aura, silently emitting a clear light that withered the surrounding vegetation, leaving the stone platform’s edges barren and yellowish-gray.

Beside it lay a round magical artifact, a small golden-red ring, about the thickness of a pinky finger, made of neither gold nor silver.

“Two ancient magical artifacts…”

Both of these were ancient magical artifacts, with the former being a halberd obtained from a grotto-heaven. Both radiated light. Their combined value, while not surpassing the entire Li family’s assets, was equivalent to the sum of all the Li family’s Foundation Establishment-grade magical artifacts.

Currently, even Li Ximing did not possess a proper magical artifact, and Li Xizhi was still using a Qi Condensation-level magic sword. Yet, such precious artifacts had been prepared for him.

“Upon breaking through to the fifth level of Qi Condensation, one can wield these ancient magical artifacts!”

Li Zhouwei stepped forward, passing through the formation that enveloped the stone platform. Dazzling bright light appeared before his eyes. This halberd had been sealed here for ten years. Within the grand formation, the aura of Bright Yang had long been surging. Were it not for the protection of the formation, this stone platform would have turned into white sand.

Li Ximing had also held this artifact. Although he possessed the Bright Yang Dao Foundation, the halberd merely emitted a faint glow and a few streaks of light in his hands, with no further reaction.

Li Ximing had merely lifted the artifact and gone about his pill refining, never fully refining or putting it away. To this day, he didn't even know the artifact's name.

Only then did Li Zhouwei approach the great halberd. Its blade was already emitting a buzzing tremor. The bright blade radiated white light, and two faint seal script characters gradually emerged from the halberd’s shaft.

“Da Sheng.”

He gently gripped the long handle, and the halberd began to shake violently, ravenously devouring magic power. The golden light in Li Zhouwei’s pupils overlapped as he slowly drew it out.

“Buzz, buzz, buzz…”

The halberd joyfully accepted his refinement. Golden light suddenly shot out from the circular arc in the center of the halberd, landing on him and transforming into the image of the Bright Sun in the vast sky.

The golden light vanished in an instant. As Li Zhouwei drew out the halberd, a sudden realization dawned on him:“Da Sheng Halberd.”

This halberd did not possess a heavy murderous intent. It seemed to have been forged long ago, placed early into a grotto-heaven by the people of Qing Song Temple. It had rarely been stained with blood, instead being nourished by spiritual energy within that integrated grotto-heaven.

He couldn't calculate the exact time, but it had likely been over five hundred years. Thus, it was filled with abundant spiritual energy and vitality, yet lacked any bloody murderous aura.

Li Zhouwei briefly experienced it. The halberd's inherent sturdiness and sharpness were self-evident; forged in ancient times and nourished for so long, it was far more powerful than modern magical artifacts.

As soon as magic power was infused, the halberd emitted an invisible white bright light. Those facing it would feel as if exposed to scorching sunlight, their minds uneasy, sweating profusely.

Moreover, there was profundity within the circular arc at the halberd's center, containing brilliant and mystical light. Once activated by a Bright Yang Immortal Foundation, it could empower the artifact’s owner, imbuing them with bright light, allowing them to stride on light and seize flames, appearing awe-inspiring.

Li Zhouwei was instantly satisfied. Although he had not yet reached Foundation Establishment and couldn't fully utilize it, this was, after all, an ancient magical artifact. It was exceptionally effective and particularly well-suited to him, communicating with him as if breathing when held in his hand.

“What a fine artifact!”

He carried it on his back and glanced at the golden-red Jian Yang Ring beside it. This artifact currently had no other special features besides its sturdiness, yet he couldn't take his eyes off it.

“It feels so familiar…”

Li Zhouwei stared blankly for a couple of seconds, feeling an impulse to keep it by his side. Unfortunately, he had heard that this artifact was a vital item of Qing Song Temple and could not be taken out casually.

He exited the grand formation and reached the front of the mountain, suddenly seeing An Siwei descend swiftly on the wind.

The middle-aged man only said gravely:“Reporting to Your Highness, someone has arrived outside the formation, claiming to be from the Miao clan of Thunder-Listening Island in the South Sea, wishing to pay respects to Qingdu…”

“The Miao clan?”

Li Zhouwei’s expression subtly darkened, and he said coldly:“The family elders are still patrolling the lake; send out a flare to signal them. As for the Miao clan member, please ask him to wait in the pavilion at the foot of the mountain first.”

The matter of Li Qinghong had already been communicated within the family. It was clear the Miao clan members were, nine times out of ten, here with ill intentions; their timing was precise, coinciding with the Li family being shorthanded and Li Xijun severely wounded. It was truly dangerous…

“I wonder if it’s Miao Quan; I’ve heard this person’s strength is exceptional… if he were to suddenly cause trouble, it would indeed be quite problematic.”

Li Zhouwei cupped his hands and asked:“Is this person willing to enter the formation for a detailed discussion?”

“Your subordinate has asked… Although he looked uncomfortable, he eventually nodded.”

Hearing that the person was willing to enter the formation, Li Zhouwei understood:“It seems either he doesn't harbor much ill will… or he completely misunderstands our family’s strength… relying solely on the Purple Mansion behind him, as entering a Foundation Establishment formation, with a late Foundation Establishment cultivator suppressing it, truly puts him in a dangerous position…”

The Miao clan member had shown sincerity by agreeing to talk, and the Li family naturally preferred one less enemy to one more. Li Zhouwei became a little more polite and instructed:“Bring him tea.”

No sooner had he given the instruction than he pondered for a moment. His father, Li Chengliao, also arrived within the formation and, hearing the Miao clan member’s politeness, frowned. Li Zhouwei said gravely:“It’s likely that the reputation of the Immortal Bow of Bianyan, which killed Murong Wu in a quarter of an hour, is too great and has intimidated them.”

The father and son discussed in detail for a while and quickly came up with a countermeasure. Li Zhouwei said softly:“Father, you go up and guard; I will wait for Uncle.”

Li Chengliao nodded gravely and departed. Outside the formation, light shimmered, indicating that Li Ximing was not far away and would soon arrive on the wind.

Li Ximing, in his golden Taoist robe, had searched around the lake but found nothing significant, only killing a few demonic cultivators. More than half a day had passed, and he was feeling somewhat depressed:“This is truly troublesome… having to investigate all the way, checking for any lingering traces of Foundation Establishment… Eighth Brother truly has patience; he does such things for half a year at a time.”

Li Xijun was severely injured, so Li Ximing would definitely have to take action for the remaining time. Li Ximing had no complaints, but as he counted the days, several secret techniques were still far from completion, inevitably giving him a headache.

“The Purple Mansion realm… how incredibly difficult!”

Returning to the mountain, Li Ximing saw Li Zhouwei and was so stunned by his fifth-level Qi Condensation cultivation that he was speechless for a moment. Li Zhouwei had no choice but to speak first, concisely explaining the situation.

“Please invite him up…”

Upon hearing about the Miao clan member, Li Ximing felt an even greater headache, but this heavy burden had to be carried, so he responded with a calm expression.

Li Zhouwei understood his uncle’s temperament. He called Li Chengliao and Li Xuanxuan for him, subtly saving his uncle’s face, and quietly added:“Father also received the news earlier and is already waiting in the main hall. Uncle only needs to preside there; there’s no need to speak much.”

Li Ximing stared at him blankly for a moment, then understood and nodded with a smile:“Good!”

Li Zhouwei infused magic power into the Da Sheng Halberd, making the artifact gleam brilliantly, with the central arc shining astonishingly bright. He then handed the artifact to him and said gravely:“The Miao clan members are cultivators from the South Sea, where demonic cultivators are most numerous. They often fear power more than they appreciate kindness. The Immortal Bow of Bianyan Mountain’s reputation is currently at its peak and possesses great deterrent power. These people must have a weakness in their hearts. Uncle, simply place the halberd beside your seat and observe their expressions while speaking coldly.”

Li Ximing’s eyes lit up upon hearing this, and he nodded:“Oh, I can certainly do that.”

He ascended on the wind, landing in the main hall and taking his seat at the head. The Miao clan member followed closely, entering the main hall.

This Miao clan member had a square face and thick eyebrows, a robust build, and an unusual style of clothing that was neither truly Taoist nor truly monastic. He had two large copper bowls tied at his waist, and his demeanor was relatively polite.

“I am Miao Ye from Thunder-Listening Island! Greetings, fellow Daoist!”

Miao Ye was also a cultivator of the Thunder Dao; his voice boomed like rumbling thunder, humming with power. Li Ximing, draped in a golden robe, leaned back in his seat, with the Da Sheng Halberd—its curved moon and arc interwoven—standing tall beside him. He lowered his gaze and said:“I am Li Ximing. Greetings, fellow Daoist.”

Setting everything else aside, Li Ximing indeed cut a striking figure. His cultivation was profound, and he rested one hand on his seat. The lessons his father, Li Yuanping, had taught him finally came alive in his memory, making his demeanor much more vivid.

Miao Ye’s gaze immediately fell upon the Da Sheng Halberd. Its familiar form almost made him jump. His heart felt empty, and it pounded like a thunderclap as he thought:“So it was him! Li Xuanfeng was indeed in the grotto-heaven! He killed Yu Muxian… and seized this halberd from Tang Shendu!”

Miao Ye had visited the Qing Song Grotto-Heaven back then and happened to find this halberd. He had fought fiercely with Situ Chen of the Golden Drill Sect over this artifact, only to coincidentally encounter Tang Shendu and another person.

He fled in a hurry from Tang Shendu, almost losing his life. Fortunately, a group of people attacked, indirectly saving his life.

“They said Li Xuanfeng had already joined the Ning family… but this weapon is clearly in the Li family’s hands! Right, after all, they’re both named Li; how could it be clearly separated?!”

Miao Ye had been wondering which family Li Xuanfeng belonged to, and now he finally understood. Looking at Li Ximing again, he felt that bright light flowed around the man, indicating a remarkable immortal foundation and a heavy aura, clearly showing he had been in the late Foundation Establishment stage for a long time.

Although he hadn't heard of this person's name, he presumed his strength was considerable. Assessing the situation, his voice softened considerably, and he smiled, saying:“I’ve long heard of your esteemed name, fellow Daoist! I only met Senior Xuanfeng once, and he saved my life in a secret realm. I have always been inexplicably grateful to your noble clan… now, I am fortunate to meet you, and I am truly filled with admiration.”

“Oh?”

A slightly interested smile appeared on Li Ximing’s face, and he asked:“I’d be happy to hear the details.”

Miao Ye recounted in detail, starting from his encounter with Situ Chen, mentioning the Golden Drill Sect twice. To his surprise, the old man beside him immediately frowned, seemingly disliking the name.

Li Xuanxuan had personally experienced the Golden Drill Sect’s ambush and always remembered it vividly. Li Ximing also knew this and coldly added:“So it was the Golden Drill Sect… Fellow Daoist, rest assured, Situ Chen died in the East Sea…”

At first, Miao Ye didn’t think much of it, but after repeating two or three sentences, a sudden chill ran through his heart:“The Li family has a very poor relationship with the Golden Drill Sect. Since emerging from the grotto-heaven, there has been no news of Situ Chen… fallen in the East Sea. Could it be… Situ Chen was also killed by Li Xuanfeng…?”