Chapter 562: Feathered Garment

Yu Yuwei was left to his own devices, while Li Xizhi, unfamiliar with artifact refining, could offer no assistance. Since Tang Secheng and Yu Xiuxian, who inherited Yuanwu's mantle, and even the last to do so, Yu Muxian, had all perished, the Azure Pool Sect's art of artifact refining had declined, and good artificers were nowhere to be found. The old man, frowning and moving a large reddish-purple cauldron, glanced at Li Xizhi and said, "Xizhi... the fallen grotto-heaven is called Dongning Palace. Several Purple Mansion cultivators have already entered it... Based on our estimates, I've heard that Akajiao and Xiukui... a few sects that couldn't spare anyone before, will also arrive soon." Li Xizhi nodded, adopting a posture of attentive listening. Seeing Yu Yuwei murmur, "By now, this old man is slowly losing his clarity... Akajiao and Xiukui are constantly fighting overseas, with cultivators dying every month, and now the Purple Mansion cultivators are turning back north to get involved in the affairs of Bianyan Mountain..." "Hard to fathom... truly hard to fathom!" The old man sighed for a while, then sat down beside them, looking somewhat bewildered. Li Quantao, however, looked at the two and said in a deep voice, "Dongning Palace... was once one of the grotto-heavens for the cultivators of Ning Kingdom. Ning Kingdom was the hometown of True Man Donghua, Li Jiangqun, and the Jiajiang Li clan of Ning Kingdom are descendants of Golden Core immortals. How much inheritance must there be? Coupled with the Wanling Sect and Prince Ning, it must be tempting." Yu Yuwei, however, was thinking more deeply. But their acquaintance was too shallow, so he was unwilling to elaborate to Li Quantao. He simply nodded faintly and said softly, "I received news yesterday that my nephew, Yu Fuyu, died. No one in the family is willing to retrieve his body, so I'll have to go myself." The Yu family was feuding like enemies, and Yu Yuwei showed no emotion when mentioning his nephew's death. He merely lowered his eyelids, exchanged a few pleasantries, put the large cauldron into his spatial storage, and departed on the wind.

Only after the old man had left the courtyard did Li Quantao step forward and whisper, "Brother Zhi... the Yu family members are often selfish and cruel. Although Yu Yuwei is older, it's hard to say what he's truly like... you should be more cautious." Seeing Li Xizhi look at him, Li Quantao's expression was very serious as he said, "Brother Zhi, do you still remember the matter of Murong Xia? Your noble clan should have records... The Yu family, without any concealment, openly collected people everywhere, driving them with their magical power, building several 'jingguan' (pyramids of skulls) and constructing a grand hall for Murong Xia to devour people day and night." "Although all clans suffered at Murong Xia's hands, and understood that the Yu family had no choice... to be so cheerful, disdaining to conceal it, and even bowing down to Murong Xia from beginning to end..." Li Quantao shook his head and stated gravely, "It is truly despicable!" Li Xizhi also understood the matter and nodded slightly. Li Quantao continued, "Moreover... Yu Yuxie's death is not unrelated to Yu Yuwei. Rumor has it that it was intentional harm during a clan struggle. How can such a person, who could even harm his own brother, be trusted?" 'Yu Yuxie was clearly turned into a pill by Chi Wei for cultivation...' Li Xizhi's expression darkened, but he couldn't voice it, only replying, "Thank you for the reminder, brother."

As the two were discussing, they saw someone step forward from below, bowing, holding a green token between both hands. The person respectfully said, "Sirs, a sect order from the Upper Sect." The Azure Pool Sect had many ways of relaying orders; if a Foundation Establishment cultivator personally delivered a token, it would be much more solemn. However, a simple token sent without even an attendant indicated dissatisfaction. Li Xizhi stood up, smoothed his sleeves, and took the token with the prescribed gesture. He channeled his spiritual power into it, causing it to emit a green light, and a concise message was revealed: "Li Xizhi of Changtian Peak is to re-station at Baixiang Valley within three days, subject to deployment."

Yanshan Pass.Yanshan Pass was shrouded in a misty haze. A black-clad cultivator descended on the wind, and a crowd of cultivators below quickly greeted him. Li Wushao, always grim-faced, said little and flew on. As he landed, he saw a burly artificer in red robes, with a clanging array of iron tools attached to him, observing from the city wall. It was Chu Minglian. Chu Minglian had spent most of his time refining artifacts in the city. He had connections with the Li family and was known for his forthright and generous nature, making him very familiar with everyone. Upon seeing Li Wushao, Chu Minglian looked over with interest and asked, "Fellow Daoist Wushao... why haven't I seen you visiting Linggu Lanying recently? You've returned so quickly today..." Linggu Lanying of the Linggu family was stationed not far from Yanshan Pass. This female cultivator's mount was a white Hooked Serpent, and Li Wushao, claiming he hadn't seen a fellow creature in years, often visited her. Everyone inwardly understood the situation but didn't mock him. Privately, they were very curious and constantly sought gossip, but Li Wushao was tight-lipped, revealing nothing, which only intensified their curiosity. Li Wushao, with a somber expression, merely replied, "Greetings, Master... It's just that demon cultivators have been rampant recently, and I'm afraid of missing orders, so it's not good to leave the formation." After saying this, Li Wushao had already flown away on the wind. Chu Minglian, somewhat perplexed, wandered around the pass for a while, when another woman flew to the front of the formation.

This woman had a beautiful face, a cultivation base at the middle stage of Foundation Establishment, and wore a light jade-green daoist robe, gleaming with spiritual light, clearly not an ordinary garment. Her black hair cascaded like a waterfall behind her, adorned with a few hairpins, making her very beautiful. The woman bowed and said gently, "I am Linggu Lanying of the Linggu family from Jiaochuan... I wish to see Fellow Daoist Qinghong." "Ah, a fellow daoist from Linggu of Jiaochuan. I am Chu Minglian." Chu Minglian was merely an artificer here for refining and did not possess the artifact to open the grand formation. He waved his hand, declining, observed Linggu Lanying for a moment, and politely stepped away. Linggu Lanying was not impatient; she simply waited silently in front of the formation for more than ten breaths. Sure enough, someone approached: a bright and generous female cultivator, who respectfully said, "Li Minggong of Qingdu, greetings, Senior." Such a demeanor was very pleasing. Linggu Lanying smiled slightly and followed her into the formation, passing through several city walls. Soon, they saw a small mountain with simple decorations, nothing extraordinary. Entering the grotto-heaven, she immediately saw a white-clad woman reading a jade slip at a table. A silver spear lay flat in the hall, with occasional white lightning bolts leaping from it, emitting faint crackling sounds. "This must be Li Qinghong, the lightning cultivator..." "Linggu Lanying greets fellow daoist!" Linggu Lanying observed her, and Li Qinghong also reciprocated the observation, then smiled as she descended from the upper seat and amiably said, "Wushao has been causing much trouble recently; I apologize for the inconvenience to you, fellow daoist!" Hearing this, Linggu Lanying's expression was slightly awkward, and she replied with a smile, "It's no trouble at all; my Gu'er also has a companion." Judging by her tone, Gu'er was the name of the white snake. Li Qinghong had a premonition, secretly calculating, "What could Linggu Lanying want from me? Nine times out of ten, it's about Li Wushao and that Gu'er..." After some polite exchanges, Linggu Lanying indeed said, "In recent years, Wushao of your esteemed clan has grown close to my Gu'er... I've seen him many times, and he is not only intelligent but also quite strong. My Gu'er is still young, and through their interactions, she has learned many things and benefited greatly." Li Qinghong smiled and nodded, softly asking, "Fellow daoist means...?" Linggu Lanying gave an awkward smile, softening her tone, "If this matter could be brought to fruition, it would naturally be for the best... Our two families had a connection many years ago, and Lanying deeply admires senior..." "Gu'er has spoken with me several times, and she's been very hesitant. She said Wushao's strength is good, the Li family is a first-rate prominent clan, and Li Wushao cares for her deeply, so she hesitated for a long time..." At this point, Li Qinghong vaguely felt something was amiss. Her expression became reserved, and she remained silent, her face serious. Linggu Lanying quietly continued, "But the child at home is young, and in the end, she made up her mind that this matter cannot proceed... Her ancestors have always cultivated 'Lushu' (Verdant Water), and she consistently hoped for a husband who also cultivated 'Lushu,' whereas Wushao cultivates 'Fushui' (Government Water)..." Linggu Lanying spoke very euphemistically, but Li Qinghong knew enough to immediately understand: "What 'Lushu' and 'Fushui'! So, they dislike Li Wushao's mixed Hooked Serpent bloodline!" Hooked Serpents are descendants of the Verdant Water Plumed Serpents, and naturally, Verdant Water is considered the purest and noblest. Li Qinghong had also seen that Gu'er; she was not only a full circle larger than ordinary Hooked Serpents, but her scales were also delicate and lustrous, making her appear noble and elegant. Other types, like 'Heshu' (Combined Water) and 'Kanshui' (Abyssal Water), were inferior, primarily descendants of subordinate feathered serpents. Among the many Hooked Serpent clans, only 'Fushui' was absent, making 'Fushui' naturally the lowest in status. Before meeting Li Yuanjiao, Li Wushao had been in dire straits, his power so low that he even had to flee into Xian Lake. This was largely related to his bloodline. Upon hearing this, Li Qinghong's heart immediately grew cold. After interacting for so long, the other cultivators had long considered Li Wushao one of their own, and this news did not sit well with her. Linggu Lanying had not deceived; she had stated the matter euphemistically, feeling bitter inside. She looked at Li Qinghong, who remained expressionless, and could only explain, "This visit holds absolutely no disrespect; I merely wished to inform Senior personally... I have brought a compensation gift, hoping Senior can understand." With matters reaching this point, Linggu Lanying was extremely vexed. The Hooked Serpent Gu'er by her side was the only daughter of an old serpent revered for both reputation and strength within the clan, and Linggu Lanying had to show her considerable respect. Earlier, when she heard about the two serpents, she had been excited for a day or two. The Li family was currently powerful, and Linggu Lanying naturally sought to forge connections. However, no matter how satisfied she was with the prospective marriage, it was not solely her decision. How could she force Gu'er to commit? Linggu Lanying was now somewhat at a loss in the grotto-heaven. Li Qinghong could see the woman's dilemma, and her initial intent to take offense faded considerably. She sighed slightly and replied, "This was originally a matter of mutual consent between two individuals. Why would there be any need for compensation? Fellow Daoist should take it back." Having been dragged into such an unexpected situation, Li Qinghong was not in the mood to entertain her further. The Linggu family was also one of the foremost great clans, and since they had given her ample respect, she truly couldn't say much. Li Qinghong gave a perfunctory response. Linggu Lanying, seeing her displeased expression, quickly withdrew. Just as Li Qinghong was about to summon Li Wushao, Li Minggong hastily approached, respectfully saying, "Aunt, Master Chu has finished crafting that feathered robe!"

This feathered robe was naturally a modification of the brocade robe confiscated from demon cultivators years ago. Originally an item of the Wanling Upper Sect, Chu Minglian, delighted by the challenge, spent a long time modifying it, adding all the good materials he could find, investing much effort, and now it was finally complete. "Oh?" Finally, some good news. Li Qinghong's eyes lit up. She left the grotto-heaven with Li Minggong, encountering Li Wushao and Kong Heng waiting outside. Kong Heng's cultivation had become more refined, and his complexion had brightened, while Li Wushao stood quietly to the side. Seeing the crowd, Li Qinghong found it inconvenient to speak to him in detail, so she just said softly, "Let's look at the feathered robe first." Yanshan Pass had once been the mountain gate of a minor sect, with fire veins on the mountain. Everyone descended on the wind towards the artifact furnace, where Chu Minglian was already present. His cheerful face was full of smiles. He cupped his hands towards Li Qinghong, then swept his sleeve across the table, and a white feathered robe immediately appeared. The feathered robe had beautiful white feathers, appearing grand and elegant. Around the neck and shoulders was a circle of exquisite cyan-blue long feathers, radiating a halo-like blue light that shimmered down the white feathers. The intertwining cyan, blue, and white colors resembled a beautiful jade. The shimmering iridescent colors floating on the robe captivated everyone's eyes. Chu Minglian's face was filled with pride, his gaze lingering on the robe with reluctance to part. "This feathered robe was originally an item of the Wanling Upper Sect. Later, it was modified by demon cultivators and became unrecognizable. I removed the gaudy decorations and changed many details; it no longer looks as it did back then." "I also revised many ancient designs, as the True Monarchs and Golden Core characteristics are different, and many things are no longer as they were in the past." He chuckled, showing confidence: "What's more, since True Monarch Yuzhen Liujiu Hexu attained enlightenment, I have meticulously modified the current formations and incantations. Their power is now greater than before, and they can further empower the robe's wearer." Chu Minglian stated seriously, "Although I cannot compare to Tang Secheng of yesteryear, this feathered robe has an excellent foundation. In its current form, it is absolutely no worse than the direct lineage robes of Azure Pool or Golden Feather!" This feathered robe was naturally not on the same level as the 'Xiayou' spear. Just lying on the table, it had an enchanting aura. Li Qinghong gently picked it up, her face filled with joy. "Its protective abilities are beyond mention; it can withstand casual attacks from ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators. If Qinghong pays attention and channels her spiritual power to activate and bless its surface, its defense can be even further enhanced." Chu Minglian explained, "First, 'Feather Green': this feathered robe itself contains techniques left behind by the Wanling Sect from those years. These demon cultivators did not know how to use them, and they remained buried for many years. As long as spiritual power is infused into these thirty-two plumes, a green light will be emitted, like a bird soaring into the sky, like thunder and lightning, with great efficacy in flying through the heavens or diving into the seas." "Second, 'Silent Cold': this feathered robe has added materials like 'Cold Gold' and 'Ice Jade.' Once Qinghong wears this robe, it will immediately have a calming effect through icy stillness, which works wonders whether cultivating or facing illusionary battles!" As he spoke, Li Qinghong was already holding the feathered robe with fondness, unable to put it down. The cyan, blue, and white colors flowed in her hands, spreading gracefully along her fair wrists. Chu Minglian smiled, "I meticulously designed this feathered robe, and it also has an 'Edict Feather' function. It can release all thirty-two cyan plumes on the edge of the robe simultaneously, each carrying a stream of light, like arrows. This is very effective against numerous enemies." "Thank you, Senior!" Li Qinghong smiled softly. Chu Minglian nodded, his broad face full of pride, and asked, "This feathered robe can only be considered a modification, but it is the best work to come from my hands. Qinghong, have you thought of a name for it?" Li Qinghong nodded slightly, gazing at the flowing colors on her hand and the cyan plumes gently fluttering in the wind. After pondering for a moment, she replied, "Let's call it 'Sparrow Cyan Plume'!"