Chapter 595: Immortal Threshold

The original domain name has been compromised; please remember the new one.

“Late Purple Mansion stage…”

Yuan Xiu’s gaze settled on the sword-wielding man before him. His attire was identical to Si Boxiu’s, a first-class Purple Mansion stage uniform from Qingchi. Though Yuan Su never liked wearing it, this man kept it on constantly.

“Chi Buzhi…”

Late Purple Mansion stage, four divine abilities!

Unlike the usual fine eyes and flat brows of the Chi family, the man’s features were more compact, his eyes larger and more striking. His spiritual power was perfectly refined, emanating a formidable aura.

Si Boxiu immediately fell silent. After a careful calculation, he realized Chi Buzhi was just under three hundred years old. Yet, the figure standing before him already exuded a profound shadow, revealing the unique fluctuating clarity and turbidity of the Luo Water affinity, and a more terrifying presence than Si Boxiu himself.

“After decades of disappearance, he crossed the Purple Immortal Threshold just like that…”

Chi Buzhi was already a Qingchi genius a century ago, astonishingly fast in cultivation. After breaking through to the Purple Mansion stage with a heavy turbidity, he successively refined divine abilities, achieving “Sound of the Cavern Spring” and “Clear Evening Rain” in less than a hundred years!

Chi Wei had highly valued him back then, calling him the “Chi Family’s Treasure Tree.” That scoundrel dared to openly poach geniuses everywhere, half his confidence stemming from Chi Buzhi’s presence.

“It’s a pity Buzhi doesn’t follow the old man’s wishes…”

Later, when Chi Buzhi broke through to the mid-Purple Mansion stage, Yuan Xiu had assumed he would stop there. Who knew that decades later, having mastered either “Looting Dew” or “Hidden Ugly Sunflower,” he had already reached the late Purple Mansion stage.

One must know that once three divine abilities are cultivated in the Purple Mansion, the Ascending Yang Palace becomes stable. The fourth divine ability is particularly difficult to refine, with it being common to be stuck for a hundred years; immortal cultivators call this the Purple Immortal Threshold.

Si Boxiu himself had been stuck at this Purple Immortal Threshold for nearly a hundred years, only breaking through to the late Purple Mansion stage after Chi Wei’s death. How could he not know the difficulty involved?

“This threshold seems to be nothing to him… What kind of fortunate encounter did he have in the East Sea?”

Si Boxiu’s aged eyes deepened, and he replied coldly:

“Buzhi’s cultivation has truly advanced.”

Chi Buzhi, however, was graceful and self-satisfied. He raised his sword slightly and chuckled:

“Uncle flatters me. Let’s first deal with these four idiots.”

His gaze swept towards the two “Compassion” figures before him. With one hand, he formed a spell at his waist, while with the other, he used the treasured sword in his grip as a talisman sword, allowing divine power to flow:

“I respectfully request the ‘Fading Ding Chou Water’.”

His words, upon entering the air, transformed into a gray hue with colorful light. They surged from his lips and teeth, landing on the sword hilt, colliding with the golden sharp object, and rippling out a wave of gray light.

A metallic clang reverberated.

Ding Chou, representing weakness in numerology and governing clear discernment of objects, caused the remaining two “Compassion” figures in mid-air to instantly reveal themselves. They erupted simultaneously, releasing colorful light into the sky. They were two “Compassion” cultivators primarily training their Golden Bodies, immense in stature, and simultaneously swept their palms towards him.

Chi Buzhi even had time to glance back and chuckle, replying:

“Uncle, these ‘Compassion’ figures’ divine abilities are all borrowed from the same mold. Ultimately, they are borrowed…”

With a gentle turn, his green robe whirled, and he instantly vanished from his spot, reappearing behind the two “Compassion” figures, raising his sword with a smile and stating:

“Borrowed things are never truly one’s own. Once seen, they are all very easy to deal with afterwards.”

The magic sword in his hand emitted two beams of clear light, suppressing the colorful light on the two “Compassion” figures. He casually added:

“Next, you will be forming seals.”

These words caused the two “Compassion” figures extreme discomfort. A flicker of hesitation crossed their golden-lacquered faces. The seven or eight seals they had begun to form in their hands were half-completed, neither able to continue attacking nor disperse. Chi Buzhi inverted his sword and chuckled:

“Useless!”

The green sword in his hand burst forth with entirely different colors. Tens of thousands of sharp air currents erupted, causing the two “Compassion” figures to shriek and retreat. Nearby, Wumu’s eyes blazed with golden light. He quickly abandoned Si Boxiu, whom he had deliberately held back against, and two golden rings flew from his hands, immediately striking towards Chi Buzhi.

When Chi Buzhi appeared, Nu Zi, the “Compassion” figure, had already considered retreating. He was undecided between giving up and waiting, but seeing Wumu attack with full force, he immediately made up his mind and moved to hold back Si Boxiu.

Just then, a thunderous tremor echoed endlessly in the air. A scorching red light streaked rapidly, vanished in an instant, and was already before them, its sound arriving belatedly:

“Bald donkey!”

‘True Lord Heng Li of the Heng Zhu Dao…’

Si Boxiu’s ear twitched. Hearing the voice, he immediately recognized the newcomer. He sighed inwardly, realizing his plan to test Chi Buzhi’s strength would certainly fail. He decisively acted at once, releasing countless golden chains from the talismans in his hand, which shot towards Nu Zi, the “Compassion” figure.

“Oh no…”

Nu Zi heard the voice and his heart sank halfway. The Heng Zhu Dao had always been irreconcilable with the Buddhist cultivators, and True Lord Heng Li was famously antagonistic towards them. Seeing him suddenly erupt onto the scene, with three late Purple Mansion stage cultivators present, Nu Zi was so frightened that he jumped up like a rabbit, abandoned Wumu, and turned to flee.

Unexpectedly, Wumu on the other side was also scared out of his wits and cursed inwardly:

“Why is this madman here too! This old monk wants to be gravely injured, not lose his life!”

His spiritual sense swept out, and as expected, not only had Nu Zi turned and fled, but even the disciples Shi Ke and Shi En had vanished completely. He made an immediate decision, took half a step back, and transformed into a golden light, ascending.

“Bald donkey!”

True Lord Heng Li was extremely fierce, his voice like a tiger’s roar. With a single palm strike, he hit the golden light, causing Wumu to stumble. He said coldly:

“Emptiness without form? Come, come…”

The Buddhist cultivators each fled for their lives. Chi Buzhi returned on the wind. Si Boxiu was still contemplating whether to pursue Nu Zi. Unlike Heng Li, who harbored a deep-seated hatred for Buddhist cultivators, neither of them had any interest in such thankless tasks. They watched as True Lord Heng Li pursued with fire, and Chi Buzhi landed leisurely beside True Lord Yuan Xiu, saying:

“Heng Li truly detests the Buddhist Path!”

Both knew full well that the Heng Zhu Dao had always disdained Buddhist cultivators. That year, when Murong Xia went south to attain enlightenment, he coincidentally slept with a direct female descendant of the Heng Zhu Dao, provoking three Purple Mansion stage cultivators to intervene, only to return defeated, becoming a temporary anecdote… With old and new grudges, it was no wonder this person harbored such intense hatred.

Yuan Xiu did not reply to him. Instead, he maintained a stern expression and said in a deep voice:

“So, you’re willing to show yourself now?”

Chi Buzhi seemed accustomed to his attitude. He delayed for a half-step, holding his sword in one hand and resting its tip horizontally in the other, gazing at the patterns on the blade, and said:

“Uncle… I didn’t come here out of greed for any Gold affinity…”

He grinned and said softly:

“Firstly, since there’s a lingering Gold affinity in this An Huai Heaven, it suggests that Purple Mansion cultivator truly died suddenly and unexpectedly. Besides the Gold affinity that everyone desires, who knows if there are any ancient spirit artifacts within? I just dropped by to take a look.”

“Secondly… you also know that there are only two Purple Mansion cultivation methods within the sect, and with the Ning family’s ‘Luo Pool Cavern Profundity Scripture,’ that’s only three. The remaining two are truly hard to find, so I can only look here.”

The cultivation methods in An Huai Heaven were indeed real. Although the Jiang family had brought out many rubbings, most of the originals remained safest within the grotto-heaven. Since that Purple Mansion cultivator died suddenly, many cultivation methods were never taken out, making it quite possible that a Luo Water cultivation method existed there.

Yuan Xiu heard his words, but his mind was on their hidden meaning. He was thunderstruck, and incredulous light flickered in his eyes. He murmured:

“Good… So all four of these are self-cultivated by you!”

“Naturally.”

Chi Buzhi smiled gently, lowering his gaze, and said:

“This humble nephew may not be good at other things, but my ambition is first-rate. The True Monarch of the Prime Yuan cultivated his own nature to achieve true monarch status; I’m merely learning from him, which counts as progress.”

Yuan Xiu’s heart was complicated. He stood with his hands behind his back, silent, thinking of his senior brother Yuan Su, who would rather die than ask the Chi family for cultivation methods. After several breaths, he finally replied:

“To acquire Purple Mansion cultivation methods… that’s certainly a testament to your own ability…”

Chi Buzhi chuckled, merely replying:

“Uncle, you’re too kind…”

As the two conversed while flying north, intricate formation patterns in the sky slowly lit up, revealing three pitch-black fissures. The entire formation trembled slightly, yet with no one controlling it, it could only instinctively resist.

Within the dark fissures, countless golden eyes first lit up, followed by innumerable large hands pulling at both sides. Golden Dharma bodies pushed inward with all their might, emitting booming collision sounds.

“Boom!”

True Lord Buzhi looked carefully, then turned and said:

“I was wondering why Mahā hasn’t made a move by now. It turns out he was detected by this immortal formation and has been held outside it for over a quarter of an hour!”

His words carried a teasing tone, but the divine ability beneath his feet rapidly accelerated. Yuan Xiu also glanced up, then passed through the grotto-heaven, stopping before a tall, circular, altar-shaped hall.

Chi Buzhi immediately stopped, looking up. There were white steps leading to a green hall, bathed in hazy light with white mist floating about. Above the main entrance hung a brightly illuminated large plaque, on which several ancient seal characters were inscribed with golden patterns.

He admired the scenery before him for a moment, then nodded and said:

“Uncle, shall we go together? It seems like the Hall of Seeking the Dao in An Huai Heaven is ahead.”

Yuan Xiu looked up at the formation. No one had entered yet. He had little interest in cultivation methods, but he could study the spells within. Although the True Monarch’s teachings wouldn’t be found here, it would still be enough for a Purple Mansion cultivator to gain some insight. He then nodded:

“Please.”

Buzhi smiled slightly and replied:

“Although I have some understanding of formations, it still can’t compare to Uncle’s method of breaking formations with talismans. This technique of yours was famous throughout Yue Kingdom when Uncle cultivated on Moon-Gazing Lake in his early years, but I’ve rarely seen it. Now, I finally get to witness it!”

The Great River.

The Great River, with its turbulent waves, flowed from the west, winding its way into Salty Lake, dividing the land into north and south. Its white, crystalline spray was truly beautiful.

Cultivators moved to and from the riverbank. A bright light approached from the south and stopped within the large formation on the shore, revealing a young cultivator. The brilliant light beneath his feet drew much attention.

Li Ximing had stayed here for several months and had gradually become accustomed to the place. Seeing him descend, cultivators on both sides turned sideways and respectfully said:

“Greetings, Daoist!”

In his hand, he held a small white circular disc, about the size of his palm, intricately carved with patterns. It was evenly divided into three sections, each with distinct patterns.

This object was precisely the magical artifact he had acquired in exchange for the demonic jar. Called “Guiyang,” it was a decent defensive artifact, also obtained from a demonic cultivator. The Ning family had traded it to him quite easily.

Guiyang was forged from spiritual materials of the Lesser Yang affinity, mixed with a small amount of True Fire spiritual materials. Clearly, its original owner was also a demonic cultivator of the Purple Mansion Golden Core Path. Although not of the Bright Yang, it was at least close, making it a powerful artifact.

Li Ximing understood in his heart that the demonic jar ultimately could not compare to Guiyang. The Ning family’s willingness to trade it so easily was merely to repay a favor. He quietly accepted it, feeling much more at ease.

“Daoist Ximing!”

The cultivator before him called out, his face a mix of alarm and fear, and said in a low voice:

“Please go quickly… the demonic cultivators from the north have descended again…”

Li Ximing’s expression darkened. He hurried forward, arriving before the formation, and looked up. Sure enough, he saw demonic cultivators standing amidst layers of demonic energy, their greedy gazes shooting straight towards him.

“More and more demonic cultivators have gathered here over the past few hours…”

Li Ximing did not know what had happened at Cheng Shui Ling. He had gained some experience during his months of guarding this place, but ever since midnight, the fighting between the north and south had been completely different from what he imagined…

“A complete mess… It’s truly a complete mess…”

It was as if the demonic cultivators had lost all restraint. The entire Xu Kingdom was in chaos, and Bian Yanshan’s orders were blocked in the north. It felt as if the entire chessboard had been shattered, leaving both the northern and southern sides feeling bewildered.

The demonic cultivators had already begun a massacre, yet the entire demonic cloud advanced as it fought, sprouting countless tentacles that swept southwards. The previous sense of soldiers facing soldiers, generals facing generals, and pieces facing pieces had vanished completely.

In just one hour, dozens of Qi Condensation stage demonic cultivators had streamed to Li Ximing’s location, and even quite a few Foundation Establishment stage demonic overlords had stopped there. This terrified the cultivators within the formation, who were so scared they immediately called him over.

“Daoist… In just an hour, several of our strongholds on the north bank vanished without a trace, no news whatsoever…”

The man reported, and Li Ximing felt an increasing sense of foreboding. He said in a low voice:

“Is there any news from the Ning family?”

“They came to ask once about a quarter of an hour ago!”

Li Ximing immediately frowned, sighing at the man’s lack of understanding. If this grand formation weren’t entirely under their own family’s jurisdiction, how could someone like him have climbed to such a position? He said coldly:

“What did they say?”

The man seemed to realize his mistake and trembled at Li Ximing’s tone. Suppressing his fear of the Foundation Establishment cultivator, he respectfully said:

“Reporting, Daoist… The main sect came to ask… they asked if Daoist… could contact General Xuan Feng…”

“What?!”

Li Ximing was stunned. A chilling sensation rose in his heart, and he murmured:

“Didn’t Ning Heyuan say that Uncle Grandmaster was with True Lord Yuan Xiu? Why would they ask me about something like this? Did he lose contact with the True Lord?!”

“This humble one… this humble one does not know!”

The man before him thought Li Ximing was still asking him, and immediately fell to his knees, kowtowing repeatedly like pounding garlic. Li Ximing had no mind to pay him any attention, pacing anxiously for a few steps, his heart growing more and more terrified the more he thought.

He quickly pulled out a jade talisman from the table, poured his spiritual sense into it, and wrote:

“Changes in the North… Please, Zhou Wei, quickly retreat to the East Sea…”

He abruptly pulled the man on the ground to his feet, thrust the jade talisman into his arms, and said sternly:

“Deliver this to the Li family in Qingdu immediately!”