Chapter 618: Plotting

Pen and Ink Literature, Xuanjian Immortal Clan!

Lu Jiangxian had read the memories of several eminent Buddhist cultivators and possessed dozens of their cultivation methods. However, he had not practiced them himself; his usual cultivation experience came from the Li family's methods after forming elixirs and had no connection to Buddhist cultivation.

Therefore, not only was Lu Jiangxian's understanding of fate limited to the Five Eyes technique, but the clever method he once used, shaping spiritual power into a human form for cultivation, also proved ineffective concerning fate. Spiritual power could operate out of thin air, but how could fate attach itself to a mere collection of spiritual power?

Lu Jiangxian held this fate, not yet integrating it into his mirror. He then extracted Dangjiang's soul, which remained in a dazed state, having been sealed since its emergence from Bu Zi's body.

“When the time is right, this fellow can be brought out for use. This fate can be kept in reserve for now.”

Suddenly, he sensed something. The Minghua Huangyang Yu Jiaoxing in the sky subtly emitted light, and a scene slowly materialized: an island in the sea, covered with palaces and towers, bustling with cultivators.

On the island, the stone gate of a cave dwelling slowly closed. Inside, a young man sat cross-legged, his body radiating a brilliant light that illuminated the cave.

“Li Zhouwei is in seclusion, attempting to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage.”

Lu Jiangxian had seen the demonic entities formed by the transformation of Heavenly Martial True Qi in the Great Void. Even without such transformations, it was difficult for ordinary Purple Mansion cultivators to suppress the Golden Attribute. The Golden Attribute within Li Zhouwei was personally connected by Lu Jiangxian using advanced immortal techniques, so it had little adverse effect.

However, Lu Jiangxian had also personally observed Li Jiangao, Li Zhouwei's eldest son. Without Lu Jiangxian's constant maintenance and suppression, Li Jiangao's current state was already mild.

“A single Mingyang attribute with multiple heirs often leads to the eldest being fierce and the second being wicked. The most profound impact is on the eldest and second sons. If my calculations are correct, the Wei-Li court politics will likely be quite bloody. The struggle between the legitimate eldest and second sons is no simple conflict, especially since both are born with divine anomalies.”

Li Zhouwei's current status was not simple. According to Lu Jiangxian's calculations, Li Jiangao might even transform into a bizarre creature like a Red-Eyed White Cicada or a Golden-Eyed White Kylin. Thus, Lu Jiangxian kept a close watch on him at birth.

“Fortunately, perhaps due to the Wei-Li decline or because Li Zhouwei's fate was, after all, shaped by me, Li Jiangao is merely non-human.”

Lu Jiangxian observed for several months before gradually shifting his gaze, musing:

“Once he has more children, it won't be as troublesome. While their temperaments will be affected, having more wives and descendants could accelerate his cultivation speed by several tens of percent.”

“As for reaching the Purple Mansion stage, Li Zhouwei should have over 70% certainty after practicing the secret art. If he could use a Mingyang spiritual item, his chances would be even higher.”

As his horizons broadened, Lu Jiangxian was no longer greatly concerned about the Seven Phases of Buddhist Cultivation or the various immortal sects of Wu and Yue. His only worries were the Dao Embryo level forces within the seas: Luoxia Mountain and the Underworld. Every move he made required years of deliberation, making him even more hesitant to act rashly.

The lack of any trace from these two immortal manor-level powers made them even more formidable.

Moon-Gazing Lake.

Under the gaze of all, Li Qinghong floated in the air amidst lightning. The Fei family members bowed their heads as she lightly descended, her voice gentle yet echoing through the clouds.

“Fellow Daoist, what is the meaning of this? Please rise quickly.”

Fei Tongyu naturally refused, but purple lightning had already lifted him. Li Qinghong softly said:

“My uncle and your esteemed ancestors were close friends; our two families have been allied for generations. How has it come to this? My lord fell while defending the shore, but his kindness is not meant to be used for annexing other families!”

She took a jade box from her storage bag and handed it to Fei Tongyu, speaking gently:

“This box contains a 'Continuing Salvation Spiritual Pill' refined by Ximing. Fellow Daoist, please take good care of your body. Qingyi is still in seclusion at Qingchi, attempting to break through, and she has a bright future ahead…”

The woman looked to the side and instructed:

“Xijun, arrange for people to escort them back to the North Shore.”

“Yes.”

Li Xijun had already prepared, helping Fei Tongyu down. It wasn't until Li Qinghong, accompanied by Li Ximing, landed on Qingdu Mountain that the gazes of the various families shifted, and they dispersed.

Li Ximing, having arrived on the mountain, sighed:

“Fei Qingyi hasn't emerged from seclusion for years; the Fei family is somewhat at their wits' end.”

In recent years, the Li family had grown increasingly powerful. The Fei family's persistence on the North Shore was solely due to their hopes pinned on Fei Qingyi. However, with the woman in seclusion for several years without news, and Li Xuanfeng having eradicated all Buddhist cultivators, the Fei family finally could no longer hold on.

Li Qinghong heard this and replied:

“Since he has made a public statement, he will soon send his direct descendants over. Just have Xijun begin arrangements.”

With the current internal turmoil in Qingchi, it was indeed a good opportunity to annex the great lake. Fei Tongyu was, of course, willing, but the power gap between the Li and Fei families was already terrifyingly vast. The other prominent families and the Si and Chi families, however, would not see it this way.

Publicly accepting such a grandiose gesture would make the Li clan appear arrogant and ambitious. Although Li Qinghong had refused him, with the Li family's strength and influence, the Fei clan's submission was merely a matter of a nod.

“Fei Qingyi is still a variable, after all.”

Li Ximing crossed his arms and tilted his head slightly. Li Xijun had already entered the hall; his appearance was exceptionally fine, and as he entered amidst the snow, the hall seemed to suddenly brighten. Hearing his brother's words, he casually remarked:

“Fei Tongyu has made considerable progress.”

Seeing Li Ximing looking at him, the young man replied:

“The chaos in Chengshuiling has yet to be fully settled. Si Yuanli will certainly need to settle accounts with the Tang clan to win public support. Fei Qingyi belongs to Yuanwu Peak; whether she's implicated or not is simply a matter of a single statement.”

He always had a clear understanding of the situation. Holding his sword, he softly said:

“He specifically chose this moment, in plain sight, to make it clear to everyone — 'Oh? The Fei family belongs to the Li clan! Then their precious daughter naturally has no connection whatsoever with the Tang clan.'”

Li Qinghong knew he always had a plan, listened carefully, and nodded:

“This move is indeed brilliant. After all, even if I refused, I would still have to say some polite words.”

“There are no benefits that come without a price. The North Shore now belongs to our family. The South Shore has many spiritual resources, the East Shore has many spiritual fields, and the North Shore has many spiritual mines. Now that this link is completed, our family's shortage of magical artifacts can finally be resolved.”

Li Xijun looked up, a reminiscent expression on his face, and replied:

“Years ago, Uncle Ping asked about my family, and I replied, 'The Li family on the lake, the surrounding prefectural peaks.' Now, forty years have passed, and the great lake has finally fallen into our hands.”

His words made Li Ximing slightly lower his eyebrows. Li Qinghong immediately added softly:

“Now, only Daoist He on the West Shore remains.”

It was quite interesting to note that Daoist He, a Foundation Establishment stage cultivator in the mid-phase, was rumored to have connections within the Qingchi Sect and was not required to offer tribute to Qingchi while on the lake. For over a hundred years that the Li family had been by the lake, this person had never once appeared.

Foundation Establishment cultivators typically had a lifespan of only three hundred years, and he had been absent for over a hundred! Moreover, he had been famous for a long time, meaning he didn't have much lifespan left. Li Qinghong pondered for a moment and replied:

“Years ago, I heard he was a close friend with someone within the sect, which is why no one on the lake dared to provoke him, and he simply busied himself with his own affairs...”

“Now, besides True Man Yuanxiu, who else could be considered a significant connection? Anyone who was his close friend among that generation of old Foundation Establishment cultivators who broke through to the Purple Mansion stage has likely already passed away!”

Li Ximing responded, and Li Xijun nodded slightly, softly saying:

“Perhaps we should wait a few months, settle things at home, and then Aunt and I can visit him together. In the meantime, we can write a letter to inquire about Elder Brother.”

“Mm.”

Li Qinghong softly agreed. Li Xijun then quietly added:

“Speaking of which, the sect is complex, and Elder Brother doesn't have anyone of his own by his side. I was thinking of having Senior Wushao go and help him...”

Li Xijun's words were always pleasant and well-reasoned. Li Wushao had sworn allegiance to Li Yuanjiao, and with Li Yuexiang's passing, Li Wushao should indeed follow Li Xizhi. Li Qinghong nodded:

“His accumulation is already quite profound. This achievement is a good opportunity to give him a precious medicine, allowing him to go to Qingchi and seek an opportunity to break through to the late Foundation Establishment stage.”

Qingchi Sect.

The immortal array shone brightly, and all peaks were sealed shut. Only Yuanxing Peak saw constant movement of people. This peak, almost entirely made of metal, was adorned with thousands of iron pillars, connected by chains, presenting a grim and formidable appearance.

In the grand hall at the peak, the master appeared anxious and uneasy, standing with a spear, his brow clouded with distress.

Ning Hejing had received the news very early.

Chi Zhiyun could not fully trust Chi Zhiyan. He didn't think his younger brother would completely squander all their forces, but he feared his subordinates might deceive him. Therefore, he had placed informants in many locations.

When Li Xuanfeng soundly defeated the Buddhist cultivators and there was no news from the north, specialized airborne personnel stealthily returned from the riverbank. Using talismans and their full spiritual power, they advanced rapidly. Upon reaching the market town, their spiritual power exhausted, a second person immediately took over and ascended. Working day and night, the news finally reached Ning Hejing on the second day.

“Killed all eighteen Buddhist cultivators? What a joke!”

Ning Hejing's attention was almost entirely focused on Li Xuanfeng, his mind consumed by this terrifying achievement. He also noticed the disadvantage at Bianyan but initially didn't think much of it. Chi Zhiyan had a Purple Mansion talisman in hand and could even traverse the Great Void. What could a mere demonic cultivator do to him? At most, a few people would die.

However, Chi Zhiyun's orders mandated that he control the Rosy Cloud Ship, seal all peaks, and recall all Chi family members to Qingchi Peak. Ning Hejing felt it was an overreaction but, fearing punishment from Chi Zhiyun upon his emergence from seclusion, he ultimately complied.

When the second message returned, stating that there was no news from Bianyan Mountain and Li Xuanfeng had died, Ning Hejing, relieved, finally sensed that something was wrong. By the morning of the third day, the soul lamps on Qingchi Peak, like candles extinguished by wind, all the purple ones went out completely, leaving only a few scattered lights. Chi Zhiyan's soul lamp had also gone out, leaving Ning Hejing stunned for a quarter of an hour.

“How is that possible!”

He then turned to look at the blue soul lamps on the other side. These were extinguished completely, with only a few cultivators who remained within the sect surviving.

Ning Hejing now sat in the grand hall, completely cold. He sat silently at the head of the hall; below him stood a group of cultivators, most of them looking aged, their hoarse voices overlapping and rising and falling throughout the hall.

His heart was filled with extreme vexation, yet he dared not reprimand this group of Chi family members. Instead, he patiently lowered his voice and said:

“Esteemed sirs, Si Yuanli must already be on his way back! Do any of you have any ideas?”

To his surprise, the majority below remained detached, watching coldly. Ning Hejing saw this, feeling a surge of angry blood rush to his head, though his expression remained unchanged.

Several key figures of the Chi family's senior branch had perished at Bianyan Mountain. The senior branch members in the hall were all without influence. The rest were members of the Chi family's second branch, who had long-standing grievances and now felt rather schadenfreude, watching with cold eyes.

Ning Hejing understood that this pampered group of old wastrels were not good people; if they had any ambition, they wouldn't be so old without any position. However, he hadn't expected them to be so stupid, and his heart turned cold:

‘Si Yuanli's actions have already harmed Chi Zhiyan. Rushing back so eagerly, how could he have good intentions? You all are surnamed Chi after all; sharing glory and shame, how can you stand by idly?’

He was both angry and fearful. Fortunately, not all elders of the second branch were useless; several remained in silent contemplation. However, these old foxes remained quiet, patiently waiting.

Ning Hejing looked around and saw only two people standing silently at the front of the hall, appearing somewhat anxious. He recognized the one in front as Chi Fupo, the legitimate eldest son of the Chi family's second branch, a formidable individual.

He quickly spoke out:

“Fupo! What do you think!”

Chi Fupo's expression was grave, and he said in a low voice:

“Uncle Hejing! Bianyan was tricked by a Purple Mansion cultivator! This An Huaitian is coming specifically for our Chi family!”

His words brought silence to the hall. Chi Fupo had a reputation within the second branch, and everyone was willing to give him face. Ning Hejing heard this and sighed:

“How could I not know this? Si Yuanli is about to arrive. How can I refuse him entry? If he enters the sect, with True Man Buzi missing and True Man Yuanxiu absent... he will take charge of everything in Qingchi!”

Ning Hejing was stationed on Yuanxing Peak; he had been in charge of Si Yuanbai back then. Si Yuanli had requested an audience multiple times, but Ning Hejing dismissed him as an unknown, and with the Purple Mansion's prohibition, he had coldly turned him away. If Si Yuanli were to preside over sect affairs, Yuanxing Peak would surely fall into the hands of the Si family. Given the public and private grievances, what good end could Ning Hejing expect?

Although Chi Buzi was missing, not dead, and Yuanxiu had always been friendly and amicable towards the Chi family, and Si Yuanli was usually low-key, Ning Hejing actually didn't believe Si Yuanli would dare to do much. But even if he wouldn't dare, Ning Hejing needed to incite a bit for his own sake. He quickly whispered to Chi Fupo:

“Si Yuanli is a wolf with grand ambitions. With the Sect Master in seclusion for breakthrough and the main position vacant, he surely won't let this opportunity pass... If the Si family takes the main position, and our main family is severely weakened, the Chi and Ning families might be marginalized...”

He hit the nail on the head, but Chi Fupo was also no simple character; ambitious, he softly responded:

“Uncle Hejing is right... but what can be done now? He returns with a great victory, and our family's manpower is exhausted. What more can we say?”

As the two conversed back and forth, they simultaneously furrowed their brows, their hearts filled with dread. Ning Hejing said:

“True Man Buzi's soul lamp is still lit!”

“There are countless strange places in the world... Who knows if it's a place where fate is in chaos?”

The two conferred, and a sense of dread arose regarding Si Yuanli's swift return. Chi Fupo immediately turned, found a few elders, and promptly drove the crowd out of the hall, leaving only a few of their own. After repeatedly deliberating, Chi Fupo said in horror:

“If something has happened to the True Man, and the senior branch is decimated, all the prominent families will harbor resentment. If True Man Yuanxiu has intentions, how can Qingchi still bear the Chi surname!”

“But True Man Yuanxiu is closest to our Chi family!”

An elder with graying hair, Chi Buhua, the eldest brother of the Chi family's second branch, whispered from the side, his face full of doubt and disbelief.

His voice echoed in the hall, yet it gradually made him lose confidence, and to the others, it sounded even more sarcastic. Chi Fupo's expression turned grim, his hands clenched white.

Ning Hejing, struck with terror, slowly raised his head, his face shadowed, and hoarsely replied:

“Who can fathom the heart of a Purple Mansion cultivator?”