Chapter 629: The Prequel to the Reunion (Part 1)

Literary Brushstrokes, the Profound Mirror Immortal Clan!

Li Ximing manipulated his mana, flicking a finger to ignite the magical lamps on either side. Bright light scattered as he pushed open the vermilion door and stepped inside. A rush of spiritual energy immediately greeted him, making his robes flutter loudly.

The area before him was dim, with only the faint gleam of mana from the operating array. The hall was generally square, merely a dozen yards across, with lamps lit on both sides. Several stone tables and chairs were casually placed, and array patterns, a mixture of red and black, were carved into the floor.

In the center was naturally the Meng family's fire vein, crafted from bronze and embedded with eight pieces of scarlet iron, emitting a dark red glow. Li Ximing’s spiritual sense swept over, finding a low-quality spiritual spring hidden in the corner, bubbling with water.

"Ding-dong..."

Clear spiritual water flowed again along the channels on the ground, trickling into the quenching pool. He estimated that no one had visited for decades, yet the spiritual spring had been spouting energy, causing congestion and a blocked spring eye.

Having refined elixirs for many years, Li Ximing was well-acquainted with fire veins. He placed a hand on the bronze base of the fire vein; it was indeed scorching hot. "This Meng family fire vein is truly excellent, even mixed with Li Fire. It's a real treasure for refining artifacts. Decades of accumulated fire fiend energy in the array are about to melt this base."

The Meng residence had been unattended for decades. Li Ximing mused that if he had arrived any later, the bronze base would likely have melted, and the Li Fire fiend energy would have erupted, completely ruining the entire cave dwelling.

Seeing the Meng residence empty, he pondered, "How strange. Logically, someone should have returned at least once... but no one has returned even once?"

For some reason, as soon as he realized the Meng residence was empty, he relaxed, feeling much lighter and his steps becoming brisker. Li Ximing was always quick to decide and adept at putting emotions aside. He immediately began considering how to handle the Meng residence.

"First, stabilize the fire vein."

He formed a hand seal with one hand and reached for his waist with the other. A small, two-finger-wide bottle appeared, with a white-gold base and complex dark silver patterns, its surface gleaming with shifting light.

"The Profound Pattern Bottle!"

This magical artifact had long been in Li Ximing's hands, having been refined for a long time and transformed into Bright Yang mana, shining brilliantly. Li Ximing formed a hand seal and opened the grand array on the bronze base, immediately releasing a burst of black and red fire fiend energy.

This fire fiend energy, mixed with Li Fire, was incredibly hot and more vicious than ordinary fire fiend energy. But from Li Ximing's Profound Pattern Bottle, a few wisps of bright light burst forth, hazy and descending from the sky like a veil, stabilizing the fire fiend energy.

He had refined the Profound Pattern Bottle, and this artifact, infused with Bright Yang mana, was very luminous. Its wondrous powers had two aspects: one was 'Bright Light,' which could suppress or assist in flight and ward off evil. It bore some Bright Yang effects, and its power was acceptable.

"Better than nothing."

This was also the Profound Pattern Bottle's long-standing issue: although the artifact had different effects with different types of mana, which was quite unique, its effects inevitably overlapped with the user's immortal foundation, making it difficult to truly supplement deficiencies.

Fortunately, the second wondrous power was interesting: 'One Qi.' It could gather Bright Light, blend it with flames, and store them in the bottle for refinement. When battling, it could be released. Its power should become formidable with prolonged refinement.

This effect was somewhat similar to Li Qinghong's ability to store profound lightning, except that the more it was refined, the greater its power. Unfortunately, once the Bright Light and flames were blended, they would emerge as a mixed entity and could not be separated.

He was now very fond of this artifact and quickly put it to use. He formed hand seals and cast a spell, causing the Bright Light to reverse, drawing the surging fire fiend energy mixed with scattered Li Fire into a black and red pillar of fire, interspersed with tiny specks of crimson, quickly flying upward.

The Profound Pattern Bottle needed Li Fire; the fire fiend energy was too impure, making refinement a troublesome process. However, for Li Ximing, it was incredibly simple. With his free hand, he lightly hooked it, activating the "Valley Wind Draws Fire" technique from the incantation qi within him.

The black pillar of fire immediately condensed into his palm, the crimson Li Fire separating and falling into the bottle. In less than a quarter of an hour, the accumulated energy in the array was completely drawn out.

Li Ximing still hadn't seen the limit of the fire control ability provided by the Valley Wind Draws Fire technique. The vast amount of fire fiend energy would have long overwhelmed ordinary cultivators, but in his hand, it was no bigger than a finger. If he wanted to store it in a container, it would require a cartload of energy absorption bottles; only the "Faulty Incense" in his home could hold it.

Li Ximing had no choice but to hold it like this. He carefully looked around. The few stone rooms were protected by Meng clan arrays. Although they were essentially useless to him, it was not appropriate to force his way in.

"This is a good place. If I have time in the future, I can come more often to extract Li Fire and refine artifacts."

He walked a circle. The hall was dark and empty. He casually extinguished the lamps, closed the door, and sighed to himself: "I was born for the Purple Mansion. If I don't succeed, I die. The time is fast approaching. I will return and immediately go into secluded cultivation. Three parts life, seven parts death. I had wanted to meet someone and make up for the mistakes of my youth, but unfortunately, fate was against me, and I didn't get the chance."

Li Ximing quickly left the place, ascended above the white salt flats, looked out at the vast sea, and rode the bright light northward. A sudden enlightenment struck him: "Incantation Qi is truly wondrous, incomparable to anything else. It's not just about raising cultivation; if thoroughly researched, it will surely bring benefits. My family has been famous in Jiangnan for generations, and this substance has contributed to that."

"If I can cultivate the immortal ability of 'undying,' I should focus my research here. But if Purple Mansion doesn't succeed, then research is useless."

He calmed his mind and traveled south, investigating for a while. Li Xijun flew over from afar, hurried and covered in frost and snow, appearing somewhat travel-worn. His long sword seemed to have just been sheathed, still emanating a sharp sword qi.

"What is this?"

"Nothing."

Li Ximing immediately grew tense, asking only one question. Li Xijun was slightly embarrassed, offering a few perfunctory words. How could Li Ximing give up? He continued to ask until the young man hugged his sword and said helplessly: "I met a snake demon who insisted on inviting me into the sea to be a guest in her palace. I refused several times, and she lost face, sending people to pester me. I broke out with my sword."

"Ah?"

Li Ximing was truly stunned, realizing belatedly, and asked: "A female demon?"

"Yes."

Li Xijun replied helplessly. Li Ximing rarely saw him with such an expression and "ah"-ed twice in confusion. Li Xijun, however, misunderstood, shaking his head: "Don't worry, I held back and didn't hurt anyone. She seems to have a background and didn't dare truly fight, just playing around."

"Haha."

Li Ximing laughed, rarely seeing his somewhat embarrassed expression, and teased: "Brother Jun, you should come to the East Sea less often. I'm afraid that one day you'll be flying over the East Sea, and with the water rippling, some dragon girl will abduct you and take you back to her Dragon Palace to be her husband."

"Elder brother, stop teasing me."

Li Xijun shook his head, bringing the topic back. A flash of white light appeared in his eyes, and he immediately noticed something amiss, asking: "Where did Elder Brother go? Why do you have so much fire energy?"

"Your eye technique is getting more and more powerful."

Li Ximing shook his head and replied: "The Host Wishing Reefs have abundant Li Fire. I just happened to find a fire vein mixed with Li Fire and extracted some mixed Li Fire to refine a treasure."

He had gained good rewards from this trip, and his mood was somewhat pleasant. He continued: "It's often said that the Profound Pattern Bottle's effects tend to overlap with the owner's immortal foundation. But perhaps the creator of the Profound Pattern Bottle specialized in the Bright Yang path and paid special attention, as the wondrous power of collecting Bright Light and blending it with flames to form a single Qi is truly excellent! It perfectly makes up for my deficiencies."

He had specifically mentioned this to Li Xijun once, and the white-robed youth already knew the purpose of his artifact. He simply held his sword and casually quipped: "It's a pleasant surprise, finally a way to make up for a deficiency. But I don't think it was intentional. Bright Yang captures heavenly light and seizes flames, so it has many offensive methods that correspond well. For other Bright Yang cultivators, it might still not be very useful, but luckily it's useful for you, Elder Brother."

Li Ximing rolled his eyes at this. The two exchanged a glance, couldn't help but laugh, and then proceeded to investigate the surroundings together.

Host Wishing Island.

Host Wishing Market has a rather ancient charm, mostly built with towers. The island's network of roads is dense, built with red stones, appearing very organized when viewed. Li Qinghong's discerning eye was not low; upon closer inspection, she judged it to be part of an array: "The roads are like array patterns; that's interesting."

Li Qinghong landed on the circular high platform. The Hengzhuo Dao Sect cultivator beside her, dressed in a red robe with golden shamanic patterns on his sleeves, first carefully observed her, immediately making his assessment: "This person's clothes are beautiful and elegant, with an ancient charm. Their magical artifact is impressive, seemingly of the profound lightning type. They are either from a Northern Sea aristocratic family or a direct descendant of an immortal sect."

Having received guests here for so long, specifically picking out Foundation Establishment cultivators to greet, his judgment was sharp. He politely approached, asking neither obsequiously nor arrogantly: "I am Bi Zhaoyu. Where does this fellow Daoist hail from?"

Li Qinghong paused, realizing that the person before her was an elderly cultivator of considerable age, who looked extremely shrewd. She swallowed her original "East Sea" reply: "This junior comes from within the sea."

Bi Zhaoyu only noted her soft, gentle accent, which, while mild, kept words from blurring. He immediately understood: 'It's Jiangnan, probably from Yuebei or Jiangbei.'

He immediately smiled: "Fellow Daoist has arrived. If you are interested in exploring this place, I can accompany you. If you have urgent matters, there's no need to crowd with others; you can simply tell me in detail."

Li Qinghong lowered her gaze slightly and entered the array with him, finding the place well-ordered. The Hengzhuo Dao Sect's scrutiny was strict, and Bi Zhaoyu was experienced, so she likely couldn't conceal herself.

"After all, I cultivate lightning; I'm least skilled in transformation, and my aura is difficult to hide... Fortunately, I let the other two come in a step later. They aren't very famous, so they won't be recognized immediately."

Since she couldn't conceal herself, she found it inconvenient to directly inquire about Bright Yang spiritual objects. She said gently: "Perhaps I need to select some spiritual objects. Does your immortal path have any precious treasures that can broaden my horizons?"

"Please!"

Her choice of words made Bi Zhaoyu give a hoarse laugh. Without further ado, he led the way to the center, past numerous towers, and flew straight into the heart of Host Wishing Island, where a massive vermilion palace appeared before them.

The Hengzhuo Dao cultivator in front of them ascended the vermilion steps on the wind, bowed to the two, and stood to the side behind Bi Zhaoyu, mana transmission flying into the old man's ear: "It has been investigated. It's nine-tenths likely to be a Li family cultivator from Moon Lake, Li Qinghong, who cultivates Soaring Lightning."

Bi Zhaoyu remained composed, leading her through the vermilion hall, directly bypassing the first floor and landing on the second. There, they saw dozens of large doors separated by arrays. Bi Zhaoyu turned around and whispered: "These are all precious medicines and Foundation Establishment spiritual objects. What kind does fellow Daoist need? Soaring Lightning?"

Li Qinghong stood with her hands behind her back and smiled: "Do you have any Purple Mansion-tier spiritual objects? My family owes a True Man a favor, and I'm afraid he wouldn't be interested in these things."

"This..."

Bi Zhaoyu was indeed stunned. He had been here for nearly a century and had rarely seen anyone come to purchase Purple Mansion spiritual objects. Li Qinghong's reason was clever, so he didn't immediately grow suspicious. He merely said politely: "That is not something this old Daoist can decide. Please allow me to send someone to report to the Island Lord, and then I shall reply."

This meant inviting Island Lord Bi Yuzhuang herself, which was exactly what Li Qinghong wanted. She had heard that Bi Yuzhuang and Li Xuanfeng had a friendship in the Green Pine Temple Grotto-Heaven. Although she didn't know the depth of their relationship, having one was better than none.

'Moreover, regarding the matter with the Long Soaring Sect... someone with enough standing needs to discuss it.'

"No problem."

She replied gently. The person behind Bi Zhaoyu immediately withdrew. As the two descended the steps, Li Qinghong naturally didn't miss this excellent opportunity, saying seemingly casually: "On my way here, I saw fierce fighting among cultivators. What happened?"

Although Hengzhuo Dao was called an immortal sect by busybodies, the Bi family never admitted to being aligned with immortal sects, only referring to themselves as an immortal path. Li Qinghong's repeated use of the term hit the mark, and while Bi Zhaoyu was pleased, he also understood: 'So familiar with my Hengzhuo Dao, it must be the Li family from Moon Lake, no doubt.'

He sighed deeply and explained: "What else could it be? The discord between my Dao and the Long Soaring Sect has been long-standing. Many years ago, Changxiaozi contended for an opportunity with my Daoist Master Hengli, fighting fiercely until numerous True Men came to mediate, and only then did they stop."

"Later, Jiangnan became the site of the 'Upper Evil Spirit Repository,' and Earth Virtue demonic cultivators flourished. Cheng Yan stumbled upon great fortune, cultivating Wutu. The Earth Virtue anomaly is naturally inconspicuous, and he quietly broke through under Changxiao's cover, killing my direct descendant. He was then injured by True Man Hengxing. New grievances and old hatreds have become irreconcilable."

Li Qinghong secretly noted the information about True Man Cheng Yan cultivating Wutu. She slightly frowned, feeling that the disputes between the two reefs in the East Sea weren't particularly intense, and deliberately asked: "I see. Light Boat and Host Wishing are so close. It must not be easy on a daily basis either, I imagine."

"Indeed..."

Although Bi Zhaoyu was quite old, due to the erratic nature of the spiritual objects regarding Yu Fuzi, he hadn't yet reached a point where he could discern anything from Li Qinghong's casual remarks. He sighed: "Indeed... I am two hundred years old, long past my prime... I don't want so many disputes. Isn't it better to be harmonious? But Yu Fuzi is young and impetuous, not interested in such thoughts."

"Just half a year ago, he covertly acted in the East Sea, killing several of my Daoist fellows and destroying a spiritual boat. The Island Lord sent a few rogue cultivators to inquire, but he denied everything and disdainfully drove them out!"

Bi Zhaoyu exhaled, saying indignantly: "Just like his master, neither of them is good news! They take lives at the drop of a hat... and constantly strike at the younger generation with hidden attacks."

Li Qinghong's heart slightly relaxed, and she secretly nodded: "Good... The struggle between the two families is indeed intense. I'm not familiar with Island Lord Bi Yuzhuang, so it would be difficult to persuade or provoke anything. This will save me some effort."