Chapter 630: Host Celebration (Part 2)

She waited in the hall for a while, then saw a female cultivator in a red robe land in front of the hall. Her skin was fair, and unlike those from Jiangnan, her brow ridges were higher and her eyes large, adding to the vibrant splendor of her red attire.

Inside, her moon-white clothing was covered by the bright red robe, and combined with the gold rings in her sleeves, it further enhanced her presence. She looked over and smiled, saying:

"I am Bi Yuzhuang. Greetings, fellow Daoist. Are you from the Li Family of Wangyue?"

"I am Li Qinghong of the Li Family of Wangyue. Greetings, Senior."

Li Qinghong naturally assented. Bi Zhaoyu, who was beside her, clasped her hands together and quickly retreated. Bi Yuzhuang made an inviting gesture, her gold wrist rings jingling, and smiled:

"Qinghong, there's no need to be so formal. Daoist Xuanfeng and I faced enemies together at Qingsong Temple; we have a certain camaraderie."

Bi Yuzhuang led her all the way to the highest vermilion pavilion. Inside the small attic, there was only a red lacquered wooden desk, upon which sat a jade vase with a few white plum blossoms arranged diagonally.

The two sat down. Bi Yuzhuang brought tea and said in a gentle voice:

"True Monarch Chang Yun from Jiangbei, leveraging his connection with the Golden Feather Sect, has established a sect in Chengshui Marsh, naming it the Chengyun Gate and claiming a territory. The Tangjin Gate has also reopened its mountain gate and sent disciples down."

"Zhong Qian is the sect master of Chengyun Gate. He has a deep friendship with Daoist Xuanfeng, so your esteemed family could send someone to establish a connection there."

Bi Yuzhuang brewed the tea, glanced at her, and smiled.

"I fear you might be out of touch with information, having been away from the mainland for so long, so allow me to offer this extra bit of information."

Li Qinghong repeatedly expressed her gratitude, feeling a growing fondness for Bi Yuzhuang in her heart. She mused to herself:

"After all, the Path of Hengzhu is one of the most upright paths... and they have a connection with our family, so they can be considered trustworthy."

Bi Yuzhuang chatted idly with her for a few moments before quickly redirecting the conversation. She spoke softly:

"Regarding the Purple Mansion spiritual items Qinghong requires, I am the most knowledgeable person on this island. While the East Sea currently experiences powerful lightning phenomena, if you're looking for items like Thunder Splendor of the Azure Firmament or Cloud-Patterned Celestial Lightning, my family cannot readily provide them at this time."

Clearly, Li Qinghong's excuse of 'repaying a favor to a Purple Mansion True Monarch' had deceived Bi Zhaoyu, but Bi Yuzhuang, as a direct descendant of a Purple Mansion lineage, was not easily convinced. Her opening remark was a test. Fortunately, Li Qinghong was not seeking items for her own cultivation path, and she replied gently:

"Thank you for your consideration, Senior. It doesn't have to be Sky Thunder. Are there any other Purple Mansion spiritual items available?"

"Oh?"

Bi Yuzhuang looked slightly surprised, raising an eyebrow as she pondered. She then said casually:

"Items like the Quetong Cai and Sea-Crossing Rainbow are mostly found among the Dragonkind and in Luoxia Mountain... Fortunately, my family possesses a Sky Guarding Rainbow, which descended when the Northern Sea sky fractured. It is quite valuable."

Bi Yuzhuang had already reviewed the Li family's intelligence. She had initially intended to mention that her family also possessed a Purple Mansion-level Cold Qi. However, she recalled that the intelligence indicated Li Xijun was still far from achieving the Purple Mansion realm. If she were to explicitly expose Li Qinghong's pretext, the conversation would likely end, and she wouldn't be able to glean any further information.

However, Li Qinghong understood from Bi Yuzhuang's words that she believed the Li family was indeed aiming for the Purple Mansion realm. Li Qinghong silently rotated her teacup. Noticing her reaction, Bi Yuzhuang smoothly continued the conversation and answered decisively:

"There's no Mingyang either. We only have a wisp of Cold Qi, a wisp of Dawn Qi, and a piece of Azure Profundity."

'No Mingyang either...'

Li Qinghong fell silent for a moment, her thoughts racing, then she turned and asked:

"I wonder what conditions are required to exchange for these spiritual items?"

Bi Yuzhuang gently lifted her chin and said softly:

"Qinghong, please be at ease. My family has always conducted itself honorably and would never resort to deception... However, Purple Mansion spiritual items are exceptionally rare. If you wish to exchange for them... considering your esteemed family's convenience, there are a few types of items that could be considered."

She took a sip of tea and continued:

"Purple Mansion spiritual artifacts, Purple Mansion spiritual items of the Binggu lineage, Purple Mansion cultivation techniques of the Hengzhu affinity, and..."

The woman raised an eyebrow, her slender fingers resting on the edge of the gold ring on her other wrist. She then said softly, as if testing the waters:

"Taiyin Lunar Essence!"

With just that one phrase, Li Qinghong consciously controlled her breathing, a look of regret appearing on her face. She replied somewhat disconsolately:

"It seems the immortal sects still believe that because my family occupies Moon Lake, we can produce such an item... Even if we truly could produce a portion, the circumstances would be vastly different from what they are now."

Bi Yuzhuang raised an eyebrow, looking a little embarrassed, and quickly explained:

"After all, someone once obtained this item on the lake, and all the prominent families have records of it. I merely asked on a whim."

Li Qinghong did not wish to discuss this further, so she simply nodded and replied:

"I have noted your conditions, Senior. If my family has the means, we will certainly come to exchange with the immortal sects."

That the Path of Hengzhu did not possess Mingyang spiritual items was, in fact, expected. Ultimately, Li Qinghong placed her hopes on Yu Fuzi. After carefully considering her words, she asked:

"Qinghong heard from Senior Zhaoyu that Yu Fuzi is exceedingly arrogant..."

At the mention of this person, Bi Yuzhuang visibly frowned. Gazing at the white plum blossoms in the vase, she said with a hint of regret:

"He is indeed formidable. The struggle between my Path and Changxiao in this region has a long history. The previous Yun Kongzi was trapped and killed by my family. Now, thinking back, if only I had known that Yu Fuzi would follow, we should have spared that useless wretch's life..."

The blood feud between their two families was too extensive for Bi Yuzhuang to elaborate on, so she gave a general account of their past enmities and grievances.

Li Qinghong now understood the situation and silently sighed with regret:

"The struggle between Bi Yuzhuang and Yu Fuzi has not yet intensified to a point where it would be awkward for her, nor is the relationship between their two families good enough for her to proactively ask for my intervention. Otherwise, discussing it would yield far greater benefits."

"Well, nothing is ever truly perfect."

She then revealed a troubled expression and whispered:

"To be frank, Senior, he possesses a treasure that is quite important to my family..."

At these words, Bi Yuzhuang's expression immediately brightened. Her heart finally felt clear, and she had an epiphany:

'So that's it!'

Bi Yuzhuang's eyes were now filled with eagerness. She whispered:

"Your esteemed family means..."

Li Qinghong sighed and tentatively said:

"This is the East Sea; everything is much easier here. My only concern is True Monarch Changxiao..."

Bi Yuzhuang shook her head repeatedly and whispered:

"Qinghong, there's no need to worry! Our True Monarch excels in incantations, far surpassing Changxiaozi. Furthermore, Changxiaozi is at odds with Scarlet Reef Island and typically doesn't come to the East Sea. The Changxiao Sect already has few Purple Mansion cultivators, and True Monarch Chengyan rarely leaves his mountain gate. How could he possibly oversee everything?"

"As long as Wang Fu is lured into the grand formation I've prepared, and True Monarch Hengxing is invited to cast a blessing, without any other Purple Mansion cultivators intervening, everything can certainly be concealed cleanly."

Her voice slightly lowered, her eyes sparkling, she continued:

"Besides, what if the Changxiao Sect finds out? My Path will simply be hiring fellow Daoists to act. Your esteemed family has a connection with True Monarch Xiao and operates under the authority of Green Pond. What is there to fear? The person will have died in the East Sea, and the East Sea has its own rules. Changxiao would absolutely not dare to intervene!"

Li Qinghong understood that while Bi Yuzhuang's words sounded reassuring, this act would undeniably offend the Changxiao Sect. Her own family was already psychologically prepared, so she quietly replied:

"What you say is true, Senior."

Bi Yuzhuang still showed a hint of surprise. The two Paths had been scheming against each other for years and were intimately familiar with each other's strengths. Moreover, the island masters were all powerful cultivators who rarely ventured far from their islands, ensuring immediate reinforcements were always nearby, which had prevented any decisive outcome.

Their own personnel in the market were few and not of high quality. If they were to be pulled for an ambush, it was uncertain whether they could even deal with Yu Fuzi. Furthermore, if that old fox saw a large group of people and still didn't show himself, he would most likely not emerge.

Li Qinghong, however, possessed considerable combat prowess, with fierce lightning techniques and a knack for swift engagements. She was undoubtedly the perfect candidate. Bi Yuzhuang then asked:

"May I ask how many people your esteemed family can deploy?"

Li Qinghong whispered:

"Besides myself, Ximing excels at suppression, and Xijun has cultivated sword essence. They complement each other well and are quite formidable... If anything goes awry, we can also call upon more people..."

"That's enough."

Bi Yuzhuang exhaled deeply. Regardless of whether True Monarch Chengyan of the Changxiao Sect in the East Sea had returned to his sect, Bi Yuzhuang felt she had sufficient assurance. She made a swift decision and replied:

"Qinghong, please go and prepare. I will deliberate carefully!"

Li Qinghong then rose from the desk and bid her farewell. Bi Yuzhuang immediately summoned someone to escort her away. The red-robed woman took several sips of tea, gradually feeling more confident.

"The Li family has grown close to Xuanyue in recent years, and Xuanyue may well be fanning the flames, which is a good thing... This means that Kong Tingyun's earlier softened negotiations with Changxiao regarding Yuezhou Island weren't a compromise, but rather a tactic to lull Wang Fu into a false sense of security..."

Bi Yuzhuang had been concerned about lacking sufficient combat power. Now, she effectively gained a Thunder Cultivator from a direct immortal sect lineage, a late Foundation Establishment cultivator specialized in suppression, and a Sword Sect direct descendant with slightly lower cultivation. Moreover, Bi Yuzhuang herself was one of Hengzhu's foremost Foundation Establishment cultivators...

"Unless you, Wang Fu, are a second Li Xuanfeng, you are bound to experience this deadly tribulation!"

Meanwhile, Li Qinghong settled down in the market. Soon, Li Xijun and Li Ximing arrived. As they entered her cave dwelling, Li Qinghong immediately stopped them, whispering:

"This is someone else's cave dwelling; it's not wise to speak too much."

She flicked her sleeve, releasing the Chongming Profound Screen. The screen unfurled, emitting several faint golden, illusory hues that enveloped a three-zhang radius around them. Once the Absolute Perception was activated, Li Xijun spoke in a deep voice:

"Aunt, I went to Light Skiff Island and saw that Yu Fuzi is not there. While I was at it, I made some inquiries and learned that he has been residing on the nearby Knee-Serving Island, where he has single-handedly occupied the entire island for his solitary cultivation."

"Wang Fu is a man who values lineage and enjoys boasting. Ordinary rogue cultivators cannot simply meet him; if our family wishes to purchase this spiritual item, we would likely need to formally announce ourselves just to gain an audience."

"Moreover, his temperament is quite unpleasant. From my nephew's perspective, given that several families close to ours are on bad terms with Changxiao, he would likely quote an exorbitant price and simply humiliate us for no reason."

With his long sword strapped to his back, he said in a deep voice:

"It's not wise to hope for that; relying on Hengzhu is the most appropriate course of action."

"I've heard as well."

Li Qinghong appeared to have a headache and replied in a low voice:

"As long as our family exerts effort, Hengzhu has promised to provide cover. But this matter is uncertain. If the situation goes awry... if Yu Fuzi doesn't die, we simply won't obtain the spiritual item. However, if he dies and we still don't get the item, and Changxiao discovers our family played a part, that would be the most embarrassing outcome."

She shook her head and said:

"After all, my family has good relations with several immortal sects. True Monarch Xiao has personally summoned us, True Monarch Junjian owes us a favor, and the Si family is also quite amicable. No major incident should occur, but it's always wise to consider the worst-case scenario."

Li Qinghong hesitated for a moment, then whispered:

"If Changxiao becomes tyrannical and insists on pursuing this, and the Hengzhu True Monarchs prove unreliable, and Bi Yuzhuang is two-faced and merely deceiving me, and True Monarch Xiao is unwilling to intervene, and True Monarch Junjian, as a newly ascended Purple Mansion cultivator, is given no respect by Changxiao... then, when that moment truly arrives, I, as the primary culprit, can simply die to save Changxiao's face, and he won't be able to say anything."

Her voice was very soft, yet it carried the weight of thunder. Li Ximing suddenly looked up, his heart burning with anxiety. Beside him, Li Xijun cupped his hands and replied:

"It would never come to that. Hengzhu has been a righteous path for many years; they wouldn't abandon their principles for such a minor issue. Changxiaozi and the Path of Hengzhu are playing a game of chess in the East Sea. Losing a piece at most means resentment; they wouldn't go so far as to shatter the other side's pieces."

First, he calmed Li Ximing's mind, then continued:

"From my nephew's perspective, as long as Hengzhu takes the lead, killing Yu Fuzi is simply not a major issue. There's no need to worry. In fact, I have some good news to report..."

Seeing both Li Qinghong and Li Ximing looking at him, he explained:

"Initially, I was worried that the Bright Square Celestial Stone might not be on Yu Fuzi at all! Although the Changxiao Sect is flourishing and wouldn't typically seize items from juniors, this is a Purple Mansion spiritual item! Would Chengyan and Changxiao have already taken or exchanged it?"

"Even if they haven't taken or exchanged it, Yu Fuzi might not necessarily carry this item with him. Wouldn't it be safer to keep it within the sect?"

His words indeed startled both of them. Kong Tingyun had previously mentioned the item was on Yu Fuzi. While Yu Fuzi possessed a domineering nature, what Foundation Establishment cultivator wouldn't defer to a Purple Mansion True Monarch? Li Ximing simply felt a headache coming on and said:

"This could be problematic..."

Li Xijun exhaled softly and replied:

"Fortunately, Purple Mansion spiritual items are not easily preserved. Not everyone possesses jade boxes like those of my family, which can contain Purple Mansion spiritual items before being placed into a storage bag... Often, jade boxes used to contain Purple Mansion spiritual items are like qi-gathering vials, requiring them to be placed close to the body, outside of a storage bag... or within a formation."

As he said this, Li Qinghong immediately understood, nodding subtly. Li Xijun then respectfully stated:

"Aunt, please forgive your nephew. I did not report it beforehand, but presumptuously used a treasure from the Grand Void to investigate on Knee-Serving Island."

Li Qinghong simply shook her head and said:

"Forgive what? Don't keep your elder brother in suspense. Is it there or not?"

Li Xijun smiled warmly and replied:

"It is!"

Li Ximing immediately exhaled in relief, his interest piqued. He quickly asked for details, and the young man in white chuckled:

"I investigated the island, and Wang Fu's palace is filled with many female companions, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere. The treasure itself is encased in a box made of black jade and rests on a desk in his palace."

"Are you sure you saw it clearly?" Li Ximing asked.

Li Xijun chuckled softly: "Of course, I saw it clearly. I've also seen the Golden Sun Radiant Origin before. It cannot come into contact with gold or iron; if it touches copper, water, or wood, it turns into smoke. That's why it must be contained within jade or stone boxes."

"Inside the black jade box was a white stone the size of a pupil, suffused with celestial light and intermingled with wisps of flame. It shone with a brilliant white radiance, and its aura clearly belonged to the Mingyang type. It is undoubtedly the Bright Square Celestial Stone!"

Li Ximing let out a sigh of relief as he listened to the description, then looked at the smile on Li Qinghong's face and shook his head, saying:

"Then everything is prepared. Let's just hope everything proceeds smoothly and nothing goes wrong."

Li Xijun nodded with a smile, but secretly harbored doubts. He was always one to overthink, and he couldn't help but ponder:

'There's just one thing... This item, by all accounts, should be safest kept within the sect... Why would he bring it to the East Sea? And why specifically place it on his desk? Could he be cultivating some unique technique?'