Chapter 642: Explanation

“Oh.”

After he finished speaking, Lu Jiangxian, who had been squatting by the door, quietly raised his head, feeling a bit awkward. He thought to himself: “No wonder... I’ve been wandering around Penglai for half a day and couldn’t find a single secret manual or jade slip... So they’re all stored away with magic treasures.” He shook his sleeves and muttered, “Sticking to old ways! Sticking to old ways... What era is this? How can cultivation methods be so inconvenient!” Lu Jiangxian pondered for a moment, then wondered if the Immortal Lord who fought with Immortal Lord Chufu might be from the Qing Song Daoist Temple... After all, this ‘Heavenly Listening’ technique seemed to have a similar effect to divine sense, perhaps indicating a connection to Qing Song Daoist Temple.

“How can a scholar’s actions be called stealing...?” He mumbled a self-deprecating remark, taking it as a joke. He shifted his position, making the tortoise shell disappear from his sight. Wang Xun had already spoken softly: “Immortal Lord Chufu achieved enlightenment in ancient times and is a true, powerful Immortal Lord. My family records confirm this. Later, the Immortal Lord borrowed the Xuan Earth Karmic Position from the Five Earths—first borrowing, then seeking—and from nothing, cultivated the Sixth Earth, Azure Xuan. His merits were immense, and our True Lord has always offered incense to him.” The middle-aged Daoist priest sighed and nodded, saying, “Our ancestors possessed vast divine powers and boundless merits. We, their descendants, feel ashamed.”

Wang Xun only looked up at the jade shelf and muttered, “Senior Dian Xing, since you said that Immortal Lord is immortal and can avoid the three calamities and nine tribulations, perhaps he still exists today. This Immortal Realm is truly bold... Even if he has already achieved immortality and departed, the Grand Void must remember him.” This made Dian Xing even more awkward, so he could only sigh, “Indeed, who’s to say? Otherwise, how would my Penglai reach a state without sun or moon?”

Penglai naturally had no sun or moon, but Wang Xun had seen many such cave heavens and didn't immediately make the connection. He nodded, and Dian Xing replied: “This thing also depends on the tortoise shell personally placed by the Immortal Lord on the main peak. No one has ever dared to touch it. I estimate... if it were taken to the mortal world, it would probably cause the sun and moon to shine together, and dual-polar light would emerge in the Grand Void... At that point, it would truly shatter the heavens.”

After their greetings concluded, Wang Xun then said, “I have another matter I need your help with on this visit, Senior.” He said softly, “My father obtained a Six-Xin Harmonious Gold and promised to protect the Jiang family. Our Wang clan always upholds its promises. Our True Lord wishes for the descendants of the Jiang family to settle their worldly affairs and find a place to live, without needing constant surveillance or fearing any accidents.”

“So, as it stands now, the Yu family, whose downfall was orchestrated by Jiang, has been eradicated. The way the Jiang family split the Yu family is precisely how it was split. The other families involved have also been reduced to mortals, while the loyal An family has regained its former status. The retribution is complete, and Jiang Heqian can be free.” Wang Xun naturally could not bow deeply, so he merely cupped his hands in greeting and said, “I hope the Immortal Realm can provide a place for him to settle.”

Dian Xing fell into thought. Lu Jiangxian had already stood up and was descending the stone steps, pondering to himself: “Dian Xing mentioned an immortal technique stone wall in the sea, which is probably similar to the immortal wall in the Qing Song Daoist Temple... But I don’t know which of the Four Seas this one is in, or if it still exists. Once the Li family obtains the Purple Mansion, they can search for it...” Lu Jiangxian could now traverse the Grand Void to search the seas, but the East Sea was vast. And since Lu Jiangxian never revealed his true form in the mortal world, it would likely be a significant undertaking. The Li family was at a crucial juncture, so he couldn’t easily shift his focus. If Li Ximing failed his breakthrough, Lu Jiangxian would have to go search for it himself first.

He walked across the sea and returned to the Puyu Daoist Temple, where the young man was drawing grayish-black water from a well and pouring it into a large cauldron. He was tapping the cauldron’s side while making calculations with his fingers. The jade box lay at the bottom of the cauldron, emitting a silver glow within the clear water, echoing the shimmering colors of Penglai’s secret techniques. Lu Jiangxian watched from the side, silently committing it to memory.

Xuan Yue Sect.

The main peak of Xuan Yue Sect, Yuexi Peak, was shrouded in mist. This mountain was not particularly tall at first, but it would automatically grow taller each year. Now, it stood significantly higher than the surrounding mountains, like a crane among chickens. Inside the highest cave dwelling, the floor was covered in jade stones. True Lord Changxi sat cross-legged on the main seat, holding a small jade stone in his hand, his eyes closed, seemingly in cultivation.

A full half an hour later, the True Lord opened his eyes, a hint of helplessness on his face. He gently waved his hand, and the cave dwelling’s door swung open with a rumble. The woman in Xiangxi attire, who had been waiting outside for a long time, stepped in and bowed respectfully: “Tingyun greets the Ancestor!” Although she had waited outside for a long time before being allowed in, she still knelt respectfully. In contrast, Changxi looked quite helpless and quietly asked, “Why has Tingyun come?”

Kong Tingyun respectfully replied, “I received news from Bi Yuzhuang that Wang Fu possessed an ancient Purple Mansion spiritual item, which has now been handed over to the Hengzhu Sect. The Li family returned empty-handed. This left me feeling puzzled, so I came to pay my respects.” True Lord Changxi remained silent, understanding Kong Tingyun’s true meaning but unsure how to respond at that moment. The woman in Xiangxi attire gently continued: “Ancestor, you placed a pawn in the Li family years ago, specifically arranging for me to meet Li Yuanjiao. I was ignorant then, but fortunately, I didn’t ruin your important plan...”

“Later, as our friendship deepened, I believed our two families could rely on each other. Regarding the Mingfang Heavenly Stone, the information my family provided was problematic. Qing Hong thought it was a reward promised by our Xuan Yue Sect after the great flood from Qingchi... but then our Xuan Yue Sect used it again.” “Tingyun therefore finds it difficult to explain to the Li family, so I specifically came to consult you, Ancestor.” She spoke respectfully and quietly, “Tingyun has no other intentions, only concern that I might spoil the Ancestor’s schemes.”

True Lord Changxi coughed and finally spoke, his voice very old: “I know you always speak pleasantly.” “This matter with Wang Fu involved multiple parties vying for power, and Tu Longjian’s actions were unexpected, which is why the situation has escalated to this point...” Seeing Kong Tingyun kneeling with her head bowed, he changed his tone and said in an ancient voice, “Of course, an explanation must be given to the Li family... I would not sacrifice your friendship and reputation to gain benefits for Xuan Yue for no reason...” Kong Tingyun hurriedly exclaimed, “Ancestor, you flatter me!”

True Lord Changxi shook his head and waved his hand, replying, “It seems her island in the lake is missing a formation? Choose a day to go there and invite those old formation masters from Fenkuai Island to construct a formation for her, would that be acceptable?” Kong Tingyun respectfully replied, “Matters of formations are too secretive; it may not be a suitable means to mend relations.” True Lord Changxi frowned and said, “The Li family is indeed cautious. Go to the Li family and explain the situation... I have a copy of the Mingyang Dharma Scripture, which our Kong family obtained from the State of Xu back then. You can give it to their family as compensation. As for future matters, we will see then.” The woman in Xiangxi attire bowed to the ground and softly said, “Tingyun obeys.” True Lord Changxi sighed softly and instructed, “You finally obtained an opportunity in the grotto-heaven. Do not overexert yourself. Settle these matters as quickly as possible! I am also getting old. If you enter seclusion soon, I can protect you for a while longer and ease everyone’s minds.”