Chapter 644: Changing Situations

Mount Qingdu.

Cold rain fell incessantly. The newly sprouted lotuses along the lake shore, withered by frost, drooped limply and fell into the muddy, grey surface of the water.

Li Qinghong ascended Mount Qingdu, clutching a jade box to her chest. She noticed the steps were increasingly covered in moss, but Li Xuanxuan's frequent visits kept a clear path. After walking a dozen steps, she came upon a grove of stone tablets.

Li Ximing was still nowhere to be seen; she knew he wouldn't be able to come for a while. Only Li Xuanxuan was there, wearing a grey-blue robe, sleeves rolled up, engrossed in carving an inscription on a tablet, eyes narrowed. Seeing Li Qinghong approach, the elder asked:

“Is everything settled down the mountain?”

“Yes. Jun'er never married and had no children, so there were no complications.”

Li Xuanxuan blew away the stone dust from his hands. The woman stood by his side and quietly said:

“Perhaps he felt guilty and forbade himself from marrying.”

The elder turned the stone tablet, put down his carving knife, and replied:

“I am old now, so permit me to say a few more words, Qinghong, just listen.”

He sighed and continued.

“Among the Four Xi, Jun'er was closest to me, and also the most ruthless. Killing the Meng clan was something he was capable of doing... He didn't care whether he was guilty or deserved reproach; anything that hindered Ximing's path to divine powers—even himself—could be eliminated.”

“Had he not been born into our family, he would surely have been a cunning, unpredictable, demonic figure.”

Li Xuanxuan set the tablet upright and said hoarsely:

“Yuanping told me long ago that Cheng and Jun were selfless and emotionless to a suspicious degree. It turns out he was right.”

Li Qinghong placed the jade box carefully and whispered:

“Uncle, Qinghong is not as skilled in strategy as my brother. The matter of Wang Fu entirely became part of others’ calculations. I...”

Li Xuanxuan waved his hand and replied in a weary voice:

“Just do your best; there’s no need to blame yourself.”

Li Qinghong stood silently for a while, then descended the stone steps. She saw several of Li Xicheng's children coming up the mountain to pay respects to their uncle, respectfully calling her “Your Excellency.” Li Qinghong hurried down the mountain, traveling by lightning all the way, and stopped at the continent.

Upon reaching the great hall on the continent, she still did not see Li Ximing. She sighed, but Li Chengliao, who had been waiting for a long time, stepped forward and quietly said:

“Your Excellency, a letter from Zongquan Island!”

As he handed her the letter, he began concisely:

“Firstly, regarding Cheng. A few days ago, he took the medicinal pills sent from home and broke through to the ninth level of Qi Refining. He claimed that with the descent of water and ascent of lightning overseas, he already felt the urge to break through as soon as he reached the ninth level of Qi Refining, so he entered seclusion.”

Li Qinghong furrowed her delicate brows slightly and murmured:

“This child acts on his own initiative... The rewards from the Green Pool Sect haven't been disbursed yet, but there are still a few Suiyuan Pills to be exchanged first... Why didn't he inform anyone before going into seclusion on his own?”

Li Qinghong understood that sometimes inspiration surged and opportunities for breakthrough appeared suddenly. However, having lived on the island for many years and being familiar with the child, she still thought:

‘Perhaps this child believes he hasn't contributed much to the family, while most of his siblings died in battle, so he is reluctant to ask for anything...’

“Secondly, Master Kongheng... He's asking about Uncle Xijun.”

Li Xijun was his own uncle. Li Chengliao was now wearing mourning attire, and a look of sadness was visible in his eyes as he quietly said:

“A few months ago, the Master suddenly suffered a backfire from an unfulfilled oath, spitting up three liters of blood. He pondered it repeatedly and concluded it was related to Xijun's matter. Yet, not daring to act rashly, he hastily wrote this letter to inquire.”

Li Qinghong unfolded the letter and saw Kongheng had written:

‘This humble monk once swore an oath to Xijun, a vow of unwavering gratitude even unto death. I believe vows should not be made lightly, and I fear Xijun is in trouble... This is what caused me to vomit blood... I implore Your Excellency to investigate carefully!’

Li Qinghong silently folded the letter.

She had not involved Kongheng in the Wang Fu affair, feeling that it was not a glorious matter in the first place. Even if the Changxiao Gate was opposed to their family, she did not consider it a righteous act.

The Li family had never prided itself on being overly righteous. In this era, what they could do was merely treat common people well and refrain from consuming blood-soaked food. Taking spiritual items from their enemies was something their family could do, but Kongheng could not.

He practiced the Ancient Buddhist Path, which always emphasized a pure heart. If he were asked to do such things, whether he agreed or not was one matter; it would likely lead him astray.

Kongheng's diligent efforts had earned him great merit; to repay the kindness shown when he broke through to become a Master, he had worked diligently for their family for decades. Li Qinghong naturally did not wish for him to get entangled in these matters.

Clutching the letter, she didn't know how to respond and stood blankly for a long moment. She silently put the letter away, her lips pressed tightly together. Then, Li Chenghuai urgently arrived, riding the wind.

Li Chenghuai's cultivation had now reached the seventh level of Qi Refining. Theoretically, he could attempt to break through to Foundation Establishment after taking a medicinal pill, but he felt uncertain and kept delaying it. After all, he was still far from sixty, and he also harbored the thought of waiting for those particular pills.

He whispered:

“Your Excellency, a cultivator has arrived on the continent to visit. He is a Northern Sea cultivator who practices lightning magic, wears a long sword at his waist, is clad in silver feathered thunder-robes, and possesses a rather terrifying aura.”

“He calls himself... Xi Zikang of the Northern Sea!”

The Eastern Sea.

Fenkai Island is located north of the Chijiao Island sea region. It is vast and immense, with extremely vigorous fire veins. The Green Pool Sect's Immortal Peak is in the central part of Fenkai Island. It was once guarded by Ning Wan, which is why many pines and bamboos were planted there, making it breezy and exceptionally tranquil.

Si Tongyi, adorned in a crimson feathered robe that shimmered with radiant light, flew through the sky like a fiery phoenix. She gently landed on the peak and waited for a moment. As expected, a rainbow light burst forth from within the peak, landed before her, and transformed into a dignified man.

“Greetings, Peak Master!”

Si Tongyi noticed that his rainbow light came and went without a trace, making it elusive. She was secretly astonished and pondered:

‘Li Xizhi's cultivation has actually advanced again! His escape light is so swift that even my ocular arts cannot discern it... The Rainbow Aurora, existing between water, fire, and celestial yang, combined with the manifestation of the Sunset Fruit Status in this era, is truly formidable.’

Li Xizhi nodded genially. Now stationed in the Eastern Sea and newly in charge of power, he had naturally acquired an air of authority as he aged. With a gentle lift of his hand, all the cups and bowls on the table rose, and the tea in the jade pot spontaneously boiled.

This feat involved no direct use of magic power, relying solely on a touch of rainbow light, showcasing his exquisite magical arts.

Si Tongyi's guess was correct; Li Xizhi's strength had indeed improved again. One reason was the rewards he received, taking precious medicines and pills, which made his cultivation more complete. The other was the profound effect of his Talismanic Aura reaching the clouds.

This Talismanic Aura had demonstrated its power multiple times during pursuits and escapes by neutralizing others' magic power. It was, in itself, a form of aura that could be continually nourished to preserve life and enhance magical arts. In his early years, Li Xizhi had focused on cultivation and learning spells, so his experience with it wasn't deep. Now that his cultivation had reached its peak, and he began nourishing his immortal foundation, its effects became more apparent.

Each time he nourished his immortal foundation with this Talismanic Aura, the power of his magical arts automatically increased. Whether it was his escape techniques, movement techniques, ocular arts, or other spells... none were left behind; they all advanced simultaneously!

This was far better than how other cultivators had to individually train and take specific spiritual medicines to improve their skills. Not only did his already proficient escape and movement techniques become even more marvelous, but even his less-developed offensive and defensive arts gradually became presentable.

Moreover, this talisman was known as 'adding flowers to brocade,' meaning the more complete and stable his aura, the higher his position of authority, and the more firmly he governed a region, the more powerful this Talismanic Aura became!

Previously, he had felt that the amplification from the Talismanic Aura wasn't significant, gaining only a little progress even after prolonged nourishment. But now, stationed in the Eastern Sea, the golden light of the Talismanic Aura within him had brightened dozens of times over! Thus, he gradually comprehended the profound mysteries of his Talismanic Aura, and his strength naturally surged.

Si Tongyi sat beside him, her demeanor a few shades more respectful, and she said softly:

“My purpose in coming to find the Peak Master this time is still about internal sect matters.”

“Please speak.”

Li Xizhi nodded slightly. Although he had only recently taken charge, his methods and style of action were utterly unlike those of a cultivator who had been confined to the sect for many years. Si Tongyi, being quite familiar with him, spoke directly:

“Three days ago, True Monarch Buzhi appeared in the Eastern Sea and fought with a True Monarch from Chijiao Island. I heard that even the one in seclusion... True Monarch Tan Yun, also revealed himself... It is now confirmed that this great demon has indeed successfully broken through, and Chijiao Island now has at least two True Monarchs.”

Though he spoke of Chijiao Island in the name of the Green Pool Sect, the worry in his eyes was clearly directed at Chi Buzhi. He quietly added:

“According to everyone's speculation... for True Monarch Buzhi to cause True Monarch Tianwan to suffer losses, he has most likely reached the late Purple Manor stage!”

After saying this, he quietly observed Li Xizhi. The man indeed paused, then relaxed his brows and sighed:

“True Monarch Buzhi truly lives up to his reputation as the treasure of the Chi family back then. Such cultivation speed...”

“Indeed.”

Si Tongyi affirmed and silently lowered her head. Li Xizhi asked with concern:

“Does True Monarch Buzhi have any instructions... or arrangements?”

Si Tongyi hesitated:

“Our True Monarch has not appeared for a long time, and our clan uncle is quite tolerant of the Chi family, so some individuals have gradually grown bolder. Upon hearing of True Monarch Buzhi's appearance, the main hall on Green Pool Peak was filled with endless congratulations.”

Li Xizhi chuckled:

“Congratulating whom?”

“Naturally, congratulating the Sect Master!”

Si Tongyi nodded subtly in understanding, then replied:

“True Monarch Ning Hejing is also overjoyed... As for Daoist Fu Po... there's no news.”

The current Sect Master, Chi Xuxiao, is the legitimate eldest son of the Chi family's senior branch! Leaving aside Chi Zhiyun, who is in seclusion, Chi Buzhi's appearance has undoubtedly increased his authority immeasurably. As for Ning Hejing... he is utterly delighted.

‘Chi Fupo should be on pins and needles now...’

Li Xizhi poured the tea and asked:

“How does True Monarch Buzhi plan to respond?”

Si Tongyi softly said:

“Our clan uncle has released Xia Yun and also let the matter of Ning Hede pass. He has turned away all the disciples who came to complain and no longer receives anyone.”

Xia Yun and Ning Hede were Ning Hejing's people. Although both were quite capable, their personal conduct was flawed: one, in charge of Xieqi Peak, used inferior goods as substitutes, and the other, in the Immortal Tribute Bureau, embezzled funds. How could they contend with Si Yuanli? In recent days, he had already outmaneuvered them, with one imprisoned and the other interrogated. The initial spearhead was even pointing towards Ning Hejing's Yuanxing Peak, accusing him of holding a position without doing any work.

Now, all their previous efforts were in vain, and Si Yuanli remained silent behind closed doors. With the Chi family's Purple Manor backing them, the situation appeared stable. Li Xizhi, however, showed no surprise and nodded, saying:

“True Monarch Buzhi played a good move, but the show must go on. Eventually, either the Eastern Sea or the Southern Sea will have to yield first.”

“Yes.”

Si Tongyi nodded, but still with a hint of worry, and replied:

“However, our True Monarch is still somewhat concerned about True Monarch Buzhi. The sect is in turmoil and fear, with most remaining neutral, and even Daoists close to our family have defected to the main peak...”

“No matter.”

Li Xizhi softly said:

“This will only make Ning Hejing more confident. With his True Monarch above him, no matter how bold Ning Hejing becomes, he wouldn't dare harm the True Monarch. However, this man is arrogant and extremely stubborn, unwilling to tolerate Chi Fupo and others still occupying most of the power.”

“Chi Fupo's ambitions have surely been extinguished, and he will also retreat... But the Chi family members behind him are no better than Ning Hejing. What they've gained will certainly not be relinquished. No matter what, they are still named Chi; if pushed too hard, they will bare their fangs.”

Si Tongyi nodded slightly and replied:

“True Monarch Buzhi thinks the same. He has already planted a hidden hand within, and I'm afraid some Daoists will be wronged later.”

Li Xizhi understood that the Linggu family in the Southern Sea was deeply entrenched, and no matter how stubborn Ning Hejing was, he wouldn't be foolish enough to challenge them. Most likely, the burden would fall on himself. He nodded with a smile. Si Tongyi exchanged a few more pleasantries and then departed, riding the wind.

Li Xizhi sat on the peak for a while, his expression gradually calming. His magic power circulated, and he flew down the peak, aided by a large formation, until he was within earshot of the guards:

“Please invite her up.”

He waited for a few moments, and then a woman gracefully floated over, a playful expression on her face. Dressed in a light jade-green Daoist robe, she was remarkably beautiful. It was none other than Linggu Lanying of the Linggu family!

She reseated herself and said softly:

“You arrived just in time. True Monarch Si truly values Xizhi!”

Li Xizhi, residing in the Eastern Sea, had actually learned about Chi Buzhi's matter even earlier than the sect did, let alone Linggu Lanying who was standing before him. She chuckled and replied:

“True Monarch Yuanxiu indeed did not appear.”

True Monarch Yuanxiu had not appeared to this day. Earlier, both had thought he might have been injured in the Grotto-heaven. Now, seeing Si Yuanli's composure and decisive actions in this situation, they understood that it was highly likely Yuanxiu simply chose not to reveal himself.

“True Monarch Buzhi is indeed alive. It seems he truly has no attachment to Green Pool.”

Linggu Lanying affirmed, and both understood clearly in their hearts.

Although Yuanxiu was confident that Chi Buzhi wouldn't interfere with Green Pool, it was ultimately difficult to guess Buzhi's true intentions. Therefore, he entered seclusion, feigning death, and entrusted everything to Si Yuanli.

Once Buzhi returned, or had any other intentions, the elder True Monarch only needed to step forward promptly and say that a junior acted on his own accord, and the matter would pass... As long as True Monarch Yuanxiu did not personally intervene to change the Sect Master, it would not escalate to a point that would cause both Purple Manor cultivators to lose face.

‘We merely serve as their faction members. Should things truly change, we would naturally be cast out to appease the True Monarch's wrath and save the Purple Manor cultivators' reputation.’

Though Linggu Lanying didn't voice it, she clearly harbored such thoughts. She merely whispered:

“Now that Buzhi has acted in the Eastern Sea, on one hand, it's a good remedy for the Chi family. But on the other hand... doesn't it also prove that he has always been wandering in the Eastern Sea, and even when Green Pool faced such a major incident, he had no intention of interfering?”

Li Xizhi nodded and said gently:

“Purple Manor cultivators always act with calculation. We just need to observe the internal struggles within the sect.”

Linggu Lanying shook her head, smiling faintly, and replied:

“Is there even a need to think about it? Chi Zhiyun sees clearly that Ning Hejing has an overbearing personality. He can enforce laws and punishments, but if he were to become the head of a faction, he would surely expel anyone who didn't suit him far away! How could he contend with Chi Fupo?”

She refrained from mentioning Li Yuanqin's name, and seeing the young man before her lower his head to sip tea, she quietly said:

“We should offer timely assistance. After all, sharing the Sect Master's burdens is our duty.”