Chapter 645: Not Owing

The Literary Arts, the Profound Mirror Immortal Clan!

Li Qinghong waited in the hall for a while. Li Chenghuai had already arrived with someone. The young man wore a silver-feathered thunder robe with purple patterns on both collars. A sword hung at his waist, and his eyes shone brightly. He immediately spotted Li Qinghong.

He merely cupped his hands in a respectful salute. His words were clear, concise, and resolute as he declared loudly:

"Xi Zikang, a thunder cultivator from the North Sea, greets you, fellow Daoist!"

Li Qinghong nodded and said softly:

"I am Li Qinghong. It's a pleasure to meet you, fellow Daoist."

"Your reputation precedes you."

Xi Zikang's dark hair was tied back, and a touch of purple adorned his fair forehead. He appeared youthful and exuded a bright aura; his age was unknown. His eyes were clear as he said gently:

"I, Zikang, residing in the North Sea, have heard of the conflict between Zhao and Yue. On my journey south, I decided to visit your esteemed clan first."

Li Qinghong was unaware of his background, but he was very polite and a thunder cultivator, so it was difficult to harbor ill feelings. She nodded and said:

"Our clan has recently experienced some changes, so forgive our inadequate hospitality..."

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Xi Zikang deliberated for a moment before saying in a deep voice:

"My family has resided in the North Sea for generations, cultivating the path of Profound Thunder for over eight hundred years. We possess some heritage, but we lack certain Divine Thunder Arts. My primary reason for coming is to exchange for them with your esteemed clan."

He chose a gentle topic to open the conversation. Li Qinghong sipped her tea, her mind gradually settling.

The Li clan possesses two Divine Thunder Arts, both related to Profound Thunder Marsh. One is the third-grade *Purple Thunder Core Secret Art*, and the other is the ancient technique *Cloud-Soaring Thunder Inquiry Art*, which Li Qinghong herself has cultivated. Both are at least third-grade, not exceeding fifth-grade.

'There's nothing here that cannot be exchanged.'

The reason being, for the current Li clan, the *Purple Thunder Core Secret Art* itself is not a particularly powerful cultivation method. While its might is considerable among third-grade arts, it shortens one's lifespan and prevents progeny. The truly formidable assets are the three Profound Thunders, specifically the *Purple Talisman Primordial Light Secret Art*!

"Besides... this person has traveled thousands of miles; would it merely be for a single cultivation art? My cultivation method originates from the Strategizing Thunder Cloud Dao, and it's not hard to see that he's likely here for this grotto-heaven, attempting to probe its secrets."

Li Qinghong always felt a subtle sense of foreboding regarding the Thunder Cloud Grotto-Heaven. Thus, she politely nodded and replied:

"Very well. Our clan is currently facing difficulties, and your esteemed clan practices righteous thunder arts. As long as both parties agree on a price, there will be no issue."

Xi Zikang smiled faintly and said softly:

"I would like to examine the opening scroll first."

Li Qinghong summoned someone to retrieve a jade slip. The Li clan already had opening sections of cultivation methods specially inscribed for junior disciples to choose from, so no new inscription was needed. Xi Zikang waited for a moment. Hearing a clear chime from the front of the hall, a young cultivator, gleaming with light, stepped inside.

This cultivator was clad in a white Daoist robe with a grey-gold robe underneath. His features were proper, his eyes slightly open, and celestial light seemed to flow around him. He raised an eyebrow and first bowed to Li Qinghong. Behind him, someone entered, respectfully carrying a jade slip.

"Li Ximing of the Moon Gaze Li Clan."

Xi Zikang noted his slightly hoarse voice but his calm tone, paying it no mind. He flipped over the jade slip in his hand and read it, an expression of surprise appearing between his brows. He responded:

"Profound Thunder Marsh? Is this fellow Daoist's cultivation method?"

Li Qinghong's immortal foundation was not a secret. She merely assented. Xi Zikang hesitated and said:

"To be honest, I've also heard of this immortal foundation... it's a technique from the Strategizing Thunder Cloud Dao."

He raised an eyebrow, looking at Li Qinghong, and said softly:

"This method is a substitute for the winter thunder sounds of Divine Thunder, yet it's called Profound Thunder Marsh. Its attempt to reconcile Profound and Divine Thunders is also characteristic of the Strategizing Thunder Cloud Dao..."

Li Qinghong listened carefully, thoughtfully, and replied:

"Your esteemed clan has a long history. Do you know why this Dao is like this...?"

"Ah!"

Xi Zikang's words held a hint of bitterness as he replied:

"This isn't really a secret. From south to north, everyone knows there are Five Virtues in the world, and they also understand there are three types of thunder: Profound, Divine, and Primordial. Yet, cultivators like us, generation after generation, have never understood why water and fire have five elements, but thunder and primordial magnetism only have three?"

"Even if that's how heaven and earth are, Profound and Divine Thunders govern thunder, and Primordial Thunder is also called primordial magnetism. By all accounts, there should be a fourth type of thunder governing magnetism, forming pairs to truly align with the principles of heaven and earth..."

Seeing Li Qinghong nod thoughtfully, Xi Zikang sighed:

"Therefore, there have always been ancestors who tried to prove this, suspecting that a certain Dao Fruit was missing at the dawn of creation. This Profound Thunder Marsh is the fruit of their efforts..."

"So that's how it is."

Li Qinghong gradually understood:

'It seems that the ease with which I wield the Profound Thunder artifacts, Du Ruo and the Six Thunder Profound Punishment Token, is no coincidence. My immortal foundation is, in fact, the result of numerous improvements...'

She considered it for a moment and asked:

"Logically, if such a Dao exists, there should be corresponding spiritual artifacts in the world, and even demonic beasts would be born with matching immortal foundations... How could it be missing?"

Xi Zikang was immediately speechless, clearly uncertain about these mysteries. He could only say:

"I've only heard some rumors, that in ancient times, immortals and immortal lords were abundant, and those who reached the pinnacle of cultivation could transcend their Dao fruits, even borrowing from or concealing things within heaven and earth... thereby causing changes in the world... Perhaps a certain type of thunder was hidden away by a powerful Immortal Lord long ago."

His tone was hesitant, clearly indicating his lack of certainty.

Li Qinghong nodded, and Xi Zikang said:

"My family possesses the most thunder-related artifacts. If Qinghong has any specific needs, I can try to acquire them from my clan."

Li Qinghong paused, unable to immediately think of any spiritual artifact her clan lacked. She then said:

"It's best to exchange cultivation methods for cultivation methods. Your esteemed clan has profound family traditions; I wonder if you possess any techniques of the Bright Yang Dao?"

Xi Zikang was slightly surprised and, after pondering for a moment, replied:

"My family naturally does not, but we are under the jurisdiction of the Beihuan Sect in the North Sea. We can exchange for Foundation Establishment cultivation methods from the sect. If I write a letter, there should be options available."

"Oh?"

Li Ximing, who had been listening silently nearby, finally nodded. Li Qinghong's eyes lit up even more upon hearing this. She thought to herself:

'The cultivation method regulations in the North Sea are surprisingly lenient! One can actually exchange for techniques from an immortal sect and then resell them?!'

She had also heard of the Beihuan Sect's renowned name. Thus, she said gently:

"Excellent! If that's the case, my clan can offer more items. I hope to exchange for a few more volumes!"

"This..."

Xi Zikang immediately hesitated and said in a low voice:

"These items aren't really for public display... and the cultivation methods won't be exceptionally good... Qinghong, please don't overthink it..."

Seeing the doubtful expressions on Li Qinghong and her nephew's faces, he shook his head with a hint of awkwardness. It was clearly a sensitive matter, so Li Qinghong found it inappropriate to press further and decided to let it go. Xi Zikang then smiled and said:

"Then this matter is settled! One more thing, I hope to be able to examine the magical artifact in your possession, fellow Daoist."

Xi Zikang seemed to realize his request was somewhat excessive, and a deep apologetic expression appeared on his face. Li Qinghong, however, showed no anger. She immediately understood what he was referring to and asked:

"The Six Thunder Profound Punishment Token?"

"Precisely!"

Xi Zikang hastily said:

"That item... is quite important to my family. When it emerged from the ruins in Thunder Cloud Temple's sea, one of my ancestors had a skirmish with Lord Bu Zi of Qingchi. Both were at the Foundation Establishment stage then... My ancestor narrowly lost, and it remains a source of regret to this day..."

"I hope you can lend it to me for a brief study!"

Li Qinghong couldn't fathom his true intentions. Her priority was to first acquire that cultivation method, with other matters to be discussed later. So she said gently:

"Fellow Daoist, you've just arrived, and Qinghong is naturally somewhat cautious. Perhaps we should postpone this matter for now. Once our clans have exchanged cultivation methods and gained a better understanding of each other, we can discuss it further..."

Xi Zikang could only sigh softly and nod in agreement. After a few more casual remarks, Xi Zikang prepared to take his leave.

Li Qinghong nodded to Li Ximing, signaling him to withdraw first. Only then did Xi Zikang stand up and casually say:

"It's quite a coincidence; I am also a cultivator of the Strategizing Thunder Cloud Dao, and my immortal foundation is the Heavenly Roar Strategy. On this journey south, I will turn towards the East Sea upon reaching Salty Lake."

Li Qinghong sighed inwardly and asked aloud:

"May I ask the purpose of your destination?"

Xi Zikang shook his head and smiled:

"Both you and I cultivate Dao traditions inherited from others, and Qinghong, you yourself harbor doubts, so why ask me? The Dragon Kin devour thunder. This prolonged descent of water and ascent of thunder indicates that there are still unfinished matters. The main sect informed me long ago. I am traveling south to avoid troubling the Dragon Lord with an active intervention that might harm my clan members..."

Li Qinghong escorted him out. Upon reaching the edge of the isle, she saw thunder appear beneath Xi Zikang's feet. He turned back and said softly:

"It's not entirely a bad thing. There's no need for both of us to be killed. Perhaps there are many benefits to be gained. I will seek out Qinghong when the time comes. If we go together, at least we'll have a companion."

Li Qinghong remained silent for a breath, watching him depart into the distance. She then rode the thunder back to her peak. Li Ximing happened to approach, saying softly:

"Aunt... it seems he has other intentions."

Li Qinghong had also noticed this. The man showed no urgency regarding the cultivation methods, and his interest in the artifact seemed like an afterthought, merely a way to build rapport. The information he revealed later was likely more significant.

As for the last few words he spoke before leaving, they were likely his true purpose for coming here. Li Qinghong was well aware of this but did not elaborate. She merely said gently:

"Don't worry. Are you feeling better?"

"Aunt, rest assured."

Li Ximing's tone was very gentle. His previously grown beard was cleanly shaven, and his magical power shimmered with bright light. Li Qinghong rarely heard such a tone from him and was slightly surprised. The young man cupped his hands in a bow and said softly:

"Aunt, I am going into seclusion for cultivation."

Li Qinghong hummed in acknowledgement, watching him head towards Mount Wu, where spiritual energy was most abundant by the shore. The hall fell silent. The woman sat quietly for a moment, then left her desk and returned to her grotto-mansion.

Inside Pingya Isle.

Morning light sprang from the distant mountains, casting a golden shimmer across the lake surface. Pingya Isle was flat, with interconnected islands and surging white mist. Pavilions and towers were scattered aesthetically, presenting a scene of immortal grandeur.

The highest hall reflected the morning light. Li Chenghuai ascended the steps, one by one, entering the grand hall at the peak. The carved flying beasts on the hall's corners had slightly red eyes and four teeth showing in their mouths, indicating a vigorous fire spiritual vein. He calculated with his fingers:

"Summer is approaching, and it's also a significant day. The Zhouxing generation's initiation into cultivation and qi absorption. It's a well-chosen date."

Li Ximing and Li Qinghong successively entered seclusion. Time flowed by like water. The Li clan, having unified Moon Gaze, held its first cultivation initiation ceremony. Li Chenghuai, holding the position of Jade Court Peak among the sixteen prefectures and two peaks, naturally arrived early.

Entering the grand hall, one person had already arrived and stood with his back to him, hands clasped behind his back, meticulously examining a map. He wore a dark red pleated robe embroidered with gold patterns. For summer, he had shed his outer robe, appearing neat and decisive.

The attire system had been decided by the two brothers. Li Chenghuai naturally knew that the dark red with gold represented the clan head's attire, symbolizing the core of the clan. His own attire, blue on the outside and white on the inside, represented the head of the Qingdu, the clan's executive.

The Li clan was structured into sixteen prefectures, two peaks, and one mountain. The peak lords who governed the sixteen prefectures all wore red robes. The two peaks were clearly identifiable: Qingdu, representing the clan's executive, wore blue outside and white inside; and Jade Court, representing oversight, wore pale white with grey.

As for the Secret Forest Mountain, it was too vast and could not be easily assigned; it remained vacant to this day. The designated purple robes for its head had not yet been put to use.

Li Chenghuai ascended several steps, bowed to Li Chengliao, and said softly:

"Clan Head, the Zhouxing generation of the isle and the juniors from the sixteen prefectures' prominent families have all arrived outside the hall."

Most of the Li clan's Zhouxing generation had now embarked on the path of cultivation. The eldest, Li Zhoufang of the Elder Branch, was twenty-six and had reached the sixth layer of Fetal Breath. Li Chengliao had met most of them and said directly:

"Let them enter."

Most of the Li clan's Chenming generation possessed cultivation, and a large portion of them had died in the northern wars, with over half leaving no descendants. Consequently, the Zhouxing generation was not numerous, significantly fewer than their fathers' generation. Even fewer had the talent to enter this grand hall; Li Chengliao's gaze swept over them, counting fewer than ten.

"Prominent families often have sparse populations and practice adoption among themselves... It's true; once one gains cultivation, having descendants becomes difficult, and even more so after Qi Condensation and Foundation Establishment..."

This situation was not entirely negative. Li Chengliao had long observed that among clan members, kinship ties often became tenuous after three or five generations. However, through such adoptions, previously distant relationships were brought closer again, and the four branches found much more tranquility.

He mused to himself:

"Some great clans have stood firm for hundreds of years; perhaps this practice of adoption is an extremely important method..."

He ceased his contemplation. The people below all bowed. The leader appeared to be less than sixteen years old, also at the sixth layer of Fetal Breath. Li Chenghuai nodded slightly upon seeing him, a hint of a smile appearing on his face.

This child was the sole descendant of the Ji Branch, his eldest son—Li Zhouluo.

Li Zhouluo, with grey eyes and long brows, already had the appearance of a young man. He wore a black pleated robe, and his demeanor in conversation showed no shyness. Though Li Chenghuai's appearance was ordinary, his wife, Madam Ding, was very beautiful. The child had inherited his parents' best qualities, appearing graceful and refined.

Li Chenghuai had never been willing to undergo long periods of secluded cultivation. Li Zhouluo had grown up beside him, gradually. His elegant and courteous demeanor brought contentment to the man standing by.

"If Father were to see him, he would surely be pleased."

His father, Li Xizhi, had not spoken much to him the last time he returned home. Li Chenghuai was already accustomed to this, being over thirty years old himself, and didn't mind. He often forgot about his father, and now, recalling him by chance, he felt a slight daze:

"Father..."

Calculating the time, Li Chenghuai had barely seen him since he could remember. His father, riding clouds and treading rainbows, was a prominent figure in the sect. Yet, when Li Chenghuai thought of his father, confusion often prevailed.

"I owe him nothing, and he owes me nothing. That is all."

He stood on the steps, gazing down at the people in the grand hall. Li Chenghuai understood the origin of everything he had been born with, and also realized that what he had lost was not significant. He never harbored resentment. When he rarely thought of them, he secretly mused:

"I often forget them, and they likely don't often remember me. That is all."