Chapter 656: Deep Abyss Meets Clouds

The Mystic Mirror Immortal Clan: Masters of Literature and Calligraphy!

Li Zhouwei counted the days. Stepping out of the main hall and walking through the corridor, he found An Siwei already waiting in the side hall. An Siwei respectfully greeted him, "Your Highness, are you seeing Madam Chen today...?"

"With Kong Heng protecting her, there's no need to visit daily. Let's go see the Eldest Young Master instead!"

Madam Chen had become pregnant some time ago, and Li Zhouwei had been visiting her frequently. However, he realized it had been a while since he last saw Li Jiangqian. The child was now six years old, nearing the age for cultivation.

"The Eldest Young Master is still on the island, Your Highness. Please..."

Li Zhouwei raised his head slightly and asked softly, "What is he doing on the island?"

"The various lineages on the island are gradually stabilizing. The Eldest Young Master said he wished to observe the clansmen before coming to pay his respects to Your Highness."

Li Zhouwei nodded and exited, making his way to the main hall's entrance. There, he saw a bustling crowd accompanying the child. Behind them, people hurried along, carrying book boxes and large umbrellas. Li Zhouwei turned, a chuckle escaping him. "Your juniors certainly follow him everywhere," he remarked.

An Siwei felt a chill run down his spine at the remark. He quickly whispered, "Your Highness, the Young Master's maternal lineage is, after all, the An Clan. Everyone in the An Clan feels honored by him. When the Young Master visits the island for leisure, it's natural for them to welcome him so enthusiastically..."

"Hmm."

Li Zhouwei bent down and lifted Li Jiangqian into his arms as the child approached. Behind them, the pursuing attendants dropped to their knees. The child turned in his embrace, and Li Zhouwei asked, "Qian'er, how is the island?"

Li Jiangqian looked up, a trace of a smile still on his face. "They're a fine group of people," he said cheerfully. "Father took me to see the riverside, but it's really no different from the island. Outside this grand hall, everyone looks the same."

Li Zhouwei carried him into the hall, leaving An Siwei and the others waiting outside. As father and son entered the sunlit grand hall, the child remarked, "Father speaks of relatives, but I don't see much kinship. They're all mortals, all looking alike. As for the cultivators... we built the framework, and they just hang on it."

Li Zhouwei glanced at him sideways. "That is order," he said softly. "Though people have emotions, they are also driven by self-interest. This framework for distributing benefits is what we call order, whether it's grand or subtle, benevolent or harsh."

Li Jiangqian lowered his head in thought for a moment before suddenly looking up. "Qian'er doesn't understand," he said. "How can there be a distinction between good and bad?"

Li Zhouwei chuckled, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "For our Li Clan," he explained softly, "if this framework benefits the common people, then it is good. All other clans are warned by this, and our regulations are the strictest – this is where our family's principles lie. Some aristocratic families believe we are too severe in punishing and oppressing mortal direct descendants, minor branches, and collateral lines, but that's because their order is designed for cultivators."

Li Jiangqian stared at him blankly, words on the tip of his tongue, but he swallowed them back. He instinctively felt he shouldn't voice the question, only muttering to himself, "But what's the use of being good to them... Mortals are useless..."

He averted his gaze, listening as Li Zhouwei softly explained, "This framework is built on the bones of benefit, sustained and embellished by kinship and favor, only then can it remain stable and unbreakable."

Li Jiangqian nodded, listening intently. After a brief chat, Li Zhouwei waved for someone to take the child away. He then sat alone on the steps, the setting sun casting its light upon his dark red robes.

The intricate golden embroidery shimmered in the light. Li Zhouwei finally drew back his gaze and paced a few steps. Chen Yang hurried forward from outside the hall. "Still no news from the mountains?" he asked.

Chen Yang looked somewhat disheveled and whispered, "No news..."

Li Zhouwei said in a deep voice, "Even if the fox clan can't be found, there should at least be news about the deer demon Lu Ken from that demon cave... Can't even that deer demon be located?"

Chen Yang cupped his fists and respectfully reported, "Your Highness, the demon cave on the southern slopes of Great Li Mountain remains tightly sealed, and no lesser demons are seen entering or exiting. Senior White Ape captured some passing demons to question, but several were unaware of his whereabouts. Only recently did we hear that Lu Ken had gone out."

Li Zhouwei frowned and turned away, musing, "Is he truly gone, or merely feigning absence? Perhaps the matter of Ding Jiao is proving too troublesome... He might have learned about it in advance and refused to meet."

This matter was proving a headache. Although Ding Jiao's sincerity seemed genuine, Li Zhouwei had cautiously replied that he would merely convey the message. Yet now, not even a shadow of the demon could be found... He deliberated for a moment, then replied, "Continue to inquire."

Chen Yang acknowledged and withdrew. Li Zhouwei, meanwhile, had a plan forming in his mind: "If there's still no news in the coming years, it most likely means Lu Ken is unwilling to meet. In that case, we'll simply have to state the facts. Since our family made no prior promises, we won't risk offending the Dragon Clan."

Li Zhouwei put away the various rewards from the jade box. He then examined the five Suiyuan Pills, which indeed appeared dull gray, making it unclear whether they were intended for humans or demonic beings. He simply organized the items and dispatched someone to Mount Wu to have his Seventh Uncle, Li Ximing, inspect them.

"It seems Seventh Uncle also has two Suiyuan Pills from the Ning family, which could be used first."

According to Li Ximing, those two pills were almost certainly refined by the Xiao Clan, brimming with pure spiritual energy. Li Zhouwei sent An Siwei to Mount Wu to inquire further, while he himself began to ponder.

Many in his family could make good use of these pills.

His father, Li Chengliao, and his uncle, Li Chenghuai, both possessed cultivation levels that allowed them to enter secluded meditation at any time. Those with slightly lesser cultivation included his aunt Li Minggong from the desert, An Siwei whom he had just spoken to, and Li Wen, who stood guard outside the hall, wielding a golden hammer...

While these individuals were said to be slightly less cultivated, they could actually attempt Foundation Establishment after consuming a Talisman Pill. However, Li Zhouwei only had two such usable pills.

He secretly calculated, "One must definitely be reserved for Father and Uncle."

Li Zhouwei intended to reserve at least one Suiyuan Pill for those outside the family name. He carefully considered the matter, thinking to himself, "Suiyuan Pills, spiritual elixirs that aid Foundation Establishment, are incredibly desirable... The ability to bestow a Suiyuan Pill compared to not being able to is a world of difference in treatment... As soon as one is given out... the others will eagerly await their turn!"

Moreover, Li Zhouwei knew that the Xiao Clan could now also refine Suiyuan Pills, meaning they were no longer a monopoly of the Qingchi Sect. This knowledge eased his mind considerably. Even if those five Suiyuan Pills proved problematic, the loss wouldn't be significant; at worst, he could offer other items in exchange with the Xiao Clan.

After a brief wait, An Siwei approached from outside the hall, holding a jade box. "Your Highness," he said respectfully, "the items have been delivered. Master Ximing has not entered into deep seclusion, and these two spiritual elixirs have been retrieved."

Li Zhouwei casually put the pills away, then dismissed An Siwei. He then calculated the timing, planning to distribute these items during the upcoming sacrificial ceremony. He proceeded to read spell incantations in the hall as light and shadow repeatedly shifted. Outside, Li Wen approached with a hint of urgency, saying gruffly, "Your Highness! The Shen Clan from Jiangbei is here to visit!"

The East Sea.

Deep within the Earth Abyss, a hazy, murky gray-black enveloped everything. A faint rainbow light darted through the gloom. Li Xizhi, riding on a beam of rainbow light, navigated through the swirling Xi Qi and Sha Qi until he stopped before a stone wall.

He transformed into rainbow light, slipping through a fissure in the wall. After traversing a stretch of profound darkness, he arrived in a subtly cold cave.

"Drip."

The chill sound of dripping water echoed. A massive black form was coiled atop the cave. Its pure black pupils opened, and a hoarse, serpentine voice rasped, "Young Master."

Li Xizhi gave a slight nod, the jade bottle in his hand shimmering. He chuckled, saying warmly, "My luck was good. After searching the earth's veins for a while, I found a wisp of deep-sea Earth Xi. This item has been extinct for many years, and though its uses have gradually been forgotten, it remains a rare treasure."

"Congratulations, Young Master."

Inside the jade bottle, black and red energies swirled gently like water. Li Xizhi was visibly pleased, and with a flick of his wrist, he put it away. Li Wushao then rasped, "A message from the Si Clan has arrived, Young Master. Please take a look."

Upon his arrival, Li Xizhi had encountered shifts in the earth's ley lines. Xi Qi and Shaoyang Light drifted through the area, impacting his internal spiritual power and intertwining with the immortal foundation in his Qi Sea. It was an extremely perilous environment.

Fortunately, his cultivation, based on the 'Rainbow Illuminating the Clouds' profound art, allowed him to easily dissipate these intense and domineering Xi Qi and Shaoyang Light once they assaulted his body. He was therefore able to manage within these earth veins.

But while he could endure it, Li Wushao was already suffering terribly, his entire body hissing and smoking. Li Xizhi had no choice but to shield the old demon, following the earth's veins until he found a relatively safe cavern where he could temporarily settle Li Wushao.

Upon arriving there, he unrolled a map of the Golden Feather Sect and discovered a nearby water vein that connected directly to the East Sea. Li Xizhi's mind swiftly pieced together many insights.

He therefore settled the old demon here, instructing him to carefully guard the water vein, while he ventured out to collect spiritual artifacts. Now, upon his return, he had indeed received the message from the Si Clan.

Li Wushao's voice was low, tinged with admiration. He spoke, "While Young Master was away for several days, a spiritual talisman flowed down this water vein, rushing into the cave, and I intercepted it."

Li Xizhi took the spiritual talisman from his hand and sighed, "Master Yuanxiu truly hasn't entered seclusion; that's wonderful!"

Li Wushao, being a century-old demon, instantly recognized the shift in his Young Master's tone. He was terrified, his mind racing with dread: "That's right... To have pinpointed our location, it must be Si Boxiu's work. This talisman's origin is unknown; I must not speak carelessly!"

He immediately understood and fell silent. Li Xizhi took the spiritual talisman and indeed found a great deal of information written within, seemingly in Si Tongyi's tone. After a quick read-through, he began to ponder.

"The Si Clan is steadily losing ground... they seem to be losing their influence... And with my disappearance, the Southern Sea demonic cultivators in turmoil, and the Linggu Clan preoccupied... the situation is truly favorable for them..."

"Chi Fubo remains cautious, still hesitant to make a move, gradually replacing his confidants... Ning Hejing, however, couldn't contain himself any longer..."

The letter mentioned that in recent months, Ning Hejing had frequently departed from the East Sea, secretly moving in and out of the sect and holding long discussions with Chi Xuxiao's confidants.

"I wonder if Chi Fubo is even aware. This is practically putting a sword to his neck..."

Aside from these two pieces of information, there was also news of Li Quantao's visit to the Li Clan, which Li Xizhi paid no mind to. "Quantao isn't particularly cunning; he won't harm our clan. At most, he'll be manipulated by others. Our clan's heir has already achieved Foundation Establishment, and only a Purple Mansion cultivator from Qingchi could scheme against him. While Chi Fubo possesses some cunning, he can't accomplish anything significant on his own."

However, another piece of information made Li Xizhi frown: "Uncle Yuanqin... left the sect for a trip, and it's unknown whom he met."

The fact that Si Yuanli could obtain this information so promptly suggested that his control over Qingchi hadn't truly weakened significantly, which Li Xizhi wasn't concerned about. His sole worry was his Uncle Li Yuanqin.

"I just hope he isn't inadvertently harmed..."

Li Xizhi searched the talisman several times, confirming it had no other hidden functions. He then crushed it, signaling his acknowledgment to Si Tongyi on the other end, and softly asked, "How are Wushao's injuries?"

"Still good..."

Though Li Wushao was known for his crude language and frequent grumbling, the snake species was in fact remarkably resilient. The impact of the two types of Sha Qi and Shaoyang Light within his body was far from easy to bear, yet Li Wushao merely rasped, "While it's painful, it's much lighter than injuries from the fusion of fire and water. My clan is often tormented by dragons, so water-related injuries are commonplace."

Li Xizhi's profound energy was effective only for himself, leaving him helpless against Li Wushao's internal injuries. Handing over some medicinal pills, he softly said, "Ning Hejing is domineering, and I dare not leave you exposed. Fortunately, there's no Xi Qi here, so you can recover properly."

"Young Master can go on your own; there's no need to mind me. When the earth's ley lines shift and the two energies and single light erupt, that's also when treasures are most abundant. Since Young Master has no fear, it would be a waste of time to linger."

The old serpent lowered its head, no longer responding. Li Xizhi had no choice but to transform into a rainbow light and fly out of the cave. He casually sealed the entrance, then re-entered the dense Xi Qi, continuing eastward.

After traveling for over a hundred li, Li Xizhi suddenly frowned, colorful light shimmering between his pupils. His gaze pierced through the dense Shaoyang Light, and he abruptly spotted something.

Amidst a patch of Shaoyang Light, Sha Qi swirled. Lying within the earth's ley lines was a feathered beast, as large as a table. It was a beautifully shaped, vibrantly colored fish, with two wings extending from its ribs, a large, round head, a flattened snout, and orange feathers on its wings that continuously flapped as if in struggle.

Li Xizhi cautiously halted, a slight frown on his face. He mused, "A Cloud Ray?! What an enormous Cloud Ray!"

Li Xizhi was not unfamiliar with Cloud Rays; he had seen one once before, but they were always only palm-sized. He had never heard of one as large as a table. Observing this Cloud Ray lying motionless on the ground, he grew wary and began to discreetly observe it.

As time passed and noon approached, the Shaoyang Light began to wane, a small portion even transforming into solar light amidst the intense spiritual essence. Li Xizhi felt a sudden chill by his ear as a faint, calm, and elegant voice spoke, "What are you waiting for, Fellow Daoist Xizhi?"

In the utterly silent earth's ley lines, such a calm voice suddenly appeared, capable of startling ordinary cultivators to their core. What's more, with two energies and one light constantly colliding, even Foundation Establishment cultivators wouldn't linger here for long.

'A Purple Mansion cultivator?!'

Li Xizhi was greatly alarmed. The aura on his body instantly rippled outwards, and several illusory figures separated from him, fleeing in different directions, an expanse of orange-red light rising from these forms.

Golden Fall in Clouds!

The orange-red light spot that Li Xizhi had transformed into leaped several times in the air before solidifying into his figure. He swept away a sleeve of rainbow light, turned his head, and drew his long sword. Indeed, a person was already standing behind him!

"Oh?"

The person seemed surprised by the speed of Li Xizhi's spell, appearing quite astonished, yet remained motionless, standing with hands clasped behind their back. Recognizing the individual, Li Xizhi immediately let out a sigh of relief. With a wry smile, he sheathed his sword, politely cupped his hands, and respectfully greeted, "Greetings, Senior Heyun!"

The person before him had piercing, bright eyes and an elegant, natural demeanor. Their hair was neatly tied, sleeves and collar were immaculate, and even the two sides of their robe hem were perfectly symmetrical. It was none other than Dongfang Heyun!

Dongfang Heyun nodded politely, returning a salute so flawless that even the cultivators of Jiangnan would have felt ashamed of their own. He then smiled and said, "Long time no see, Fellow Daoist. Your strength has truly advanced greatly!"