Chapter 662: Screen Barrier

"What kind of cultivation technique did he receive?"

Li Xuanxuan had anticipated this moment all year. A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes, and he quickly whispered his question. Li Jiangqian was very familiar with the three of them, and his reply was swift:

"A sixth-grade Violet Palace cultivation technique, the 'Scripture of Heavenly Separation and Sun's Decline'!"

"Good!"

Li Xuanxuan was immediately invigorated, joy rushing to his brows. A Violet Palace cultivation technique was an incredibly precious treasure. Li Zhouwei nodded, a slight smile appearing on his face, and quietly said:

"It truly is Violet Palace level... How many secret techniques?"

Violet Palace cultivation techniques were extensive after all. Li Jiangqian pondered for a moment, then respectfully replied:

"Father, four."

"Four techniques."

Li Zhouwei seemed to grasp something. Taking advantage of the pause in their conversation, Li Shuwan softly said:

"To you esteemed elders, Shuwan received a sixth-grade Violet Palace cultivation technique, the 'Golden Tome of Extraordinary Marquis', which contains five secret techniques, along with a 'Mystic Witchcraft Art'."

Li Zhouwei had already anticipated this and carefully considered the names of the secret techniques. Li Xuanxuan, meanwhile, chuckled and sighed:

"Good... Our family gains techniques through talisman seeds... It seems we only had a few earlier on... Perhaps there's a difference!"

Li Zhouwei nodded, his thoughts still lingering on the five secret techniques of the 'Golden Tome of Extraordinary Marquis'. He mused to himself:

'My 'Scripture of Bright Radiance' has nine, Jiangqian has four... but Shuwan has five... Could Shuwan's talent be even higher than Jiangqian's? That would be a good thing.'

Li Zhouwei knew his second son fairly well. The boy had a difficult personality, but fortunately, he wasn't someone who easily lost his temper with others. Having someone among the younger generation to keep him in check would prevent him from acting impulsively.

He spoke, his voice deep:

"Jiangqian, Shuwan, first transcribe the cultivation techniques you've received."

Two small desks had already been prepared in the hall. Li Jiangqian was intelligent and had begun writing at an early age. Li Shuwan, however, didn't know enough characters, but fortunately, the techniques were embedded within the talisman seeds, so she only needed to copy them faithfully.

As the two diligently wrote at their desks, Li Zhouwei stood by, watching quietly. As the sky gradually darkened, his brow furrowed, and he murmured:

"These two cultivation techniques... are very different from the 'Scripture of Bright Radiance'."

Li Xuanxuan leaned closer. Li Zhouwei softly explained:

"Back then, it only took me about an hour to transcribe my technique... now two hours have passed... these two techniques are much longer."

Li Xuanxuan stroked his beard. Li Qinghong felt the screen glow slightly tremble, and An Siwei's respectful voice came through:

"Esteemed elders, Xi Zikang is waiting in the island."

"Alright."

Li Qinghong responded calmly, as if hearing an ordinary matter, and replied:

"Please ask Fellow Daoist Xi to wait in the side hall. I will be there shortly."

Hearing this, the joy on Li Xuanxuan's face faded. Li Zhouwei, however, said:

"These won't be finished writing anytime soon. Please trouble you, Elder, to oversee them. I will go with Elder Li Qinghong."

Li Xuanxuan was momentarily torn, wanting to see Li Qinghong off, yet reluctant to leave the two children. Li Qinghong gently said:

"Uncle, you don't need to see me off. It might upset you."

Li Xuanxuan sighed and turned his face away. Li Qinghong, unable to linger, stepped out through the shimmering screen. Li Zhouwei accompanied her all the way, through the corridor, where Xi Zikang had been waiting in the hall for a long time.

The young man, clad in a silver robe, approached with a smile. His round face radiated intelligence, and his cheerful and courteous demeanor made it difficult for anyone to harbor ill will towards him. He immediately greeted them with a smile:

"Senior Qinghong!"

He held a jade slip, which was clearly the 'Purple Thunder Secret Origin Technique'. Li Qinghong immediately took it and unbound it for him. Li Zhouwei also presented two jade slips. The young man received them and simply said:

"I've caused quite a bit of trouble over the years; I apologize for bothering the Family Head."

Xi Zikang was very polite. Li Zhouwei retrieved the jade slips and responded with some courteous remarks. The young man simply chuckled:

"Only noble families like yours know the true depths. I've heard of the esteemed reputation of several seniors in the north; you are renowned righteous cultivators. If it weren't for that, I'm afraid I would have been killed long ago. Although I have talismans on me, I wouldn't dare enter the formation."

"You jest, Fellow Daoist."

Li Qinghong's expression was slightly complex. She exited the main hall with him and softly asked:

"Fellow Daoist Xi, will there be enough time for this journey to the East Sea?"

"Of course, there's no problem!"

Xi Zikang seemed to have no fear whatsoever regarding the upcoming journey, and chuckled:

"I'll enjoy the scenery and travel at my own pace. When the time is right, I'll naturally be guided into the grotto-heaven. There's no need to rush anywhere."

"I see!"

Li Qinghong nodded, then looked at Li Zhouwei beside her and whispered:

"The Han family of Eastern Sulfur has been in increasingly dire straits in recent years, to the point where they are besieged even on their main island. After all, their two elders died in connection with my family's affairs, so we cannot completely ignore them. On this trip to the East Sea, I will take the opportunity to help them lift the siege."

"After all, with my current Dragon Affinity, ordinary Violet Palace cultivators wouldn't dare scheme against me. I won't use the family's name; I'll just help them break the siege and send their descendants away. This will also bring closure to this matter for Xi Zhi."

The vivid scenes from her return from the East Sea flashed before her eyes. Li Qinghong clearly had not forgotten the Han family. She took out a jade pendant from her sleeve and transmitted a secret message:

"This was obtained from Wang Fu. Before his death, he harbored much resentment towards the True Man, all of which is recorded in this jade pendant. The True Man cannot spy within that great formation, so perhaps it will be of some use. Keep it safe."

Li Zhouwei acknowledged. Li Qinghong then said:

"In the Quanju Mountains of Yue Kingdom, there is also a spiritual persimmon tree. I encountered it by chance when I was young, but its cultivation was still shallow. It claimed to need another thirty-seven years of Qi cultivation. By my current estimation, it's only three or four years short. If you have the chance, please go and take a look."

Li Zhouwei carefully asked for the location and agreed to everything. Li Qinghong smiled:

"Minghuang, I'm leaving these matters to you."

"Don't worry, Elder."

Li Zhouwei nodded in silence, accompanying the two out of the lake. Watching the two streaks of lightning vanish, he rode the light back. The night wind was cold on the way, and a thin layer of ice had formed on the lake surface, making a crisp, faint sound as it was stirred by the evening breeze.

Moonlight bathed the vast lake island, casting a bright white glow. Li Zhouwei mused to himself:

'Now, I must serve as the barrier.'

Braving the cold wind, Li Zhouwei returned to the hall. It was deep winter, and the hall was quiet. The two children, having taken hunger-suppressing pills, sat obediently. Perhaps drawing characters was slower than writing them, as Li Jiangqian was the first to hand over two thick stacks of paper.

Li Zhouwei gently took them, his spiritual sense sweeping over the papers. Everything fell into his perception, and he was pleasantly surprised:

"There are actually appended spells... No wonder the length is so much greater!"

Li Xuanxuan had already read them. He was using his spiritual sense to engrave a jade slip. The old man seemed a bit listless, but speaking of the cultivation technique, his expression relaxed somewhat. He said in a weathered voice:

"It's good... None of these spells are subpar."

Li Jiangqian was quite knowledgeable. Although he didn't fully grasp the preciousness of these spells, he knew from their sheer number and grades that they were no ordinary goods. He respectfully said:

"The sixth-grade 'Scripture of Heavenly Separation and Sun's Decline', with appended spells: a fifth-grade movement technique 'Stepping on Flames', a fifth-grade evasion technique 'Crimson Sun's Heavenly Separation', a sixth-grade spell 'Great Separation White Radiance', fifth-grade spells 'Separation Core Barrier' and 'Solar Response to Separation Art', three fourth-grade spells, and several third and second-grade spells..."

Li Zhouwei's expression relaxed as he nodded. His spiritual sense had already quickly scanned through them. He pondered inwardly:

"These cultivation techniques, whether solar or associated with 'Li Fire', are extremely compatible, yet they don't seem to originate from the same source as the 'Scripture of Heavenly Separation and Sun's Decline'."

He carefully flipped through it. This cultivation technique contained no mention of its origins, and the entire text was extremely concise.

Li Zhouwei was astute and quickly realized something. Most of the spells originally appended to the 'Scripture of Heavenly Separation and Sun's Decline' were well-known and would almost certainly be recognized upon use. Therefore, Lu Jiangxian had diligently removed them, choosing instead from over ten thousand spells to find those without a distinctive sect style to complement it. This was how the current version of the 'Scripture of Heavenly Separation and Sun's Decline' came to be.

As he pondered this, Li Shuwan eagerly handed over the 'Golden Tome of Extraordinary Marquis'. Li Zhouwei read through it as well and praised:

"What a difficult cultivation technique!"

The 'Complete Dan' nature was inherently extremely difficult; otherwise, the Longtian Peak of Qingchi Sect wouldn't have reached the point of having its lineage severed. The 'Golden Tome of Extraordinary Marquis' was a sixth-grade technique, so its difficulty went without saying. It even secretly astonished Li Zhouwei, while Li Xuanxuan found it like reading a heavenly scripture – he understood every word, but when strung together, it was utterly confusing and incomprehensible.

The 'Golden Tome of Extraordinary Marquis', on the other hand, had few appended techniques, only a fifth-grade evasion technique 'Scattered White Falling Feathers' and two or three ancient spells. More of its content recorded various material property changes, appearing somewhat mystical and rambling.

"Ah!"

As he was reading, he heard a muffled thud. A burst of fire erupted in front of Li Shuwan's desk. The girl trembled in fright. Before she could speak, Li Zhouwei had already picked her up and frowned, asking:

"What happened?"

On the desk, white flames raged, and several hairy caterpillars, from who knew where, writhed on the floor. Li Xuanxuan had already shielded Li Jiangqian behind him. Li Shuwan, having calmed down slightly, said in a childish voice:

"Reporting, Elder, I was just about to transcribe that spell... but I only wrote the beginning... and the paper just lit itself on fire..."

"Oh?"

Li Zhouwei was momentarily stunned. Li Xuanxuan was even more surprised, whispering:

"It seems the grade is too high... or perhaps it's connected to immortals..."

"Indeed."

A hint of anticipation appeared on Li Zhouwei's face as he murmured:

"Complete Dan... white fire... witch talismans..."

He comforted Li Shuwan. Night had fallen deeply, and the two children, having transcribed for over a day, were already exhausted. He first sent them off, then waved his hand, turning the two piles of paper into ashes, and quietly said:

"Elder, these are two Violet Palace cultivation techniques."

Li Xuanxuan sensed he had more to say and turned his gaze to Li Zhouwei, who then softly stated:

"This junior has read the family history. Our ancestors painstakingly blazed a trail, and along the way, the talisman seeds have become increasingly strict, while the cultivation techniques have also become increasingly better. What is the reason for this?"

"In this junior's opinion, it might be related to protecting the common people... The more people our family protects, the better the cultivation techniques bestowed upon us... The conditions for receiving talismans are also more stringent. We gained Violet Palace cultivation techniques when we controlled most of Moon-Gazing Lake, and now that the entire Moon-Gazing Lake is restored to our domain, even the accompanying spells have appeared..."

Li Xuanxuan nodded. Li Zhouwei then whispered:

"This is merely a guess for now; the truth will reveal itself in the future. I see that the 'Fetal Breath' sections of both these techniques are very exquisite, and the cultivation speed of both children won't be slow. We can let them begin cultivating for now."

Neither Li Jiangqian nor Li Shuwan had received the 'Lunar Breathing and Wheel Nurturing Scripture'. Both of their Violet Palace cultivation techniques began from the Fetal Breath realm, so Li Zhouwei didn't need to worry much about their cultivation. He put that matter aside for the moment. Li Xuanxuan said:

"Only those who cultivate the Complete Dan can practice spells of the 'Complete Dan' nature. However, most cultivation techniques can be used to practice the series of 'Li Fire' spells. Those two- or three-grade incantations can be distributed to the clan."

"Not so fast."

Li Zhouwei seemed to have a headache as he whispered:

"These cultivation techniques have no known origins, and I don't know if any cultivators might recognize them. I'll review them first. Those that follow common principles can be distributed for cultivation, but some of the more unique ones should be held back for now."

Li Xuanxuan was clearly still thinking about Li Qinghong, his thoughts unshakeable. He nodded and stood up. Li Zhouwei helped the old man to his feet, and saw him stroking his beard, his voice slightly hoarse:

"Minghuang, attend to your duties. I'll go for another stroll."

Li Zhouwei watched him leave, then picked up the scrolls on the table to read. After a moment of hesitation, he raised his pen and finished annotating them in about fifteen minutes. An Siwei came forward to report:

"Your Highness, Lord Chengliao has already entered seclusion for a breakthrough."

Li Zhouwei hesitated for a moment, then whispered:

"I understand. He told me earlier... Go to the Great Desert... and invite Auntie Minggong back."

It was winter.

Heavy snow fell over the lake. Li Zhouwei had been busy for over a month, occasionally practicing spells. His 'Upper Radiance Hidden Light' technique had finally taken some preliminary form. Chen Yang, who had been busy for many years in the northern foothills of Mount Dali, finally returned to the lake with his contingent.

He excitedly entered the main hall, clearly bearing good news. He bowed and reported:

"Your Highness! There's news from the Northern Foothills Demon Cave! Lu Ken has returned from visiting a friend and re-entered the cave. He received our message and apologized repeatedly, saying he was delayed because he went to the Helin Mountains."

Li Zhouwei had long prepared for not finding any trace of the demon clan, but unexpectedly, the situation took a turn for the better. A faint joy arose in his heart, and he nodded, saying:

"Good, I will visit them at once."

Chen Yang quickly clasped his fists and withdrew to prepare the journey. Li Zhouwei set down the vermillion brush in his hand, pressed on the desk, and immediately made a deduction.

"So it wasn't fear of the Ding Jiao matter, but fear of the Thunder Swallowing matter..."

The Li family had searched for several years without finding any trace of this deer demon. Now, just a month after Li Qinghong's departure, Lu Ken had returned from visiting a friend and re-entered the Northern Foothills Demon Cave. The meaning was quite clear.

"This deer demon... or rather, the faction behind the deer demon, was still afraid that our family wouldn't know any better and would trouble him with the matter of the Thunder Technique Grotto-Heaven. Refusing would then damage the relations between our two families... Yet, they have considerable interest in the Ding Jiao matter, so they were worried our family would reply too early, which is why he rushed back just a month later."

No matter how experienced the few demons in the cave were, they were still clearly somewhat distant from humans who were truly proficient in such affairs. Li Zhouwei saw through it all with perfect clarity and felt no strong emotions, but rather a faint hint of joy.

After all, what level of major event was a Dragon Affinity devouring thunder? Li Zhouwei would naturally not be so shortsighted as to seek help from a fox, having never considered that path. Instead, the fox clan had considerable interest in the Ding Jiao matter, which made it easier for him to mediate.

Stepping out of the hall, he saw a vast expanse of white from the heavy snow falling everywhere. Kong Heng, White Ape, An Siwei, and others were all waiting in front of the hall. Li Zhouwei looked around and replied:

"The family cannot be left without a Foundation Establishment cultivator guarding it. Uncle Ape will keep watch over the lake, and I will go with Kong Heng..."

As he hesitated, he reconsidered, remembering that the fox clan did not have a good relationship with Buddhist cultivators. White Ape, as a demon, would actually be better suited for contact with the fox clan. So, he changed his mind to take White Ape instead, without any hesitation, and immediately set off towards the depths of the northern foothills.