Chapter 665: Hearts of the World

The young man was full of confidence, seemingly believing it would be extremely easy to disperse the rogue cultivators before them. Li Qinghong was slightly surprised and spoke softly, "Friend, what is this...?"

Xi Zikang chuckled softly, shook his silver-white sleeves, and took out a small, gleaming silver carriage from within. It was only palm-sized, with two small white and blue flags inserted at the top, adorned with talismans. He commanded, "Under the jurisdiction of the Dark Thunder Department, by the decree of the North Palace, guide the chariot with lightning, save the world and heal its afflictions!"

The thunder chariot vibrated and instantly came alive, like a pouncing tiger. It pulsed with immense power, quickly transforming to the size of a house. The two blue and white thunder banners flew high, crackling with silver-white lightning, extending over ten zhang with the wind.

"My Dark Thunder path commands windstorms and harnesses lightning... merely to disperse a group of cultivators!"

Thunderclouds rolled in the sky, and storms brewed over the sea. Xi Zikang landed on the thunder chariot, pulled the silver-white reins taut, and ascended with the storm, declaring loudly, "Elder, just ten breaths."

The sea surface was already swept by strong winds, and the surroundings were dim and devoid of light, a grey haze obscuring vision entirely, making it impossible to see one's own hand. Only the ancient and formidable thunder chariot gleamed with dazzling silver-white light, its two thunder banners trailing like two lightning serpents, biting at its rear. Xi Zikang, clad in a shimmering silver robe, appeared majestic, like a god commanding thunder.

Xi Zikang then formed hand seals to cast a spell, effortlessly summoning bolts of thunder as if tearing a piece of white cloth. He casually brought them down upon the three cultivators' heads, uttering coldly, "What pathetic cultivation levels... Although the East Sea is vast, it is the territory of the Dragon Clan. The endless treasures beneath the water cannot be taken, and isolated on a few islands... what good things could there be?"

Though Xi Zikang's spell appeared casual, its grade was extremely high. Thunder, by nature, is swift, and the three cultivators immediately suffered terribly, escaping amidst billowing black smoke.

"So it was..."

Xi Zikang was genuinely stunned, his heart filled with great curiosity.

Li Qinghong, however, did not wish to waste time, and spoke softly.

In an instant, Xi Zikang had already ridden the storm past. Dongliu Island was shrouded in gloom, and all the cultivators there could not see their hands in front of their faces. They looked up one after another, only for silver-white lightning to descend from the sky, causing chaos and scattering them in panic.

He mused that these three cultivators had no intention of fighting him; most who survived in the East Sea were cautious. With such a grand display and an exceptionally noble carriage, anyone could recognize him as a direct descendant of an immortal clan. They dared not speak another word, merely flying headlong, praying he wouldn't pursue them.

‘Indeed... he is also from the renowned Purple Mansion Immortal Clan of the North Sea. It seems his lineage can be traced back to the Thunder Palace... certainly no ordinary family.'

This matter concerned the Li family, so Xi Zikang remained silent, turning his head away quietly. Li Qinghong simply nodded, not responding to him. The old man looked for a moment, then understood, and eagerly approached.

Li Qinghong approached with a smile. Xi Zikang felt a little awkward. The large formation beneath their feet flickered on and off, and an old man, cloaked in a red robe, flew out from it. He cast a cautious glance from afar and spoke, "The East Sea is full of demonic cultivators after all!"

The young man was not old, amiable and respectful, and wore no overly luxurious decorations. For a moment, Li Qinghong had even forgotten his noble lineage, but seeing it now, the majesty of this carriage nearly rivaled that of Tuobazhong Yuan in his prime...

He had originally only intended to hold a few people back, but he had underestimated his own power. Now, everyone had scattered clean away in a flash, leaving the entire sea area around Dongliu Island empty. He rode the lightning, circling in the air twice, then sullenly put away his magical carriage.

"Which elder is that ahead?"

"Friend, what impressive strength."

Li Qinghong interrupted him. The old man came to his senses, approached closer, and whispered, "Please, both esteemed elders, enter the formation for a detailed discussion!"

This group of people was originally a motley collection of cultivators from various factions. In their fright, they scattered. The three Foundation Establishment cultivators opened their eyes and ascended on the wind. Words of curses were on their lips, but upon seeing the noble and formidable carriage, their expressions changed, and they hesitated, daring not approach.

"Ah."

The three were rogue Foundation Establishment cultivators from the East Sea. One exuded a strong bloody aura, and the other two had thick, turbid qi. How could they withstand such Dark Thunder? They were immediately scared out of their wits, wailing miserably as they turned and fled.

‘The thunder-cultivating aristocratic families and sects in the North Sea are indeed remnants of the Thunder Palace from back then. This majestic thunder chariot makes it abundantly clear...'

"No need."

The outcome of this sea journey was uncertain. Li Qinghong had not only left her Chongming Cavern Profound Screen behind, but even her Six Thunder Profound Punishment Token was at home. She could only whisper a few words to Xi Zikang. The young man understood at once, and from his sleeve, he took out a small apricot-colored pagoda. He enveloped the surroundings with it, isolating the inside from the outside.

This action startled the red-robed old man. He gritted his teeth and did not move, allowing the light emitted by the pagoda to envelop them. Only then did Li Qinghong speak softly, "May I ask which fellow Daoist this is?"

"This humble one is Han Shihai! I once met the fairy..."

"It's you!"

Li Qinghong truly recognized this person. When she had gone to Dongliu back then, this was the man who had received her. But at that time, he had looked middle-aged. Now, he was suddenly white-haired and his aura had changed dramatically...

Han Shihai showed profound gratitude, and replied, "To protect my family's great formation, my lifespan was completely depleted. I'm afraid I've become a laughingstock to the fairy..."

Han Shihai had long been at his wit's end. Now, tears streamed down his aged face as he began to pour out his story.

Han Shizhen and his servant were the mainstays of the Han family. After their sudden deaths in the Dragon Clan's territory, the Han family could be said to have instantly fallen into decline, their strength shrinking day by day... This was already an extremely perilous situation. Meanwhile, the Han family patriarch was in seclusion, attempting to break through to the Purple Mansion realm. He cultivated the Gui Earth aspect of the Earth virtue. He was caught completely off guard by the phenomenon of descending water and rising thunder, only managing to hold on for a year, before transforming into a sky full of phenomena himself.

Several surrounding families immediately rose up. The remaining Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Han family died one after another. Only Han Shihai and a female cultivator remained. They were already at their wit's end on the island, and had even prepared for the complete annihilation of their clan, intending to escape with their lives alone.

Han Shihai could not have imagined in ten days and nights that Li Qinghong would come to their rescue. Under the mixed emotions of immense joy and sorrow, tears streamed down his aged face, and he almost prostrated himself on the ground.

Li Qinghong simply helped him up, and whispered, "Your family has operated in the East Sea for many years. Do you have any information on the Miao family of the South Sea?"

Han Shihai did not ask what she intended to do. He searched carefully, and directly pulled out a jade slip from his storage bag, saying in a deep voice, "To my benefactor, the Miao family once had some business dealings with my family. Everything I know is contained within."

Li Qinghong took it casually, not rushing to read it. She spoke softly, "Alright, we merely scared away this group of people. You should quickly arrange for your clansmen to withdraw. If you delay any longer, I fear those families will pursue you as soon as we leave."

"Huh?"

Han Shihai was utterly bewildered now. He had long prepared for the Han family to be absorbed into the Li family. Everything he had done just now was with the attitude of a subordinate. Who knew Li Qinghong's words would completely shatter all his preparations?

‘But! But! Why would she help my family for no reason?'

Han Shihai's century of experience living in the East Sea now proved completely ineffective. He stared blankly at Li Qinghong, muttering, "The fairy first covered for my family before the Immortal Sect, and now saves my family from distress... How could my family simply leave like this...?"

Li Qinghong chuckled, and asked, "You're an East Sea cultivator, at least. How can you say such a thing? When told to leave, just leave. Do you only feel comfortable if we take something from you?"

Seeing the deep confusion on the old man's face, she said seriously, "The deaths of your family members are, after all, somewhat connected to my family's affairs... Our friendship remains, and your noble clan has suddenly declined. This is merely a small effort on our part... Old senior, there's no need for further words. Quickly take your people and go!"

Han Shihai now realized her sincerity. He could only choke out, "The fairy's kindness is as vast as a mountain. This old man's lifespan is depleted; my demise is but a matter of days. I cannot repay this kindness... The Han family will remember this grace of rebirth... If there is an afterlife, I shall weave grass and bear rings to repay it..."

Helping the Han family was a gesture of maintaining their friendship, but Li Qinghong did not wish to get too deeply involved. She replied softly, "My family is also treading on thin ice. Qinghong will likely not see that day. From here, seek another path for survival. Do not mention my Li family, lest it bring misfortune upon your noble clan."

Han Shihai was even more deeply distressed. He covered his face and bowed out, returning to the island like the wind. Spirit boats took off and landed, and the group departed in a flurry. Only after everyone had vanished from sight, did Li Qinghong and Xi Zikang ascend together on the lightning.

The young man seemed quite shaken. They flew on, silent for a long time. Li Qinghong paused, then asked, "Fellow Daoist, do you know about the Thunder Palace matter? It seems the whole world is in an uproar..."

"Of course I know!" Xi Zikang was a little distracted, and said softly, "When the Immortal Sovereign left this realm, and two Earth Virtue Dao Fruits were simultaneously manifested, sects and aristocratic families had been restrained for a long time. With heaven and earth united, the Twelve Thunder Palaces naturally disintegrated. There's nothing particularly noteworthy about it."

Seeing Li Qinghong looking thoughtful, Xi Zikang even knew what other doubts she harbored. He casually added, "As for the common people suffering from the Thunder Palace for a long time... Earth virtue represents the nation and its people's livelihood—'The people's hearing is my hearing, the people's seeing is my seeing, my heart is the heart of the world.' Isn't it normal for the world to revolt then? It's all just a thought away!"

"I know what you want to say, and I've heard how people refute the Thunder Palace. But I merely smile and say nothing."

‘My heart is the heart of the world... How terrifying!'

Li Qinghong, being in the sea region and living in the era after the celestial change, had scarcely seen any decent Earth Virtue cultivators. Even True Lord Changxi, who merely cultivated arts and divine abilities in the Purple Mansion realm, was relatively famous. This was her first time hearing about the divine abilities of Earth virtue, and she was secretly astonished. "If that's the case... it makes sense that only the art-based divine abilities remain for Earth virtue... With a single thought, the populace follows—which family could tolerate that?"

Her heart felt heavy, and she remained speechless for a long time. She even began to entertain other suspicions. "Qingxuan is also Earth virtue, but not like the nation and people's livelihood aspect. Perhaps only one or two of the five Earth elements possess such divine power." Among the Five Virtues, the Five Waters, Five Fires, and Three Metals were prominent. The others were not well-known, and their names were even harder to ascertain. Li Qinghong probed a little, but Xi Zikang, whether he didn't know or didn't wish to say, revealed nothing.

"What kind of cultivation method did the Han family patriarch practice? He was killed by the descending water and rising thunder... Was it intentional or unintentional? Such secrets are probably only known by people like Xi Zikang..."

She was somewhat lost in thought. Xi Zikang was still absorbed in Han Shihai's earlier words. After a long silence, he said softly, "I thought those who cultivated demonic arts were all unforgivable villains. Yet, there is such affection, depleting one's lifespan completely to protect one's clansmen. Although my family practices the righteous Dark Thunder method... it's hard to find many like him."

Li Qinghong said softly, "The East Sea is filled with blood elixirs. Demonic cultivation methods and spells are widespread. Even normal cultivation requires some shedding of blood. Hence, in your eyes, they are all villains..."

Xi Zikang paused, finally showing some pain as he murmured, "But once a blood elixir is consumed, it is consumed. Once demonic cultivation is practiced, it is practiced. No matter how much affection he possesses, or how compelled he was, he cannot shed the turbid blood in his body. Zikang, although he respects this person, if he were to encounter him in the North Sea, he would still strike him with thunder magic."

"My True Lord said that the fault might not be theirs, but the evil they commit is their own. Even if one doesn't have the power to purge all demons and rectify wrongs, one cannot turn a blind eye to the evils that can be subdued."

Li Qinghong hesitated, falling silent, unsure how to respond to him. Her heart felt heavy. ‘His ancestors followed the Thunder Palace orthodoxy. It seems they are not as contemptible as described in the Shen family's cultivation methods, yet they also lack much compassion. Ancient affairs are tangled and unclear. The reputation of Wei and Li families is also not much better... There's nothing more to say...'

She journeyed through the East Sea, changing direction towards Yuezhou Island of the Xuanyue Sect. ‘This news is unusual. I should use the Xuanyue Sect to send a letter home.'

Moon-Gazing Lake.

Li Zhouwei had just settled family matters, arranging everything properly. As his father, Li Chengliao, was in seclusion, he had to arrange for elders Li Minggong and Li Chenghuai to oversee things first. He then proceeded to the main hall.

Bairong was wandering barefoot in the main hall. Li Xuanxuan followed beside him, seemingly in high spirits, chatting and laughing. There were truly few people Li Xuanxuan could confide in. The old man preferred talking about the past, but even fewer could discuss it in detail with him. Counting on one's fingers, there were only Li Qiuyang, Chen Donghe, and An Zheyan. Li Qiuyang had been injured multiple times, and had also been burned by merged flames, aging beyond recognition. When Li Xuanxuan visited him, he could barely utter a few words. Chen Donghe and An Zheyan were both respectful and did not speak much.

This fellow, Bairong, grumbling and mumbling, had actually opened up to Li Xuanxuan. Li Zhouwei heard bursts of laughter from outside the hall, and felt a bit reluctant to enter.

But after only a few breaths, Bairong slipped out in a flash. He bid the old man farewell, and Li Xuanxuan, unwilling to impede his junior's matters, smiled as he saw him off.

The two rode the wind away from the lake. Only then did Bairong say sullenly, "My White Fox clan can, to some extent, understand people's hearts. That old man has a lot of lingering worries in his heart. His later years are not easy."

Li Zhouwei, uncharacteristically, showed a hint of sadness. Bairong, while pulling a magical artifact from his sleeve, mumbled, "You must cultivate diligently. Don't go seeking fights and showing off your courage. Those who seek fights will die sooner or later. And don't be like some of your elders, who threw away their lives for their family... Live a few more years, so that old man doesn't get sad again."

"This junior understands."

Li Zhouwei responded sincerely. Bairong tossed the spirit boat into the air, and in an instant, it transformed into a simple, unadorned wooden pushcart. Its two wooden wheels were crooked, the bark peeled unevenly, here and there, with a few branches sticking out.

Bairong introduced it with great pride, "This is my demon carriage. Back in the northern foothills, it was used to transport the young ones of my clan! Later, when I reached the cave, I conveniently refined it into a magical carriage. You are the first White Kirin to ride in it!"

"Right..." Li Zhouwei found this somewhat peculiar. It was his first time seeing someone travel in a pushcart. He sat cross-legged in the cart. Bairong settled beside him, grinning widely for some unknown reason, then summoned a gust of green wind.

"Let's go!"