Chapter 682: Closing the Door for Meditation

Wushan.

Mist-like spiritual energy drifted everywhere, flowing continuously along the veins of the jade. Atop the highest jade pillar, all energies converged, and the heavens shone brightly.

Li Ximing sat upright upon it, his light-colored, gold-patterned Daoist robe gently fluttering. His cultivation had reached its peak.

Though the Treasure Stairway was difficult, as he delved deeper into its practice, he discovered he could constantly cross-reference it with the ancient Purple Mansion spiritual artifact, the Huaijiang Scroll, from years past. This made it considerably easier.

After cultivating for many years, and relying on past opportunities that led to several significant epiphanies, his progress had not been slow. On this bright morning, with clear spiritual energy, he had just completed this secret technique.

He understood that the Treasure Stairway was a secret art for cultivating mental power and enhancing spiritual consciousness. It could use the Huangyuan Pass as a wondrous method, its radiance spreading across the mountains, ensuring that wherever it reached, cultivators' spiritual power would become clear, free from the tribulations of inner demons.

The method of the Treasure Stairway was now manifested upon his immortal foundation. If the Huangyuan Pass were activated at this moment, faint, ethereal Treasure Stairways would materialize at both corner towers and the central clear pass. Li Ximing knew this implicitly and did not activate his immortal foundation.

This was troublesome, he thought. He wondered how much the various sects of the Brilliant Immortal Foundation knew. This Treasure Stairway was clearly somewhat different; if they had records from the Wei-Li era, they might be able to tell that he had cultivated the Treasure Stairway.

Li Ximing mused, "Perhaps it's not suitable to engage in combat anymore..."

He let out a long breath and raised an eyebrow to look at the water clock on the adjacent jade pillar. Fifty-four round jade beads were piled together in the jade tray below.

He had originally estimated ten years for its completion, but it had only taken about half that time.

This was a good thing. Li Ximing withdrew his gaze, took out a light purple jade slip, and read it. The next secret technique was the Great Rift.

This secret technique was related to eye-arts; it was longer and contained nothing he was familiar with. Li Ximing quickly scanned it and instantly paused, thinking:

"The difficulty is several times higher than the Treasure Stairway. And if I factor in the mutual repulsion between various secret techniques, the time required would be even harder to calculate!"

Moreover, Li Ximing estimated that the Huaijiang Scroll from that time was a Purple Mansion spiritual artifact encompassing both the Huangyuan Pass and the Everbright Stairway paths, which was why it had been quite beneficial for cultivating the Treasure Stairway. The Great Rift was clearly not part of it, so he could no longer rely on that opportunity.

"This set of secret techniques will require genuine, dedicated practice, at least twenty to thirty years! If there are any parts I don't understand, there's no telling how long it will drag on!"

With an estimate in mind, Li Ximing put away the jade slip. He rose from the jade pillar, bathed in light, and passed through the array. The morning sun was brilliant as he flew swiftly into the continent, and the cultivators in front of the grand hall all bowed their heads to greet him.

Li Ximing stepped into the hall, but did not see Li Zhouwei. Instead, a young man in silver armor and a black robe stood there. Six slender, elegant silver-white ancient tokens hung at his waist.

The man was not particularly tall, but his armor made his shoulders appear broad. His expression was clear and handsome, his eyes like polished lacquer, captivating. A faint purple mark adorned his brow as he stood amidst the brilliant morning light.

"He looks familiar!"

Li Ximing paused for a moment. Though the young man was only at the early Foundation Establishment stage, his demeanor was extraordinary. The youth looked up, his eyes filled with joy, clearly recognizing him at once. He bowed and said:

"Cheng greets Uncle!"

"Cheng! Good..."

Li Ximing, seeing the six tokens at his waist, guessed it was him. Now confirmed, he was overjoyed. He nodded repeatedly, took two steps forward, took his hand, and sat him down, praising:

"Excellent, excellent! You've broken through to Foundation Establishment! The Chengming generation finally has a successor! You're only in your early fifties, aren't you? Opportunities are hard to predict. Back then, I thought few of you would be able to break through to Foundation Establishment. Who would have thought that with the water falling and thunder rising, you wouldn't even need a Suiyuan Pill!"

Li Cheng, for the first time speaking with this elder in such a manner, sat down carefully on the edge of the chair and respectfully replied:

"Reporting, Uncle, Brother Huai has also entered the continent for secluded cultivation. Brother Chengliao is likely about to emerge from seclusion as well. I merely acted rashly and seized a bit of an early advantage."

Li Ximing, however, shook his head.

Although Li Cheng's talent was among the best in the Chengming generation, the resources he obtained throughout his cultivation journey were actually not abundant. When the eastern sea's water fell and thunder rose, he went to an island to cultivate. Unexpectedly, he encountered great turmoil both before and after, sometimes even losing contact, let alone using much of the family's resources.

When it was finally time for his breakthrough, he hadn't even been given the family's Suiyuan Pill. Though Li Cheng was a direct descendant, his resources were even less than those of An Siwei and a few others; it was almost as if he had been exiled. Although Li Ximing did not manage the family, he couldn't ignore Li Xuanxuan mentioning it dozens of times, and he was well aware of the situation.

"You've been wronged these past years!"

"Uncle, you exaggerate." These words made Li Cheng anxious. The young man's gaze softened, and he said in a deep voice:

"My brothers went to the battlefield to fight, with eight out of ten dying. Yet I remained in the ancestral spring, cultivating in peace. How dare I harbor any resentment? Receiving the Six Thunder Profound Punishment Tokens right after establishing my foundation, I, Cheng, already feel it's too great a burden."

Li Ximing felt relieved. After chatting with him for a few moments, he looked at his eyes. They seemed too dark, with a hint of unusual, captivating aura. He then asked:

"Have you cultivated an eye-art?"

Li Cheng quickly nodded and replied:

"Uncle's judgment is keen. I, Cheng, spent decades overseas and acquired an opportunity. I cultivated the Profound Yin-Bright Eyes. The cultivation method has already been sent back to the family."

Li Ximing nodded in satisfaction. Li Cheng, however, spoke with a hint of embarrassment:

"This eye-art requires Scaled Mu Profound Fluid to be cultivated. This spiritual water is usually only found in the Mu Sea. When I obtained my opportunity, that portion was used by a junior first, and I didn't leave any for the family..."

Li Ximing looked at him with surprise and simply replied:

"It's nothing. Your opportunity is for you to use."

Apart from Li Zhouwei, the Chengming and Zhouxing generations had no one who received a rune seed, and most of their performances were unremarkable. He hadn't expected Cheng to have changed so dramatically now. Li Ximing was very pleased and advised him:

"Lord Tongya also only began to show his true potential in his thirties. Keep working hard."

Ignoring Li Cheng's modest words, he simply asked:

"Where is Zhouwei?"

Li Cheng replied softly:

"Reporting, Uncle, the family has found a spiritual jade vein in the Helin Mountains. The family head sent people to investigate, and the reserves are sufficient to forge the Great White Jade Courtyard required for the 'Red Dust in the Courtyard' of the *White Headed Courtyard Scripture*."

"However, with the great proliferation of jade stones within the sea region, that mine has a demon of the Jade True lineage. It occupies the mountain and commands a group of lesser demons. The family head needs to make a trip there."

Li Ximing frowned and said softly:

"Just be careful not to fall into a trap."

"Rest assured, Uncle!" Li Cheng replied placidly:

"After all, it's not far. Once the Qingchi matter is concluded, it will be quite safe to travel there."

Upon hearing this, Li Ximing frowned and asked:

"How is Qingchi? Has Si Yuanli made his move?"

Li Cheng chuckled:

"Indeed. That year, Chi Buhua was killed in the Reef Sea by Third Uncle, now the Master of Changtian Peak's Heavenly Pavilion Haze. The Elder departed calmly on his Haze Ray, and the remaining six couldn't even catch a glimpse of him."

"Rao Zixie, of Linggu Rao, attacked Qing Song Island. Fieluoya activated a grand formation, and Ning Hejing was defeated and died. The Cyan Flash Sword, Si Yuanli, appeared in the main hall, capturing Chi Fupo and others who had seized control of the sect's governance and mistreated various families, and rescued the Sect Master..."

He paused and explained:

"Currently, the Sect Master is in secluded cultivation for a breakthrough. Si Yuanli is managing the sect."

"Oh..." This conversation contained a vast amount of information. It took Li Ximing a full dozen breaths to process it. Only then did he ask:

"What about my junior uncle?"

Li Cheng understood and whispered:

"The Elder endured humiliation and hardship, feigning compliance with the Ning family and Chi Fupo. He received favorable treatment from Si Yuanli and is now also in secluded cultivation to break through to Foundation Establishment."

"Good!" Li Ximing breathed a sigh of relief. He paused for a few breaths and chuckled:

"Brother Zhi now is truly formidable!"

"Indeed!" Li Cheng whispered:

"I heard that the Elder's magical arts are extremely profound, even surpassing Linggu Haze from back then. He is called the foremost expert in Qingchi's magical arts. Now, he presides over the Qiong Tian Pavilion, which governs magical arts; he is truly one of the most prominent figures!"

"Furthermore, I heard that he carries a long sword but never draws it. He only uses magical arts against opponents. Rumor has it that his sword skills far surpass his magical arts. If anyone could force him to draw his sword, that would be a sword piercing the sky, allowing one to witness the true demeanor of a Sword Immortal family."

As Li Cheng spoke of this, a look of proud delight appeared on his face. His eyes were filled with joy and a happy smile.

"Is that so!" Li Ximing was half-convinced, half-skeptical, and pondered inwardly:

"He used to always say that Xi Jun's sword talent was even higher. But he never imagined that his sword arts and magical arts would advance concurrently to such an extent! He has already far surpassed me!"

He tentatively believed it and smiled:

"Good! Third Brother's reputation is very significant. If anything happens in the future, he can also support the family."

Li Cheng assented, and hearing footsteps from outside the hall, saw Li Xuanxuan hurrying in. The old man wore a light blue robe, his white beard flowing. An old talismancy brush, used for nearly a hundred years, hung at his waist. His eyes were full of concern.

"Ming'er."

"Grandfather!"

Li Ximing rose to greet him, seeing two people behind him, a boy and a girl, both just over ten years old. The boy had a slightly pointed chin and a charming smile. The girl was very polite, bowing her head and repeatedly greeting him.

Although Li Ximing was often in secluded cultivation, he knew Li Jiangqian and Li Quewan. He smiled at them and quietly asked:

"Are there any signs on Aunt's life jade?"

"No." Li Xuanxuan had been checking it daily, almost living in the ancestral hall. He said with a frail voice:

"Several years have passed since she left. Although the jade's luster varies, there are no signs of cracking. It is now warm and lustrous and appears to be fine."

"Good..." In truth, both Li Ximing and his grandfather knew that with the Dragon Lord, this jade talisman was likely useless. But at least it offered some comfort and a glimmer of hope.

Li Ximing sat quietly, listening as the others recounted the events of recent years one by one. This continued until sunset, when the natural light in the hall faded. The spiritual energy lamps flickered on, illuminating the surroundings brightly.

When they finished speaking, Li Ximing chuckled, took the old man's hand, and said softly:

"Grandfather, my cultivation has reached a bottleneck. And with the family prospering, I will enter secluded cultivation to break through to the Purple Mansion realm."

Li Xuanxuan paused, looking at the young man in the Daoist robe before him. The old man lowered his brows and eyes, unable to speak for a moment. He just whispered:

"You few, please leave!"

Li Cheng, with a serious expression, led the two children out.

Li Xuanxuan had lost his father at birth. He had since seen off two elders. When Li Xuanfeng died, he saw off another of his generation. He watched as the Yuanqing generation departed one by one. Of the Xiyue generation, only Li Ximing remained in the family.

He was speechless for a moment. The atmosphere in the hall became silent, and Li Ximing said softly:

"When I was young, I was ignorant and caused Grandfather, Father, and Uncles much worry... When Father was on his deathbed, I didn't even see him once; this was a great filial impiety... All my sins, they stem from my cowardice and incompetence."

"In terms of sincere selflessness, I am inferior to Eldest Brother. In terms of courage and bearing, I am inferior to Third Brother. In terms of intelligence and agility, I am inferior to Jun'er. Even in facing danger without fear, and possessing sharp wit and self-respect, I am inferior to Yuexiang."

His expression now showed no hesitation, nor any self-pity. He simply spoke quietly:

"If any of them had taken this position, there would not have been so many tragic events. It would have been best for me to just be an alchemist, absorbing vital energy in the morning and sleeping in the mountains at dusk."

"But back then, I accepted this responsibility."

Li Xuanxuan said softly:

"Why say such things!"

Li Ximing chuckled and whispered:

"Grandfather, do you remember years ago when I went to the Xiao family? I was led astray by wine and women, causing Father great disappointment?"

Li Xuanxuan only nodded silently. The old man was flustered by his grandson's candid confession. He couldn't help but suspect that his breakthrough attempt was tantamount to suicide, yet all the words in his heart could not be uttered.

Li Ximing, however, sipped his tea, as if discussing some amusing anecdote after a meal, and whispered:

"That woman was actually a refined lady. Every time I went to see her, my heart burned with desire, but each time I unfastened my trousers, I would become dazed, my feet would grow cold, and I would be too flustered to control myself. I would come with enthusiasm and leave disheartened."

"Yet I still sought her out every time. Each time I was too anxious to proceed. Eventually, I simply stopped unfastening my trousers; I would touch her briefly and leave. She gradually grew unwilling. She took some spiritual wine and intoxicated me. When I woke up, I found the situation irreparable."

"So when Brother Jun asked me then, I said I didn't know."

"Later, when I broke through to Foundation Establishment, my old memories awakened. The events of that day resurfaced in my mind. I was so panicked that even when drunk, I tightly clutched my trousers, not daring to let go. She tried a few times but couldn't pry open my hands."

"The spiritual fabric was tough. She couldn't cut it with scissors, so she had to remove her own clothes to set the scene. Who instructed her, or if she acted on her own, the matter failed, and no one cared long ago."

Now a cultivator at the peak of Foundation Establishment, he spoke of this matter without any fear, saying softly:

"Grandpa, but I never had the chance to explain to him."

Li Xuanxuan was stunned by this revelation, remaining silent all along. He stared blankly at him and replied:

"Why didn't you tell me..."

"It's meaningless now." Li Ximing looked away and said softly:

"I am a person with ambition but no courage. I have been cowardly and incompetent for most of my life. But not anymore. Ximing has nothing left to lose. Our family has not yet had anyone perish attempting to break through to the Purple Mansion realm. Today, it begins with me."

The young man rose from his seat. Li Xuanxuan's expression was complex as he was led by him to the front of the hall. Before he could react fully, his voice trembling slightly, the old man spoke:

"Ximing... Ping'er never resented you."

Li Ximing paused upon hearing this, but did not reply. At the front of the hall, he respectfully performed a grand bow to the old man. After three bows and nine kowtows, he said reverently:

"Grandfather, please take good care of yourself."

He rose, transforming into a brilliant light. Not daring to look at the old man again, he flew towards Wushan. Li Xuanxuan remained, collapsing onto the steps. His white beard trembling, he exhaled several times, only then beginning to calm down.

It was late. The old man felt the cold under the moonlight.