Chapter 689: Various Parties

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Li Ximing quietly assented. Li Xuanxuan immediately wiped away her tears and smiled, "This is a joyous occasion, no need for tears. How is your divine ability?"

Li Ximing gently waved his sleeve. Immediately, a beam of celestial light surged from his cuff, tracing along the numerous decorations in the hall, coating the entire hall in a bright glow. This divine ability isolated the interior from the exterior. "The Mingyang Art's divine ability: 'Visiting the Heavenly Gate'!"

Li Ximing said softly, "Qingchi Sect obtained the 'Dongli Secret Scroll' from Dongli Sect's Grotto-Heaven. They long ago discerned that I cultivated the 'Golden Palace Radiant Essence Art' and also knew about the various wonders of my family's Radiant Essence Threshold. Initially, they didn't pay much attention. Little did they know, while I used the 'Golden Palace Radiant Essence Art' for Foundation Establishment, I later transformed my magic power using the fifth-grade 'Radiant Splendor Radiant Essence Scripture' – and it was with the 'Radiant Splendor Radiant Essence Scripture' that I achieved the Purple Mansion. This divine ability is called 'Visiting the Heavenly Gate'."

Li Xuanxuan looked slightly confused, furrowing her brow in thought for a moment before asking, "Is there a difference in divine abilities achieved through the Radiant Essence Threshold? Therefore, does breaking through to the Purple Mansion with different grades of Immortal Foundation result in different divine abilities?"

Li Ximing paused slightly, then said softly, "Actually, the difference here isn't significant. Aside from a few exceptions, cultivation methods capable of achieving divine abilities are generally fifth-grade and above. Whether it's 'Radiant Essence Threshold' or 'Visiting the Heavenly Gate', they are essentially the same Mingyang Art divine ability, just with slightly different strengths. As for sixth-grade or seventh-grade cultivation methods, perhaps their divine abilities are stronger, but I haven't seen them."

The celestial light between his eyebrows flickered slightly, and he said thoughtfully, "It's just that after cultivating this divine ability, I've found that personal divine abilities are more closely related to one's individual cultivation path, gradually breaking free from the constraints of cultivation methods... Perhaps this is the difference between innate quality and fate... Once the Purple Mansion touches upon destiny, it seems to no longer be bound by cultivation methods."

Li Ximing paused, speaking with some caution, "When I connect with the Great Void, I also have a subtle premonition that the Purple Mansion Golden Core cultivation path might be limited. Reaching the Golden Core from the Purple Mansion peak might be its ultimate limit... Once one cultivates the Golden Nature and attains the Fruit Position... they will no longer need any cultivation methods... relying entirely on their own cultivation."

He picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and replied, "Perhaps ancient methods of 'absorbing qi and nurturing one's nature' still offer spells beyond the Golden Core for study, but the Purple Mansion Golden Core path culminates at the Golden Core... Once one attains the Fruit Position and becomes a True Monarch, where a single thought can transform heaven and earth, what cultivation methods could still guide them?"

Li Xuanxuan nodded, made a quick estimation, and whispered, "I've heard that the 'Answers to a Beggar Under a Mulberry Tree' bestowed by the Immortals is merely seventh-grade. Fifth or sixth-grade methods are probably the most exquisite scriptures for the Purple Mansion Golden Core path."

Li Ximing nodded, touched his brow, and pointed towards outside the hall. The colorful clouds in the sky immediately dispersed. He said softly, "Cheng Huai is cultivating; don't check on me. This brilliant celestial light isn't good for him. Let's retract it first... These past ten-plus years... how has the family been? How is the world?"

Li Xuanxuan sighed and shook her head, clearly indicating that the past decade hadn't been easy. However, with their own Purple Mansion cultivator, these matters seemed insignificant. She said with some comfort, "The main change has been in Jiangbei. True Person Chang Yun's Chengyun Gate has occupied a significant territory. The situation has stabilized, and two overseas Purple Mansion cultivators have successively settled in Jiangbei, with various sects and families flourishing everywhere. Jiangbei is now a hub of spiritual energy, and the numerous temples in the wilderness across the river, connected by water veins, are also greatly prospering. The spiritual energy changes by the day..."

The wilderness, also part of the riverbank's ley lines, lies between Moon-Gazing Lake and Xuanyue Gate. Previously, spiritual energy was not abundant, mostly consisting of desolate mountains and wild temples. Now that the spiritual veins are thriving, many sects and families have immediately established themselves.

"As for our family, various probing attempts have increased, all targeting Zhou Wei, using the Drilling Gold Gate and the Three Mifan Sects as their spearheads to subtly test the relationship between the Dragon Kin and our family... becoming increasingly bold. Today's visit from the Three Mifan Sects was exactly this kind of probing... If not for your successful breakthrough, there would have been a lot of trouble."

"Where is Zhou Wei?" Li Ximing asked. Li Xuanxuan replied, "He feigned a trip to the East Sea to slay demons, but he's actually already on the other side of the river. He had anticipated a major battle with the Three Mifan Sects crossing to the north bank... and was secretly preparing to deal with it. However, your breakthrough interrupted it, and the situation completely changed. Not only did the Three Mifan Sects not cross the river, but they also sent people to offer congratulations and provoke us. We don't know what their plans are."

Li Ximing nodded and said softly, "Whatever their plans, there's no issue now. All sects will send gifts within three months; we should settle them properly." He hesitated repeatedly before asking, "Are there... any tidings of Auntie?"

Li Xuanxuan choked slightly, then whispered, "This matter... I don't quite know how to put it... Qinghong has been away from home for too long. Five years ago, that jade talisman lost its magical nourishment and dimmed, no longer able to show her safety or misfortune..."

Li Ximing's heart gradually settled. He merely reassured her, "Once things stabilize, I'll discuss it with Zhou Wei, assess the situation, and decide if we should visit the Dragon Kin... to inquire about this matter."

Li Xuanxuan nodded repeatedly. There was a stir outside the hall. With a thought from Li Ximing, the hall doors rumbled and opened on their own.

Two figures ascended the steps outside the hall. The woman wore a light red cloud-satin long dress, a silver-white decorative necklace around her neck, a talisman brush at her waist, and several talismans hidden in her cuffs. She wore no makeup, her skin was fair, and her eyes sparkled with intelligence. Her smiling eyes curved, and her expression, mixed with joy, showed great reverence as she bowed. "Junior Que Wan greets True Person!" The other man wore a pleated robe of purple and white, with patterns of blazing fire at the collar and cuffs. He had a white jade ornament at his waist, adorned with a golden tassel. His eyes were bright, and he exuded an aura of high spirits and confidence. "Jiang Qian greets True Person!"

Li Ximing looked up and gestured for the two to come closer. Li Que Wan, at the sixth level of Qi Cultivation, was slightly reserved, while Li Jiang Qian, even faster at the seventh level of Qi Cultivation, spoke warmly, "Old Ancestor has broken through to True Person! The family is filled with joy! Those foolish fellows look so relieved..."

Li Ximing chuckled and advised, "You two are cultivating too fast. There's no need to rush; you should practice more spells and techniques."

"Juniors understand."

Li Jiang Qian finished his bow and smiled, "Before, we didn't know Old Ancestor would emerge from seclusion so quickly. The family was short on Foundation Establishment cultivators, so I discussed it with Sister Wan, planning for me to break through first to Foundation Establishment and help the family, while she could cultivate at her own pace. It wouldn't matter. Now it seems, there's no need for that at all!"

Li Jiang Qian's words greatly pleased Li Ximing. He nodded and, with a curious smile, asked, "Your father... how many children does he have now?"

Li Jiang Qian respectfully replied, "Around ten years ago, he had four more younger brothers for me. They haven't been assigned duties within the clan yet, but they're all doing very well."

Li Ximing sipped his tea and chatted for a while longer. An Siwei then arrived, descending on the wind before the hall, and respectfully reported, "Reporting to True Person, from across the river... the envoys of the Three Mifan Sects have arrived..."

Li Ximing had only been seated for about half a day, yet the Three Mifan Sects had acted swiftly. He said casually, "How was Xiaoshishan dealt with?"

An Siwei bowed and reported respectfully, "Fuyun Cave was in utter chaos, with everyone scattering like birds and beasts. The sect elders and guest cultivators stormed into the pavilion to divide the treasures. The Cave Master committed suicide out of fear of punishment, and his body was plundered by cultivators, turning into an anomaly and disappearing, leaving only his head. Midway through the commotion, the other two sects of Xiaoshishan jointly attacked Fuyun Cave. Under the pretext of purging rebellious cultivators, they rounded up and imprisoned various cultivators, removed and sealed the heads of all those involved. The Zaihangzi lineage had long since been trampled into dust... no bones could be found. They merely collected the spiritual items of that group and sent them over. Now, the cultivators from the two Mifan Sects have escorted the Fuyun Cave individuals to the North Bank, bringing all the heads and spiritual items with them."

Li Xuanxuan gasped, momentarily speechless. Li Ximing sipped his tea without a word. Only Li Jiang Qian, on the side, rubbed the jade pendant in his hand and sneered, "What a quick response. In the end, only a few cultivators from the Zaihangzi lineage and one late Foundation Establishment Cave Master died. They certainly adopted a humble posture... taking advantage of our True Person's breakthrough today, not daring to delay overnight, rushing to offer themselves for a beating." He paused slightly, calculated the time, and whispered, "Based on the timing, the unrest in Xiaoshishan must have begun at least the moment True Person appeared. Otherwise, it would take half a day for the news to spread, let alone for them to arrive before nightfall. Someone is probably directing them from behind."

Li Ximing naturally knew that the Three Mifan Sects were not only backed by the Drilling Gold Gate, and that even the Drilling Gold Gate was only targeting his family repeatedly because it was profitable. He paused slightly and said softly, "Present the items."

An Siwei immediately withdrew. Before long, he returned with a row of jade boxes. He opened the largest and most ornate one, revealing the head of an old man, seemingly filled with remorse, with disheveled hair and beard.

The celestial light on Li Ximing's brow moved, and the spell covering the face immediately dispersed, restoring it to its appearance just after death. The face hadn't changed, but where was the remorse? It was filled only with surprise and fury. He lowered his head and sipped his tea. An Siwei replied, "It is indeed this person."

Li Ximing gently waved his sleeve, and the sealed head immediately began to seep blood. He said softly, "Que Wan, check his blood relatives."

Li Que Wan immediately understood. She placed one hand on her other wrist, joined two fingers, and used magic power to draw out the blood. Chanting a spell, a silvery mercury light floated within the blood. She murmured, "A fish with a red tail, its home destroyed, its son a mythical beast, distant kin." She drew out a talisman, pressed it to her wrist, allowing the silvery light to disperse, and respectfully said, "This person had few children. His parents died early, both being rogue cultivators. His eldest son detested him and had just committed parricide, but was then killed by someone else."

Li Que Wan's use of shamanistic talismans was quite accurate. Li Ximing nodded and said softly, "It seems this chaos is truly chaotic. There is indeed a Purple Mansion cultivator watching Xiaoshishan." Regardless of whether Li Que Wan's divination was accurate, it was now certain that a Purple Mansion cultivator was behind Xiaoshishan. Li Ximing sent the two juniors away first, then looked at An Siwei and instructed, "Have them leave the compensation gifts, and all guest cultivators can return... The two Cave Masters should come up and speak with me in detail."

Qingchi Sect, Main Hall.

Dan Taijin, dressed in splendid robes, waited for a moment before the hall. Immediately, a guard invited him in. He took two steps, crossed the misty white steps, and entered the main hall.

Si Yuanli was wielding his brush, writing, and seemed to be in good spirits. Dan Taijin took a few steps forward, cupped his hands in a bow, and smiled, "Sect Master!"

"Brother Dan Tai has arrived!"

Si Yuanli laughed heartily, pulled a small letter from his sleeve, and handed it to him, quite pleased with himself. Dan Taijin took it, examined it carefully, and a look of joy immediately appeared on his face.

The letter contained only a few lines: "On the 22nd, True Person Chi Buzi appeared on Lyufang Island in the South Sea, using divine ability to travel in a hurried manner... seemingly pursuing a demonic creature. He appeared for only a few breaths, cast a spell to search, and then immediately disappeared."

"Chi Buzi has appeared!"

How could Dan Taijin not understand Si Yuanli's meaning? More than ten years had passed since the Qingchi upheaval, and Chi Buzi had shown no reaction, merely attending to his own affairs. The implication was clear enough... Chi Buzi simply didn't care at all! If he had even the slightest thought, he wouldn't even need to return to Qingchi Sect; just leaving a message would have prevented that tragedy from unfolding...

Dan Taijin finished his smile, slightly lowered his brows, and in a voice as low as possible, said, "True Person... might he have an opinion about someone?"

Si Yuanli was no ordinary person; upon hearing this, he immediately reacted, feeling a slight fear in his heart and displaying hesitation on his face. He also knew who was being referred to. 'Lushui!'

"Who knows..."

Si Yuanli's expression remained somewhat uncertain. He whispered, "Perhaps he has an issue with Chi Wei... That man's devotion to the Dao is firm, and he is adept at hypocrisy and pretense. When Chi Wei was alive, one couldn't tell his true nature at all, but after Chi Wei's death, he seemed like a completely different person." His unspoken thoughts remained within him. 'Even if he has an issue with Lushui, what then? Ning Tiaoxiao isn't just dissatisfied; he's hated for a lifetime, even neglected cultivating divine abilities, but what came of it... He only hated himself to death in vain.' Chi Buzi was a smart man; Si Yuanli didn't believe he would act like that. At most, he simply wanted to break free from Qingchi.

"I'm only worried about Old Ancestor's posthumous affairs..." Si Boxiu was proficient in talisman techniques and possessed several good inheritances, but time could no longer be delayed. Si Yuanli was waiting for that Moonlit Glazed Fruit to enter seclusion. He stared at the painting on the desk for a while, then picked up his brush to inscribe it.

Dan Taijin suddenly cocked his ear, listening intently. Si Yuanli was startled, his ears twitching as a vast voice resonated from the Great Void, drifting through the main hall. "Li Ximing of the Moon-Gazing Li Clan, Zhaojing, has today achieved the Mingyang Divine Ability! Declared a Purple Mansion Immortal Clan, rituals and sacrifices will be performed three months later..."

"'Li Ximing of the Moon-Gazing Li Clan, Zhaojing...'"

Si Yuanli's hand suddenly froze. The name, half-written, abruptly stopped, leaving a pea-sized inkblot on the painting that spread, destroying the exquisite artwork.

"Click!"

The precious white jade brush in his hand shattered with a soft bang. Fine jade powder poured from between his fingers, slowly sprinkling onto the painting below, specifically over the face of the old dragon in the center, obscuring its eyes in murky dimness. "How could this be..." Si Yuanli's expression abruptly changed. Years of qi cultivation instantly failed. His brows furrowed tightly, his eyes slightly glazed, meeting Dan Taijin's equally incredulous gaze.

'Purple Mansion in just over ten years?! Li Ximing?'

Dan Taijin looked up. His expression immediately shifted from shock to a slightly grim regret. He whispered, "We've probably fallen into a trap... not just you and I, Sect Master, but probably over ninety percent of the Purple Mansion cultivators in Jiangnan... have underestimated him..."

Si Yuanli's mental fortitude was beyond ordinary people. He immediately slowly exhaled and, with a decisive wave of his hand, "Don't say another word! Go visit Li Xizhi at once!"

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