Chapter 690: Senior Brothers

Ink and Brush Literature, Mystic Mirror Immortal Clan!

Si Yuanli swiftly descended from the main seat. The painting, ignited by the spiritual energy he left behind, burst into bright red flames on the jade desk, curling into a ball of dark gray ash. Tan Taijin dared not look, following closely behind him, urgently whispering, "Xiao Chuting?"

"He certainly played a part!" Si Yuanli replied in a low voice. Although his expression was calm, the wide strides he took betrayed his inner unease and disbelief. "Initially, I thought it was Xiao Yuansi acting on his own, taking advantage of the old man's presence in the North Sea, and with others' encouragement, forcibly refining pills... Now that I think about it, Xiao Chuting even calculated his own juniors into his schemes! Old Man of the Kanwater Stream... truly lives up to his reputation."

"For nearly a century since Xiao Chuting achieved the Purple Mansion realm, his schemes have been flawless, maneuvering between Qingchi and Jinyu, to the point where he's gradually become one of the most powerful cultivators in the Purple Mansion realm... We shouldn't have thought he miscalculated!" Tan Taijin whispered. "Could it be that... Li Ximing is the most cunning among the four Xi of the Li clan? Feigning foolishness and weakness all this time, leading up to this?"

Si Yuanli pondered for a moment, then lifted the hem of his robe and rode the wind. He shook his head and said, "Probably not. Under the Mandate Divine Ability, there are no secrets. Moreover, Heaven's Favor is not so abundant. Li Xizhi and Li Xijun are both exceptional talents, and Li Xicheng, I hear, is also a person who risked his life. How could there be another Li Ximing?"

"Xiao Chuting must have been involved in planning this matter. There's something fishy about Li Ximing's situation. Either his phenomenon is problematic, or there's something wrong with the person himself. When the True Person returns, I will ask for advice."

He quickly hurried towards the Pavilion of Heavenly Inquiry with Tan Taijin. As the immortal pavilion gradually came into view, Si Yuanli swiftly composed himself, a brilliant smile appearing on his face. *'Fortunately, I never make things look bad. My current attitude won't seem suspicious. If I hadn't prepared the groundwork beforehand, going over now would appear too eager and opportunistic.'*

"Li Ximing, Zhaojing of the Wangyue Li Clan, has today attained the Clear Yang Divine Ability..." A grand voice pierced through the vast void, lightly brushing against the Qingchi Sect's Tianyuan Spiritual Array. The array detected only sound, no divine ability, and merely glowed faintly. The sound then passed through the grand array, echoing throughout the entire Qingchi Mountain Range, lingering ethereally, until it reached the pavilion standing amidst the clouds on the peak.

"Clink... clink..." The jade talismans hanging between the floors chimed musically, blown by the sound waves. The middle-aged man in feathered robes on the top floor of the Pavilion of Heavenly Inquiry looked up, staring blankly at the clouds in the sky. The black-robed man behind him had a somber expression. Several shadowy snake-like tails writhed beneath his black robe, yet he too stood frozen in place, his expression even more incredulous.

"Ximing?" Li Xizhi listened to the message several times. His eyebrows rose, and a shocked, almost smiling expression appeared on his face. As if walking in a dream, he paced a few steps in the pavilion, the only sound he could hear being the crisp chiming of the jade talismans. "Ximing... True Person Zhaojing Li Ximing?!" he murmured, a flush rising to his face. He still felt it wasn't real, and burst into a disbelieving laugh: "I was still figuring out how to save Zhou Wei... and my younger brother has already reached the Purple Mansion realm..."

Li Wushao stood beside him, an even deeper incredulity in his pupils: *'Damn it... I'm a spirit beast of a Purple Mansion Immortal Clan too?'*

Li Xizhi instantly felt refreshed, uncharacteristically laughing twice, his steps becoming light. He pushed open the pavilion window, and in the distance, several streaks of light were rapidly approaching.

As this voice spread across most of the Yue Kingdom, Li Xizhi felt a mysterious warmth rise in his Qi Sea. The three-colored spiritual aura of "Rainbow Illuminating the Cloud Path" became even more vibrant and luminous.

"'Rainbow Illuminating the Cloud Path' has advanced another level!" Li Xizhi paused for a moment, then immediately understood. The blessing of "Rainbow Illuminating the Cloud Path" was based on status. As the news of Li Ximing's breakthrough to the Purple Mansion realm spread, Li Xizhi, as his elder brother and one of the three Xi of the Li family, found his status significantly elevated, clearly different from before!

"I'm benefiting from this!" Li Xizhi remarked with a smile. The pavilion door was abruptly knocked, and a young man rushed in. He wore an exquisite jade crown, silver-white clothes, and a large red brocade robe draped over his shoulders. He stepped forward, cheerfully cupping his hands in salute: "Congratulations, Master! Heartfelt congratulations, Master! True Person Zhaojing has refined his divine ability!"

After a string of congratulations, he then smiled and looked at Li Wushao: "Greetings, Guardian!"

Li Wushao had always cultivated by Li Xizhi's side. The more powerful Li Qiyun had gone to guard the spiritual jade mine in the Helin Mountain Range and was not currently present.

Li Wushao returned the salute. He saw another person standing behind the young man, slightly taller, with a robust build, a bow on his back, and a stern face, yet his eyes were full of joy.

Li Xizhi always valued his demeanor, but even he couldn't help but laugh thrice at such a joyous, almost tear-inducing event. His face was flushed with warmth as he stroked his beard, saying: "Duan'er, quickly open the gatehouses on both sides of the Pavilion of Heavenly Inquiry. You stand at the main gate to welcome guests, and have Junwei wait at the secondary gate."

He quickly regained his composure, his eyes still holding a smile, and gently added: "The Sect Master will be arriving, don't neglect him."

The red-robed, white-clad young man before him was Quan Yuduan, Li Xizhi's eldest disciple. He had a round face and was a member of the Quan clan, a distant relative of the late Quan Yi. The person behind him was his second disciple, Zhao Junwei.

Quan Yi had been killed by Tuoba Zhongyuan, leaving behind only his aging mother, whom Li Xizhi had always cared for until her passing a few years ago. Unwilling to see the Quan clan decline, the old lady had repeatedly written letters to contacts outside the sect during her lifetime. Li Xizhi fulfilled her wish, locating impoverished Quan clan members who had become rural landlords and brought Quan Yuduan into the sect.

A little over a year later, Li Xizhi went to the Helin Mountain Range to investigate the Li family's spiritual jade vein and took Zhao Junwei, the son of a hunter from the Helin Mountain Range, as his disciple. That was over ten years ago.

Quan Yuduan respectfully assented and enthusiastically withdrew, his steps quick. Not to mention Quan Yuduan, even Zhao Junwei, who had only cultivated for a little over ten years, understood the power of the Purple Mansion realm. The two disciples were clearly overjoyed, and laughter filled the pavilion.

Li Xizhi also chuckled softly.

In earlier years, Li Xizhi's status had been somewhat awkward, making him hesitant to become too close with various other families. Therefore, the two disciples he took were both from humble backgrounds.

Quan Yuduan could still be considered a young master from a wealthy family, as his ancestors were cultivators, and his talent was decent. Zhao Junwei, however, truly came from a poor background, and his talent was ordinary. Fortunately, both were very diligent, and Zhao Junwei's character was particularly exceptional.

*'Si Yuanli is here...'* He lightly tapped on the jade window, seeing the familiar streaks of light arriving one after another. He quickly turned and exited the pavilion, indeed seeing Si Yuanli approaching with a face full of pleasant surprise, laughing heartily as he offered congratulations: "What joyous news! True Person Zhaojing's success is truly a model for our generation... Your noble clan's ascension to an immortal clan is truly the most joyful event in a hundred years!"

Li Xizhi responded politely, his gaze sweeping past Si Yuanli and landing on the equally smiling man behind him: *'Tan Taijin!'*

This person had been in the sect for ten years, so Li Xizhi was not unfamiliar with him. Rumor had it that he was a highly accomplished disciple of an overseas Purple Mansion cultivator, a junior whom True Person Yuanxiu Si Boxiu had once mentored... Si Boxiu's lifespan was nearing its end, and this was clearly one of the matters he had planned for his legacy. Li Xizhi returned the greetings one by one. Si Yuanli smiled and said: "I've sent someone to the Southern Frontier to invite Yuanqin back. With such great news for your noble clan, Yuanqin will surely be overjoyed!"

*'Yuanqin...'* Li Xizhi hadn't seen Li Yuanqin much in recent years. After breaking through to the Foundation Establishment realm, Li Yuanqin had taken the Ning family to guard the Southern Frontier. Perhaps due to his sensitive status, he hadn't maintained much contact with Li Xizhi.

Li Xizhi paused slightly. Outside the pavilion, another person stepped forward. He had a gourd tied at his waist, wore vine armor, and exuded a powerful aura. It was Rao Ziguan of Ling Valley, who had been as renowned as Li Xuanfeng back in the day.

The middle-aged man cupped his hands and smiled: "Congratulations, Pavilion Master!" The three families were currently quite cordial, both openly and covertly. Si Yuanli also cupped his hands to Ling Valley Rao, repeatedly addressing him as "senior." The atmosphere was warm and lively, with everyone smiling with joy.

After offering brief congratulations, the two families took their leave. Visitors continued to arrive at the pavilion one after another, and Li Xizhi welcomed them for most of the day. It wasn't until sunset that he gathered his things and softly asked: "Yuduan, have they all been seen off?"

Quan Yuduan cupped his hands in return and whispered: "There's still one person downstairs, pacing back and forth, hesitant for a long time, not daring to come up."

"Oh?" Li Xizhi knew perfectly well, and softly asked: "And who might that be?"

"The Peak Master of Qingsui!" Quan Yuduan replied with a cold glint in his eyes, smiling.

Quan Yuduan was no pampered scion. With the myriad affairs of a rural landlord, his childhood in the courtyard hadn't been without its harsh realities; he understood wickedness. How could he, as a disciple, not be aware of the friction between his master and Yuan Chengzhao, the Peak Master of Qingsui? Just now, Yuan Chengzhao had been restless downstairs. Although Quan Yuduan had greeted guests with a beaming smile, he hadn't given Yuan Chengzhao a second glance. He only showed him minimal respect because he was a Foundation Establishment cultivator; otherwise, he wouldn't have given him any pleasantries at all!

Li Xizhi shook his head and said gently: "He's still your martial uncle, after all. Go and welcome him up."

Quan Yuduan assented and descended. Not long after, he heard his second disciple Zhao Junwei's low, yet respectful voice: "Martial Uncle... please!"

Quan Yuduan's likes and dislikes were clear; he clearly didn't like bowing to Yuan Chengzhao, so he delegated the task to Zhao Junwei, who was more composed. Li Xizhi listened to the sound of his junior brother nodding and sighing. Yuan Chengzhao straightened his clothes outside the door before it creaked open, and he entered.

"Chengzhao greets Senior Brother!" Yuan Chengzhao dared not look at him, only kneeling before him, speaking timidly.

Li Xizhi, bathed in the golden sunset, hesitated, remaining silent.

Yuan Chengzhao was actually very afraid of him. With Yuan Tuan, their master, often absent, Li Xizhi had always played the role of the strict authority figure. Yuan Chengzhao feared him more like a master than a junior brother.

Yet, human nature is hard to define, and the situation was complex. Despite fearing him like a tiger, Yuan Chengzhao had repeatedly bowed to the Chi family and set traps multiple times... When Chi Buhua had sought him out years ago, the instrument he used from his youth must have come from his junior brother; Li Xizhi didn't need to think much to deduce this.

Ironically, when the Chi family fell and was purged by the Si family, this junior brother became utterly terrified. The first thing he did was actually go to see Si Yuanli, kneeling before him and pleading while clutching his legs.

And the content of his plea was none other than begging Si Yuanli to conceal the fact that Chi Buhua had obtained personal items from him, fearing Li Xizhi's anger and reproach!

"To be so distraught! How could Si Yuanli possibly conceal it for him! He would have loved to see Yuan Chengzhao and me fall out!" Li Xizhi's gaze towards him was now filled with disappointment. He had watched this child grow up on the mountain and truly regarded Yuan Chengzhao with the affection one holds for a junior. He knew he was weak, but he hadn't realized his lack of judgment went to such an extent!

Yuan Chengzhao knelt on the ground, the distinguished Foundation Establishment cultivator now covered in cold sweat. Li Xizhi softly said: "Long time no see... you've found fortune in misfortune."

Yuan Chengzhao fully understood what Li Xizhi meant by "fortune in misfortune," and his hair stood on end.

Over the years, Si Yuanli had given him many benefits. His talent was indeed not bad, but his Foundation Establishment was largely achieved with items from the Si family. Si Yuanli, outwardly amicable, never missed a legitimate opportunity to support a member of the Yuan family who had a rift with Li Xizhi!

He only said mournfully: "Senior Brother... I was wrong, Senior Brother... Your junior brother was also forced into it..."

"Whether it was Chi Zhirun, Chi Zhiyan, or Chi Fupark, Chi Buhua... and even the current Sect Master... I couldn't afford to offend any of them, Senior Brother! Chi Buhua was at the peak of Foundation Establishment, and I was just a small Qi Refining cultivator then. When he demanded it from me, how could I not give it?!" He burst into tears, kowtowing repeatedly, his forehead hitting the floor. Li Xizhi did not look at him, only gazed at the distant sunset, and softly said: "You embarked on a path of no return long ago, ever since you coveted power and position... and took on the role of Qinghui Peak Master. You became a pawn of the Chi family, destined to be a counterweight against me, Li Xizhi, in the clash of powers. Even if the Chi family's main branch falls, there's still the secondary branch. No matter who is in charge, they wouldn't let go of a pawn like you."

"If only you had been able to remain calm that day, refused the temptation of power and position, left the sect on a mission, and stayed far from Qingchi... would you be in this situation today?"

Yuan Chengzhao could no longer answer, only continued kowtowing, sobbing: "Senior Brother is right! Senior Brother is right! I was blinded..."

Li Xizhi softly said: "You don't need to be like this. Actually, no one could have predicted today. I should have died in the East Sea long ago. Your Yuan family would have rightfully reclaimed this Immortal Peak position, and it would have been perfect."

"Unfortunately, things often turn out unexpectedly. If it weren't for our True Person Zhaojing's breakthrough, you would still be benefiting greatly in every way, reaping huge rewards."

Yuan Chengzhao sobbed, unable to speak. Li Xizhi lowered his gaze, feeling a touch of sorrow in his heart, though his face remained calm: "You don't need to cry to me. Go back where you came from. For Master's sake, all past matters are forgiven. You don't need to come find me again from now on."

He picked up his tea, and said loudly: "Junwei, see our guest out!"

Yuan Chengzhao was terrified. Zhao Junwei stepped forward, but his Qi Refining cultivation was insufficient to move him. Yuan Chengzhao pleaded mournfully: "I lost my head for a moment and harmed Senior Brother. I will have no face to return in the future. Chengzhao will always remember Senior Brother's guidance over the years..."

"Senior Brother, take care... Chengzhao still needs to protect his clan in this life and cannot serve you. This kindness... I will repay it in the next life..."

"I still wish to ride the wind with Senior Brother and Senior Sister, travel through the various commanderies, play with the rainbow rays, and listen to your teachings... But now... I can no longer."

He cupped his hands and withdrew. Li Xizhi remained silent throughout. Zhao Junwei escorted him out. Quan Yuduan, meanwhile, pursed his lips and quickly approached Li Xizhi, bowing and asking: "Master, on such a joyous day, should we arrange a trip back to the lake?"

Li Xizhi gently said: "Indeed we should. Qingchi will also lead a team to offer congratulations; we will go together then."