Chapter 699: Dividing the Treasure

On the Rosy Cloud Airship, Li Yuanqin stood, watching the dark night wind sweep through the rosy light. His mother, Ning Hemian, stood beside him. After a long silence, Ning Hemian asked, "Actually, now that the Southern Border is peaceful, it would be good to stay by the lake."

"That will be difficult," Li Yuanqin said, shaking his head. "Li Zhouwei is a genius, and Li Cheng is an outstanding talent of his generation. Firstly, I'm not strong, and secondly, I have no familial ties or close relationships. True Immortal Zhaojing has attained the Violet Palace realm. Even if he were to acknowledge someone young as an elder, it would be hard for the clan's powers to respect me. Suddenly having a young elder of extremely high seniority appearing out of nowhere—no one would be convinced by that. In the past, I only invited humiliation, at most securing an insignificant position. It's simply 'out of sight, out of mind.' It would be difficult to return then, and I would also offend so many people. For now, maintaining these connections and staying within the sect offers much more potential, with options to advance or retreat. Wouldn't that be much better than staying with the Li family?"

Ning Hemian understood the reasoning and sighed, "Li Xuanxuan is truly sincere; he regards you as his own junior."

"Indeed," Li Yuanqin nodded. "My uncle is very enthusiastic about me, but he's just a Qi Cultivator. He is easily influenced and doesn't have much authority; he's also susceptible to rumors. If it truly comes down to it within the clan, it will be hard for him to support me. The Li family is harmonious, but no family or sect in the world can be harmonious in every matter. It's simply that the rules are strict, the elders are in their prime, and the strength of each generation is clear, which gives the appearance of peace."

He leaned against the stern, looking at the bright moon in the sky, and said casually, "From now on, the Li clan won't have peaceful days either. After all, my father was deeply dedicated to it, so I will help if I can."

Ning Hemian nodded and asked, "Shen Bai has already been sent to the Southern Border. Should it be returned?"

Li Yuanqin paused, then shook his head. "No need. In the vast Qingchi, no one has been able to gain this bow's recognition. Siyuan Li himself tried to draw it, and blood appeared as soon as he let go. It's fine to leave it in Qingchi. Whenever the Li family produces a talent, they can come and claim it."

Li Zhouwei descended from Zhijing Mountain. Chen Yang was standing at the foot of the mountain, and Li Zhouwei instructed, "Go and invite all the Daoists back to the continent to discuss important matters."

Chen Yang acknowledged the order and swiftly departed. Li Zhouwei flew on a streak of light into the hall. Just then, An Siwei approached quickly and respectfully said, "Reporting, Family Head, Tian Zhongqing entered seclusion a few days ago, preparing to break through to the Foundation Establishment realm."

Li Zhouwei was slightly surprised and nodded. "What courage."

Tian Zhongqing was an old man; he had once served under Li Xuanxuan's eldest son, Li Yuanxiu. He was now a full 105 years old! For most of his life, he had been a late-stage Qi Cultivator, and he was one of the few outsiders who returned from Jiangbei. His probability of breaking through to Foundation Establishment was pitifully low, but since the old man wanted to attempt the breakthrough, Li Zhouwei naturally said little. He calculated the time and asked, "Li Wen has also been in seclusion for seven years now, hasn't he?"

An Siwei nodded. The minor branches of the Li family were distinct from the four main cultivation-based branches, and their members generally had lower talent. Li Wen was already the head of a minor branch. He still couldn't attempt Foundation Establishment at sixty years old. However, having taken the Suiyuan Pill, his chances were much greater than Tian Zhongqing's.

"Seven years is a bit long... He's in danger." Li Zhouwei still remembered the loyal man who stood at the entrance of the main hall every day, gripping two golden gourd hammers. Feeling a touch of regret, he mused, "He cultivates the 'Knocking on the Court's Guarding Art,' and he was in seclusion in the Spirit Jade Mine. With jade flourishing throughout the world, he should have a good chance..."

As Li Zhouwei was still pondering, Li Minggong and a few others had already entered the hall, one after another. Li Minggong was dressed in a red gown, and Li Cheng in silver armor and a black robe. As soon as they stood still, Li Zhouwei picked up a stone box from the table and gently opened it. Inside the stone box lay a small, hexagonal lamp. It was entirely brass-colored, adorned with bright red patterns depicting true fire. Li Zhouwei handed it to Li Minggong and smiled, "Aunt, this is the Hexagonal Scarlet Flame Lamp, a gift from the Golden Feathers. It's a decent Foundation Establishment artifact. You can use it for now."

Li Minggong thanked him profusely and joyfully accepted it. The gifts from both sects befitted their status. The Suiyuan Pill prescription from Qingchi was indeed valuable, but also somewhat speculative. The Hexagonal Scarlet Flame Lamp, however, was a tangible item.

The rest were items from the Seven Gates. Excluding the Snow Crest and Soaring Sky Sects, there were five items in total. Li Zhouwei took out the jade bottle gifted by Hengzhu and handed it to Li Minggong. "These sects were very thoughtful. Although the Pure Feather Leaving Fire isn't a true fire, it is a phoenix fire, which aligns well with the Pheasant Leaving Practice. Aunt, please accept it for now."

Li Minggong was a little embarrassed now. Seeing his furrowed brow, she could only accept it for the time being. Li Zhouwei then took out a long, rectangular jade box, a gift from the Sword Gate, and upon closer inspection, it was a Foundation Establishment spiritual sword named Dark Sea Serpent.

"In the family, only Uncle Chenghuai uses a sword... and he hasn't come out of seclusion yet..." Li Zhouwei could only put it away for now. The True Flame Pill Scroll from the Purple Smoke Sect had already been taken by Li Ximing. What remained were the Elemental Earth Spirit Shield and Qin Earth Boots, gifts from the Xuanyue Sect.

The Xuanyue Sect, after all, had a request to make, so their gifts were much more substantial. Li Zhouwei took out these two magical artifacts. The Elemental Earth Spirit Shield was formed from gathered earth and stone, adorned with patterns of a spirit turtle. The Qin Earth Boots were splendid and ornate, also embroidered with rosy light patterns, and were indeed true Earth-attribute artifacts.

"Abundant thunder is buried in earth... These two... Uncle Cheng cannot use them." Li Zhouwei took out the Qin Earth Boots and handed them to An Siwei. The middle-aged man's face was filled with shock; he clearly hadn't expected to receive a magical artifact himself. Li Zhouwei stopped him as he was about to express his thanks. "These boots can restore magic power upon landing and also grant speed. Guardian, please refine them later. First, go immediately to the riverside and deliver the Elemental Earth Spirit Shield to the White Ape. That item suits him perfectly."

An Siwei quickly nodded and hurried out, his steps light, clearly very excited. Li Zhouwei took out the congratulatory gift from the Xiukui Temple, which was a talisman covered in patterns. Li Zhouwei smiled, "This is a Mountain Ghost Talisman, possessing the strength of a Foundation Establishment cultivator. If we use it, it will be consumed bit by bit, which is a waste. So I'll save it for Que Wan; she should be able to gain something from it."

Li Cheng observed closely. For him, this item wouldn't be consumed bit by bit; he couldn't use it at all. He shook his head, a wry smile on his face.

Having finished examining the items from the three sects and seven gates, Li Zhouwei then took out the 'Wondrous Tai Transformation Art' from the Tujun Sect. It described a method of absorbing Departing Fire and Earth Fiend energies for cultivation. This could cultivate a gush of Earth Fire Fiend Qi that, when exhaled, could reveal others' hidden forms.

"True Immortal Junjian achieved divine abilities. The Tujun Sect is known for cultivating both Earth Fire and Cold Fiend energies, specializing in refining fiend qi." Li Zhouwei hesitated for a moment. Li Cheng still couldn't cultivate Earth Fire Fiend Qi. He could only let Li Minggong study it.

Now only a single jade box remained on the table. Li Zhouwei confidently opened it. Inside, he saw a pair of dark gold, round ring-shaped pieces. They were about thumb-thick and palm-sized, emanating a chilling golden aura.

"The White Shadow Golden Clasps from the Chengyun Sect..." Li Zhouwei felt a bit helpless. He looked at Li Cheng, hesitating for a moment. Li Minggong stifled a laugh and simply said, "It's a bit too coincidental."

The dashing young man in silver armor and black robe was also full of embarrassment. However, he was quite open-minded about it and simply chuckled, "Remnant lightning falls on gold... This Dui-gold item... I'm usually fine. But if I get injured, I might be harmed by the golden chill of my own magical artifact..."