Chapter 701: Double Happiness Arrives

It was then that Ding Weizeng came to his senses. He prostrated himself deeply, his throat, revitalized by the divine power, now able to speak again, though his voice was still a bit hoarse:"Weizeng thanks the True Master for this new lease on life; I shall never forget your kindness."

Li Ximing smiled and shook his head, simply saying:"Your injury is too severe and hasn't fully healed. My Bright Yang path isn't inherently a healing art; I merely possess some ability to vitalize all things. The Sea of Qi is one of the three Dantian; it's not something I can heal just by speaking. I merely sealed it."

Li Ximing's own body, condensed from Bright Yang, could be reformed as soon as it was damaged. However, Ding Weizeng's injured Sea of Qi could not heal on its own without another treasure like a Bloodstone of Earthly Hope or Heavenly Purity Primordial Essence. Heavenly Purity Primordial Essence was Purple Mansion Primordial Water, which the Li family naturally did not possess. As for the Bloodstone of Earthly Hope, half a piece remained.

Yet Li Ximing had no intention of using this treasure:"It's merely an injured Sea of Qi, not a shattered one. Using the Bloodstone of Earthly Hope would be overkill. One only needs to find a Purple Mansion cultivator skilled in healing and employ their divine abilities; it should not be wasted."

Since the Li family did not cultivate with vital energy, the Bloodstone of Earthly Hope was even more precious to them, not to mention its many other uses. Li Ximing cherished it greatly and said:"I have my own methods for the Sea of Qi. However, your eyes, which were later revitalized, lack the nourishment of an immortal foundation and will require a period of refinement."

"Your subordinate offers his thanks."Ding Weizeng bowed with a deep voice. He was indeed much taller than ordinary men. Now that all his restraints were removed, he was broad-shouldered and powerfully built, with a prominent jaw and bushy beard, like a crouching male tiger.

Li Zhouwei was delighted by the sight. He weighed the White Shadow Gold Button in his sleeve, helped Ding Weizeng up, and said in a clear voice:"During the battle at Baijiang Stream, when Fudou tried to kill me, you fought valiantly against my family uncle and even gained a slight advantage. From then on, I remembered you. It seems we've become acquainted through conflict. Your prowess in the Hall Yang Tiger technique is formidable. When Uncle Cheng learns of this, he will surely be pleased."

Ding Weizeng was a handsome man. Previously, he had considered himself crippled, never expecting the Li family to rescue him. Now that he understood the situation, he naturally knew how to respond to both good and bad words. He bowed and said:"Greetings, Family Head. Ding Weizeng served his former master in the past, failing to recognize your esteemed presence and causing many offenses."

Old Man Qu Bushi, who was also his friend, listened anxiously from the side, thinking to himself:"This child, Floating Cloud Cave is already destroyed, and he's still talking about former masters... He can't bring himself to speak ill or frankly, probably because he grew up in Jiangbei..."

Li Zhouwei said no more, helping him up. Li Ximing watched and nodded:"Weizeng, go wait at Zhijing Mountain for now."He stood up with his hands behind his back, flicked his sleeve, and vanished. Li Zhouwei, however, was more joyful than anyone else. He took the man's hand, led him to the front of the hall, and whispered:"Weizeng, don't worry. Once your injuries are healed, you will still be needed to guard the Baijiang Stream territory in Jiangbei."

The Baijiang Stream territory was not home to just Floating Cloud Cave! Ding Weizeng was momentarily stunned, his surprise and shock lingering only in his eyes without showing outwardly. Li Zhouwei then knew that this man was also quite shrewd, and a smile played on his lips.

Ding Weizeng merely said in a deep voice:"Thank you, Family Head... I'm just concerned I might offend the True Master in the mountain. Are there any particular taboos I should be aware of...?""Our True Master is easygoing; you can relax, Weizeng."

Li Zhouwei instructed someone to see him off. Qu Bushi watched eagerly from the side. This old man was not skilled in combat, but he had a knack for surveying spiritual ley lines and nurturing spiritual fields. Li Zhouwei didn't know his temperament well and didn't want him to stay on the island, so he simply instructed:"The Floating Cloud Cave territory is in ruins. My family uncle has already returned. Elder Qu, since you're familiar with Floating Cloud Cave's spiritual fields, please go there first to assist."

Qu Bushi was quite cunning. Upon hearing this, he immediately knelt down with a thud and tearfully declared:"Qu Bushi has led a wretched life. In Floating Cloud Cave, I was like a soft persimmon everyone could bully. To think that I could be valued by the immortal clan and entrusted with such an important task! From now on, I will only follow the True Master and the Family Head, with absolute loyalty!"

Li Zhouwei merely sent him away, feeling much relieved. The old woman, Jiang Huzi, was still watching from the side. She possessed a clear aura and was very old, so Li Zhouwei's tone was more respectful:"Elder, where will you go now?"

Jiang Huzi coughed once and replied:"This old woman doesn't have much life left. I only hope to find a small mountain among the families on the East Shore to settle down, make a living from talismans, and live out my remaining years."

Li Zhouwei nodded, but not wanting to let her go easily, he smiled and said:"Elder, with your mastery of talismans, how can it simply be lost? Do you have any plans to pass down your lineage?"

At Li Zhouwei's words, Jiang Huzi hesitated for a few breaths before nodding. Li Zhouwei then said:"In that case, I will find cultivators with talent in the Way of Talismans from among the families around the lake. Elder, you can examine them and take on ten or eight, teaching the Way to the most excellent among them."

Jiang Huzi assented gently, and Li Zhouwei allowed her to leave. The Wen Yi and Wen Shan brothers also bowed in thanks and took their leave. Only a group of Qi Refinement cultivators remained in the hall. There was naturally little to say about these individuals. Li Zhouwei picked out a few who seemed relatively clean and sent them to work under Qu Bushi, while the rest were all taken away.

The hall became empty. Li Zhouwei let out a breath, looked at Li Minggong, and said:"Aunt... Jiang Huzi's background is unknown; we need to keep a close eye on her."

"I understand."Li Minggong nodded. Her gains from this dharma assembly were the greatest; the Six-Horned Scarlet Flame Lamp from the Golden Feather Sect was no ordinary item, and her strength had increased significantly. Li Zhouwei pondered for a moment, then added:"Although the Wen Yi and Wen Shan brothers have limited cultivation, their backgrounds are unknown. We still need to observe them closely in the mountains on the West Shore..."

With Li Ximing's sudden breakthrough to the Purple Mansion realm, the Li family had become an immortal clan. Not only could they boldly accept Foundation Establishment cultivators as guest elders, but Qu Bushi, Ding Weizeng, and others would also be unlikely to harbor ulterior motives. The family's manpower suddenly became abundant.

"Aunt..."Before he could finish, both of them looked up in surprise, gazing together at the sky outside the hall.

The celestial light into which Li Zhouwei transformed appeared in mid-air almost instantly, shining brilliantly. All Foundation Establishment cultivators and even late-stage Qi Refinement cultivators on the lake simultaneously looked up, gazing towards the west.

In the western sky, where light met shadow, floating clouds gathered like a vortex. From the eye of the cloud, a milky-white pillar of light shot straight into the sky, illuminating the entire western horizon.

Li Minggong was a step slower. She stepped into the air, recognized the phenomenon after a breath, and said with slight surprise:"A Purple Mansion cultivator has failed in their attempt to reach the Golden Core realm."

"Indeed."Li Zhouwei watched from a distance and replied:"It's in the direction of Changhuai Mountain."

The morning sun in the east was slowly rising, and the world between heaven and earth cleared. It was as if something heavy and oppressive had dissipated from their hearts. Distant objects became clearer, morning mist lingered, and the spiritual energy was fresh and sweet.

Li Minggong looked up and noticed the spiritual power within her body surging. Li Zhouwei's golden eyes flickered, and he said in surprise:"The spiritual atmosphere of Jiangnan... has changed..."

More than thirty years ago, the spiritual energy of Jiangnan was a 'Superior Evil Spirit Repository'. It aided the cultivation of Earth Virtue, demonic cultivators, Mansion Water, and vital energy. It even suppressed ancient immortal cultivators. However, it had little to do with the Li family. The Purple Mansion Golden Core path was not considered an ancient immortal path, and those who had consumed vital energy had cultivated faster in recent years.

Li Zhouwei felt the clear spiritual energy of heaven and earth rising, and turning to Li Minggong, he said:"Logically, the spiritual energy has only changed for over thirty years, and this should be its peak, yet it has already shifted..."

Li Zhouwei nodded and replied:"The demise of a cultivator from Changhuai Mountain is extraordinary. We must ask the True Master about it..."

He sent someone to Zhijing Mountain and, along with Li Minggong, landed in the courtyard. Just as Li Zhouwei was about to speak, he frowned again. His golden pupils instantly dilated, a sharp glint appeared, and the Hidden Light of the Upper Sun on his brow faintly glowed as he stared at the hall entrance.

The next moment, the Great Ascension Halberd appeared in his hand like flowing light. Gripping it, Li Zhouwei said coldly:"Who goes there?!"

Li Minggong, not having sensed it, was a half-beat slower. She too conjured flames. However, since she had not cultivated any eye techniques, she only retreated half a step, using the flames to protect herself, wary of self-injury.

Then, a grey light flickered, black energy emerged, and a man appeared before the hall. His brow bones were slightly high, his eyes grey-black, and his expression smiling. He had an unremarkable appearance, wore a brown robe, and had a sword at his waist.

Only then did he reveal his form, quickly waving his hand and saying with a smile:"Long time no see, Minghuang! Your techniques have grown even more formidable!"

"Little brother!"Li Minggong smiled in delight, dispersed her flames, and quickly stepped forward, exclaiming joyfully:"So you've come out of secluded cultivation! Why was there no phenomenon?"

This person was none other than Li Chenghuai!

Li Zhouwei also relaxed. His stern expression faded, the Great Ascension Halberd in his hand vanished, and he cupped his hands in apology. Li Chenghuai was full of vigor and simply chuckled:"Big sister! You've forgotten that I cultivate the 'Upper Shaman's Undetectable Art'! This immortal foundation conceals my form, hides my aura, evades spiritual senses, leaves no trace to the eye, and verifies truth through talismans and spells. How could there be any phenomena?"

He paused briefly, observed their expressions, and smiled:"Judging by your complexions, has the family now stabilized?"

Li Chenghuai had entered seclusion quite late, precisely when the Li family was struggling. At that time, Li Zhouwei had repeatedly barely escaped from Floating Cloud Cave, which caused him great concern. That's why he came directly to the main hall upon emerging from seclusion. Who knew Li Minggong would burst into a giggle, covering her mouth as she laughed:"Little brother, our clan uncle has reached the Purple Mansion realm!"

"Oh..."Li Chenghuai was first stunned, then his complexion flushed. He stared straight ahead for several breaths before saying:"Huh?"

Li Minggong said:"Just a few days ago, all the families came to offer their congratulations. Several Purple Mansion cultivators personally attended the dharma assembly; it was a grand event! If you had come out of seclusion a few days earlier, you would have seen it for yourself!"

Li Chenghuai found it unbelievable, as if in a dream. He whispered:"So, our family... is now a Purple Mansion immortal clan?"

"Precisely!"Li Zhouwei affirmed. Unable to contain himself, Li Chenghuai burst into laughter and said delightedly:"You're not messing with me, are you? What about Floating Cloud Cave?"

"Floating Cloud Cave was destroyed long ago!"Li Minggong recounted the events from beginning to end. Li Chenghuai listened, unable to suppress the smile on his lips. He let out a long breath and replied:"During my seclusion, I constantly worried about the family. It took me nearly a year of recuperation to officially break through. It was initially very difficult, and I became increasingly weak, but fortunately, the Suiduan Pill supported me, allowing me to barely sustain myself."

"Originally, it would have taken much more effort, and whether I could break through was uncertain. Unexpectedly, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth suddenly changed, and countless wondrous insights appeared in my mind. It was as if I had divine assistance, and I broke through in one go!"

"So that's it!"Li Zhouwei and Li Minggong exchanged glances, immediately understanding:"It was indeed due to the change in Jiangnan's spiritual energy, something that might not happen once in several decades... What good fortune!"

Li Minggong sighed with emotion. Li Zhouwei was also quite moved and replied:"In the path of cultivation, fate and fortune truly cannot be underestimated!"

He sighed, then his expression shifted to a smile as he said:"Since junior uncle has successfully broken through, it's naturally a great joyous occasion for the family. Aunt Minggong no longer needs to stay at home; it's a good time for you to go to Jiangbei... However, junior uncle should still pay respects to our elders, report the good news, and take over the Qingtou affairs."

"That is as it should be."Li Chenghuai appeared thoughtful, then immediately took his leave to pay respects to Li Xuanxuan. Li Zhouwei, meanwhile, took out a sheet of paper and began writing with a brush:"'A letter must still be sent to the sect, to let the elders know of this great joyous occasion.'"

Li Minggong waited for a while on the side, then saw an old man approach. He had a bald head, white beard, and a sturdy build. An Zeyan was almost 170 years old; as he aged, he had become gentler. He bowed and said:"Reporting to the Family Head, Zhijing Mountain reports that the True Master left with Ding Weizeng earlier and their whereabouts are unknown."

An Zeyan was one of the most senior and experienced elders of the Li family. Li Zhouwei nodded to him, then looked at Li Minggong:"Aunt, come with me to Jiangbei first."

"Great-grandfather... Great-grandfather, you don't have to see me off..."Li Chenghuai emerged from the hall, with Li Xuanxuan still cheerfully holding his hand, walking him all the way to the front of the hall. The elder, having witnessed a succession of joyous events, had a ruddy complexion and looked much younger. He held onto Li Chenghuai's hand, unwilling to let go.

"Huai'er... your father was the most sensible among the Four Dawns... Now that you've reached Foundation Establishment, he would surely be overjoyed..."

Li Xuanxuan continued to ramble, Li Chenghuai listened in silence. He then saw the elder pull him aside, take a brocade box from his embrace, and say softly:"Huai'er, Ximing achieved divine abilities, and your parents came back to visit. Xiao'er also paid his respects to me, but you were in seclusion and missed them. They only met Zhouluo... and had a good talk... giving Zhouluo quite a few spiritual items."

"Your father left an Upper Feather Night Robe with me. Artifacts for Upper Shamans are exceedingly rare, and he specifically sought this out over the years. He said, if you succeeded in your breakthrough... it would be for you. If not, it would be for Zhouluo."

Li Chenghuai glanced over, and let out a breath. Li Xuanxuan then said:"Your mother also came to see me privately and left something for you. It's a Night Ghost Secret Talisman, a direct heirloom of the Yang family. I don't know its purpose, but I've brought it for you..."

Both items were in the brocade box. Li Chenghuai silently took it. Li Xuanxuan watched with a pained heart and simply said:"Over these years... your father often could barely protect himself, and he wouldn't say much. Your mother is also a direct descendant of the Yang family, making things inconvenient for her actions. Don't take it amiss... Now that Ximing has broken through and is the Pavilion Master of Jiutian Pavilion, he finally has the opportunity to seek benefits for you, but it's not good for him to tell you directly."

Li Chenghuai shook his head and said:"Chenghuai is not after these artifacts."

Li Xuanxuan merely patted his shoulder and smiled:"There's nothing between father and son that cannot be spoken. Look at me... I lost my father at birth, my mother in my youth, my son in middle age, and in my old age, I guard the tombs of my children. Although your Uncle Ximing has reached the Purple Mansion realm, he still carries this regret... Cherish what you have..."

"Now that both you and your father are Foundation Establishment cultivators, ordinary people can only envy you beyond measure. First, go look into the Qingtou affairs. After some time, make a trip to Qingchi."

Li Chenghuai simply slipped the brocade box into his sleeve, gave a strained farewell, and composed himself, silently riding the wind over the lake.

He replayed Li Xuanxuan's and Li Zhouwei's words in his mind, feeling secretly tense:"First, I should check on the Qingtou affairs... It seems Zhouluo didn't handle them very well..."

He dared not be careless and immediately went to Qingtou, entering through the formation. From a distance, he saw lights flickering in the hall, faintly hearing the sound of ink being ground and pages being turned.

Li Chenghuai gently knocked on the door. The person inside said clearly:"Is that a clan junior? Please come in!"