Chapter 703: Yuanxiu's Intentions

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Li Ximing agreed. Behind him, Ding Weizeng kept his head down, maintaining a reserved demeanor, not daring to speak much. After all, it was a conversation between two Purple Mansion cultivators. To overhear even a single sentence was a rare opportunity, and he was secretly astonished: "True Monarch Zhaojing has only just broken through to Purple Mansion, while True Monarch Yuanxiu is in the late Purple Mansion stage and is a grand cultivator of Jiangnan. How can he be so polite?"

He knew nothing of Purple Mansion affairs, nor of the lifespan of divine abilities. He only knew he shouldn't overthink, so he relaxed his mind. Si Boxiu glanced at him and said, "The weakening of the Malefic Spirit Trove has a history. First, in Jiangnan, some years ago, Zipai perished. Kan Xuyu was a grand master of Purple Qi. Does Zhaojing know the Taoist name of Purple Qi's Golden Phoenix?"

"I'd like to hear the details," Li Ximing asked with a smile. Yuanxiu replied gravely, "The full name is Celestial Cultivation Purple Qi Immortal Essence Phoenix."

Upon hearing the name, Li Ximing guessed many things. Sure enough, Si Boxiu continued, "Her sudden breakthrough and demise had an imaginable impact on the Malefic Spirit Trove within the spiritual aura... Zhaojing, just considering the 'Immortal' character in her name, and given she was a grand master, the fact that the Malefic Spirit Trove didn't immediately dissipate was already a concession, considering the excessively destructive rain caused by Chi Zhiyun!"

The origin of the Malefic Spirit Trove was precisely the turning point in the Yuan family's decline from prosperity. Their old ancestor, Yuan Licheng, failed in his breakthrough to the Purple Mansion stage and perished overnight. Rain fell across several commanderies, and Green Pool secretly maintained the downpour, disrupting the Profound Peace Mid-Aura. This was originally a clandestine matter. Yuanxiu's gentle hint, revealing the bad reputation and pushing it onto Chi Zhiyun, put the Chi family on the spot. Li Ximing immediately interjected, "At that time, the rain was unpredictable, and all beings wailed. My aunt also failed in her breakthrough and perished due to this rain, and she was a Xiao family member..."

In fact, the Li family later investigated and found that the rain's impact on mortals was not as significant as imagined; it affected cultivators more, but by no means reached the point of "excessive destruction." However, neither of them cared about the true extent. Yuanxiu smiled and said, "Now that the miser is dead and Wu is at peace, Jiangnan is undergoing a transformation... This appears to be the 'Heart's Intent Towards Mystery,' beneficial for ancient traditions, immortal paths, secluded cultivation, and skillful artifact crafting... It has the power to suppress spiritual consciousness, harm earth, suppress demons, greatly increase fire virtue magic power, and achieve the Twelve Clear Qi."

The Si family's lineage was extraordinary. The records left by Li Xuanfeng mentioned them as the northern powerful Sima family. Ordinary people recognizing them would be impressive; even immortal sects would at most know the first part, let alone such intricate details. However, upon hearing the many descriptions of "Heart's Intent Towards Mystery," Li Ximing's heart sank: "It's precisely Earth Virtue! Truly ill-fated... Changxi's Xuanyue Taoist lineage is Earth Virtue, and now it harms earth and suppresses demons. Those three Foundation Establishment cultivators in secluded breakthrough... their already slim chances have diminished even further..."

Since his family intended to offer assistance, they naturally hoped Xuanyue could break through to Purple Mansion. Now, it seemed fate was not on their side!

Li Ximing didn't believe the "Heart's Intent Towards Mystery" was intentionally targeting the Kong family. After all, this spiritual aura was shaken by the successive deaths of Qing Tang from Changhuai Mountain and True Monarch Zipai. Changxi was likely an insignificant figure compared to these two, let alone capable of using their deaths as a deliberate calculation.

Li Ximing nodded in thanks. Si Boxiu, however, subtly observed him and said, "When I was in seclusion years ago, Si Yuanli managed the sect. I heard that Li Xizhi provided powerful assistance, contributing significantly. I haven't met him since I emerged from seclusion." "I also heard the Yuan clan repeatedly tried to harm him. Is this true?"

Si Boxiu's question was abrupt. Li Ximing hadn't expected him to sound as if he intended to settle accounts with the Yuan family, but Yuan Chengzhao was now a loyal subordinate of the Si family. So, he merely smiled and said, "Not really. Those were all schemes of Chi Zhiyan. The Yuan family was innocent in the first place; we were still on good terms with them in earlier years."

Although Li Ximing spent his days cultivating at home, his childhood education had been geared towards becoming a family head. While he couldn't compare to Xiao Chuting or Si Boxiu now, he wouldn't stumble on such matters. Excuses flowed naturally from him: "Later, some unpleasantness arose regarding an in-law matter. People below are fond of such gossip and rumors; they spread them privately, adding or subtracting details according to their personal preferences... it's quite common."

Li Ximing's prevarication was flawless. Si Boxiu nodded approvingly at his perceptiveness. The strained relationship between the Yuan and Li clans, positioned beneath Moon Lake, suited him perfectly. He merely said, "The Yuan clan's ancestors were somewhat extraordinary; even I can't fully discern them. Zhaojing, do not stoop to their level."

Li Ximing wasn't sure if he was being threatened or told the truth, but it was clear the Yuan clan would remain, which seemed to be a consensus. Then Yuanxiu smiled and said, "Zhaojing, you hide your depths well. The younger generation is indeed formidable."

"Yuanli is currently in seclusion and unable to meet you. The main leadership position within the sect is vacant, and Tantai Jin, who joined Green Pool midway, cannot command respect. After much deliberation, only Xizhi is suitable," Yuanxiu said with a slight smile. "How about letting Xizhi become the Sect Master... This would earn everyone's respect and demonstrate our sect's fairness."

"Absolutely not!" Li Ximing did not want Li Xizhi to become the Sect Master. One's background determines the scope of one's actions. While Li Xizhi as Sect Master sounded good, if the Li family were to swallow this bait, they would not only become subservient to Green Pool but also be forced to clean up after the Si family. He was utterly unwilling to do so. He said in a deep voice, "Senior! My family has never had any designs on Green Pool's power! My elder brother is also not suited to be a Sect Master; it absolutely cannot be!"

"Zhaojing, don't be so quick to refuse," Yuanxiu said unhurriedly. "Apart from other benefits, the chief position in Green Pool grants access to this Azure Lotus Pond. Inside, there's a Moonlit Glazed Tree. Consuming its fruit bestows the ability to enlighten various cultivation methods, largely increasing the chance of breaking through to Purple Mansion."

He stroked his beard and continued, "You also know my time is limited. While it's not as urgent as Changxi's situation, it draws nearer each day. If Xizhi agrees to be Sect Master, the Li clan will certainly receive a share of these spirit fruits." "As for Green Pool's Purple Mansion spiritual artifacts and spirit tools... Zhaojing will not be overlooked either. When I perish, all of them can be transferred into the Li clan's hands."

Yuanxiu smiled gently, "Your esteemed clan is a Sword Immortal family. Zhaojing, wouldn't you like to see the spirit sword, Great Snow Apex? It's right there at the bottom of the pond!" "I also know there are some conflicts between the White Ye Immortal Sect and the Changxiao Gate with your esteemed clan. If Zhaojing agrees, I will immediately intervene to mediate between your three parties and ensure everything is properly arranged."

'Moonlit Glazed Tree...' Li Ximing fell silent for a moment, then cupped his hands and said, "Senior, you worry too much. My family has always been respectful to the main sect and lacks such ambition... Purple Mansion cultivators are rare, and such treasures should be left for Yuanli!"

"How rare are Purple Mansion spiritual artifacts? And Great Snow Apex is an even rarer spirit sword... The Li clan dares not covet them. Furthermore... with True Monarch Suiguan above us, everything should be decided by that esteemed elder."

Could Si Boxiu truly be so kind? Li Ximing would never believe this old fox, who was as cunning as a spirit. Besides Chi Buzi being outside, Suiguan's whereabouts were unknown. Could Green Pool truly be decided by Si Boxiu alone?

True Monarch Yuanxiu, unfazed by the refusal, casually poured some tea and sipped it, saying, "Very well then. I trouble Zhaojing to watch over the north for my Green Pool. If Ye Gui becomes too overbearing and Zhaojing cannot contend with him, you can certainly request aid from the sect. All my previous words stand; it is merely a matter of a single command."

'If I agree, not only would I have to meet Suiguan, but I might even have to enter the Azure Language Heaven again. What "a single command" indeed...'

No matter how beautifully Si Boxiu spoke, Li Ximing paid him no mind. The elder noticed his unwavering stance but didn't seem bothered. He looked at Ding Weizeng behind Li Ximing and smiled, saying, "Zhaojing, this is..."

Li Ximing had been waiting for him to ask, so he smiled and said, "This is a new guest elder my family has recruited. Unexpectedly, his Qi Sea was injured by the Three Sects of Mifan. Although my Bright Yang divine ability can generate all things, it is not a lineage specialized in healing, so I thought I'd ask the True Monarch while I was here."

Si Boxiu was a grand cultivator practicing Wood Virtue! His cultivation was still in the late Purple Mansion stage, likely unique throughout the entire Yue Kingdom. Li Ximing was not one to stand on ceremony; if there was a benefit to be gained, he would take it. Since he was already there, he casually asked Si Boxiu, as it was a minor matter anyway.

While Ding Weizeng's injured Qi Sea was almost a death sentence for a noble family, it was nothing significant for a Purple Mansion cultivator. Si Boxiu heard this, nodded, and smiled, "When it comes to healing, the first is Water of Yin, followed by Lush Water and Horn Wood. My cultivation lineage, however, is the most unique among Wood Virtues, called True Wood. It is wood formed from the union of Jia and Yi, as hard as stone, almost resembling metal, and not conducive to generative growth."

Li Ximing nodded slightly. Si Boxiu's implication was that his True Wood was an anomaly among Wood Virtues, and its healing capabilities were on par with his own. He immediately understood: "No wonder Si Yuanli's sword art is ethereal and lacks the feel of Wood Virtue. It's because his family's lineage, True Wood, is as hard as stone and resembles metal, and a sword is a weapon of metal. That explains it..."

As his thoughts stirred, Si Boxiu smiled and said, "If you are inclined, you can take a trip to the East Sea. Near Beihai, there's a Changliu Mountain, and the Taoist nun Xiangchun there practices Water of Yin. She is benevolent and would likely help."

This matter didn't warrant specifically requesting a Purple Mansion cultivator's intervention. Li Ximing subtly frowned. Si Boxiu, observing his expression, merely smiled and said, "I had forgotten the sentiment between the Xiao and Li families. You could also ask Xiao Chuting; he cultivates Kan Water and might be able to help."

Li Ximing's heart eased. He exchanged a few more polite words with Si Boxiu, who then finally said softly, "Zhaojing, since you were the first to visit me, I'll be clear with you. Hengzhu Dao has a rift with Changxiao Gate, which is why they have a good impression of you. However, Jinyu is watching Hengzhu..." "In earlier years, Hengzhu and I also had many disputes. Now that I'm older, I view things more lightly... But..." Yuanxiu paused, then added very casually, "Regardless of whom your Li clan allies with, you mustn't get too close to Hengzhu; there's a risk of danger."

Evidently, the three individuals Li Ximing was visiting intended to form factions. All Purple Mansion cultivators were astute. Since he had chosen Si Boxiu, he absolutely could not approach Hengzhu afterward, or he would be caught between a rock and a hard place.

'But Green Pool was a necessary visit. Si Boxiu's approaching lifespan already made things sensitive, and the north of the river was fraught with danger; they couldn't afford to lack a stable rear support...' Li Ximing felt helpless: 'Hengzhu is at odds with Jinyu and doesn't get along with Green Pool... Who would dare approach them... Moreover, my Moon Lake is right in front of this Jinyu Poisonous Dragon and Green Pool Sick Tiger...'

"This junior understands..." Li Ximing replied solemnly, then took his leave. Yuanxiu rose to see him off. Upon exiting the Azure Lotus Pond, Li Ximing felt his entire body lighten, and the world seemed clear. He left Green Pool, bid farewell, and vanished into the Grand Void.

Yuanxiu escorted him out, then returned to Green Pool Mountain, slowly stroking his beard as he mused, "Next is Xiao Chuting. I wonder if that fellow will even see him. Li Ximing is quite articulate, very fortunate, and not foolish, just too young."

The Grand Void. Having just left Green Pool Mountain, Li Ximing did not immediately head towards the Xiao family's grand formation. Instead, he traversed the Grand Void, following spiritual cues, and stopped before Mount Xianyou.

This type of visit was different from a private one; simply stepping in from the Grand Void wouldn't suffice. At the Green Pool Sect earlier, he had also entered through the mountain gate, signifying a friendly relationship between the two families. If Green Pool required such formality, the Xiao family would even more so.

'What exactly is the role of Hengzhu, to have reached such a point? I haven't heard of him being particularly close to any family, yet he has offended so many people.' This made Li Ximing recall an incident: "Back then, Murong Xia went south and devoured a direct descendant of Hengzhu's Purple Mansion. At the time, I just thought that monk was arrogant, but now that I think about it... perhaps it was a sign of Hengzhu's predicament, showing early clues then..."

The Three Sects and Seven Gates had always been aloof. Only after reaching Purple Mansion did he realize there was so much exclusion within. As he pondered this, a man in a long robe approached the mountain, cupped his hands, and said, "Xiao Ruyu of the Xiao family greets the True Monarch!"

The man appeared middle-aged, with a face full of smiles and a humble, courteous demeanor, clearly worldly and shrewd. Li Ximing had heard his name before; he had some acquaintance with his father's generation. Li Ximing waved his hand and said, "So it's Shopkeeper Ruyu."

Xiao Ruyu was once a prominent figure in the Xiao family. However, he seemed to have made some mistake later and was sidelined for decades, merely guarding a market town. With no further interaction, his relationship with the Li clan faded.

His face no longer bore the spirited traces of his youth when he had pursued the Tangjin Gate alongside Li Xuanfeng. Only the deep torment left by the vicissitudes of time remained. This once righteous youth's life had also been difficult; he endured different sufferings than Li Xuanfeng, and his character had been worn smooth and round.

He merely bowed his head and said respectfully, "My clan uncle, Xiao Yongling, should have come to greet you, but he entered secluded cultivation to break through to Purple Mansion some years ago. So, I had to come and welcome the True Monarch. Please forgive me."

'Xiao Yongling has entered seclusion to break through to Purple Mansion...' Li Ximing was surprised. After a moment of thought, he asked, "I distinctly remember... this person cultivates the Eastern Feather Mountain path, right? I wonder which lineage it belongs to?"

For others to ask would invite suspicion of prying into their lineage, but a Purple Mansion cultivator held a different status, so such an inquiry was seen as concern. Xiao Ruyu respectfully said, "Reporting to the True Monarch, my clan uncle's cultivation lineage is the Capital Guard among the ancient traditions... It has been extinct in Yue Kingdom for many years. It was unexpectedly acquired by our True Monarch."

This was the first time Li Ximing had heard of this lineage, and he secretly committed it to memory. In such public circumstances, it was not convenient to inquire further. He proceeded with Xiao Ruyu into the mountain. Upon reaching the formation in front of the main peak, Xiao Ruyu finally spoke, saying respectfully, "Please, would this fellow Daoist wait outside?"

This was naturally referring to Ding Weizeng. The man hesitated slightly, looking at Li Ximing. Li Ximing's heart stirred, and he immediately sensed something was amiss: "If Xiao Chuting hadn't given a specific order... Xiao Ruyu would absolutely not dare to stop him... What could this mean...?"

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