Chapter 705: Wan Yu's Affair

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Once the decision was made, Li Jiangxia reported to Li Zhouwei, then energetically took the tally and led his troops towards the East Shore. Li Zhouwei raised a hand and asked:

"Long'er, Xuanyue has proposed a marriage alliance. One woman may need to be offered, and among your brothers, one must also be chosen. Excluding the youngest, Jiangnian, who do you think would be suitable?"

Li Jianglong then bowed and respectfully replied:

"Father, I believe this marriage alliance with Xuanyue is merely to foster goodwill. Future events are unpredictable, so we should choose a younger brother to betroth, postponing the marriage. This way, if anything happens later, there will be room to maneuver, preventing an awkward situation."

"As for offering a daughter in marriage, we must await Xuanyue's betrothal gifts."

Li Zhouwei simply said:

"To reassure Xuanyue, this is not something we can defer or take lightly; doing so would show a lack of sincerity."

Li Jianglong bowed again and respectfully said:

"I am willing to go to Xuanyue for cultivation as a direct descendant to calm Xuanyue's concerns. As for the marriage, I earnestly hope it can be settled upon one of my younger brothers. I foolishly fear that my involvement could lead to disaster!"

Li Jianglong's considerations were not without merit. With Changxi's death, Xuanyue's future was uncertain. If the worst happened and Xuanyue fell, and adult direct descendants like Jianglong or Jiangxia married Xuanyue's direct line, wouldn't their offspring be tainted by enmity?

Jiangliang, on the other hand, was still a child; marriage would take at least ten years. In ten years, Changxi would have long fallen, and Xuanyue's situation would be clear, preventing excessive entanglement.

However, his willingness to go to Xuanyue for cultivation surprised Li Zhouwei slightly. He looked up at his third son, asking in a deep voice:

"After the East Shore matter is concluded, I had intended to entrust you with Dense Forest Mountain, to bring stability to the 118 families, and send your younger brother to the East Shore. But you want to go to Xuanyue. Have you thought this through?"

His children were all capable administrators. As descendants of Mingyang, they desired power and formed various factions, unlike the previous generations who deferred to one another. Even young Li Jiangliang had considerable ambitions. How could Li Zhouwei not know?

In the current vibrant climate, moving away from the center of power was almost entirely disadvantageous. Li Jianglong's proposal was truly unexpected. Li Zhouwei asked again, seeing him bow and say:

"After much thought, I believe this trip will greatly benefit our Moon-Gazing Lake. I hope Father will grant my request."

"Very well."

Li Zhouwei, unwilling to give him a moment to reconsider, immediately nodded and instructed:

"Go and select two attendants. I will personally explain the situation to the True Man. When you arrive at Xuanyue, be humble and act cautiously, so as not to bring dishonor to our family's reputation."

"Father, rest assured!"

Li Jianglong thanked him and withdrew. Li Quewan, clad in a long cloud-satin dress, had been listening nearby and felt a growing admiration for Li Jianglong. Unexpectedly, Li Zhouwei asked:

"Wan'er, regarding the East Shore matter, who do you think should be sent to govern it?"

"I dare not speak too much... lest I transgress the rules."

Li Quewan had just replied when she heard Li Zhouwei say, "Speak freely." She then bowed and said:

"To the Family Head, several elders must guard the North Shore and should not be moved lightly. Now that Uncle Chenghuai has taken over Qingdu, Uncle Zhouluo is available, but his cultivation is crucial, and I'm unsure if it would cause a delay."

"Uncle Zhouming also achieved Qi Condensation a few days ago, and Aunt Xinghan can also contribute."

It must be said that after the severe blow of the North-South conflict, the Chenging-Ming-Zhou-Xing generation had truly withered. Chenghuai, Minggong, and Cheng each had their assignments. Among the Zhou-Xing generation, besides Li Zhouluo, whose cultivation was decent, the next was Li Xinghan from the Elder Branch, who cultivated quietly, rarely seen.

Li Zhouming, specifically mentioned, was a True Man's direct grandson whose talent was not particularly outstanding. He was already over thirty and only managed to break through with the aid of a Tri-Perfect Breakthrough Pill, still not as good as the brothers Li Zhoufang and Li Zhongyang.

Li Zhouwei sighed inwardly. The Zhou-Xing generation's talent was sufficient for an ordinary aristocratic family, but there were no exceptionally outstanding individuals. They grew up during the turbulent North-South conflict, when the Li family was unstable and neglected training. A good number of them also lost their parents, returning with only one or two storage bags.

The external surnames were equally dismal and had not recovered their vitality. The An family was better off with a Foundation Establishment cultivator. The Chen family was supported by Chen Yang, and Chen Donghe was still in Yuting. The other prominent families from Lijing, who had risen from obscurity, though their grand gates and courtyards might seem prosperous, could not conceal the slow twilight and scarcity of talent.

"Uncle Chenghuai has already taken over Qingdu, and Zhouluo should not enter the Dense Forest again... Let the elder go and oversee it for now, and let Zhouming and Xinghan follow him to learn."

He gave the instructions, finally put down his brush, and said softly:

"I will be heading to Jiangbei in a few days. Let Qian'er take charge of clan affairs in my stead. Please assist him; with Uncle Chenghuai there, there shouldn't be much trouble."

Li Quewan respectfully nodded in agreement. Li Zhouwei took out the Mountain Ghost Talisman from his sleeve, handed it to her, and said:

"This is a Mountain Ghost Talisman. It possesses the power of a Foundation Establishment cultivator. You can study it and use it for self-protection."

The Sword Gate.

The Wanyu Sword Gate is located in Jingchuan Commandery, a region abundant in hills and lush vegetation. Its main peak, Yuchuan Sword Peak, resembles a long sword piercing the sky. Less than two hundred li from the Sword Gate's Eastern Sea Sword-Lifting Ferry, it offers a commanding view of the vast, boundless sea.

On the sword-sharp main peak of Yuchuan Sword Peak, a Profound Horn Treasure Spike Pine was growing. Unlike ordinary upright pine trees, it stood gracefully like a grand canopy, its needles appearing as jade-green spikes. It was a Purple Mansion spiritual pine of the Horn Wood lineage, renowned throughout Jiangnan.

The Sword Gate was a place of quiet cultivation. Pavilions dotted the peak, yet few people were seen. Only one person came to greet Li Ximing: Cheng Jinzhu, who had offered congratulations on that earlier day. Bearing his sword, he led Li Ximing up the mountain. A southeastern wind was rising, passing through the pines, creating a shimmering display of light.

The Celestial Light between Li Ximing's brows possessed the ability to detect anomalies; with just a glance, he noticed something. He sensed that this wind was unusual, governing the growth of wood, and subtly aligned with the Horn Wood path. He raised an eyebrow and said:

"What a splendid Horn Wood Spring Wind."

"True Man's divine powers are vast! This wind is indeed of the Horn Wood lineage, called the Treasure Spike Spring Wind. Whenever a southeastern wind rises and passes through the branches of our sect's old ancestor, it immediately transforms into this wind, possessing the ability to foster life and nurture the populace."

"This wind originates from the southeast, flows northwestward all the way to Xianhu Lake, where it merges with the daytime sea breeze, then shifts westward, combining with river water to nourish Jiangnan."

"Oh."

Li Ximing listened, sighing inwardly:

"No matter the demonic or blood disasters in Qingchi, its population always recovers quickly. This Purple Mansion spiritual tree must undoubtedly play a part!"

As he thought this, a figure had already appeared beneath the tree. It was a middle-aged man, dressed in a Taoist robe, with partially gray hair and beard, holding a sword. His expression held a smile, tinged with surprise, as he spoke:

"I am Ling Mei. Greetings, Zhaojing."

"Greetings, Senior!"

Li Ximing returned the greeting. Most cultivators of the Sword Gate were formidable in combat, and few wished to offend them, so he was naturally polite. He saw True Man Ling Mei approach and introduce:

"This is Senior Tianjiao."

Only then did Li Ximing realize he was referring to the Profound Horn Treasure Spike Pine before them. He quickly bowed again and respectfully said:

"Greetings, Senior."

Li Ximing himself had three spiritual trees: two that had not yet gained sentience, the Snake Dragon Fruit Tree and the Wanling Flower Tree, and one spiritual persimmon tree brought back from Quanru Mountain, which, though far less ancient than the first two, had vaguely awakened its intelligence.

Li Ximing spoke, but the Profound Horn Treasure Spike Pine showed no reaction. Ling Mei hastily said:

"The old senior often enters slumber and hasn't stirred for nearly fifty years. Please don't take offense."

Li Ximing nodded and followed him forward. True Man Ling Mei lifted his sleeve and smiled:

"This senior has quite an illustrious background. Back then, True Monarch Taiyu cultivated on this mountain, and his golden aura soared to the heavens, preventing vegetation from growing for hundreds of li around. He had no choice but to plant the old senior here to conceal the golden aura. Later, our sect's founder, Wanyu Sword Cheng Liuxing, became a disciple of the True Monarch and also had to address this senior as 'Martial Uncle'..."

"It was actually planted by a True Monarch!"

Li Ximing was instantly astonished. What kind of figure was True Monarch Taiyu? The power of this ancient tree was undoubtedly supreme among Purple Mansion cultivators. As long as this old tree stood, who would dare to attack the Sword Gate?

Ling Mei was clearly somewhat proud, and continued:

"Our Sword Gate's long swords span the skies, and our golden aura is awe-inspiring, yet it has never affected the people of Jingchuan Commandery. This is also thanks to the old senior!"

As he spoke, he had already pulled Li Ximing to sit beneath the tree. The table was covered with jade-spike-like pine needles. Ling Mei swept them away with a flick of his sleeve, poured tea, and smiled:

"I truly never expected Zhaojing to arrive!"

Li Ximing merely smiled and politely said:

"My ancestors were renowned as Sword Immortals, their names inscribed in the Wanyu Sword Scroll of Chenghua Hall. Now that Zhaojing has achieved Purple Mansion, it is only natural for me to come and pay respects! Moreover, our family has practiced swordsmanship for generations, sharing a lineage and righteous friendship with the Sword Gate. How could I not visit?"

"Indeed."

Ling Mei nodded, appearing somewhat pleasantly surprised. His face was slightly square, his features solid, but his eyes were full of approval. He nodded and said:

"Our ancestor once said that anyone in the world whose name is recorded in the Sword Scroll is an honored guest within our gate. Should they face any matter of life or death, they may seek aid from our sect."

"Although many years have passed and our ancestor has ascended, our gate still considers all sword immortals as friends. Alas... we learned then that your esteemed ancestors had already been harmed!"

A look of indignation appeared on his face. Li Ximing sighed and shook his head, saying:

"After all... things are unpredictable in this world..."

Ling Mei did not dwell on past events. Changing the subject, he softly said:

"Coincidentally, Zhaojing and I are from the same family."

"Oh?"

Li Ximing paused slightly, then asked with a hint of doubt:

"Does True Man not bear the surname Cheng?"

Ling Mei laughed heartily and nodded:

"My original name is Li Mei."

He paused briefly, observing Li Ximing's expression, then stroked his beard and said:

"In the path of cultivation, when one achieves the Dao, even their immediate surroundings ascend, benefiting their descendants. Cultivator descendants often possess extraordinary talent, far surpassing that of ordinary mortals. Thus, various sects and gates have extended special favor to ensure the continuation of their bloodlines."

"However, sword cultivation talent is different. A farmer's son might be able to wield a sword of immense weight, while a family of Purple Mansion cultivators might not be able to brandish a three-foot blade. Our Sword Gate values sword cultivation above all, and we often have Qi Condensation peak masters and Fetal Breath guest elders."

Li Ximing then understood. Ling Mei continued:

"Our sect adheres to the righteous path, and direct descendants come from various surnames. The Cheng clan is the founder's lineage, which is why they earn everyone's respect and often act as direct descendants when outside, merely holding the position of Sect Master."

"What a righteous path!"

Li Ximing couldn't help but praise, somewhat incredulously. Ling Mei, however, sighed with a hint of lament:

"Not necessarily... There are also drawbacks. We bear our own burdens, and other sects also understand this... I'll explain it to Zhaojing now."

"Our gate reveres those with excellent sword cultivation and virtue. But cultivators are already few, and those who possess both, along with exceptional cultivation talent, are extremely rare. One might not see a single such person in a hundred years!"

"Consequently, those with extraordinary talent often cannot acquire resources, while those with mediocre talent must consume thousands of spiritual items to advance. To obtain resources, one must first practice swordsmanship, descend the mountain to aid the common people, and demonstrate virtue. Yet, apart from a few geniuses, sword arts become more profound with age, leading many to miss their prime for breakthroughs. Thus, the entire Sword Gate became disorderly and chaotic, even leading to situations where Fetal Breath elders enjoyed direct lineage resources for a hundred years, only to die upon attempting to break through to Qi Condensation when their time was past..."

"This..."

Li Ximing listened, frowning. Ling Mei sighed and replied:

"I came from that era. Later, I broke through to Purple Mansion and took charge of the Sword Gate. Under the name of our ancestor's grace, I vigorously promoted the Cheng clan to reverse the situation somewhat. I implemented many reforms within the sect, going against much dissuasion, which is why figures like Cheng Mianfu, Cheng Gao, and Gu Pang emerged."

"Even so, to this day, most direct descendants of my Sword Gate still have insufficient cultivation, only possessing sword skills... or merely a semblance of virtue. What remains are greater problems, countless irrecoverable losses from relying on past glory... they are simply too numerous to count!"

Hearing this, Li Ximing finally understood why the Wanyu Sword Gate, a dignified Sword Immortal lineage with Golden Core inheritors, couldn't even contend with Scarlet Reef Island and the Pure Unity Sect, and was left helpless in the East Sea. His heart sank further, and he simply said:

"The righteous path is difficult. Thankfully, True Man emerged."

"It's still hard to say."

Ling Mei shook his head and said:

"I haven't even changed the fundamental method of selecting based on virtue. The sect already harbors silent resentment towards me. If I were to touch upon that, I fear they would all go to Chenghua Hall and the old senior, requesting the Sword Scroll to strike me down as a heretic. How later generations will judge me is still uncertain."

True Man Ling Mei was utterly different from Si Bohu and Xiao Chuting. Perhaps because the Li clan upheld the partial righteous path and was a family of sword immortals, his attitude was much more sincere. Practicing both sword arts and virtue, his tone was steady:

"In any case, Zhaojing's visit has indeed helped me. At least many of the stubborn ones within the sect acknowledge the Li clan... Especially since the Moon Gate Sword's sacrifice to slay the Manifestation of Wrath has been inscribed in Chenghua Hall, earning considerable virtuous renown. For this, I thank Zhaojing!"

Having said this, the esteemed Grand Cultivator of the Mid-Purple Mansion Stage actually rose from his seat to offer thanks, startling Li Ximing, who stood up, avoiding the gesture. Seeing this, True Man Ling Mei humbly said:

"It's just that our family has established a rule: we are not to participate in sectarian conflicts, clan disputes, or Purple Mansion schemes. The Green Pine Temple's quest to retrieve their ancestor's artifact had a legitimate cause; otherwise, our gate would not have intervened... If Zhaojing has other intentions, I fear I will have to disappoint you!"

Who among those who reach Purple Mansion isn't astute? True Man Ling Mei's words were sincere and natural, but how could one not understand the intricacies of Purple Mansion interactions? With a single sentence, he highlighted the situation: Li Ximing's arrival might not truly help him, but there needed to be a pretext to avoid offending Li Ximing.

Though the thanks were grand and the distinction eloquently made, what could Li Ximing say? His visit to the Sword Gate was originally to avoid choosing between Jin Yu and Heng Zhu, and he had not expected the Sword Gate to form a close friendship with his own family. He merely said respectfully:

"Senior, you misunderstand. This junior truly came to pay respects to the sword intent of my own sword immortals, with no other intentions. I merely ask to behold the true appearance of the Wanyu Sword Scroll."