Chapter 711: Suman

"Bao Tu"

The Earth Virtue lineage is one of the rarest Daoist traditions in the current era. To encounter a "Bao Tu" lineage, which Chang Xi had never even heard of before, was truly exceptional. Chang Xi replied to Li Ximing:

"Bao Tu refers to the Earth Virtue that nourishes plants, sustains life, and allows grain to flourish. It can nurture both people and artifacts. It is precisely because of this lineage's unique ability that Elder Immortal Qi has many connections among northern cultivators."

He saw that Li Ximing seemed to have understood, and continued in a deep, aged voice:

"The Xuan Gui lineages of the ancient Two Immortals of the State and Grain are almost extinct and rarely seen today. Among the remaining Earth Virtue lineages, Wu Earth and Gen Earth are still relatively common, but Bao Tu is even rarer. It's normal for Zhao Jing not to know."

Li Ximing looked up. Chang Xi said:

"I had originally thought of introducing you to him. Now is a good time; bring the person, and he can conveniently heal them."

Chang Xi had prepared two contingencies for the Xuan Yue Sect: one being the Xuan Miao Temple, with whom they had an marital alliance, thereby relying on Elder Immortal Qi as a backer; the other being a direct lineage sworn to serve under Mount Jingyi in the East Sea. Li Ximing's request to heal Ding Weizeng played right into Chang Xi's hands.

Although Li Ximing heard that Immortal Su Mian's lineage was known to be amiable, he still cautiously asked:

"What is his background? Which lineage does he belong to? Does he have any significant connections?"

Chang Xi was well-prepared and replied:

"He hails from the State of Zhao, originally a cultivator near Yan Mountain. Through some unknown fortunate encounter, he obtained his lineage, then ventured to the East Sea and attained the Dao through cultivation there. He is already four hundred years old."

"This Immortal is quite old, so he prioritizes stability in all his actions, forging connections with cultivators far and wide to ensure the safety of Xuan Miao Temple. This type of Immortal does not stir up trouble. Moreover, his lineage is a unique branch within the Earth Virtue, so there naturally won't be any issues."

Chang Xi, being several hundred years old, naturally understood Li Ximing's concerns and explained it clearly then and there. Li Ximing also felt inclined to form a connection and asked:

"What is his cultivation level?"

"Early-stage Purple Mansion!"

Li Ximing frowned. A bitter expression appeared on Chang Xi's face as he said earnestly:

"Let me tell you, Zhao Jing... We are Earth Virtue cultivators! Our Earth Virtue lineages are very few. To cultivate to the Purple Mansion realm ourselves is already extremely fortunate. How many fellow practitioners could one hope to find? Most of them lack significant backing, which makes things even harder."

He showed a look of regret, lowering his head, his expression aged and weary:

"There are only a few ways for us to supplement our lineage. In my early years, I was prideful, only thinking of finding Purple Mansion cultivation methods. But after hitting dead ends for over seventy years, I finally gave up and started looking for Foundation Establishment cultivation methods."

He only mentioned "looking for Foundation Establishment cultivation methods," which sounded veiled, but Li Ximing immediately understood:

"Looking for Foundation Establishment cultivation methods... it simply means resorting to the wondrous method of extending the path to seize others' immortal foundations. Chang Xi, lacking a life-extending divine ability, achievements in alchemy, and a profound lineage, indeed things haven't gone smoothly for him, judging by his current appearance."

Chang Xi was nearing the end of his lifespan, sustained by medicine for the past few years. As he recalled these matters, regret appeared on his face, and a faint, grayish aura of death even emerged:

"There are quite a few Gen Earth lineages, but those capable of Foundation Establishment were either 'Foolish Mountain-Mover' or 'Foolish Mountain-Mover's' substitutes. I managed to find two among rogue cultivators, but their quality was too low..."

"Xuan Yue already lacked successors. I couldn't bring myself to make my disciples cultivate for the sole purpose of extending my lineage, so I could only place them in the wilderness and the East Sea, intentionally providing them with resources to see if any results would emerge."

"But I lacked a life-extending divine ability, nor did I know which Immortal from which sect... I casually picked them, or perhaps these methods themselves were too inferior, for not a single one succeeded, and few even reached Qi Condensation."

"Over a hundred years, I only succeeded a few times, but I was completely ignorant of this path and had to rely entirely on my own research... It failed repeatedly, so I could only take them on as guest elders."

The wondrous method of extending the path was clearly not an easy feat, especially for a small sect like Xuan Yue. Li Ximing mentally calculated the time and asked in doubt:

"Qing Song Grotto-heaven... Senior Ting Yun went there, didn't she?"

"That's right."

Chang Xi nodded and sighed:

"In those years, I wasn't qualified to claim a share of the Dou Xuan Grotto-heaven. Later, fortunately, there was Qing Song Grotto-heaven. I struggled immensely to send Ting Yun in. She copied three cultivation methods from the Three Drum Wall, and all three were dead ends!"

"I spent over half a century revising... spreading the methods, then gathering disciples to examine them. Finally, I managed to revise one of them by sixty or seventy percent... but it was already too late."

Chang Xi gave a self-mocking smile and replied:

"It's only because I was initially prideful and later aimed too high. A hundred years flew by in an instant. Even if I had mastered this divine ability, what then? I would still die all the same. This half-finished cultivation method can only be left for future generations... If my Xuan Yue lineage can be preserved, and a successor picks up where I left off, they could cultivate a second divine ability in less than a century."

A chill ran through Li Ximing's heart. The old man seemed to be subtly using himself as an example to advise him. Li Ximing remained silent. Chang Xi then said:

"The Three Drum Wall of Qing Song Temple contains three cultivation methods. If a successor revises one more, in five hundred years, my Xuan Yue Sect will have a mid-stage Purple Mansion cultivator. Moreover, the opportunities for future generations are unpredictable; they might even find a way to cross the threshold to the Purple Immortal realm."

He paused here, seeing Li Ximing still silent, and finally advised:

"After all, we are not of the Qing Song lineage; we cannot just cultivate as we please. Judging by your family's pursuit of cultivation methods, your Ming Yang lineage is also incomplete. You should pay close attention."

Li Ximing nodded in agreement. Xuan Miao Temple was certainly a place worth visiting. Not to mention the stature of the old Immortal of Bao Tu, his own family's strategy for Jiangbei also relied on the support of Xuan Miao Temple.

"Moreover, Immortal Chu Ting himself suggested seeking out Chang Xi. Chu Ting is skilled in divination, so he clearly saw no issues... Perhaps he even hoped for my family to gain a foothold in Jiangbei."

He and Chang Xi flew up together, activated a divine ability, lifted Ding Weizeng who was waiting at the foot of the mountain, and together they flew into the Grand Void, traversing it with its power. With a quick glance, Li Ximing seized the opportunity to ask:

"What are your thoughts on the Mi Yun Cave affair, Immortal?"

Chang Xi felt a little embarrassed. What Li Ximing said sounded pleasant, but to Chang Xi, it was clearly heard as:

"My family's people have all advanced to organize the Floating Cloud territory and have now crossed the Bai Jiang Stream... Where are your Xuan Yue people?"

He quickly replied:

"My cultivators have already reached the wilderness. They are using magical artifacts for concealment and are secretly heading towards Mi Yun Cave."

"Mi Yun Cave is merely a subordinate of the Bai Ye Capital Immortal Path. Ye Gui doesn't possess a life-extending divine ability and isn't skilled in divination, so he won't guess our intentions."

Li Ximing was not worried about Ye Gui, only about Chang Xiao. However, these two had no personal connection; they merely shared many common interests when it came to targeting Li Ximing's family. He replied thoughtfully:

"Xuan Miao Temple is only a step away from Bai Jiang Stream, so they can keep watch. Moreover, if you and I appear at Xuan Miao Temple at this time, who knows how suspicious people might become."

There were indeed some notable figures in the Bai Ye Capital Immortal Path, but Li Zhouwei carried the Li family's most precious Purple Mansion talisman. Li Ximing was only worried that the Bai Ye Capital Immortal Path might be prepared, leading to losses among Li Cheng and others. Only upon hearing that the Xuan Yue people had gone did he feel relieved.

The two chatted briefly, then emerged from the Grand Void. They saw a deep black cliff hanging by the sea, with rolling waves crashing against it, producing tremendous roars.

Many cultivators ascended and descended on the cliff. A short distance away, the mountain range continued, rising to a small hill. It was deeply covered in vegetation, surprisingly devoid of pavilions, presenting a purely natural landscape, with only a Daoist temple at its peak.

Chang Xi led him all the way to the mountainside. The grand formation had already been lifted, and clear light shimmered. In front of the formation stood a young man, dressed in a simple white robe, his Daoist crown subtly glowing. He was very tall, with slightly deep-set eyes, not typical of southern cultivators.

"Greetings, Immortal Chang Xi, Immortal Zhao Jing."

He bowed respectfully, lowering his brows, and completed a round bow. He said:

"This humble Daoist respectfully welcomes the two Immortals! My master has been waiting for a long time, only for your esteemed presence."

"It's been a long time, Qiuxin, and your cultivation has progressed!"

Chang Xi chuckled, his attitude very cordial, even showing a warmth usually reserved for his own juniors. He then stepped into the temple, heading towards the main hall.

The main hall's exterior was unadorned, while its interior was richly dark and elegant in color. Incense smoke wafted faintly. Li Ximing's gaze swept across it: at the head, a white cloth was enshrined, on which was painted a Daoist riding a donkey, but without a face.

"Daoist Chang Xi! Long time no see!"

From within the hall walked a middle-aged lay master. His face was slightly square, his clothing simple and unremarkable. Naturally, this was Immortal Su Mian, the master of Xuan Miao Temple!

He bowed and looked at Chang Xi's face. This lay master seemed to possess some means of observing aura, for his expression changed, and he asked:

"Daoist friend... why do you look so terrible?"

Su Mian and Chang Xi were clearly old acquaintances, and both were Earth Virtue cultivators, showing sympathy for one's kind. For a moment, Su Mian's face was filled with worry. Chang Xi returned the bow and said:

"Xuan Yi encountered some trouble at Mount Jingyi a few years ago and asked for my help. I didn't expect to suffer a minor injury, and then the spiritual atmosphere changed, which explains my poor complexion."

Li Ximing observed carefully. When Xuan Yi Zhenren was mentioned, Su Mian slightly frowned, but didn't say much more, sighing:

"Heavenly opportunities and karmic connections are ever-changing. The Upper Evil Spirit Repository seems to be collapsing... This is something beyond our control. Oh well, oh well!"

Su Mian was also of the Earth Virtue, and the current spiritual atmosphere, with its intent to clash with the profound and harm the Earth element, was clearly not a good sign for him either. He raised his head and looked at Li Ximing:

"This must be Zhao Jing!"

"Indeed... Greetings, Senior!"

"Ah."

Immortal Su Mian chuckled:

"Zhao Jing, there's no need to be so formal. Please, come inside."

The group entered and together offered incense. They then moved to the back courtyard. Su Mian said leisurely:

"My Xuan Miao Temple inherits the lineage of the ancient Tong Xuan Palace. The painting just now depicted True Lord Xuxiang of Tong Xuan Palace, who attained the Dao fruit of Bao Tu..."

"So he was a True Lord."

Li Ximing had already suspected this since the painting had no face. He thought to himself:

"Since the lineage has such a significant origin, yet he only possesses one Purple Mansion divine ability, it's probably not orthodox. He most likely gained his fortune through an accidental inheritance."

Su Mian invited the two to the back courtyard. In the courtyard stood an ancient, bronze-colored alchemy furnace in excellent condition. The rest was merely a few meditation cushions. Everyone took their seats, with Ding Weizeng standing respectfully to the side. Su Mian then picked up the conversation:

"Chang Xi, have you come this time to introduce Zhao Jing?"

"Precisely."

Chang Xi gathered his qi, and his face reverted to its middle-aged appearance. He gestured and briefly introduced Li Ximing. However, Li Ximing had already learned about Elder Immortal Qi, and Su Mian also knew about this newly advanced Purple Mansion cultivator, so they only exchanged pleasantries.

Su Mian's attitude towards him was good, and he joked:

"I heard Zhao Jing is an alchemist. In the future, many matters will require your assistance, Zhao Jing. We will certainly need to foster a good relationship with you!"

"Senior, you are too kind!"

Li Ximing couldn't take that seriously. Just looking at the alchemy furnace in this courtyard, it was quite possible that the alchemy cultivation of Su Mian before him was even more profound!

One must understand that the requirements for alchemy are a balanced Yin and Yang in the Sun-Ascending Mansion, the four rising auroras in the Sea of Qi, and the harmonious interplay of water and fire. These requirements are rare to find, but for a Purple Mansion cultivator, they are nothing significant.

Purple Mansion cultivators can even create their own Sea of Qi. Let alone requiring the four rising auroras and harmonious water and fire in the Sea of Qi; even the Yin-Yang unity and vast clouds of a refiner can be created—except for a few specific lineages, most Purple Mansion cultivators can shape things however they desire.

A balanced Yin and Yang in the Sun-Ascending Mansion is slightly more difficult, but as long as the lineage is related to the Twelve Qi, or not too heavily entangled with Yin and Yang, it can also be gradually adjusted.

Li Ximing was naturally endowed in this way, so he didn't need to worry about other factors. But as Purple Mansion cultivators, if Chang Xi and others wished, they could also practice alchemy; it's just a matter of proficiency—their alchemy wouldn't be as effortless as Li Ximing's.

Chang Xi, listening, feared Li Ximing might ask something inappropriate, so he quickly interjected, speaking on Li Ximing's behalf:

"Daoist Su Mian has recently become quite interested in alchemy. He cultivates Bao Tu and is a northern cultivator, quite different from those in Jiangnan... You can let him examine your protector."

"Then I shall trouble Senior!"

Li Ximing replied with a smile. Su Mian had already noticed Ding Weizeng standing to the side and called him over. He made a quick gesture with his hand to examine him, and without needing to ponder, he nodded and said:

"What a splendid 'Hall Yang Tiger' immortal foundation! Your immortal foundation is the same as Immortal Yan Que of the Heng Zhu Dao, who was a great cultivator two hundred years ago."

He released his hand, formed a hand seal, and gently beckoned. From the alchemy furnace, he drew out a handful of ash and sprinkled it into a jade bowl. Then he plucked a willow branch from the courtyard, skillfully dipped it in clear water, and said gently:

"Do you know how to practice alchemy or artifact refining? Your Dantian is damaged, and your Yin and Yang qi have leaked away. I will mend your Dantian, but from now on, you won't be able to practice alchemy or artifact refining."

Ding Weizeng respectfully replied:

"Reporting to Immortal, this humble one never had that fortune to begin with."

Su Mian then let him hold the jade bowl and, with the water-dipped willow branch, tapped his waist and abdomen twice. He then said in a clear voice:

"Close your eyes!"

Ding Weizeng promptly closed his eyes. The iridescent glow of the divine ability emanated from Su Mian's mouth and flowed over the man. Li Ximing's Heavenly Light at his brow subtly stirred, and he knew Ding Weizeng's injuries were healed.

'It healed just like that!'

One should know that among his previous actions, only the handful of ash was produced from burning a spiritual object, possessing a slight mystical quality. The rest were mere mundane objects, yet for an injury that would leave a Foundation Establishment or Qi Condensation cultivator with not much time left—a terminal illness that only a few special spiritual medicines could cure—it was simply healed!

Su Mian observed their expressions of surprise, smiling and shaking his head:

"Not at all, not at all. On one side is Ming Yang, on the other is Gen Mountain. My Bao Tu lineage acts as a matchmaker, creating a situation where the heavenly sun shines, all vegetation flourishes, and vitality abounds. I merely borrowed the Purple Mansion statuses of the two of you and used a bit of cleverness."

"Nonetheless, it clearly demonstrates your Immortal's profound Daoist cultivation!" Li Ximing praised. Throughout his observation, Su Mian's actions now were quite honorable. Regardless of his intentions, he was indeed reliable and worth befriending on normal days. Li Ximing then chuckled:

"Weizeng, quickly thank the lay master!"