Chapter 719: 君蹈危

If the Li family's cultivation methods and secret techniques were inferior to the Cui family's, why would the Cui family want to exchange for this spell art? Li Ximing's hesitation clearly stemmed from this, and Cui Xianyue immediately confirmed it. Not wanting to embarrass Li Ximing, he respectfully said:

"To answer, Honored Immortal, our 'Monarch's Perilous Tread' cultivation method is only fourth-grade and has only one secret technique. How could it compare to your esteemed clan's immortal techniques? Moreover, the 'Scripture of the Upper Residence's Enlightened Inquiry' is our family's fundamental treasure. Without the elders' permission, I would not dare to present it rashly." He made a decisive move, immediately kneeling down and bowing, saying: "This junior is willing to present our cultivation method to you, Honored Immortal, in exchange for a single favor. May your divine power shine like the sun, protecting Chongzhou, and safeguarding the Cui clan's peace should any crisis arise."

Li Ximing paused slightly, thinking to himself: "Just one favor for a Purple Mansion divine ability cultivation method? Even if it's only a fourth-grade technique with one secret method... that's still a Purple Mansion cultivation method!"

Cultivation at the Purple Mansion stage differed considerably from the Foundation Establishment stage. Breaking through to Purple Mansion with an Immortal Foundation did not immediately grant the ability to cultivate the next divine ability. Instead, one had to first perfect the current divine ability. This process could involve slow, meticulous effort, gradually cultivating the divine ability over decades, or it could be hastened using various spirit treasures, elixirs, or certain continuous path spell arts to bring the divine ability to perfection.

Furthermore, once a divine ability was perfected, one would have to begin cultivating the next. This required a Purple Mansion cultivation method to condense an Immortal Foundation in the Sea of Qi, then transport that Immortal Foundation into the Ascendant Yang. With the aid of divine abilities, this process was not as difficult as during Foundation Establishment; it merely took time. Some cultivators could refine elixirs and ingest the Immortal Foundations of others, combining them with certain spell arts to directly absorb them into the Ascendant Yang and nurture new divine abilities. However, someone like Li Ximing could only rely on a Purple Mansion cultivation method and cultivate bit by bit. Without such a method, he would be limited to a single divine ability until his death. The importance of this cultivation method to him was thus immeasurable.

For a cultivator like Ning Tiaoxiao, who had been stuck in the early Purple Mansion stage for years without a cultivation method and unable to progress, this single cultivation method could fetch an enormous price! It could even compel a Purple Mansion expert to dedicate their full efforts, not just for a single intervention. Although Li Ximing trusted the Cui family, he did not immediately agree. He sipped his tea and remained silent for a moment. Cui Xianyue's forehead was still pressed against the ground as he said:

"The Cui clan has been isolated overseas for a thousand years, yet its heart remains unchanged. In our past dealings with both the Li and Cui families, there has been much mutual care. Now that we request your intervention, Honored Immortal, it is also due to this existing bond." He continued, "Our family is protected by a dragon lineage, so normally there are no matters that threaten our foundation. However, should we one day discover news of a Bright Yang spiritual treasure, we would then ask for your help, Honored Immortal, to lend us a hand."

Li Ximing's heart was considerably swayed. He nodded thoughtfully and chuckled: "This is merely an exchange of favors. As long as it is within my power, I will certainly do my best to assist you. More frequent interactions between our two families are key. Everything else is a matter of expected courtesy. Now that we are rekindling our old friendship, if the Cui clan has any juniors, they can be sent to Lake Mansion for cultivation, and my Li family will also send people to your continent."

Only then did Cui Xianyue rise, step back, and reply: "As you command, Honored Immortal. The 'Jue' generation of the Cui clan is currently at an age ripe for development. I will summon one now for you to see." He turned, first looking at Cui Wanqing and instructing: "Go fetch the 'Treasure Scripture of the Body Guarding Tiger Pass'." Cui Wanqing bowed respectfully and departed. He then called another person over and instructed: "Summon Jueyin."

This series of actions, both before and after, showed great respect, and Li Ximing couldn't help but praise the Cui family's upbringing. Soon, a person entered from outside the hall. The man had neatly trimmed eyebrows and expressive eyes, and while only moderately handsome, he possessed an elegant demeanor and scholarly bearing. Upon entering the hall, he first bowed to Cui Xianyue, then noticed Li Ximing, quickly took a step back, and prostrated himself, saying: "Greetings, Honored Immortal!"

Cui Xianyue turned and introduced: "This is Cui Jueyin, the second eldest of the 'Jue' generation. He has been humble and magnanimous since childhood, and the clan holds him in high regard." Li Ximing was short-staffed at the moment. Seeing that Cui Jueyin was at the middle stage of Foundation Establishment and a direct descendant of a Purple Mansion immortal clan — even if the Cui family had declined somewhat, their foundation was by no means poor — he joyfully said: "Jueyin, would you be willing to return to Lake Mansion with me?"

Although Cui Jueyin had been summoned suddenly, based on Cui Xianyue's expression, Li Ximing's demeanor, and the words "Lake Mansion," he had already deduced much. He bowed and said: "To meet you, Honored Immortal, and enter the Immortal Lake for cultivation is the greatest fortune of Jueyin's life. I accept this with both trepidation and reverence, filled with immense joy." Li Ximing laughed heartily. Cui Wanqing had already presented the jade slips, saying softly: "Reporting, Honored Immortal, the 'Treasure Scripture of the Body Guarding Tiger Pass' and its secret technique are here."

She presented a jade tray containing three jade slips. With a light touch of his spiritual sense, Li Ximing identified one as the 'Treasure Scripture of the Body Guarding Tiger Pass,' another as a secret technique, and the third as an incantation. 'After all, it's a Purple Mansion cultivation method; even the incantation to unlock the spell art requires a jade slip to record.'

As it was a valuable item, it was best to verify it in person. He did not delay, using the incantation to unlock the scripture and giving it a quick read: "'Upper Radiance Profound Extremity Dharma Body Divine Ability, obtaining Bright Yang yet treading perilously, thus with the descent of sixty-nine, reaching the realm of enlightenment and regret, then acquiring a Folding Cluster Heart and Clear Illumination Intent. When the divine ability is perfected, one comes to know that a treasure vessel, though cracked, becomes whole, thereupon donned in black robes and golden armor, riding a white phoenix chariot...'"

He scanned to the end and found a familiar line: "'Shining upon all directions, all dynasties pay homage to me, myriad spirits look up and down, the Upper Radiance as a celestial god!'" These two lines were precisely the casting incantation for his own Upper Radiance Hidden Light! 'Upper Radiance Hidden Light and Monarch's Perilous Tread are deeply connected!'

His mood greatly improved. He then turned to examine the secret technique, which was called 'Return Fold Hundred Array Entrapment Body.' Li Ximing read it carefully and muttered: "Isn't this just my own 'Return Fold'? Why such a long name?" Li Ximing had read all nine of his family's secret techniques. 'Return Fold Hundred Array Entrapment Body' was pitifully short compared to 'Return Fold.' Li Ximing read it once and was momentarily stunned.

He couldn't help but read it again, thinking blankly: "Huh??" When cultivating his own secret techniques, Li Ximing had regretted how difficult they were due to being the original texts, filled with obscure language. He had also mused that sects like Green Pond and Golden Feather must have extensive interpretations of their related secret techniques, making cultivation for later generations much easier. But now he saw that this was the original text! His own family's secret techniques had already been interpreted! Reading 'Return Fold Hundred Array Entrapment Body' made Li Ximing's scalp tingle. If his own family's secret techniques were like prepared pastries, 'Return Fold Hundred Array Entrapment Body' was like grain that hadn't even been husked!

"No wonder cultivation felt so quick... I thought it was my extraordinary talent..." Li Ximing let out a hearty laugh, but he felt no discouragement. After all, his own family lacked deep foundations, so it was natural that his cultivation level was inferior to that of direct descendants within major sects, and his secret techniques naturally wouldn't compare either. He put away the jade slips, looked at Cui Xianyue, and said: "I will accept this spell art. If you have any requests, simply send someone to the mainland."