Chapter 723: Four Realms

The mountain soared into the sky. Bathed in celestial light, Li Ximing saw Kong Guxi in the forest, leaning on a tree and looking around. His panicked expression completely lacked the demeanor of a Xuan Yue Sect Master.

He had been chosen reluctantly by Changxi, primarily because there was no other successor. Changxi preferred someone compliant, not someone with great ambition or audacity. Furthermore, anyone would be stunned by the loss of their sect's Purple Mansion cultivator.

Although Changxi had never fully confided in him, he was still an elder. Regardless of his true intentions, Changxi had provided much guidance during Li Ximing's initial period as a Purple Mansion cultivator. Li Ximing bowed his head in a salute.

The Xuanmiao Temple disciples down the mountain were still exclaiming in awe and praise, audible even to Kong Guxi, let alone Li Ximing and Su Mian, who had achieved divine powers. No matter how fallen Changxi was, he was still a Purple Mansion cultivator. Li Ximing merely raised his head and stood silently with his hands behind his back.

Such was Su Mian's character that he immediately noticed Li Ximing's slight displeasure. The Xuanmiao Temple's system was lax, with an ancient style and fewer rules, making things a bit disorderly. Su Mian waved his hand, signaling Qi Qiuxin to go down and disperse the crowd.

Kong Guxi had already flown up on the wind, clutching the set of Taoist robes he intended to return and bury. He stopped before Li Ximing and respectfully said:

"Greetings, True Immortal. Everyone in Xuan Yue will follow your lead."

Li Ximing nodded. After Kong Guxi had settled in the celestial light, Li Ximing looked at Su Mian and finally voiced the question on his mind:

"Senior Qi, where is True Immortal Xuanyi?"

Li Ximing recalled vividly that Changxi's allies included more than just Xuanmiao Temple. There was also Jingyi Mountain overseas. True Immortal Xuanyi had taken Yuezhou Island and received benefits from Changxi; part of the reason for Changxi's premature death was even due to helping Jingyi Mountain. Yet, now that Changxi was dead, Xuanyi was nowhere to be seen!

At Li Ximing's question, Su Mian shook his head. He no longer concealed his feelings, and an obvious look of disgust appeared on his face as he replied:

"Xuanyi is no good. Changxi was dying, clearly a source of trouble. No overseas Purple Mansion cultivator would eagerly get involved."

He paused, then continued:

"Xuanyi is not on good terms with the Chunyi Dao sect. True Immortal Guanghou of the Chunyi Immortal Dao recently achieved the Purple Mansion realm, so Xuanyi couldn't move and naturally couldn't come."

The Chunyi Dao sect also had an ancient style. Qi Qiuxin had even ambushed demonic cultivators from Jiangnan with them, acquiring the Purple Fire Cauldron for the Li family. The relationship between Xuanmiao Temple and Chunyi Dao was clearly unusual, so it was no wonder Su Mian disliked Xuanyi.

Understanding this key point, Li Ximing also knew the source of Su Mian's disgust. However, this was not the time to deal with Xuanyi; he still needed to clarify Xuanmiao Temple's intentions.

Li Ximing glanced at Kong Guxi. The man had not yet reacted, so Li Ximing spoke himself:

"Now that Senior Kong has fallen, the celestial phenomena are clear, the earth veins are evident, and every household knows that the Baiye Capital Immortal Dao has long coveted the Shanji area. Senior, you promised to protect Xuan Yue. Do you have a plan?"

True Immortal Su Mian stroked his beard and replied softly:

"Brother Changxi and my Xuanmiao Temple have been friends for many years, so we cannot stand by idly. However, Xuan Yue is a vast territory, and covetous individuals are present in all four directions. Our two families alone might not be able to fully protect it. We should yield where we can; the lives of the younger generation are paramount."

The Xuan Yue territory, with Shanji and the Xuan Yue mountain gate as its base, had influence extending to Xianhu Wilderness. Su Mian's first words were about yielding territory, so Li Ximing could only ask:

"Senior, are you...?"

Su Mian shook his head and said:

"Zhaojing, don't worry. My Xuanmiao Temple cultivators have already gone to garrison the Xianhu area. After all, Xianhu is also part of our core territory and cannot easily be disturbed. As for the area west of the wilderness, my temple may not be able to reach that far."

The Li family and Xuanmiao Temple effectively sandwiched the Xuan Yue sect, with their respective borders being the wilderness and Xianhu. With this explanation, Li Ximing immediately understood:

'Alright... Xuanmiao Temple wants to take Xuan Yue's sphere of influence in Xianhu, meaning they are ceding the wilderness to my family.'

This seemed like an even split, with each taking a direction, but it was fundamentally different! Leaving aside the Li family's long border with Baiye, even if Ye Hui were a fool, he would understand Xuanmiao Temple's consistent neutral stance, meaning he only needed to deal with the Li family...

Xuanmiao Temple seemed to be defending, but in reality, they were merely swallowing up the Xianhu territory!

As a Purple Mansion cultivator, Li Ximing understood perfectly. He immediately frowned. Su Mian's words remained firm as he continued:

"Zhaojing, rest assured. I will go to find Ye Hui and try to persuade him. Changxi's body is barely cold, so things shouldn't escalate too violently. If something truly happens, I certainly will not stand idly by."

Su Mian meant that the Li family should confront the Capital Immortal Dao. Xuanmiao Temple was unwilling to send people to offend Ye Hui. However, if there was a conflict involving Purple Mansion cultivators, Su Mian was at least willing to intervene and mediate. Li Ximing listened silently. Su Mian then turned to Kong Guxi and said:

"Your sect's mountain gate is adjacent to Xianhu. If your sect encounters any difficulties, or if your disciples suffer any injuries, send them here immediately, as it's nearby. Xuanmiao Temple will not stand idly by."

"The same applies to Wangyue."

Li Ximing immediately felt a headache. Fortunately, Kong Guxi replied respectfully:

"Reporting to True Immortal, when the Old Ancestor passed away, he instructed this junior to follow all arrangements made by True Immortal Zhaojing and to await your divine decree."

Su Mian nodded. Li Ximing had long known the attitude of these Purple Mansion True Immortals: while usually benevolent, they would never expend their own resources if they could let others suffer losses. They made grand promises while Changxi was alive, but once Changxi died and the benefits were consumed, how much they did depended entirely on their conscience. Su Mian was already far better than Xuanyi.

Li Ximing, however, could not delay here. He bid farewell, effortlessly tore open the void, and rapidly traversed space with Kong Guxi, asking as they went:

"How are Xuan Yue's defenses? The personnel in Xianhu need not remain; send them all to garrison the wilderness."

Kong Guxi remained relatively calm and replied:

"Reporting to True Immortal, my Old Ancestor had given instructions for defenses before his passing. Currently, we have three early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators from our direct lineage, one mid-stage, and one late-stage, along with nine guest cultivators, all garrisoning the wilderness riverbank. Xianhu is completely empty."

Changxi had calculated accurately; otherwise, he wouldn't have said those words to Li Ximing. Li Ximing felt somewhat relieved. A total of fourteen Foundation Establishment cultivators, though none of them were outstanding, were still the backbone of an immortal clan, so they wouldn't be easily overwhelmed. He then asked about the arrangements for Xuan Yue's only skilled combat cultivator:

"Where is Fu Yuezi?"

Kong Guxi replied:

"He is garrisoning the wilderness."

The Li family's main force was on the East Bank. From there, they could reinforce the wilderness to the northeast and Funan to the northwest. A few days earlier, Li Xizhi had secretly arranged for Li Wushao and Li Qiyun to return, and they were now both on the East Bank.

Within moments, they had already reached the wilderness territory. Li Ximing prepared to let Kong Guxi down and instructed:

"Jingyi Mountain's Purple Mansion cultivators are unavailable, but Xuanyi's disciples and grand-disciples must number some. Doesn't someone from your family worship under Xuanyi? Have him invite a few senior and junior martial brothers to help!"

Kong Guxi nodded hurriedly and replied:

"I will immediately prepare generous gifts and send someone to Jingyi Mountain to have my clan junior invite people to assist."

Baijiang Creek.

The Midong territory had only been considered stable for the past year or so. The local influential families were well-informed and knew something about the Kong family's situation. Thus, people's minds were unsettled. They were not interested in the Li family's stipends and were merely getting by.

Lights blazed on Hongfu Peak, with cultivators moving in and out. The young man in the main seat had eyes as black as lacquer, and six tokens floated at his waist. Old Man Qu busily came forward from below and reported:

"My Lord, the envoy from the King of Beijin River has arrived. They say there's a change in the Baiye territory."

Li Cheng was the most cautious among the Li family's Foundation Establishment cultivators in his dealings. He arranged for the King of Beijin River's people to stay on a side peak and exchanged jade pendants monthly to ensure timely news. After all, they could fly over in just a quarter of an hour or so, and this place was not easily managed, so layered notifications would likely lead to delays and problems.

As soon as the news arrived, Li Cheng immediately stood up. He had just received news of mountain range changes in Xuan Yue, and news from Ying Hebai arrived at once. He said in a deep voice:

"True Immortal Changxi has fallen. Call Ding Weizeng over. All Foundation Establishment cultivators, retreat immediately. Do not pass through Hongfu Peak."

Since Li Zhouwei had not sent any news and there was no support from their own people in the rear, Hongfu Peak certainly couldn't be held. Midong had never truly been incorporated into the Li family's long-term plans; apart from the territory itself, there was nothing of value there. Everything that could be moved in the past year or two had already been relocated to Funan territory.

Aside from the land and influential families that couldn't be moved, what was the most valuable thing in Midong?

Of course, it was the Misty Cloud Ascending Heaven Grand Formation on Hongfu Peak!

In these past years, Li Cheng had only done three things. First, he migrated Midong commoners to populate Funan, only relocating mortals unrelated to influential families, never cultivators. Second, he heavily appointed cultivators from influential families and incidentally redistributed all the spirit fields that Midong Wenhu had laboriously transferred from private to public ownership.

It could be said that in less than two years, not only had the Midong territory experienced partial population loss, but the consolidation of spirit fields had reached an unprecedented level, and the Li family had also gained considerable profit through resale.

The third task was to record the spirit veins, earth veins, and water veins, working overtime to copy down the array base of the Misty Cloud Ascending Heaven Grand Formation. Now, by taking away the most precious array disc and destroying this formation, Hongfu Mountain would be unprotected and immediately become a paradise for rogue cultivators and influential families to plunder.

He didn't stop but continued as he walked out:

"We don't have time to deal with them. These influential families and rogue cultivators righteously drove away my Li family and will not let up. Just let them fight over everything... Once the Capital Immortal Dao's forces arrive, they will definitely need to leave some people here to suppress them."

Qu Bushi followed him out and whispered:

"The spiritual energy in Jiangbei is thriving. We could dig up the earth veins, cut off the spiritual energy... and fill the water veins as well..."

Li Cheng retrieved the array disc from the main hall. The array disc on the stone platform was extremely complex, with numerous silken patterns drawn on the circular plate. Upon hearing Qu Bushi's words, Li Cheng dismissed his idea and said:

"You're risking your life. This is Jiangbei, not the East Sea. No one can disturb the land of Jiangbei; not even a Purple Mansion cultivator would be of any use!"

Qu Bushi was startled, realized he had spoken out of turn, and shut up, retreating. The two made their way out of the mountain. Li Cheng, fearing that Ding Weizeng and others might not receive the order in time, crushed a jade pendant as an additional reminder. As they exited the Midong territory, flames shot up from Hongfu Mountain, the grand formation shattered, and brocaded clouds descended like scattered rain.

Immediately after, dozens of magical lights shot skyward, all hesitantly heading towards Hongfu Mountain. Clearly, all the influential families had taken notice. Li Cheng had already sped more than ten li out of Midong. He cast a slightly regretful glance northward.

"Midong is truly a rich land. Someday... if there's an opportunity to return here, I will properly sort out the world and bring the influential families under control."

He sped away on thunder, moving extremely fast. It took him about an incense stick's time to reach the Funan territory. There, he saw sparse villages, a bright grand formation, and orderly arrangements, utterly different from Midong. A woman sped towards him.

Li Minggong, dressed in a red skirt and holding a six-sided crimson flame lamp, arrived by fire. Behind her, An Siwei wore jade armor and carried a spear. Li Minggong's brow was furrowed with worry as she spoke:

"Brother, you've arrived just in time. I just heard the news: Guan Gongxiao, the Capital Immortal Dao's chief disciple, has led people into the wilderness territory. The family head already went ahead, and they've probably engaged in battle by now."

"Fortunately, you didn't stay to defend Hongfu Mountain, freeing up your hands. I am stationed here and cannot leave. Please hurry and reinforce them."

Li Cheng had not expected the enemy's offensive to be so swift. He said in a deep voice:

"How many cultivators?"

Li Minggong was somewhat anxious and shook her head, saying:

"It's hard to know all the details... Guan Lingdie and Gongsun Baifan have both appeared, as well as a few other well-known Foundation Establishment cultivators who were recalled from overseas."

Li Cheng immediately understood and said:

"It seems that Guan Gongxiao sent local strongmen like Song Yunbai and Wang He to attack Jiangbei, while the main force has gone to the East Bank. I will go there on thunder immediately. Ding Weizeng will arrive a bit later; tell him the situation."

Li Cheng did not stop at all. He led his group eastward without delay and soon disappeared into the horizon.

Li Minggong, tasked with defending the Funan territory, which served as a barrier for Wangyue Lake and was even more important than the wilderness, could only watch him leave.

After a while, the earth veins in the east shifted. Li Minggong hadn't even waited for Ding Weizeng's figure to appear when she already saw a golden light rising from the northwest. Her heart skipped a beat, and she flew on fire to look into the distance. Escape lights sped across the border, the grand formation shattered, and golden energy shot skyward.

Li Minggong immediately sensed that something was wrong. She called for the Jade Court Guards and instructed:

"Immediately go home for reinforcements. Ask the Foundation Establishment cultivators in the family to reinforce Funan. This is a matter of great importance; there must be no slack."

The person hurried down. Li Minggong immediately took out a jade pendant and crushed it. Her family's senior's two spirit beasts were on the East Bank and could arrive as reinforcements in just a quarter of an hour. Having completed this series of actions, she suddenly felt more confident and immediately set off with An Siwei on the wind.

An Siwei looked into the distance and immediately grew tense. His father, An Zheyen, was near that territory. Although the distance was still considerable, and the old man was astute, he still couldn't help but fly a few more steps forward.

'I wish I hadn't assigned him there!'

An Zheyen was an old man, and he had been given the safest and most leisurely tasks. An Siwei had not expected a sudden attack from the northwest, which had put An Zheyen in danger.

Fortunately, the old man had accumulated many treasures over the years. And he wasn't on the border but slightly inland, so he managed to escape with his life. The two Foundation Establishment cultivators sped forward, straining to see into the distance, just as the old man fled towards them on a trail of blood-red light.

Old Man An Zheyen's head had always been bald. Now, only his eyebrows and beard had turned white. When Li Ximing became a Purple Mansion cultivator, he had helped restore the severed limbs of An Zheyen and several other elders, including Li Qiuyang. Now, all his limbs were intact, and he seemed to be in much better condition, though the wrinkles on his face were even more weathered.

He hastily stopped before Li Minggong. The golden energy in the sky intensified. The old man coughed up a mouthful of blood and said in a panicked voice:

"Reporting, My Lord, Situ Mo, the Sect Master of the Tangjin Gate, has led the Tangjin cultivators over the mountain."