Chapter 733: Inventory

Li Ximing traveled through the void on a beam of light. Appearing above the wilderness, he rolled up his sleeve to reveal the back of his hand, where a faint purple glow lingered, emitting a dull light.

During the recent chase and several skirmishes, Ye Gui had inflicted some minor injuries on him. They had almost no effect on his divine body, and an ordinary Purple Mansion cultivator would likely heal from them in about half a month. However, his "Gate of Heavenly Worship" was exceptionally adept at refining and eliminating foreign magical power, so he expected it to be gone within two or three days.

He took a careful look, then raised his other hand and gently sliced off the affected skin from his injured hand. He held it up, examined it thoughtfully, and then put it back.

"For an ordinary Purple Mansion cultivator, if a part of their Dharma body is too heavily injured, they could simply discard it and form a new one; it's merely a question of which method takes longer. However, since I can suppress and wear away such injuries, it's often quicker for me to heal directly. Other Purple Mansion cultivators might have their own unique methods too."

He then descended from the sky. Seeing many cultivators moving about below, Li Ximing, not wanting them to kneel and bow, casually used a divine ability to obscure their vision and walked straight past them.

Arriving at the front of the hall, he encountered Kong Guxi emerging. The auxiliary disciple followed dutifully behind, carrying a golden spear and a golden axe. Among the other Xuan Yue guest cultivators, only Sun Bai bothered to approach a few steps and exchange pleasantries.

"Sect Master, please wait. Let me first examine your injuries."

Sun Bai performed a magical chant to heal Kong Guxi. Li Ximing glanced over, noting that among all the Xuan Yue cultivators, only Fuyuezi and Sun Bai were truly remarkable.

Sun Bai, a "Xiao Chonglin," was skilled in healing and nurturing, and it went without saying that he had been protected no less than the Li family members throughout the entire battle. Fuyuezi's immortal foundation was "Heavenly Golden Green," granting him considerable ability, comparable to a D-level expert within the Li family.

Kong Guxi had performed exceptionally well in the great battle, advancing and retreating judiciously, though he had also sustained severe injuries. Li Ximing naturally wished to see him, and so materialized before him. Kong Guxi, who had been politely conversing with Sun Bai, looked up, saw the coalescing celestial light, and immediately dropped to his knees in alarm.

"Greetings, True Immortal!"

A multitude of people knelt before him. On both sides, the Jade Court Guards dropped their weapons and knelt, creating a series of crisp sounds. Li Ximing acknowledged them, saying:

"You may rise."

Upon seeing him, Kong Guxi's unease completely vanished, replaced by a surge of joy that smoothed his previously furrowed brows. Yet, after the joy, apprehension followed, his face revealing a respectful and submissive demeanor.

Li Ximing had just ascended to the Purple Mansion realm, while Ye Gui was a mid-stage Purple Mansion cultivator. Although it was known to be difficult for cultivators of this realm to overcome each other, Kong Guxi had naturally harbored concerns. Seeing Li Ximing's composed expression now filled him with more joy than even holding the wilderness. Yet, the unresolved situation at Jingyi Mountain still caused him apprehension.

Li Ximing's spiritual sense swept over, clearly perceiving his condition. The man's lower body was practically skeletal, injured by a sharp and sinister Daoist lineage of the Capital Guards.

It must have been "Xitian."

Kong Guxi cultivated the "Foolish Mountain Mover" technique, and his physical body was not particularly special. Li Ximing waved his sleeve, and the life-generating power of Bright Yang descended upon Kong Guxi. The man felt his wounds itch, his body warm, and his flesh regenerate, allowing him to stand steadily on the ground.

The life-generating power of Bright Yang could restore flesh but not cultivation; however, it saved Kong Guxi the trouble of taking medicine. The Xuan Yue Sect Master knelt and respectfully said:

"Many thanks, True Immortal!"

Fuyuezi's wounds behind him also healed, though his immortal foundation, which forged his Dharma body, made him fierce in battle and his injuries difficult to heal. This was merely a surface repair; he would still need to return and re-refine his body. He silently knelt alongside Kong Guxi.

"This man is loyal."

Li Ximing had already noticed him earlier. Fuyuezi was truly fierce in battle and genuinely risked his life to save the Xuan Yue cultivators. Li Ximing paused slightly, and though he harbored little hope, he still asked:

"What of Jingyi Mountain?"

Kong Guxi could only relay the news. Li Ximing shook his head, thinking to himself:

"That Shanao Prefecture cannot be saved."

Kong Guxi remained apprehensive. Though the matter could not be truly blamed on him, his face still showed anxiety. Li Ximing casually remarked:

"If the opportunity arises, I will make a trip to Jingyi Mountain. As for your guest cultivator who cultivates wood virtue, I will need to borrow him for a while at the lake."

Sun Bai possessed good abilities and a useful immortal foundation. Given that the Li family's own Funan territory was in disarray, with everyone injured, and there were things Li Zhouwei found inconvenient to say, Li Ximing spoke up to request Sun Bai's assistance.

Li Ximing's decision not to dwell on Jingyi Mountain already brought a sense of relief to Kong Guxi. At these words, Kong Guxi pressed his head to the ground and respectfully said:

"True Immortal, you jest. Our ancestor instructed before his death that everything should follow your command. Not to mention Guest Cultivator Sun, all matters concerning Xuan Yue are subject to your will. This junior has no right to question, nor any intention to overstep. I simply await your immortal decree."

Li Ximing, long aware of Kong Guxi's obedience and usefulness, was not surprised. He cast his gaze around and said:

"Now that the battle has ceased, everyone should go to the Xuanmiao Temple. Don't be polite with Su Mian."

He transformed into celestial light and departed, leaving the Kong family members to look at each other in bewilderment. Kong Guxi, who had heard a laugh when Chang Xi died, actually didn't want to go to Xuanmiao Temple. However, since his own people's injuries were indeed severe, he could only lead them, riding the wind, to go there together.

Li Ximing entered the hall. Li Zhouwei's eyes lit up, and he descended from the main seat. Before he could even speak, Li Ximing burst into laughter and said:

"Very impressive."

Li Zhouwei understood that Li Ximing was referring to the matter with Guan Kan. He chuckled in agreement, then called someone forward and instructed:

"Bring Miaoshui up."

Only then did he speak:

"That Ye Gui truly couldn't do anything to the True Immortal. The Old Master sent me three letters in a row, and now I can finally reply."

Li Xuanxuan was in the lake, but his thoughts were still on the river. Li Ximing responded with a smile. However, Li Zhouwei had not mentioned this without reason; he immediately continued, sighing:

"Unfortunately... Clan Elder Siwei was intercepted by people I dispatched earlier. Unexpectedly, as soon as Situ Wei left the territory, he retreated into his mountain gate and remained there. When we sent people to inquire, there was no response from the Tangjin Sect... The Elder mentioned him frequently in his letters, and I'm unsure how to respond to him."

"An Siwei was captured..."

Li Ximing also found this quite troublesome. Although An Siwei was not particularly powerful and possessed no unique Daoist magical abilities, he had been a loyal old minister for many years. The An family had intermarried with the Li clan for a century, and frankly, An Siwei's status was no less significant than that of a Li family Foundation Establishment cultivator.

He knew what Li Zhouwei meant, and said in a deep voice:

"Regarding this matter... we should probably clarify first. If An Siwei is at the Tangjin Sect, or has been sent west, there might still be a chance with the Jinyu Sect. But if he has gone to the Baiye Capital Immortal Path... then it won't be so easy."

Li Zhouwei also nodded, displaying a thoughtful expression, and replied:

"When I fought with Guan Kan, at a critical moment, a white Qilin appeared. Although it resolved the crisis, I had no intention of killing Guan Kan. I'm unsure of his status within the Capital Immortal Path."

Li Ximing hesitated slightly, then saw Li Zhouwei say earnestly:

"Regarding this Xuan Yue matter, while our family certainly acted out of goodwill and friendship, from another perspective, for all the forces surrounding Xuan Yue... it was merely a feast for the taking.

"The Capital Immortal Path's southward movement, whether gaining much or little, always profited. The Xuanmiao Temple and our Wangyue Lake, though aiding Xuan Yue, were also, in a sense, encroaching. In this great battle, no one truly lost out; only Xuan Yue's centuries-old foundation was laid bare for all to claim..." He shook his head, a hint of unease on his face:

"Considering Gong Xiao's attitude, the battle on the river was about flexing muscles, displaying strength, and determining who would get more or less. But now, someone named Guan has died. I fear Guan Kan might have some significant bloodline background, and if our two families truly ignite a conflict, that would be the real trouble."

At Li Zhouwei's words, Li Ximing nodded slightly. He had also sensed something from Ye Gui's attitude, calculating in his mind:

"Compared to his harshness towards Chang Xi, Ye Gui seemed to maintain a somewhat ambiguous attitude towards me from beginning to end, as if avoiding an outright conflict... Presumably, for these Purple Mansion cultivators, some Foundation Establishment cultivators aren't even worth a frown."

After a brief discussion, Li Zhouwei dropped the subject and then said:

"Furthermore, since I revealed my appearance, I fear it may not be a good thing if it falls into the hands of those with ulterior motives."

Li Ximing nodded, sighing:

"I understand now why these Purple Mansion cultivators cultivate powerful Foundation Establishment cultivators. If we had just one or two more capable individuals, you wouldn't have had to risk your life in battle! How are your injuries?"

"Though quite severe, they are not life-threatening."

Li Ximing simply said:

"Have Sun Bai come. Tomorrow, I'll take a trip to the East Sea, casually catch some demons, and use the family's treasured herbs to refine an elixir. Your injuries will heal quickly. Once you take the elixir, go into seclusion and break through to the late Foundation Establishment stage."

Li Ximing made the arrangements, then looked around to ensure no one else was present in the Grand Void. Only then did he transmit his voice using a secret technique:

"Regarding the matter of your new attainment, what does Minghuang think?"

Li Zhouwei had long wanted to ask him, and seizing this opportunity, replied:

"True Immortal, now that you've broken through to Purple Mansion, how much has your Seal Qi changed?"

Li Ximing paused slightly, then shook his head and said:

"None. It's as it was before; I can manipulate fire, guide qi, and refine magical power. Before my breakthrough to Purple Mansion, I rarely engaged in combat, so I was the least adept at utilizing qi among my brethren. Furthermore, since the 'Gate of Heavenly Worship' inherently allows me to manipulate fire, I couldn't immediately discern its full capabilities."

Li Zhouwei pondered for a moment, then replied:

"This junior has considered it thus... Firstly, it would be unwise to construct a grand Purple Mansion array at home; setting up an altar for divination would create too vast a commotion. Currently, quite a few Purple Mansion cultivators are observing our family because of this junior's actions, so it's best to be cautious. If absolutely necessary, we should at least perform it at the Xuan Yue mountain gate."

"There's also another point..."

Li Zhouwei pondered for a moment, then whispered, transmitting his voice with magical power:

"Since this junior is about to reach late Foundation Establishment, wouldn't the ability to use qi to enhance cultivation be rendered moot if used prematurely? Perhaps it would be better to wait until this junior... breaks through to Purple Mansion. Then, with our family's two True Immortals and the immortal artifact, could we not plan to venture into the Southern Border or the Four Seas and bring back a Purple Mansion demonic beast...?

"At that time, we could also observe the differences in various divine abilities... Perhaps this method could even help cultivate divine abilities... It would be unexpected, and could even serve as a trump card."

"A Purple Mansion demonic beast!"

Li Ximing had genuinely never considered such a possibility and was truly stunned. Having just broken through to Purple Mansion himself, he understood how difficult it was to encircle and kill a Purple Mansion cultivator. But after some thought, though the plan was challenging, there was no need to discourage Li Zhouwei. After all, Foundation Establishment qi could also enhance cultivation, and instead of expending it solely on the late Foundation Establishment stage, it would be better utilized for advancing divine abilities... "Good..."

He nodded repeatedly. As the two collected their thoughts, Qu Bushi, having sought permission, entered from outside the hall and knelt, saying:

"Greetings, Patriarch, greetings, True Immortal. Daoist Miaoshui has been brought."

Behind him was a sturdy stone coffin. The old man opened it, revealing a woman lying inside, her body severed into three sections at the neck and lower abdomen. Her abdomen was empty, with only a shriveled heart remaining in her chest cavity.

"Daoist Miaoshui was cut into three pieces. Although the magical power at her wounds was promptly dispelled, and she had taken Wanling Flower, her life was still precarious. The Patriarch had Guest Cultivator Sun piece her together... It was only with the secrets of my 'Treasury Palace' that her life was ultimately saved."

Though the old man was cunning, skilled only at fleeing rather than combat, he possessed a compassionate heart. He looked at Miaoshui, his brows deeply furrowed, and pleaded:

"This humble one became familiar with her over the years due to matters concerning the water veins. Although Miaoshui was involved in some affairs in the East Sea when she was young, and her magical power wasn't entirely pristine, she is a good soul and usually keeps to herself..."

Li Ximing glanced at Miaoshui, then nodded and said:

"It's good that she's not dead."

He took an elixir from his sleeve and placed it into Miaoshui's abdomen. Celestial light shone down from his brow, and instantly the life-generating power of Bright Yang emerged. Miaoshui's complexion immediately became rosy. She suddenly exhaled, sat abruptly upright, and looked around in a daze.

After two breaths, she emerged from the coffin, her eyes bright and filled with tears. She bowed and said:

"Many thanks, True Immortal!"

Li Ximing nodded slightly, a little surprised. Having hovered between life and death, Miaoshui's eyes seemed to have become clearer, and her entire demeanor was utterly different, though tears flowed freely. Li Ximing said:

"It's just that you were too severely injured. Your Jueque Court was damaged, so you can no longer cultivate related techniques and spells, and breaking through to Purple Mansion is even more impossible. Wait a few days; once there's an opportunity, I'll help you heal your Jueque."

Miaoshui wept incessantly. Having been cut into three pieces, she had experienced herself dying little by little, and the torment and shock she felt were beyond others' comprehension. She merely kowtowed and said:

"Thank you, True Immortal, for saving my life. I do not aspire to divine abilities, nor do I have such wondrous methods to cultivate. Having gained a sliver of life, I feel an inexpressible gratitude and relief. All matters aside, I only wish to return to the mountain to see my parents and weep in their embrace."

Li Ximing's expression was somewhat complex. Li Zhouwei nodded, signaling the two to withdraw, and said:

"Li Zhouwei displayed great power in Funan, fighting multiple opponents with ease and retreating calmly. If not for him and the Chongming Cavern Profound Screen, Funan would likely have had to withdraw for a while. He is now quite injured."

He swept his sleeve over the table. Immediately, three magical artifacts appeared on the tabletop, all resplendent with magical light, with smooth edges and intricate runes, clearly top-grade artifacts.

Li Ximing nodded upon seeing them, and smiled:

"The Capital Immortal Path has spent years in the East Sea, and now they've made a hefty profit in Jiangbei. They are indeed rolling in wealth! With these three magical artifacts, the losses of Funan and the wilderness can almost be disregarded!"

Li Ximing spoke conservatively; even the life of a rogue Foundation Establishment cultivator from the East Sea might not be worth one of these artifacts. Indeed, the Xuan Yue guest cultivators who died at the hands of the Capital Immortal Path might not have been as valuable as these magical items!

Li Zhouwei smiled:

"Precisely because these artifacts are so powerful, they also require a significant amount of time to refine... a month or two for each."

"That's simple."

Li Ximing raised an eyebrow. His divine power converged in his mouth, and with a gentle breath, a bright light swept over them. The three magical artifacts were immediately refined by his divine ability, each lifted by celestial light.

The series of cold iron rings used by Guan Kan rattled first. These small, silver rings, eighteen in total, each about the size of a fist, all bore Kan water patterns. Li Ximing casually remarked:

"These are the 'Kan Gold Entangling Rings,' high-grade magical artifacts from the Kan water system, primarily used for binding and entanglement. They are not as potent as the Mysterious Punishment Edict or the Cavern Profound Screen, but they can reach the Crimson Flame Lamp of the Bright Palace."