Chapter 737: Detailed Description

“I see,” Li Ximing said.

Chang Yun, being the one fishing by the bank, naturally knew the most about this matter. When Li Ximing heard him, he understood that these Purple Mansions would only speak when asked. If Li Ximing failed to consider any aspect, he wouldn't be qualified to share in the spoils. So, he said, “The Hurricane Ghost Yin lineage of Wen Hu is in my hands. Fellow Daoist, you cultivated Ping Wangzi, also in preparation for opening the formation. I, on the other hand, need to cultivate one of my own people.”

Chang Yun chuckled, saying, “That's easy to say. That Wen Hu you have… once searched for the Secret Affinity lineage in the South Sea for the Metropolis Immortal Sect… At that time, the Metropolis Immortal Sect hadn't even entered Jiangbei yet, but they had already started searching! This shows that the Metropolis Immortal Sect had premeditated plans long ago…”

Li Ximing squinted slightly, looking up and asking, “Oh? What was the outcome?”

“They found another Floating Cloud Body! The Metropolis Immortal Sect kept it a thousand-fold secret, and indeed, very few people knew about it. I only learned of it from a fellow Daoist's casual conversation. In the end, their sect didn't gain much… but the person who obtained the lineage was thoroughly deceived by Wen Hu, ultimately dying and perishing! Perhaps all their secret techniques were swindled away!”

Li Ximing also knew Wen Hu was not simple. Upon consideration, the original Floating Cloud Cave was an ally of the Borer Gold Sect, which meant it was part of the Golden Feather Sect's share. Now that it had been annihilated, it was hard to account for. So he asked, “These three lineages… which families are dividing them?”

Chang Yun seemed to instantly perceive his concerns and replied, “The Floating Cloud Body lineage was already taken by the Golden Feather Sect; it was originally cultivated by their disciples. The Empty Resonance Dispersion is Ping Wangzi's method, and that share is mine… The Hurricane Ghost Yin belongs to the Metropolis Immortal Sect, and they also have a Floating Cloud Body. Several other families are quietly waiting; it's uncertain now.”

He looked at Li Ximing and chuckled, “It's not that a single lineage can only be divided by one person. The Little Chamber of Spiritual Treasures was prepared by the former Secret Affinity Temple for future generations. Any Foundation Establishment cultivator who has cultivated the lineage can go and take a share. How much one gets depends on the individual; one powerful direct descendant is worth ten good-for-nothings.”

“Fortunately, these opportunities, once acquired, benefit our people and can be considered a money tree.”

Li Ximing's mind was now clear: ‘So many opportunities… so many arrangements. The Secret Affinity Little Chamber of Spiritual Treasures, where only those of this lineage can enter to seek opportunities, has become a treasure trove for several families collaborating…’

Li Ximing sorted out the cause and effect, then finally said, “I often hear that the Secret Affinity Temple has a powerful background. I wonder which sect it belongs to?”

This didn't seem to be a secret; Chang Yun said, “Secret Affinity is a remnant of the Wanling Upper Sect. The Wanling Upper Sect is a Three Sect-level immortal sect, and its grotto-heaven still lies hidden within the void.”

“Oh!” Li Ximing immediately understood and said, “Since Secret Affinity has such a background, won't all this meddling cause trouble?”

Chang Yun gently shook his head, while Ming Hui chuckled, “Fellow Daoist Zhaojing! How do you know this… isn't a method left by the Secret Affinity Temple to perpetuate its lineage? Year after year, time after time, if someone among these individuals truly becomes a Purple Mansion cultivator, or if some unforeseen change occurs, breaking free from a True Man's control… then they would have a legitimate reason to exclusively possess the spiritual treasures of Mount Xiaoshi's Secret Affinity! With such a profound golden background, reputation, and founding doctrine… wouldn't they desire it after achieving Purple Mansion? Could they ignore the Secret Affinity lineage?”

Li Ximing was thoughtful, and Chang Yun also chuckled, “Fellow Daoist Ming Hui is right. Although gathering all five Daoist lineages yields rich rewards, to truly open this spiritual treasure, one needs the Secret Affinity lineage's Purple Mansion divine ability; otherwise, it won't work. We have divided the spiritual treasures several times and thoroughly collected what we could. The remaining Purple Mansion portion still requires long-term deliberation; it's not something to be easily touched.”

Li Ximing understood, secretly preparing to return and deal with his affairs. He thanked them twice, and True Man Chang Yun said, “No need for such formality! I highly value this child, Zhong Qian. He has formed a connection with your esteemed family through Ning Tiaoxiao, and there will be ample opportunities for mutual assistance in the future.”

Li Ximing chatted briefly, listening as the two spoke of who had achieved Purple Mansion breakthroughs and who had accumulated merit to become a Compassionate One. Just as he was about to bid farewell, Ming Hui, quite eager, said, “Across the river is my Lotus Temple! If True Man has any needs in the north, please come find me!”

Chang Yun saw this, and covering his teacup, said, “I say… Fellow Daoist Ming Hui, you are a revered Compassionate One and are extremely skilled in divination. Why not perform a divination for Fellow Daoist and offer some practical convenience?”

Upon hearing this, Ming Hui gnashed his teeth, feeling a sharp pain in his chest: “Divinate? Divinate your mother… I don't even want my life anymore, divinate, divinate, divinate… You certainly talk the most!”

In his heart, he wished he could slap Chang Yun, but on his face, he gave two dry laughs and replied, “I shouldn't directly divine for fellow Daoists, and I also fear that fellow Daoists wouldn't trust me to divine for them…”

What he said made sense. Li Ximing had no good impression of any of these individuals and had long intended to refuse. He also declined, drank several cups, and having no mind to engage in further polite back-and-forth with the two, he bade farewell and departed.

No sooner had he left the pavilion than he saw Monk Ming Hui emerge with him. Li Ximing, disinclined to get entangled, stepped into the Great Void, but Ming Hui pursued him, reaching the Great Void and saying, “Fellow Daoist Zhaojing! May I say one more thing?”

As the other party pursued him so persistently, it was inappropriate for Li Ximing to keep avoiding him. He had no choice but to reply, “Grand Master Ming Hui, how may I help you?”

Ming Hui said, “Just one thing… This monk has a friend who obtained a lineage and wishes to ascend to the rank of Compassionate One, and construct a grand temple and luxurious spiritual artifact. They are missing a single ingredient, the Soul-Listening Mulberry Wood, which is produced in the southern frontier of Qingchi… Due to the conflict with Sibai Xiuhenshi, it is difficult for me to go there. Fellow Daoist has connections in Qingchi; if there's an opportunity, please keep an eye out for it for me…”

Li Ximing, intending to test if he could cross the river, traveled through the Great Void with him, giving a perfunctory reply. Ming Hui then added, “My Lotus Temple is, after all, in the north, and we possess a Bright Yang spiritual embryo. If Fellow Daoist can obtain it, we are willing to exchange it for that.”

Even now, Li Ximing still didn't trust the monk. Even if there was a Bright Yang spiritual embryo, he only gave a perfunctory response. As they neared the Funaan territory, Ming Hui changed the subject, saying, “Earlier, we agreed to a divination. It wasn't that I genuinely wished to slight you, but I feared you wouldn't let me divine. How about you don't choose a disciple or a blood relative, but instead pick an unrelated guest elder? That way, my divination will be easy and detailed, and it won't put you in too difficult a position!”

Li Ximing looked down. There were many people in the Funaan territory, and these people were in Jiangbei. Whether Li Ximing agreed or not, Ming Hui could certainly divine. He cautiously said, “If that's the case. If you wish to divine, I have no reason to obstruct you.”

He dared not let him divine about the most crucial person, An Siwei, and chose the least related individual, saying, “My family has an old guest elder… named Qu Bushi.”

Ming Hui's gaze penetrated the Great Void, sweeping over. Relying solely on a name, he recognized the person. He first divined the person's magical artifact, thereby ascertaining that divining for the individual would not have severe repercussions. Only then did he proceed to divine for the person, thoughtfully saying, “Nourishes life, protects years, old yet firm; fate is afflicted by Kan Water, unable to lead, but a useful guest elder.”

Li Ximing, however, paid attention to Ming Hui's position. Upon reaching the riverside, the monk indeed stopped. “I will see you off here, fellow Daoist.”

Ming Hui departed along the Great Void. Only then did Li Ximing ponder Ming Hui's words. ‘This monk was unexpectedly polite. Qu Bushi is, after all, a guest elder, and the Hidden Chamber Palace excels at preserving life, with so many years of life left. In the future, he will indeed be an old man like An Zheyang.’

Landing in the lake, Li Ximing, uncharacteristically having some free time, did not return to Zhijing Mountain but instead hastened towards the islet.

On the vast open court of the islet, a white flowering tree, approximately thirty zhang tall, presided. Its leaves were smooth as glass, transparent, offering no shade beneath. Tiny, reddish spiritual flowers, palm-sized with five petals interwoven in red and white, dotted its branches. It was the Wanling Flower!

Beneath the tree sat a snow-white old ape, cross-legged, clad in simple stone armor, with a staff resting on its lap. As Li Ximing walked over, the white ape opened its eyes, rose, and respectfully said, “Greetings, True Man.”

Li Ximing nodded. The first thing the old ape did upon arriving at the Li family was to guard the Wanling Flower. It had now been over seventy years. After the battle on the river, it returned to heal and guard beneath the tree.

Li Ximing glanced at the Wanling Flower tree. Over the years, his family had extracted no less than eight hundred, if not a thousand, spirit stones from this flower. Not to mention the cultivators whose lives were preserved because of it… even Miao Shui, just days ago, relied on this flower! “Even a little something that slips through the fingers of a Golden Core immortal descendant brings endless benefits to my family!”

On the other side of the courtyard was another plant, only the size of an ordinary tree, yet it was a mountain persimmon tree, rich in spiritual energy. It swayed back and forth in its corner, but upon seeing Li Ximing look over, it immediately froze.

This was naturally the spiritual persimmon dug up from the Spring House, a Qi Cultivation level plant. Although its roots were ordinary, this mountain persimmon had considerable fortune, having become a spirit and gained cultivation. It would normally consume some spiritual medicine and drink some spiritual water, and now possessed a cultivation level of roughly mid-Qi Cultivation.

The Li family also had a Serpent Dragon fruit tree, but its grade was lower, kept only in the spiritual courtyard on the islet.

After observing, Li Ximing took a small box from his sleeve. Opening it, a gleaming golden Hornwood Golden Spike needle lay inside—it was precisely the Hornwood Golden Spike gifted by the Sword Sect! “This is an excellent item for nourishing spiritual plants…”

As soon as the box opened, the Wanling Flower tree immediately stirred. The mountain persimmon in the corner stopped pretending, extending its branches towards them. It dared not touch Li Ximing, only secretly pulling at the white ape.

Li Ximing's divine ability permeated the area. Celestial light circulated, and with a wave of his hand, he dispersed the Hornwood Golden Spike, letting the celestial light shine upon the two spiritual plants, causing them to rustle audibly.

Li Ximing knew nothing about spiritual plant cultivation, so he simply applied it to the two spiritual plants, instructed the white ape to guard them well, and then turned to leave.

He landed on Zhijing Mountain. A moment later, a young man in a dark crimson pleated robe descended on burning fire, ascended the mountain path, and, reaching the courtyard, bowed and said, “Jiang Qian pays his respects to True Man!”

Li Ximing had not actually met Li Jiangqian many times. He simply bade him approach. Facing this junior who had been granted a talisman seed, Li Ximing did not stint on a smile, asking, “Jiang Qian, you're here. Why isn't Que Wan with you?”

Li Jiangqian replied, “Reporting to True Man, my sister encountered a bottleneck in her magical arts and went to Beishan Yue to collect shamanic techniques, so she couldn't come. This junior came up the mountain on my father's orders to deliver a message.”

“Speak.”

Li Ximing listened while pouring tea. Li Jiangqian said, “A few days ago, the Wu family from Junnan came to visit. The Wu family's old ancestor, at the peak of Foundation Establishment, personally came and presented a gift of gratitude, saying it was to thank True Man for passing through the Wu family's territory and eliminating the demonic cultivators for them. Father was unaware of this matter and sent me to inquire.”

Li Ximing naturally understood what happened. He sipped his tea and replied, “When I fought against Ye Hui, I passed by the Wu family. My escape light likely incinerated one or two of those demonic cultivators. Ye Hui followed behind, and when he manifested his divine ability, he probably crushed a few of the Wu family members too. This Wu family head certainly knows how to make a show of things; he's quite resourceful.”

Li Jiangqian immediately understood. He was not intimidated by the True Man and replied, “So that's it. Xuanyue also has a guest elder named Wu who has family ties with the Junnan Wu family. This will make things difficult for him…”

“Just make it clear to your father,” Li Ximing replied.

Li Jiangqian continued, “Shanji County has been attacked several times in recent days. We couldn't defend the area, and a lot of resources were plundered, and even a town was lost…”

This was not unexpected for Li Ximing; Shanji County was a burden in their hands. He asked, “How is your father handling it?”

Li Jiangqian respectfully replied, “Father had already begun relocating the people of Shanji to populate the wilderness. The morale in Xuanyue hasn't collapsed, and with our family's support, many prominent families and even aristocratic clans are willing to come over. Except for the Sword Sect's territory, most of the other common people have departed. Father views this matter with great importance and personally set out to escort them…”

“Good,” Li Ximing nodded and said, “Nine times out of ten, Xuanyue will only be able to rebuild its foundation in the wilderness from now on. This matter is necessary; just leave it to your father.”

Li Ximing paused slightly, then asked about his eldest son with an unreadable expression, “How is Chengzhi doing these days?”

His eldest son, Li Chengzhi, was a mortal. Li Ximing had met him once after achieving Purple Mansion, accompanied by his grandson Li Zhouming, who was at the early Qi Cultivation stage. Both were timid and sweating profusely. Li Chengzhi, with his hair and beard completely white, dared not look at Li Ximing; he came up for a quick turn and immediately left.

Although Li Zhouming possessed cultivation and had even been sent over by his eldest son early on, Li Ximing's successive seclusions meant they hadn't met often. However, due to a deeper understanding and fear of the Purple Mansion realm, Li Zhouming behaved even worse than his father.

Upon Li Ximing's question, Li Jiangqian immediately replied, “Elder Chengzhi is growing old and is no longer very active. Uncle Zhouming is currently serving in Milin Mountain…”

Li Ximing, of course, knew Li Jiangqian had little good to say. Although his eldest son Li Chengzhi wasn't close to him, he was still somewhat thoughtful. However, lacking cultivation was too fatal. As for Li Zhouming, Li Ximing had personally interacted with him; he was genuinely a mediocre child, and somewhat greedy. Li Jiangqian was being polite by not speaking ill of him, let alone finding anything commendable to say.

He subtly lowered his brows and simply replied, “Let him be. Chengzhi is getting old; sometimes he can't control Zhouming. Don't let him think I'm concerned about them, lest he go and do something foolish.”

Li Jiangqian had thought that Li Ximing's mention was a subtle hint for him to look after them. But hearing Li Ximing's words, he could only nod, his mind gradually becoming clear: “The True Man isn't completely unconcerned with the clan after all… At least these few sentences truly hit on the crucial points concerning the two elders. Without paying some attention, it would be impossible to be so clear.”

Li Ximing waved him away, calculating in his mind: “Currently, there are three important matters: first, the Purple Mansion grand formation; I'll wait for news and observe the situation. Second, resolving the issue of Shanji County and properly guarding Xuanyue. Third… I must resolve Ye Hui's matter, lest he continue to oppose my family every day.”