Chapter 782: Purple Smoke Settles Matters

Li Zhouluo walked ahead, introducing several cultivation sites on the isle to Wen Wu. Wen Wu was very courteous, nodding repeatedly as he replied:

"I've heard of it! It's rumored that this place used to be a market. My master also cultivated here back then and often remarked on how good it was, saying that some key areas were no worse than our blessed land."

Li Quewan listened carefully, but noticed Li Quexi beside her walking quickly. The child was almost a full body length ahead, having moved closer to Wen Wu. She now asked with considerable curiosity:

"Senior Brother, how does this place compare to Muzuo Peak?"

Wen Wu chuckled in response, giving an evasive answer:

"Muzuo is the second peak of our blessed land, and its spiritual energy is among the strongest in Jiangnan. However, my master said that when she cultivated in this market back then, even the most expensive spot wasn't inferior to Muzuo."

Pingya Isle was good, its strength lying in the uniformly rich spiritual energy everywhere compared to the lakeside. But Li Zhouluo, of course, knew it couldn't compare to the Purple Mist Blessed Land, let alone Muzuo Immortal Peak.

Wen Wu's words were subtle. The former Lake Isle might have once compared to Muzuo Peak, but after the great war to eliminate the Chen clan remnants and years of torment by the Grand Severing Array, it had long since fallen far behind. Li Zhouluo smiled:

"Naturally, there's no comparison. The blessed land follows the Azure Pine Sun lineage, inherited for a thousand years. My family is far inferior!"

Since Li Zhouluo had put it that way, Wen Wu could only swallow his embarrassment and replied:

"Your esteemed clan rose from humble beginnings, and the spirit and aspirations of your ancestors have endured. Our Purple Mist has long admired you."

The girl in front moved a step forward. Li Quewan was not the primary host, and it was improper to walk ahead of the guest. Her arm felt awkward, so she let go of the girl's hand, holding only her younger sister Li Queyi's.

When they arrived at Li Quexi's home, Li Zhouluo and Wen Wu led the girl into the small courtyard, where sounds of laughter and flattery filled the air. Li Quewan, holding Queyi's hand, stopped outside, deciding not to enter. She adjusted her sister's collar and said softly:

"Your sister Quexi is still young and doesn't understand much. She's not even old enough to wear hairpins... This is a time for vanity, so how can one expect her to handle things perfectly? In the blessed land, she might not receive much guidance. If you get a chance to see her, you should remind her a few things."

"Elder Sister..."

Although Li Queyi was lovely, being older, she said tactfully:

"I observed the blessed land along the way, and Purple Mist Peak seems to be struggling... Yet, it has formed a bond with our family. The immortal sect fears neglecting this connection, so my sister is truly accepted. I'm merely an added excuse. After entering the sect, our statuses will be vastly different. I'll probably need her to remember our sisterly bond and mention me. Even if I'm a few years older, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to lecture her."

Although the Purple Mist Sect favored ancient customs and didn't differentiate between inner and outer disciples, distinctions of strength were everywhere, giving rise to many status differences. Li Quewan understood this, sighing inwardly:

'Sister Quexi is still just a child after all. She believes her talent is exceptional and extraordinary, and that she earned the favor of a great cultivator. Little does she know it's merely due to True Man Ying's connections... If Queyi had been born three to five years later, this wouldn't have been her concern.'

Li Quewan waited for a while, then raised her brows and looked. She had cultivated ocular techniques and possessed excellent vision, spotting Li Xuanxuan and Ling Yanzi strolling not far away, clearly having followed them all this way.

She quickly pulled her sister forward, smiling:

"Greetings, Elder Senior! Greetings, Old Master!"

Ling Yanzi nodded repeatedly, and Li Queyi also greeted her master. Noticing the somewhat heavy atmosphere around the two elders, Li Quewan, as the older sister, quickly interjected:

"It is truly my sister's great fortune to receive guidance from you, Elder Senior. If my sister encounters any difficulties in the sect, or if our family hasn't provided enough resources, she might be too young and shy to speak up. Please do write to us."

It should have been said that once accepted into an immortal sect, family resources would be given discreetly, with no question of insufficiency. However, Ling Yanzi himself had to fight for his own Foundation Establishment resources, a clear sign of Purple Mist Peak's financial strain. If Li Queyi's resources were provided by her family, she could share more with her senior and junior disciples, naturally earning greater goodwill.

The suggestion of "writing a letter" was also a subtle way to provide Ling Yanzi, as a master, a way to avoid losing face by directly asking a disciple for resources. It offered a step down, allowing him to simply request from the Li family. Ling Yanzi understood, nodding slightly as he replied:

"Her senior and junior disciples are all good people. Queyi will not suffer any grievances on my peak."

Li Xuanxuan walked with his hands behind his back, his earlier joy long gone. Li Zhouluo quickly approached, taking Ling Yanzi and Li Queyi to find her family elders.

Once all arrangements were complete, Wen Wu also prepared to return to the sect with his people. The two families reluctantly bid farewell. Wen Wu then quickly stepped to Li Xuanxuan's side and smiled:

"Elder Senior, please come into the hall with me for a detailed discussion."

Li Xuanxuan immediately understood, dismissed those around him, and entered the hall with Wen Wu. The man politely said:

"Elder Senior, True Man Zhaojing left a Purple Mansion array with my sect's True Man. Originally, it was meant to be set up on the lake along with the True Man's elixirs, but now that the True Man is away, the matter has been delayed..."

"A Purple Mansion array?!"

Hearing this, Li Xuanxuan suddenly choked, his heart pounding. His grandson hadn't communicated much with the family since becoming a True Man, so he never expected such a powerful Purple Mansion array to have been secretly left behind! The elder asked in delighted surprise:

"Does the True Man mean...?!"

Wen Wu replied in a low voice:

"My master spoke with True Man Ding. Seeing that True Man Zhaojing had not returned and that it was a critical time, True Man Ding decided to come to the lake when he had a moment and set up the array."

Li Xuanxuan was now truly astonished and delighted. He hesitated, saying:

"Our True Man... has been long absent and cannot respond. True Man Ding Lan's generosity is immense; Wangyue... feels deeply uneasy and grateful, hardly knowing how to respond!"

Regardless of what agreement Li Ximing and Ding Lan had reached—perhaps alchemy was part of it—True Man Ding Lan's ability to come to the lake and set up the array first was completely unexpected. When questioned with such skepticism, Wen Wu replied:

"This matter... has long been a concern of our True Man. That day, I accompanied my master and personally met True Man Ding. She sighed repeatedly, saying that Changxiao's actions were unexpected, that it was her miscalculation, and she failed to help True Man Li. Setting up this array now is a form of compensation."

"Our Purple Mist Blessed Land upholds righteousness; we are not like those overseas immigrants. Elder Senior, please do not worry."

Seeing the elder nod, Wen Wu continued:

"There's only one thing I must inform you of, Master. Our True Man is currently occupied with urgent matters that will take about a year. After this period, the Grand Immortal Dao will withdraw."

With Wen Wu's news, Li Xuanxuan felt reassured. The man continued:

"Since both young ladies have entered the blessed land, the sect rules are clear. As they are women, it does not impede the immortal clan's generations, but the marriages of these two children will be decided by them and our blessed land. They are now members of the Purple Mist Sect and cannot be betrothed outside for alliances."

"Naturally."

Li Xuanxuan's voice was slightly lower and hoarse as he said:

"Since the example of my own sister, our lakeside clan has largely abandoned such practices. Unless both parties are willing, I've personally stopped any such intentions. Later, with Qinghong and Minggong achieving cultivation, and with their seniors setting examples, our clan no longer imposes gender-based restrictions. It's simply that the Jueyin is not prominent here, resulting in naturally fewer female cultivators, which makes it appear as though there are more males."

Li Xuanxuan understood that Purple Mist was a female-dominated sect, so he spoke more carefully and explained thoroughly. Wen Wu nodded gently, clearly already aware of this, and then said:

"Although the blessed land follows ancient customs, most things still need to be earned through effort. The young ladies may inevitably face some grievances; please bear with us."

His words weren't aimed at anyone else, but at Li Queyi. As the two walked out, the spirit boat was waiting for Wen Wu alone, yet it was silent, with no sign of impatience. Li Queyi stood aside with Ling Yanzi, since Ling Yanzi was familiar with the Li family, taking a position slightly more prominent than when they arrived. Li Quexi, however, stood at the front of the boat, eyes red-rimmed, yet she was the center of attention, looking grand.

The purple mist drifted away. Most cultivators around felt a hint of envy, but Li Zhouluo merely glanced back before turning away. He and Li Xuanxuan, along with a few others, entered the hall. With no one else around, Li Zhouluo frowned and said:

"Old Master, I find Quexi a bit too frivolous. Now that she's gained a lineage, I wonder if it's for better or worse."

Li Xuanxuan, in his old age, had long seen things clearly. However, with the good news of the Purple Mansion array, he was in a good mood. He said in a weathered voice:

"It's human nature; don't be too harsh. It's not just Quexi; which junior on the lake, when favored, wouldn't stand at the front of that boat with their head held high? She just seemed a bit too eager."

Li Quewan said gently:

"I think we should treat her well from now on. Regardless of whether she considers the family, the family should treat her kindly. Even if she becomes a high-level cultivator of the Purple Mist Sect, her name will still bear 'Li'."

Both nodded. The elder asked about family matters. Li Zhouluo said:

"All around is peaceful. We received news from the Xiao family that the Yushan lineage wanted to return to visit, but that area has been restless recently, so they haven't been able to."

"Qingxiao... just let her take care of herself."

Seeing no one around, Li Xuanxuan recounted the recent events. Both were equally surprised and delighted. Li Zhouluo paced the hall twice, whispering:

"It will take another year or two... I wonder if it's because Changxiao hasn't appeared yet... I only hope we can get through it safely."

Li Quewan then said:

"Since the Grand Immortal Dao is withdrawing, the vacated wilderness should still be given to Xuanyue. Our family has shown ultimate benevolence in this matter and shouldn't interfere further. In my junior opinion, Xuanyue should be placed back in its original territory in the wilderness, allowing them to establish their own sect. This matter should conclude here; there's no need to prolong it."

"Indeed."

Li Zhouluo responded. The Xuanyue Sect was immensely grateful, and the Li family had also reaped considerable benefits from Xuanyue's decline. But now, with a True Man missing, whether Li Ximing's actions were intentional or part of a deeper plan, the Li family was truly starting to feel apprehensive.

As the three conversed, a cry suddenly came from outside. Li Zhouluo deactivated the array, frowning as he asked:

"What's wrong?!"

The person who arrived was Di Liguang. He bowed to the ground and said joyfully:

"Master, Old Master... Master Cui has returned to the island with Protector Ding!"

"Good!"

With the return of these two powerful Foundation Establishment cultivators, Li Xuanxuan felt a heavy stone lift from his heart. Li Zhouluo stepped forward, overjoyed:

"Quickly, invite them in!"

Soon after, Cui Jueyin, in splendid robes and a grand headdress, came forward. Behind him followed a brawny man with a swallow's jaw and tiger-like whiskers, powerfully built, with sharp eyes that moved mystically, sending chills down one's spine and causing a cold sweat when met with their gaze.

It was Ding Weizeng!

"Excellent! Excellent!"

Li Xuanxuan, having received one good piece of news after another, stepped down from the dais. Cui Jueyin immediately bowed his head in salute, and Ding Weizeng even stepped forward to gently support him. Li Xuanxuan said:

"With you two back, the lake region is safe from worries!"

Ding Weizeng looked slightly awkward, while Cui Jueyin recounted the entire story in detail. Listening, Li Xuanxuan's aged eyes reddened slightly as he said:

"It's good that you've returned safely..."

Ding Weizeng, however, knelt down with a thud and said respectfully:

"Reporting to Master, this subordinate has only returned for a brief adjustment, to prepare elixirs and resources, and will immediately depart for the East Sea to search for the True Man!"

"What?"

Li Xuanxuan was stunned, almost thinking the other party intended to join another family. Cui Jueyin had to explain his intentions from the side, causing the elder to sigh repeatedly. Ding Weizeng, however, stubbornly remained kneeling. Li Quewan advised from the side:

"Protector Ding, if you go to the East Sea, what if you inadvertently lead others to discover the True Man? Wouldn't your good intentions end up being counterproductive?"

Ding Weizeng gently shook his head and said respectfully:

"Weizeng is not of the lakeside bloodline, and my search would leave no trace. The True Man also wouldn't see me. But if I resolutely delve deep into the sea, I can attract the attention of Purple Mansion cultivators, making things easier for the True Man."

Li Quewan was about to speak again, but the elder stopped her. Li Xuanxuan stroked his beard. Although the elder was worried about his grandson, he understood in his heart that Ding Weizeng's journey to the East Sea would most likely spark a disturbance. It might not only cost this person his life but also cause untold trouble.

'If Ximing can escape, why would he need him? If Ximing cannot escape, how could he be of any use?'

'Currently, looking at the soul lamp, Ximing is not at a point of life or death. The East Sea is vast; where would one even begin to search for him?'

He then said quite calmly:

"Did the True Man leave any instructions for you?"

"None..."

Ding Weizeng hesitated slightly. Li Xuanxuan continued:

"Since you received no instructions, how do you know the True Man is truly injured? Could he not be feigning injury, submerging himself in the sea to lure out enemies? If you hastily go to the East Sea and ruin the True Man's plan, what sin would that be?"

Upon hearing this, Cui Jueyin suddenly understood, and Ding Weizeng was so stunned he couldn't speak. Even Li Zhouluo and Li Quewan stood frozen in place, a sudden silence falling over them.

Ding Weizeng broke out in a cold sweat. He quickly bowed down, saying with lingering fear:

"Thank you, Master, for your guidance! If not for your caution, Weizeng would have made a grave mistake! For now, this subordinate will simply guard Huzhou peacefully, awaiting the True Man's return!"

The Purple Qi Spirit Boat.

The Purple Mist Sect's spirit boat was quite spacious, much larger inside than it appeared from the outside. Although it couldn't compare to the Azure Pond Sect's renowned Radiant Cloud Ship, it was still one of the most luxurious magical artifacts.

Setting off from the lake, they soon reached the wilderness. Wen Wu settled everyone, then returned to the front of the boat, where his young junior sister, Li Quexi, was leaning against the side, watching the scenery.

Wen Wu immediately clasped his hands behind his back and paced over. The girl instantly looked up, smiling like a child, which reminded Wen Wu of his own daughter. She chuckled:

"Senior Brother!"

Wen Wu nodded slightly and replied:

"Junior Sister, why aren't you with your elder sister?"

Li Quexi whispered:

"My sister and I aren't very close. When I was nine, my talent was recognized, and I was brought to the island; that's when I met her. Normally, we just exchange greetings. At that time, too many people were eager to be close to her, so I didn't join in the commotion or say many words."