Chapter 797: Peacock

When Li Wushao inquired, Li Xuanxuan immediately shook his head and replied, "Of course, there's no definite plan yet. Chenghuai's marriage was decided when Zhier and Xiaoer returned for family visits. Now, with only this one child, and no news from the sect, the clan can only put it aside."

"Moreover," he continued, "Zhier is not what he used to be; he's a prominent figure in the South Sea now, so this matter requires even more caution."

When Li Xizhi and Yang Xiao'er returned home for visits several times in the past, the Foundation Establishment array on Qingdu Peak hadn't even been fully constructed. It was incomparable to the present state of the Zifu Immortal Clan, let alone Li Xizhi's current status. After the elder finished speaking, Li Wushao nodded.

"The Master and Mistress once said that in earlier years, they only hoped the Young Master would grow up safely and continue the family bloodline, which is why the Ding clan was specifically chosen. Now that Zhouluo has grown up, his marriage is exceptionally crucial. Several families and sects have expressed interest, and some have even visited the Master. In recent years, since the Young Master took charge, they've been coming even more frequently."

Li Xuanxuan nodded repeatedly. Of course, he hoped Li Zhouluo would have a good wife. The elder then said, somewhat tactfully, "We also need to consider mutual willingness. If things turn out unpleasant, we might end up offending people."

"That goes without saying." Li Wushao, perhaps not fully grasping his meaning, cupped his hands and said, "The Master's intention is that before Zhouluo reaches Foundation Establishment, he should first go to the South Sea, stay with the Master for a period, meet young ladies from several influential families and sects, cultivate some feelings, and then get married there. Once everything is arranged and he breaks through to Foundation Establishment, we can see if he wishes to return."

Xuanxuan gasped in astonishment and asked, "This... won't this be too presumptuous... potentially displeasing several families...?"

"Haha!" Li Wushao chuckled, then shook his head and said, "Not at all! You, elder, aren't in the South Sea, so you wouldn't know. Now, the Master is an honored guest wherever he goes in the South Sea. Zhouluo is the dignified head of a Zifu Immortal Clan lineage, the grand-nephew of a True Human, a descendant of the Yue Kingdom's imperial family, and the grandson of the Jiutian Pavilion Lord. Furthermore, he's a top-tier talent himself. Which family wouldn't eagerly seek him out?"

Li Xuanxuan understood, pondering silently, 'Ximing said... that Yang Tianya is still lurking somewhere, and he's still a descendant of the Yang family's True Human, indeed...'

Li Wushao continued, without pause, "Besides this matter, there's also the issue of Qieqi Peak. The current Peak Master of Qieqi Peak is Lin Wuning. Hearing that I was going to the lake, he visited me repeatedly, asking me to relay a message. He said that five types of qi from Qingchi are gathered on the lake, three of which cannot be found anywhere else. Now, they've become quite polite, saying they hope to establish a location with the Wangyue Immortal Clan to serve as a base for the Qingchi Sect, so that future qi collection can proceed smoothly."

His lips spread into a smile as he chuckled, "Qingchi has come to this point today; it's truly satisfying."

Li Xuanxuan immediately realized it concerned items like the Golden Autumn of the Lake, mostly unique to Qingchi. The "Moon Lake Reflecting Autumn Art" was famous. He possessed Lunar Essence himself but hesitated to use it, feeling quite conflicted. A thought stirred within him, and he asked, "Who are most of these qi collectors? They probably won't send Foundation Establishment cultivators, as they've all taken the Xuanjing Spirit Oath..."

"Indeed." Li Wushao, having gained experience in Qingchi, understood the unspoken meaning. He pulled Li Xuanxuan into the hall and whispered, "Elder, Qieqi Peak naturally won't send Foundation Establishment cultivators for qi collection. After all, the path of qi collection has always been of utmost importance, and the key to the Golden Autumn of the Lake lies in the Huozhuo method, unless soul-searching is involved..."

Li Xuanxuan, however, chuckled and replied, "No hurry. Just let their people come and collect the qi."

Li Wushao nodded gravely. Soon, Quan Yudan and the other person returned. However, these two Qingchi disciples deliberately avoided walking towards the other side, seemingly unwilling to encounter the Ziyan cultivators. They appeared constrained and didn't fully enjoy themselves.

Wang Quwan was already waiting by the lake. Li Wushao could only lead him out. Seeing the two from a distance, Quan Yudan smiled and said, "Elder, we're going over now. We'll return to see the Master once we've finished our business."

Li Xuanxuan nodded. "Be careful with everything."

The group headed north together. Li Xuanxuan saw them off beyond the lake. The sky grew dark again, and silence fell upon the lake. The Ziyan Gate cultivators, who had been hidden on the isle, also emerged, and several streaks of purple qi soared into the sky, drifting swiftly away.

***

**The Peacock Sea**

The further north one went, the more magnificent the waters of the Peacock Sea became. Reaching the Great Blessed Copper-Colored Temple in the far northeast, the sea beneath the Blessed Copper Spirit Mountain already displayed a dazzling array of colors, constantly shifting with the sunlight. Coral reefs floated in patches, resembling living fish and serpents.

Looking down from the Blessed Copper Spirit Mountain, one could see several black specks wriggling on the sea surface, prostrating themselves with each step as they approached the spiritual mountain. The coral naturally lifted them, allowing them to move across the water as if on solid ground.

However, peacocks hopped and skipped all over the mountain, playfully brawling on the spiritual peak. When the few mortals prostrated their way to the base of the mountain, they were fiercely pecked by the peacocks. These individuals, already emaciated and pale, couldn't endure such torment and tumbled into the sea, covered in blood.

At this moment, the several novice monks serving the peacocks on the mountain watched with relish and began to laugh: "Fickle-minded, they deserved it! Each prostration cultivates a Buddhist heart. If they can't let go of self-esteem, self-love, and independent thought, how can they be called devout? How can they seek emptiness?"

As they laughed, a strong gust of wind suddenly arose from the ground. These novice monks, possessing no great cultivation, were instantly swept up by the gale, along with a group of mortals on the ground, and all landed on a patch of colorful feathers. Before even touching down, the monks already began to laugh ecstatically: "We've been chosen by the blessed land!"

"The Seven-Colored Speaking Peacock's back! It's one of the highest blessed lands!"

The novice monks immediately settled themselves on the peacock's back and devoutly began to chant scriptures. The dozen or so emaciated mortals, who had broken arms and legs from the fall, also started chanting upon seeing this, and remarkably, felt no pain at all.

The massive peacock then flapped its wings and flew eastward, brilliant light flowing from its dark, gem-like eyes. The East Sea was vast, and the peacock found the flight truly boring. After a while, it picked up a person and brought them aboard, eliciting cheers from its back.

The novice monks, who enjoyed the best treatment, were left behind. Seeing the mortals enter the blessed land first, they became discontent. Suppressing their jealousy, they chanted scriptures with all their might.

The peacock flew swiftly, reaching the cape. Its snacks consumed, it transformed into a dignified and benevolent woman clad in five-colored robes. She then dived into the sea, cast a spell, entered the earth, flew into a grotto, and finally arrived at a pool of emerald water.

She smiled faintly and whispered, "Greetings, Great True Human Buzhi!"

The underground pool rippled slightly, and a weak, ancient voice emerged: "Daoist Friend Yushe, thank you for this time... Have you brought the Blood Emerald Pearl?"

Yushe Lianmin smiled and nodded, replying, "You are a Great Cultivator who has transcended the Samadhi Purple; there's no need to be so polite. To be able to assist the Great True Human in this desperate place is also destiny. I only hope you recover from your injuries and then capture that great demon!"

"I only hope... to see that flower first."

The green pool rippled for a moment, and Chi Buzhi's voice followed: "That's perfectly reasonable."

So the water rippled, and a bright white flower emerged from the surface of the pool. Yushe Lianmin's eyes lit up, and she laughed, "Indeed, it's a rare Lunar treasure! Truly worthy of the Solar lineage... It has certainly opened the eyes of a humble cultivator like me from this remote place..."

She looked carefully, hearing a clear, smiling voice by her ear: "Isn't it beautiful? It should be!"

Yushe Lianmin's heart jolted, and she quickly turned around. On the large rock behind her sat a green-robed cultivator with disheveled hair, watching her with a full smile. Her heart chilled, and she asked, "True Human... this is..."

Before she could finish her question, she felt a glimmering light fly up before her eyes. Her hairs stood on end, and she quickly formed a hand seal, sending out layers of colorful light to block the glimmer. But then, her vision blurred, and a chilling, bone-piercing cold enveloped her. Her feet felt icy cold, sensing the chilling touch of water. She had, in fact, stepped into the green pool.

Chougui Zang!

Yushe Lianmin was a newly advanced Lianmin, and she was certainly no match for Chi Buzhi in a magical battle. She immediately formed a hand seal and urgently exclaimed, "Great True Human! My fate is in the hands of Shanshia Mohe. Killing me would create karma... Please act with caution!"

Yushe Lianmin had never expected Chi Buzhi to attack her. Shanshia Mohe was already of the Ninth Reincarnation, and Chi Buzhi was not someone who harbored animosity towards Buddhist cultivators. Killing Yushe Lianmin would bring absolutely no benefit!

Both Lianmin and Mohe are Buddhist cultivators who have attained the 'Non-Retreating Ground,' comparable to Zifu cultivators. The biggest difference between them also lies in this 'Non-Retreating Ground.' Mohe's 'Non-Retreating Ground' is fixed in their own Mohe position, allowing them to be non-retreating in position, form, and thought, essentially immortal unless their true spirit is sealed. Whereas a Lianmin's 'Non-Retreating Ground' is tied to their corresponding Mohe position, with the highest being beneath the Golden Lotus Seat (also known as the Lotus Seat or the Great Puxati's Seat), where both form and thought are non-retreating. Even if their Dharma body collapses in battle outside, they can still recover upon returning to the Buddhist Land. A Lianmin at this level already possesses the potential to attain Mohe, though the conditions are stringent.

The system of Buddhist cultivation is remarkably profound. How else could it have emerged from a chaotic era of immortals and demons and seized control of the entire North amidst the turmoil? There's a reason why the seven Buddhist paths and the mortals of the North are pathologically devoted to the Buddhist Land; it is simply far more convenient and safer than cultivating one's own nature.

Although Yushe's 'Non-Retreating Ground' has not yet reached the highest Golden Lotus Seat, it has attained the secondary level beneath the Wisdom-Generating Seat, meaning her spiritual thoughts do not regress, and she can retreat to the Buddhist Land. More importantly, as a descendant of the Peacock clan, her status in the Path of Compassion is extraordinary; her death would personally be noted by Shanshia Mohe! If Chi Buzhi killed her, he would gain nothing except destroying her Dharma body and offending the Ninth Reincarnation Shanshia Mohe and the entire Peacock clan. Otherwise, why would Yushe have rashly approached Chi Buzhi?!

Even though events unfolded far beyond her imagination, Yushe remained calm, succinctly stating the risks. She formed a hand seal but watched the green-robed man sitting on the rock before her, who chuckled: "Little Peacock, I won't kill you! I'll just confine you for a while."

The verdant water beneath her feet undulated. Yushe, facing Chi Buzhi of the Solar orthodoxy, had lost much of her initial resolve. She still wanted to immediately move and leap out of the green pool. Her magic power circulated, and she took a step into thin air, only to find the green pond clinging to her feet like a shadow.

Chi Buzhi raised an eyebrow, watching, and casually remarked, "You're just a peacock after all; demon creatures are inherently inferior. And you cultivate Lianmin, not even possessing a single divine ability, nor have you learned any spells. If you met anyone else, you'd be smacked to death with two slaps!"

He appeared to be sitting idly on the rock, yet in his hand, he toyed with a small cauldron that emitted a shimmering green glow. A strong sense of stagnation permeated the meticulously arranged cavern, causing a faint green mist to arise, clearly indicating it was primed for action.

In truth, the Peacock descendant also possessed Zifu lineage blood, and while not comparable to the Dragon-Phoenix, she was no worse than others. It was merely unfortunate that she encountered Chi Buzhi, the Chi family's foremost genius in three hundred years. The green pool beneath her feet and the green mist in the air combined to bind her, preventing her from escaping into the void. Yushe struggled to maintain her politeness: "May I ask what the True Human's demands are? You could simply tell this junior plainly, there's no need to be so aggressive..."

Yushe's 'non-retreating' state was in thought, not in the triple non-retreat. Her Dharma body and Lianmin position were extremely precious, and she knew full well that the other party could not kill her and had no motive to do so. Ultimately, she was reluctant to make a move.

Chi Buzhi raised an eyebrow, glanced at her, and chuckled, "I've been cultivating a spell these past few years that requires peacock blood, peacock feet, and peacock feathers. This time, I need to borrow your Dharma body, Daoist Friend."

Yushe immediately let out a sigh of relief. After all, these things, no matter what, couldn't compare to her entire Dharma body. However, if she hadn't been trapped here, she naturally wouldn't have been willing to give them. Feeling it was reasonable, she whispered, "My..."

"Rumble..."

Before she could finish, the small cauldron in Chi Buzhi's hand appeared above her head. A dense force of verdant water pressed down. In the instant Yushe hesitated, the green pool beneath her feet already rippled with complex array patterns.

Yushe's heart suddenly grew cold. However, the power within Chi Buzhi's cauldron had been accumulating for an unknown period. As it descended, it suppressed her magic power, causing it to dissipate, leaving her unable to move.

Chi Buzhi remained seated on the rock, motionless, his eyes full of mockery: 'Once fooled isn't enough; you need to be fooled again... Truly foolish... The Buddhist Land cultivates such imbeciles...'

Even though Chi Buzhi was a Great True Human who had transcended the Samadhi Purple, Yushe was not someone he could simply kill with a flick of his hand. In a short time, he could only stun her, force her back into her original form, and trap her above the green pool.

Yushe's heart was suddenly filled with alarm. At this moment, she was in a weakened state, unable to move. Any spiritual artifact the other party might conjure could easily injure her. Yet, she still hesitated: 'At most, he just covets my entire Dharma body... Could he find a magic treasure to kill me?'

In that instant of contemplation, the grand array beneath her feet lit up with white light. Yushe's figure abruptly faded, and a dignified Lianmin from beneath the Wisdom-Generating Seat thus vanished, leaving only a shimmering display of colorful light flowing through the empty cavern.

Chi Buzhi's eyes darkened. Feeling a gradual sense of weightlessness, he understood: 'Even like this, Yushe can be taken away... It clearly wasn't 'It' acting... There are multiple True Monarchs in the sky...'

'Spiritual artifacts are completely useless. Even I, not being within the array, can be pulled into that Grotto-Heaven... I probably can't hide even at the ends of the earth. The heavens are not only much higher than the Compassionate Buddhist Land, but they are ultimately not in the Great Void; they are beyond the heavens...'

'Peacocks are truly both stupid and clumsy... If I circle back, I might be able to catch one here again. Oh, it seems I'll have to see that talkative idiot donkey again...'

***

**Characters Appearing in This Chapter:**

* **Li Xuanxuan:** Qi Condensation Stage 9, direct descendant of the Bo lineage.* **Quan Yudan:** Qi Condensation Stage 8, head disciple of Jiutian Pavilion.* **Li Wushao:** Foundation Establishment Late Stage.* **Yushe:** Lianmin of the Wisdom-Generating Seat.* **Chi Buzhi:** Zifu Late Stage, Great True Human.