Chapter 801: Peacock Memories

Tinglan is still looking for me... Li Ximing didn't think Tinglan was particularly concerned; it was more likely she urgently needed the pills and was worried he might be in seclusion for a decade or more. After all, he had already studied the Heavenly One Spitting Essence Pill, and Mount Xuanyue had handled its affairs. She had taken the Purple Mansion formation, and with the materials in hand, she was too embarrassed or found it too difficult to ask anyone else to refine them. He immediately sat down with the two and asked, "I promised Fellow Daoist Tinglan that we had important matters to discuss. I left for a few years, delaying things, so she came looking for me."

Li Ximing helped Tinglan conceal the matter of alchemy, casually brushing it aside. Afterwards, he simply nodded and poured tea. Lingdu, the old man, was quite enthusiastic, chuckling, "Zhaojing, your alchemy is profound. Perhaps she's looking for you to refine pills; in any case, it's a good thing. We previously thought Zhaojing was seriously injured and in seclusion, so we diligently searched for you. Now that I see Zhaojing is safe and sound, I don't know how to respond to her."

Lingdu didn't want to interfere in the Purple Smoke matter, so he asked Li Ximing for a clear answer. Li Ximing understood his intention and replied, "There's no need to trouble you, senior, with going back and forth. If I manage to return to Jiangnan, I will naturally seek her out."

Tinglan belonged to the Solar Orthodoxy, and the Great Sunflower Monastery was not inferior, having once been a subordinate of the Immortal Mansion. Mount Jiuqiu was overseas, and none of the factions intended to curry favor with her. It was purely a matter of personal connections, and clearly, no one had an exceptionally good relationship with Tinglan, so the matter was dropped.

Li Ximing seized the opportunity and said, "Having healed in the East Sea for a few years, I haven't heard any news from Jiangnan. I wonder what the situation is now..." Hou disliked speaking too much, fearing that too much explanation would diminish his standing. He sipped his tea silently. Seeing this, Lingdu replied, "The Vermilion Palace has entered Shanjit County and established a new sect called the Muquan Sect, also of the Profound Path Orthodoxy. The noble Li Zhouwei fled to the sea, and I heard a cultivator of lightning was killed."

Li Ximing's gaze dropped, and he set down the teacup in his hand. He unconsciously wiped his hands on his robe and responded, "Oh... what?" His high spirits, initially buoyed by his recovery, instantly plummeted. His heart felt empty: 'Chengfang didn't even leave behind any descendants... It's all because my planning wasn't thorough enough... He should have magnificently suppressed the family's destiny, but due to my lack of foresight, he was carelessly killed.'

There were only a few pillars of the family, and only a handful were truly selfless. Li Ximing knew this well, feeling a bitter ache. It was a testament to his composure that he didn't lose control, and for a while, he truly couldn't speak.

As an experienced person, Lingdu could tell at a glance that a junior Li Ximing valued had been carelessly killed. He shook his head slightly and said, "Whether it's family inheritance or bloodline, they're all the same. Out of ten juniors, six are mediocre, three are wastrels, and the one outstanding one has to carry the other nine. That's one thing. But precisely the most outstanding ones are the ones we push into dangerous training. We, as masters and elders, hope that the exceptional one can turn the tide in times of crisis. If they were to perish that way, it would be a death in service. But more often, it's not so; a sudden death or accidental demise is what truly makes one's chest tighten, feeling powerful but with nowhere to exert it... both bitter and indignant!"

He stamped his foot and replied, "When I was young, I had a junior who was extremely talented and rather honest. If he were still alive, he could have aspired to the Purple Mansion. However, he simply went to a nearby maritime market one day and, carelessly, died in a woman's bed, without even using his talismans or protective treasures. Later, upon investigation, it wasn't even because the boy was foolish. The woman was just a rogue cultivator and hadn't been enchanted by any divine abilities; she simply hated him for his philandering, turning love into hatred. It just goes to show that even we, elders who cultivate divine powers, cannot always save them when their luck runs out."

At his words, Li Ximing quietly said, "Senior, you are right. My own child was also a philanderer. It's not necessarily a bad thing; it often depends on whether they are clever or not. It's just that his talent wasn't high, making things harder for him in the future."

Among the three, only Hou was young and without descendants, and the Great Sunflower Monastery had no troubles that concerned him directly. He should have been carefree, but when discussing this matter, his brows were tightly furrowed. He replied, "True Person Cao only manages his own juniors, unaware that our own sect's orthodoxy also faces anxiety and distress. The lineage in our hands is unbalanced; not only are there factions, but everyone is busy promoting their own relatives. It's more than just a mess... I have cultivated for so many years..."

The two offered words of comfort, and Li Ximing, wisely, composed himself. Hou glanced at Lingdu, and the elder from the Jiuqiu Orthodoxy spoke, smiling, "Since Zhaojing is here, it's a matter of destiny. Zhaojing fought Changxiao... Is your dharma body still well? Have you seen Silver Vase?"

Lingdu and Li Ximing's relationship wasn't particularly close, and mentioning the dharma body was actually a sensitive topic. A short-tempered Purple Mansion cultivator might have changed expression on the spot, but given Lingdu's powerful background and Li Ximing's peaceful disposition, he merely frowned and said, "It's still slightly damaged, and I have seen Silver Vase. She is very powerful."

Lingdu said gravely, "The Douxuan Orthodoxy is formidable. Since Silver Vase was involved, Zhaojing should not return to Jiangnan anytime soon... Changxiao might detect you."

Li Ximing's heart jolted, and his pupils slightly dilated. 'Why did I not notice anything at all!' Li Ximing had suspected earlier that Changxiao's divine ability might leave a mark, but he hadn't found any traces... He had even used an immortal mirror to investigate! 'Impossible... there must be a trick. How could it evade the immortal mirror's detection? This insidious individual might have guessed I have powers of detection and deliberately left no obvious marks... It's all feints and reality.' Lingdu glanced at him and said, "None of us possess the Eye of Divine Sight, so we cannot see clearly. However, our Jiuqiu Orthodoxy has a Yin Pond that can cleanse the dharma body." He paused slightly, his meaning gradually becoming clearer: "However, there is something I would like to discuss with you."

Li Ximing looked up slightly and saw Lingdu softly say, "Purple Mansion Spiritual Fire... I wonder if Zhaojing is interested?"

Li Ximing's heart slightly brightened, but his face remained expressionless. He merely said, "Oh? Which kind is it?"

The highest-grade spell of the Li family was undoubtedly the sixth-grade Grand Li White Radiance, a demanding technique that required Purple Mansion Li Fire to cultivate and employ. Li Ximing had coveted it for a long time. Now, when asked, Lingdu was stumped and whispered, "I don't know which kind it is... In any case, it's neither 'Mufire' nor 'Zaofire.'" Li Ximing had just escaped danger and was very hesitant. He asked, "Perhaps you could explain in detail?"

Lingdu nodded and said, "Presumably, Zhaojing has heard that something has happened at the Grand Alms Bronze Temple, causing agitation all around. Our Grand True Person speculated before going that it was likely one of the Temple's Compassionate Ones who had fallen."

Li Ximing was puzzled by this. This Grand True Person of Mount Jiuqiu was a formidable late-stage Purple Mansion cultivator, comparable in strength to Maha. There was no need for him to be polite to the Grand Alms Bronze Temple, yet it sounded as if he had been summoned. Li Ximing said, "The Grand Alms Bronze Temple certainly commands respect."

Lingdu immediately understood and replied, "Back then, the Peacock Ancestor of the Grand Alms Bronze Temple had a connection with our orthodoxy, and the previous Temple Master of the Grand Alms Temple had also provided guidance to our Mountain Master. He felt obliged to look after the peacocks... No wonder! Peacock Sea, despite being suppressed by Mount Jiuqiu, was filled with peacocks soaring everywhere, and the relationship between Immortals and Buddhists was generally not good. Lingdu continued, "So, with one of the Compassionate Ones having fallen, our Grand True Person had to go, both out of sentiment and reason. The Grand Alms Bronze Temple has four Compassionate Ones in total: one has fallen, one needs to report to the Buddhist Pure Land, and another must host our Grand True Person. Only one remains free."

"And the previously mentioned item is in Peacock Sea, a legacy left by a Tantai ancestor, with a deep connection to the peacocks. It has been discovered for many years, but we feared that if we caused a stir, the peacocks would inevitably take a share. Our Grand True Person, out of deference, could not support us, so we have delayed action until now, which is a perfect opportunity."

Li Ximing largely understood. He rubbed his teacup for a moment, not agreeing, but instead smiling, "Since it's a treasure of the Tantai family, where would I be needed?"

Lingdu paused slightly before answering, "Firstly, this formation is difficult to decipher. Secondly... that Compassionate One might sense its presence and come. While we retrieve the item below, we need Zhaojing to briefly hold him off."

Li Ximing now understood. Mount Jiuqiu likely didn't want to fall out with the Grand Alms Bronze Temple, so they needed an unrelated person to take the heat, with the Purple Mansion Spiritual Fire from the legacy as the price. 'Perhaps... before I arrived, they intended for Hou to be the one to play the villain, and they were just discussing it... But then I suddenly appeared, and these two thought, after Wei and Li, what Buddhist cultivators would they still be afraid of offending? So they pushed me forward with a spiritual fire.' Li Ximing wasn't sure if this item was truly a Tantai ancestral legacy, but at least these two were familiar enough with the legacy to speak about it as if it were their own. As Li Ximing hesitated, he saw Hou suddenly speak up, "Zhaojing, if that Compassionate One arrives, Senior Lingdu alone cannot handle him. Regardless of whether you or I step forward, that Compassionate One will relentlessly contend for it, eventually leading to a fight that exposes our identities. It would be better if we both stepped forward. Two Purple Mansion cultivators would be enough to intimidate him, making him withdraw without the need for us to actually fight, reducing the risk of exposure by ninety percent."

After all, Hou had the Great Sunflower Monastery backing him, giving his words some weight. This made Li Ximing much more comfortable, knowing that Hou would provide support if anything went wrong. Li Ximing was slightly moved and specifically asked, "Is the Grand Alms Bronze Temple backed by the Benevolent Form or the Empty Form?" "It is the Benevolent Form."

Li Ximing breathed a slight sigh of relief. His great-uncle, Li Xuanfeng, had killed eighteen Buddhist cultivators of the Empty Form by the river, destroying their great dharma path. If this item had any connection to the Empty Form, Li Ximing would absolutely not touch it. Now, after some consideration, he nodded and said, "We can try."

"Good!" Lingdu nodded and smiled, "Please trouble Zhaojing to cultivate in the mountains for a while. We will handle these arrangements, and when it's almost time for the item to appear, we will invite you over. Afterward, Zhaojing will meet the Grand True Person and proceed with the cleansing."

Li Ximing ultimately decided to undergo the cleansing to alleviate his suspicions. The three brewed tea, exchanged glances, and thus settled the matter.

***

Moon-Gazing Lake.

The bright moon shone brilliantly over the lake, its light rippling across the shimmering surface. From time to time, white beams of spiritual light would rise from the shore and speed towards the isle, first flying to the central hall, pausing briefly, then moving on to the rear hall.

At the head of the main hall still sat a man in black robes, holding a brush. Three years had flowed by, and Li Zhouluo's face hadn't changed much, but his handling of petitions had become much more efficient, and his expression no longer showed the wariness of facing a formidable enemy.

He quickly put down his brush and looked at the sky; it was just past midnight.

Ever since Li Xuanxuan's proposal of a three-year observation period was announced, Li Zhouluo's workload visibly decreased. Some provincial peaks, which used to report even the most trivial matters, had suddenly grown intelligent, even writing down proposed solutions. Several branches of clansmen, who had been like dead pigs and constantly relying on personal connections, had come alive, diligently moving about the isle every day. The clansmen governing the isle's periphery suddenly became selfless and incorruptible, while the main branch, visiting the isle, became remarkably resourceful, instantly discerning and indignantly exposing a host of corrupt officials, resulting in the downfall of a Dou family member.

'Truly diligent,' Li Zhouluo suddenly realized he didn't need to exert much effort. Even when dealing with a few outsiders, a group of clansmen would angrily clamor to punish them. All these things were naturally good, except for the slight coldness of the Qingdu cultivators. Although still respectful, they showed no warmth.

He understood that his handling of Li Chengpan's matter three years ago was indeed not good enough. The status and power of the Qingdu cultivators were based on the need for those in authority to suppress the main branch. His obvious bias had created a muddled situation, and his later initiative to establish the 'Shadow Provision' naturally made it difficult for him to gain their favor.

'But... none of that matters anymore...' Li Zhouluo firmly remembered Li Xuanxuan's words: 'Do as much as your ability allows.' He was simply here to earn enough goodwill before stepping down, and his heart felt much more at ease.

He pondered for a moment. A man in plain clothes was waiting beside him. As Li Zhouluo caught sight of him, he smiled and said, "Uncle Chengpan, how are things in the west?"

This was precisely Li Chengpan from back then. The incident involving the blood petition had almost forced him to imprison Qingdu. Later, as investigations gradually clarified, although only Li Hun was found guilty, Li Zhouluo could no longer use him in his former capacity, instead having him serve as a deputy in the hall. Li Chengpan bowed and replied, "Everything is in order. This year's mineral vein yield has been submitted to the clan."

Li Zhouluo sighed softly. Counting the days, there wasn't much time left until the 'Shadow Provision' assessment. The elder said to establish the 'Shadow Provision' early, let them enjoy it for a while, to prevent Jiangqian from becoming 'the bad cop' immediately upon emerging, which would be too obvious... The current spiritual atmosphere favors the Profound Heart and the Virtue of Fire, so Li Jiangqian's seclusion certainly won't be too long. This matter naturally cannot be delayed.

As he pondered, he saw a figure slowly emerge in the courtyard as if a gentle breeze had passed through. It was a middle-aged man in feather-like black robes, with a two-foot-long dark jade tied at his waist. His brow bones were slightly high, and his eyes held a hint of a smile.

"Father!" Li Zhouluo instantly snapped awake, quickly descended the steps, and joyfully exclaimed, "You've actually emerged from seclusion!"

Several years had passed, and Li Chenghuai's cultivation had become even more stable, with a rich gray glow flowing in his hair. His appearance wasn't striking, and his concealment of his immortal foundation made him even more inconspicuous. He nodded gently and replied, "The ancestral ritual is approaching, and the family needs someone to oversee major affairs. I also estimate that Jiangqian will emerge from seclusion soon, so I've come out... I walked around the isle, and the family is quite lively, the atmosphere is very... You've done well."

Characters Appearing in This Chapter:Li Ximing: Early-stage Purple Mansion, Purple Mansion AlchemistLingdu: Mid-stage Purple Mansion, Tantai Jiuqiu OrthodoxyHou: Early-stage Purple Mansion, Great Sunflower MonasteryLi Zhouluo: Eighth-stage Qi Condensation, Family HeadLi Chengpan: Second-stage Qi Condensation, Main BranchLi Chenghuai: Wu Chawo (Fifth Stage)