Chapter 806: 功蔽道禄

Li Jiangqian sent his people out, then waited in the hall. Soon, he heard a commotion as a line of figures approached the main hall. They hesitated and jostled for a moment, but none dared to enter.

The doors creaked open.

Finally, Chen Donghe and An Siwei led the way into the Jade Court, each followed by three influential figures from Qingdu Jade Court. After they bowed, Li Jiangqian, still very courteous to them, sat up straight and said:

"Elders, please come in."

The hall doors were then closed, leaving only the two of them standing inside. Li Jiangqian pointed to the many letters on the desk and said:

"Regarding the twenty-two protected individuals in the clan, Uncle Zhou Luo granted each three forms of protection: the right to remain on the continent, a position near the continental border, and annual stipends."

"All their activities, major and minor, from the past three years are compiled here. Doubts, evidence, reports suppressed by Uncle Zhou Luo, and past blemishes in the clan records are all marked in vermilion."

"I require both departments to cooperate. Qingdu's personnel are not to take action; Jade Court's personnel will go directly to invite these individuals. Those invited will be confined separately in the hall. No interrogation or torture is necessary."

Chen Donghe seemed about to speak but held back. An Siwei, however, bowed and cautioned:

"Patriarch, for the past three years, the clan has been quite upright. The chosen protected individuals have been beyond reproach. Even if some actions were deliberate, no concrete evidence can be found. Dwellling on the past risks inciting resentment."

"It's fine."

Li Jiangqian smiled and responded:

"I simply need the two elders to keep everyone contained. The spreading rumors will suffice."

The two nodded in understanding. Li Jiangqian then walked down and personally opened the main doors for them. As the doors swung open, the murmuring crowd kneeling outside instantly fell silent. Li Jiangqian smiled and said:

"There's one more matter. Please have Qingdu Jade Court also relay to all branches: should any member of a protected household commit a crime or incur punishment from Qingdu, the actions of one individual will implicate the entire household, and their protection will be proportionally reduced."

The crowd dispersed in an orderly fashion. Soon after, people were successively led up the mountain. Li Jiangqian waited for a while, then saw a man wearing a floral headscarf being dragged along the path. Li Jiangqian had been waiting for him; his previous smiling expression vanished, replaced by a cold glare.

Li Chengzai's heart sank.

When the Jade Court Guards arrived in the middle of the night, announcing that one person's transgression would implicate the entire household, Li Chengzai's heart plummeted.

What was his father doing? Begging for forgiveness!

Li Xixuan had rushed back to Qingdu without delay to plead his case, but Li Chengzai was unaware of this. He only knew his father hadn't returned by the middle of the night despite going to plead. Earlier, he and his brothers had sat together, fretting about where he might be punished. Now, under Li Jiangqian's cold stare, his fear intensified:

'Father warned me long ago that the Eldest Young Master was ruthless. This whole ordeal means our family's protection will be stripped away, leaving all five of us with nothing... He's truly a step ahead; Father walked right into his trap!'

He was dragged into a side courtyard and locked in. As the main door closed, darkness enveloped him. The formation isolated the inside from the outside, cutting off all communication. His heart turned to ashes. When an attendant from the hall came with tea, he remained unresponsive.

"My lord, please..."

He turned his head and, finding the attendant somewhat familiar, paused and asked:

"Are you a Ren family member?"

Li Xixuan's main wife was from the Ren family, and the East Manor had close ties to them. He quickly seized the man's hand, his rarely used mind beginning to race, and stammered:

"Please... send word to the East Manor... tell them to divide the family assets immediately... save whatever they can..."

The Ren family member glanced at him and replied:

"Young Master, you overestimate me. I'm merely a humble attendant; how could I possess such power? Besides, the moment you were led away, the East Manor had already divided its assets!"

Li Chengzai slumped, sitting numbly for a long time before finally uttering a single word:

"Alright."

While Li Chengzai struggled inside, outside remained remarkably quiet, save for hurried footsteps. Moonlight streamed down like water. Li Jiangqian stood before the hall entrance as Chen Yang, bowing slightly, whispered:

"Patriarch, Lord Xixuan is still in the Qingdu courtyard. The East Manor has already frantically divided its assets. The West side was previously divided, so there's been no further action there, only two additional branches have separated..."

"That's enough."

Li Jiangqian said idly:

"By the time Elder Xixuan descends from the mountain, he'll have lost his East Manor. His now fragmented lineage will surely resent him. The old master said not to blame brothers or the clan, but to lay the blame squarely on our Elder Xixuan."

He scoffed and continued:

"If parents fail, won't siblings unite more strongly against a common adversary? This way, family bonds aren't broken, and the clan isn't blamed. Li Xixuan was the first to confess, which is why I, Li Jiangqian, sent people to apprehend them. Now that the East Manor has inadvertently revealed itself, everyone knows the true reason behind these arrests!"

Chen Yang, now feeling a chill of apprehension, remained silent for a moment before cupping his hands and replying:

"I fear he won't cooperate... Elder Xixuan, being at the heart of this, knows everything. If he starts spreading rumors..."

"I'm not worried about his cooperation."

Li Jiangqian flicked his sleeves, walked into the hall with his hands clasped behind his back, and chuckled:

"A parent's love for their child entails planning for their distant future. If he exposes this, what benefit would the East Manor gain? It would only invite repeated disintegration at my hands. He is old and dares not oppose me, who wields power."

"What's more..."

He settled into the main seat, picked up a brush, and continued:

"Is there a difference between pleading for mercy and admitting guilt? If one is innocent, why would they plead for mercy?"

Li Jiangqian glanced at him and went on:

"Go and fetch Cui Jueyin."

Chen Yang quickly departed. Soon, Cui Jueyin entered from outside the hall, having clearly waited a long time nearby. Li Jiangqian raised his eyebrows and smiled:

"The matters we've been discussing with Lord Cui over the past two months... have they been finalized?"

Cui Jueyin bowed slightly and said reverently:

"As per the Patriarch's instructions, from the six hundred sixty-seven Daoist scriptures in our family collection, three principal Daoist texts have been selected: the 'Baihan Chapter' from *Six Chapters on Seeking Immortals*, the 'General Record' from *Inquiries into Scaled Beasts*, and the 'General Outline' from *Spirit Talisman Techniques*."

"The chosen sections from these three Daoist traditions have been edited, expanded, and supplemented with content from various other traditions, then named the Baihan, Wenfa, and Lingfu sections."

He presented the three classics with both hands; each was bound in white, gold, and purple, and adorned with ethereal patterns. Li Jiangqian took them, flipped through them twice, and nodded:

"My thanks for your efforts, Senior."

Cui Jueyin stood respectfully to the side. Li Jiangqian then turned to Chen Yang below and said:

"Bring the clan members from the various side courtyards here."

Soon after, everyone filed in, heads bowed, restless with apprehension. As they stood in formation below, Li Jiangqian smiled:

"First, I must congratulate everyone. Elder Xixuan, in a great act of righteousness, entered the mountain and voluntarily accepted his guilt. The clan dispatched an investigation, and fortunately, Uncle Zhou Luo's keen insight ensured the protected individuals were selected with utmost precision. Although some doubts existed, they have now been fully clarified, confirming their eligibility for protection."

The crowd below immediately breathed a collective sigh of relief, discreetly exchanging glances, all looking toward Li Chengzai.

Li Chengzai was now even more convinced that his father had indeed gone to confess. He silently rejoiced that nothing had been uncovered, otherwise his family would surely be reviled. He listened as Li Jiangqian continued:

"Today, I have invited you all for a truly important discussion. I intend to open a path of opportunity within the clan, centered on Hidden Forest Mountain, establishing three branches of learning: Baihan, Wenfa, and Lingfu. These will be for clan members on the continent who cannot cultivate, thereby contributing a small measure of strength to the clan."

The crowd below looked up, somewhat confused, all eyes on the platform. Li Jiangqian smiled:

"Henceforth, the path of protection will continue, but it will only extend to the direct descendants of cultivators who sacrificed for the clan, and specifically, only to the generation possessing spiritual apertures. If a descendant lacks a spiritual aperture, their assets can be temporarily registered in the lake along with the cultivator's property, awaiting the blessing of a future child born with a spiritual aperture, thereby qualifying for 'Merit Protection'."

"Regarding the path of studying Daoist scriptures, every five years, during sacrifices, even the Hidden Forest will be inspected. Those who achieve mastery in the three Daoist paths, after their conduct is examined, may receive positions of merit and stipends within the clan. They can not only remain on the continent but also also receive rewards and salaries. This is known as 'Daoist Stipend'."

The courtyard instantly fell silent. Cui Jueyin, clearly prepared, produced several pre-written golden scrolls from his sleeve and handed them down to Chen Donghe and An Siwei.

It was well known that the Li family's protection was not absolute; if one lacked ability, any official position obtained could still be revoked, and rewards and residency were only granted for a single generation. If this new 'Daoist Stipend' system proved viable, wouldn't it be even more advantageous than mere protection?

Now, everyone looked on with raised eyebrows as Li Jiangqian continued:

"This path has three levels of positions. Furthermore, the family will establish clan academies in various prefectures, and also dispatch individuals overseas... Let all branches come and copy the scriptures."

He leaned back in the high seat at the head of the hall. Below, a multitude of eager gazes followed the three books. Several Foundation Establishment cultivators were also present; only these individuals would obediently queue to copy. Li Jiangqian's gaze drifted across the joyous faces before him.

'It's absolutely impossible to simply grant you positions of power... Only by having your energy consumed by the countless annotations within the Daoist scriptures... by dedicating your lives to study, with no inclination for other pursuits, can you gradually ascend this power structure, which is entirely separate from the sixteen prefectures, two peaks, and one mountain. Only then can future troubles be prevented...'

He smiled. After the scripture copying concluded, amidst the fervent cries of gratitude and praise for the patriarch's immense benevolence, he subtly raised his head:

'Moreover, it's not without advantages... Reading more Daoist scriptures is beneficial for educating one's descendants... For children with spiritual apertures, these three Daoist texts form the basis of their enlightenment... Who knows, it might even aid their future cultivation.'

"This is the method of Merit Protection and Daoist Stipends!"

As night deepened, stars twinkled in the sky. The sea stretched calm for thousands of miles, gulls and eagles soared, and faint cries drifted from the distant horizon before swiftly fading away.

A cool breeze rustled through the maple forest, white jade lotus lanterns drifted in the stream, and the green jade platform glowed with pure light. A cultivator in white and gold Daoist robes opened his eyes, and a sudden flash of light appeared in the sky; purple flames flickered and then dispersed, briefly illuminating the forest.

During this period, Li Ximing had cultivated solely within the forest. The injuries on his Dharma body were fully healed. The cultivation spot prepared for him by Mount Jiuchiu was clearly excellent, with spiritual energy comparable to Mount Zhijing.

What was rare was the descent of white jade lotus lanterns, each containing a healing-aiding female water spirit material. Their pervasive aroma, though of limited use for Li Ximing's Purple Mansion-level injuries, clearly showed thoughtful consideration.

'My *Gate to Heaven* divine ability hasn't advanced significantly. Though I've walked the line between life and death, my Daoist attainment has only slightly improved, and my cultivation level has been delayed due to my recovery...'

Refinement of divine abilities was a slow, meticulous process. Li Ximing estimated it would take over thirty more years to perfect this *Gate to Heaven*. He calculated:

"Considering Jiangnan's pace, my cultivation talent isn't slow. After more than thirty years of perfecting this, I can immediately begin *Body Guarding Tiger Pass Treasure Sutra*. Without needing any supplemental methods, it'll take about ten more years to forge my Dao foundation, after which I can cultivate *Monarch Treading Peril*."

"The time required to break through to the second divine ability is not recorded anywhere and largely depends on individual aptitude. Without prior experience, it's difficult to estimate, so I'll provisionally set it at ten years. This puts me at sixty years to achieve *Monarch Treading Peril*. If all goes smoothly, I'll condense the third divine ability and break into the mid-stage in one hundred and twenty years, then face the Purple Immortal Threshold."

The Purple Immortal Threshold was renowned, and Li Ximing couldn't make further estimations. Once he possessed three divine abilities, he would be considered a pillar in Jiangnan's Purple Mansion. Li Zhouwei wouldn't be far behind him, and by then, even against Changxiao, he wouldn't be significantly outmatched.

"However, surviving these one hundred and twenty years safely under Changxiao's scrutiny is truly no easy feat."

Li Ximing's situation was somewhat awkward. Should he return to Jiangnan, he was unsure if he could withstand Changxiao's overt and covert attacks. Yet, if he remained overseas, his family members would also be at risk:

"Although Zhou Wei took a risky gambit, eliminating Situ Mo, resolving my family's century-old nemesis, and removing a crucial weapon, once Changxiao returns to Jiangnan and employs his tactics, even if he doesn't have a figure like Situ Mo, he'll undoubtedly have plenty of borrowed tools at his disposal..."

He felt a pang of quiet frustration when he suddenly heard the wind chimes on the maple tree tinkling. Xia Shouyu, clad in white, emerged from the forest, bowed slightly, and said very respectfully:

"Reporting, True Man, two True Men have sent word. They say the matters we discussed earlier are now ready, and we may depart."

Xia Shouyu's nearly half-year stay on Mount Jiuchiu had been more than comfortable; it was luxurious compared to her entire previous life. The spiritual energy in her usual cave dwelling was exceptionally rich, but even finding the least dense spot on a mountain path would yield spiritual energy several times greater than that of Qingxu Temple.

These good days had made the woman even more radiant. A few magical artifact ornaments only enhanced her beauty. The slight sternness caused by her overly thin eyebrows was now concealed by a pendant on her forehead. Xia Shouyu had always been adept at carrying herself, but now she resembled a direct descendant of a major Purple Mansion sect.

Li Ximing, not a harsh person, found nothing amiss. Seeing the once rustic woman transformed in this manner, he merely nodded with a smile, tidied his sleeves, and stood up, a thought forming in his mind:

'I can seize this opportunity... ask Hou Fu to take her to the lake. It would be both safe and convenient, and could also serve as a deterrent... Zhou Ming is no longer young, yet he drifts aimlessly day after day. He's probably still lingering in some pleasure house, which is not good.'

So, as he stepped out, he asked:

"Lingdu is a benevolent elder. I've heard that while you are treated as a guest on the immortal mountain, your status is effectively that of an outer disciple, with several Daoist scriptures accessible to you... Is this accurate?"

Xia Shouyu instantly flustered, saying with a hint of urgency:

"True Man, that is correct, but the magical artifacts and clothing I possess were all acquired with spiritual materials and resources you bestowed. I have taken nothing from the Jiuchiu Daoist tradition..."

Xia Shouyu, being meticulous, immediately thought several steps ahead. However, Li Ximing was not concerned with such details; he merely nodded slightly and replied:

"You've done well. I will find an opportunity to secure a slightly more favorable standing for you, but you must prove yourself worthy. Since several Daoist scriptures are now accessible to you, spend these days studying them diligently."

Xia Shouyu was overcome with both surprise and joy. Though her talent, appearance, and intellect were second to none, her humble origins had always fostered a quiet sense of inferiority. For a moment, tears welled in her eyes as she replied:

"True Man, your grace of new life is such that even if I were to be pulverized, I could never repay it!"

Li Ximing walked ahead, his hands clasped behind his back, nodding gently:

"Read diligently these days. Otherwise, when opportunities come your way, you won't be able to grasp or maintain them. By the time you're exposed and filled with regret, it will be far too late."

Xia Shouyu nodded repeatedly. The two soon arrived beneath the large maple tree where they had previously conversed. There, Hou Fu, clad in a shaman's robe, and the aged Lingdu were whispering together. Upon seeing Li Ximing approach, Lingdu promptly stood up and said in a raspy voice:

"Greetings, Daoist Zhaojing. Time is short; please accompany us."

Li Ximing nodded. Hou Fu simply offered a greeting, remaining silent. The three then entered the great void, infinite darkness engulfing them. Only then did Lingdu whisper:

"Daoist Hou Fu and I have been making arrangements for some time, aiming for thoroughness and minimal disturbance, which is why we've delayed. Unexpectedly, the day before yesterday, we received news: the Revered One who went to Shitu to report has endured the 'mountain of knives and sea of fire,' completed his punishment, and was not demoted. Instead, he has returned, tasked with investigation, which necessitated our urgent invitation to you."

Li Ximing shook his head and said:

"What could he possibly uncover? If it could be calculated, it would have been calculated long ago. If any traces had been found, they would have been pursued already, without the need for him to endure punishment in Shitu."

He said this, but Li Ximing felt a slight trepidation in his heart:

'What a grand display. I only hope that fellow doesn't return under pressure and then attribute everything to me... It's best to conclude this matter as quickly as possible.'

Lingdu seemed to harbor similar thoughts. Instead of passing directly through the great void, he detoured to the Mortal Sea, utilizing its exceptional traversal speed to quickly reach the northern Peacock Sea. From his sleeve, he then produced a lotus flower.

The lotus flower was a charming pink, no larger than a palm. On another stem hung an old lotus pod. Li Ximing stood beside him and clearly saw five neatly arranged holes on the pod.

Lingdu performed a hand seal, and three of the five holes immediately responded, releasing three white, jade-like lotus seeds. The old True Man whispered:

"Please each take one and place it in the webbing between your thumb and forefinger to prevent Mahā's calculations!"

'You have such a useful item, and you didn't mention it... You should have said something sooner...'

Li Ximing felt a slight easing in his heart. He took the lotus seed as instructed, feeling a subtle oddity in his Dharma body and faintly perceiving a five-colored divine glow. As Lingdu led them out of the great void, they were already at a certain location on the seabed of Peacock Sea.

This area was dark and devoid of light, the seawater a deep coppery-green. Li Ximing descended with the other two, soon arriving at a massive strait. Lingdu then said:

"Please wait here, both of you!"

The old man darted deeper into the strait. Although Li Ximing knew the likelihood of them harming him was almost negligible, his heart still secretly pounded:

'If a formation were laid here and I were besieged by two, my life would likely be in peril... Without employing Profound Light... there's a sixty percent chance I would perish here...'

Fortunately, his fears did not materialize. After only a quarter of an hour, the seabed began to convulse, and the entire seafloor trembled violently.

"Rumble!"

A dazzling five-colored divine light erupted from the seabed, as vast as a house, surging through the depths of the ocean and streaking towards the sky. Hou Fu, who had been silently performing hand seals and chanting incantations, finally stopped and bellowed:

"Arise!"

Instantly, a small brown patterned bag flew from his sleeve, traversing the seawater. Midway, it intercepted the dazzling five-colored divine light. The bag's opening swelled, and the slowly ascending light changed direction, traveling a few more miles before diverting just before breaking the surface, ultimately falling into the bag's opening.

Suppressing this phenomenon was no easy task. Even though the five-colored divine light didn't directly pierce the heavens, auspicious clouds still formed and drifted above the ocean. Li Ximing, being perceptive, did not use his own divine abilities or magical power. Instead, he activated the "Mountain-Moving Sea-Going Tiger" pearl in his hand, causing several beams of Earth elemental light to shoot skyward, dispersing the auspicious clouds.

Hou Fu frowned deeply, maintaining the brown bag with one hand while looking at Li Ximing and reminding him in a low voice:

"Daoist Zhaojing, please be aware that the Peacock Revered One can sense this item. Although we are suppressing it, Peacock Sea is close by, and the Revered One will undoubtedly arrive on the wind."

Li Ximing nodded slightly. A few breaths later, the pillar of light slowly subsided, and Hou Fu visibly relaxed. Yet, from the horizon came a colossal, piercing cry that seemed to split stone:

"Aooooh—"

On the surface of the sea, a colossal beast emerged, a blend of multicolored and bronze hues, with red eyes and a golden beak. It was the size of a small mountain, its back flat and wide. From the escape light trailing behind it, a stream of vibrant, five-colored divine radiance flowed, instantly painting half the sky.

With a light leap, the peacock dramatically burst from the sea, accurately swooping towards the group. A deep, middle-aged man's voice emanated from its beak:

"Who dares to steal from my Peacock Daoist Lineage!"

The Revered One arrived in an instant, transforming in the water into a middle-aged monk clad in a multicolored kasaya. Six tonsure marks, each a different color, adorned his head. His hands were empty, and his eyes blazed with fury.

Li Ximing glanced at Hou Fu, who, clad in a shaman's robe, seemed highly amused by the monk's appearance. He let out a hearty laugh and retorted:

"I am your father."

The middle-aged monk turned to the sound, immediately froze, and his heart seized with alarm:

"Purple Mansion cultivators?! Two of them!"

The Revered One was originally around the early Purple Mansion level. Even after cultivating under the lotus throne, while his survival capabilities greatly improved, his actual strength didn't increase significantly. At best, he could contend with a cultivator possessing two divine abilities. Typically, a cultivator who had passed the Purple Immortal Threshold would require three to five Revered Ones to be resisted...

Upon suddenly encountering two Purple Mansion cultivators, he was instantly struck with dread. Li Ximing and Hou Fu, meanwhile, suppressed their auras, concealing their divine ability cultivation, which left him uncertain of their true strength. However, as a Peacock and a revered Compassionate One of the Great Granting Bronze-Colored Temple, his confidence remained. He merely said in a cold voice:

"I do not know which Daoist lineage you True Men belong to, but are you unaware that Peacock Sea is the territory of my Great Granting Bronze-Colored Temple? This divine light also belongs to my Peacock Daoist Lineage. I ask that you quickly yield it..."

"My Great Granting Bronze-Colored Temple has no fewer than four Revered Ones rapidly approaching. Daoist friends, do not misjudge this situation!"

Li Ximing's Bright Sun divine ability was not adept at concealing aura, nor did he know the Peacock Revered One's divinatory capabilities. He tried to remain silent as much as possible. However, Hou Fu laughed heartily, his demeanor wild and arrogant, and retorted coldly:

"When I walk, I do not change my name; when I sit, I do not change my surname. I am True Man Bu Zi of Sun Qingchi! Get lost!"

Li Ximing was momentarily stunned, almost turning to look at him, muttering inwardly:

'Wait... Hou Fu... you... what?'