Chapter 816: White Du Blood

Li Zhouwei stared at the red-eyed Dragon King, who was at the peak of the Purple Mansion realm and possessed all five divine abilities. Dongfang Lieyun's menacing aura seemed to overflow, and as his emotions shifted, the entire crystal palace trembled slightly, emitting a buzzing sound.

The Dragon King spoke rapidly and at length, his deductions and calculations coming one after another, his interrogation urgent. Li Zhouwei's mind raced through the possibilities in a flash before he replied:

"Your Majesty believes I was bestowed upon you through Luoxia's influence on the Mingyang Fruit Position. Given that the Grand Ancestor is already so frail, even if I were to perish suddenly, wouldn't another be bestowed? If Luoxia were to place that second one within Luoxia Mountain, killing me would merely be like drinking poison to quench thirst, a temporary and ultimately self-defeating solution."

"Furthermore, if I didn't know, that would be one thing. But now that you, senior, have revealed these secrets to me, is attempting to reach the Fruit Position truly a good strategy for me? If I fail to achieve the Fruit Position, I die. If I succeed, could Luoxia simply watch as the Mingyang Fruit Position, which they have coveted for a thousand years, falls into the hands of Li Qianyuan's descendant? Mingyang emphasizes lineage, especially the hierarchy of succession. If I become a True Lord, how could Luoxia possibly be pleased with this outcome?"

Dongfang Lieyun had not yet replied, but Li Zhouwei, calm, continued:

"I am unaware of this theory of destiny. However, as a White Kylin, even if I was truly born due to the influence of Luoxia Mountain, cooperating with the Dragon Clan to protect the Grand Ancestor's position is the proper course. No matter how powerful Luoxia Mountain is, it ultimately cannot tolerate me. If Your Majesty wishes to kill me, there's no need for such extensive talk; just make me understand the stakes."

For the Dragon Clan, Li Zhouwei's worst outcome would be failing to achieve the Fruit Position, effectively meaning the Dragon Clan's efforts would be in vain from start to finish. Conversely, Luoxia Mountain most hoped Li Zhouwei would attempt the Fruit Position... Dongfang Lieyun's expression was grave, and his deep voice resonated:

"If your path is cut short, how could a White Kylin be content? Isn't reaching the end of your lifespan also a form of demise? If you possess ambition, wouldn't it be better to challenge Luoxia for the Mingyang? Engage with Luoxia; if you manage to become a True Lord, your divine abilities would be wondrous. Is there truly no way to reconcile? Even if you fall, there are infinite chances for revival, which is better than dying as a Purple Mansion cultivator."

Li Zhouwei's gaze did not waver as he replied:

"If I become a True Lord and then fall, I will surely be suppressed by Luoxia, never to see the light of day again. As a Purple Mansion cultivator, I still have the option of seeking 'runyu' [a specific method/opportunity]. At worst, if the Dragon Clan provides me with a portion of essence, I could reincarnate and escape this prison, couldn't I?"

Li Zhouwei spoke of "a portion of essence," a significant demand, yet Dongfang Lieyun showed no surprise. Instead, he stood far off at the front of the palace. The demonic being didn't mention 'runyu' either, his voice gradually softening:

"If you reincarnate and cultivate another path, you might not necessarily reach the realm of five divine abilities."

Li Zhouwei fell silent for a moment. The demonic being took a step forward, the fierce light in his eyes significantly diminished. He finally spoke again:

"Regardless of whether you are a creation of Luoxia Mountain, this Venerable One has no reason to kill you. This time, I merely intended to make things clear... Although Luoxia Mountain will also seek you out once you break through to the Purple Mansion realm, the true destiny of the Mingyang Fruit Position is not ultimately decided by you alone."

"By the time you cultivate to the late Purple Mansion stage, the Grand Ancestor's condition will still be uncertain. Whether you seek 'yu' or 'run' [referring to specific opportunities], or even if you have no other choice but to reincarnate and recultivate, it will all depend on the evolving situation."

Li Zhouwei silently breathed a sigh of relief, then bowed and replied:

"The Grand Ancestor was harmed by Luoxia, and the Dragon Clan are ancient friends of a thousand years. Zhouwei can still discern right from wrong."

The Beiming Dragon King no longer replied to him. Step by step, he ascended to the highest jade platform. His already immense body cast layers of vast shadows. Standing at the edge of the platform, he raised his head and spoke softly:

"I must also collect some of this White Kylin blood. Firstly, I have my own uses for it, and secondly, it will serve as an excuse to deal with Xiangchun. But rest assured, you will not be wronged in this matter. I will have someone bring you spirit items..."

Li Zhouwei raised his head. He had long known this was unavoidable, but a suspicion in his heart remained unconfirmed. Now, with a premonition, and while the Dragon King was still amenable, he asked:

"There is something I wish to ask, if I may... Among the Dragon Clan... who was it that intervened to save me, someone so closely connected to my Wei-Li family?"

Dongfang Lieyun glanced at him and replied:

"That's a long story... It has quite a bit to do with True Master Zipei from back then. I shouldn't elaborate too much here. If you're interested in investigating, head directly east, past Jiaohai, then north to an ocean called Liehai. You can inquire there yourself."

The Dragon King's expression darkened slightly as he added:

"That dog Changxiao, though, is quite sharp. He's figured out quite a lot. Whether it was intentional or not, he at least understands he's been a pawn for Luoxia Mountain. Now he's hiding and refusing to show himself... I wonder what he's conspiring about in private..."

Li Zhouwei had understood this explanation, and he bowed, saying:

"Thank you, Dragon Clan, for your intervention and rescue!"

Dongfang Lieyun waved his hand slightly. Within the crystal palace, winds and clouds surged. Swathes of white cloud essence poured in from outside, rapidly climbing the jade-green steps, rising past their calves.

Dongfang Lieyun and Li Zhouwei stood together amidst this white cloud essence, as if at the very top of the sky. All the crystal and jade-like scenery was enveloped, leaving only a vast expanse of white and the jade platform not far away.

Immediately, the cloud essence converged, and a young man quickly materialized beside them. Dressed in clean white robes, his hair neatly combed, with a slightly round face, short and slender eyebrows, and pure black eyes, he bowed with elegant formality:

"Dongfang Heyun greets Your Excellency."

The Dragon King moved his red eyes and replied:

"I've told you several times, there's no need to be so polite from now on. You now possess independent divine abilities. If you continue to be so courteous, I'll be put in an awkward position."

Dongfang Heyun smiled slightly, but his bowed back did not straighten. He merely replied:

"Proper etiquette should always be maintained. This is something I learned from humans in ancient times, and I have found it beneficial ever since. I cannot simply discard it because my strength has increased and I've mastered a few divine abilities..."

The demonic being was very polite to him and did not rebuke him, only nodded. Dongfang Heyun then turned his gaze towards Li Zhouwei, nodded slightly, and smiled:

"So, the White Kylin is here. It has indeed been a long time... I have often wanted to visit Fellow Daoist Xizhi, but I never expected him to always be in the Ten-Thousand-Mile Stone Pond, making it difficult for me to see him."

Logically, the Dragon Clan feared the Green Pond not at all; there were few places in the East Sea or South Sea where dragons could not go. At most, in the Ten-Thousand-Mile Stone Pond, one might encounter Si Boxiu. To be frank, Dongfang Heyun didn't really need to show much deference to Yuan Xiu.

However, Dongfang Heyun claimed it was "difficult to see him," leaving it unclear whether this was politeness or due to some obstacle preventing entry into the Stone Pond. Li Zhouwei bowed, then casually flattered him, saying:

"My elders have also spoken of your distinguished demeanor with great admiration. If you wish to meet, you need only command, and we will choose a suitable place to invite you."

Dongfang Heyun smiled slightly and nodded politely. The Beiming Dragon King, seated high above, gave a signal, and the white-robed youth took out a dark golden box from his sleeve. On its surface, a roaring kylin was etched in dark patterns.

Dongfang Heyun gently stroked the box, seemingly chanting a spell. The dark golden box sprang open automatically, revealing a round, cake-sized porcelain plate nestled within folded black cloth. Inside the plate was a golden-white liquid.

The moment this golden-white spirit item appeared, it was as if a golden-white sun had risen from the clouds. Its radiance flickered, and a thousand rays of morning sun burst forth through the clouds, illuminating the entire white realm brilliantly.

Dongfang Heyun extended a hand, and immediately, fierce winds swept the clouds, gathering from all directions, forcing all the morning light back into the box. Only then did the surrounding scenery return to normal. He smiled and said:

"Fellow Daoist is likely no stranger to this item; it is called White Dew Blood. In ancient times, it was known as Shuyang Shengming Lin Guang. The beast of Mingyang is Shuyang, and Shuyang's eldest son is Shengming, who was the first White Kylin. During a solar eclipse, the radiance from the White Kylin would fall to the earth and become White Dew Blood."

The Li family was indeed familiar with the name White Dew Blood. Back when Li Ximing was preparing to break through to the Purple Mansion realm and needed to gather all the necessary spirit items, White Dew Blood was among the Mingyang Purple Mansion spirit items he sought. No wonder its whereabouts had never been heard of; with White Kylins extinct, where would White Dew Blood come from? Although there was more than one method for refining spirit items, this particular one was mostly associated with White Kylins.

Li Zhouwei, however, had a more pressing concern. He looked up and seized the opportunity to ask:

"Everyone here refers to me as a White Kylin. What is the difference, then, between myself and Shengming?"

Dongfang Heyun chuckled and replied:

"You possess the destiny of a White Kylin; this fate is so abundant and potent that it's as if you are a White Kylin reincarnated. However, you lack the complete essence of a White Kylin. Thus, by cultivating the Purple-Gold Demonic Path and making up what's missing, once you break through to the Golden Core, you will be indistinguishable from Shengming Lin... At that time, should a solar eclipse occur, Shuyang Shengming Lin Guang will similarly fall upon you."

"It is also because you already possess a fairly complete White Kylin destiny that the 'fate divine ability' within the Purple-Gold Demonic Path comes naturally to you... If you were to enter the Buddhist Path, you would instantly secure a position, just as Shengming Jinming Wang did back then."

Rarely able to hear such information, Li Zhouwei quickly asked:

"Is 'fate divine ability' the same as destiny?"

Dongfang Heyun patiently replied:

"'Fate divine ability' is also a divine ability. Having destiny makes it easier to cultivate 'fate divine ability,' but 'fate divine ability' cannot generate destiny itself. Once you achieve a Fruit Position, it will naturally be granted to cultivators of the Purple-Gold Demonic Path. Essence is not the main point; the position is key. It is only rumored that ancient great powerhouses could generate destiny through essence, but those were Immortal Lord level figures."

How astute was Li Zhouwei? Upon hearing this, he immediately understood:

'It seems all the keys lie in seeking the Fruit Position. To seek destiny, it's likely that one must first seek the Fruit Position, and then gain destiny through it, thus achieving both...'

After all, the Beiming Dragon King was still waiting above, so he spoke no more. Only then did Dongfang Heyun continue:

"It's always better to be prepared. Taking this portion of White Kylin blood from you is not only for Lady Xiangchun's use but also for His Excellency to examine. After all, the main purpose is to check the bloodline, not necessarily to use it as a spirit item. Acting before you reach the Purple Mansion realm would injure your foundation, but if we waited until after you reached Purple Mansion, it would be extremely difficult to remedy."

Dongfang Heyun's attitude towards him had always been amiable, and he had specifically offered this explanation. Li Zhouwei finally understood:

'So that's it! How cautious they are. Even now, they still need to examine my bloodline... Although Xiangchun wants the spirit item, it's merely an excuse. The Dragon Clan extracts it themselves to ensure I truly am the Wei-Li White Kylin, and then they can casually reward it to Xiangchun. That intermediate process is what's truly important!'

Dongfang Heyun then took the small, cake-sized porcelain plate and said:

"With this White Dew Blood, you only need to refine it. My external extraction of your essence blood will not harm your foundation; it can even consolidate and enhance your cultivation."

The young man had always been very polite, and he even made a small joke, saying:

"Of course, I can't give you all of this. Just a touch on your glabella will be more than enough. If you were to come after reaching the Purple Mansion realm, then we would need a whole portion."

He seemed hesitant to touch the spirit item directly, so he nudged it forward. Li Zhouwei extended his index finger and touched it. His fingertip felt unusually hot, and as he brushed it against his glabella, no liquid remained on his hand. Instead, a surge of vibrant light emerged from his glabella.

Li Zhouwei then sat cross-legged on the jade platform. Dongfang Heyun formed hand seals beside him, seemingly observing something, while the tip of his other hand's finger rapidly gathered a tiny drop of golden liquid.

The Beiming Dragon King remained at the head of the platform, observing with downcast eyes. As time passed, Dongfang Heyun withdrew his hand, which now held a golden liquid bead the size of a fingernail.

Li Zhouwei still had his eyes tightly closed, his face pale. The heavenly light from his glabella enveloped his entire body, rapidly replenishing his vital energy. Clearly, this process would not end anytime soon. Dongfang Heyun raised a hand, and a sea of clouds swiftly covered him, isolating and protecting him.

He quickly approached, offering the golden bead with both hands, and respectfully said:

"Please, Your Excellency, examine it."

Dongfang Lieyun, in the main seat, gently received it, holding it in his palm for examination. After a good while, the red-eyed demonic king whispered:

"Though I haven't thoroughly examined it... at least it's undoubtedly of the true Mingyang lineage..."

He pondered for a long time before finally speaking quietly:

"Heyun, I find his character not dominant or ruthless enough... unlike a White Kylin... yet he also lacks the treacherous and unpredictable nature of a White Cicada. To be honest... he is quite similar to Emperor Gong of Wei."

Dongfang Heyun smiled slightly and bowed, saying:

"From my perspective... this is quite normal. After all, the Grand Ancestor of Wei's condition is unusual, and Mingyang is also affected. Signs of this were already seen during Emperor Gong of Wei's time. So, his similarity to Emperor Gong of Wei is perfectly reasonable, isn't it? Not being overly domineering or tyrannical is actually better; there's no need to worry about him being too impetuous and rushing for that Fruit Position... It couldn't be better."

"Indeed."

The Beiming Dragon King couldn't help but nod, replying:

"No matter how much the Mingyang Fruit Position is influenced, it won't lead to several destinies falling. Calculating the days, Luoxia Mountain will soon activate the descent of Mingyang. We need to focus on protecting this side; how much can they manage over there? Li Zhouwei is at most one person, and he'll be safe under our watchful eyes..."

Dongfang Heyun nodded and respectfully said:

"The remaining Mingyang positions are extremely difficult to obtain. The Eastern Li Sect has researched the 'Li-fire Leap Position,' but it's no simple matter, let alone cultivating divine abilities right under Luoxia Mountain's nose... I wonder what the North has to say about it."

Mentioning this, the demonic being at the head of the platform clearly hesitated, whispering:

"It's still early, but we should mention it to him first, to make him wary and cautious of Luoxia... lest he become too passive later."

He put away the golden liquid drop in his hand, stood up, and said:

"I will make a trip to Yinzhou. If he emerges from seclusion, you can explain everything to him yourself and send him out!"