Chapter 821: Imperial Edict

The original domain has been compromised; please remember the new one.

Li Zhouwei let out a deep breath and replied, "I understand."

The Dragon Kin's purpose in sending him to Liehai was not merely for the reunion of the two relatives. Li Qinghong's words subtly conveyed the Dragon Kin's intentions. The importance of True Qi was so paramount that the Dragon King of Beihai repeatedly reminded Li Qinghong to personally clarify the matter with him.

"This matter of Mingyang is one game, and the True Qi is another. Most likely, they fear my Li family getting entangled, with moves from both sides intersecting and affecting the Dragon Kin's acquisition of True Qi."

Li Zhouwei understood the situation. 'The Mingyang affair is less about old sentiments and more about preventing Mingyang from falling into Luoxia's hands. However, everything pales in comparison to seeking the True Dragon. Once that matter is involved, not to mention descendants of Wei and Li, even Dragon descendants would be eliminated without hesitation. This trip... it's a warning from the Beihai and Muhai factions of the Dragon Kin.'

Li Qinghong observed his expression, sipped her tea, and replied, "You don't need to touch the True Qi. Just wait at home until you achieve your breakthrough."

She seemed to recall something, her words lingering on her lips for a long time before she finally lowered her gaze and said, "What a pity for Cheng..."

Li Zhouwei fell silent, unsure what to say. After a long pause, he finally spoke, "My uncle and I guarded the river for ten years, always vigilant, often feeling our remaining path was short. I was a bit better, but my uncle was constantly on edge, fearing that as soon as the Wushan anomaly appeared, his death would be imminent."

"Those days are past... to think he'd perish here."

Among the Chengming generation, Li Cheng was the closest to Li Qinghong. They once cultivated together at Zongquan. Due to the spiritual lineage, Li Cheng often sought her guidance. Now that he had suddenly fallen, Li Qinghong must be the most grieved.

Li Qinghong remained silent for a moment, then said, "Back then, I thought he was the most promising of the Chengming generation, and also the most cautious. He should have been able to bear great responsibilities, and he truly lived up to expectations."

The atmosphere between them immediately grew somber. Li Zhouwei, not wishing to dwell on the subject, changed it. Cupping his hands, he said, "This junior just passed through Jiaohai and saw quite a lively scene. Two factions of cultivators were fighting fiercely, and people from Tinglei Island and Chijiao Island had all arrived. I heard that Jiaohai usually doesn't have many cultivators... What is this about?"

Li Qinghong pondered for a moment and replied, "It should be about the Dragon King of Jiaohai. He has emerged from seclusion, becoming another Dragon King at the late Purple Palace stage. Perhaps soon, he will construct a dragon palace and hold a celebration banquet... Are they here for this matter?"

Li Zhouwei was somewhat puzzled but still nodded, saying, "But I only saw people from these two families... Perhaps they are well-informed..."

Li Qinghong thought carefully, then suddenly remarked thoughtfully, "That reminds me of something. The Dragon King of Jiaohai is from the Black Dragon lineage. Tinglei Island once assisted the Black Dragon lineage. If the Dragon King of Jiaohai is celebrating his birthday, it's reasonable for Tinglei Island to come in full force... As for Chijiao Island... that's harder to say."

Li Zhouwei immediately understood and said in a deep voice, "In that case, since my family is allied with the White Dragon lineage, it's probably best not to have too much contact with Jiaohai, lest we be put in a difficult position... After all, they are Dragon Kin, and if they were to truly make an issue of it, my family couldn't bear the consequences."

Li Qinghong nodded. "While that's true, the Dragon Kin have clear goals and are unwavering in their unity in this regard. They won't make things too difficult for you now. Just avoid interacting with Jiaohai too much, and don't cause them embarrassment."

Li Zhouwei acknowledged this. The maid in white had already quickly entered the pavilion and respectfully announced, "Reporting to the Pool Master, the Yingshou from the seabed viewed the magic artifact and reported back. This artifact can harmonize the water of the mansion. By refining it with Abyssal Spirit Water, the clear water within can be transformed into a harmonious blend. Then, with another layer of Qi Jin to harmonize the mansion, it can be refined into a blue-gold gourd, an inch larger than its current size. The method of holding it will also change from palm-holding to cradling and wearing it at the waist... It will gain two more mystical abilities, including the power to summon water to suppress others..."

The descriptions from these seabed creatures were very detailed. Li Qinghong listened casually. When the maid finished, she glanced at Li Zhouwei and asked, "How does Minghuang seem... to you?"

Li Zhouwei made a quick assessment. This green gourd was originally inferior to the Deng family's fan. With this modification, there were gains and losses, but it had indeed improved somewhat. Although it still couldn't compare to the fan, he said, "It's already excellent."

Li Qinghong nodded, then turned to the purple-robed maid, asking, "How much time will it take?"

The purple-robed maid bowed and replied, "At least six months... estimated between half a year and nine months."

The woman's gaze turned to him. Li Zhouwei had no particular plans; after all, wherever he went, he would cultivate. He still had many secret arts he could practice. So, he nodded and said, "That's perfectly fine. I was just looking for a place to seclude myself for cultivation... Is Liehai convenient?"

Li Qinghong pondered for a moment and replied, "The pool's abundant and powerful thunder naturally isn't suitable for Minghuang's cultivation. There are no notable cultivation spots in Liehai below, at most Haima Mountain, but its spiritual energy is even inferior to that on the continent... It would be an inconvenience for Zhouwei."

The outer seas were barren, not even comparable to the East Sea, let alone Jiangnan. Li Zhouwei naturally knew this. After exchanging a few polite words, Li Qinghong said, "Then I'll have the purple-robed maid escort you down."

Li Zhouwei bowed, let out a long breath, and replied, "Now that I've seen you, I can account for myself to my family..."

Li Qinghong returned his slight smile and bow. He then left with the maid in white, heading first towards the sea. The carriage they had arrived in was already parked by the pool, and the surroundings were still empty, devoid of people. The purple-robed maid respectfully invited him into the carriage without further words.

Li Qinghong's palace had few attendants, and indeed, everyone there seemed to share her simple and generous temperament. The carriage sank into the sea, and Haima Mountain appeared very simply. Although there were temples and Taoist monasteries on the mountain, the buildings were orderly, not tall, with front and back courtyards, and a few Taoists burning incense, quietly praying and practicing thunder magic.

However, as the carriage broke through the clouds, the tranquility below was instantly shattered. Visible panic erupted. A group of Taoists gathered below the ritual altar at the mountain peak, looking down to see dark-colored ge-kerchiefs swaying everywhere.

"Rumble!"The carriage landed on the altar, instantly emitting a thunderous roar. Silver light rippled out. Below, one person, leading the group, called out, "The Xiaoyun Temple, leading the fourteen orthodox lineages of the Mysterious Firmament Two Thunders, respectfully welcomes the Celestial Thunder Emissary, reverently accepts the Thunder's command, and humbly presents the Immortal Decree!"

The Taoists bowed in unison. On both sides, some seemed to be playing magic flutes and zithers. The purple-robed maid in front spoke clearly, "No formal imperial edict has been received, only an instruction."

"The White Qilin of Mingyang Dao has come to visit the Thunder Pool and is staying at Haima Mountain to rest. I am here by command to accompany the master in selecting a place for cultivation. There is no need for such a grand display, but you must also not be negligent."

"Your humble cultivators receive the command."

Li Zhouwei then felt the carriage tremble. The purple-robed maid lifted the curtain for him and respectfully said, "Please, Master!"

Li Zhouwei stepped out. The ritual altar beneath his feet was still made of metal, appearing silvery-white. The Taoists below kept their heads bowed. Only the leading old Taoist came forward, bowed from a step below, and said, "We respectfully bow to the manifestation of Mingyang. That you, Master, have chosen this small mountain to tread upon and foster our Taoist lineage, fills your humble cultivators with immense gratitude and overwhelming honor."

Fearing he might offend someone, the purple-robed maid quickly followed closely and said gently, "Reporting to the Master, as the East Sea waters rise and thunder descends, and the Thunder Pool descends into the world, Xiaoyun Temple followed the spiritual lineage from the North Sea. Their magical tradition is derived from ancient cultivation. If there is any offensive language, please understand..."

While she smoothed things over verbally, she felt a chill in her heart. 'That Lu fellow truly has no regard for his life... This is the White Qilin. Although he is modest within the Thunder Pool, the manifestation of Mingyang places the utmost importance on hierarchy. He didn't even prostrate himself, and then he talks about fostering the Taoist lineage...'

Li Zhouwei, however, was quite interested. He glanced around and realized that most of Xiaoyun Temple's inhabitants were mortals, with only a few in the Fetal Breath realm. The old Taoist before him was merely at the Qi Refining stage. How utterly desolate!

"Please rise."He responded, raising an eyebrow. "Are these ancient courtesies... or rules of thunder magic?"

Sweat immediately appeared on the old Taoist's forehead. He respectfully said, "Reporting to the Master, only one rule has been passed down, and we do not know if it is a ritualistic rule or a thunder magic rule... This humble mountain is simple and cannot fully comply. It is the fault of your humble cultivators."

Li Zhouwei gave a thoughtful glance. It seemed these ancient cultivation rules were different from what he had imagined. He then conjured a brilliant celestial light and descended from the altar.

Although Li Zhouwei was not a true White Qilin, with his Foundation Establishment cultivation paired with his destiny, he appeared no different from a White Qilin in front of these mortals. They were all astonished and envious.

The purple-robed maid accompanied him into the temple, quietly adding, "Although these cultivators' cultivation levels are low, their lineage has deep roots with the Mysterious Firmament Thunder Pool and the Thunder-Controlling Cloud-Anchoring Dharma Path. There's also the Xi family from the North Sea, who sent a disciple to cultivate at Xiaoyun Temple, currently in seclusion to break through to Qi Refining."

"I've heard of them."Li Zhouwei also knew that Xi Zikang from the Xi family was an upright individual, but unfortunately, he had likely perished within the grotto-heaven. He could only sigh slightly. 'The Thunder-Controlling Cloud-Anchoring Dharma Path... just by its name, it's something the Dragon Kin are determined to acquire. Those who control thunder and anchor clouds are, by nature, dragons.'

Soon, they arrived at the deepest grotto-heaven within Xiaoyun Temple. As Li Qinghong had said, this place not only had less spiritual energy than the lake above, but the space was also extremely cramped.

If cultivators within the sea opened grotto-heavens, they would at least have a courtyard's size. This grotto-heaven, however, seemed to be only the size of a single room, containing just a table, a chair, and a meditation mat. Yet, the old Taoist cherished it greatly, and soft mats were neatly laid out at the entrance.

The old Taoist bowed his head to the side. The purple-robed maid, meanwhile, opened the formation for him and respectfully said, "Master... please... I will come to the mountain to invite you once there is news about the artifact."

Li Zhouwei nodded and entered. The large door automatically locked, and the magical lamps in the grotto-heaven simultaneously lit up, illuminating the cramped space brightly. He sat there for a while, organizing the information, and his thoughts gradually became clear.

Currently, he sat upright on the meditation mat, deep in contemplation. Nine profound, yet concise and potent, secret arts immediately emerged from his spiritual consciousness—they were precisely the nine secret arts from the "Minghua Huangyuan Scripture"!

These secret arts were extremely valuable. Li Zhouwei didn't need to make rubbings or carry them to study; they had been bestowed upon him based on his talisman seed back then. Now, preparing to cultivate these secret arts, he followed the experience records left by Li Ximing and first drew out "Yangyuan" to read.

"The Origin of Mingyang, the Manifestation of the Yang Pivot: every step is in accordance with rules, every glance aligns with proper conduct... Its sound harmonizes with the rhythmic scales; its movements regulate hierarchy; it does not tread upon anarchic lands; it does not rest in feudal states..."

Li Zhouwei read it through, nodded slightly, and thought to himself, 'It's still fairly simple and easy to understand...'

He suddenly remembered something. After searching through his storage bag, he took out a jade slip. This item had been given to him by Li Ximing and appeared to be an annotation for this secret art, containing only notes, not the original text.

Li Zhouwei first read the preface and saw the signature:True Immortal Gufeng'Oh, the True Immortal chose a good pen name, probably derived from the talisman energy.'

He then meticulously read through the hundred thousand-character text, frowning and shaking his head as he mused, 'This thing is too verbose... ahem... it's not suitable for me. It should be prepared for the younger generations of the family... it's not of much use to me.'

'However, this scroll speculates that the difficulty of cultivation isn't the same for everyone. Although the nine secret arts progress incrementally, the difficulty of cultivating each varies based on individual temperament and talent...'

He had no choice but to put the item away. Instead of immediately beginning to cultivate Yangyuan, he read through all eight other techniques one by one, spending time trying each of them.

Golden lights then appeared one by one within his Qi Sea, some white, some golden. At times they formed lamps, at times steps, then transformed into vast palaces and millions of elite soldiers, shimmering unstably. Time flowed like water.

After more than half a month, Li Zhouwei slowly opened his eyes within the grotto-heaven and exhaled a stream of white qi. Although the lamps in the grotto-heaven were bright, his eyes remained dazzling, with a faint golden celestial light flowing within them.

However, his expression was not calm. Doubt arose in his heart, yet his face also showed considerable astonishment.

'These nine secret arts... I've already cultivated quite a bit of them!'

Li Zhouwei tried them consecutively, using the secret arts to activate his Immortal Foundation and observe its changes. Edict patterns appeared on the Immortal Foundation, sometimes visible, sometimes faint, often with golden patterns and white light flowing—a clear manifestation of the Imperial Edict, one of the nine secret arts, having been cultivated to completion!

And this Imperial Edict was almost the most difficult of the nine secret arts!

'It definitely isn't due to the cultivation method... Before the True Immortal broke through, he cultivated for many years, always starting from scratch... So, it's most likely influenced by my destiny.'

However, when he tried all nine secret arts—Yangyuan, Heavenly Lamp, Precious Steps, Great Scar, Returning Fold, Hundred Soldiers' Manor, Imperial Edict, Golden Qilin, and Red Cicada—it was far from just the Imperial Edict. The Imperial Edict was fully mastered, Great Scar was 50% complete, and Hundred Soldiers' Manor was 30% complete!

Li Zhouwei felt both surprised and pleased, immediately followed by doubt. "Why these three?"

Although Li Zhouwei's cultivation was not high, he was endowed with destiny, and having spoken with the Dragon Kin, he had gained much valuable information. He had long since made a guess: "The Yang Pivot gives birth to two children: one is the White Qilin, the other the White Cicada. But when I was born, the White Qilin held the child in its mouth, and the White Cicada flapped its wings. Both phenomena were present, so I am probably somewhere between the Qilin and the Cicada. As for how much relation I have to the Yang Pivot, that needs further discussion..."

After all, the Yang Pivot was Mingyang's primary manifestation, and Li Zhouwei dared not rashly compare himself to it. It was even harder to say how much influence the Wei-Li dynasties had exerted on the Mingyang Fruit. The Dragon Kin's belief that he was the White Qilin was likely not far off the mark.

"Regardless of whether it's related to the Yang Pivot, the Imperial Edict... probably corresponds to this destiny."

The completion of the Imperial Edict was understandable, but the Great Scar being 50% complete and the Hundred Soldiers' Manor 30% complete was puzzling. If all of them had some slight cultivation, it would be one thing, but the Yangyuan techniques showed no trace of progress at all...

"Strange... When did I cultivate these two arts? Could it be that I was born with them?"

The original domain has been compromised; please remember the new one.