Chapter 829: Cold

Wangyue Lake.

Wangyue Lake was far from its usual tranquility, bustling with activity and exuding a festive atmosphere. The halls on the island were adorned in vibrant red, and prominent figures of the clan moved to and fro, clearly indicating a major joyous event.

Li Zhourming, dressed in red, stood quite contentedly in the hall. Beside him, an elderly man with a full head of white hair and a beaming smile sat on a large jade chair, clad in a black and red robe.

"Father... I've truly brought honor to you this time," Li Zhourming said with a smile. His mother had passed away young, leaving only his father to attend. Li Chengzhi, missing most of his teeth, merely gave him a sidelong glance and retorted, "This marriage was arranged by your grandfather; what honor could it possibly bring me?"

Despite his words, Li Chengzhi was inwardly pleased to see his son marrying a direct descendant of an immortal sect and a high-level Foundation Establishment cultivator. A clear smile played on his lips as he watched his son descend to greet the newlyweds. After two more cups of wine, Li Chengzhi's face grew flushed and his ears burned.

Li Chengzhi was highly respected within the clan as a direct descendant of the Purple Mansion lineage. Furthermore, Li Zhourming was a direct heir of a collateral branch. The combination of these two statuses made the wedding even grander than that of the clan head, with all prominent figures from the lake region in attendance.

The elder raised an eyebrow and scanned the room, assuming his father, Li Ximing, would not be able to attend. He then sank back into his chair, motionless, his heart devoid of any superfluous emotions, utterly accustomed to the situation.

Ever since he was six years old and it was determined he could not cultivate, his father had cast him aside. Even if his talent was modest, with just one spiritual aperture, he might have been able to learn a trade. But as a mere mortal, he was confined to the foot of the mountain, subject to constraints. Back then, the clan's rules were even more stringent than they are today. Frankly, Li Chengzhi believed he had suffered immensely; the hardships and bitterness he endured were arguably no less than those experienced by his cultivating brothers.

Precisely for this reason, Li Chengzhi felt little connection to the family's order and legacy. It wasn't until Li Zhourming's birth that he experienced a profound shift in his feelings. For other legitimate or illegitimate sons, whether they fared well or poorly, he might offer minor assistance. But for Li Zhourming—he shamelessly implored Li Ximing, desperate to arrange everything perfectly for him. As for his other children who had established their own households, he no longer had the inclination to concern himself with them.

From that point onward, Li Chengzhi largely ceased to blame his father, Li Ximing, in his heart. Having, in essence, become Li Ximing's peer, he found peace. Li Chengzhi had to admit that he had, in effect, affirmed the suffering he had experienced throughout his life.

Amidst the deafening gongs and drums and widespread congratulations, the newlyweds entered the hall from outside, ushering in a wave of lively celebration. The elder, seated at the head of the hall, drank the wine offered by his daughter-in-law, no longer concerned with right or wrong, or discerning truth from falsehood. Gazing at Li Zhourming in his grand red robe, a flush spread through his body, his eyes suddenly welled up, and he uttered only one sentence: "The most important thing is for you two to live well together. It's just a pity that I probably won't live to see your children."

Though Li Zhourming was somewhat playful, he was fundamentally good-natured and easily moved. Such words were difficult for him to hear; on this joyous day, he nearly burst into tears, whimpering a few sentences.

Once the numerous rituals were complete, a crowd surrounded him, their presence dispelling his sorrow, and they then moved joyfully to the next venue.

As soon as Li Zhourming departed, the area immediately fell silent. The vibrancy of the crowd shifted elsewhere, and the wind began to blow through the hall again. The stone chair beneath him felt chillingly cold, and with the effects of the wine now fading, Li Chengzhi sensed a creeping chill throughout his body.

'This jade chair, after all, is meant for immortals; it's terribly cold...'

The Grand Hall on the Island.

Figures bustled within the grand hall. An elder, clad in black, ascended several steps, entering the spacious hall where he bowed respectfully. "Reporting to the Clan Head," he began, "both Midong and Fanyun are currently searching for that token... Fanyun Cave has dispatched a direct descendant of the Chengyun Sect to personally oversee this matter. The Three Streams region is abuzz, creating a considerable stir."

Above, Li Jiangqian was seated with his eyes closed, performing hand seals. Wisps of spirit fire emanated from between his lips, suggesting he was practicing a magical art. Upon hearing the report, he raised an eyebrow and simply said, "Good..."

In the Three Streams of Jiangbei, the Baijiang Stream was divided among three major factions: the Li Clan's Funan, the Duxian Sect's Midong, and Fanyun Cave, which was a vassal of the Chengyun Sect. The dispatch of this direct descendant was clearly not for the genuine purpose of finding some token; it was an unspoken endorsement of this arrangement by the Chengyun Sect. This was undoubtedly excellent news. Without the Purple Mansion's approval, Li Jiangqian always felt a lack of confidence.

Regarding why the elder only mentioned Midong and Fanyun searching for the token, omitting the Li family's Funan—the Funan territory was sparsely populated, and most cultivators deployed there were subject to term assessments, leaving them no opportunity to abandon their posts to search. As for any activity among the various forces under the Li family's governance, that would fall under the purview of Qingdu and Yuting.

Li Jiangqian considered the situation for a moment, deciding the time was ripe, as only one year and five months remained until June of the 22nd year of Shenxuan. He then quietly inquired, "Have you... received any news from Midong?"

Communication with the Duxian Sect was currently handled by Qu Bushi, as the elder was adaptable and nimble in his dealings. He had met Guan Gongxiao previously and was privy to some internal matters.

Qu Bushi then replied, "I received two verbal messages this morning. They said the candidates have been selected, but the token's whereabouts are still unknown. Lord Gong claimed... he found it himself, but it's likely not genuine."

"As for the candidates, Lord Gong first selected a Daoist from the South Sea. He cultivates on an island mountain and is adept at controlling venomous insects and fierce beasts, practicing the Huaiyin Ghost cultivation method. His surname is Huang."

"The other is a cultivator from the North Sea, who cultivates Gen Earth. His Dao foundation is unknown; he is only known as Daoist Bai."

Guan Gongxiao clarified the two candidates for two reasons: firstly, to inquire if there were any improprieties, and secondly, to inform them, thereby preventing the Li family from contacting the chosen individuals and inadvertently spoiling the plan. As for Guan Gongxiao's claim of finding it himself, it merely meant the Duxian Sect would promptly forge a replica. However, the Duxian Sect was not known for its artifact forging skills, so such a replica would naturally lack authenticity and be difficult to pass off as genuine.

Li Jiangqian pondered for a moment before replying, "Go and inform Daoist Gong that for however many individuals there are, we will find a way to invite them. Once they are established in the area, the token will naturally reveal itself. If it does not, we will then consider other alternatives."

"However, the Three Rivers region needs to be thrown into chaos. Its current stability is, on the contrary, unsuitable."

Qu Bushi acknowledged the order and withdrew immediately. Li Jiangqian deliberated at length. Hearing a report that Chen Yang was waiting outside, he instructed, "Invite Protector Chen to come up."

Soon, Chen Yang, clad in black, strode into the hall from outside. Despite his constant travels, his cultivation had advanced remarkably quickly, and due to his immortal foundation, his aura was exceptionally potent.

He respectfully stated, "Greetings, Clan Head... Your subordinate has a matter to report... The Muquan Sect has sent an envoy bearing gifts."

Li Jiangqian frowned. With his keen perception, he simply asked, "What kind of gift requires a Protector to deliver?"

That single question immediately laid bare the situation, startlingly so. Yet, Chen Yang was no simple individual either. He lowered his head and respectfully replied, "When the Clan Head dispatched your subordinate to the Muquan Sect to offer condolences, they treated me with considerable courtesy. Perhaps believing they could establish a connection with your subordinate, they sent an envoy, hoping to inquire about the clan's intentions through me. The Muquan Sect expresses its hope... to form a joyous matrimonial alliance with the Lake."

"This person waited for me by the lake during my patrol, and when we reached a secluded area, they approached me, bearing gifts. Your subordinate encountered this unexpectedly and, daring not to be negligent, did not respond to their message but immediately came to the hall to report!"

The Muquan Sect's intentions were quite clear. Another person might have made a few inquiries on behalf of the sect, perhaps stating the current situation, and then accepted the gifts, as reporting such a matter directly to the main family could be awkward. However, it landed in Chen Yang's hands, and he reported it directly to the hall.

"No wonder," Li Jiangqian nodded slightly.

A few days prior, Chen Yang had attended Kong Guli's funeral at the Muquan Sect. It was understandable that the Kong family avoided him, yet the Xuanmu Dao lineage did not make things difficult. Instead, a direct descendant greeted him, praised Chen Yang, and treated him with courtesy throughout his visit.

Li Jiangqian had initially assumed it was a connection through Ziyan. Now, they were proposing a marriage. He mused, "So, this is what they were waiting for..."

He smiled faintly, remarking with interest, "For whom is this proposal, and which individual are they seeking to marry?"

Chen Yang reported in a low voice, "The Muquan's intention is to propose for Dai Jinquan, currently their most outstanding direct descendant. However, he is somewhat advanced in age, which is why they asked me to gauge the Lake's sentiment. Should the Lake object, they would make alternative arrangements. As for the individual they seek to marry... they subtly hinted at Lord Xinghan."

If one were to consider it, the vast wilderness was a convergent point for various families. Geographically, the Muquan Sect and the Li Clan had no major conflicts. Ziyan's relationship with Wangyue was currently on the ascendant, and True Person Zhugong's desire to forge a connection was indeed a reasonable matter.

Though the Muquan Sect had high hopes, this female True Person was a venerable Purple Mansion cultivator, and myriad attempts to curry favor with her might prove insufficient. Li Jiangqian, however, harbored little optimism for the Xuanmu Dao lineage, muttering to himself: 'Whether True Person Zhugong's divine powers are vast remains unknown, but I'm unsure if her focus is elsewhere or if she has other calculations. This Xuanmu Dao lineage is a chaotic mess, its flaws unaddressed. Its unseemly conduct is one thing, but I hear they also adopt an arrogant and overbearing stance towards smaller aristocratic families, their reputation relying entirely on Zhugong herself...'

'Furthermore, while the Dai family isn't considered a generational line of demonic cultivators, their origins in the East Sea mean their reputation was never good. They cultivate Earth Virtue, and I've not heard of any prominent figures among them... Although Dai Jinquan is a Foundation Establishment cultivator, he similarly lacks renown... Had they not inquired at the lake previously, I wouldn't have even heard of him...'

Also having moved from the East Sea, the Muquan Sect was inferior to the Chengyun Sect in both its Dao lineage and personal connections. Furthermore, to suddenly propose marriage at this juncture? Who knew what troubles might lie ahead?

The Muquan Sect was merely probing. If Li Jiangqian were to express any interest or let slip any hint, Zhuang Pingye would likely slink away, packing his bags. Otherwise, Zhuang Cheng would be compelled to call and apologize.

The Muquan Sect was merely probing. If Li Jiangqian were to express any interest or let slip any hint, Zhuang Pingye would likely slink away, packing his bags. Otherwise, Zhuang Cheng would be compelled to call and apologize.

Fortunately, Li Jiangqian did not hold a high regard for this Xuanmu Dao and, after much deliberation, remained entirely unmoved. He instructed, "You are to reply that the Xuanmu Purple Mansion Dao lineage is noble, but their True Person has not returned from outside, and an elder is in severe seclusion due to injuries. Therefore, the family has no authority to make such a decision."

"You know how to phrase it. Simply state it as your own conjecture; do not involve the family."

Chen Yang, naturally understanding, replied, "They sent..."

Li Jiangqian waved his hand and replied, "As for the gifts they brought, you may dispose of them as you see fit."

"Your subordinate has already delivered them to the side hall," Chen Yang replied impeccably. As he prepared to withdraw, Li Jiangqian called him back, instructing, "After you respond to the East, make a trip to Funan. There is an extremely important matter on Jianglong's side. He has not yet reached Foundation Establishment, so his influence is somewhat limited. You are thorough in your considerations and cautious in your actions, so please go and assist him."

He picked up the scroll that had been prepared on the table, handed it to Chen Yang, and stated gravely, "The family currently has an ample supply of Foundation Establishment cultivators. Take my order and instruct Miaoshui and An Siwei to also proceed to the wilderness. Have them establish a station on the riverbank and guard the northern front."

Li Jiangqian was not merely providing support for Li Jianglong, but also making preparations for future 'contests' with the Duxian Sect in the Funan territory and on the river. After all, sending cultivators only when the opponent's surprise attack date approached would appear as if he possessed foresight, thus revealing his intentions.

Chen Yang hesitated briefly and inquired, "Is there something amiss with the Funan matter..."

Chen Yang harbored many thoughts, but Li Jiangqian waved his hand and replied, "Do not overthink it. Once you arrive, consult Jianglong thoroughly and spare no effort in assisting the second young master to complete this task. Should there be any oversight in this matter, it will imperil both your lives."

Upon hearing this, Chen Yang's expression abruptly shifted. He bowed and withdrew. Li Jiangqian's heart stirred slightly: 'Protector Bai Yuan has been in seclusion for many years. Both he and the family elders were severely injured back then. I estimate they are nearing recovery. I still need to inquire through the formation, lest something happens without my knowledge.'

After dispatching Chen Yang to the north, Li Jiangqian still had numerous tasks to attend to. Although the wedding of his Purple Mansion direct descendant's uncle had concluded, there were extensive arrangements preceding and following it. He was busy marking various memorials with his pen when he heard a report from below. A white-haired elder, clad in dark blue robes, entered from outside the hall.

Li Jiangqian promptly left his main seat and descended to assist him. Li Xuanxuan waved him off, his aged face etched with seriousness. He began, "Qingchi's orders are unknown, but Li Quantao has returned urgently from the north, even before half the time he mentioned had elapsed. Passing through Wangyue Lake, he didn't even have time to stop and rest, leaving only a letter."

"This letter was delivered by a cultivator patrolling the lake... You should take a look."

"Li Quantao?" Qingchi typically operated on five-year terms. The nature of the crucial mission Li Quantao was undertaking was unknown; he had even mentioned Chi Zhiyun when passing through the lake earlier. Now, after only a year and a half, he had been urgently recalled. Li Jiangqian frowned slightly, his heart constricting.

'I just mentioned his descendant's treacherous act, and now he's urgently recalled... It surely cannot be Chi Buzi's return...'

Though Chi Buzi's actions were extremely cold-blooded and ruthless, he was, after all, a Purple Mansion True Person possessing four divine abilities. Such a formidable True Person, a direct descendant of the Azure Pine Sun Dao lineage, already ranked among the top five in Jiangnan. Moreover, this precious scion of the Chi family was still young. If Chi Buzi were to return, Qingchi would undoubtedly be thrown into complete upheaval.

He took the letter from the elder's hand, his expression serious. Upon opening it, he saw that the content was brief. The initial part comprised polite greetings, but on the next page, the handwriting grew significantly sloppier, and the message was peculiar: 'On the twenty-second day of the tenth month, Yishan City experienced a sudden cold snap. Pines and cypresses sprouted from stones, frost formed on level ground, and then a sudden blizzard struck, depositing over one zhang and six chi of snow. Hailstones as large as bowls fell, shattering trees, and countless birds and beasts perished or were injured.'