Chapter 831: Premonition

Lake Wangyue.

As days passed, the situation in Jiangbei gradually grew tense. Although the lake remained calm, the higher echelons were still busy and tense. More and more people were entering and exiting the main hall, especially Qu Bushi, who had recently been heavily reappointed and was constantly on the move, barely touching the ground.

Li Jiangqian sent someone down and waited in the main hall for a long time. Finally, he saw Wang Quwan enter from outside the hall. The man had a blue-gold sword at his waist, appeared grave and steady, stood tall as a pine, and inspired admiration.

Li Jiangqian glanced at him and said warmly:

"How are your injuries? Have you had Physician Sun examine them?"

Wang Quwan bowed his hands and replied:

"Reporting to the Family Head, I have been recuperating according to Physician Sun's instructions. I had him examine me these past few days, which is why I've just emerged from my grotto-mansion."

His injuries from Jiangbei were not severe, and with this period of recuperation, he had almost fully recovered. Li Jiangqian nodded and asked:

"And what about Daoist Shou Ding of Jingyi? Is there any news?"

Speaking of this, Wang Quwan felt extremely awkward. Daoist Shou Ding had returned with him, but fearing an ambush on the way, he dared not go back to Jingyi Mountain. Instead, he burrowed into a Li family grotto-mansion, went into seclusion, and refused to leave, not showing his face even once.

Of course, the Li family wasn't short of a grotto-mansion, but Wang Quwan understood the gravity of the situation. The relationship between the two families wasn't particularly good, and he was already dependent on others, so he should be careful in all matters. As the one who brought him back, having a guest refuse to leave made him feel both anxious and awkward. He replied:

"I've asked him several times and even borrowed his personal seal to write letters to Jingyi Mountain. Originally, there were some replies discussing who to send to pick him up. But unexpectedly, contact was suddenly lost these past few months; all letters sent have fallen into the sea like stones..."

"This has caused trouble for Lake Wangyue, and I am very uneasy about it. I am willing to rent this grotto-mansion on his behalf..."

Li Jiangqian nodded with interest. He, of course, knew why Jingyi Mountain had suddenly gone silent these past few months. He mused internally:

'How could they dare reply now...'

The Xuanyi Dao Lineage, being a force from the East Sea, was certainly not as well-informed about Jiangbei's news as the Li family. They likely only knew that a True Monarch was approaching. Now, with a token from the Miefan Dao Lineage appearing, and Shou Ding practicing the Miefan Dao, it was clear there was a significant connection, and they were already terrified!

'If Shou Ding openly leaves Jiangbei now, perhaps even people from the Chunyi Dao wouldn't dare to ambush him. And when he finally reaches Jingyi Mountain, Xuanyi might not even dare to open the gates for him.'

'After all, the domestic power Luoxia still shows some deference, sending someone to deliver decrees. But those from overseas are demonic cultivators. The entire Jingyi sect practices Earth Virtue... If the True Monarch's reincarnation were to slap Xuanyi, Xuanyi would have to offer the other half of their face, fearing the True Monarch wouldn't be satisfied.'

Li Jiangqian then felt that his family's reputation as a righteous path was still somewhat useful. At least major powers still cared about their prestige and lineage.

Seeing Wang Quwan's slightly uneasy expression, Li Jiangqian smiled:

"Why are you being so polite, Protector Wang? We are all family. Physician Sun was once a capable assistant under True Monarch Chang Xi of the Xuanyue Dao Lineage; his medical skills are still excellent."

He paused briefly, then steered the conversation to the Xuanyue Dao Lineage, recounting the story of the "Incense Stick Family" in detail. Wang Quwan listened, wide-eyed, almost thinking Li Jiangqian was making fun of him. Yet, Li Jiangqian continued:

"It was similar with the Lihuo Spear from back then, which later became True Monarch Chu."

Speaking of Xuanyue, it was once a supreme Purple Mansion sect. Although it had declined, it was still a revered guest of True Monarchs. This was too distant for Wang Quwan. However, the Wang family must have records of Chu Yi, the Lihuo Spear, passing through Jiangbei on his journey north years ago. Wang Quwan's mind became clear, and he replied:

"So that's it... True Monarch Chu was also a True Monarch's reincarnation... No wonder he could break through to Purple Mansion during battle..."

Hearing this, Li Jiangqian could only shake his head with a hint of helplessness and replied:

"The terms 'during battle' and 'breaking through to Purple Mansion' are utterly unrelated. Not even the most gifted individual could achieve that. Only a True Monarch playfully does so. The reason I summoned you this time is that a True Monarch will reincarnate in Jiangbei."

He paused, then said:

"It's a decree from the North."

Handling Wang Quwan was an extremely troublesome matter. The Ding family of Ding Weizeng had suffered persecution, their numbers were not prosperous, and they had already relocated to the lake. The remaining most prestigious local cultivator in Jiangbei was Wang Quwan.

Tens of thousands of direct descendants of the Wang family were scattered throughout Jiangbei. Many sects in Jiangbei had members of the Jiangbei Wang family within them. Protecting the entire Jiangbei Wang family was unrealistic.

More critically, the mortal descendants of the Jiangbei Wang family were either landlords or gentry in the region, playing crucial roles in maintaining local stability. In ordinary times, they were the "common folk" spoken of by various immortal sects. However, when a True Monarch reincarnated, these very people would be the first stepping stones. These people could lead to cultivators. Members of Wang Quwan's clan were distributed to the east and north. Tracing connections, it was uncertain if it would lead to Wang Quwan himself! A True Monarch's reincarnation cared nothing for reason; overturning landlords connected to the Wang family could very well lead to a massacre all the way to the river, causing great embarrassment for the Li family.

Li Jiangqian still hoped to protect Wang Quwan. It wasn't about how many resources the Li family had spent on him over the years to win him over, but simply because of that fragment in the secret treasury.

However, the extent of this protection was limited. Li Jiangqian absolutely could not jeopardize his family's survival for this person. He carefully observed the other's shocked expression and softly said:

"Fewer than five people in our family know of this matter. I am telling you this because the Jiangbei Wang family's entanglements are too deep. If arrangements aren't made early, they will surely suffer the consequences."

Sweat immediately beaded on Wang Quwan's forehead. Li Jiangqian replied:

"Currently, the best option is for you to protect yourself and relocate your clan... It won't be too late to return to Jiangbei after the True Monarch departs."

Li Jiangqian sincerely hoped Wang Quwan would choose this. Wang Quwan was different from the family's many guest ministers and protectors. The Wang clan had a huge following in Jiangbei, able to summon responses from hundreds. It was inconvenient for the Li family to cross the river, and Wang Quwan had never truly intended to commit himself to Lake Wangyue, nor could he ever become a true confidant and supporter of the Li family...

If, by means of this incident, Wang Quwan's ties with the Wang family could be weakened, and people like Wang Quyuan could be drawn to Lake Wangyue, then things would be entirely different.

But Wang Quwan considered it thoroughly and said softly:

"The Jiangbei Wang family numbers tens of thousands; I cannot stand by idly. Moreover, if the True Monarch reincarnates, there's a possibility he might be a descendant of the Wang surname. Abandoning them today to enter the lake might create future hidden dangers."

"In my humble opinion, blood ties, even if cut, cannot be severed cleanly. It's impossible for all Wang family descendants to relocate to Lake Wangyue. But if even one slips up and makes a mistake, in the True Monarch's eyes, it will be the entire clan's fault, and something terrible will happen."

Whether ties could be cleanly severed depended on the individual, but given Wang Quwan's character, this matter was likely harder than taking his life. Seeing his reply, Li Jiangqian also had concerns and sighed:

'This person... truly has good fortune...'

Clearly, since Wang Quwan was determined to share life and death with the Jiangbei Wang family, there was immense risk. Li Jiangqian could neither bind him nor force him. It seemed there was only room to arrange for a favor.

'So this is fate at play. Wang Quwan's destiny was probably linked to the True Monarch's reincarnation from the very beginning. Now, as the day approaches, it forces me to let him go to Jiangbei and play the role he is meant to play. Wonderful... simply marvelous.'

Li Jiangqian could only say:

"Since your mind is made up, I'll send you to Jiangbei. You don't need to concern yourself with anything that happens in Funan. Just head directly to your Wang clan. Do not say what should not be said, or disaster will strike. More than one True Monarch in the Grand Void is watching."

Wang Quwan bowed slightly and respectfully said:

"I will depart immediately for Jiangbei and be stationed there for six years. When the time comes, I will return to Lake Wangyue to report."

Li Jiangqian shook his head gravely, watching him leave. Hearing Qu Bushi report from below, the elder said softly:

"Reporting to the Family Head, a letter has arrived from the North. They have already departed for Funan."

Li Jiangqian collected his thoughts, nodded silently, and instructed:

"White Ape..."

He had only spoken half a sentence when he thoughtfully looked up, seeing a bright, flickering light descending outside the hall. A woman was walking through the air.

This female cultivator wore a long red dress. Her appearance was exceptional, vibrant and captivating. She rode upon surging true flames, holding a hexagonal lantern in her hand, within which a fluffy flame subtly glowed. With a slight smile, Li Jiangqian quickly rose and said:

"Greetings, Great Aunt. Congratulations on emerging from seclusion, and for advancing further!"

Li Minggong offered a smile. Behind her followed a tall, white-haired elder, clad in stone armor, who was undoubtedly White Ape.

With two joyous occasions converging, Li Jiangqian exhaled slightly. Li Minggong waved Qu Bushi away and said seriously:

"I didn't actually need to spend so long healing. My cultivation was refined, and encountering this flourishing Fire Virtue, which is beneficial for breakthrough during seclusion, I had an epiphany and broke through to the Mid-Foundation Establishment stage. It was a stroke of luck, and my foundation wasn't stable, so I spent time solidifying my cultivation."

"I see!"

Li Jiangqian offered a few words of congratulations. Li Minggong then said earnestly:

"However, now is not the time for congratulations. After emerging from seclusion, I first paid my respects to the Elder. After hearing about the current troubles from him, I immediately came to find you. How have you arranged the personnel for the river's edge?"

Li Jiangqian quickly organized his thoughts and immediately said:

"Protector Ding has quite some dissatisfaction with Duxian, so I've kept him on the north bank... Protector Cui is stationed on the east bank, and the rest will cross the river with me to spar a bit with Duxian... The cultivators in our family at the Fetal Breath stage don't need to go, but those at the Qi Refining stage can participate in the fighting, considering it a form of experience. Both sides' forces have been instructed that this is currently just a probing confrontation. They must not strike to kill, to prevent bloodshed and avoid escalating matters..."

The matter of the True Monarch naturally couldn't be discussed just anywhere, so this excuse was passable. Li Minggong nodded and mused:

"It's best that Ding Weizeng doesn't participate. The Ding family was persecuted by Wenhu back then, almost wiped out and uprooted. Although the entire clan has relocated here now, there might still be some bloodline left in Jiangbei, making it unsuitable for them to get involved."

"Miaoshui and Qu Bushi are rogue cultivators..."

As Li Minggong was pondering, she suddenly saw Li Jiangqian remind her:

"On the east bank, there are also two demonic cultivators whose cultivation has been sealed... Their surname is Wen, and they migrated from the East Sea. They've been tending furnaces on the mountain for many years. These two are from the East Sea, so they are harmless... If you have any concerns, Great Aunt, I will deal with them."

Li Minggong shook her head, the hexagonal lantern in her hand swaying slightly. She replied:

"That won't be necessary... I didn't expect so many things to happen that we'd end up cooperating with the Duxian Dao. If their family truly has a falling out with Changxiao, then so be it. But I fear this True Monarch is cunning, intentionally saying this to seize our family's current moment of weakness and plot some other scheme."

A thoughtful expression appeared on Li Jiangqian's face, but the woman in court attire before him said:

"Overthinking now is futile. Let us go to the river together."

Qingchi Peak was shrouded in white mist and ethereal clouds. This place was the core of the Qingchi Sect's Tianyuan spiritual array, a region where spiritual energy should remain constant day after day. Yet, now there was a touch of chill.

A cold gust of frost and white snow swept in, landing before the grotto-mansion and transforming into a woman in white robes. Her appearance was extremely beautiful, and a scent of pine permeated the air. She stepped forward slightly and said clearly:

"Junior Ning Wan requests an audience with Senior Si!"

Ning Wan was a Qingchi cultivator. Her breakthrough hadn't been openly revealed, nor had she temporarily summoned other cultivators to congratulate her. Instead, she had come directly to this main peak to pay respects to Yuan Xiu.

After she waited for a moment, an aged voice emerged:

"Wan'er has emerged from seclusion. Please come in."

Ning Wan's form dispersed into white snow, reappearing over the vast, verdant, jewel-like waters of the Luoshui Pond. Six splendid jade seats, carved from celadon jade, appeared even purer amidst the cold snow. To the side sat a decrepit old man whose face was densely covered with layers of wrinkles, as ugly as old tree bark. His eyes seemed somewhat lifeless.

Ning Wan did not sit beside him. Instead, she took the third seat from the end. One did not sit in the main seat, and the other sat in an adjacent seat on the same side, which seemed very awkward, as if these six jade seats each had their own master.

Unlike other Purple Mansion cultivators who often concealed their age, Yuan Xiu made no effort to hide his. He said in a weathered voice:

"Congratulations indeed."

"Earlier, I had told my senior brother that you entered seclusion too early and wouldn't be able to use the spiritual pills Yuan Li and Xuan Feng obtained in Anhuai Heaven. It was truly a pity, but he ignored me. I suppose you were absolutely confident."

The relationship between Yuan Xiu and his senior brother Yuan Su was complex; they had been close in earlier years but later went their separate ways. Ning Wan found it difficult to comment and simply replied:

"True Monarch still possessed a spiritual pill obtained years ago... He let me take it. I was also quite fortunate, so I succeeded."

Yuan Xiu snorted and replied:

"When Chi Wei asked him, he coldly claimed to have gained nothing. That was clearly false. If Yuan Su didn't have a spiritual treasure in his hands and Chi Wei wasn't on the verge of death, who knows what he might have done."

A dense spiritual aura, mixed with mystic light, illuminated the entire grotto-mansion, making it radiate splendor and also making Ning Wan appear radiant and captivating. She said gently:

"And wasn't the matter of Shen Lufu's false pill also unheeded? Everyone indulged him when he was dying, and after his death, he returned to dust, with no one caring."

Her words were not pleasant and hinted at a deeper meaning. Yuan Xiu chuckled in his throat, his exposed left hand's fingers stiffened, then slowly spread apart. His palm had more than ten fingers, like ancient tree roots, gripping the jade seat. He laughed:

"Indeed! Indeed!"

The dim Luokui Pond was reflected in his eyes, and the smile on his face grew wider. He suddenly said:

"Perhaps you won't believe it, but the Xinyou Luze Seal is not in my possession."