Chapter 836: Locust Ghost (1+1/2)

Jiangbei, Funan.

The mountains in the Funan region are not tall; in fact, there are only three major mountains in the entire Jiangbei area. The closest one is Tangdao Mountain of the Tangjin Sect. Here, the terrain becomes gentle, and even Funan’s main peak, the highest point, is only a little over a hundred zhang tall.

Funan Main Peak was named by the Li family. Since the Li clan withdrew from Funan, taking with them the Mianyun Qixiao Grand Formation, the mountain became empty. Subsequently, rogue cultivators and demonic cultivators poured in, each silently hiding away in mountain cave dwellings.

Firstly, they dared not name the mountain, fearing displeasure from the Li clan; they all claimed to be cultivating spiritual energy on the mountain. Secondly, there were too many rogue cultivators hiding in this area, each with their own mountain, so it was difficult to say much.

A few months prior, a group of demonic and rogue cultivators gathered, intending to offer tribute to the Li clan as “cultivation resources.” The Li clan politely declined, and the cultivators returned “greatly disappointed.” Only a few months later, they called upon friends and companions, and the number of cultivators in this area multiplied several times over.

Jiangbei was truly prosperous. Even the lowest-grade spiritual fields here would be sectioned off and highly prized overseas. Who would willingly toil overseas when they could live inland, waiting for spiritual treasures to emerge from the land, gaining without effort?

Moreover, there were tantalizing rumors that made hearts flutter.

The Li clan had always used Funan as a barrier, not to cultivate a population, but as a region for gathering spiritual treasures. Over the years, the common people were not numerous. However, with these demonic and rogue cultivators arriving by wind, many descendants of cultivators appeared, and small sects and temples were established, gradually forming the rudimentary shape of the Eastern Shore wilderness.

What was originally a scene of peace and serenity was shattered by a brilliant light in the sky.

“Hahahahaha!”

Intense black and white light intertwined, shooting straight into the sky. An old cultivator in a black robe was laughing loudly, his head thrown back, defiantly suspended in mid-air. Rings of ghostly light floated around him, making him appear sinister and menacing.

The light was so intense that it was clearly visible across nearly the entire Baijiangxi region. Cultivators rose into the air, looking up with envy or astonishment.

“I am Daoist Bai! Today I have obtained the Guiming Xuanling, received the recognition of the Mifen Orthodoxy, inherited its lineage, and will revive an ancient sect!”

At the same time, dark clouds and lightning filled the sky, roaring dramatically. The assembled cultivators stared at him, dumbfounded, exchanging bewildered glances.

“Is that rumor true? He’s acting so brazenly!”

“After obtaining such a treasure, he actually dares to appear so openly... Does he truly believe that the Du Immortal Secret Sect and the Wangyue Immortal Clan are mere decorations?!”

Below, there was an uproar, with widespread discussion. The old man in the black daoist robe proudly raised his head, as wisps of black cloud swirled behind him. Then, from the clouds in the east, a young man appeared. With high brows and deep-set eyes, holding a daoist scripture, he looked like a prominent direct descendant of an immortal sect. His expression was cold, and he barely managed to force a smile:

“I am Guan Gongxiao. On behalf of the Baiye Du Immortal Dao, I sincerely congratulate you, fellow Daoist! The reappearance of the Mifen Orthodoxy is indeed a great joyous event for the cultivators of Jiangbei!”

He tilted his head slightly and instructed:

“Come, convey our Immortal Sect’s congratulations!”

As his words fell, a cultivator beside him came forward, presenting a jade plate and offering it to him. Everyone below gasped simultaneously, and Daoist Bai’s suddenly tense expression relaxed, replaced by boundless joy.

‘I gambled correctly!’

He immediately let out a chuckle, accepted it without ceremony, and suppressing the greed on his face, cupped his hands and said:

“Greetings, Lord Sect Master! It is not that I am arrogant, but this decree requires the rebuilding of the sect, and it must proceed in this manner. If I have caused any offense, I humbly ask for your understanding!”

Guan Gongxiao nodded slightly, displaying the demeanor of a great sect, and replied:

“I see!”

Daoist Bai didn’t know what Guan Gongxiao’s “I see” was in response to, but he felt utterly thrilled. He raised his head high, only to see the clouds in the south also disperse, revealing surging Li Fire, and another young man appearing.

This young man’s eyes were a noble golden color, and he wore an outer robe embroidered with Li Fire patterns, standing atop the blazing flames. His eyebrows were close to his narrow, elongated eyes, making him appear someone not to be trifled with.

‘It’s a golden-eyed direct descendant of the Li clan!’

The reputation of the Wangyue Immortal Clan was very prominent in Jiangbei. Li Zhouwei’s forceful killing of the Tangjin Sect Master and his elegant departure after breaking a spirit artifact were widely rumored across both shores. Now, people quickly recognized him, but they saw this golden-eyed noble descendant calmly say:

“Congratulations, fellow Daoist! Our Wangyue clan offers the Funan region as a gift… Protector Qu!”

Then an old man also came forward, carrying a jade plate, and the cultivators below immediately looked on with envy.

‘This Daoist Bai truly has good fortune!’

Amidst the swirling black and white aura, Daoist Bai indeed exuded the imposing air of a demonic path magnate. He returned the bow to Li Jiangqian but said little, simply stuffing the contents of the jade plate into his sleeve.

Li Jiangqian glanced at him, seeing that he couldn't control the expression on his face, and estimated that this token had a significant influence. He mused to himself:

‘I wonder if it’s the influence of a True Lord or the methods of a True Person... This expression, these actions, this look of utter smugness, he could almost be an actor.’

Guan Gongxiao, standing nearby, sneered and retorted:

“The clan head is truly magnanimous! Is Funan still considered your family’s territory? It was originally his family’s property; how could you even have the audacity to offer it as a congratulatory gift?!”

Li Jiangqian’s eyes flashed fiercely as he glared at him, returning a cold expression. He said:

“Oh? Lord Guan is not skilled in combat, but rather adept at healing. It seems you recovered quite quickly after taking that halberd from my father a few years ago, good enough to show off now.”

Guan Gongxiao clearly couldn’t maintain his composure. He snorted coldly, holding a daoist scripture in one hand while strong winds swirled around him, but kept his other hand behind his back, not even forming a hand seal.

‘That Guan fellow is too perfunctory…’

Li Jiangqian, however, maintained his composure, staring coldly at him. Protector Qu murmured to himself, unable to watch any longer, and stepped forward with a furious expression, drawing out his wooden staff artifact as if ready to fight at any moment.

The discord between the two factions was long-standing; otherwise, the people of Funan Midong would not be living such comfortable lives. This was well within the expectations of the cultivators watching, who raised their heads like spectators enjoying a show, but Daoist Bai chuckled:

“I ask for the esteemed sirs to grant me some face… Today is a momentous day of celebration for my orthodoxy…”

As these words were spoken, the tense, sword-drawn atmosphere between the two sides immediately dissipated. Daoist Bai hadn't expected his words to be so effective, and his heart was filled with renewed joy and satisfaction. He raised his head proudly and cupped his hands toward Guan Gongxiao, saying:

“In the future, I will rely on the Sect Master’s continued guidance and care!”

Which of the cultivators below lacked discernment? They immediately understood:

‘This old man favors the Du Immortal Dao…’

In fairness, Daoist Bai’s choice was not wrong. He was originally a demonic cultivator, having used all sorts of unsavory methods. The Li family was a renowned righteous path sect; how could they compare in cordiality to the Du Immortal Dao, which also originated from overseas?

Having now occupied the Li family’s territory, he had already offended them once. If he were to ally with the Li family, he would still be subject to criticism when using his demonic blood energy, which would be awkward. Who knew if the Li family harbored thoughts of eliminating demonic cultivators and defending the righteous path?

In contrast, the Du Immortal Dao would undoubtedly support Daoist Bai, who occupied the Li family’s barrier… This choice was certainly correct.

All the cultivators immediately looked at Li Jiangqian. As expected, the Li family head’s face was cold, his dignity publicly slighted, making onlookers feel a chill.

Li Jiangqian, however, was secretly overjoyed. He observed his rival, Guan Gongxiao, who, though nodding with a slight smile, was likely filled with resistance in every fiber of his being… wishing he could slap Daoist Bai hard.

‘Who is Daoist Bai? Merely a stumbling block on the True Lord’s path. He even tries to curry favor; by then, even the vast Du Immortal Dao might be tripped up…’

He felt delighted internally, but maintained a cold expression. Seizing the opportunity, he swiftly cut off the other party's thoughts, turned around mercilessly, and departed with a flick of his sleeve!

Guan Gongxiao saw him turn and leave so nonchalantly and inwardly exclaimed. However, he reacted quickly, immediately saying nervously:

“That fellow Li is gone. Our two families are still confronting each other on the river. Fellow Daoist, please take care of things here for now; I must return to stand guard.”

How could Daoist Bai stop him? He naturally let him go, and even presumptuously escorted him for a distance, sending shivers down Guan Gongxiao’s spine and making his back run cold. Guan Gongxiao muttered inwardly:

‘Dare I send Midong to him later? I’m afraid the more I send, the more intimate he’ll become, and then he’ll come to my house for help…’

He flew faster and faster, fleeing in disarray. Daoist Bai returned, looking at the cultivators below with a sneer, and leisurely said:

“Fellow cultivators of Funan, I, Daoist Bai, have obtained the Mifen Orthodoxy here. Naturally, I shall establish this orthodoxy and spread its legacy. Is there any among you… who is unwilling to establish this orthodoxy with me?!”

With that, he raised the token high in his hand, and streaks of light shone down. No one dared to move, not even Daoist Huang, who was at odds with him, remained pale-faced and motionless.

Who knew what divine effects that token possessed?

Daoist Bai burst into laughter, feeling that by instantly gathering so many powerful cultivators, his strength could almost rival that of some declining immortal sects. He inwardly gloated:

‘Those righteous path sects are deeply entrenched in their own ways, only promoting close relations year after year. How can they compare to my inclusive approach?’

He then descended, riding the wind, and immediately obsequious flatterers approached him, asking:

“Sect Master, our orthodoxy should have a name.”

Daoist Bai proudly stroked his beard. He found ‘Mifen’ unpleasant and did not wish to use that name, so he said:

“The legacy has not yet been fully gathered, so it’s not appropriate to call it Mifen. I cultivate the Huaiyin Ghost, and with the combined strength of all cultivators, we shall be called the Huaihun Hall. How does that sound?”

How could the cultivators object? They all submissively agreed and dispersed, waiting for Daoist Bai to summon them one by one.

Wangyue Lake.

Li Jiangqian, on his part, rode the wind all the way back to the lake and landed in the hall. Only after the hall doors were securely closed did a smile appear on his face. He put away the scroll on the table, and seeing Li Xuanxuan’s puzzled expression, he chuckled:

“A muddle-headed madman, with only a tiny bit of cunning that barely counts as cleverness, yet he scared Guan Gongxiao to the bone… And Guan Gongxiao himself can’t see two steps ahead, despite being the one who lured him in…”

He casually explained to Li Xuanxuan, and the old man simply stroked his beard:

“No wonder Ming’er likes watching plays. After all, this world itself is a stage, and on it, one play is layered upon another.”

Although the old man was strict with Li Zhouming, often referring to him as unruly or a scoundrel, he clearly doted on him inwardly, accidentally calling him Ming’er. Li Jiangqian smiled and shook his head, soon seeing Protector Qu approach to report on the northern affairs.

“Huaihun Hall? As expected of an overseas character, they don’t even bother to choose a proper name.”

Li Jiangqian scoffed:

“It doesn’t sound like anything good. A ‘cave’ would be the highest he could aim for… Is a ‘hall’-level force something he can establish?!”

There were not many Immortal Halls in existence at present. There was the Beiming Hall of the Northern Yao Goddess, which was not considered a power but merely a residence. The most recent one was the Shengbai Hall on Daxiyuan, now known as the Shengbai Dao to the outside world.

‘The Shengbai Dao claims to be the orthodoxy of the Shaoyang Demonic Lord, passed down by the demonic leader Xiyan, and has successively produced two Purple Palaces; it’s by no means simple. What kind of person is Daoist Bai, to dare call himself a ‘Hall’…?’

Although these titles are not strictly enforced in the current era, there are certainly corresponding precedents. Looking through centuries of historical records, where in Jiangnan or Jiangbei was there a sect called a ‘Hall’? Only the ignorant are truly fearless…

At this point, Li Xuanxuan also shook his head helplessly and sighed:

“He doesn’t even recognize what he is anymore; he thinks he’s True Person Changyun… No matter what, he’s just at the Foundation Establishment stage. I fear that before he even reaches the True Lord stage, he’ll have already exhausted himself.”

Li Jiangqian shook his head and replied:

“It won’t go that far. He can still stir things up for a few more years at least, as he’s considered ‘blessed by fate’.”

With Daoist Bai as a distraction, the affairs of Jiangbei could be observed quietly. Li Jiangqian had someone escort Li Xuanxuan away, then beckoned a nearby person over and instructed:

“True Person Ning is in Jiangbei, so those heading to Qingchi must have made a wasted trip. The True Person cultivates the 'Entering Pure Listening' technique; urgently summon them back, lest they disturb her immortal presence.”

He sent someone to deliver the message, while inwardly formulating a plan:

‘Li Quantao is friendly with our family, and now he’s getting involved in the northern affairs. The two True Persons will certainly protect his life. If he happens to obtain this Hongxue Orthodoxy, True Person Ning will undoubtedly benefit, but Li Quantao’s gains won’t be small either.’

After all, the Hongxue Sect was Wei Li; its orthodoxy was inherently strong, and it was annihilated overnight due to the True Person Guanxue’s demise. There must be a considerable amount of hidden cultivation resources remaining…

‘Li Quantao doesn’t seem like someone capable of reaching the Purple Palace stage, but with these items, anyone would be compelled to try to break through to Purple Palace. If he were to die again, there would be no need to protect the Hongxue descendants, and the hidden cultivation resources would surely return to Qingchi. If the True Person could intervene, firstly, she could look after Wei Li, and secondly, she might even gain a share.’

East Sea.

The area around Zongquan Island was calm and peaceful, with a few fishing boats circling on the sea. A blazing golden, illusory light approached from afar, stirring up turbulent waves on the sea surface.

Li Zhouwei traveled all the way from Liehai and first went to the Jiaohai area to meet the Deng family.

Deng Yuzhi was greatly surprised and could not put down the magical artifact he was given. He exchanged it for the Baiyin Fan, and originally, he refused to accept the agreed-upon resources from the Tangjin Sect, saying that the two magical artifacts were now of similar value and there was no need for further trouble.

So, with a joyous expression, he brought out his child, a lively boy named Deng Buyan. Father and son escorted Li Zhouwei all the way out to sea, inviting him to visit again next year.

Li Zhouwei could only sigh, feeling it was a rare encounter. He followed the water veins downward, stopping at two market towns, but found no good harvests. He then flew straight to Zhulu Sea, heading for Zongquan.

Riding the Heavenly Light, he approached from afar and soon stopped near the island. After a brief assessment, he felt that Zongquan Island was somewhat larger than he remembered. Doubting, he did not descend.

However, the cultivators on the island all recognized him, and soon a white-haired old man emerged, riding the wind—it was Zong Yan.

Zong Yan was the former master of Zongquan Island, who had lived subserviently and precariously under the Kui tribe. Later, when Li Yuanjiao arrived, Zong Yan had assisted him in governing the island. Li Zhouwei had achieved Foundation Establishment here, so the old man was naturally familiar with him. He came to greet him at the formation, but did not proactively open it.

This was a rule of the Li family, to guard against demonic cultivators who might transform their appearance to open formations. Li Zhouwei deactivated the formation and entered, and the old man respectfully said:

“My lord…”

Li Zhouwei waved his hand. Zong Yan was an 'earth-nurtured child'. He had no biological children. He once had an adopted son who was killed by demonic cultivators while traveling two years ago, so he stopped adopting and lived alone, yet his mindset was quite good.

After all, he no longer had to worry about being eaten.

Li Zhouwei glanced around, setting aside his previous question for a moment, and asked:

“Old senior, how old are you now?”

Zong Yan understood what he was asking and merely sighed:

“I estimate I have about twenty to thirty years left to live…”

Earth-nurtured children, born from the Good Nurturing Spring on Shiqi Island, could not seek immortal foundations. Zong Yan had also been stuck at the late Qi Condensation stage for many years, simply waiting for death. Li Zhouwei noted this down and asked:

“Why do I see… Zongquan is somewhat larger than before?”

Zong Yan replied:

“Reporting to my lord, a few years ago… the northern earth vein experienced a major upheaval, with thick smoke billowing everywhere. Many surrounding islands underwent changes, and Zongquan is also located along the same earth vein. Not only did the island grow larger, but the formation was also affected, becoming much weaker.”

Li Zhouwei then understood, and after calculating the direction with his fingers, replied:

“No wonder. The Purple Mist market town is to the north; it turns out they are all on the same earth vein.”

Zong Yan nodded repeatedly and replied:

“Exactly! A few years ago, Miss Queyi became a disciple of the Purple Mist Immortal Sect and also visited Zongquan, asking if there were any shortages on the island. She is currently on duty at a nearby market town and is usually very busy.”

“Queyi…”

As a Foundation Establishment cultivator, Li Zhouwei naturally remembered names. With a little thought, he recalled her; this girl was gentle and delicate, very likable, and rarely smiled. He said:

“So she has gained favor with Purple Mist. Conveniently, I have some idle items on hand. I will make a trip to the market town.”

He placed some low-grade, unused spiritual items at Zongquan, then rode the light and flew northwest. After flying for a while, he saw a vast expanse of purple, and a large island appeared before him.

It was the Xinyu Archipelagos of the Purple Mist Sect.

This place was originally just a large island, but after the earth vein changes, it became a cluster of reefs, bustling with people and even small factions settling there. Li Zhouwei concentrated his gaze for a moment, then smiled slightly and transformed into a streak of light, disappearing into the area.

Near the market town, a woman in purple stood on the purplish-black reefs. Her face was round and charming, and she formed hand seals into a small pot shape, concentrating fully as she drew in light from the sea surface.

After a few breaths, a colorful light, swaying like a fish, landed in her palm, circled once, and was carefully placed into a jade bottle by the woman. Suddenly, she heard a deep, resonant voice beside her:

“What are you doing?”

The round-faced woman quickly turned her head, seeing a tall man standing beside her. He wore golden and white soft armor embroidered with black mystic patterns, and though his face held a slight smile, his eyes gleamed with killing intent, exuding an imposing aura without anger. In his hand, he held a halberd, suspended in mid-air above the sea.

“Uncle?!”

Li Queyi opened her eyes in disbelief, almost dropping the jade bottle in her hand. Her face immediately lit up with joy, and she smiled:

“My lord, it’s wonderful that you are safe and sound!”

She then realized, and without waiting for Li Zhouwei to ask further, respectfully said:

“I am merely collecting the Purple Qi of the Azure Sky to complete a sect mission.”

“Oh?”

Li Zhouwei nodded gently. Simply by his presence, Li Queyi felt waves of warmth emanating from him. Having been alone outside for so many years, she had never felt such peace of mind; she even felt the magical wind beneath her feet grow much sturdier. She smiled and said:

“Uncle, are you…”

Li Zhouwei did not immediately answer her, but instead glanced at the jade bottle in her hand and asked:

“The Purple Mist Sect doesn’t let you cultivate within the sect and instead sent you to gather qi? How many hours a day does this take?”

Li Queyi quickly replied:

“It’s because I, as a junior, wanted to gain experience… It only takes half an hour a day. This month, my senior sister on duty is in secluded cultivation, so I’m gathering for her, which takes one hour.”

Li Zhouwei seemed dissatisfied with this answer. He pondered for a moment, then gently released his hand, and the long halberd immediately vanished. He raised an eyebrow and said:

“Is this truly gaining experience…? Where are your senior brother and master? Has the family arranged for someone to look after you?”

Li Queyi hesitated slightly and replied:

“My master and senior brother are both within the sect. I felt a bit stifled on the peak, so I came out to sea. Although I have some tasks to do, it’s very peaceful.”

“Peaceful?”

Li Zhouwei immediately sensed something was amiss. Seeing Li Queyi’s lowered head, he wondered who was in charge back home and whether they had made arrangements with the relevant individuals. After asking a couple of questions, Li Queyi replied:

“Earlier, it was Uncle Zhou Luo…”

Li Zhouwei understood then, and said gently:

“Come, lead me to the person in charge. I will handle this for you.”

Upon hearing just this one sentence, Li Queyi’s eyes reddened slightly. She led him inside, speaking in hushed, fragmented tones along the way.

The buildings of the Purple Mist Sect were completely new, evidently just completed. The patterns on the ground faintly glowed, and cultivators on both sides nodded with smiles when they saw Li Queyi, indicating good relations. However, upon seeing Li Zhouwei, many began to whisper amongst themselves, clearly recognizing him.

Then, a middle-aged man descended from a higher elevation. His eyes were bright and piercing, and he wore two talismans, one gold and one white, at his waist. He looked at Li Zhouwei with both shock and awe, then bowed and said:

“I am Wen Wu of Muzuo Peak, I greet… my lord!”

The address of 'my lord' showed great respect, clearly indicating he was regarded as a future Purple Palace cultivator. It was Li Zhouwei’s first time meeting this person, and he felt that though the man’s appearance was ordinary, his demeanor was quite remarkable. He said gently:

“So it is Fellow Daoist Wen. I am Li Zhouwei of Wangyue.”

No more words were needed; Wen Wu confirmed his inner conjecture and hurriedly led them up. Li Zhouwei, leading Li Queyi, chuckled as he said:

“I haven’t been at the lake for many years, and only now did I learn that a direct descendant of my family has gained favor with Purple Mist, so I came here to visit. I happened to see her gathering qi… After waiting for quite a while, I decided to visit the Immortal Sect together.”

“I see.”

Although the words were polite, Wen Wu felt a prickle of unease. He hesitated, then looked at Li Queyi and kindly said:

“Queyi has always been diligent and obedient. Having a disciple like her is truly a blessing for Ziqi Peak.”

Li Queyi glanced at Li Zhouwei’s back, seeing the elder nod. He said:

“Ziqi Peak… I remember now, it’s Lingyanzi.”

Their conversation concluded, and Li Zhouwei sat down in the hall, guided by Wen Wu. Immediately, disciples in purple robes came forward to pour tea on both sides. Li Zhouwei did not drink, but instead said:

“Ziqi Peak is impoverished… and perhaps not very peaceful?”

Wen Wu understood, but he had also been urgently dispatched overseas and had not even known that Li Queyi had left earlier. He could only sigh deeply and explain:

“About this matter… I must explain it properly to fellow Daoist.”