Chapter 843: Request for Help

In those years, as Li Jiangqun traveled through the Yue Kingdom, he once mentioned a certain place. That place was usually hidden beneath layers of formidable prohibitive formations. Not only was it isolated from the Great Void, but its final layer was also concealed by an immortal array, making it invisible even to a True Monarch!

Furthermore, this area contained a Hunyi Immortal Stele, left behind by an ancient Immortal Lord. Li Jiangqun himself said that True Monarchs found it even more difficult, or rather, dared not approach this place!

Chi Buzi whispered: "Despite such a place, Li Jiangqun possessed a method to enter it. He told Ning Tiaoxiao, Zi Pei, Qiushui, and even... Xiao Xianyou! Eventually, this place was no longer a secret within the Sun and Golden Feather orthodoxies..."

"Although the area beneath that immortal stele couldn't connect to the Great Void, its spiritual aura and regulations were identical to ancient times. People from both the Azure Pine Sun and Jin-Yi Shangqing (Golden One of Upper Purity) lineages frequently visited it."

Shao Hui nodded upon hearing this. Although the names mentioned didn't ring a bell, he had a rough idea. He frowned and asked: "You mean, it's hidden in this place..."

Chi Buzi bowed again and said: "If you, my lord, have a suitable method, or could bestow a spiritual artifact or a sensory formation, I only need to pinpoint the location beneath the immortal stele. Once there, I will remember."

"Besides that... I also possess a Divine Ability called 'Chou Gui Zang'. Unlike the 'Xijie Lu' (Robbery Dew) divine ability, 'Chou Gui Zang' hasn't been completely cut off; there are quite a few inheritances of it in the current world. However, very few are at the Purple Mansion level. Lushu intentionally doesn't pass it on, so it's not in Qingchi... The copy in Qingchi, I heard, came from the Chunyi Dao (Pure One Path)."

"When I entered Anhuaitian back then, I didn't find this method... If I cannot ascertain its origin, I will surely be suspected by Lushu..."

The implication was that he was trying to entrust Shao Hui with solving this problem. Shao Hui listened, frowned, and replied: "I knew it was troublesome, but I didn't realize it was this troublesome."

Fearing Shao Hui might become daunted, Chi Buzi reported softly: "This cultivation method is not without origin. It existed with the Feathered Serpent, and after it was swallowed by the Chi dragon, it fell into the hands of the Dragon Clan... The Dragon Clan even possesses the Purple Mansion cultivation method for 'Xijie Lu'."

"True Individuals (Zhenren) proficient in 'Chou Gui Zang' have appeared from Changhuai Mountain in Wu Kingdom, Shengpai Palace in Daxi Yuan, and under the command of Empress Beiyao of the North Sea. Both Yuanfu and Chunyi Dao have Lushu orthodoxies."

"Yuanfu isn't quite suitable, but as long as it exists in the current world... it would be reasonable for me to obtain it. It's worth a try."

Chi Buzi listed a series of names, a glimmer appearing in his eyes, and replied: "Back then, I was puzzled why Lushu's five paths weren't all cut off, but only 'Xijie Lu' was. I simply thought it was because it offended the Underworld..."

"Later, after listening to Lord Zhengao's explanation, I understood there was another reason: the three paths of 'Chou Gui Zang' are related to 'Pinshui zhi Run', not solely Lushu's affair. Perhaps it concerns certain individuals' pursuit of Pinshui, or even several orthodoxies that achieved enlightenment through Pinshui. Therefore, they couldn't be arbitrarily cut off..."

"As for the cultivators of Qingchi, he could only refrain from passing down the 'Chou Gui Zang' cultivation method and instead spread the 'Qingxi Yu Zhengguo' (Pure Evening Rain True Fruit) to block the path for lower-level cultivation."

Shao Hui sighed deeply, indicating understanding, and whispered: "First, report this matter to me for an inquiry. Then, ask someone to look for Immortal Official Liu. After all, he pushed this task to Dangjiang, so it should rightfully be under his purview now... You go back for now and try to find the cultivation method. I don't have the ability to arrange everything for you."

Chi Buzi bowed respectfully and said: "Rest assured, my lord."

As Shao Hui rose, Chi Buzi accompanied him, feeling a slight worry in his heart: 'Heaven should be able to assist me from the Hunyi Immortal Stele. If even Heaven cannot bypass the Immortal Lord's methods, then it's a dead end!'

Dangjiang, who had been listening, couldn't help but say: "If it doesn't work... wouldn't seizing the opportunity to break through to Golden Core first be better than meekly living under his command? Moreover, when he returns, won't your chance of breaking through be even smaller..."

Chi Buzi gently shook his head and replied: "Breakthrough? Where would I suddenly get the cultivation method and the 'seeking gold' method from? And how would I know when he returns? If I don't prepare, I'll be slaughtered sooner or later. No matter how much I fight, it won't last for decades. Perhaps he's already back, just recuperating in his grotto-heaven."

His eyes slightly lowered, he added: "What's more... I wonder if there's really a fight happening beyond the heavens, and what Lushu's plans truly are. Who can know?"

The three walked for a while and soon arrived at Zhengao's high platform. The immortal general was still seated there, but the decorations on both sides had slightly changed, and the scrolls that were previously in front of him were gone.

"We meet again."

Zhengao watched the three bow and said indifferently: "Shao Hui has already told me about your matter."

Chi Buzi's self-salvation was not unexpected. From beginning to end, Lu Jiangxian's attitude towards him was to delay as much as possible. From Chi Buzi's sudden arrival at Wangyue Lake, to his allegiance on Zongquan Island, and even the final 'Pinshui zhi Run', all were driven by Chi Buzi's continuous, earnest pursuit of the Dao.

But none of this could avoid the problem with Lushu.

'Erasing my own traces from Lushu's sight is easy, but saving Chi Buzi? That's much harder!'

Years ago, when Chi Buzi rashly came to the lake, Lu Jiangxian's strength was far from recovered. After examining Chi Buzi's soul, he discovered the means left by Luyu Tian in Chi Buzi's soul. To avoid alarming the meditating Lushu, he couldn't search the soul or alter memories, so he resorted to a lesser strategy, using Dangjiang, the soul of Jinlian Mohe, as a contingency to restrain him.

Tit for tat, as Lu Jiangxian's power grew stronger, acquiring that immortal art and making a qualitative leap, Chi Buzi's threat diminished. Dangjiang eventually returned to the immortal mansion, and Buzi also climbed the ranks, but Lu Jiangxian always maintained a utilitarian attitude towards this devil.

Having received several Purple Mansion offerings recently, he indeed did not want to lose such a powerful aid. This was why he gave Shao Hui a reply in Zhengao's name, and Chi Buzi also gave his answer.

'The most crucial part of Chi Buzi's matter—memory alteration—is not impossible now. If he lets down his mental guard, I can bypass Lushu's methods. However, regardless of whether Lushu believes it or if it succeeds... in the future, under their watchful eyes, would Chi Buzi still have the ability to gather demons for me without reason? This matter is not only risky but also offers me little benefit.'

'Moreover, Chi Buzi deliberately withheld some information to make the matter seem less difficult. How could Lushu not discern which cultivation method led to the divine ability? That 'Chou Gui Zang' was formed by talismans inducing an immortal foundation, meaning only the Purple Mansion chapter of his 'Chou Gui Qiu Shui Fa' (Chou Gui Water Seeking Method) would correspond. Simply producing any random text would be completely mismatched.'

The only good news was that Lushu had not bestowed the orthodoxy. The Qingchi copy of "Chou Gui Qiu Shui Fa" was obtained by the Chi family from Chunyi Dao. If this copy had been bestowed by Lushu, and the Purple Mansion chapter was in his hands, then Chi Buzi would have been doomed.

Lu Jiangxian pondered, already secretly sighing: 'Deceiving a Golden Core is incredibly difficult! It's easier said than done. If Chi Buzi can get the Purple Mansion chapter of "Chou Gui Qiu Shui Fa", saving him might be possible, but at least I must ensure I leave no trace myself.'

In comparison, Lu Jiangxian was actually more interested in the Hunyi Immortal Stele!

It was the Three Drum Stele in the Azure Pine Grotto-heaven that had caused his power to advance by leaps and bounds. Ultimately, this Three Drum Stele was also an immortal stele, meaning the immortal arts Lu Jiangxian had been seeking finally had a lead!

'No wonder... no wonder I followed the Li family wandering around the East Sea and never found a trace of this item. It turns out it was hidden beneath the sea... with multiple layers of prohibitions and even immortal arrays reinforcing it. I wonder if I can pass through.'

He paused for a moment after Shao Hui finished reporting the news, showing a hint of interest, and replied: "A treasure land hidden from True Monarchs? Perhaps it's a trace left by my heavenly realm. You should make a trip and try to establish contact with the heavens."

Chi Buzi immediately nodded respectfully. In terms of cultivation, this immortal general was the only one in the heavens who could truly impress him. His discourse on the Dao was so profound that calling him an immortal, let alone a True Monarch, would not be an exaggeration!

Zhengao first asked this question, then casually said: "Your breakthrough to divine ability requires finding the Purple Mansion cultivation method of 'Chou Gui Qiu Shui Fa' from the lower realm. Who knows which ancient cultivator wrote this in the lower realm? How could there be records of it in the heavens?"

As soon as these words were spoken, Chi Buzi's heart suddenly relaxed, filled with both surprise and joy: 'That supremely mysterious thing... it truly relies on the sensing of the immortal foundation to conceive divine abilities!'

He knew, of course, that different cultivation methods led to slightly different divine abilities, but his own divine ability had broken through without any cultivation method. He was worried that he might not find a corresponding method at all, and his heart was pounding. He didn't even dare to ask aloud. Now, hearing this, he felt completely relieved.

'Indeed! Indeed! As long as I can find the source of the Purple Mansion cultivation method, that's good... The Chunyi Dao is full of fools from top to bottom; there are too many loopholes to exploit!'

His eyes immediately sparkled, and he bowed, saying: "Thank you for your guidance, my lord!"

Zhengao subtly moved his chin, indicating understanding, and softly said: "Since you've made such a decision, you'll face that True Monarch sooner or later. It's better to make plans early. Once you obtain the cultivation method, come and report to Shao Hui."

At these words, Chi Buzi felt relieved, but Dangjiang grew tense and whispered: "May I ask, my lord... what is the cost of this immortal service...?"

Lu Jiangxian was eager for Chi Buzi to quickly arrange his escape route so he could capture demons for him. He immediately said amiably: "No need to be nervous, this will be charged to Immortal Official Liu... But you... Chi Buzi, you still need to hurry and swap out the 'Chaohan Yu' (Morning Cold Rain) cultivation method. At least cultivate an immortal foundation. Without memories later, you'll be forced to cultivate it to a divine ability. On the other hand, a severed path is the best protective talisman, more soothing than a thousand words, and can appease that True Monarch's suspicions."

In fact, Lu Jiangxian mentioned this extra detail because that cultivation method was already more than half compiled and could soon be handed over to him.

'Chaohan Yu' itself wasn't rare; there were at least eight or ten copies in the archives. The Foundation Establishment section could be written almost in the blink of an eye, and the subsequent Purple Mansion section didn't require any specific grade or secret method, and was extremely easy to write. It was, naturally, a piece of cake.

Chi Buzi naturally understood his meaning. He wanted to cultivate this magic formula as soon as possible more than anyone else, and his heart was filled with anxiety. He nodded repeatedly, bowed, and said: "Thank you for your guidance, my lord. I shall go now."

He bowed respectfully and replied: "As long as I can escape with my life from Lushu's grasp, Buzi will surely not disappoint you, my lord!"

At the Huasu Yuanming Shengqing Taiyin Mansion.

The bright moon shone crystalline. Lu Jiangxian stood beside the white, translucent jade throne, his gaze sweeping across numerous mansions and settling on the two figures in the small pavilion.

Several streaks of colorful light burst forth from thin air, converging before him and surging in his palm, quickly solidifying into a tiny speck of light.

'Chi Buzi certainly acts swiftly. Yu Guanglian Min has already been offered by him...'

This peacock was far more capable than the previous peahen. The one that was refined into talisman qi had only Buddhist cultivation methods in its head from beginning to end. This one, however, at least possessed some foundation in immortal arts, with various scattered techniques. What was particularly valuable was a 'Binghuo' (Conjoined Fire) cultivation method it possessed.

A fifth-grade Purple Mansion cultivation method, "Ye Yan Shu Xin Jue" (Karma Flame Binding Heart Art), which forged the immortal foundation 'Wu Cong Yu' (Black Following Desire).

Aside from "Ye Yan Shu Xin Jue", Yu Guang also possessed one or two secret arts related to the Great Peacock Karma. Furthermore, it was revealed that this demonic peacock's ancestors included a great Buddhist cultivator, and one was even the mount of World Honored One, Susikong!

'No wonder it's said that peacocks have a significant presence in the Buddhist lands. With such a background, how could they not?'

He flicked his finger, setting aside "Ye Yan Shu Xin Jue", and the peacock's soul was separated.

While these 'lian min' (pity/compassion) were indeed obtained easily, their cultivation level was truly pitiful. Their understanding and talent for immortal arts were even more "moving" (i.e., poor). Yu Guang was stronger than the peahen, but only slightly. If released, it would simply be another person to talk to.

He could only flip his hand and store it away for future use, deeply pondering as he looked at the soul: 'At least it's a Purple Mansion-level soul; it would be extremely useful for performing witchcraft. Having this soul in hand gives me a trump card.'

'As for Lushu... perhaps he's returning.'

Chi Buzi was merely a useful chess piece to him. Once Lushu returned, this piece, even if not dead, would be rendered useless. In any case, he wouldn't be able to offer demons anymore and would temporarily lose his memories. But no matter how useless he became, it was better than dying. When the critical moment arrived, if Chi Buzi could attain the Dao of Pinshui, it could certainly bring about a major turning point.

'Sooner or later, I will face Lushu. Having one more piece is always better than one less.'

He calmed his mind and looked outwards through a mirror.

Deep within the Great Void, in places unseen by others, a powerful light was slowly descending. A strong sense of resonance remotely arose, and the world within the mirror also shimmered with a bright radiance, causing Lu Jiangxian to slowly raise his eyebrows.

Even with Lu Jiangxian's mastery over the essence of gold, the wisp of 'Mingyang Gold' locked within the mirror still trembled. The tallest and most opulent Heavenly Gate at the entrance of the entire immortal palace radiated light, subtly quivering.

Various colors of Mingyang spiritual energy and Mingyang radiance intersected in the sky, staining the entire horizon a golden yellow.

Lu Jiangxian raised his hand, and that wisp of Mingyang Gold emerged from his fingertip, like a handful of conical golden light rays. It rapidly expanded and transformed, coalescing into numerous faces.

All the radiance suddenly contracted, finally transforming back into a scene at his fingertip: a dark, gloomy mine. The first ray of sunlight in the sky was falling from the clouds, landing on the miners, whose bodies were streaked with sweat and blood, and who bore various expressions. A pale-faced, resolute young man slowly raised his head.

'The Mingyang Karma position... has chosen someone.'