Chapter 856: Old Enemy

When the Donghuo Cave Heaven was disturbed by Chu Yi, it fell from the Great Void, scattering numerous spiritual treasures and artifacts across the mountains. The entire Dongli Mountain became suffused with spiritual energy, and various forms of qi floated in the air, nourishing countless cultivators.

Among the Three Sects and Seven Gates in Jiangnan, the more prominent ones earned immense wealth, and even the less fortunate managed to gain something. Real People Qiushui and Yuansu, who presided over the event, acquired an untold number of treasures.

With this cave heaven having fallen, the Li family’s coveted magic sword is now within reach and absolutely must not be lost. Should such a significant event unfold, they might even have to cross the river to secure it.

“This will not be an easy task.”

If Real Person Tinglan is delayed in returning, and without her to lead, how could Jiangbei permit unrestricted movement for the people of the Three Sects and Seven Gates? Even upon her return, she wouldn't compare to Qiushui and Yuansu of old. Both were prominent figures during Li Jiangqun's era, and Qiushui, in particular, had the backing of a Golden Core cultivator. Back then, the Solar Daoist Lineage could even freely enter, delineate territories, and plunder the cave heaven.

He grew anxious once more.

If Real Person Tinglan could replicate the past deeds of Yuansu and Qiushui, even though the likelihood of the sword falling into the Li family’s hands is extremely low, it might still be possible to acquire it later. Should Tinglan lose control of Jiangbei, the ultimate fate and disposition of the cave heaven would become entirely uncertain.

Li Jiangqian picked up several jade slips and had them copied for delivery to the clan. Li Quewan then reminded him:

“Real Persons Tinglan and Qiuhu are currently absent. Since Li Quantao has inquired, we must reply. He has always shown goodwill toward our family, so we should try our best to assist him.”

Li Jiangqian glanced at Li Minggong, who nodded in agreement, and he assented:

“That is true; we have many years of friendship with him. Let’s reply this way: advise him to allow passage, stating that the Real Person is currently indisposed and that changes are anticipated in Jiangbei. He should be prudent in his words and actions, and proceed with extreme caution.”

Li Jiangqian, naturally unwilling to reveal more, asked suspiciously before waiting for their reply:

“Did Li Quantao mention his descendant?”

“He did not.”

Li Quewan responded:

“Once he entered Jiangbei, he was like a stone dropped into the ocean, failing to cause any stir. We haven't received any letters back from him, only confirmation that his life jade remains unharmed.”

Listening, Li Jiangqian finished writing the letter and replied:

“Then it’s best not to say more. Let’s leave it at that. Assure him that with Qingchi’s formidable reputation, the forces in Jiangbei wouldn’t dare harm his child. He can rest completely assured.”

Li Minggong, who had been waiting patiently, finally spoke:

“I did hear something: Di Liyoujie, the former Emperor of Beishanyue, recently came to the lake to pay respects. He reportedly intends to attempt Foundation Establishment and hopes to receive the lake’s grace.”

“Di Liyoujie?”

Li Jiangqian frowned, the name striking a chord of familiarity, and he replied:

“I remember him. He’s held the throne of Beishanyue for many years and has finally reached this stage. His junior, Di Liguang, is still serving Uncle Zhou Luo as a loyal retainer. Do you know what cultivation method he practices?”

“Geng Jin.”

Li Minggong replied with a smile:

“His cultivation method was prepared, though it’s quite rudimentary. However, we have compatible alternatives within the clan, which shows he’s put some thought into it. I plan to take him to the clan to examine it, then we can change his method and send him into secluded cultivation.”

Li Jiangqian assented, signaling his agreement. Li Minggong then quietly added:

“Also, I heard that the clan’s Thirty-Two Purple Broad Spirit Needles are nearing completion, so I came to inquire about them.”

“I know.”

Li Jiangqian shook his head, as he had been overseeing this project and was most familiar with its details:

“It is indeed nearing completion. The immense resources consumed by this Purple Palace formation are unprecedented in a century, nearly depleting our family’s entire stock of related spiritual materials. It even caused the price of such resources in Yuebei to increase by half a percent. Later, we had to contribute a significant amount of spirit rice as compensation to the Ziyan Sect.”

The Li family’s system differed from others, making their spirit rice output among the highest of the Purple Palace forces in Yueguo. Given that an abundance of spirit rice reduces its value, the Ziyan Sect clearly extended a favor.

“The next step requires a Purple Palace cultivator to set up the formation. However, Real Person Tinglan is missing. Even if she weren’t, with her unreturned, we wouldn’t dare allow a Purple Palace cultivator from another family to establish the formation alone. We’re likely looking at a two-year wait.”

Li Minggong nodded and responded:

“This formation isn’t urgent. The priority is to complete it and then send the Ziyan Sect members away. The current instability between north and south, following Cao Daoist’s precedent, means that if more people come to the lake seeking disciples, it will only create more complications.”

After Li Minggong finished speaking, she gracefully departed. Li Jiangqian then sighed:

“Over these years, the elder has cultivated remarkably, traversing the North-South conflict, and has become increasingly formidable.”

While Li Minggong might not be as exceptional as Li Cheng, her cultivation had steadily deepened with age, and she was qualified to become a Peak Master among the Three Sects and Seven Gates. Li Quewan acknowledged this, then reminded him:

“Jiangliang is growing older; it’s time for him to return and observe Qingdu and Yuting. He should also travel and test his abilities.”

Li Jiangqian nodded thoughtfully but did not immediately give orders, allowing her to depart. He then paced the great hall, looking north, where the heavy rain continued to fall from an expanse of dark clouds.

‘If the Guiming Xuanling was truly designed by Real Person Tinglan… which family wouldn’t wish for the Solar Daoist Lineage to profit?’

He hurried forward, only to notice the dense rain clouds overhead. A streak of light approached from a distance, landing on the island. Soon, footsteps drew near, and Chen Yang, clad in black armor, stopped before him and bowed, saying:

“Patriarch, news from Qingchi in the south: the Venerable of Hengzhu Dao has achieved a breakthrough to the Purple Palace realm, manifesting divine abilities, and has adopted the Daoist name Nantun.”

“Hengzhu Dao?”

Li Jiangqian paused, a touch of regret in his voice, and inquired:

“From which generation is he?”

Chen Yang hesitated briefly before replying:

“It is said that this Real Person spent nearly thirty years achieving his breakthrough, yet his seniority is quite high, close to that of Real Person Hengxing. His common name is Bicheng Juan.”

“Bicheng Juan… I haven’t heard that name before.”

Li Jiangqian nodded silently, confirming it was an unfamiliar name, and sighed:

“I wonder if it’s due to the power of Hengzhu Dao’s blessed land, or if they possess some unique method, but they are truly blessed. With another Purple Palace cultivator, they are now poised to become the foremost Daoist lineage in Yueguo!”

“It’s just a pity that this Daoist lineage is somewhat eccentric, often at odds with others, and has even formed an enmity with Jinyu. It’s hard to say whether this is a good or bad thing.”

He pondered for a moment before replying:

“By all accounts, we must send someone to congratulate them. You should also reply to Qingchi, stating that the Real Person hasn’t manifested divine abilities in a long time, and inquire if contact can be made to provide Tantai Jin with a warning.”

Xiaoshi Mountain.

Xiaoshi Mountain’s terrain was undulating, with sparse, almost barren vegetation. The rare, torrential rain made it appear even more desolate, as pale yellow rainwater flowed down the mountain gullies, washing away the already scarce sand and soil.

The sand and soil cascaded down, flowing eastward along the river’s tributaries, quickly merging into the remnants of the Ancient Huai River’s channel before emptying into the Baijiang Stream.

Amidst the torrential downpour, several iridescent divine abilities shimmered within the dark clouds. In the deep night sky, a man in brown robes stood, his light gray eyes fixed on the mountain as he moved upon a divine ability that emanated a dark glow, his hands clasped behind his back.

Xiaoshi Mountain, once the main gate of the Mipan Sect and now the origin of the Mipan Daoist Lineage, still retained a sense of ancientness despite having been occupied by Buddhist cultivators. Its crumbling walls and ruins appeared even more forlorn in the heavy rain.

After a single glance, he clasped his hands before his chest and exhaled a stream of dark yellow light that diffused outwards. He then focused intently on his divine ability, seemingly searching or calculating something.

To one side stood a woman in red, her face appearing somewhat youthful. She stood a step behind him, head slightly bowed, conveying deep respect. She whispered:

“Lord Kuiqi… have you found anything?”

This woman was, of course, Real Person Zhugong. Hailing from overseas, she cultivated Earth Virtue and was once labeled a demonic cultivator in her early days. Naturally, she approached this cultivator of the Solar Daoist Lineage with profound respect.

The brown-robed man, with his resolute face and gaze fixed on the mountain, shook his head and said:

“I cannot ascertain it clearly yet. Let’s wait. In any case, the Northern Buddhist forces cannot escape… and there might be more than one faction involved.”

Real Person Zhugong immediately felt troubled, her expression betraying fear. She clearly understood that this concerned the Qiwang Xuantian matter and whispered:

“What are we to do? If it truly is those from Pijia, how can two early-stage Purple Palace cultivators possibly resist them? Should something happen, it would be catastrophic.”

“Them?”

Real Person Kuiqi was clearly far calmer than she, even frowning with slight annoyance. He evidently held little affection for Zhugong, but was being polite for Tinglan’s sake. Given the critical moment, he still spoke with a measured tone:

“It’s not just Pijia; Pijia alone couldn’t achieve this. Back then, Senior Zipei seized the gold from a group of monks, offending the formidable Maha Zhelu, who already possesses the strength of a late-stage Purple Palace cultivator!”

“I wasn’t present at the time, so I don’t know which other factions were involved. If they act together, that’s when the real trouble begins.”

Upon hearing this, Real Person Zhugong grew even more agitated, her heart sinking immediately:

‘Though Kuiqi appears amiable, he still possesses the inherent arrogance of the Solar Daoist Lineage. He holds no goodwill towards me; associating closely with him will not end well!’

She remained wary, yet her resolve to rescue Tinglan was unshaken. For now, she had no choice but to follow him, lowering her gaze. Kuiqi then stated solemnly:

“There’s no need to worry excessively. We have arrived here; they cannot hide for long. At most, Tinglan and Ningwan will sustain minor injuries. These Buddhist cultivators each have their own hidden agendas and will not openly antagonize my Solar Daoist Lineage. Furthermore, both possess numerous treasures, so nothing truly disastrous will occur.”

Hearing this, Zhugong exhaled a deep sigh of relief. Kuiqi swiftly dispelled the light in his hand, as if revealing something hidden, and began to perform divinations with his fingers.

But just then, the torrential rain abruptly ceased. Infinite colorful light burst forth in the sky, coalescing into a colossal, imposing light barrier that descended with tremendous force. Real Person Kuiqi reacted instantly, his current divinations dissolving as a bronze sword flew from his sleeve.

The bronze sword, an iron-blue hue adorned with a golden tassel, soared skyward with the agility of a swallow, temporarily holding back the iridescent light:

“Boom!”

Between heaven and earth, dark and iridescent lights collided, emitting a myriad of colors that instantly dispersed the surrounding dark clouds. Kuiqi’s voice turned abruptly cold:

“Which Maha is present?”

A rainbow-like blessed land materialized in the sky, within which sat a solemn and majestic golden figure. A black snake coiled around its body, and a long, horse-like head grew from its neck. Its two large, round eyes, glowing a deep black, opened wide as it let out a laugh:

“Fellow Daoist Kuiqi! I have long heard of your esteemed name!”

This Maha was truly extraordinarily hideous. While capable of terrifying common folk, to cultivators of comparable power, he was merely repulsive. Real Person Kuiqi glared, a look of revulsion on his face, his expression growing even colder as he spoke:

“So it’s Maha Daixi. Why aren’t you staying in your wretched place? What, are you trying to obstruct me?”

Seeing Kuiqi’s expression, Maha Daixi maintained his smile and replied:

“Having long heard of your renown, I thought we might spar a little. I wonder which is superior: your Grand Convergence Kui Bronze Sword, or my Empty Form Demon-Subduing Bowl?”

As he finished speaking, a large, smooth purple bowl immediately materialized, framed by a purplish-black rim, from which fierce karmic flames erupted.

“Daixi!”

Kuiqi was well-versed, while Zhugong, having spent most of her time in the Eastern Sea, did not recognize these Buddhist cultivators. It was only upon seeing the distinctive magical artifact that she recognized the figure before her, finally understanding the full context:

‘So, this is another adversary created by Real Person Zipei! Back then, on the river, he deliberately prevented them from seizing their rightful destiny, forcibly protecting Li Xuanfeng. This cost them many Dharma masters and immense loss of face, a grudge this Maha has carried ever since.’

‘That great Real Person was overly tyrannical in his later years, accumulating too many enemies. Now that he has passed on, retribution has arrived!’

Her heart turned cold, yet she watched Kuiqi sneer, draw his sword, and rise, enveloped in a swath of dark light. His divine ability flashed in mid-air as he bellowed:

“Do your haphazardly assembled treasures dare compare to my Xiukui’s spiritual artifacts? Then let us put them to the test!”

The Xiukui Daoist Lineage was known for its mysterious and ever-changing nature, and he himself was heavily equipped with spiritual artifacts. Why would he fear this newly advanced Maha before him? He even speculated that he might have an opportunity to injure Daixi before continuing his search for Tinglan.

While he remained fearless, Real Person Zhugong felt her scalp prickle, unsure whether to flee or stay. Before she could ponder further, numerous figures began to emerge on either side, shrouded in white mist. Enormous golden forms with three heads, six arms, and countless faces materialized one by one, accompanied by waves of Sanskrit chants.

They were, indeed, Maha Daixi’s multitude of Compassionate Ones!

These Compassionate Ones, though not as colossal as the golden figure in the sky, displayed diverse expressions as they gradually emerged from the Great Void, one after another.

“One, two… four, five…”

Five Compassionate Ones!

Maha Daixi was a newly advanced Maha, and these five Compassionate Ones under his command likely constituted his entire force. Even if he possessed more, it wouldn’t be by much. Their full deployment now clearly demonstrated the depth of his hatred!

And the combined power of five Compassionate Ones was already enough to put her life in peril!

Zhugong stood rooted to the spot, watching the five Compassionate Ones materialize around her in succession. Her face showed none of Kuiqi’s imposing presence; instead, she looked utterly mortified, and waves of icy dread washed over her.

“It’s over!”