Chapter 869: 燕虎

Li Ximing took the jade slip, scanned it roughly, and saw only a hundred thousand more characters inside. He then turned and asked, "If you cultivate in seclusion at Zongquan, the spiritual energy would still be somewhat lacking. Fortunately, there's a Qilin Radiance Pill locked within a spiritual formation. You can use some spiritual stones and resources inside to boost the spiritual energy; it should be enough for now."

Li Zhouwei acknowledged him, lowering his voice, "Zongquan is, after all, within the jurisdiction of Zhunan Water Mansion. Whether it's the Dingjiao or the Leichi, with our connections to both factions there, it's already the safest place. You can rest assured, True Lord."

As he pondered this, he unfastened the Dark-Patterned Vase from his waist and handed it to Li Ximing, explaining, "This magical artifact has been refined for many years and possesses immense power. If a Foundation Establishment cultivator wields it and manages to hit an opponent, even a direct descendant of the three major sects would end up either dead or crippled. It's better to give it to Jiang Qian and Que Wan in the clan for their protection."

"Understood." Li Ximing was likely the only one who knew the true source of this item's power. The Dark-Patterned Vase was made of an astonishing material, and only his "Valley Wind Flame Guidance" art could continuously enhance its might. He simply accepted the item.

Li Zhouwei thought it over and then mentioned, "Of our two direct descendants in Ziyan, Que Xi's cultivation method is better, and she receives more attention. Although Que Yi is the elder sister and has a gentle disposition, she cultivates the Jade True technique, which Ziyan has somewhat overlooked. It's a bit of a concern for the family."

Li Ximing had a general impression after hearing this. He watched Li Zhouwei bow, saw the grand formation close, and then departed on a streak of light, sighing inwardly. "This matter is settled, but this Dark-Patterned Vase... its refinement should stop at a certain point. If it continues to be refined, it won't be suitable for gifting."

The name "Li Qianyuan" was inscribed on the Dark-Patterned Vase, and the Li family members knew it was a magical artifact. If this item could be continuously refined, and a Foundation Establishment cultivator used it with power approaching that of a Purple Palace expert, it would likely attract unwanted attention.

"Other families are sharp-eyed; they shouldn't be underestimated. Either its power should be capped at the peak of Foundation Establishment before being given away, or I'll have to keep it for myself... After all, in the hands of a Purple Palace expert, it's not only less dangerous but also more reasonable."

As his strength increased, the effects of his "Valley Wind Flame Guidance" grew more significant. This largely allowed Li Ximing to advance rapidly in alchemy without worries, and his flame manipulation techniques were now likely known to the Solar Dao lineage, gradually earning him a reputation, which ironically served as a cover for the Dark-Patterned Vase.

"Since it needs to cooperate with spirit talismans, Purple Palace spirit flame is also key to enhancing power. However, with water and fire flourishing, this spirit flame is not cheap like ordinary spirit artifacts; some valuable ones are even more so."

He traveled through the void above the East Sea on his way back, fearing an interception by Changxiao. So he flew along the East Sea all the way to Lin'an Commandery, passed through the territory of the Great Horned Owl Monastery, bypassed Huyi, and finally reached Ziyan Blessed Land.

He still had questions about alchemy for Tinglan, but he estimated she was still in seclusion and couldn't be disturbed easily. Furthermore, none of the sect's cultivators had inherited this knowledge. However, since he was here, he decided to show his concern.

Secondly, since his two direct descendants were cultivating in the Blessed Land, Li Ximing felt he should visit them. So he brought two Profound-Insight Mind-Calming Pills and stopped at the Blessed Land, intending to pay a visit.

As expected, Qian Lizi of Ziyan Blessed Land came to greet him. She was strikingly beautiful, dressed in a purple gown, and the cultivators on both sides bowed in respect. To Qian Lizi, Li Ximing had rushed back for Ziyan's sake, so she was naturally very grateful. She thanked him twice and said, "True Lord, your assistance is deeply appreciated by our Blessed Land. Please, take the honored seat!"

Li Ximing nodded and followed the group inside. He indeed saw a young woman waiting amidst the purple mist. She had a graceful appearance and a serene aura, with a sword tied at her waist and a golden-backed, light-blue circular magical artifact around her neck. Her eyes were bright. She bowed and said softly, "Que Xi respectfully greets True Lord."

Li Ximing glanced at her and was quite satisfied. After all, she belonged to the Solar Dao lineage, and the magical artifacts on Li Que Xi were far superior to those of the direct descendants on the lake. He responded, "Your cultivation progresses swiftly; you've already reached Qi Condensation."

Qian Lizi gestured, and Li Que Xi stood by Li Ximing's side, respectfully saying, "Replying to True Lord, this junior has been taking Ziyan Cloud-Cliff Qi. I have now received the secret talisman within the peak and am cultivating beneath the Purple Platform."

For the Ziyan Sect, this was the treatment typically reserved for inner disciples, mostly Foundation Establishment cultivators. Li Que Xi being admitted at the Qi Condensation stage clearly showed the favor of Li Ximing's intervention.

Li Ximing nodded, saying no more, but looked up into her eyes and asked, "Where is your elder sister?"

With the celestial light shining brightly, Qian Lizi hesitated, not daring to interject. Li Que Xi respectfully replied, "Sister Que Yi is cultivating in the East Sea. My senior brother is also there, and from what he says... Sister Que Yi's cultivation progress is not slow; she has already reached the sixth level of Qi Condensation."

Hearing this, Li Ximing nodded in silence, understanding that the two sisters were not close. He sighed inwardly, "It's understandable... After a long separation, even siblings aren't very close, let alone Li Que Xi, whose name suggests she was brought into the continent later? One can't expect them to be too united..."

Qian Lizi, standing nearby, quickly interjected, "Reporting to True Lord, our True Lord is waiting on the platform..."

"Oh?" This genuinely surprised Li Ximing. Saying no more, he stepped onto the stairs and vanished into the hazy purple mist.

Qian Lizi remained where she was, sighing after a long while. She then led Li Que Xi back, lamenting, "Sixth level is sixth level. Why bring up your senior brother? It makes it seem like the sisters don't communicate, and their feelings are distant."

Li Que Xi bowed in apology, replying, "Master... True Lord possesses great divine abilities. Whatever he asks, I answer; whatever there is, I speak. My clan gave birth to me, and my sect nurtured me; I hold gratitude in my heart for both. After all, he is a True Lord; there is nothing to hide from him."

Qian Lizi could only shake her head helplessly, replying, "Perhaps you and your senior brother share a similar mindset, but your ways of handling things are entirely opposite. All right, go down and cultivate..."

Purple mist swirled faintly.

Li Ximing stepped onto the Ziyan Platform. As expected, Tinglan stood there, though not in her usual autumnal yellow gown. She wore a loose purple robe, which gave her an ethereal quality. More importantly, her complexion was rosy, as if she had no injuries at all.

However, Li Ximing looked with his Celestial Eye from his brow, vaguely discerning a purple token. He then knew that the Tinglan before him was a manifestation created by a spirit artifact, not her true body.

Even so, this miraculous ability still astonished Li Ximing. "What an amazing spirit artifact!"

Tinglan smiled, making no attempt to conceal it. She said openly, "This is the Crossing Token, a spirit artifact given to our sect's patriarch by Xiu Yue in ancient times. It's now considered an ancient spirit artifact. Although it has no offensive capabilities, it can project a 'shadow' across distances... As long as the void remains unbroken, a clone can manifest even a hundred miles away."

"So there is a distance limit..." He knew that communication inconvenience in the world today was unprecedented. If there were no distance limit, this spirit artifact's usefulness would be immeasurable... But as Li Ximing pondered, he suddenly realized something even more miraculous:

"Fellow Daoist, are you healing while...?" "That's right."

Tinglan's attitude was much friendlier than when they first met. She said softly, "With this spirit artifact, I can heal, study scriptures, and manage the sect all at the same time. The only thing I can't do is cultivate."

"How remarkable!" Li Ximing exclaimed, nodding. He took out the Profound-Insight Mind-Calming Pills from his sleeve and said, "After all, Fellow Daoist, you are injured, and I was worried. So I brought some medicine. These two were refined with Lushui, and their effects are quite good..."

Tinglan took them, chuckled twice, and replied, "You're too kind. Is there anything you need my help with?"

Li Ximing sighed, "It's about that precious pill, the Heaven-One Essence-Expelling Pill. Your alchemy treatise is superb. When I refined that pill, I gained a lot, and I also wanted to try refining it myself. Although I don't have a treasure like the Heaven-One Pure Origin, I could try similar pills... That's when I remembered your words from back then."

"It's said that this item should be taken when breaking through to the middle stage of Foundation Establishment... I wonder why... Are there any supplementary methods?"

"So it's about that," Tinglan said with a smile. "Just wait a moment."

She sent someone to retrieve a jade slip from the treasury and generously handed it to Li Ximing. "This is the method accompanying the pill formula, a method of taking the pill summarized by our predecessors. Different stages have different ways of consumption. It's not strictly necessary to take it when breaking through to the middle stage of Foundation Establishment, but at this stage, the medicinal efficacy is least wasted, and the immortal foundation isn't too rigid to change. Zhaojing just needs to follow the changes described within."

The Heaven-One Essence-Expelling Pill came with a specialized method for taking it to enhance one's immortal foundation. Normally, the Ziyan Sect wouldn't give this away for free. It was likely repayment for previous favors.

Li Ximing indeed wanted to improve Li Minggong's Dao foundation, and he possessed more than one Heaven-One Essence-Expelling Pill. He thanked Tinglan, and she replied, "I've heard about the situation in the north. The Great Horned Owl Monastery, after all, couldn't bring themselves to intervene, so now... this is how it must be."

Li Ximing now understood that the one in the north was Li Qianyuan, so he dared not say much. He merely replied, "Thank you, Immortal Maiden Qiuhu. I need to refine spirit embryos in the coming years and will also be going into seclusion to process my insights and gains, so I cannot participate in the matters in the north..."

He pondered for a moment, recalling his earlier plan for spirit flame, and feeling a bit financially constrained. He seized the opportunity to ask, "You say that in Jiangnan, it's already difficult to find some precious herbs. Where would one find natural Purple Palace spiritual materials? Even Foundation Establishment spiritual materials are hard to come by. If I need Purple Palace spiritual resources or spirit flame for alchemy... I don't know where to look."

"Since I achieved Purple Palace, I've never found Purple Palace spiritual resources, making alchemy inconvenient..."

Tinglan shook her head and replied, "This is indeed troublesome. Purple Palace spiritual resources and spirit flame cannot be found in ordinary places. Although Jiangnan has abundant spiritual energy, it's teeming with cultivators. Any good spiritual or earth vein is quickly claimed by someone for cultivation. How could such resources gestate there?"

"Fellow Daoist, if you want Purple Palace items, there are only two nearby places: one is the East Sea, and the other is Southern Xinjiang... The dragon kin are overbearing and difficult to communicate with, but Southern Xinjiang is full of mountain strongholds."

"Furthermore, Southern Xinjiang extends southwestward along the coast to the Sindhu Kingdom. Just beyond that gorge, there's a vast jungle, no smaller than the area of Wu Yue, largely uninhabited. This all belongs to the demon kings of Southern Xinjiang. Most Dao lineages in Wu Yue communicate with Southern Xinjiang, relying on them to gather Purple Palace spiritual materials—after all, humans are skilled in all arts, making it very convenient to trade with them."

She reminded him, "Isn't Quanwu Mountain quite close to my Blessed Land? It's called 'Sin-Flow Mountain' by the demon kin, and there are quite a few demons who fled there from Southern Xinjiang. Choose a capable one, let him go to Southern Xinjiang for you to gather information and facilitate transactions. The efficiency might not be high, but over the years, you'll surely gain something."

This explanation enlightened Li Ximing. He nodded repeatedly, responding, "That's truly brilliant... After all, it's Southern Xinjiang. No matter who I send, they won't have the convenience of a demon. And since they are native-born, they have a good understanding of both the customs and the demon kings..."

"Indeed," Tinglan said casually. "Especially in recent years, the northern part of Southern Xinjiang, which connects to Jiangnan, has been influenced by a spiritual aura. It's a 'Mind-Attuned Profound' aura, with the twelve pure Qi's thriving, boosting the Fire Virtue. Whether it's spiritual materials or spiritual flames, this is their most prosperous time. The spiritual aura in the southern part of Southern Xinjiang, influenced by Shitang, is a 'Jia-Yi Wood-Elemental Aura,' so spiritual medicines won't be lacking either!"

After saying this, Tinglan reminded him, "The spiritual aura will only last for so many years. Now is the most opportune time for your needs. Send someone to inquire as soon as possible. Delaying even a day means one less day for collection!"

Li Ximing nodded repeatedly. "Thank goodness I asked. If I had waited until something affected the True Monarch, or if a Great True Lord from the Great Horned Owl Monastery fell, or if someone else made a breakthrough, causing the spiritual aura to change, I would have missed this opportunity!"

He indicated his understanding, and Tinglan, still visibly worried, saw him out, clearly concerned about the situation north of the river.

Li Ximing, without delay, traveled by light. After passing Ziyan Blessed Land and calculating the distance, he reached Quanwu Mountain in central Yue Kingdom in just two steps.

Over the years, Quanwu Mountain had seen a significant increase in demons, mostly refugees from Southern Xinjiang. Although they were primarily Foundation Establishment level demons, most possessed some ability. It used to be Qingchi's backyard for subduing demons, but now, neglected, it was teeming with dark demonic aura when viewed from above.

Most demons in the East Sea had powerful backgrounds, and those in the outer sea kept a low profile. Such a "treasure basin" was only available to Qingchi. Li Ximing, not having many Suiyuan Pills and also needing them for ritual offerings, descended on a streak of light, landing in the mountain range at the top.

At the highest point, a demonic cave shimmered with black light. It seemed two demons were locked in a fierce battle. Amidst the rolling black smoke, a dog demon cultivator, with fur and whiskers bristling, was locked in an intense fight with a weasel-like demon that had assumed human form.

Li Ximing glanced. The dog demon seemed to be faring better, but its opponent, the weasel-like demon, had the upper hand and maintained its human form, emanating a chilling aura of bloodlust, clearly having devoured countless humans. So, Li Ximing materialized as a heavenly light, standing firmly amidst the swirling black winds.

The two demons turned pale. Li Ximing, disinclined to waste words, simply raised his hand and gently lifted. The weasel-like demon was instantly forced back to its true form, landing in his hand, unable to move. The dog demon immediately became meek as a chicken, calling out, "My Lord! We were taught by Great King Hu and have not devoured humans!"

Li Ximing couldn't be bothered with who their "Great King Hu" or "Great King Cat" was. He casually asked, "Oh? Is this senior demon you mentioned a refugee from Southern Xinjiang?"

The dog demon quickly said, "My Lord's divine abilities know all! Great King Hu indeed fled from Southern Xinjiang. He was guided by a great figure from Wangyue Lake and thus reformed himself, occupying a peak in the mountains, accumulating good fortune and virtue, and protecting the common people..."

"Still using my family's name!" This was no small matter. Li Ximing was momentarily stunned, then finally showed some interest, replying with a half-smile, "Alright, alright. Which peak is he on?"

The dog demon, originally lacking confidence, as few demons in Quanwu Mountain believed this Tiger King, only hoped to escape quickly. Upon hearing Li Ximing's words, it unhesitatingly sold out its own king, pointing to the direction. To its surprise, the world spun before its eyes, and they had already arrived at the indicated location.

Before them was a dark cave, with two points of light shining. Clearly, they hadn't just reached the peak, but had even arrived deep within the demon's cave. "Divine ability... This is the Purple Palace realm..."

Li Ximing glanced at the cave entrance, then raised his chin. The sweating demon rushed forward, pushed open the door, and knelt to the side. From within, a cold voice questioned, "Why did you enter without reporting?"

On the central throne sat a broad-faced, black-haired middle-aged man with a rather domineering appearance. He wore a dark robe, and a pure white long spear stood beside him. His pupils were dark, and he glared at them with a frown.

In his dark pupils, the colorful light of divine ability was instantly reflected.

The next instant, the middle-aged man tumbled off the main seat with a thud, rolling several times on the ground. His robe fell off, and his white spear toppled over. He scurried forward, his tone fawning, and called out, "This lowly demon... This lowly demon Yan Hu, greets True Lord! Greetings to your divine ability! Forgive my failure to welcome you properly, I am ashamed and dare not rise!..."

Yan Hu immediately recognized the demon held in the other's hand. He had fought that demon for decades, and not only could he not defeat it, but he was also increasingly put on the defensive. Yet now, in an instant, it was as good as dead!

The True Lord before him merely glanced, and Yan Hu felt a faint pain, his life hanging by a thread. Yan Hu, trembling with fear, had to utter in a strained voice, "This lowly demon... this lowly demon has some dealings with a great figure from Wangyue Lake... I have never devoured humans. Please, True Lord, consider this and spare my life..."

The True Lord in the white-gold Daoist robe then smiled and said, "Tell me... I wasn't aware of anyone on my lake having dealings with you."

This statement brought silence to the surroundings. The demon finally realized: "This is True Lord Zhaojing!"

The tiger demon was sweating profusely, racking its brain. It repeatedly kowtowed and replied, "Back then... back then, Daoist Qinghong from the lake came to Quanwu and taught this lowly demon fighting techniques. This lowly demon benefited immensely and was so grateful that I prostrated myself entirely, offering a Blood-Sun Fruit in return... But the Lord didn't leave a name, claiming to be from the North and that we would meet again in the future... This lowly demon yearned for it but never knew the origin..."

"Later, the Lord's reputation soared, and lightning roared over the river. I heard the news later and realized it was the Daoist from the lake... From then on, I diligently waited day and night, just hoping for the Lord's arrival..."

"Blood-Sun Fruit..." Li Ximing indeed remembered the name of this spirit fruit. Back then, when the Li family had not yet risen and was in decline, they wanted to befriend Li Encheng, the father of Li Quantao, who was also from Wei Li. It was precisely this Blood-Sun Fruit, rare in Jiangnan, that they used! And the Blood-Sun Fruit was obtained by Li Qinghong from Yan Hu, given to Li Xizhi, and eventually exchanged for a Suiyuan Pill...

"So this is when the connection was forged!"

Li Ximing, of course, knew that this demon was skirting the issue and speaking vaguely, only trying to curry favor now that he had become a Purple Palace expert. However, their family's spiritual item had been taken from this fellow back then, which for him was an unexpected misfortune. So, Li Ximing said playfully, "Do you still regret losing the Blood-Sun Fruit?"

The demon secretly observed his expression, then quickly kowtowed, weeping, "If I hadn't offered that fruit and touched a bit of immortal light, this lowly demon would have been taken for alchemy ten years ago! How could I have reached today..."

Li Ximing rarely encountered such a shrewd demon. He sat on the throne and inquired, "What trouble did you get into that made you hide in this Sin-Flow Mountain?"

The tiger demon quickly replied, "This lowly demon was originally patrolling a region in Southern Xinjiang. One time, I mistakenly delivered ingredients that displeased General Baisun... Knowing I had messed up, and just as the Great King above was battling, General Baisun was killed. I escaped that calamity and gained freedom. But who knew his younger brother, Heisun, took over? This lowly demon, in desperation, quickly took back the spiritual items I was transporting and fled to Sin-Flow Mountain overnight..."

"Now... seventy years have passed."

He lowered his head and said, "The incident is in the past, but I dare not go back... Those spiritual items I seized at the time were either used for cultivation or plundered by passing cultivators... They've long been used up over the years..."

Li Ximing listened to this trivial story and casually asked, "Seventy years have passed; are you familiar with Southern Xinjiang?"

Yan Hu's eyes lit up, as if he had a premonition. He nodded repeatedly, replying, "Although this lowly demon left, I'm still familiar with the Five Ridges north of Shahung. As long as I have some spiritual items... integrating myself is a very simple matter..."

"Alright," Li Ximing nodded and casually said, "I promised you some benefits back then, and my family doesn't go back on its word. I need a demon to carry messages to Southern Xinjiang, so you can follow me."

Yan Hu was instantly ecstatic. He crawled over from below, kowtowed respectfully, and exclaimed, "I am willing to die for True Lord!"

One must understand that Yan Hu had been living a precarious life here. Over the past few decades, passing cultivators had tried to kill him several times. If not for his own formidable strength, his willingness to humble himself, his squandering of family wealth, and borrowing other families' names, how could he have survived to this day? And how many more days did he have to live?

But once he pledged allegiance to a Purple Palace expert, even a peak Foundation Establishment demon general would respectfully address him as "My Lord." With orders in hand, he could strut proudly in Southern Xinjiang... He had certainly seen what those demons serving Purple Palace experts looked like when they came to Southern Xinjiang!

He was practically weeping with joy. Li Ximing lifted him with a streak of light. The dog demon nearby watched, stunned: "This... this... there really is a connection! Why has he been suffering here all this time then?"

Yan Hu was trembling with joy behind him, not bothering to pay attention to the dog demon, hoping it wouldn't try to get involved. Li Ximing, however, had his own considerations.

While he indeed shared a connection with Yan Hu, that connection alone wasn't enough reason to accept this demon... First, this demon's demonic aura wasn't heavy, indicating it clearly hadn't dared to devour humans for many years. Second, this demon was quick-witted and experienced, making it more convenient for handling affairs.

There was also a crucial point: this demon was of the "Hurricane Ghost Yin" lineage.

He had acquired many "Secret Omnipresent Dao" traditions, including both spells and evasion techniques, but currently had no cultivators of the "Hurricane Ghost Yin" lineage. Although demons of ordinary bloodlines were generally considered inferior, this demon cultivator's cultivation wasn't bad; he was already at the late stage of Foundation Establishment. Practicing these techniques, he could still prove useful.

Flying into the void, Li Ximing raised an eyebrow and softly said, "When I send you to Southern Xinjiang, you will carry my divine ability's insignia and visit the various demons, gathering information on spiritual items and spirit flames for me... Do you understand?"

Yan Hu nodded repeatedly, respectfully saying, "Reporting to True Lord, this humble one also saw it back then... I have a good understanding and will certainly not disappoint True Lord!"

"Mm," Li Ximing glanced at him and said softly, "You'll be representing my family, after all. Once we return to the lake, you'll receive some of my continent's Six Weir secret techniques, learn one or two evasion and movement techniques, and I'll find someone to give you a couple of sets of armor before sending you to Southern Xinjiang."