Chapter 870: Red Light

Yan Hu stood in the light, gazing at the primordial void he had never seen before, and a thought began to weigh on his mind:"According to my colleagues, if a True Immortal captures you, you're expected to revert to your original form to be ridden... Would it be tactless of me to remain in human form?""However, this True Immortal's movements are unpredictable; I haven't heard any news of him before, so I don't know if he already has a mount... If I were to be ridden back by him, I wouldn't want to offend a fellow colleague even before reaching the lake..."

Knowing he was not irreplaceable, he became even more cautious. He glanced around anxiously, feeling as though the divine light beneath his feet was barely sufficient for his original form. Yet, even as he pondered, they had already broken through the primordial void, revealing a shimmering lake surface.

In the middle of the lake lay a vast island, where countless purple-gold pillars stood, varying in height, their surfaces covered in intricate patterns, exuding an aura of solemn majesty. Cultivators flew to and fro across the island, creating a vibrant and bustling scene.

Li Ximing's spiritual sense swept across the island, confirming that a grand hall was under construction. He then flew directly towards the Observatory Platform.

On the Observatory Platform, spiritual fires blazed furiously, with golden and purple flames interwoven. A constant flow of Lihuo and malevolent energy rapidly poured into them, stirring up wave after wave of power. Six Foundation Establishment cultivators sat cross-legged on the platform, channeling their magic to refine spiritual embryos.

Witnessing this magnificent spectacle, Yan Hu, who was standing nearby, instinctively pulled back his head, as if he could feel the suffocating intensity emanating from the flames, and dared not utter a sound.

As Li Ximing had anticipated, Li Jiangqian was present. Upon seeing Li Ximing approach, he stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Greetings, True Immortal! Reporting, True Immortal... Senior Chu has arrived at the Observatory Platform!"

Though advanced in age, Chu Minglian possessed remarkably powerful arms, and his physique was likely comparable to Ding Weizeng's. Draped in a red robe with iron implements secured at his waist, he stepped forward and bowed, declaring, "Greetings, True Immortal!"

Chu Minglian was truly a venerable elder of the Li family, having lived through several generations. In the past, whenever they met on the river, everyone would address him as Senior. Now that Li Ximing had achieved the True Immortal realm, it was, naturally, Chu Minglian's place to bow to him.

Li Ximing simply lifted him with a divine ability and replied, "Elder, there's no need for such formality."

Chu Minglian seemed moved and whispered, "When I was young... I used to refine artifacts right here on this lake island. I never imagined that more than a hundred years later, with everything turned upside down and divine abilities mastered, with all the ups and downs... I would return to this lake, still to refine artifacts!"

Li Ximing smiled in response, then took a jade slip from his sleeve, containing designs he had conceived earlier. He handed it to the elder, saying, "Elder, please take a look first."

This was, of course, not the "Observatory Divine Fire Refining" technique, which was far too difficult for Foundation Establishment cultivators. Rather, it was based on Li Ximing's own calculations. He beckoned Li Jiangqian over, casually handing him the fiendish badger, and instructed, "Send for twelve people... This tiger demon was brought back from Quanwu Mountain; it will be of great use later. Use the Six Weirs Life-Matching Technique to subdue it first, then teach it some spells."

Li Jiangqian immediately nodded and led the tiger demon away. Li Ximing then turned back, speaking softly, "Elder, I invited you this time for this spiritual embryo. After all, while other families might not be fully aware of the Chu clan's artifact refining methods, our family understands them very well. They are, in my opinion, among the finest I have ever witnessed... In the past, even True Immortal Tianque had He Ding refine spiritual embryos. With your superior skill, elder, I believe there will be no issues."

Beyond this, the spiritual embryo refined by True Immortal Tianque was no simple feat either. He began its refinement only after breaking through to the Purple Mansion realm, nourishing it with the immortal foundations of forty-five lineages and a century's worth of a Foundation Establishment cultivator's time. Ultimately, He Ding himself was consumed in the process, a testament to the immense effort involved. As expected of the Golden Feather Sect, their methods were clearly incomparable to something like "Observatory Divine Fire Refining." The Li family's current endeavor was, naturally, far less demanding.

Chu Minglian stroked his beard as he read the jade slip, nodding silently, and replied, "True Immortal, the ingenuity of this platform's design... it simply astounds me. If it's a matter of refining Lihuo and incorporating malevolent energy, this humble one can certainly manage the work... but regarding this Bright Yang Spiritual Essence... I'm afraid I might not be capable."

Li Ximing nodded and replied, "I will naturally use my divine ability for this task. However, I am not proficient in artifact refining; I rely on the profound wonders of ancient methods and the blessings of this tall building. Your role will be to add fire and malevolent energy, guiding the tempering process, while I assist you with my divine ability to perfect the spiritual embryo."

Chu Minglian immediately breathed a sigh of relief. Although he had amassed considerable wealth over the years, he certainly couldn't afford to compensate for a damaged spiritual embryo. Li Ximing, however, was filled with anticipation. He rose on a beam of light and drew the ink-jade-like round stone from his sleeve.

Inside the round stone, a dazzling golden radiance glowed. Li Ximing explained its origin to Chu Minglian, which first surprised the elder, who then let out a deep sigh and, unexpectedly, replied, "Please don't laugh at this old man, True Immortal... I once encountered the Xiang Baiyangshou in my early years... and have some experience with it."

"Oh?"Li Ximing reacted swiftly, immediately understanding, and mused to himself:'Chu Yi... Right, this elder is just like Qian Lizi... both are legacies left by that Elder from a previous generation. When the various families divided the spoils, Ziyan claimed Qian Lizi, and this elder was taken by the Ning family...'

This was considered a significant matter. Li Ximing nodded, listening as Chu Minglian recounted, "That Elder... his weapon at the time was crafted with Celestial Yang Colored Copper as its core, infused with Bright Square Heavenly Stone and Xiang Baiyangshou, and outlined with White Elm Blood...""Initially, it was just a simple piece of spiritual copper. He acquired a nail-sized piece of Xiang Baiyangshou and instructed me to incorporate it. At the time, I was astonished by his profound karmic blessing, unaware that his destiny was far greater."

Li Ximing had heard from Li Zhouwei that Chu Yi was also Emperor Taizu of Wei, and he was secretly astonished. However, since both Qian Lizi and Chu Minglian had been utilized without issue by their respective families, he listened in silence.

Chu Minglian, however, smiled and replied, "He has now gone to Luoxia Mountain... There's been no news for so many years; I understand he has severed worldly ties and doesn't wish to see us. I implore you, True Immortal, if you ever encounter that Elder, please inquire about his cultivation. If you could bring back just one word to this humble one – how many divine abilities he has attained? It would be a joyous offering when I light incense for my ancestors..."

Li Ximing remained silent for a moment, then said in a low voice, "After all, he is an Elder of Luoxia, a figure of the highest standing. I'm afraid I might not even have the opportunity to meet him..."

Chu Minglian waved his hands dismissively and replied, "My apologies... my apologies."

Li Ximing gently tossed the ink jade from his hand. Its brilliant radiance flowed into the flames like water, and layers of celestial light emerged. The twelve annex buildings lit up, and the guest cultivators who had been channeling their magic were instantly cut off and withdrew.

The flames were momentarily subdued, revealing the spiritual ruler within. Even when used solely for nurturing, the true fire's power was not to be underestimated. As expected, the Shichuan spiritual essence was of exceptional quality; after being nurtured by the true fire for some time, it merely turned a faint red. When this essence settled onto the ruler, it emitted sizzling sounds.

Instantly, various colorful clouds ascended, gleaming with golden light, accompanied by the sounds of cicadas chirping and beasts roaring, echoing across the sky. Li Ximing watched with a pang of heartache, thinking, "I only hope that consuming such a spiritual essence won't merely result in a minor speed increase!"

Chu Minglian joined two fingers and exhaled true fire. Li Ximing glanced at it, then used his divine ability to summon the Three Marquis Xuanyin Fire, joining him in the artifact's refinement. The Foundation Establishment cultivators in the twelve annex buildings also took their seats, activating their magic power."Boom!"

Only because a spiritual embryo exists between a magic artifact and a spirit artifact could such an ingenious method be employed. Instantly, golden runes emerged one after another, settling upon the Shichuan and embedding themselves within it.

Chu Minglian's skill was indeed remarkable; although he spoke humbly, his true capability was evident the moment he took action. With Li Ximing's divine true fire providing augmentation, he was truly in his element, effortlessly inscribing runes without hesitation.

As light and shadow intertwined on the platform and the runes on the jade ruler solidified one by one, Li Ximing released his grip and stepped back. Chu Minglian continued to control the collective magic power from the air, meticulously nurturing the item. The Li family had already prepared numerous Bright Yang spiritual materials and fire malevolence, which were brought up along with pills to restore magic power.

These spiritual materials were not considered precious, but some were extremely difficult to acquire. Only because the Li family was deeply rooted and maintained connections with all the surrounding clans could they procure them so swiftly.

Li Ximing smoothed his sleeves. Merely initiating this project had consumed nearly half a month of his time, yet the rewards were substantial:'Chu Minglian's unique standing and his methods truly surpassed my expectations... With the spiritual essence available, and assuming the lake's resources are amply supplied, it shouldn't take even two years... and the quality will be even better than my initial estimate!'

"In a few more days, we can withdraw the personnel and revert to a two-team rotation."

He then entrusted the Observatory Platform to Chu Minglian, feeling a great weight lifted from his mind. Turning back, he flew on a beam of light towards Qingdu.

Li Ximing had originally come to bring good news to Li Xuanxuan. He landed on Fufeng Peak in Qingdu, but then heard a burst of laughter. Raising an eyebrow, he saw a young man in a red robe standing outside the courtyard.

The young man held a precious fan and appeared somewhat elegant, though he had applied cosmetics and was striking a pose. Cupping his hands in a salute, he called out, "Old Master! Old Master! Please listen..."

Li Ximing glanced at him, recognizing his grandson. After all, when the Li family members had recounted their experiences over the years, this young man had lent Zhou Luo a hand, finally earning a nod of approval from Li Ximing. Not in a hurry, he paused to listen.

Li Xuanxuan descended the stairs with heavy steps, a staff in his hand, and scolded, "You went to the pleasure boat again! We discussed this thoroughly yesterday: sixty is a critical juncture, and you must cultivate these final layers of Qi Refining; you absolutely have to break through!"

Li Zhouming's talent was not exceptional, on par with his elder brother, Li Zhoufang, who had already stagnated. Yet, Li Zhouming could at least still cultivate, and his blatant disregard for this opportunity caused Li Ximing to frown. He silently paced forward, listening as Li Zhouming attempted to appease him:"No... no, Old Master, you misunderstand. There's a new play performing on the pleasure boat, it's about Yu Mugao... Such a daring drama is rare, and our family certainly isn't lacking a few talismans today! Please, Old Master, come take a look; it's better than just sitting in the courtyard..."

Just as Li Xuanxuan was about to scold him, he caught sight of Li Ximing. His face lit up with joy, and he descended the steps. Li Zhouming, misunderstanding the situation, quickly stepped forward to offer his arm, but then heard a respectful voice say, "Grandfather!"Li Xuanxuan's eyelids twitched with apprehension, fearing Li Ximing's displeasure. He took a step forward and snapped, "Get down there and cultivate!"

Li Ximing watched with his hands clasped behind his back, showing no temper. He walked inside with Li Xuanxuan, and they sat down. Li Zhouming, however, refused to give up. Having finally caught sight of Li Ximing, he merely knelt and shuffled forward, kowtowing at the courtyard entrance, saying, "True Immortal... True Immortal, your movements are unpredictable, and you are rarely seen... This junior has waited for a long time on Zhijing Mountain, yet you still haven't appeared. Father... Father hasn't seen you in a long time!"

When his eldest son, Li Cheng'e, who had no spiritual aptitude, was mentioned, Li Ximing's demeanor grew considerably colder. As someone offered tea, he took the cup, set it down, and simply said, "What do you wish to ask of me?"

Li Xuanxuan sighed, folding his sleeves, as Li Zhouming began to weep. "Father... Father's health hasn't been good lately... He's only relying on cultivators to extend his life, and I fear he doesn't have many years left. If the True Immortal leaves again for three or five years, this junior... this junior only hopes that the True Immortal's celestial presence can briefly visit and allow him to see Father!"

Li Ximing seemed to make a connection, shifting his gaze downwards to the steps and taking a sip of tea. Li Xuanxuan, however, softened considerably and waved his hand, saying, "Go down!"

The young man reluctantly retreated, his red robe disappearing into the mountains. Li Xuanxuan then said, "Even with all his myriad shortcomings, this child at least possesses filial piety, a resolute mind, and a strong will. He's likable, and with you here, no one below would dare to look down on him..."

Li Ximing, however, shook his head and said, "Who doesn't have their own ideas? Besides, there's Cheng, and then Zhoufang; the collateral branches have many children, and all of them have their own will... The challenge lies in being of one mind. Furthermore, for someone holding such a position, if he doesn't even have the opportunity to attempt Foundation Establishment, then there's no need to spoil him.""He did make one good point though: Grandfather, you could certainly watch some plays, listen to some music, and worry less."

He seemed unaffected by the news of Li Cheng'e, and proceeded to recount the previous and subsequent developments. Li Xuanxuan listened, sometimes sitting, sometimes standing, until finally he settled into his seat, weeping tears of joy, his face streaming with age-old tears:"This truly is our ancestors' blessing! If not for Qinghong, I fear our family, having only just become an immortal clan... would have plummeted to rock bottom..."

The elder stroked his beard for a long time, finally composing himself, and said with a serious expression, "Only a select few need to be aware of this; it should not be widely publicized."

Li Ximing stood up and paced in the courtyard, hesitating greatly. He ultimately felt that the lake was too close to the north, so he decided not to mention the True Lord's matter. Just then, he heard roaring thunder and a storm brewing outside.

He seemed to sense something, stepping out and looking far to the north. He discovered that the gloomy sky was confined solely to the south of the river, while the sky north of the river was bright, tinged with a misty red hue.

This red stretched directly to the heavens, faintly scattering faint red glows one after another. The thunder, however, grew increasingly louder. Li Ximing's figure instantly transformed into a burst of celestial light and dispersed, quickly reappearing on the north bank.

He cautiously kept his distance from the riverbank, observing that the misty red hue enveloped almost the entire north of the river, forming a stark contrast with the heavy rain south of the river. A young man, cloaked in flames, stood in the clouds, radiating boundless light.

He held a long sword, pointing it proudly at the sky. The black-robed cultivator before him was swept up by the surging red light, utterly unable to move. A thunderous roar echoed through the air:"Huaihun Hall! Thanks to you, I have achieved Foundation Establishment! Every humiliation I endured before, I shall repay a hundredfold today!"

Hearing these words, Li Ximing's long-held conjecture was finally confirmed, and he sighed deeply to himself:'To utter such fierce words simply by achieving Foundation Establishment... One person demanding the Huaihun Hall to repay a hundredfold... Who else could it be but that Elder?!'