Chapter 872: Secret Fan Spirit Sword (1+1/2)

That lord has already formed his foundation, and his influence isn't what it used to be. Chen Yang can go without concern.

Li Ximing didn't say much. With just that sentence, Li Jiangqian's expression turned serious. He bowed and said, "This junior understands..."

Li Ximing nodded at him and softly said, "I still need to visit Southern Xinjiang. Qiu Hu will oversee family affairs, but I'm entrusting them to you for now. Remember one thing: under no circumstances should you interfere with my direct lineage."

Even with Li Jiangqian's cautious nature, Li Ximing repeated his warning multiple times. He retrieved a jade slip from his sleeve, handed it to him, and motioned with his hand, saying, "Go at once and collect these spiritual items. The family also has a Mysterious Drum Treasure Flower and a Golden Obedient Flame Fruit; bring them all out and have Ming Palace deliver them here."

Li Jiangqian immediately departed. Soon, Li Ming Palace arrived within the formation, bowed respectfully, and said, "Greetings, True Master!"

Li Ximing helped her to her feet and whispered, "You've worked tirelessly these past years. You've always been diligent, rising with the family from its most humble beginnings. Unfortunately, in the early years, resources were scarce, and your cultivation suffered. I obtained a Purple Mansion Spirit Pill from the East Sea that can purify one's Dao foundation—it's perfectly suited for you."

Li Ming Palace was initially startled and then delighted to hear it was a Purple Mansion Spirit Pill, but she quickly frowned. She simply bowed and gently said, "Thank you for your concern, True Master. This junior is profoundly grateful... However, my talent is limited, and this path to Foundation Establishment is a dead end for me. I am also advanced in age; even with a higher Dao foundation, it would simply be a waste." She added, "I only hope the True Master might bestow it upon Jiangqian or Que Wan... then it would truly be put to its best use."

Li Ximing shook his head and replied, "Their contributions aren't as significant as yours, so they aren't suitable for this great pill. That's the first point. Secondly, their cultivation methods are already of very high quality. If I weren't at the Purple Mansion stage and they weren't already considered immortal clan members, they wouldn't dare display them openly. This spirit pill's effects are extremely limited and wouldn't be significant for them; rather, it's perfectly suited for your immortal foundation."

Li Jiangqian had already presented the jade box. Li Ximing then took out another recently copied jade slip, handed it to her, and instructed, "Follow the cultivation method within this jade slip to achieve the best results. All the necessary spiritual resources have been prepared. As for the precious medicine for True Fire, the family has not only made sure you have it, but they've also included an extra one just in case. Go ahead and use it."

Li Ming Palace could only accept it gratefully, tears welling in her eyes. She replied, "What a pity for my brother... he should have been the most suitable."

Li Ximing silently waved his hand, patted Li Ming Palace's shoulder, nodded to Li Jiangqian, and then transformed into a streak of heavenly light, streaking away. He flickered briefly over the continent, then paused, finally descending onto the roof of a mansion.

Once the direct lineage of the Li clan settled on the continent, their lives significantly improved. Li Chengzhi had spent the latter half of his life residing in mansions, gaining more respect with each passing year. Even with the constant activity across the continent, this particular mansion had been constructed well in advance.

Large red lanterns hung before the mansion gate, flickering faintly. Li Ximing adjusted his sleeves before reaching out to knock.

"Creak..."

The door quickly opened, revealing an old man toting a lantern. He had no cultivation, glanced at Li Ximing, and said somewhat blankly, "You... you are... the Great Master..."

Li Ximing did not reply, but the faint heavenly light flickering between his brows already conveyed everything. Even if the servant had never seen him in person, who on the lake wasn't aware of his awe-inspiring power, riding on auspicious clouds and commanding the celestial light?

"Clang!" The lantern instantly crashed to the ground, rolling several times. Pale yellow lamp oil and flickering flames rapidly spread. The butler cried out, immediately dropped to his knees, and with trembling old hands, frantically kowtowed.

The mansion's tranquility was instantly shattered. A woman with elegant eyes and refined brows, dressed in a vibrant red skirt with white floral patterns, quickly descended the steps, raising her voice in concern, "Uncle Dou? What happened?"

Li Ximing softly said, "Shouyu."

That voice sent a shiver down Xia Shouyu's spine. Even after so many years since returning from overseas, she still felt both fear and reverence for the voice that had altered her destiny with a single word. 'True Master!'

She quickly stepped forward to leave, but the True Master, clad in white and gold robes, passed through the front courtyard like a beam of light, appearing directly before her. "Take me to see Chengzhi."

She immediately bowed her head, leading the True Master forward. As they passed through the central hall and headed towards the room, she saw it brightly lit, with faint sighs audible. A young man in red robes was quietly kneeling on the floor.

Li Ximing gently waved his hand, stopping Xia Shouyu beside him. He looked at the Master's portrait hanging high in the central hall, while also standing quietly and silently nearby, just as he had on that late night many years ago.

Li Chengzhi was already very weak. Mortals typically live to sixty or seventy, and even those who practice embryonic breathing only reach one hundred and twenty. He had been seen by Sun Bai, and a few cultivators had provided assistance, so his current condition was still acceptable.

"True Master... the True Master comes and goes in the high heavens, what are you seeking? The elder has told me several times... you should cultivate well, establish your foundation first... that's more effective than anything else. You are the direct grandson of a Purple Mansion cultivator... achieving Foundation Establishment would immediately place you at the highest level..."

Li Chengzhi coughed twice, but Li Zhouming's voice was firm, devoid of the grievance he had shown on Qingdu Mountain.

"The elder is wholly devoted to me, but I know my own limitations. The hope of establishing a foundation is slim. If not for the elder constantly providing me with resources, I would now be stuck at the late Qi Condensation stage, just like my elder brother. And Father has only so many years left. If I were to go into seclusion again, I wouldn't see him in his final moments, and he might even have to see me off. Ming'er has no reason to go into seclusion..."

"You... you don't have the heart for cultivation..."

Li Ximing lowered his gaze and finally pushed the door open. Chaos instantly erupted inside the room. Li Zhouming was first startled, then delighted, while the old man on the sickbed struggled to sit up and bow.

Li Ximing gently waved his sleeve, sending both Li Zhouming and Xia Shouyu out of the room. He then sat down on a nearby seat, seemingly letting out a sigh of relief, and looked at Li Chengzhi on the bed. His eldest son stared blankly at him, "Father."

Li Ximing sat upright beside him. The two remained silent for a long time before the True Master softly said, "A long time ago... I once thought that if I were to have a son, it would be best if he excelled at artifact refining. If not, then array mastery would also be acceptable... For the family, this is very important." He continued, "Later, when you were born a mortal, I could only wish you a lifetime of peace."

Li Chengzhi was so surprised by his arrival that he was speechless. He stared blankly at the heavenly light between Li Ximing's brows, and after a long while, finally said, "Thank you, True Master." He added, "With a child like Zhouming, this son will have no regrets in death."

The lights in the room flickered. Father and son, brought together by the grandson's earnest wish, sat like strangers. There were no tears, no emotional exclamations. The True Master waited for a quarter of an hour, then pushed the door open and left.

The central hall was pitch dark and somber. As the door opened, it directly faced the portrait in the hall. Li Zhouming knelt before the room, his forehead touching the ground, waiting silently.

Li Ximing stood quietly on the steps, his gaze sweeping past the couple and into the hall. The True Master's portrait gently swayed with the breeze. The single point of heavenly light, dotted with gold paint, glowed faintly in the darkness.

The True Master in the painting appeared high above, his eyes indifferent, as if he had never changed. This sight suddenly brought a sense of familiarity to True Master Zhaojing—a familiarity that rendered him silent.

After an unknown period, Li Zhouming waited and waited. His peripheral vision finally caught a glimpse of a corner of a white robe passing before him, followed by a command: "Go and cultivate with peace of mind."

Li Zhouming looked up. The True Master had already transformed into light and departed. The young master kowtowed repeatedly, then hurriedly stepped inside to look at the bed. His father was lying on the bed, head tilted, seemingly asleep.

Outside, hurried footsteps and the clang of weapons could be heard, very noisy. A shout came: "The Patriarch has ordered that the grand formation be adjusted today! All direct lineages of the four branches, major and minor clans, are to remain within their courtyards and not step out even half a pace!"

The Great River.

The night was deep, and the river flowed mightily, looking exceptionally beautiful under the clear moonlight. The weather was slightly cold. Several streaks of light flew in from the north bank, one by one landing on the riverbank.

The leading figure was majestic, clad in white and red armor, with a light red cloak draped over his shoulders. A sword hung at his waist, making him appear exceptionally domineering and charismatic.

This person was naturally Lin Feng.

However, unlike when he fought on the riverbank, his current belongings were brand new. His cloak was shimmering, indicating a significant new gain, and he had acquired many valuable items. His original magic sword was gone, replaced by a fiery red and bright one at his waist, appearing slender and graceful.

A woman stood on either side of him. Stepping back, two Foundation Establishment cultivators escorted him: one a gray-robed elder, the other a black-robed youth. Their cultivation levels did not appear to be high.

"Delivering them here will be sufficient."

The man gave an order, and the white-clad woman beside him reluctantly whispered, "What kind of extraordinary person requires you to personally cross the river to pick her up..."

This woman was none other than Song Yunbai of the Dushen Dao. Despite being a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator, she only dared to complain subtly to the man. To her surprise, a charming woman in a blue skirt emerged from the side and chided her:

"Brother Lin is going to pick up my sister; what does that have to do with you?! You're all talk and no substance!"

This charming woman was naturally Fei Qingfei. Despite being a mere mortal, she dared to verbally abuse a Foundation Establishment cultivator, which was quite embarrassing. Song Yunbai could only lower her head in indignation, humbling herself.

"Alright, alright."

Lin Feng waved his hand. Song Yunbai reluctantly departed, but Fei Qingfei continued to complain, whispering, "Honestly... one by one, we finally got rid of Wang Xiaoxiao, and now there's another one named Song. There are so many women in this world, and they all covet my family's people."

Lin Feng chuckled, not paying much attention to her complaints. He instructed, "Wukui, you've been to the Wangyue Immortal Clan. Lead the way forward... to the Fei family on the north bank."

"Yes!"

The four flew at full speed, soon reaching the Hanyun area. Wukui had originally gone to the continent and wasn't very familiar with the north bank, so they traveled slower. An old man, leisurely flying on the wind, saw the four and happily exclaimed, "Brother Feng!" "Uncle Cai!"

The newcomer was surprisingly Fei Tongcai, who had brought Fei Qingya back to the lake that day. He now looked much wealthier and his cultivation had improved significantly. He laughed, "I was cultivating downstream and have been searching for a spiritual material these past few days, so I took the opportunity to come upstream in my leisure. What a coincidence! Tsk... you've actually established your foundation... you're here to pick up Qingya, aren't you?"

Lin Feng nodded, and Fei Qingfei leaned close to him affectionately. Fei Tongcai, without even announcing them, led the way directly up the peak. Fortunately, the patrolling cultivators had already been instructed and prepared, allowing them entry.

With Fei Tongcai leading the way, they soon arrived at a peak. There was much noise in the courtyard. A woman with a cold, refined demeanor stood in the courtyard. At the other end, another woman, also dressed in Fei family attire, sarcastically laughed, "So you've become high and mighty, but why hasn't your cultivation improved? They said you entered the peak through connections, but you refused to believe it. If the family head hadn't made a breakthrough, could a small figure from Jiangbei like you even return to the peak to cultivate? Instead of being grateful, you claim your lover is coming to pick you up."

Someone immediately came to pull her aside, whispering, "Don't say anymore..."

"Why can't I say it? She eats and uses family resources. We finally supported her to the Qi Condensation stage, and now she says she's going north with her lover! Is it something she can do but we can't speak of?"

Fei Qingya quietly said, "Once I go north, these things will naturally be repaid one by one. It's none of your business."

"None of my business? This..."

Lin Feng could no longer stand it. He sneered, kicked the door open, and fierce flames surged out, instantly suppressing all other sounds. He roared, "Bitch!"

"Brother Lin!"

Fei Qingya's eyes lit up, and she swiftly rushed forward. Lin Feng embraced her with one arm and said coldly, "The dignified Fei clan actually has a wretch like you!"

He swung his palm, and fierce flames erupted. Lin Feng was a Foundation Establishment cultivator; a Qi Condensation cultivator could not withstand such a move. The woman immediately spat out fresh blood, cried out, and fell. A chorus of gasps erupted in the courtyard. Wukui instantly broke out in a cold sweat, looking at the black-robed Taoist beside him. 'This is Wangyue Lake!'

While the Fei clan was certainly insignificant, the Li family stood behind them! One must consider the owner before striking a dog. Wangyue Lake was not comparable to those ruffians in Jiangbei...

Fortunately, although Lin Feng was shocked and enraged, he still retained some rationality. The woman collapsed to the ground, spitting blood and in great pain, but she did not die. Fei Qingya was also greatly alarmed. The two protectors had no time to help her up when they heard a loud shout, "Protector Chen has arrived!"

'Damn it, we've been caught red-handed!'

Wukui's heart sank in alarm, but he saw Lin Feng had calmed down. Looking at the black-robed youth descending from the sky, he smiled and said, "Protector Chen, long time no see!"

Chen Yang chuckled as he descended from the sky, his expression very pleased and full of surprise. He laughed, "Good... Fellow Daoist has truly established his foundation!"

He landed, then noticed the woman on the ground, and questioned, "This is..."

Wukui immediately stepped forward and sighed, "My master had just arrived here when he witnessed her abusing someone. He is a Foundation Establishment cultivator, after all, and could not tolerate such insolence, so he disciplined her a little..."

Chen Yang shook his head. He helped the unconscious woman up, using his spiritual energy to protect her heart meridian and prevent the burning fiery essence from slowly consuming her vitality. He sighed, "How could ordinary people recognize a gem like Qingya! Arguments are common, but they shouldn't be directed at you."

Lin Feng nodded slightly, glanced at Fei Qingya, frowned, and softly said, "This... Qingya cultivates..."

Clearly, the "River and Qi Art" was utterly worthless in Lin Feng's eyes, looking quite an eyesore. Chen Yang, however, chuckled and replied, "This is a cultivation method passed down in my family, specifically found for Qingya. It shares the same essence as my Foundation Establishment cultivation method... If there's an opportunity, she might just be able to use my method... With Qingya's talent, she might not be limited to Foundation Establishment..."

"Oh?"

Lin Feng glanced at Chen Yang, a faint red light flashing in his eyes, clearly using some kind of ocular technique. He nodded thoughtfully, then said with some surprise, "If it can connect to your esteemed clan's Purple Mansion cultivation method, it would save me from searching everywhere... I'll just exchange for a copy from your clan."

Chen Yang, however, began to sigh deeply, shaking his head. "If it were available, that would be for the best... but the activation method for our family's Purple Mansion cultivation technique was lost many years ago. It is said that only cultivators with extraordinary talent, profound good fortune, and who meet the criteria of our ancestors can open it. Therefore, it has remained untouched in our possession for all these years, and it's very difficult to retrieve it for Qingya now."

"I see."

Lin Feng laughed aloud, raising an eyebrow. "In that case, never mind... This cultivation method won't trouble your esteemed clan; I have my own methods."

Fei Qingya, however, subtly glanced at Chen Yang, and her arm, which was in the man's hand, tightened slightly. She gently suggested, "Since we're already here... why not take out that cultivation method and have a look? If it can be activated, it would not only save us the trouble of searching later, but also be a good thing."

Lin Feng smiled, placed his hand over hers, and replied, "Since that's the case, please trouble Protector Chen to bring it out for a look. It would be an interesting diversion."

Chen Yang had thought there would be no opportunity, but he realized that nagging whispers are more effective than strong winds. His recent assistance to Fei Qingya had indeed paid off, prompting her to make this request at this opportune moment. He immediately sent someone to retrieve it.

Lin Feng then turned to Fei Qingya and gently said, "You've worked hard all these years. From now on, follow me, and you'll never lack for resources or magical artifacts. If you have any requests, I'll go to Mifan to get them for you."

Fei Qingfei, standing nearby, indignantly said, "That's right... that's right, sister. I can't cultivate, so I can't get any of those Mifan items. Those other girls just get all the benefits. You should take an extra one or two things, so they don't get off too cheaply!"

As soon as these words were spoken, Fei Qingya immediately understood. She asked suspiciously, "They?"

Fei Qingfei, consumed by jealousy, continued, "Isn't it obvious? Whether it's Song Yunbai from the Song family or Wang Xiaoxiao from that ridge, they're all close with Brother Lin right now..."

Fei Qingya's expression immediately turned sour. She unhappily turned her head. Chen Yang, not bothering with such matters, simply waited for the jade slip to be brought and presented. Lin Feng, feeling awkward, seized the opportunity to change the subject and nodded, saying, "Xiao Yuan, your cultivation of Water Virtue is not weak, and your good fortune is considerable. You should take a look at this item."

The black-robed youth beside him appeared taciturn and somewhat aloof. He nodded, stepped forward, took the jade slip, examined it for a moment, and replied, "It's truly flawless, like a dead object... However... the aura on Qingya and Senior Chen... I seem to have seen it in the east. It seems that Su Yan, from the Dushen Dao territory, also cultivates this path... known as the Jing Dragon King..."

Chen Yang nodded repeatedly, "Exactly."

Before Xiao Yuan could speak, Lin Feng replied thoughtfully, "He caused chaos throughout the Dushen Dao, and he's considered a top-tier figure. If Senior's cultivation method truly selects individuals, why not let him try? It's just difficult to find him."

He quickly shook his head with a smile and continued, "Leaving other matters aside, thank you, Senior Chen Yang, for taking such good care of Qingya all these years. Otherwise, I don't know how much more suffering Qingya would have endured in a place like the Fei family."

Lin Feng very elegantly took out a long box from his storage bag. He gently opened it, revealing a pure black Foundation Establishment magic sword lying inside.

This sword appeared simple, entirely pure black with no patterns. The whole sword was sleek and unadorned, astonishingly plain from top to bottom, yet extremely agile and clearly not an ordinary item.

As soon as this item was opened, a surge of sword qi shot into the sky. Its quality was definitely not low among Foundation Establishment items, possessing a certain spiritual essence. What was particularly rare and valuable was the surrounding aura of Kan Water, clearly indicating it had been meticulously chosen.

"This is a fine sword I acquired. I originally obtained four of them: Black Creek, Falling Cassia, Parting Sea, and Rushing Heart, corresponding to Kan Water, Lunar Yin, Combined Water, and Li Fire respectively. All were obtained from the Mifan Dao lineage!"

He appeared nonchalant, as if these items were not very precious to him. He showed off the red magic sword at his waist and smiled, "Rushing Heart is worn by me; I plan to give it to Yunbai. Falling Cassia was given to Senior Bai Yinzi, Parting Sea to Fellow Daoist Han Li, and Black Creek was specifically reserved for senior!"

Magic swords were highly sought after by everyone, let alone a spiritual treasure like Black Creek, which was by no means comparable to ordinary magic swords! Yet, in his mouth, they were mentioned as casually as common roadside cabbages, item after item. The Li clan had many sword cultivators over generations, accumulating treasures from one generation to the next, yet their total couldn't compare to how many he had acquired in just a moment!

Regardless of other things, Chen Yang himself practiced sword cultivation. Moreover, this sword perfectly matched his immortal foundation. Faced with such a temptation, he couldn't take his eyes off it.

Fei Qingfei, standing by, was somewhat of a spoilsport, muttering, "All the swords from this lineage look the same; there's nothing special about them..."

Fortunately, Chen Yang had been suppressing his thoughts; otherwise, he surely would have cursed aloud. He stared at the sword with a hint of obsession, sighing, "This item is too precious. How can I let you spend so much... I can't accept it."

Lin Feng chuckled, shaking his head continuously. Fei Qingfei, however, proudly said, "This isn't particularly valuable! Brother Lin has a Geng Metal sword-shaped spirit embryo. Once it gains sentience, *that* will be the most precious thing! Right now, it even needs to be sealed with special magical artifacts to prevent it from manifesting in the Great Void, being seen by certain Purple Mansion cultivators... or being drawn away by certain metals..." She continued, "Aside from this spirit embryo, all other items are merely mediocre... Perhaps they are excellent for Senior, but for Brother Lin... they are already outdated!"

Fei Qingfei was a mortal and had no experience with cultivation, so her words were clearly tactless. Although spoken with pride, they still made Fei Qingya frown uncomfortably. She mused, 'My sister has truly been spoiled by him... she just blurts out everything...'

Lin Feng, however, didn't mind. He stood with his hands behind his back, looked at Fei Qingya, and softly comforted her, "Don't worry... the true Profound Token is on me. They won't use their superior strength to bully the weak and seize this spirit embryo from me."

"A spirit embryo?!"

Chen Yang was truly shocked. Lin Feng smiled and humbly said, "It's just good luck... Mifan isn't a Dao lineage famous for its sword arts. Although Xiaoshi Mountain had a great reputation back then, its main assets all came from the Wanling Sect. I searched through the entire Mifan Dao lineage and only found this one sword-shaped spirit embryo; there were no more powerful spiritual swords."

"Only this one..."