Chapter 876: Huayang Wang Yue (1+1/2)

The old man, carrying a tray, stepped forward and presented the Huayang King Axe to Li Ximing with both hands. Li Ximing gently took it, feeling it scalding hot to the touch, and noticed the patterns on its surface flickering erratically.

Tian Sanglin took a careful look and continued:

"This item hung in a pavilion at the summit of Fubei Peak in Donghuo Grotto-heaven. According to Ning Tiaoxiao, the grotto's master was named Li Guangfu. He was not extravagant or wealthy; he had already fallen on hard times. When the various families stormed the grotto-heaven, it was almost completely empty."

"The master had cleared out everything, leaving behind only the Huayang King Axe, a symbol of power and glory. The Cui family held him in great respect, and it seemed no one had ever taken the Huayang King Axe."

Li Ximing listened carefully. Tian Sanglin waved the man away and spoke:

"The axe body's material should be Yan'guang's Blessed Copper. It was forged with the Purple Palace spiritual materials, Liguan Yuancui and Tianzha Stone. Hence, it emits the light of Departing Fire."

"Back then, Ning Tiaoxiao retrieved this item, considering that Ning Wan's cold qi was unsuitable for it. However, the bright sun (Mingyang) and departing fire (Lihuo) energies, when combined, can precisely aid me in refining my Dharma body..."

Li Ximing nodded slightly and asked:

"To be frank, senior, I recently attained the Purple Palace realm and have never had a suitable weapon. This time, I asked the Solar Orthodox Lineage to communicate with you about this item with the intention of exchanging for it."

After all, Li Ximing was just looking for a good spiritual artifact. If the other party wasn't willing to exchange it, or felt there was no need for an exchange, then talking any further would be pointless.

Hearing this, Tian Sanglin nodded and said:

"Zhaojing, you need not overthink this. Since Ning Wan asked me about this matter, and I allowed her to invite you to see it, I naturally have my own considerations."

Li Ximing smiled and nodded. The other person then began to elaborate:

"After all, Mingyang is inherently overbearing and tyrannical, and this item is a King Axe. Once I finish refining my Dharma body, using this item myself won't align well with the path of shamanic talismans. Its purpose is rather conventional, slightly cumbersome in combat, and not inherently easy to use against enemies. Moreover, it cannot be dropped carelessly. If it misses, it will instead diminish one's divine abilities and magic power."

When Li Ximing heard this, he understood that this spiritual artifact could also complement his own divine abilities. With the suppression of the Celestial Gate (Yetianmen), an axe strike would be perfectly timed. It would likely be very difficult to dodge without an equivalent divine ability.

'Indeed, one's own divine abilities and one's own spiritual artifacts complement each other best...'

Li Ximing had seen so many pitiful individuals that his worries grew heavier by the day. Seeing such a spiritual artifact now, it was impossible for him not to be tempted. He stroked his beard and said:

"Senior, what do you require?"

Tian Sanglin rose from his throne, clapped his hands and said:

"First, I, the King, demand Nine-Colored Profound Mercury!"

This statement immediately silenced Li Ximing. He wanted to speak but hesitated.

The Nine-Colored Profound Mercury was acquired during the encirclement and slaying of Wang Fu back then. Such a magnificent Purple Palace spiritual item fell into the Li family's hands. Only Heng Zhu, valuing his reputation and upholding righteousness, had continuously preserved it for the Li family. If it were any other lineage, even if they didn't outright seize it, it would likely have been forcefully exchanged long ago.

Later, when Li Ximing reached the Purple Palace realm, this item was sent to Wangyue Lake. It had always been reserved for Li Quewan's breakthrough to the Purple Palace realm; there had been no thought of moving it.

However, if this item could be exchanged for the Mingyang spiritual artifact, Li Ximing would truly not hesitate much. After all, the immediate priority was to enhance his own strength and stabilize the situation as much as possible before Li Zhouwei's breakthrough. If any changes arose in the True Monarch's affairs later on, the utility of a spiritual artifact would be far greater than Nine-Colored Profound Mercury gathering dust in a warehouse.

'As for Quewan... it's still far from the time for her to reach the Purple Palace realm. We can certainly wait until Zhouwei emerges from seclusion before planning further.'

But Tian Sanglin had not finished speaking. He turned his head and continued:

"Besides this item, I also need a spiritual elixir, the Mingzhen Heshen Pill. This item originated from the Great Ning Palace. It's not in your possession, but the Si family has it, and the Gao family also has it. Even the Three Sects and Seven Gates have a portion..."

Yet, after saying this, he surprisingly continued without stopping. He went on to say:

"And by losing this spiritual artifact, my Southern Shunjia Dao's foundation would be weakened. At least one spiritual embryo is needed to compensate. Naturally, it would be exchanged with my Southern Shunjia for a superior shamanic spiritual embryo as compensation."

Li Ximing had most hoped the other party would request help in suppressing Moha. After all, he and the Buddhist cultivators were already sworn enemies; at most, he would get injured. But a spiritual artifact was tangible and real. Unfortunately, the Southern Shunjia's foundation was already solid in Songzhou, and they had no sworn enemies, so there was naturally no opportunity to exploit.

Each of these conditions was a significant drain, making him frown, slightly displeased. In short, it was already a lot that Southern Shunjia wanted to claim spiritual elixirs and items in full, but they also demanded a spiritual embryo as compensation!

'The price is truly too high...'

He gradually sat up straighter and said softly:

"Senior, Nine-Colored Profound Mercury is already a rare spiritual item in the world, especially today, when complete elixirs are unseen? To demand this one is already much, but you also want the Solar Orthodox Lineage's Mingzhen Heshen Pill and a superior shamanic spiritual embryo."

"If this junior had that much influence, there would be no need to come to the Southern Sea. Wouldn't it be wonderful to just find some friends and forge a spiritual artifact myself!" Li Ximing remained very cordial on the surface and smiled.

"If this were Xiukui's Chongyang Administering Star Treasure Plate, this junior would absolutely not hesitate. I wouldn't even think twice about throwing in the Mountain-Moving Sea-Chasing Tiger I possess... But Senior, you yourself said, this spiritual artifact is very cumbersome. It's not some extraordinary or profound item."

Tian Sanglin was already advanced in age, and his gaze was sharp. He showed no signs of backing down and shook his head:

"That's not right. Nine-Colored Profound Mercury is precious. Are Liguan Yuancui, Yan'guang's Blessed Copper, and Tianzha Stone any less valuable? The difference between them is merely a single elixir and a single spiritual embryo to compensate! It's already very fitting."

He let out a hearty laugh and said:

"I don't know if I should call you fortunate, Fellow Daoist. If it were someone else... they would only know this item is cumbersome. Even if you got your hands on it, it probably wouldn't be much use. It only produces extraordinary effects when combined with divine abilities... But I have some discernment. I have indeed seen another King Axe!"

"Precisely because this item is a King Axe, at its strongest, it can look down upon the world; at its weakest, it can be a source of disaster. Once it falls into the hands of a cultivator who has mastered the Mingyang divine ability, this spiritual artifact will display an entirely different splendor!"

Tian Sanglin truly did not look like a benevolent figure. He already had the appearance of a demonic overlord. Moreover, at this moment, his gaze was full of profound meaning, and his smile was even more sinister:

"Therefore, I recognize its true worth. This item... is truly a treasure in the eyes of your clan, Fellow Daoist..."

His attitude was decisive and brooked no negotiation. Li Ximing actually knew in his heart that although the other party's demands caused him pain, they weren't actually too excessive. He still sighed out loud:

"I do have some methods for refining spiritual embryos. Although I'm not proficient in the path of superior shamanism... I can still consult Xiukui and try. But this Mingzhen Heshen Pill... such a precious spiritual elixir, I don't know how much personal favor and effort I'd have to expend to get it..."

Tian Sanglin said nothing, merely sipping tea from his high seat. Li Ximing's eyelids twitched, seeing this. Just as he was about to speak, a gust of gray wind swept in from outside the hall and materialized into a young man before the main hall.

The man was tall and slender, dressed in black robes and black boots, resembling a demonic cultivator. A red dot marked his forehead. Grey cloth strips were tied around each of his sleeves. An jade plaque hung from his waist, and a large bow was slung across his back. His face was slightly sallow, looking somewhat like a hunter.

He entered the main hall, striding quickly forward. Suddenly seeing Li Ximing, his pupils slightly dilated, as if he recognized him instantly, showing slight shock.

The demonic cultivator quickly composed himself. His eyes held a peculiar look. He first bowed to Tian Sanglin and said:

"Greetings, Great King!"

Tian Sanglin nodded. The young man quickly turned and spoke very gently:

"I am Jiao Zhongzi. Greetings, Fellow Daoist Zhaojing."

Li Ximing saw him enter the hall from outside, bow slung across his back, head held high, and striding purposefully. He was momentarily distracted and let out a cough:

"Greetings, Fellow Daoist..."

Li Ximing felt a little awkward and replied:

"Regarding past matters... I apologize for any offense."

Jiao Zhongzi waved his hand and sat down to the side, smiling:

"I heard from the Miao family that a cultivator came to Southern Shunjia to exchange for a spiritual artifact. So it was Fellow Daoist Zhaojing. You're here to exchange for the Huayang King Axe, aren't you!"

Although he clearly cultivated shamanic talismans, faint flames flickered on his forehead. Li Ximing discreetly noted this and said with a wry smile:

"That's right. It's just that my lake is impoverished, and it's hard to satisfy the senior."

"Oh?" Jiao Zhongzi replied with a sound, quietly looked at Tian Sanglin in the high seat, seemingly exchanging glances, and smiled:

"It seems we'll have to trouble Fellow Daoist to refine a spiritual embryo. It's not that our Great King is intentionally making things difficult for you. Our shamanic talisman path is unlike the Purple Palace Golden Core path; we lack the means to refine spiritual embryos. If you speak of slow nurturing, we don't have the corresponding lineage either. Only you Purple Gold cultivators have practiced superior shamanism, so we can borrow it for a while..."

This Jiao Zhongzi was clearly much more eloquent than Tian Sanglin. His attitude was also unexpectedly good, and he smiled:

"Our Great King himself has one, but I haven't acquired a spiritual embryo since my breakthrough, so I thought Fellow Daoist could help... Whatever magical artifact or materials you need, you can mention it."

The implication of the words had changed. One should know that Tian Sanglin wanted him to *produce* a spiritual embryo, but from Jiao Zhongzi's mouth, it became *helping to refine* one. That would be much easier. Li Ximing's eyes lit up. He subtly noticed that Tian Sanglin still remained silent, seemingly acquiescing.

Li Ximing was immediately tempted. He nodded while secretly remaining vigilant:

'Could it be that these two, old and young, are playing a game of good cop, bad cop, asking for an exorbitant price?'

Jiao Zhongzi, with a satisfied smile, was about to speak further, but Tian Sanglin interjected, saying in a hoarse voice:

"If Fellow Daoist agrees, then this matter is settled. If not, then please return... A spiritual artifact is not something that is lent out."

Li Ximing rose and bowed, replying:

"Thank you for your understanding, Senior. It's just that, firstly, the Nine-Colored Profound Mercury is at the lake, and secondly, this junior is not familiar with the Mingzhen Heshen Pill. I hope to ask a friend about it before making a decision."

Tian Sanglin frowned slightly, but Jiao Zhongzi stood up and smiled:

"That's perfectly reasonable!"

He turned to look at Tian Sanglin and said respectfully:

"There's no need to trouble Your Majesty. How about I accompany Fellow Daoist Zhaojing, bringing along the magical artifact and spiritual artifact? If it's feasible, we can immediately exchange for the spiritual artifact there and bring the Nine-Colored Profound Mercury back to Your Majesty. With the Solar Orthodox Lineage as witness, subsequent matters will also be easier to discuss!"

Li Ximing understood clearly:

'This Southern Shunjia King is actually quite tempted by the Nine-Colored Profound Mercury...'

These words perfectly aligned with Li Ximing's wishes. They also smoothed out Tian Sanglin's furrowed brow. He nodded, gave Li Ximing a slight signal, and then dispersed into a wisp of black smoke.

Li Ximing thanked the young man before him, and together they stepped into the Grand Void. He felt a slight emotion in his heart and tentatively said:

"I had thought there might still be some misunderstanding between us, but this time, I must thank Fellow Daoist for making this happen!"

"Making it happen?" Jiao Zhongzi chuckled, turned his head and replied:

"Not really... If I missed Fellow Daoist this time, who knows how long it would be until His Majesty finds another spiritual embryo for me. Naturally, I'm the most anxious. After all, Xiukui's side has always been at odds, and it's truly hard to find one elsewhere."

"And for this spiritual embryo to land in my hands, what its effects are, whether it's miraculous, or which type is most suitable, is what I truly care about!"

As he said this so straightforwardly, Li Ximing immediately nodded, half-believing, half-doubting, and went with him towards the interior of the sea, smiling:

"How is Baoqing?"

"He?" This Shanyue (Jiao Zhongzi) showed some schadenfreude and replied:

"The abbot of Great Konghai Temple remained motionless. He naturally obediently discarded his Dharma body and went to the Buddhist Land. Shitang has now been divided among the various families. It can be said that everyone is delighted."

He and Tuodu talked for a while in the sea. It was almost the sloppiest battle Li Ximing had fought since reaching the Purple Palace realm. For a moment, he was convinced. He had doubts about the Great Konghai Temple's scheme and tentatively asked:

"Although Baoqing's seizure of Shitang caught Qingchi off guard, without the prestige of the Solar Orthodox Lineage, it ultimately cannot last."

Jiao Zhongzi smiled with his hands clasped behind his back and shook his head:

"Not so, Zhaojing, you must know that Abbot Jinghai has not reincarnated for a hundred years! Not only has he not reincarnated, but he can't even leave the Buddhist Land!"

"Why hasn't the abbot of Great Konghai Temple reincarnated for so many years? Is it that he doesn't want to? It's because there's no Dharma Image above him, and his position is unstable! This Buddhist Land absolutely requires someone to sit upon the Celestial Rain Mandala and preside over it."

"So for all these years, Jinghai has been extremely awkward, robbing Peter to pay Paul. He finally managed to secure a position. After much thought, he gave it to no one else, but to Baoqing, who had a deep-seated grudge against Qingchi... It was nothing more than fear..."

"After all, once he leaves, he'll definitely have to yield the position of presiding over the Buddhist Land. He fears that his position might be seized by others in the future, so he had to find a Moha who would be dependent on him."

Jiao Zhongzi sneered:

"Now it's all settled. Baoqing not only returned severely wounded and immobile, barely maintaining the Buddhist Land, but also formed deadly enmities with almost all surrounding forces. What could he possibly do? He can only remain Jinghai's loyal dog!"

Li Ximing immediately understood. His doubts about the Shitang matter vanished instantly. The conversation paused there, and he quickly made another deduction:

"Since Jinghai achieved his objective, it was actually Qingchi that suffered the most loss. In the end, it was the various families who divided up Qingchi's Shitang."

The two traveled through the Grand Void for a while and soon arrived at Xian Lake. Jiao Zhongzi stopped with apprehension, faint flames flickering on his forehead, and said softly:

"Fellow Daoist, please go retrieve the Nine-Colored Profound Mercury."

Li Ximing nodded, rose with a ray of light, moved a little distance away, feeling a slight apprehension in his heart. He used the jade talisman at his waist to find Ning Wan, waited briefly, and then summoned light in the Grand Void.

A moment later, wind and snow gathered. Ning Wan arrived, riding on snow. She smiled upon seeing Li Ximing and said gently:

"Congratulations, Zhaojing, everything is well! The Master also sent a sword and has taken Fei Qingya away. Her future matters will be handled by Xiukui."

Li Ximing subtly breathed a sigh of relief and thanked her. Ning Wan gave a polite smile and asked:

"Regarding Southern Shunjia... was it settled amicably?"

Li Ximing replied:

"More or less, it's almost settled. They just want a Mingzhen Heshen Pill. They said the Solar Orthodox Lineage has some... What is it, I wonder? Is it considered precious?"

Ning Wan pondered for a moment and said:

"This item should be from the Great Ning Palace, a spiritual elixir of the True Qi path, which has been lost for many years. At that time, three were stored in a great cauldron. There were a total of four cauldrons, twelve pills in all. The Si family acquired one cauldron, and Xuanfeng retrieved it."

"The Mingzhen Heshen Pill was a highly sought-after item in ancient times. It was also a precious treasure used by the Ning Kingdom to unite various families. It was said to support the nine qi, equalize and harmonize the ancient, condense elixir talismans, and enhance divine abilities. How unorthodox sects used it, I don't know, but at least for our Purple Gold path, it can slightly assist Purple Palace cultivators in catalyzing their Immortal Foundation into divine abilities!"

Li Ximing nodded, and Ning Wan said:

"Of the three pills belonging to the Si family, Senior Yuanxiu must have used one. The remaining two are in Si Yuanli's hands, but he is in seclusion... If he succeeds, you can exchange for one from him. Failing that... either the Gao family or Xiukui, with your alchemy skills, Fellow Daoist, obtaining one shouldn't be too difficult."

Li Ximing now had a clear idea. In truth, if Li Ximing were a little shameless, since Si Yuanli was still in seclusion, he could very well stall. After all, once the spiritual artifact was in his hands, claiming he was waiting to exchange for it from the Si family would be a plausible excuse:

'After all, my own reputation is at stake. Having taken something from others, it's best to do my utmost to exchange for it on behalf of Southern Shunjia. It's always better to be on good terms with people than to offend them.'

"Many thanks, Immortal Maiden!"

He bowed and took his leave, heading towards the lake. Passing through layers of formations and activating hidden mechanisms, he retrieved the small silver-white box from within the formation and proceeded towards Xian Lake.

Jiao Zhongzi waited patiently at Xian Lake. Seeing Li Ximing arrive on a ray of light, he said with great anticipation:

"Fellow Daoist Zhaojing?"

Li Ximing flipped open the silver-white small box, revealing an inch of gleaming white flowing light within. He had sealed it with his divine ability to prevent it from transforming and escaping, and also said with anticipation:

"Fellow Daoist, please take a look?"

Jiao Zhongzi paused for a breath and smiled:

"It is indeed Nine-Colored Profound Mercury! The quality is excellent! Thank you, Fellow Daoist!"

By now, Jiao Zhongzi seemed to relax, feeling much more at ease, and sighed:

"My Southern Shunjia lacked this one complete elixir... We searched very hard. Moreover, True Master Qiushui's divine abilities became increasingly perfected, and most of the complete elixir Purple Palace spiritual items from the past few decades were acquired by Jinyu at high prices... We couldn't find any anywhere! Only Heng Zhu, being at odds with Jinyu and unable to make a deal, preserved this for your esteemed clan without using it, leaving this portion remaining..."

Li Ximing actually saw it clearly. The other elixirs and the help in refining spiritual embryos were just extras. The other party had been coveting the Nine-Colored Profound Mercury for a long time. Otherwise, why would they hand over the spiritual artifact first? It was just that the values weren't equivalent, and they were afraid he'd demand an exorbitant price, and were eager to exchange this spiritual item. So he couldn't help but laugh:

"It's merely a change in fortune. It's both your fortune, Fellow Daoist, and mine."

"Good!" Jiao Zhongzi clapped his hands and sighed. He rummaged through his sleeve and took out a short knife with an ivory blade and a jade handle, smiling:

"This is the 'Li Blade,' an ancient magical artifact I acquired by chance. Its quality is extremely good. I'll entrust it to Fellow Daoist. When you have news, just send a jade slip to Southern Shunjia."

Li Ximing solemnly accepted it. Only then did the other party take out a jade box from his sleeve, casually opening it with a divine ability, revealing the Huayang King Axe within. A profound, golden-yellow light emanated from it. Li Ximing took it with both hands, feeling his palms sink, his eyes gleaming with desire. The exhaustion from rushing about finally dispersed.

"This was truly not easy!"

This was a genuine sigh. Li Ximing's obsession with spiritual artifacts was deep. Whether battling Ye Hui or Chang Xiao, he had been suppressed by the opponent's spiritual artifacts, suffering much injustice. Later, when he held the Chongyang Administering Star Treasure Plate, he almost couldn't bear to let go.

From that time on, Li Ximing's obsession with spiritual artifacts grew even stronger. He traveled around the Southern Sea, rushing from place to place, even giving away his most prized spiritual items. Now, holding the heavy Huayang King Axe in his hands, although it was only arm-length, its profound golden iridescence, mixed with faint silver sand-like light, brought a sense of peace.

As Jiao Zhongzi released his spiritual sense and erased the imprint, the ownership of the spiritual artifact transferred. The potent Mingyang divine ability climbed up the long, round axe handle, quickly dyeing the scale patterns on it golden. The hidden runes beneath lit up one by one. This spiritual artifact seemed to come alive, casting rays of light.

This Huayang King Axe, after centuries, finally absorbed the Mingyang divine ability and vibrated with spiritual energy, emitting crisp metallic sounds.

"Clang, clang, clang..."

"Boom!"

The sky light was dazzling. Li Ximing slightly loosened his grip, and the Huayang King Axe immediately floated up, assuming the posture of "Upper Radiance Upright Hold," quietly suspended before him. A sense of profound weight instantly spread, making the Grand Void turbulent and spiritual energy fluctuate.

This spiritual artifact, imbued with the Celestial Gate divine ability, emitted a dense aura of suppression, causing Jiao Zhongzi's body before it to sink. Surprisingly, faint cicada chirps could be heard within the Grand Void.

Li Ximing couldn't help but slightly close his eyes, communicating with the spiritual artifact.

This Shanyue Purple Palace cultivator (Jiao Zhongzi) stepped back and watched calmly. When Li Ximing exhaled a pale purple flame, the Huayang King Axe in the sky fell like a meteor and was surprisingly absorbed into the celestial light at his glabella.

A faint golden axe-shaped pattern flashed behind Li Ximing. Jiao Zhongzi, stimulated by his divine ability, had two points of fire light up on his glabella, which were quickly suppressed. He himself had clearly never seen this spiritual artifact so miraculous before. He let out a deep breath and sighed:

"Congratulations, Zhaojing. The Huayang King Axe has finally found its proper use."

Li Ximing had a strong impulse to immediately stop and test the spiritual artifact. His mood was excellent, everyone looked agreeable to him. He smiled at the Shanyue (Jiao Zhongzi) before him.

"Many thanks, Fellow Daoist!"

Although the flame on Jiao Zhongzi's forehead had only flickered slightly just now, Li Ximing was very sensitive to flames and immediately perceived that the flame on the other party's glabella was quite extraordinary. He praised:

"I didn't expect Fellow Daoist to also be a master of fire manipulation."

"Oh?" Jiao Zhongzi raised an eyebrow and smiled. Layers of reddish-brown flames surged from beneath his feet, climbing up his Daoist robe. The young man laughed:

"I've heard of Fellow Daoist's Three-Watch Profound Xuannuo Fire. This humble one possesses Shaoyang's Shaoshang Minister Fire. If there's an opportunity in the future, we can certainly spar!"

He cupped his hands and bowed, transformed into flames and ascended, heading south, leaving behind a faint stream of light:

"Fellow Daoist Zhaojing, there will be many days to come. We will have ample opportunities to meet again in the future."