Chapter 880: Falling Sunset Like a Mountain

Li Ximing was secretly alarmed, pondering: "The circulating rumors say that cultivating 'medicine people' for many years and nurturing them with vital energy might be difficult for lone Purple Mansion cultivators, but it's too easy for a sect. They could prepare ten or eight at once. If they're from impoverished backgrounds, it's simplest. If they're scions of noble families... then a message would be sent out, saying they're being transferred overseas or sent to the Southern Border. Mid-journey, they'd break open the void, consume them, and never return for years. Who would ever know?"

"Even if the miraculous method has limitations and can't achieve the effect of cultivating ten or eight at once, as long as one or two are available, since they aren't cultivated by oneself, one can certainly try to break through. It's always an extra safeguard..."

"Then using this 'Path-Continuing Miracle Method' to break through to divine abilities... what's the logic behind that?"

Li Ximing had no 'Path-Continuing Miracle Method' to refer to. With his current cultivation level, he could only calculate the benefits of seizing others' immortal foundations to advance his cultivation. However, all of this presumed the availability of Purple Mansion cultivation methods. Without such methods, pushing an immortal foundation to the Ascension stage would be futile.

"The true so-called 'path-continuing' effect... I'm afraid there's still an extremely important key point, as Master Yuansu once said: it requires assistance from numerous Purple Mansion spiritual items... Only then can the genuine path-continuing effect be achieved."

"What's more, the 'Path-Continuing Miracle Method'... each family has its own way. Chang Xi said he was too proud to use it in his early years, but I doubt it. Perhaps he just wanted to bridge the gap between us. He probably didn't have any good methods at all."

Li Ximing clearly remembered Chang Xi's words from back then: "I know nothing about this path; neither the beginning nor the end works out... I can only accept him as an honored guest."

"Those were Chang Xi's exact words. This miraculous method was used freely by Chi Wei, but in Chang Xi's hands, it became something that couldn't be achieved for a hundred years... that's the difference between their lineages."

"Chi Wei seeking Lu Fu to refine pills back then was probably for the same reason..."

"And Chang Xi's lineage was truly in decline back then, so naturally, he had no good miraculous methods. The only presentable divine abilities he had, 'Refining in Fire from the Terrace of Contemplation' and 'Profound Light Mountain-Driving Scripture', both ended up in my family's hands..."

Li Ximing wouldn't pursue the 'Path-Continuing Miracle Method', nor would it be easy to obtain. At most, if he ever stumbled upon it by chance, he would merely glance at it to satisfy his curiosity. He sighed inwardly and carefully reviewed his thoughts.

"Master Yuansu died without cultivating, so he certainly never used it. Yu Xiu definitely didn't have it in his early days, though it's hard to say about his final path in his later years. As for Yuan Wu... I haven't heard anything."

At this thought, Li Ximing's brows relaxed, and he finally gained insight. His conjectures gradually solidified: "No wonder... Ye Hui possessed three divine abilities, and Chang Xiao was a Great Master..."

Eight or nine out of ten lone Purple Mansion cultivators in the world have incomplete lineages. The 'Path-Continuing Miracle Method' significantly shortens breakthrough time, but even with a sophisticated one, they lack Purple Mansion cultivation techniques. Like Zhu Gong, to break through, they can only rely on the path-continuing effect, but this would entail considerable subsequent expenses, likely making it difficult to gather all the necessary resources.

However, the Purple Mansion cultivators of the Jiangnan Sun Lineage, who possess relatively complete traditions and abundant resources, or those who have stringent requirements for their divine abilities, or uphold the righteous path, are secure and face no major enemies. Everyone must yield to them, and they are unwilling to shorten time or condescend to use others' immortal foundations. Many times, in the later stages, after becoming Great Masters, they might be missing one or two final abilities. Only then would they have a need for path continuation, which would ironically make their cultivation seem slow.

Of course, within the Sun Lineage, there are also individuals like Chi Wei, whose actions naturally led to Qingchi being labeled a demonic sect.

Only overseas lone cultivators like Chang Xiao, Ye Hui, and Guo Shentong, who coincidentally obtained complete lineages, might also possess extremely sophisticated 'Path-Continuing Miracle Methods'. They could then act with utter abandon, and their cultivation speed would instantly soar!

"Back then, everyone called them geniuses, but upon reaching the Purple Mansion stage, it became clear it wasn't fate playing tricks; there was a reason for it..."

He exhaled, about to begin his six-cycle cultivation. After careful thought, still feeling uneasy, he slowly closed his eyes, his spiritual sense subtly stirring.

A moment later, a palace guard ascended the steps, bowed respectfully, and reported: "Congratulations, True Master! The family head had given instructions to request an audience with you as soon as you emerged from seclusion."

"Let him come up," Li Ximing instructed.

He had been concerned about Shichuan on the Terrace of Contemplation. Fortunately, this ancient magical artifact had already been refined by him, and the distance wasn't too great. Using his Bright Yang divine ability, connecting to the Great Void, he calculated with his fingers: the refinement of Shichuan was nearing completion, only one-tenth remaining.

Overjoyed, he had initially intended to call Chu Minglian up for a detailed report. However, since Li Jiangqian had already sent someone, he decided to listen first.

Soon, Li Jiangqian arrived, bowed before the steps, and respectfully announced: "Congratulations, Old Ancestor, on achieving great success in your divine abilities!"

Li Jiangqian, of course, couldn't discern if Li Ximing's divine abilities were complete or not; it had merely been prearranged that this visit was to celebrate the completion of the divine abilities. Every time Li Ximing emerged from seclusion, people would congratulate him on his success, which was nothing more than pleasantries he had grown accustomed to hearing. Seeing the young man in crimson robes, he said concisely: "Great-granduncle Master Tiange Xia has returned from overseas and is currently by the lake, requesting an audience with the True Master!"

"Brother Zhi is back!" Li Ximing exclaimed, greatly delighted. He promptly rose and said, "Why haven't you invited him in? Never mind... I shall go and greet him myself!"

The True Master transformed into light and dissipated, traversing the Great Void. In the blink of an eye, he appeared above the lake, looking ahead. He saw the brightly robed Pavilion Lord approaching, riding the mists. He hurried forward, smiling, "Brother Zhi!"

Li Xizhi smiled, cupped his hands, and replied, "Greetings, True Master!"

Li Ximing pulled him along towards the mountain, sighing with emotion, and said, "True Master, True Master... What kind of 'true person' is that? Only true talents are heartless. We're brothers, Third Brother, don't use such formalities; it makes us seem distant."

Li Xizhi descended with him. After so many years, he still retained that elegant and noble demeanor, though his long tenure in a high position had imbued him with a subtle, unthreatening authority. He chuckled, "You've finally cultivated divine abilities. As your brother, I'm truly delighted. Calling you 'True Master' is also heartfelt; I feel confident knowing that our family now has a Purple Mansion cultivator."

Li Ximing laughed heartily. He had been so busy traveling that he hadn't even had time to see his brother in years, and he felt a surge of emotions. He asked, "Did something happen with Fenkuai?"

Li Xizhi shook his head, softly saying, "After all these years, what could have happened? It's just that my cultivation hasn't advanced for many years, and I've been thinking of making a move."

"I cultivate the 'Morning Glow Dew-Gathering Art'. Although it's a Qingchi lineage technique, it was left by a member of the Chi family, or rather, obtained by a Chi family ancestor. It was complete when they acquired it, and despite five hundred years of refinement, the fundamental incantation remains as passed down by the Daoist who originally created it."

"This Daoist's name is unrecorded, but he cultivated in the vicinity of Guanshan. Many years ago, Lin Guixia also cultivated this very incantation. I asked the Lin Gu family, and they said he later went to Guanshan and disappeared. He either went to seek opportunities or has already entered seclusion to break through to the Purple Mansion stage."

Li Ximing nodded gravely, filled the teacup on the table, and quietly said, "As for the Radiant Glow lineage, I consulted both Sun and Jiuqiu about it in the East Sea earlier. I'm afraid it won't be easy to obtain."

It wasn't that Li Ximing hadn't considered Li Xizhi's situation. He had specifically inquired about it on Jiuqiu back then. Both the Sun Lineage and the overseas Jiuqiu spoke of this tradition with great secrecy. Ling Du was somewhat tactful, while Hou Fu flatly shook his head.

He brought up the matter, saying somewhat cryptically, "What these two great lineages imply is that while they appear different, both are essentially under the dominion of one entity."

This referred to Guanshan and Luoxia. These two places, one a resting spot for radiant light and the other its origin and destination, were both considered the territory of 'Wuguang Jiexia' by these two great lineages.

Li Xizhi hesitated for a moment, then began, "I know... In truth, radiant glow permeates the heavens; there's no place that isn't someone else's territory. Earlier, while I was concerned about the family, I truly couldn't leave. There were no major battles in the East Sea, and True Master Qiuhu kept me behind, actually preparing for the South Sea. Now, the South Sea has been divided among various families, and the Buddhist cultivators have retreated, so they don't particularly need me... If I don't leave now, I might not have such an opportunity in the future..."

"My identity... is, after all, quite extraordinary."

Li Ximing remained silent. His elder brother was right; no matter what, he was a cultivator of the Sun Lineage, and clearly not free to make his own arrangements. Ning Wan's willingness to let him attempt a breakthrough was already a favor to Li Ximing. Should any issues arise in the future, Li Xizhi, without a Purple Mansion cultivation method, would have to continue working tirelessly for the Sun Lineage, never knowing peace.

Li Xizhi was unlike Li Queyi and others. His good relationship with the Sun Lineage and Ning Wan was not obvious at present. If there were any future changes... or even without any changes, Li Xizhi, as a pawn, could inadvertently force Li Ximing into trouble...

Noticing that Li Ximing had understood his unspoken meaning, Li Xizhi silently nodded and changed the subject, saying: "Furthermore, this path of Rainbow Glow stands apart from Yin, Yang, and the Five Virtues. It doesn't belong to the Twelve Primeval Essences. Neither magnetic thunder nor blood fiends can affect it. It thrives amidst the world's abundance, between water and fire. Where it exists, Bright Yang Heavenly Light cannot see, and Grand Shamans cannot hear its awakening. Its power is immense, its mystery unstoppable, yet why do so few cultivate it?"

Li Ximing remained silent, listening as his brother continued: "Firstly, the cultivation methods are rare, unattainable for lone cultivators. Secondly... just like Qingchi, which obtained the method, no matter which family controls it, they won't cultivate it themselves. At most, they'll give it to minor outsiders, and even then, they'll worry about losing control after a Purple Mansion cultivator falls..."

"At that time, none of the four great Qingchi families touched it, nor did any of the earlier Yuan Yu Yang Xiao, Shanyue, or Lingu cultivators. When I originally sought this lineage from my master, it was precisely to ensure absolute safety. Now... this is the price of that absolute safety."

"After all, Master never imagined I could reach the Purple Mansion stage. Without that foresight, the Rainbow Glow was naturally the safest choice."

The middle-aged man's expression was complex as he set down the jade cup: "Wutu, a substance, is earth as a mountain and heaven as glow. The so-called radiant glow is Wuguang. Wuguang was originally ranked alongside heavenly light, magnetic light, and treasure light, but now it is isolated across the sky, ceaselessly flowing throughout the year..."

At this point, Li Xizhi finally dared not speak further. He took a jade slip from his sleeve, gently placed it on the table, and whispered, "I've spent so many years in Qingchi and Fenkuai, reading countless Daoist scriptures. While none of them were particularly rare, after going through hundreds, I've gained some insights."

"I've acquired a set of miraculous methods and even advanced several spells to a level surpassing my predecessors, but they are of no great use to the family. However, there is one incantation called the 'Wuxia Merging and Dividing Wonder Art', originally an ancient technique obtained along with the Xiaoyuan Glazed Pagoda."

"Upon obtaining this art, I realized it was as profound a technique as 'Transforming Lu into Harmony', but its limitations were too great. Over many years, I slowly improved it, and it has become what it is today..."

"This art... aims to refine light into Wutu, from heaven to earth, transforming setting mists into mountains."

Li Ximing was slightly stunned and asked, "Does it offer a chance for liberation?"

Li Xizhi chuckled and shook his head, replying, "I don't have that much ability. If I had such cultivation, I wouldn't be troubled here. This spell is useful to you, though. It can transform setting mists into Wutu. The world is abundant with radiant glow, and there are many spiritual objects, but their uses are singular. With this in your hands, you can try to convert them into Wutu spiritual items."

Li Ximing felt little joy; his expression was complex. His elder brother clearly harbored aspirations for the Purple Mansion stage, and being confined to Fenkuai Island for so many years had bound him for too long. He met Li Xizhi's gaze, then quietly lowered his head and asked, "Brother, if you go to Guanshan, do not be impulsive. Without the cultivation method... be cautious when attempting to break through to the Purple Mansion."

"I understand." Li Xizhi smiled and shook his head.

"One more thing... I obtained the Xiaoyuan Glazed Pagoda from a group of cultivators. It wasn't simply to add to the family's foundation, but because it contained something far more important..."

Li Ximing immediately gave him a questioning look. His brother continued: "True Master Yuanxiu saw this item. By then, he knew he was doomed to die and no longer hoped you would join Qingchi. So, wishing to accumulate good deeds, and unable to find your whereabouts, he secretly bestowed this favor upon me."

"He told me that the Xiaoyuan Glazed Pagoda itself wasn't important. The key was the spiritual items within. Although they appeared to be merely foundational items, at the very bottom was a Purple Mansion spiritual item!"

"This spiritual item is the Heavenly Xiaoyuan Stone, which is now extinct. If the family ever faces dire circumstances, you can break this magical artifact and extract this Purple Mansion spiritual item."

Li Ximing understood, let out a deep sigh, and replied, "Brother..."

Li Xizhi shook his head and whispered, "Senior Yuanxiu hoped that... should Si Yuanli ever break through and face difficulties, we could offer assistance."

"There's no written record or oath for this matter, so there's no binding constraint. A Purple Mansion item is valuable, after all. I was concerned about accidents on the journey, so I didn't easily tell others. True Master, please just hear me out."

Li Ximing nodded. Li Xizhi sipped his tea, then looked up and said: "The Yang clan's ambition is vast, not limited to a single sect or family... I don't know what the future holds, but Chenghuai and his mother are safest and most suitable in Fenkuai. As for Zhou Luo... he can serve as a minor pillar, not material for a cornerstone. Just let him live peacefully."

He set down his teacup. Li Ximing, hesitating, finished explaining about the magical sword. Li Xizhi sighed, "These things have troubled the family."

Having said that, he stood up and smiled, "These cultivation methods and spells I've researched, I'll leave them to the family, just in case. May our descendants no longer need to cultivate the Radiant Glow from this day forward."