Chapter 890: Ascend to Fame

The Grotto-Heaven.

The moon-laurel gently swayed, and a faint silver light rippled beneath the tree. A biting cold wind swept through, and a white jade-like platform floated between heaven and earth.

Lu Jiangxian gently raised his hand, and a reflection of an ancient bronze mirror projected from the Great Void.

The mirror was no larger than a palm, encircled by a dark border. Patterns on its tail gradually converged, with a jade stone, bright as a star, embedded within.

‘This one from the Mifa Dao tradition... it’s not a mirror fragment...’

The jade stone from the Mifa Dao tradition was part of the mirror's body, known as the Name-Registry Stone. Embedded within the mirror, it was originally one entity and was the source of the saying, 'inscribing profound talismans and attaining true names.'

The edict Li Ximing heard was not baseless; it was due to the return of this treasure, which greatly enhanced the Immortal Mirror's divine power, leading to new developments.

While the Name-Registry Stone sounded auspicious, its effects were extremely overbearing. If someone opened their mind and was illuminated by its profound light, a sliver of their true spirit would be inscribed upon the Name-Registry Stone, becoming indelible. If they possessed a Talisman Seed, they could then ascend to the world within the mirror.

If a person did not possess a Talisman Seed, and their true spirit entered the Name-Registry Stone, they would not only be constrained as if by a Talisman Seed—their thoughts, life, and death no longer their own, entirely controlled by the owner of the immortal artifact—but they would also receive none of the benefits associated with a Talisman Seed.

Although such individuals could fly into the world within the mirror, they had no choice in the matter; upon a summons from above, they would lose their souls and plunge into the Name-Registry Stone.

Of course, even if a person refused to open their mind, they could not escape their fate. If their body was destroyed in front of the immortal artifact, their ascending Yang essence exposed, and they attempted to reincarnate through methods like 'Abnormal Mansion' or 'Release Position,' their true spirit, even if briefly exposed, would still be recorded by the Name-Registry Stone, leading to the same inescapable conclusion.

If a person's soul and body entered the mirror, it would be an even greater self-entrapment; they would already be affixed to the Name-Registry Stone, irreversible and permanent.

‘How overbearing... I wonder if it’s an immortal artifact or a demonic one...’

Lu Jiangxian examined each of these divine wonders. Considering the effects of Talisman Seeds and Talisman Pills, they truly originated from the same source, allowing no room for relaxation.

‘If this immortal artifact enters the world, and Talisman Seeds are given to capable individuals while everyone else is recorded by the Name-Registry Stone, couldn't it raise wave after wave of manpower?’

As he pondered this, doubts arose.

‘If that so-called previous life had such a function, why would they complain about the lack of unity among the cultivators under the Moonlight Primal Mansion? There would be no need for unity; once names are recorded and souls drawn into the mirror, all petty thoughts would be useless...’

Furthermore, his doubts about the Immortal Mirror grew.

"The Mifa Dao tradition originated from the Wanling Sect in Jiangbei. The Wanling Sect's lineage had already been severed when the Moonlight Primal Mansion was still in existence... Wouldn't this item have reached the Wanling Sect long ago? How could the Immortal Mirror in the hands of that so-called previous life have been complete?"

The Lord of the Moonlight Primal Mansion indeed possessed this Immortal Mirror, also known as the 'Dual Mastery of Formations and Talismans.' Few in the world could contend against it; if not an Immortal Monarch, then at least a Dao Embryo cultivator!

"The Immortal Mirror can also sense fragments. With his ability, entering and exiting the Mifa Grotto-Heaven would be child's play, wouldn't it? He could just take it directly... This means... we are still within his scheme."

Lu Jiangxian could only remain slightly silent, beginning to examine it closely.

‘This Name-Registry Stone has range limitations, also relying on Talisman Seeds. The scope covered by divine sense goes without saying. However, for those whose names are registered in the mundane world beyond this scope, their souls communicating with the Name-Registry Stone, whether upwards or downwards, must be supported by Talisman Seeds to prevent detection by others. After all, only Talisman Seeds possess this responsive power. This isn't difficult; there's currently a surplus of Talisman Seeds, and one person doesn't occupy one position. They only need to be supported when responding. Putting a few in will certainly be enough!’

Lu Jiangxian currently held twelve Talisman Seeds: eight were with the Li family, and the remaining four were in his hand. Though gradually dwindling, they were still sufficient. He could place at least one inside, leaving three still available.

He extended his hand, and the four white pills, connected end-to-end, were first cast into the Name-Registry Stone for use. Only then did he look towards the Great Void.

‘The Mifa Dao tradition... it was actually preserved...’

Because the Solar Dao tradition was ambushed by Buddhist cultivators, the Jiangbei platform orchestrated by Tinglan largely collapsed. The scene of the Solar Dao tradition flocking to the Grotto-Heaven to share immortal resources was no more. To put it plainly, in previous years, it was a transaction with Luoxia; the Grotto-Heaven's descent was Luoxia's compensation to the Solar Dao tradition. Now, it was merely running errands for Luoxia for free, causing casualties but gaining little benefit.

With the True Monarchs now departed from the Great Void, Jiangbei was not as dangerous as before. Lu Jiangxian observed this and sensed something amiss.

‘What's more, although Golden Feather is under Luoxia's jurisdiction, it harbors many dissenting intentions. In previous years, it flirted with the Solar Dao tradition, constantly building good relations, and the Solar Dao tradition was eager to stabilize the Golden Feather Sect. Now, it has suddenly abandoned the Tangjin Gate and lost its tacit understanding with Qingchi... It seems Jiangbei is still rife with undercurrents...’

He waved his hand, dispersing the phantom in his grasp. With a flick, the Name-Registry Stone burst forth with light, and several white talismans floated out, each seemingly imbued with spirit, autonomously hanging on the branches.

‘Jinlian, Wumu, Bu Zi...’

‘Jinlian, Wumu, Bu Zi...’

This white talisman belonging to Jinlian was turned over, revealing Dangjiang on its reverse side. Although Jinlian Mohe had only visited once and had her soul fragmented, that sliver of true spirit could not escape. In fact, her connection to the world within the mirror was deeper than that of the others.

Although Jinlian had now recovered from her injuries, the deficiencies in her soul were difficult to heal. It was unknown what spiritual medicine she had secretly used, but at least she no longer appeared to have a missing soul.

‘Now, no restrictions are needed. With just a thought, both Wumu and Jinlian are truly in my hands.’

Lu Jiangxian acted accordingly, opening a section of the Grotto-Heaven for the Li family's use. His mind gradually settled, and he thought to himself:

"Taking this opportunity, I'll establish the connection and also provide them with the method for acquiring cultivation techniques and access to that grotto-mansion."

The Seven Profound Chambers of the Shengqing Mansion.

Clouds drifted, the courtyard was bright, and ancient trees stood tall. A youth with shallow green eyes leaned on a branch, a token at his waist, holding a scroll to read. With his other hand, he held a silver pot, sipping delicately, appearing carefree and at ease.

Two strongmen waited by the tree, their hands stacked with books, waiting like statues. After a while, they saw the light on the jade table faintly flicker and heard a buzzing sound.

The youth startled as if his fur had stood on end, instantly leaping from the tree. He moved twice, landed by the table, and tossed aside his silver pot with a clatter, exclaiming ecstatically:

"Which fellow Daoist is visiting!"

Immortal Official Liu had descended to the mortal realm, and Chi Buzi had fallen silent again. Dangjiang's life these past few years had been difficult. He immediately strode forward, kicking the door open and walking out. In a few steps, he didn't even bother closing the courtyard gate. He stepped forward, quickly reaching the clouds, and opened his eyes to peer closely.

Standing in the clouds was a Daoist in white-gold robes. His features were proper, not particularly handsome; were it not for a bright spot changing between his brows, he would not appear special.

The youth suddenly stepped forward, smiling:

"I am Dangjiang. Greetings, fellow Daoist! May I ask which immortal mansion you are from?"

Li Ximing, suddenly seeing such a person, dared not neglect him. He quickly stepped forward to greet him, replying:

"I am... Zhaojing..."

As for which immortal mansion, Li Ximing naturally couldn't answer. But as soon as he replied, he suddenly remembered something, his expression changing abruptly, and he thought:

‘...Dangjiang...’

‘Dangjiang? The Immortal Official of Dangjiang Stream Mansion, under the Immortal Monarch!’

Back then, when Chi Buzi left the Li family, the Li family members had heard this name. Li Qinghong later saw Chi Buzi again, and it was said that this Dangjiang had died. He wondered if it was the same person...

‘It couldn't possibly be that this Dangjiang is Chi Buzi...’

When Dangjiang was with the Li family back then, Li Ximing was not present; he had only heard the accounts. Now, although they met face-to-face, Li Ximing dared not acknowledge him, and Dangjiang did not recognize Li Ximing either. Dangjiang was simply overjoyed to the point of tears, exclaiming:

"Finally, a human voice!"

So, Dangjiang scrutinized Li Ximing up and down, asking enthusiastically:

"Fellow Daoist, are you... a soul?"

Li Ximing quickly cupped his hands and replied:

"Reporting, Immortal Official, this junior received guidance in the lower realm and ascended to the heavens. At this moment, I am quite bewildered and cannot discern clearly..."

"Someone from the lower realm?!"

Dangjiang's expression immediately changed. Although he was merely a librarian, this entire area was under Shao Hui's management. A major event must have occurred, and his gaze was fervent as he replied:

"How rare! Why don't you come with me to see the Venerable One!"

After speaking, he slapped his head, realizing:

"My apologies, my apologies, I should first find a body for you."

He then led Li Ximing into the courtyard. Two strongmen came forward to greet them, and Dangjiang casually grabbed one, holding it in his hand, and chuckled:

"This strongman has a body but no soul. His Dharma body isn't weak, it's the most suitable!"

Li Ximing scrutinized it carefully, but felt misgivings. After all, a body was not an ordinary thing; if he fell into a trap, the loss would be fatal!

So, he secretly summoned the Immortal Mirror, intending to try and investigate. But surprisingly, it would have been better not to summon it. As soon as he recited the incantation, streaks of white light immediately bloomed from his soul, and the Profound Pearl Talisman Seed suddenly appeared out of thin air. He felt as though a basin of cold water had been poured over him from head to toe; this Talisman Seed actually transformed into a body.

This body was identical to his own; even the white-gold Daoist robe appeared out of thin air and draped over him.

As he stood firm in the courtyard, he felt various divine wonders reattach to his Dharma body. Finally, he had a tangible presence, and his Purple Mansion divine abilities returned.

"Hoo..."

He let out a breath of relief, feeling more confident. Dangjiang's eyes, however, shifted, discerning something unusual, and he exclaimed in admiration:

"Fellow Daoist actually possesses Purple Mansion cultivation... No wonder you have such an imposing demeanor! May I ask which region of the lower realm you are from, and which family?"

Li Ximing bowed slightly, discovering an extra item in his sleeve. He focused his gaze and saw that the token he had just seen in the pavilion was now in his cuff. He replied aloud:

"This humble cultivator's surname is Li, and I cultivate on a small lake."

As soon as he finished speaking, Dangjiang's face abruptly changed. His eyes widened, and his expression mixed doubt with joy, as he exclaimed in alarm:

"Do you have any token or credential?!"

Li Ximing then raised his sleeve and took out the token. As Dangjiang saw the character 'Li' on the token, his eyes instantly reddened, his lips trembled slightly, and he cried out:

"Truly surnamed Li... Fellow Daoist, you have made me suffer greatly!"

He had been grumbling about the Immortal Official Li for an unknown duration. Now that someone surnamed Li had finally arrived, he poured out his grievances, lamenting:

"Lord Li went down for reincarnation and tribulation, and all the affairs of this mansion fall to me to handle. How can I manage it all? These scrolls and books are piled up like mountains..."

"Fortunately, Lord Liu... has taken good care of me, giving me an errand or two for amusement, otherwise, I would surely die of exhaustion!"

Upon hearing just that one sentence, Li Ximing's mind buzzed.

‘Reincarnation? What kind of reincarnation could it be? Could it be me?’

The Li family had long speculated about the origin of the Immortal Mirror. Now that the Immortal Mirror also contained a Grotto-Heaven secret realm, its origin was elevated even further, and the surge of Lunar Moonlight during the Great Night further pointed to that Primal Mansion!

The person Dangjiang spoke of was naturally the former owner of the Immortal Mirror, without a doubt. Combined with the mention of reincarnation and tribulation, Li Ximing almost immediately identified the suspect:

‘It's probably Li Jiangqun, who died after being besieged by various families back then! That pavilion and small courtyard were likely left by him... and the Moonlight Primal Mansion inheritance he obtained probably has ties to the heavens!’

He looked at the sighing Dangjiang, seeing the profound bitterness in his expression, and immediately cupped his hands in reply:

"I'm afraid the Immortal Official has mistaken me. My family has worshipped immortal artifacts for generations, which is how we obtained the opportunity to resume our cultivation path. We do not know any Immortal Officials, and I am merely a small cultivator."

Dangjiang's recently ignited joy instantly turned to ashes. He paused, stunned for a moment:

"It's not you..."

Logically, the person before him had no reason to deceive him. Dangjiang's heart sank, and he pondered to himself:

‘If not you... then at least it's your family, some ancestor or elder from the heavens, having fun in the lower realm while making me toil like a beast of burden!’

He then noticed the radiant light of the bright sun on Li Ximing's body, finally realizing:

‘Cultivating the bright sun... It seems similar to Chi Buzi. Chi Buzi is trapped beneath the Lushui, and he's even more disadvantaged than Chi Buzi...’

‘First there was Chi Buzi, and now there's Zhaojing of the bright sun... Whose Dao Fruit is being shaken now? The Venerables in the heavens are playing a grand game!’

He felt a cold yet exhilarating shiver from his own deduction, forgetting to say more for a moment. He then saw light flowing in the clouds, and a streak of color came streaking forth, transforming into an immortal general in the courtyard.

The immortal general was clad in silver-white armor, with a sword at his waist. Dangjiang, forgetting his grievances, immediately bowed down. However, the immortal general stopped upon seeing Li Ximing, and chuckled:

"Greetings, fellow Daoist!"

Li Ximing first raised his brows to look, and upon seeing, he found those eyes and brows sharp and intensely familiar. He felt somewhat flustered, almost crying out loud.

‘So incredibly similar!’

Fortunately, his emotional control was excellent at this moment, showing little reaction on the surface. He bowed in return, and the immortal general chuckled:

"I am True Edict, the Immortal General of Grand Yin Suming. Congratulations, fellow Daoist! I have received orders from the Grand Yin Immortal Mansion, stating that the Immortal Official's command token has flickered, signifying his return to his position, and with the sun and moon shining together, the heavens reopen. I have come to see you."

Li Ximing quickly bowed, while Dangjiang remained kneeling motionless. True Edict turned, leading him outwards, and spoke softly:

"The Immortal Palace has been sealed, and matters of the mortal realm are typically not overseen by the heavens; they are decided by immortal artifacts. I shouldn't have brought you up, but the Profound Command of the Upper Heaven Pavilion carries a legacy from Immortal Official Li, and you have received it, which is why this journey was necessary. That Profound Command of the Upper Heaven Pavilion has already been noted in the heavens. From now on, fellow Daoist, you may freely enter and exit the Upper Heaven Pavilion."

Upon hearing this, Li Ximing immediately felt joy. The benefits of a Grotto-Heaven were immense, and no family would ever find them too much, though they dared not covet them. He expressed his gratitude, and before he could say more, True Edict continued:

"The Immortal Palace has not yet manifested in the world; after these seven days, it will be sealed again. Since you have the destiny to inherit this immortal command token, it also contains the immortal merits you have accumulated over the years, and it is directly linked to the Seven Profound Chambers. If there is a need for cultivation techniques, you may obtain them from the Upper Heaven Pavilion. This immortal command token contains three hundred and fifty-seven immortal merits, which have already been used to exchange for several Purple Mansion level spells that you may observe. As for offering sacrifices to demons, eliminating devils, and suppressing deviant paths, all have sources of immortal merit, which is also a good opportunity for people from the lower realms."

Li Ximing quietly breathed a sigh of relief, listening to True Edict say:

"Just be aware that when the heavens close, this item essentially means you are occupying Immortal Official Li's position. Do not let any True Monarch level individuals see it, lest your life be endangered."

Li Ximing had experienced too much in one day; for a moment, he didn't know what to think, feeling as if he were dreaming. He only whispered:

"I shall obey the Immortal Command!"

After True Edict finished speaking, he said earnestly:

"However, matters of the heavens must not be leaked. You must diligently cultivate in the lower realm. If you ever ascend to a Dao Fruit position and become a True Monarch, then you will have the opportunity to ascend to immortality and meet again."