Chapter 892: Southward Signs

Tangjin Gate had been in decline for years, but after Qingchi’s fall, it consistently relied on Jin Yu Sect for mediation. However, once the Situ family’s spirit ropes were acquired, Jin Yu Sect seemed to lose interest in its affairs. Given the existence of the Yuan Magnetic Evil Elixir and Qiu Shui’s known pursuit of enlightenment, Tian Huo’s rage is understandable. Jin Yu might have tacitly allowed, or even been powerless to prevent, the razing of Tangjin, but Tangdao Mountain transforming into a Yuan Magnetic treasure trove was likely beyond Jin Yu’s wildest expectations.

“The northern forces are complex. Is this a warning from Luoxia Mountain, a minor move by Kongwu Dharma Form and Dayu Dharma Form, or a combination of both?”

Li Ximing quietly gazed at the jade cup. He had previously harbored doubts, but from Tian Huo’s perspective, Jin Yu Sect had truly suffered a humiliating defeat this time. While lesser cultivators might remain unaware, no Violet Palace cultivator lacked the discernment to see the impact of the nascent Yuan Magnetic energy on the spiritual aura, even if they didn’t fully comprehend the changes in the golden energy.

“It’s as if an immortal sent a servant down the mountain who accidentally stepped on a tiger’s tail. Yet, seeing that the tiger was merely following orders, the servant couldn’t attack, and was left to ponder if the immortal didn’t want their own tiger cub to mature.”

Li Ximing sighed inwardly. Backed by the Golden Core, Jin Yu Sect found itself unable to respond to this incident. Firstly, the current situation limited their options, as Taiyuan was likely still beyond the heavens. Secondly, despite their numerous Violet Palace cultivators, they probably couldn’t force Kongwu, Dayu, and the Helian families to back down without True Person Qiu Shui’s personal intervention.

But with True Monarch Taiyuan absent, could Jin Yu Sect truly permit Qiu Shui to intervene? And even if she did, how would they manage the aftermath?

As Tian Huo departed, seething with anger, Li Ximing’s expression gradually soured.

“The establishment of a temple on Tangdao Mountain signals Jin Yu’s intent: they’re washing their hands of it.”

This carried significant implications!

One must understand that after Kongwu Dao breached the gate, they not only remained but also erected a temple on Tangdao Mountain. If Jin Yu Sect refuses to intervene, this ceases to be mere plunder. But would the Buddhist cultivators truly stop there? The North-South balance was already precarious. What if the Buddhist cultivators continued their advance southward? The fall of Tangjin Gate effectively meant the loss of the Xu Kingdom’s western portal. Beyond that mountain lay Fanyun, and past Fanyun, the path led directly to his Wangyue Lake!

While Tangjin Gate was no great institution, its prolonged survival undoubtedly had a purpose. Its current destruction, coupled with Jin Yu’s inaction, was deeply embarrassing. However, Li Ximing’s own family felt equally vulnerable, as if a thorn were lodged in their back.

“No wonder they came to me…”

As for the Solar Dao lineage’s predicament, Li Ximing had long known its future was uncertain. Yet, with his family situated along the riverbank, what other viable path could there be? He sighed inwardly, then used his divine power to dispel the enchantment on the cup. Just then, Ding Weizeng reported that Li Jiangxia and Li Quewan sought an audience.

Li Ximing waved them in, still somewhat distracted.

Soon, he saw Li Quewan leading, followed by Li Jiangxia, who advanced with a powerful, confident stride. They bowed before him, and Li Ximing immediately posed his most pressing question:

“How fares the situation north of the river?”

The woman, her face etched with worry, replied respectfully:

“The Buddhist cultivators dared not attack Chen Yun Gate directly. Instead, they crossed the mountains via Tangjin Gate, seizing all of its territory and establishing the Grand Yuan-Light Hidden Temple. Now, they have even crossed the stream into Fanyun territory. Both major and minor forces there are terrified, showing signs of immediate surrender upon sight.”

“As for the eastern front, Su Yan has joined Jin Yu Sect, and the demonic cultivators in Duxian Dao territory have fled. However, the lineage remains severely weakened. We hear that there are still ‘Lianmin’ present in the region, acting quite arrogantly, yet there’s no sign of True Person Ye Hui.”

“They truly crossed the mountains!”

Li Ximing immediately felt a headache, saying:

“Remarkable, Ye Hui! Still no sign of you at a time like this, when your own home lies just beyond Midong. Have you truly abandoned your Dao lineage?!”

Though he cursed, being ruthless had its benefits, a trait Li Ximing himself could not embody. Below Fanyun territory lay Funan and Midong, regions the Li family had always kept a close eye on. These two juniors had clearly come to inquire about these specific areas. Li Jiangxia even took a step forward, stating with clear conviction:

“If the True Person gives the command, we will lead a detachment of troops, with all Foundation Establishment cultivators advancing together. Funan and Midong will fall into our family’s hands in less than half an hour!”

Funan, located directly across the North Bank, had always served as the Li family’s buffer zone against the northern forces and could not be easily relinquished. However, the increasingly grim situation demanded immediate attention. Li Ximing rose from his seat, flicking his sleeves.

Suddenly, a burst of colorful light appeared, revealing four magical artifacts on the table.

These four artifacts, simple in design yet exquisitely crafted, all exuded an ancient aura: a saber, a spear, a feather fan, and a radiant pearl. Of them, the Purple Zephyr-White Torrent Pearl was paramount. Following the path of Purple Qi, it shimmered like a bright star, its quality surpassing even Li Minggong’s Hexagonal Crimson Flame Lamp and almost rivaling Li Zhouwei’s Grand Ascent. Li Ximing’s gaze lingered on it, and he praised it profusely:

“This Purple Zephyr-White Torrent Pearl is undoubtedly an ancient artifact. Regrettably, my family’s cultivation of Purple Qi is not yet fully developed, so I will keep it for now.”

Since his own cultivation method still revolved around purple smoke, acquiring such an item was certainly beneficial. The other artifacts—the Round Marvelous Spear, the Cloud-Empty Bright Fan, and the Bright Candle Long Saber—were all comparable in quality to the Hexagonal Crimson Flame Lamp, making them excellent additions for the Li family members.

Li Ximing instructed, his expression grave:

“Times have changed. These are Buddhist cultivators from the north. Distribute these artifacts and gather on the North Bank, awaiting my command.”

“Understood.”

Both replied in unison, bowed, and withdrew. Li Ximing, wasting no time on further arrangements, transformed into a streak of bright light and shot away.

Leaving Wangyue Lake, he observed a bright glow in the distant void. The northern Yuan Magnetic force continued to fluctuate, silently affecting the Great Void. Clearly, the impact caused by Tangdao Mountain was intensifying. Following its pull, he soon met Ning Wan within the Great Void.

The Autumn Lake Immortal, returning as if treading on snow, greeted him softly:

“Greetings, Zhaojing. Your timing is impeccable; I was just about to seek you out!”

Li Ximing, his expression grave, cut straight to the point, speaking softly:

“The Buddhist cultivators still show signs of advancing south… Autumn Lake, what are your intentions?”

The Solar Dao lineage’s domain was concentrated along the coast. The eastern half of Jiangbei was protected by Chen Yun Gate, Duxian Dao, and Xuanmiao Temple, effectively creating a northern barrier. Tangjin Gate, the western portal, left only his Wangyue Lake exposed to the south. Ning Wan, naturally aware of the gravity of the situation, knew she couldn’t allow him to become disheartened. Seeing his direct inquiry, she responded with a somber tone:

“Rest assured, Zhaojing. I’ve already dispatched envoys to invite Xiukui and Jianmen. If Jin Yu won’t act, we cannot simply stand idly by.”

It was clear she was also concerned about this matter, and she continued gravely:

“Do you know that Helian Wumeng of the Helian family has also arrived from the north, now allied with Kongwu Dao? He is undeniably a demonic cultivator… Their combined aggression is truly formidable.”

Li Ximing, unsure if Jin Yu’s representatives had already approached her, secretly let out a breath of relief before responding:

“Whether this leads to war or peace, a clear boundary must be established with the Buddhist cultivators. We will require the assistance of our fellow cultivators! I shall make a trip to Duxian. Should any seniors arrive, they can come directly there to find me.”

Li Ximing wasn’t being overly benevolent. Even if Ye Hui didn’t return for their rescue, Duxian Dao remained immobile, stuck in the same predicament as the Li family. Everyone in Duxian would be a unified force, ready to resist. Should a true conflict erupt, a contingent of cultivators advancing south could help hold a flank, sharing the burden. At the very least, they couldn’t allow the monks to break through unopposed, which would only bring ruin to the wilderness.

“Guan Gongxiao and a few others are still capable fighters. One must always prepare for the worst.”

As for the direction of Fanyun, the extent of the danger remained unknown. Li Ximing was certainly unwilling to go there alone. Should he illuminate the Great Void there, he wouldn’t know how many Mahas or Lianmins he would encounter, and he would risk exposing his unique abilities. It was better to do the opposite and head to Duxian.

Ning Wan understood his reasoning. If Li Ximing didn’t go, she would have to undertake the task of consolidating forces herself. Thus, she nodded and said:

“Precisely. Even if Ye Hui doesn’t return, our immortal cultivators cannot die in vain. I will come along with Daoist Kuiqi.”

With a hint of helplessness in her expression, she changed the subject:

“Regarding Xuanmiao, I encountered Elder Su Mian. He revealed himself and took Fei Qingfei. I had expected it to be Chengyan, but it was him. Elder Qi employed a clever divine ability to mislead, yet it couldn’t escape my ‘Clear Hearing’ sense.”

Ning Wan, having cultivated a powerful life divine ability, possessed a formidable Dao lineage and excellent spiritual artifacts. Although Su Mian had inherited some traditions from the Tongxuan Dao lineage, he ultimately couldn’t match Ning Wan and inadvertently revealed his presence.

Perhaps Xuan Yi had mentioned something, or perhaps the Li family’s ties to her were far stronger than Xuanmiao’s. Now that they were aligned, her clear statement caused Li Ximing to sigh softly.

“Fei Qingfei is merely a mortal… what could Su Mian possibly intend by taking her…?”

At the Baiye Mountain Gate.

Dazzling golden light flickered across the sky. A colossal golden figure, with a crimson face and fangs, straddled a red tiger, looming like a mountain against the horizon. Its eyes, one green and one red, blazed fiercely, and its voice roared like thunder, a sound terrifying enough to silence crying children:

“Pray tell, where might Senior Ye Hui be? I am Chilu, and I wish to make his acquaintance!”

The voice caused clouds and mist to dissipate, and the purple-water halo protecting the mountain gate rippled outwards, clearly indicating that the Violet Palace Grand Array was fully activated, sealing off the Great Void with immense power.

Chilu, of course, couldn’t breach the Violet Palace Grand Array, but he reveled in the terrified screams of those within. He laughed uproariously, his voice echoing like thunder.

Although he outwardly appeared to be enjoying himself immensely, behind him, a burning flame incessantly flickered, forming a pulsating wheel. It seemed to be constantly calculating the shifts within the Great Void and the present world, ready to depart at any moment.

After all, Ye Hui was also a mid-stage Violet Palace cultivator possessing three divine abilities.

Inside the grand array, the black-robed Sect Master’s face was grim, so dark it seemed ready to drip blood. Watching the colossal figure outside the mountain batter the array like a drum, while the cultivators beneath swayed and bled from their ears, he seethed with fury. Yet, he knew his True Person could not possibly make an appearance.

“It’s not just Chilu; reports from below indicate… there are at least three, perhaps more, ‘Lianmin’ within my Duxian territory…”

In recent years, Guan Gongxiao had been plagued by worry, his hair turning gray. Demonic cultivators ran rampant within his domain, causing chaos. He had also been constrained by concerns about displeasing his superiors, preventing him from acting freely. After enduring their presence for so long and finally seeing them depart, he turned around only for a Jin Yu Sect True Person to descend from the heavens and take Su Yan away.

“Boom!”

Seeing golden light approaching from both flanks, his apprehension grew. He observed that one ‘Lianmin’ wielded a sword, while another held a saber. Both were enormous and looked formidable, though neither possessed the same ostentatious grandeur as the one astride the tiger.

As the purple water rippled with increasing ferocity, Guan Gongxiao began to grow anxious:

“Two here, two there—even the Violet Palace Grand Array cannot withstand such prolonged assault!”

Just then, colorful clouds began to ascend and descend in the sky, casting brilliant hues everywhere. Chilu abruptly looked up, a wary expression on his face, as the patterns on his skin pulsed and twisted with a semblance of anger. He cursed:

“Li Ximing! You dare to show your face here!”

“Boom!”

A dazzling bright light flashed across the sky, and the dark clouds parted, revealing two radiant pillars that descended from a Heavenly Gate. Banners unfurled, and golden phoenixes accompanied them, trailing brilliant tail flames as they descended from above.

“This thing again!”

None of the three ‘Lianmin’ were willing to descend and none dared to intercept it. They transformed into qi and scattered, fleeing in different directions. Then, rolling celestial light swept forth, kicking up wind and smoke across the surroundings as various cultivators fled. A True Person in white-gold Daoist robes descended upon the Heavenly Gate, his expression icy and equally unceremonious:

“Fellow Daoist, you are causing turmoil within my Immortal Dao’s territory, plunging the populace into misery. Do you, by chance, yearn to return to the Buddhist Lands?!”

Chilu was genuinely apprehensive and had no desire to engage Li Ximing in combat within this perilous territory. After all, Ye Hui’s whereabouts remained a mystery. If he were to be suppressed by the Heavenly Gate, and a Ye Hui possessing three divine abilities suddenly emerged, Chilu might as well close his eyes and await death.

“I originally came to ascertain Ye Hui’s location and gauge the reactions of the surrounding Dao lineages, which is why I created such a grand display… but I cannot afford to lose this Dharmic body.”

Thus, he dared not approach. From afar, he instead drew forth the light of the Buddhist Lands, letting out a hearty laugh as he bellowed:

“What is this? Has Fellow Daoist Li come to champion justice? We are merely spreading the true Dharma and promoting the sacred path. Why meddle from the south? This is none of your concern!”

The Buddhist Lands were not far from this location, and the Solar Dao cultivators had not yet fully assembled. Although Li Ximing knew there were only three opponents before him, he was in no rush for a major battle. He suspended the Heavenly Gate above Duxian Mountain Gate, confronting the trio, and spoke calmly:

“Then by all means, come up and propagate your true Dharma.”

Chilu observed that Li Ximing remained unmoving, his feet firmly planted. Being well-informed from the Buddhist Lands, he knew full well that Li Ximing now possessed both a spirit embryo and a complete set of spiritual artifacts, making him far more formidable than before. Why would he risk his own Dharmic body to test Li Ximing’s power? Furthermore, with Li Ximing’s arrival, Ning Wan, Kuiqi, and others were likely close by. So, he merely rode his tiger away, secretly observing to gauge their collective strength.

Li Ximing was not concerned by Chilu’s stalling; he knew the surrounding Great Void intimately. He watched as Guan Gongxiao rose with the wind, passed through the array, and tearfully declared:

“True Person, your righteousness is profound; this humble one is deeply indebted… my gratitude knows no bounds!”

Whether his emotions were complex was unclear, but in this world, it was always shared interests that most effectively united people. The same principle applied to both Jin Yu and Duxian, which was precisely why Duxian’s attitude had long remained ambiguous.

Li Ximing, his face impassive, said coolly:

“I simply cannot abide Buddhist cultivators. Where is Ye Hui?”

Guan Gongxiao hastened to bow and prostrate, replying respectfully:

“Reporting to the True Person, our True Person recently encountered a fortuitous opportunity and has been traveling overseas. We do not know his current whereabouts or when he will return.”

Guan Gongxiao’s emphasis on “fortuitous opportunity” served a dual purpose: first, to suggest that Ye Hui could indeed return, though whether it was worth his while remained to be seen; second, to imply that Ye Hui was neither injured nor in secluded cultivation, but rather that his power was undiminished, still a mid-stage Violet Palace cultivator with three divine abilities. He then swiftly added:

“The True Person spoke with me several times in the past, stating that Wangyue Lake and my family were natural allies. However, he was under True Person Changxiao’s sway and reluctantly had to make matters difficult concerning Xuan Yue, for which he felt deeply ashamed. Now… now… everyone in Duxian… owes the True Person a debt of gratitude!”

He began to weep emotionally. Li Ximing, casting a quick glance that conveyed indifference to the sincerity of his tears, simply frowned and said:

“Summon him back immediately! The Buddhist cultivators are at your doorstep. If he remains inactive, he will return only to find your corpses!”

He gave the command aloud, but inwardly, his heart sank:

“Xuan Yi mentioned that Ye Hui found it difficult to contend with Buddhist cultivators… but surely not to this extreme!”

Pondering this, Li Ximing slowly turned his gaze to Guan Gongxiao.

“The True Person isn’t here, but didn’t he leave a direct descendant? They must cultivate the same method; I can infer the whole from a part.”

So he looked at him dispassionately and asked in a low voice:

“Have you ever engaged in combat with Buddhist cultivators? What are your observations?”