Chapter 895: Northward Advancement (1+1/2)

The sword immortal vanished into light, leaving the others standing on the mountain. Kui Qi’s voice was low as he said, “Farewell, Master!”

The others bowed in unison, respectfully saying, “Farewell, Grand True Immortal!”

*‘Green Pine Sun…’* Li Ximing sighed inwardly. Although he didn’t fully understand the Sun Daoist sect, their strength was evident. It was clear at a glance that with Lou Xing gone, who among them could command such an awe-inspiring presence as a sword immortal?

The few individuals reseated themselves. True Immortal Hou Fu seemed somewhat melancholic, holding a cup and pulling spirit tea from his storage bag to boil water for it. True Immortal Kui Qi spoke in a deep voice:

“Today, we eliminated Thirteen Compassions, and six of them died. It was a great victory. This has extinguished the fierce ambitions of the Buddhist cultivators, cut off the Great Desire Dao’s reach, and established our position at Thunder Blade Mountain, allowing us to consolidate our strength.”

Hearing this, Ting Lan softly said:

“Formless Aspect was already weak. The Dharmakaya of old gave up all ego in one go, not even keeping a sliver of true spirit, and has been silent ever since. This also led to the simultaneous demise of two Mahas from the Abhidharma School, almost costing them even their Buddhist lands!”

“If it weren’t for the Mahas from the Grand Aspirations Buddhist Realm intervening, Formless and Wrathful would be no different. It’s a pity that the other Aspects vied to support each other, adding impurities and pushing them towards the north of the river.”

“What a pity.”

Li Ximing listened to their conversation. Ning Wan then spoke up to remind them:

“Given the emergence of primordial magnetic energy on Thunder Blade Mountain, we should establish a formation. Firstly, it would harness the mountain’s magnetic energy, and secondly, it would defend against Buddhist cultivators. This mountain would seal off the southern entrance, connect to Jin Yu in the west, and Cheng Yun in the east, ensuring safety behind us.”

Ning Wan was a formation genius from Qingchi, and Ting Lan also possessed inherited knowledge. Kui Qi, who was in charge, was also quite knowledgeable in formations. This point should have been a consensus long ago. Kui Qi nodded and said:

“That’s reasonable. We don’t need much; a temporary main formation with ten to twenty sub-formations spread out would fully cover the mountain. There’s just one issue.”

He raised an eyebrow, his expression serious and somewhat troubled, and replied:

“For this mountain, we don’t need to specially set up any elaborate formations; it would be too troublesome and wouldn’t be finished in less than three to five years. We can just mend a few formation points and deploy them using the Purple Mansion formation plate stored at my Xiukui.”

“With the strength of three people, it would be perfectly sufficient. However, according to Thunder Blade Mountain’s spirit veins, it ideally requires primordial thunder. Other Daoist traditions would be fine, but the Three Thunders lineage, which descends from the Northern Palace and belongs to Dou Xuan, is something we know nothing about.”

“Nowadays, there isn’t a single decent primordial thunder Daoist tradition…”

Ting Lan replied:

“Since it’s a Dou Xuan tradition, we should inquire in the North Sea. Although the Thunder Dao isn’t prominent, there are still the Xie family and the Beihuan Sect… Furthermore… Furthermore, perhaps we could ask at Changhuai Mountain or Hezhen Dao.”

Changhuai Mountain in the State of Wu goes without saying. Hezhen Dao was precisely the sect established by Nian Yi, a disciple of Xiuyue Sect, who inherited the Daoist tradition of the True Lord of Shangyuan at Qingyu Cliff. Kui Qi looked troubled upon hearing this and reminded them:

“I think… we can ask, but don’t overthink it. It’s better to prepare to use my Xiukui Dark Wave Penetrating Sea Spirit Formation. It won’t be easy to borrow this time.”

The other two remained silent. Soon, Ting Lan shook her head and brought up:

“There’s also the Muquan Gate. Zhu Gong is gravely injured and missing, and her subordinates are fighting fiercely. I sent someone to issue orders to stop them, but it’s still a mess and unclear.”

Mentioning Zhu Gong, Kui Qi replied with a hint of helplessness:

“She turned and left, clearly not trusting me. Try to use some profound divine ability to ask and call her back. Zhao Jing’s alchemy and our Daoist scriptures are far better than her struggling alone in the East Sea for nothing.”

Once they had settled things, Ting Lan bowed and said:

“Qiu Hu and I will go into the mountains first to survey the mountain ranges and terrain there, and also to guard against ill-intentioned individuals secretly tampering with things.”

“Good.”

Kui Qi then let the two depart.

The wind and snow on the mountaintop grew stronger. After waiting for a while, Li Ximing finally had a chance to speak and sighed:

“Recently, I’ve been preoccupied with many matters… I originally wanted to ask about…”

Kui Qi naturally knew what he was asking about and waved his hand, saying:

“Regarding the spirit embryo, I considered it long ago. I also saw your Observation Pavilion divine ability’s fire refining; it’s clearly something from the Profound Enlightenment tradition. In artifact refining, one often seeks spiritual materials and nourishes them with others’ magical power to quickly form an artifact.”

“Our Sun Daoist sect’s artifact refining has never relied on such techniques, nor do we favor sacrifices. Instead, we focus on internal cultivation and nourishment through divine abilities. Spirit embryos in the High Shaman tradition are also often refined by practitioners themselves using their own divine abilities.”

*‘Chang Xi’s tradition truly is Profound Enlightenment…’* Li Ximing simply bowed and said, “It was my oversight…”

Kui Qi, however, shook his head and replied:

“That’s alright. I know this spirit embryo is for Di Lu Tian Sanglin of Nanshun Luozha. I’m not sure which of his juniors needs it… I recall there’s a True Immortal in Qize who cultivates High Shamanism and can refine it for you.”

True Immortal Kui Qi’s words were genuinely helpful. Li Ximing was overjoyed and was about to express his gratitude when he saw the True Immortal smile slightly and say:

“Don’t thank me yet. I need to discuss something with you regarding this matter.”

“The northern Buddhist cultivators’ ambitions never die. This True Immortal from Qize is rarely skilled, but he’s unwilling to get involved, making it difficult for him to help. When he comes to the lake, take the opportunity to meet him at Wushan. If the conversation goes well, you can try to ask him. It would be best if you can persuade him.”

“After all, it’s not solely our family’s concern.”

Li Ximing nodded thoughtfully, pondering inwardly: *‘He must think that since my family occupied Wushan early on, we might have acquired some excellent shamanistic artifacts or inheritances within Wushan that could sway this True Immortal.’*

He immediately agreed to everything, sighing:

“However, when my family occupied Wushan, it was already a ruin, thoroughly cleared by various Purple Mansions. I’m afraid there’s nothing impressive to see.”

The two exchanged pleasantries for a while. Kui Qi then held up his teacup, signaling the departure. Only after Li Ximing vanished into light did True Immortal Hou Fu speak, saying:

“The Li clan is a major enemy of the Buddhist cultivators. At this juncture, they fear the Buddhist southward advance more than we do.”

Kui Qi nodded and said:

“Indeed. We brought him in early, considering him for both the Shikou region and the grand formation, aiming to fully support him and share the pressure from the Buddhist cultivators. It’s rare to have a Purple Mansion who is wholeheartedly aligned with us; we cannot allow him to fall easily. As for Li Zhouwei’s matter… we’ll adapt as circumstances change.”

He set that matter aside. Seeing that Li Ximing had left, some things could finally be discussed. A look of resentment and coldness appeared on his face as he whispered:

“In the end, this grotto-heaven didn’t descend. In previous years, when a great master made a move, even the Eastern Fire Grotto-Heaven couldn’t withstand it. But now, the Secret Sphere hasn’t even opened!”

Kui Qi’s voice grew sharper, and he said coldly:

“Did we ever covet Wanling Heaven? What is the Secret Sphere? A secret realm! A secret realm listed in the Seventy-Two Grottoes Profound Scripture! The mountain itself was granted by Wei. The master of the Seventy-Two Grottoes Secret Sphere back then was surnamed Li. Are you telling me this scripture has no trace? Are you saying this secret realm won’t open?! This is simply too much deception!”

His eyes flashed with cold light as he angrily exclaimed:

“So, they sent the tokens early, deliberately opened the portal, while stabilizing the grotto-heaven. They ‘generously’ gave us three to five swords and over a dozen artifacts, then immediately dismissed us. The Treasured Rhyme Gourd is nowhere to be found, Sui Gengchen is within the great master’s qi sea, and there’s no trace of the Star-Gazing Bronze Sparrow. We searched everywhere, and not a single Secret Blossom spiritual medicine was found. Oh, great! Their intent to annoy our Sun Daoist sect is far too obvious!”

Hou Fu had clearly been suppressing his anger all along. As this matter was brought up, his expression darkened, and he said coldly:

“Exactly! Anhuai Heaven has gold, so the commotion is understandable. But they started tampering during the Eastern Fire period. The Esoteric Transformation Profound Leap Method is missing, the Sun Glazed Pagoda was taken long ago, and they only left behind a ceremonial artifact. If it weren’t for Senior Yuan Xiu’s profound cultivation, we wouldn’t even have gotten the Huaijiang Map!”

“Even earlier, they claimed Guo E killed the Tang family members—could he have done it? It was all just to see the Yang Ring… In the past, some Grand True Immortals weren’t overly aggressive, but now they are utterly unbridled!”

After the two had spoken, their long-suppressed anger finally subsided. Ultimately, they had to face reality. Kui Qi remained silent, while Hou Fu turned to sip his tea.

*‘So what…’* Hou Fu looked at the empty courtyard and softly said, “Uncle-Master, this courtyard is truly quiet now.”

Xiukui Temple had a tradition of ‘hard labor,’ emphasizing reverence for nature and empathy for the populace. All cultivators had to perform this arduous task every few years to demonstrate the sect’s commitment to reclusion and remaining untouched by the mundane world. With his Uncle-Master Kui Qi taking charge of the sect, the location was changed, and regulations were highlighted. All Foundation Establishment cultivators who were due for hard labor every few years were gathered to pick tea and cultivate land on the mountaintop, creating a grand spectacle.

Others might not have known, but Hou Fu understood his Uncle-Master’s intention: it was simply to show the Grand True Immortal how the subordinates usually toiled under this rule, hoping to bring about change.

Now that the sword immortal had swept through with a single sleeve and then departed, it undoubtedly presented an opportunity to alter the ancestral rules. Kui Qi replied:

“It should have been changed long ago; it’s merely a waste of cultivation time. You and I both came through this. Farming is just farming. Those who can gain insights from farming would still gain them without it. As for those who can’t, it wouldn’t help even if they planted the entire mountain with Tiger Bane.”

Hou Fu sipped his tea and finally dared to speak, testing the waters:

“Uncle-Master’s intentions, though not much to the Grand True Immortal’s liking, are understandable. However, since I haven’t been back these past few days, what about the Linggu family?”

Kui Qi remained silent for a long time, then after a while, he said:

“It’s inconvenient to say. Go ask in the North Sea.”

North of the River.

Li Ximing came from the riverbank, heading north. After passing Baiye Stream, he saw that the Baijiang Stream area was well-ordered with clear boundaries. Li Jiangxia, riding heavenly light, appeared to greet him.

Beside him was Guan Gongxiao, in a Daoist robe, a step behind him and politely following. On the other side, Ding Weizeng held a weapon, clearly not aligning with the Immortal Capital Dao, his expression somewhat stiff, only changing when he saw Li Ximing.

“Reporting, True Immortal, the three areas of Secret Sphere have been cleared, all cultivators dispersed, and several families have submitted. Only the Wang clan members are gathered north of Fanyun, backed by Cheng Yun, and we haven’t sent anyone there yet.”

“Understood.”

Given the Li family’s current strength, it would be problematic if Li Jiangxia couldn’t immediately pacify Baijiang with his forces. Judging by the current situation, it seemed Immortal Capital hadn’t dared to claim a single piece of land, yielding everything.

Li Ximing descended with the flow, listening as Li Jiangxia said:

“Several True Immortals and Buddhist cultivators took many people away, leaving the local factions quite alarmed. As for the remnants of the Sophora Soul Palace, they are almost nowhere to be seen, save for a few individuals barely surviving under Xiao Yuan, all of whom have been taken into the mountains.”

“Your junior feared that some of them might be close friends with Xiao Yuan, so we weren’t overly aggressive. Currently, we’ve only sent a few people to communicate and inquire. It should be clear within two or three days.”

Li Ximing listened casually and asked, “How is Wang Quwan?”

Li Jiangxia lowered his gaze and quickly replied:

“He and Wang Xiaoxiao were taken to Cheng Yun Gate and haven’t returned yet, so he’s not here. Wang Quyu sent a letter, clearly in a difficult position, but it was still filled with pleasantries.”

He offered the letter with both hands. Li Ximing glanced at it but didn’t take it to read. Since members of their family had already joined another sect, Li Ximing naturally wouldn’t bother them further. He simply replied:

“Go reply to him. There’s no need for future letters.”

“Yes.”

The man immediately put away the letter. Guan Gongxiao, standing by, respectfully said, “Reporting, True Immortal… all cultivators from Immortal Capital are here, awaiting your command.”

Guan Gongxiao’s mood was undoubtedly complex, even somewhat at a loss. However, Li Ximing didn’t concern himself with that, softly saying:

“We have already pacified Thunder Blade Mountain. The Buddhist cultivators won’t let it go easily, and we’ll need to defend it for some time.”

“If this mountain falls, we will inevitably retreat to the riverbank. What fate awaits the various families with Purple Mansions protecting them is yet unknown, but if you, True Immortal, are not here, Immortal Capital will surely be overthrown.”

Guan Gongxiao was drenched in sweat as he bowed, saying, “Immortal Capital dares not but exert its utmost until death.”

Li Ximing waved his hand, signaling him to withdraw. As the Sect Master of Immortal Capital Dao departed on the wind, Li Jiangxia then whispered:

“Reporting, True Immortal, we also found a few artifacts in the area, but they had already fallen into the hands of rogue cultivators and clan cultivators… These individuals haven’t left; they are all in the mountains. As soon as our people arrived, they immediately came to pay respects. As for cultivation methods, there are quite a few, but most are still being traced. We only have one cultivation method in hand that is worth examining.”

“Still quite clever.”

Li Ximing acknowledged this, and Li Jiangxia continued:

“Your junior’s intention is… that we won’t pursue these one or two artifacts, to demonstrate our family’s impartiality.”

It was unclear if this matter had been reported to Li Jianglong on the continent for handling. Judging by Li Jiangxia’s demeanor, he likely specifically asked for his decision before providing a reply to the continent. Li Ximing saw this, gestured for him to handle it himself, and specifically asked:

“Where are Li Quantao’s people? And those cultivators from the Secret Sphere remnant lineage who were released into the north of the river?”

Li Jiangxia respectfully said:

“Li Quantao and his son were urgently recalled to Qingchi… there’s no news of them. Fei Tonglu and Fei Tongcai are missing, perhaps taken away by someone opportunistically. As for the few who returned to the north of the river, essentially walking into a trap… most were harmed by the local clan cultivators. We have now located and brought in two individuals.”

His expression was somewhat strange as he reminded him:

“It is said that these two… are no longer as they were before.”

Li Ximing raised an eyebrow, seeing the old man Qu Bushi escorting a man and a woman. Their attire was unlike that of cultivators from north of the river. The man’s eyes were wide with anger, and the woman’s face was also full of indignation.

*‘One glance was enough to tell they were affected by the True Lord. They must have met the True Lord quite early. No wonder they dared not handle them.’* After so many incidents in the north, Li Ximing had gained considerable experience. The reason it was said that the True Lord was more terrifying during the Fetal Breath and Qi Refining stages was due to the profound ability to influence minds. While still formidable at Foundation Establishment and Purple Mansion, they wouldn’t inexplicably seize one’s mind. Now, as the sealing restriction on the two was lifted, the man immediately burst into curses, shouting:

“Lord Lin is the reincarnated True Lord of the Secret Sphere Daoist tradition! How dare you! All families in this region are protected by the Secret Sphere Daoist tradition! You actually crossed the river… How shameless! How utterly shameless!”

No one on the scene paid him any mind. Li Jiangxia presented a jade slip with both hands. Li Ximing scanned it with his spiritual sense and saw three characters:

“Feathered Guest Chant.”

This was precisely the Feathered Guest Chant from the Secret Sphere Daoist tradition. He had acquired half of it from Wen Hu back then. Now, this copy was complete from beginning to end, without any omissions.

*‘The great master’s legacy is indeed rich.’* This protective technique, the Feathered Guest Chant, was at least fifth-grade, undoubtedly a significant gain. This was the benefit of occupying this territory; some scattered items that others couldn’t ultimately take remained, but there were no more to be found.

Only the man continued to curse, appearing unyielding and loyal. Li Ximing took a brief glance. The man’s talent wasn’t bad; he had already reached the ninth level of Qi Refining, just a step away from Foundation Establishment. Before Li Ximing could react, the man cursed:

“And you, Li Zhaojing, falsely claiming to be a True Immortal…”

He didn’t know Li Ximing’s true name and simply continued to use his Daoist title. The moment these words left his mouth, the expressions of those around him changed drastically. Li Jiangxia was utterly shocked and enraged, and Qu Bushi was so terrified his soul almost scattered. But before the man could utter the character ‘Zun,’ his entire body turned brilliant white, exploding into a burst of heavenly light like a torn piece of cloth.

“Bang!”

The man was instantly reduced to ashes. The woman’s face turned pale, and before she could even open her mouth, she dissipated into smoke from head to toe, joining the man as a pair of ill-fated lovers. Everyone present was terrified and bowed to apologize.

Li Ximing didn’t pay much attention. He put away the “Feathered Guest Chant.” All the True Immortals had swept through and taken anything valuable. The fact that these two were left until now indicated their meager quality. They were consumed by hatred for their own fate and were destined to die. Dying by Li Ximing’s hand was, in a way, an easy and carefree end.

“Thoroughly investigate the cultivation methods scattered in this area. I’m going north.”

Waving his hand to dismiss the others, Li Ximing stepped into light and quickly traveled to Thunder Blade Mountain.

He saw the mountain covered in heavy snow, with most of the shattered walls and ruined foundations already torn down, revealing barren slopes. Many cultivators were ascending and descending.

However, a glance revealed that there weren’t many Foundation Establishment cultivators in green robes; most were Purple Mist Gate disciples in purple robes, many of whom he had seen when he visited the Purple Mist Gate years ago.

*‘Qingchi Sect suffered heavy losses back then and clearly still hasn’t fully recovered.’* He casually swept his gaze, a little surprised, then stepped down from the air, appearing beside a woman in red.

“Ming Gong has left seclusion.”

This woman was indeed Li Minggong, now at the late stage of Foundation Establishment cultivation. Dressed in a red dress, with flames beneath her feet, she seemed to be casting a spell to regulate fire. Upon seeing Li Ximing, she quickly bowed and respectfully said, “Greetings, True Immortal!”

Li Ximing raised an eyebrow, seeing her cultivation solid and profound abilities naturally manifest, indicating she had gained considerable benefits. He then said:

“Good… This spirit pill was not wasted.”

Li Minggong immediately bowed:

“I just came out of seclusion and happened to encounter two True Immortals passing by the lake. They instructed our Foundation Establishment cultivators to bring people, but our forces are in the north of the river. Since your junior’s cultivation is the highest, I first brought a few people using fire.”

Li Ximing nodded, offered a word of praise, and then vanished into light. He saw Ting Lan suspended in the air, piloting the Purple Jade Spirit Pavilion. That figure, whether her true body or not, stood on purple energy, with the Supreme Aspect Gourd tied to her waist, appearing simple and unadorned.

Li Ximing hadn’t come to her without reason. The increasing pressure from the northern Buddhist cultivators made him secretly anxious. He had already set his sights on the idea of the “World’s Clarity” in her possession.

Whether he could pass through “Participating in Purple” was still unknown, but his remaining two divine abilities would definitely be body and life abilities. It was merely a question of which one came first.

*‘If one day, the north of the river cannot be held and the Buddhist cultivators advance south, then everything hinges on self-preservation! My own life would be hard to protect, and the lives of those children in my family would be even harder to protect!’* After all, his close-quarters combat ability was already considerable. Once he possessed a life divine ability, both his own survival capabilities and those of his family’s younger generation would undoubtedly see a qualitative leap. With the northern Buddhist cultivators eyeing them greedily, Li Ximing had to prepare for the worst.

As for Ting Lan discussing cultivating a life divine ability only after finishing the second divine ability, Li Ximing’s subtle probing suggested it was likely due to concerns about the mental aspect. With a talisman seed in one’s body, there was naturally an added layer of protection.

Seeing Li Ximing, Ting Lan smiled and said, “Zhao Jing, your cultivation… has truly made great progress…”

Li Ximing politely declined with a smile and asked, “It’s been a long time, fellow Daoist. How are your injuries?”

“Still need some time to recover.”

Ting Lan seemed a little dejected and softly said:

“I was originally cultivating an immortal foundation in my sea of qi, but after this incident, I’ll have to cultivate it anew. That’s actually secondary; my Purple Qi Dao’s Dharma body is difficult to maintain, and any damage is very draining to my vital essence.”

“If you ever need any elixirs, just come and ask me.”

Li Ximing offered a comforting word and some reassuring remarks, appearing somewhat worried. Ting Lan noticed his unease and asked, “What’s wrong?”

He said worriedly:

“I originally intended to refine another divine ability, but after hearing your words, I grew concerned. After all, the Buddhist cultivators in the north will eventually engage in a major battle. My current body divine ability only has one trace of qi left. If I were to get injured then and have to start cultivating this divine ability from scratch, it would be quite problematic.”

Li Ximing’s concern was reasonable, making Ting Lan nod. He continued:

“That’s when I remembered your esteemed sect’s ‘World’s Clarity.’ How does it absorb qi? If it’s more convenient than my current method, that would be ideal.”

Ting Lan’s expression was slightly complex, and she simply said softly:

“It is indeed much more convenient. My Purple Mist sect has reserves of this Radiant Clarity Primordial Qi, so collecting it isn’t difficult. Few people in the sect cultivate it, so I… can give it to you, fellow Daoist.”

Li Ximing quickly waved his hand and replied:

“I cannot accept a reward without merit. Since it is a Purple Mansion cultivation method, there’s no reason to obtain it for free, especially a life divine ability that continues a Daoist tradition.”

Seeing her hesitate, Li Ximing softly said:

“I only have one doubt. Earlier, I asked you, fellow Daoist, and you said I should cultivate this body divine ability first before practicing it. What does that mean?”

Ting Lan heard this and replied:

“It’s not necessarily a strict limitation. It’s just that this life divine ability is a bit peculiar. I hoped you would refine more divine abilities and be older, allowing you to handle profound mysteries with ease before cultivating it. That would be more beneficial.”

“Secondly… when I met the Grand True Immortal back then, I specifically asked about this. The Grand True Immortal, with his profound cultivation, enlightened me… He said that the World’s Clarity should be the last of the Bright Yang methods, representing the pinnacle of Bright Yang, and the final divine ability to achieve one’s destined fruit. Cultivating it at any other stage would not yield as great a benefit to the Golden Core as achieving perfection with World’s Clarity.”

Upon hearing this, Li Ximing was immediately delighted. He didn’t have such lofty ambitions. As long as it didn’t create obstacles in his cultivation or affect his next divine ability, what would he have to fear from these considerations?

*‘No matter what, I cannot cultivate World’s Clarity last. These three abilities are set in stone. This is merely to remind Zhou Wei. As for whether he pushes for it… how Emperor Wei’s matter is handled is entirely up to him…’* So he let out a hearty laugh, shaking his head:

“How could I have such lofty ambitions? In this vast Jiangnan, few are aiming for the Golden Core. I merely wish to protect my own life and save my family!”