Chapter 897: Purple Jade

Light flickered.

Inside the pavilion, a clear qi drifted, as if the sun and moon shone together. A man in white-gold robes exhaled a wisp of white air and slowly opened his eyes, causing the clear qi in the pavilion to ripple.

"This is truly a treasure trove for cultivation." The spiritual energy in this pavilion was the densest he had ever encountered in his life, surpassing even the clear spirit pool in Qingchi that he had seen.

However, as he cultivated, a growing astonishment settled in his heart: the true significance lay not in the spiritual energy's density, but in the perfectly balanced and unwavering Yin-Yang qi of the spiritual mechanism here. These eight characters might seem ordinary, and such a balance wasn't uncommon for cultivators; the Qingchong Temple Grotto-heaven, for instance, once boasted of Yin-Yang equilibrium. Yet, the Yin-Yang balance in this pavilion was as unyielding as iron and stone, absolutely unshakable!

One must understand that cultivators and spiritual mechanisms influence each other. While a place might have balanced Yin-Yang and stable spiritual energy, any act of casting spells, cultivating, forging artifacts, or refining elixirs would inevitably affect the local Yin-Yang, causing fluctuations in spiritual energy. Yet, in this place, whether Li Ximing unleashed his Violet Palace True Fire or his divine ability, Heaven's Light, the surrounding Yin-Yang energies remained completely undisturbed. Even when he sat in meditation, absorbing spiritual energy at the terrifying speed of his Violet Palace, not an inch of the area changed; the spiritual energy consistently maintained absolute equilibrium. Li Ximing even suspected that if he were to die in this place and transform into Pure Yang Heaven's Light, this area wouldn't just lack Pure Yang energy; it wouldn't even produce a single colorful cloud.

As an alchemist, Li Ximing almost instantly grasped this astonishing characteristic: "This place, for refining certain elixirs... or even some spiritual artifacts, is simply... incredibly convenient." He secretly noted it down, then stood up, feeling refreshed and invigorated. Not only had his previous injuries healed, but he had also made significant progress.

A quick calculation revealed, to his surprise, that Li Ximing had been in seclusion for quite some time, over a year. This indicated that the Northern Buddhist faction had not made many major moves during this period, and Tinglan and Ning Wan had not encountered any difficulties. During this year, Li Ximing had spent seventy percent of his time on the Dao Flame Walk! 'The Dao Flame Walk has just begun to show its potential, usable in combat. As for the Bright Heaven's Tide, its cultivation was indeed rapid; I mastered it in a short time. While its power isn't exceptionally high, at least the underlying concept is correct...' Li Ximing didn't expect his spells to rival those of Changxiao, or to be comparable to a divine ability. Even if they could simply delay or obstruct, that would be excellent.

Now, awakening from his cultivation, he noticed the jade talisman at his waist subtly warming, signaling family matters. He stepped out of the boundary, appearing inside the Thunderous Clear Jade Pagoda, where the powerful bolts of lightning felt like a warm bath to him. With another step, he emerged onto Zhijing Mountain.

He sat down in his position. With a sweep of his spiritual sense, he spotted an unfamiliar True Monarch in the small pavilion outside the mountain. Li Jiangqian had indeed emerged from seclusion and was courteously waiting nearby. So, he spoke clearly: "Fellow Daoist, please come in!" The grand formation then activated, and a grey wind descended from the sky, carrying an eerie aura. It coalesced before him, taking the form of a robed True Monarch.

The man's attire was unusual, a treasured blade hung at his waist, and his eyes were somber. His aura fluctuated erratically, faintly tinged with the essence of divine abilities, as if he were suppressing some transformation. He clearly wasn't a person to be trifled with. However, having entered someone else's formation, he showed some deference and bowed, saying: "This humble Daoist, Dingyang Zi of Qize, greets fellow Daoist." Li Ximing had already guessed that this person was Kui Qi's helper. He estimated that Dingyang Zi hadn't broken through to the mid-Violet Palace stage, though he didn't know how many divine abilities he possessed. He replied with a smile: "Please!"

He then instructed someone to retrieve the sorcery techniques, while he himself took the True Monarch on a tour around Zhijing Mountain, showing him traces of the former Wushan. However, Wushan had been plundered, and after so many years, little remained. Furthermore, Li Ximing had used his divine ability here. Dingyang Zi clearly found nothing satisfactory. Yet, since Li Ximing hadn't demanded anything and his attitude was very cordial, showing ample respect, the True Monarch's expression improved significantly, becoming somewhat closer. He said in a deep voice: "It's a pity. Duanmu Kui was powerful, but he wasn't willing to pass on true techniques. This Wushan is overrated."

Soon, someone brought up a box of jade slips and placed it by Dingyang Zi's feet. The True Monarch sat upright, took the catalog introduction from Li Ximing, and gained some understanding of these sorcery techniques. His brows furrowed and relaxed intermittently, indicating a rather ordinary gain. Li Ximing knew his own situation. If there truly were any powerful sorcery techniques on Wushan, his own family would have already used them long ago. These were merely low-quality items, at best offering some creative ideas. He silently sipped his tea.

Dingyang Zi, however, put down the jade slips, saying nothing more, as if preoccupied. He hastily picked up a jade cup, drank it in one gulp, and stated straightforwardly: "I would like to see the artifact." Li Ximing handed over a jade box. The cultivator opened it, his eyes lit up, and he praised: "What a treasure!"

Nanshun Luojia's item was clearly impressive. He picked it up and examined it closely for a long time, a hint of reluctance appearing on his face. He whispered: "If fellow Daoist is willing, I'd like to exchange for this item..." How could Li Ximing let him exchange for it? He politely refused with a few words. Dingyang Zi also knew it was unlikely he could acquire it, so he readily gave up and said briskly: "The Huyi Upper Sect mentioned this to me. I've already made my plans, so no need for excessive politeness!"

He said in a deep voice: "To refine this artifact, I can't say exactly how many years it will take, whether sooner or later. My side is short on personnel, and we don't have a large establishment like your lakeside, nor are our resources as abundant as Wangyue's. So, for the annual refining, the necessary resources and materials should naturally come from Wangyue." "That is as it should be." Hearing him mention the Huyi Upper Sect, Li Ximing secretly sighed with emotion and responded. Dingyang Zi continued: "My Qize Dao lineage is restricted by the Changhuai Upper Sect. Many techniques are missing, and our elixirs are even worse. I'm also not skilled in alchemy. This time, I have one more thing to discuss with fellow Daoist." "After all these years of artifact refining, I hope fellow Daoist can send one Suiyuan Pill to Qize annually. Once the spirit embryo is refined, you will also need to provide me with six Violet Palace-grade Hui Shui Xuan Dao San. As for the elixir formula and main ingredients, I've brought them." "Oh?"

Li Ximing smiled faintly. With his alchemy skills, the Suiyuan Pill was no problem at all. As for the Hui Shui Xuan Dao San, he could first examine the formula. He calmly took it and looked closely: 'A spiritual elixir for clearing eyes, purifying the mind, and enhancing Dao cultivation. It's extremely difficult for ordinary cultivators to make, and its use is singular... After all, if I can't guarantee six pills, it would be a waste of their main ingredients, which would offend them.' Its difficulty was still less than that of the Tianyi Tuncui Pill. Li Ximing also had surpluses of materials. Why wouldn't he do it? He glanced at it, pleased to accept, and said with a smile: "Good!"

This crisp "Good!" made Dingyang Zi regard him with higher esteem. He placed the jade slips and jade box on the table, collected the artifact and sorcery techniques, and cupped his hands, saying: "I have another crucial spiritual artifact being refined in my furnace. Although a few disciples are managing it, I cannot be away from Qize for too long. However, fellow Daoist, rest assured, I will set up another furnace and oversee both, ensuring this matter is handled perfectly." "I won't stay here long. If fate allows, we shall converse more in the future!" Only then did Li Ximing understand the reason for Dingyang Zi's concise and direct speech. His expression wasn't very pleasant when he landed on the mountain, likely due to concern for the spiritual artifact at home. Li Ximing quickly saw him off, sighing inwardly: 'Kui Qi has immense influence, the Huyi Upper Sect... A single word from them brings someone here to the lake. If there was truly something urgent and promises were made, Dingyang Zi would find it hard to refuse. If not for the spiritual artifact being refined in his furnace, he probably would have been invited by Kui Qi to deal with the Buddhist cultivators immediately!'

Wangyue Lake.

Thunder rumbled, lightning flickered, and heavy dark clouds spread over the lake, reflecting the inky water below. A few commoners rowed small boats, fleeing across the lake. After a while, cultivators emerged to greet someone.

Then, apricot-colored flames fluttered, coalescing and dancing in mid-air. A man in a crimson robe descended on fire, gazing at the distant mountain peaks. His brows and eyes held a trace of unease as he watched the celestial phenomena. While waiting, he heard thunder explode in the sky, a faint light appeared, and a bolt of lightning streaked forward, revealing a burly man: "Hahahahaha!" This man was powerfully built, with abundant hair and a very robust physique. He wore jade armor, and two fist-sized bronze bells hung at his waist. He was full of vigor, and called out: "Patriarch!"

Li Jiangqian cupped his hands, relieved. After all, there was still a guest on the mountain, and the sudden darkening of the sky made him fear a Violet Palace-level conflict. Now knowing it was a breakthrough by one of their own, he immediately laughed: "Congratulations, Clan Uncle!" The person before him was naturally Li Zhouda, who had inherited Li Cheng's legacy and lineage. After years of perseverance, he had finally succeeded. Having achieved Foundation Establishment in one fell swoop, he was naturally elated. He waved his hand, wanting to say something, paused for a long time, and then just said: "What joy!" Li Jiangqian chuckled, welcomed him down, and said: "Clan Uncle, your breakthrough is perfectly timed. Congratulations, congratulations!"

Li Zhouda's Foundation Establishment had taken a considerable amount of time. It seemed the elixirs had played a significant role; without the family's resources and pills, the likelihood of this man achieving Foundation Establishment would have been quite low, and over time, rumors of his demise might even have spread... Having just emerged from seclusion, Li Zhouda was naturally unaware of this. Being in high spirits, he simply laughed heartily and replied: "The ancestors truly blessed me! I used to fear my incompetence, that I couldn't continue the family lineage. Now, this is a great fortune! I'm going back to hold a grand banquet; all these branches and households must come and grace us with their presence to drink wine!" He was certainly not a reserved person, and his face was full of pride. The family's cultivators gradually gathered closer. Li Jiangqian smiled and stepped aside, his gaze sweeping over them, seemingly counting people.

Li Jiangqian had emerged from seclusion over half a year ago. Not only had he broken through to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, but he had also consolidated his cultivation. In truth, taking a Talisman Pill would have made achieving the late-Foundation Establishment stage easily within his grasp, but with so many people present, it would have seemed improper, so he naturally hadn't taken it. During his time out of seclusion, he had rarely set aside family matters, dedicating himself to cultivating spells. The Da Li Scripture was an excellent Dao lineage, and he appeared radiant, clearly having made good progress in his Dao cultivation and spellcraft.

As everyone was celebrating, heavy black qi receded into the distance. The eastern sky was hazy, faintly tinged with purple light. A streak of heavenly light emerged from the lake, manifesting a figure nearby. Everyone quickly bowed down, saying respectfully: "Greetings, True Monarch!" "Well done." The figure that appeared was none other than Li Ximing, who had just sent someone back. He now nodded to Li Zhouda, indicating approval, but his gaze was fixed on the distance, a mix of surprise and solemnity: 'What a beautiful stretch of purple clouds.' Celestial phenomena were never simple matters. These clouds to the east were a vibrant purple, piled up like tiles, built into the sky. Bathed in the morning light, they turned golden-purple, creating a joyful and magnificent spectacle.

At the moment, he couldn't afford to consider much else, so he instructed: "You all settle down properly. I need to make a trip." He then transformed into a streak of light and headed east. After only a few steps, he saw the bustling scene of Yufu Commandery: cultivators rising and falling, all whispering and secretly discussing. In mid-air, divine abilities flickered, and a man in a brown-grey robe floated over: "Senior Hou Fu!"

True Monarch Hou Fu was nodding and full of praise. Seeing Li Ximing, he descended on his cloud to greet him, gesturing him closer with his hand, and praised: "It's a great development; the divine ability has been successfully cultivated." The phrase "the divine ability has been successfully cultivated" made everything clear. Li Ximing had already had some doubts in his mind, and hearing this, he was overjoyed. He clapped his hands and said: "Good... good, good! The Purple Mist Blessed Land truly possesses profound fortune!" Then, a surge of purple qi rose from the Blessed Land, revealing a woman clad in clothes wreathed in purple mist, with a long purple jade sword on her back. Her face was beautiful, and she bowed in mid-air, smiling: "Ziyu greets all fellow Daoists!" In front of her was Tinglan, dressed in autumn-yellow attire, her joy even more pronounced. She simply said: "This is Kan Ziyu, Daoist name Wen Qing, who today has successfully cultivated a divine ability..." Everyone offered congratulations. Kan Ziyu, equally radiant with joy, followed Tinglan in returning greetings to each person. The Blessed Land was filled with celebration, and brilliance shone everywhere.

'Kan Ziyu...' Li Ximing secretly calculated. Strictly speaking, Kan Ziyu was at least from the same era as his grand-uncle Li Xuanfeng, placing him in the same generation as Qianli Zi. However, Jiangnan didn't place much emphasis on such generational distinctions unless they were fellow disciples. It was more about the sequence of achieving divine abilities and acknowledging the more accomplished as teachers. Thus, True Monarch Wen Qing still came to salute him. True Monarch Tinglan surveyed the surroundings with a smile: "Ziyu still needs to nurture her cultivation and stabilize her divine ability... Thank you, fellow Daoists." Li Ximing was undeniably pleased, secretly sighing with emotion: 'This is truly a blessing in disguise...' Considering this, there were many talents from Kan Ziyu's era. Besides those in seclusion in Qingchi, Xiukui also had a Lin Chensheng, who cultivated high-level sorcery, and it was unknown whether he had successfully broken through to the Violet Palace realm.

As he was pondering, he suddenly noticed that Hou Fu should have been in Great Xiyuan, and couldn't help but ask: "Senior, about the matter in the west..." Hou Fu smiled and looked at him, replying: "The Sun Dao Lineage's rotational guardianship of this place was originally a standing rule. But I've been here for a long time and grew quite weary. After several discussions with the Sword Sect, we arranged for Xiukui to hand over, and the Sword Sect will handle the remaining years. We also invited True Monarch Ni of the Wu Kingdom to assist. It just needs to be repaid next time." Li Ximing smiled: "That's a good solution." The Sword Sect was rigid, and it had that sword scripture suppressing it. Although it had two True Monarchs, Li Ximing had yet to see the True Monarch named Cheng gather with the Sun Dao Lineage. This showed his attitude, clearly leaning towards reclusion. The only one truly intent on changing the situation was Ling Mei. In such a situation, Ling Mei faced significant resistance in taking action. This current rearrangement was undoubtedly an indirect form of assistance, making Li Ximing nod inwardly: 'Moreover, they've even drawn in some True Monarch Ni. Indeed... during my seclusion, the True Monarchs of the Sun Dao Lineage clearly didn't waste any time, constantly accumulating strength.'

As he was pondering, he saw Tinglan approaching on purple qi. Kan Ziyu's breakthrough was clearly beyond her expectations; even with her composure, she couldn't completely conceal her joy at this moment. She smiled and said: "Zhaojing has emerged from seclusion." Li Ximing nodded with a smile, then watched as she gestured with her hand, indicating they should go up to Tangdao Mountain together: "Ning Wan went to Shahong Kingdom and stopped by the South Sea. She isn't here right now..." She then straightened her expression and said: "After all, whether it's Shahong Kingdom or Nanshun Luojia, there are personal ties. We've inquired extensively, and there's a chance for assistance..." Li Ximing nodded, indicating his understanding. Tangdao Mountain was now visible before them, enveloped in a dark, lustrous glow that shifted and transformed into various radiant forms, an ancient aura washing over them.

Tinglan and Ning Wan hadn't constructed a grand Violet Palace formation like the Li family's. Building such a formation wasn't a simple matter, and this place wasn't a specific sect's mountain gate, so there was no real need. Instead, they used a Violet Palace formation disc spiritual artifact for protection, establishing formation points with their array cultivation to amplify its power, creating a significant display. But seeing this, Li Ximing secretly sighed: 'It is indeed a spiritual artifact from the Great Xiukui Dao lineage. It seems Kui Qi was right; the trip to the North Sea was fruitless.'

Characters in this chapter:Li Ximing: Early Violet Palace Stage, Violet Palace AlchemistTinglan: Early Violet Palace Stage, Violet Palace Array MasterNing Wan: Early Violet Palace Stage, Violet Palace Array MasterHou Fu: Early Violet Palace StageWen Qing: Early Violet Palace StageDingyang Zi: Early Violet Palace StageLi Jiangqian: Mid-Foundation Establishment Stage (Da Li Scripture lineage)Li Zhouda: Early Foundation Establishment Stage (Xuanlei Po lineage)