Chapter 899: Magic and Intention

Minghui, upon reaching this area, acted as if he were the host, waving his hand and smiling, “We don’t need him; he can just attend to his own matters. We’re merely borrowing his space!”

The disciple didn’t dare say more and was waved away by Minghui. Minghui then lowered his head, took a tea set from a box under the jade table, manipulated water and fire to brew tea, and said with a chuckle:

“This is truly a hassle for you, fellow cultivator. Day after day, you’re dragged into work by the Solar Orthodoxy… You don’t even have time for proper cultivation. I suppose wandering freely is a more enriching life.”

“The Solar Orthodoxy is truly overbearing… Any Purple Mansion cultivator who emerges with some connection, they want to claim as their own, every single one of them. Whether it was Chen or Kuang Yu back then, for so many years, only Xiao Chuting managed to get away completely unharmed. Even Tu Longjian… he had to shed his own flesh to satisfy them before he could escape.”

Li Ximing was surprised that the monk’s words carried hidden implications, as he immediately started criticizing the Solar Orthodoxy. This made Li Ximing glance at him again. Waiting for his teacup to be filled, he said softly:

“I received protection in the early days. It was merely an offensive and defensive alliance.”

“Protection…”

Minghui smiled but remained silent. He did not utter anything harsher, musing to himself:

‘The game this lord is playing, it’s hard to tell which faction he belongs to. Since he’s from Mingyang Wei Li, he must be at odds with Luoxia, but would he necessarily be on good terms with the Solar Orthodoxy?’

He took a sip of tea, feeling a little timid, when he saw a True Master, clad in light-collared white soft armor and a black robe with white feather patterns, hurrying into the hall from outside. Li Ximing turned and cupped his hands in greeting. True Master Chang Yun returned the gesture, sat down in the hall, and said:

“Zhaojing, long time no see.”

Only then did he look at Minghui. Seeing his attire, he couldn’t help but frown and say:

“You’ve really taken a liking to this appearance in recent years. Seeing you like this, anyone who didn’t know would think you were a True Master!”

Minghui had long ago transformed himself into a Daoist, and now presented an appearance of immortal grace and profound Daoist wisdom. He chuckled:

“I learned the Profound Transformation Art from my master. It’s only natural that I practice it.”

As the two were chatting, Li Ximing noticed that Chang Yun seemed hurried, his divine abilities flickering, and even appearing somewhat listless. Although there were no visible injuries on his physical body and his expression was natural, the issues with his divine abilities could not be hidden.

‘This True Master Chang Yun is also injured… It seems he hasn’t had an easy time lately either…’

Among the many orthodoxies in Jiangbei, the northernmost was Chen Yun Sect. Logically, they shouldn’t be under much pressure. After all, Chang Yun’s good relationship with Lotus Temple was well-known. The Xiuyue Mountain Gate, located on one side, had already closed, and the Jingbo Gao family had no intention of moving south… As long as Tangdao Mountain wasn’t lost, virtually no one could threaten him.

Yet, his appearance indicated he was suffering. Perhaps he was caught in a Buddhist scheme when seizing the Wang family’s members. But upon seeing Li Ximing, he remained polite. Minghui sat between them, unsurprised, merely said:

“Ah… let someone take a look.”

Chang Yun, however, was not worried. He waved his hand and sighed:

“Zhaojing, you’ve also had quite a bit of trouble recently. When the North makes a move, it causes hardship for those of us near Jiangbei. My Chen Yun Sect is built on my efforts and cannot be moved; otherwise, I would have followed Ye Gui and left.”

“I heard Minghui mention it. You still want that Kasaya and merely asked me to be a witness.”

Li Ximing was not Sushen; he had no divine healing abilities. Unless the other party described their injuries, he could only refine pills. At the moment, he was not in a hurry. After a slight pause, he brought up something he had been considering for a long time:

“This Kasaya is gathering dust in my hands. The North is vast, and it would naturally be excellent if I could exchange it for some spiritual resources.”

Minghui pressed his palms together and chuckled:

“Of course. My master is older and has met many immortal cultivators. He has also delved into the paths of Purple Mansion and Golden Core, and his spellcraft is among the best in the Seven Phases. If fellow Daoist has any needs in this regard, feel free to speak up.”

What Li Ximing least lacked were cultivation techniques and spellcraft; why would he ask about such things? However, although this Glazed Light Kasaya was good, it was far from comparable to the Threefold Karmic Lotus of Entering the World, which belonged to Zhelu and others. Exchanging it for an entire spiritual artifact was naturally unlikely. Li Ximing held a glimmer of hope and tentatively asked:

“If there were a Purple Mansion-level spiritual flame… that would naturally be best.”

As soon as these words were spoken, Chang Yun shook his head slightly. Minghui, taking in his expression completely, hesitated for a moment before replying:

“Purple Mansion spiritual flames are rare and are also favored by Buddhist cultivators. They are often collected by fellow practitioners and enshrined within Buddhist lands, refined into spell techniques and treasures. Even if some are found outside, they are usually in the hands of Mahas, making them hard to acquire.”

Chang Yun paused briefly, then added:

“In fact, whether it’s spiritual artifacts or spiritual flames, if they fall into the hands of a Compassion Bodhisattva, they must all be handed up. It’s absolutely impossible to keep them privately. Only spiritual resources of slightly lesser value can occasionally be kept as scraps.”

‘Tsk…’

Li Ximing nodded, just as he was about to change the subject, when he saw Minghui swirling his teacup and whispering:

“It’s not entirely impossible… I also know a few channels. However… one Glazed Light Kasaya wouldn’t be enough.”

Hearing this, Li Ximing immediately nodded and replied:

“That’s no problem. Just let fellow Daoist look for clues. If there’s an opportunity for exchange, my Moon-Gazing Lake will certainly not be stingy.”

Minghui replied:

“If there’s a treasure comparable to the Akasa Demon-Subduing Bowl, I am confident I can acquire it for fellow Daoist in exchange. If it’s comparable to the Threefold Karmic Lotus of Entering the World, I would actually have to add something back for fellow Daoist…”

“Good!”

Although Li Ximing was pleased, he ultimately didn’t fully trust him, so he didn’t immediately take out the Glazed Light Kasaya. He only verbally confirmed the matter, which made Minghui a little reluctant to part.

Chang Yun had been observing for quite some time, seemingly having prepared himself. He then said:

“Regarding Wang Quli… at that time, Zhaojing was not present. Many people were vying for it. Fortunately, it fell into my hands and was not seized by the North. I apologize to Zhaojing for that.”

“What’s the big deal?!”

Li Ximing, of course, was completely at ease, appearing very magnanimous. He laughed:

“Everyone thought I would go to the Wang family. Fearing I would fall into a Northern scheme, I did the opposite and went to Bai Yinzi’s place instead. There’s no offense to be taken; I merely congratulate you, fellow Daoist, on your double blessing.”

Chang Yun smiled, but there was no deep mirth in his expression. He seemed to be pondering something and merely cupped his hands, saying:

“I’ve long known that fellow Daoist possesses a broad mind. When I have time, I will certainly visit your lake. As fellow Daoist has also noticed, I am still injured, and we should have discussed the matter of elixirs.”

With the conversation reaching this point, even though Minghui had a good relationship with him, it was not appropriate for him to listen further. The monk performed a bow, smiled at Li Ximing, and then excused himself and left.

Chang Yun escorted him out of the pavilion before returning to the table. His expression immediately became much more solemn, and he said in a low voice:

“Although I have some injuries, due to my orthodoxy, I don’t have many elixir formulas. I hope fellow Daoist can consider it yourself and refine some elixirs for me for recovery and boosting my divine abilities.”

Li Ximing nodded slightly. This was not a difficult matter. He could simply refine them using the Mysterious True Heart Elixir. It wasn’t even truly a transaction; at most, it was a favor. However, Chang Yun’s meaning was clear: his divine abilities likely prevented him from refining elixirs, which was why he thought of asking for help.

He then said solemnly:

“It’s no trouble. Mutual assistance is only proper. I have time these days, and I will refine them specifically for you then… May I ask your orthodoxy…”

Chang Yun whispered:

“Gengjin.”

Li Ximing nodded with a smile. Chang Yun, meanwhile, felt a quiet certainty in his heart:

‘Minghui also provided a good excuse. Although the sect provides necessary elixirs, in the eyes of those with ulterior motives, it would inevitably be suspicious. With Li Ximing here, it can explain a lot… Even if I take some potent elixirs once or twice and recover quickly, it won’t arouse suspicion.’

Qinling Temple.

Qinling Temple was located very close to the border between the North and South. It was currently not under the jurisdiction of any Buddhist land, only calling itself the Qinling Orthodoxy. Relying on the protection of wrathful deities and a sliver of rainbow light inheritance, it cleverly achieved the status of a Compassion Bodhisattva. At its peak, it had quite the air of a minor Buddhist land.

Now in decline, the temple was small and desolate. Although the presiding Compassion Bodhisattva Liao Kong had renovated a corner, most of it remained the ruins of yesteryear, deserted, with only the chirping of birds filling the air.

“Clack…”

A person was seen pacing in the courtyard. He wore a casual black and dark-brown robe, a Daoist crown on his head, and a small gourd and six short swords tied to his waist. With a long face and phoenix eyes, he possessed a natural bearing and grace that commanded admiration.

Yet, his actions were those of a mortal. He gently righted the chipped stone table in the courtyard, pulled up the stone stools, and softly brushed away the dust. Only then did he take out a stone pot and two small cups from his sleeve.

The pot had a simple exterior but concealed an inner spiritual radiance. As soon as he placed it on the table, a gurgling sound of water emanated from it.

The night was deep. The distant mountain range lay dormant in the heavy moonlight, as if hidden in dark mist. The middle-aged man waited for a while, then heard footsteps, and the dilapidated stone steps gave off a faint crunching sound of gravel.

A tall, slender sword cultivator entered from outside. His robes were black and white, his beard and hair neatly kept. A gourd was also tied to his waist, identical to the one on the other man’s waist.

It was True Master Lou Xing, the Grand Master of Daxiu Kui Temple.

It was the height of autumn, with fallen leaves scattered about. The sword cultivator sat down at the table without a word. The middle-aged man also remained silent, quietly raising the pot to pour wine.

“After so many years, fellow Daoist’s sword Dao has become even more profound.”

Lou Xing did not reply. His eyes, beneath his full, sharp brow bones, shone brightly. He said faintly:

“Seeing fellow Daoist Xue like this, you must have perfected your life essence, so this isn’t your first life, is it?”

The person before him was indeed Xue Yang, the Grand Master of Luoxia Mountain. His divine abilities were perfected, yet he was like still water running deep, not revealing them outwardly. After hearing the other’s words and finishing a cup of wine, he slightly closed his phoenix eyes, stood up, and said:

“That’s right. Over two hundred years ago, when I mastered the Five Arts, I perfected my life essence and specialized in profound arts. I already had the chance to contend for a remaining Rainbow Glow position…”

“But after consulting my master and being tested by him, my Daoist cultivation was ultimately too shallow, and I might not be worthy of the position. So he had me cleanse my divine abilities and reincarnate. It took many years to return, re-cultivate the Five Arts, and with ease, I reached my current position.”

Lou Xing listened quietly, his eyes fixed on him, and said faintly:

“The High Sect certainly favors its own… I vaguely recall that when I was the Daoist Son of Xiukui, my master spoke some casual words, rambling freely. Alas, I was too dull, and only remember the last few lines.”

Xue Yang did not respond, merely pouring wine into his own cup calmly. Lou Xing, however, stood up, a smile on his face, drank the wine, and spoke bluntly:

“He said, the ancient texts recorded: ‘The Precious Forms profusely anoint the fertile land, and Gengyuan dares to steal golden merits.’ This was already a sigh of endless lament. But I see now that it’s no longer fitting. Later generations should write: ‘The Mysterious Stream forbids the Green Sheep’s crossing, and again makes kings serve martial cultivators.’”

Hearing these words, Xue Yang put down his cup, took a step forward, and shook his head, saying:

“There’s no need for that!”

The atmosphere between the two suddenly grew tense. The Grand Master of Luoxia Mountain knitted his brows tightly, staring at True Master Lou Xing. The sword cultivator opposite him gave not an inch, looking directly into his face and saying coldly:

“The people of the world, from North to South, are all like fish and meat, flattering and prostrating on the ground. Dragons and phoenixes lurk hidden, and all revered figures follow orders, none daring to disobey! Mighty as Emperor Wei, dying among the fields; noble as King Liang, drowning above the rivers Jiang and Huai! As for Qi and Zhao, they have become mere playthings for others. Is this not enough?!”

“The esteemed immortal descendants of Tianwu, suddenly annihilated. The glorious prestige of Zhongxia, gifted to barbarians. Heaven-aligned Yinzhou, distant. So one mountain stands firm in the sea, the northern sea’s green cliffs stand tall, and then the Five Gates are trapped and besieged… In this world… is there still any place you cannot touch?!”

Lou Xing’s expression was stern. He met the gaze of the Grand Master before him, his voice low, even somewhat grinding his teeth:

“Is this not enough? To what extent must it go before it is enough?!”

“You…”

Xue Yang watched him quietly, seemingly unperturbed by his words. One hand rested on the jade cup as he said softly:

“The backbone of Jiangnan has been exhausted by Li Jiangqun’s generation. Once you, Lou Xing, are also gone, will Jiangnan have anyone worthy of being called a Solar successor? You think my Luoxia shows no mercy; sometimes… it’s just that you are too stubborn. The changes in the world are the choices of the world’s people. As for the changes in karmic positions and the race to prove them, they are inevitable in the immortal path; how can they be blamed?”

“Don’t mention Li Jiangqun!”

Lou Xing flung his sleeve, turned his back to him, and said coldly:

“Although I did not walk the same path as him, he was still a true gentleman. But now it’s clear: only one Zimu remains. I wonder if it’s because he keeps away from worldly affairs, or to make you appear merciful.”

Xue Yang finally sighed. The six short swords at his waist swayed slightly. He said:

“Keeping away from worldly affairs is the true immortal path.”

True Master Lou Xing’s black and white robe fluttered without a breeze. The gourd at his waist hummed. From nothing, a sword slowly materialized in his hand from the void.

The sword was silvery white in color, untouched by any external light, as if newly forged. It was two feet, nine inches, and three fen long. With a short hilt, it rested in the sword immortal’s hand. Among all its colors, only a single striking crimson point stood out, precisely on the sword’s spine.

Then, fierce winds howled, sand and stones flew, and the autumn wind rustled. Xue Yang’s six short swords at his waist vanished simultaneously. Six immense streams of rainbow light shot up into the sky, converging behind him. Each was three feet long, with their ends aligned and sharp edges facing outward, floating behind him like a screen.

The Grand Master of Luoxia Mountain’s tone finally gained a hint of complexity:

“In years past, we toasted each other in joy, yet I never imagined you would die by my hand.”

The sword immortal before him, however, seemed to hear nothing. He unfastened the gourd and gently placed it on the stone table. A clear sound was heard, like the pleasant collision of jade beads.

Before the sound fully faded, six colored light pillars shot into the sky, scattering the howling autumn winds in the air, soaring straight into the clouds, and vanishing into the gloomy, lightless night, leaving behind six colorful trails, dynamically swaying in the sky.

In the night sky, they resembled six colorful feathered dragons, stirring up rolling clouds and mist, and then thunder rumbled. In an instant, these six massive entities had gathered their full might and were now plummeting from the high heavens.

Xue Yang floated in the night sky. His head was surrounded by layers of rainbow light, spreading out in a halo. His eyes were bright as stars, profound as those of a deity. His vermilion lips parted slightly, and a deep, majestic resonating sound spread throughout heaven and earth:

“I will certainly not underestimate you!”

Lou Xing on the ground looked up. Above him, black clouds rolled, and six colorful blades were converging towards him. He watched the enlarging colors in his pupils. One hand remained pressed on his sword hilt.

“Clang!”

A burst of white light surged up from the ground, rippling outwards. Whether it was bluestones or broken formations, all the shattered walls and ruined foundations simultaneously disintegrated, turning into endless gray dust that swirled away. The Grand Void simultaneously responded, emitting a harsh clanging sound.