Chapter 919: Situation Gradually Stabilizes

Chi Buzi accepted the Dao Xu Yin Po Xuan Blade presented before him, his expression calm and submissive. Various conjectures flashed through his mind as he knelt obediently, reverently declaring, "I will certainly not fail to meet your expectations, my Lord!"

Shaohui said softly, "There are no expectations; it's merely a reward for your service, a chance at life."

"This humble cultivator understands!" Chi Buzi replied respectfully. He then saw Dangjiang, who was standing nearby, raise his head and cautiously ask, "I've noticed the mansion... has become much quieter. I wonder why..."

Shaohui's crimson lips parted, and she let out a faint sigh, replying, "The celestial phenomena have changed; Wutu is bright. Something significant has happened in the lower realm. We have been tasked with observing the celestial signs to prevent any further intervention by True Sovereigns or even higher-level cultivators. Many of our fellow Daoists are currently not in the mansion."

At these words, Chi Buzi's downcast eyes slightly narrowed, and a chill ran through his heart. 'Wutu... Luoxia... It seems the North-South conflict is being personally suppressed by a True Sovereign... I wonder which one from Luoxia it could be...'

Although Chi Buzi was overseas, he had heard no shortage of news from within the continent, possessing numerous channels for information. A sense of dread slowly crept into his heart. 'I knew long ago that the North-South conflict was a bottomless pit; anyone involved would come to no good end. But I never imagined a True Sovereign would personally intervene... No wonder! Even if Lou Xing risked his life to keep Xue Yang from moving in Qin Ling, causing all cultivators of various paths to divert their attention to observe and ascertain the truth about Xue Yang of Luoxia... before such a grand trend, it would merely create a ripple. I never expected this North-South conflict to escalate to such a critical point!'

His heart turned cold. 'Who is this True Sovereign from Luoxia waiting for... Grand Invoker? The one from above? Empress Binshui... or even one of the remaining two from Shaoyang?'

Just as these thoughts flashed through his mind, he heard Shaohui, seated above, say softly, "But there's no need to be nervous. We observed carefully, and ultimately, no conflict arose. Otherwise, things would not be as they are now."

Chi Buzi quickly interjected, respectfully saying, "Precisely! During the Northern Sea Jade True Dao Attainment conflict back then, the celestial phenomena were chaotic, and the common people couldn't discern anything. Only a few of us, with slightly higher cultivation and attained life-divine abilities, had some premonitions, which gradually spread. Now, several great cultivators are discussing it, calling it the 'Convergence of Truths Transformation,' and everyone is awaiting the outcome..."

Although his words were meant to subtly probe, they were accurate. The outcome of the great battle would determine the future path of the Jade True Dao. While more and more cultivators are now pursuing the Jade True path, various factions would ultimately wait until the results were clear before deciding whether to send their true direct descendants onto this lineage. Furthermore, Jade True lineages like Zhusheng would probably test white jade with clear water and precious stones daily, fearing any bad news.

As for Lu Jiangxian, he had no ability to look beyond the heavens. He didn't even bother to glance at Luoxia, where the Wutu Golden Core resided, let alone study the outcome of True Sovereigns' battles. Naturally, there was no related news from above. When he asked, Shaohui merely shook her head and smiled. "Unless it's a matter of total destruction, even if there's an outcome, it won't be apparent for several years."

This statement was naturally watertight, causing Chi Buzi to lower his head. He had actually hoped to ascertain the heavenly realm's stance from Shaohui's words... Now, having gained nothing, he immediately fell silent.

This had been his long-standing doubt. Although it was undoubtedly the Taiyin and Taiyang above, its current appearance suggested it was clearly not the Yuan Mansion. When Chi Buzi mentioned Du Qing, the True Edict, clearly belonging to a significant figure, surprisingly referred to him as 'that True Sovereign who cultivates clear water.'

'Yet, the Prefecture Lord established his mansion here; this place's origin must be older than the Yuan Mansion, and even the Prefecture Lord is merely one of the members of the heavenly realm!'

It was important to note that this place was under the jurisdiction of various prefectures. The person before him cultivated Shaoyin, yet in Dangjiang's words, she was merely a celestial maiden of a Shaoyin prefecture...

'There's a prefecture here too, which means there might be at least one more True Sovereign of the Shaoyin rank in the heavens!'

The path of Shaoyin had been hidden for many years. According to Chi Buzi's memory, apart from the lineage in Jibei to the west, where the Guanhuatianlou Dao sect was located, it was rarely heard of elsewhere...

Chi Buzi had no time for further thought. He hastily bowed and said, "Time is pressing; I must not delay heavenly matters... However, caution comes first in all things. I wish to entrust these items to Immortal Official Dangjiang for now and retrieve them once I am within the formation!"

His consideration was not unreasonable. After all, he was going to Penglai; who knew what strange methods that Immortal Cave might possess? It was naturally best to avoid risks when possible. Although Shaohui did not know of Penglai, she could somewhat understand and nodded gently.

"Alright!"

"Thank you..." Before he could finish speaking, Shaohui waved her hand, dismissing him. As Chi Buzi stood up, Dangjiang immediately tried to follow, but Shaohui called him back, keeping him in the courtyard.

Though Dangjiang didn't say it aloud, having resolved Chi Buzi's matter, he was clearly in a good mood. He approached with a smile and said, "My Lord..."

Shaohui silently shook her head and asked, "Chi Buzi's return this time means he will be gone for the foreseeable future. However, since he rendered meritorious service, you will also benefit. I have already reported to True Edict Immortal General that you are proficient in matters of high sacrifice and quite knowledgeable about the lower realms..."

Dangjiang immediately perked up, nodding repeatedly. True Edict had also mentioned rewards a few days prior. He exclaimed, "It's all thanks to your guidance, my Lord! This humble one is eternally grateful..."

Shaohui chuckled, "If you say that, shouldn't you first return that basket of golden laurel branches to me?"

Dangjiang was just talking. The mere thought of it made his heart bleed, and he stammered dolefully, "This... how should this be calculated... As of today, this subordinate only has two or three hundred merits in hand..."

Shaohui shook her head with a smile and replied, "I won't tease you anymore. You are to be promoted to an Immortal Official overseeing sacrifices, to another realm... There's no decree of appointment yet, but if you wait a bit, you should have some good days ahead."

Dangjiang was overjoyed, nodding and kowtowing with satisfaction. He immediately began asking for details, filled with both curiosity and delight. His incessant chattering quickly annoyed the woman, who swiftly found an excuse to send him away.

Lu Jiangxian, meanwhile, stood silently in the hall, observing everything from beginning to end.

The arrangement for Dangjiang was not merely a response to his repeated complaints; it also concerned Lu Jiangxian's own plans.

'When Li Ximing seized Tangdao Mountain, he killed a Compassionate One named Huakong. Although Huakong's physical body perished at Li Ximing's hand and returned to the Pure Land, his true spirit, having been killed by the Talisman Seed, was naturally recorded on the Stone of Names.'

This meant that with a single thought, Lu Jiangxian could immediately summon Huakong into the mirror!

Not just this person; Li Ximing had actually killed another one on Caishan. However, that was right in the palm of a True Sovereign, who was watching intently. That Compassionate One was truly useless, so Lu Jiangxian did not act.

Giving Dangjiang a position was also preparation for this matter.

'In the future, with direct contact between the North and South, and the Buddhist cultivators being disunited, it's a perfect opportunity to profit from the situation, cultivate a few of our own people, and alleviate pressure on the Li family... Regarding the Compassionate Ones, naturally, the more who are secretly recorded, the better. However, it's impossible to simply kill them all at will. While it's not a major issue right now, the personnel chosen and summoned into the mirror should prioritize quality over quantity. Even if not Mahakashyapa-level, they should ideally be of the Minghui or Wumu rank—high-ranking and influential Compassionate Ones!'

Moon-Gazing Lake.

A purple-gold profound pillar stood between the islands, shrouded in mist, its patterns mysterious. Cultivators moved through the dense crowds, an imposing atmosphere permeating the air. In the very center, the inner formation glowed with a hazy purple light, and pale yellow floor tiles reflected the flickering firelight.

The True Master, clad in a white-gold Daoist robe, clapped his hands together, a joyous expression on his face. He slammed a hand heavily onto the alchemy furnace, and a surge of dark grey light rose, swirling above the furnace. The elephant-head ornament gaped open, expelling a stream of grey-black qi.

As the smoke dispersed, a trickling sound of a stream echoed within the cave mansion, accompanied by a winding gurgle. Li Ximing placed down a jade box, and seven pills successively dropped, resting quietly on a fine white soft cushion.

'Whew...' Seeing the seven pills, Li Ximing breathed a sigh of relief, feeling somewhat fortunate.

He had actually known for a long time that Kan Shui and Ming Yang were not very compatible, and he had been reminded several times. However, it was only when he began refining pills that he truly felt the incompatibility between the two.

'Fortunately, my skills are excellent, and I used true fire instead of Ming Yang Purple Flame, which allowed me to maintain control of the situation...'

His previous estimate was eight to nine pills. Despite the clash of Dao lineages, he was still able to produce seven, which was more than enough to meet the other party's requirement for six.

Looking into the box, each pill bore patterns resembling rugged mountains and flowing water. A light, spiritual aura wafted forth, and he faintly heard the sound of water, prompting him to close the lid to prevent the pills from being affected by the spiritual essence.

The Hui Shui Xuan Dao Powder clarified the mind, sharpened vision, and enhanced Dao cultivation. In Li Ximing's view, such a minor effect was hardly worth wasting a Violet Mansion-tier Cangzhou Hui Scale. However, the other party's Dao lineage must have had other profound uses for it. He simply ordered Li Minggong to come forward and have her lead people to Qize.

He then ascended and landed on Zhijing Mountain. At the foot of the mountain, the purple flame fire veins tinkled. With a sweep of his spiritual sense, he saw Li Zhouwei's Grand Ascension fluctuating within the purple flames, shimmering brightly, while cultivators from the Purple Smoke Sect were repairing it nearby.

"Where has Minghuang gone?" he asked casually. Immediately, Ding Weizeng descended to the mountain and respectfully reported, "Reporting to True Master, True Master Minghuang has entered Mount Dali."

Li Ximing's heart gradually cleared. He acknowledged the report and asked, "How is the riverbank?"

Ding Weizeng respectfully replied, "The opposite bank has been occupied by the Grand Yuan Guangyin Temple. Within three nights, countless commoners descended from the north, covering the entire Baijiang Creek and simultaneously spreading their doctrines, establishing numerous temples."

Li Ximing shook his head. "They are accustomed to being disgusting."

With hundreds of thousands of Buddhist cultivators migrating there, the entire Baijiang Creek was effectively settled. Even if it were recovered one day, unless there was a massive slaughter, Buddhist practices would not be eradicated for fifty to a hundred years.

'They keep twisting things around, insisting on using this Grand Yuan Guangyin Temple pretense. I don't know which sect they belong to, or which Dao lineage they covet...'

There had been no movement from the opposite bank yet; currently, it seemed they had no intention of moving south, which was a good thing. After a brief thought, Ding Weizeng said, "There's one more matter to report. A demonic creature has arrived from the Southern Borders... escorted by people from Qingchi. He calls himself Yan Hu."

"So it's him." Yan Hu had originally been sent out by them. Li Ximing gestured and replied, "Have him come up."

A man with a broad face and black hair, clad in a dark robe, ascended from below. Upon seeing Li Ximing, he exclaimed, "Your subordinate greets my Lord! It has been a long time. Your subordinate has missed you greatly and thought of you constantly..."

Li Ximing didn't bother to converse much with him, only wishing to hear some good news. He waved his hand and instructed, "What have you gained?"

Yan Hu quickly bowed and respectfully reported, "Reporting to my Lord, I was fortunate to obtain your name and, leveraging your divine abilities, passed through the great mountains of the Piao People Kingdom. I searched among the demon kingdoms west of the Piao People Kingdom, beneath the Great West Yuan. After much inquiry, I found a demon king in the Western Po Kingdom, who hopes to gain some benefits from the True Master."

"That demon king cultivates Auspicious Qi and calls himself the Great Suopo King. He possesses two Violet Mansion-tier spiritual resources and one Violet Mansion-tier spiritual water, but he needs pills... He wishes to request that my Lord refine them for him."

Li Ximing frowned. Hearing this, it was clear that the other party did not trust a minor Foundation Establishment cultivator, not even fully disclosing the names of the spiritual resources. He felt somewhat disappointed. Yan Hu observed his expression and whispered, "He said this pill is very difficult to refine, yielding only one per furnace. However, upon hearing that the True Master is a Ming Yang cultivator, which would be beneficial for this pill, he happily came to inquire."

Li Ximing knew nothing about that region, nor had he seen the relevant alchemy texts, making it hard to judge the difficulty. He frowned and asked, "Only this one?"

After he said this, Yan Hu whispered, "To the east of the Piao People Kingdom, there's an extremely formidable old demon king, Master Bifu Mountain, named Canlu Fu. He is also skilled in alchemy and has recently made many Daoist friends. Many demonic creatures from the Southern Borders seek him out... thus, he isn't particularly eager for pill refining."

Hearing that name, Li Ximing irritably tossed the cup in his hand aside. His gaze was cold, but he remained silent.

"However, past the Piao People Kingdom, below the Great West Yuan, there is the Sheng Bai Palace of the Great West Yuan. It has a Violet Mansion protector, a demonic cultivator, one of the Five Luminaries, who is extremely skilled in alchemy and acts fairly. Most of the demon kings from that region seek him out. Only the Great Suopo King is at odds with him... which is why..."

Li Ximing could only shake his head. He was still injured; how could he travel thousands of miles to the depths of the Southern Borders? Furthermore, he didn't know the extent of the other party's enmity with Sheng Bai Palace, or if it was related to the pills... He didn't want to offend anyone without cause, so he replied, "You can tell him I have important matters and it's inconvenient for me to move. If he absolutely insists on the refinement... either he comes here, or he waits a few years. Leave this demon king aside for now and continue inquiring deeper."

"Yes, my Lord!" Yan Hu replied respectfully and continued, "Regarding the spiritual fire that my Lord instructed me to inquire about, I have gathered information. There are two clear locations: one is with the ruler of the Piao People Kingdom, who is an immortal cultivator, and the other is with a demon king by the South Sea. Both treasure their spiritual fires greatly... and have no intention of trading them."

Li Ximing shook his head and asked, "What level of cultivation are they?"

This question startled Yan Hu. He immediately knelt and exclaimed, "This humble one does not know... This humble one does not know!"

His mind quickly turned, and he immediately added, "Also... I've heard that the Lord of Nanshunluozhe and the Lord of Dakonghai Temple both possess spiritual fires! In the past, a great demon of fire virtue failed in his breakthrough near the Piao People Kingdom and perished, but several spiritual fires escaped. Someone must secretly possess them!"

The one from Nanshunluozhe was undoubtedly Juezhongzi. The one from Dakonghai Temple must be in the hands of that old Mahakashyapa, and it would also be difficult to acquire. Li Ximing nodded, now having a rough idea, and whispered, "Investigate further!"

The demonic creature hastily departed, and Li Ximing couldn't help but feel a headache. "After all, not everyone is as lavish as the Taiyang Dao lineage, where one says they can send it, another says they can give it. Everyone else treasures theirs tightly... It seems I'll have to make a trip there myself."

He immediately finalized his itinerary. 'First, I'll go to Qunyi, open that unknown cave mansion to see what good harvests there are, and then proceed to the Piao People Kingdom area to investigate the spiritual fires.'

As he took the next step, he returned to the formation. Silently closing his eyes, he flew into the World of Sun and Moon Radiance, feeling the incredibly dense spiritual energy wash over him. From his sleeve, he took out a pill, entirely snow-white and adorned with Qilin patterns.

"The situation is changing; it seems I can't afford to be frugal. I'll take this Lin Guangzhao Yi Pill, which is good at healing the physical body, to repair my minor injuries, and then quickly head out!"