Chapter 930: Yuè

Li Ximing's Fire Dao cultivation might not be remarkable, but his fire control techniques were certainly not to be underestimated. Even though he had only just begun his practice, he quickly grasped the profound intricacies of this art by closing his eyes and sensing it carefully.

"The Grand Separation Aura, or 'Da Li Xi Guang', is not like an accumulation of magical power or divine abilities. Instead, it resembles a faint reflection of the Fire of Separation within the Violet Palace. It's like using a bronze mirror to focus a bright flame, thereby gathering its light. But no matter how ornate or vast the mirror becomes, or even if multiple mirrors are created, once the original flame extinguishes, all light eventually dissipates, and everything turns to dust!"

Therefore, the cultivation of the Grand Separation Aura must originate from the Fire of Separation within the Violet Palace and is impossible without it.

Precisely because this profound art draws its essence from that source, no matter how short his practice time or how weak the "mirror" was, as long as he cultivated it, a faint candlelight would surely manifest.

Thus, as the Red Pheasant Flame descended upon him, his Sea of Qi immediately produced the first speck of Grand Separation Aura – more precisely, the Grand Separation Crimson Aura – without requiring much cultivation time.

He then opened his eyes with delight, joined two fingers, and turned his wrist inward. A small, dull red glow, about the size of his little finger, lit up at his fingertip.

"The power is acceptable..."

While this Grand Separation Crimson Aura, upon being released, was actually less powerful than the Bright Sky Tidal Wave, Li Ximing hadn't forgotten how long he had cultivated the latter compared to the former! To achieve such power merely after reading the technique, though aided by the Fire of Separation, truly demonstrated the art's brilliance.

For a moment, he lost himself, not only reading the introductory sections but also skimming all the way to the end. After finishing all six grades of the technique, he finally understood the purpose of each of the nine profound orifices.

The immortal cultivator who wrote about the Grand Separation Crimson Aura originally only used eight orifices for absorbing spiritual energy and one orifice for unleashing the Separation Aura. However, it seemed that after mastering this technique and reaching an extremely high level of divine cultivation, he discovered further potential.

"After the Grand Separation White Aura reaches mastery, the eight orifices lose their function of absorbing spiritual energy. They can then continue to collect spiritual flames, using extremely high cultivation to simultaneously sustain these flames within the body. These eight orifices are repurposed to accommodate the flames, seeking further breakthroughs..."

"At that point, one must collect five types of Separation Fire and four types of True Fire... and among the five Separation Fires, one must be the Separation Ever-Burning Fire, also known as the Folding Burning Fire... Truly extravagant!"

Li Ximing had heard of the Folding Burning Fire. Not only had Huoyang mentioned it, but Li Ximing himself had also heard of it long ago. This fire was extremely rare, immensely powerful, and possessed unique properties: if its owner perished, it would immediately transform into eighty-one portions of Ever-Flowing Origin Fire.

Li Ximing sighed, reopening his eyes. The sun had already begun to set in the west, indicating that many hours had passed.

Yet, the mountain remained bright, and the woman in red stood quietly by, respectfully waiting.

"Greetings, True Immortal..."

The response from Lakeside was swift. Li Minggong had already arrived on the mountain. Seeing Li Ximing deep in thought, she immediately swallowed her words.

Li Ximing mused to himself for a moment, then waved his hand casually, inviting her to sit nearby. His spiritual consciousness stirred:

Valley Wind Fire Absorption!

The Great Barrier Courtyard immediately vibrated without cease. The Three Marquises Xu Profound Fire surged forth, racing upward along his cultivation body, finally settling in his Sea of Qi.

"At this point... I don't need any high cultivation, but are there still difficulties?"

Normally, Li Ximing would be utterly incapable of making any moves; he couldn't even modify a fourth-grade spell placed before him, let alone cultivate the Grand Separation White Aura with his current Fire of Separation cultivation...

However, with Valley Wind Fire Absorption, his fire control technique was theoretically terrifyingly advanced. He forcibly compelled the Three Marquises Xu Profound Fire to reluctantly submit and squeeze into the profound orifices.

The speck of Grand Separation Crimson Aura instantly vanished. Li Ximing used his divine ability to calculate for a moment, his eyes shining faintly. He then pulled out the Three Marquises Xu Profound Fire again and tested each of the eight profound orifices one by one.

He didn't need to rely on his cultivation to adjust the profound orifices. Instead, he forced the Three Marquises Xu Profound Fire to cooperate with them. Soon, his eyes brightened slightly, and he extended his hand once more.

"Buzz..."

Two specks of red aura surprisingly appeared at his fingertip.

However, the additional speck was somewhat illusory, like a flickering candle in the wind, threatening to extinguish at any moment.

"Haha."

Li Ximing chuckled, waved his hand to dismiss the spell, and understood in his heart.

He could, using Valley Wind Fire Absorption, temporarily manifest an extra portion of Grand Separation Crimson Aura! This additional portion was entirely supplementary; it didn't count as his own cultivation and couldn't advance, but it allowed for a temporary extra.

This method seemed to have limited use because the other eight profound orifices, unlike the Separation Aura orifice, required the Three Marquises Xu Profound Fire to obediently retreat and remain inside them, unable to defend against external enemies. Yet, the power of one Grand Separation Crimson Aura was certainly incomparable to that of the Three Marquises Xu Profound Fire, making it almost a futile effort...

"But this is just one speck of Grand Separation Crimson Aura. What if there were nine? Going from one speck of Grand Separation Crimson Aura to one portion of Grand Separation Golden Aura is a huge hurdle in the technique, very difficult to overcome. However, if I can cultivate nine of them, I could temporarily withdraw the True Fire during a fight and still unleash them."

Satisfied, he dismissed the spell, turned, looked at Li Minggong, and smiled:

"How did it go?"

His question was, of course, about the news from Dingyangzi of Qize. He had already planned everything in his mind:

"Since I'm borrowing his Owl Profound Transcendent Furnace, why not seize the opportunity to get things done? By refining his few elixirs, I'll not only gain a portion of Violet Palace spiritual resources but also potentially get one or two extra elixirs with the help of the Violet Palace Spiritual Furnace. As the saying goes, 'ride the wind and current' – refine everything that needs refining!"

Moreover, who was Dingyangzi? The day he left Mount Zhijing, he mentioned there were still spiritual artifacts being refined in his furnace – these were *spiritual artifacts*, not merely spiritual embryos. This man was a rare artificer! He had a request for Li Ximing, and Li Ximing also saw him as a valuable asset! That's why he had shown his strength early to befriend him.

Li Minggong understood his meaning and respectfully said:

"This junior arrived at Qize, and True Immortal Dingyangzi's lineage, the Sun Worship Mountain, treated me with great courtesy. I was even personally received by the Violet Palace. After hearing your intentions, the mountain master originally intended to visit you personally and brought me all the way to Lakeside, but since you weren't there, he regretfully returned, leaving a message for me."

Since Dingyangzi had spiritual artifacts in his furnace, he naturally couldn't move around freely. His willingness to come showed how highly he regarded the matter. She respectfully continued:

"He is extremely impressed by your alchemy skills and is willing to continue refining high-grade wizard spiritual embryos for you. If you no longer require them, he has spiritual artifacts to be entrusted for refinement."

This was precisely what Li Ximing coveted most. He nodded slightly, and Li Minggong continued:

"Unfortunately, True Immortal Dingyangzi has spiritual artifacts still being refined, and his schedule is full. Secondly, he was also considering whether our Lakeside has sufficient spiritual resources for artifact refining... So he frankly stated that as long as you refine these three batches of elixirs for him, and if there are at least fifteen pills, he can design a spiritual artifact for our Lakeside and provide a blueprint. As for the subsequent refinement and costs, those can be discussed later."

"If our family has connections in artifact refining, we could simply take his blueprint and have someone else refine it, which would significantly reduce the difficulty..."

Li Ximing's eyes lit up, and he smiled:

"How confident!"

Li Minggong quietly lowered her head, while Li Ximing said:

"There's no need to elaborate. Just inform him that since we've asked him, we wouldn't go to someone else to forge it. This matter is accepted. Not only will I refine enough for him, but I will also borrow a spiritual furnace from Mount Húyí to refine it, as a sign of how highly I value this!"

After his chuckle, he spoke seriously:

"Before you go to Qize, have Quewan investigate the matter of the Deeprock Water. We need to procure a large quantity. Let her decide how much to acquire, and send her into the inner formation."

Li Minggong quickly agreed. A beam of celestial light had already pierced through from outside the mountain, manifesting within the peaks as a man with golden eyes, refined eyebrows, and a platinum armored robe. He cupped his hands and said:

"Seventh Grand-Uncle has returned."

"Ah."

Li Zhouwei took his seat, in quite a good mood, and chuckled:

"There was some activity in the wilderness this morning, so I made a trip and couldn't come to see Grand-Uncle immediately... please forgive me."

"Nonsense."

Li Ximing smiled. The two men tacitly rose and walked towards the island in the lake. As they descended into the inner formation, Li Zhouwei recounted the matter of King Bolie, causing Li Ximing's smile to gradually fade. He sighed inwardly and replied:

"That's also a troublesome matter... But I have some good news to tell you!"

They sat down, tea was brewed, and Li Ximing took a jade box from his sleeve, handing it to Li Zhouwei. Li Zhouwei examined it closely, surprised:

"Grotto Heron Origin Water!"

Li Ximing chuckled, then recounted his journey, leaving Li Zhouwei slightly stunned. After a long period of contemplation, he said softly:

"Grand-Uncle is one who has attained destiny and is bound to immortal fate; no ordinary person can compare!"

Li Ximing listened, then chuckled and shook his head, clearly disagreeing. He stated directly:

"The immortal fate is that of my ancestors, and my destiny is borrowed from yours. The current gains are essentially nourished by the weakening sun. What is there to praise?"

Li Zhouwei sipped his tea:

"I see no difference..."

Li Ximing, however, paid no mind to this. Li Zhouwei then had to remind him:

"True Immortal Tinglan visited once, saying that True Immortal Zhugong was severely injured and hoped you would visit to administer some elixirs."

Hearing this, Li Ximing shook his head:

"It would be better to have Sumin take a look at this matter. Asking me is like seeking help in desperation. Once things are settled, I'll pay a visit just to save face."

He then said, with a serious expression:

"Idle talk is useless. I've gained a favor from Dingyangzi and have an opportunity to refine a spiritual artifact. Since you've sent Dasheng to the Observation Pavilion, send Yuan'e to Qize and have someone examine it."

Li Zhouwei raised an eyebrow, a hint of joy appearing. Before he could politely decline, Li Ximing continued without pause:

"After all, ancient artifacts are inherently rare, and armor-type items that have been passed down are even rarer. There's no need to desire them too much; just refine them yourself... Moreover, since I've acquired the Fire of Separation, this item should be yours now."

As he spoke, he stretched out a hand, and the celestial light between his brows shone brightly. From it flew out a spiritual battle-axe, about three feet long, its blade's two points curved like a crescent moon—it was the Huayang King's Axe!

The moment this spiritual artifact appeared, merely holding it gave a sensation that it wanted to fly away and settle into Li Zhouwei's hands. Li Ximing sighed and replied:

"This item... is most useful in your hands..."

Li Zhouwei truly dared not accept it now. He immediately stood up and said sternly:

"You, elder, have toiled for years and sacrificed countless efforts to obtain this treasure; how dare I seize it!"

"What was spent was originally from the family!"

Li Ximing shook his head, lightly releasing his grip. The Huayang King's Axe's power of erroneous attachment immediately took effect; it astonishingly recognized a new master on its own and fell into Li Zhouwei's hands!

"This!"

Li Ximing didn't give him a chance to speak, feigning anger:

"I am idle and carefree outside, while you guard the North Shore. If you don't have some spiritual artifacts to suppress things, or a convenient weapon, how will that work? They might not be able to defeat you, but if you're tied down, the disciples along the river will be in trouble."

Without further ado, he handed the item to him. Unexpectedly, after only a short moment, Li Quewan already knocked on the hall door. Li Ximing immediately changed the subject, inviting her in, and asked:

"Currently... how is the Deeprock Water in Jiangnan?"

Li Zhouwei was never a verbose person. In this situation, he could only bow in gratitude and first fasten the king's axe to his waist.

Li Quewan currently managed the family's spiritual artifacts, so it was most convenient to ask her about such matters. The woman bowed gracefully and respectfully said:

"If you require a large quantity, we must ensure others don't find out, lest they raise the price on us. This task should be handled by us, to be acquired from various markets. Unfortunately, Fushui is not a prosperous region for such things, and Deeprock Water is primarily used for artifact refining. Thankfully, it comes in large quantities. This junior estimates... we can only procure a few dozen portions temporarily, and over a year... at least ten to twenty small jars. It will, however, be a bit of a headache for the family."

Li Ximing quickly calculated that a year's supply would certainly be enough, and he felt relieved. Li Zhouwei, knowing he was arranging matters concerning the Neck Feathers, asked:

"For the transformation method, you still need to observe it with your divine insight and give it a try."

"This junior understands."

Li Quewan now understood that the two were making long-term plans. She quickly bowed and withdrew. Li Ximing, who had hesitated for a long time, whispered:

"I intend to establish an office around Luolai Island, and Liu Changdie suddenly came to mind... He said the divine ability he cultivates can nourish gold essence and resources. If he truly has the inclination now, we could ask him to examine the Feather Transformation Pond in the cave dwelling and devise a plan."

Liu Changdie was someone the family had befriended for a long time and was trustworthy. Unfortunately, he had many troubles, and the concern was attracting unwanted attention. Li Ximing clearly found this difficult, so he decided to first inquire about Fushui and turned to Li Zhouwei instead:

"Is the Bright Clear Yuan Qi available?"

Li Ximing had several arrangements for this return trip, one of which was to retrieve the Bright Clear Yuan Qi from the clan!

Despite his travels, he hadn't neglected his cultivation. In brief moments of leisure, he studied techniques, and during longer periods, he practiced Qi. He had effortlessly completed the six cycles and was preparing to use the Bright Clear Yuan Qi to cultivate Qi and his second divine ability.

"In previous years, there were many troubles, and I often had to fight. Now, with Jiangbei stable and no immediate prospect of conflict, and with Minghuang guarding the shore, I can focus on my cultivation with peace of mind."

At this moment, he took it from Li Zhouwei's hand, put it into his sleeve, and remarked with emotion:

"I still sigh, wishing I had the Violet Smoke Sect's Translocation Token. Now I wish I could be in multiple places at once, and I envy the wondrous ability to cultivate and practice spells simultaneously."

His emotions aside, he wasted no time. After discussing everything with Li Zhouwei, he departed, riding a beam of light.

Li Zhouwei saw him out of the hall and then returned alone.

Since his return from Mount Dali, there had been no peace in his heart. Now, Li Ximing's words still echoed in his ears:

"Gift the king's axe to protect the disciples along the river."

"Temporary protection is fine, but if I don't follow the Sunset Aura's will and reincarnate, what fate awaits the Lakeside disciples!"

The inner formation was always dim, and now it was utterly silent. Only the sound of his footsteps echoed through the entire great hall. The man walked all the way to the highest point, took his seat on the main throne, unfastened the three-foot-long king's axe from his waist, and held it in his hands, examining it.

The King's Axe, the emblem of Mingyang's authority.

The axe blade was a deep, thick brownish-yellow, imbued with silver light. The patterns of scaled beasts undulated, their heads gazing downward, while at the top, the Supreme Sun Diagram was engraved, signifying both its front and its legitimacy.

He rotated it with five fingers, turning the axe over. On the reverse side, beneath the Yang Extremity Diagram, the scaled beast patterns were still present, but their heads faced upward, their ambitious eyes staring at him.

"Pitter-patter..."

Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed from outside the great hall, empty yet forceful. His second son stopped outside the hall and respectfully said:

"Father, True Immortal Tianhuo of the Golden Feather Sect has arrived."

The golden-eyed man did not respond, remaining seated at the highest point of the hall, quietly staring at the patterns on the king's axe.

As the voice echoed through the hall and gradually faded, this Human White Kirin, this Li clan prodigy, finally reacted. With a concerted effort of his fingers and wrist, the king's axe in his hand slowly began to turn, its sharp edge moving closer and closer to his face.

As he turned it, all the scaled beast patterns receded from view due to the angle of rotation, while the Yang Extremity Diagram grew increasingly brighter. Reflections glinted from the long blade, mirroring his cold, golden eyes.

"Invite him to the island."