Chapter 931: 马前卒

Purple-gold light shimmered as mist billowed around. A gentle breeze swept through the pavilion where a man in a golden-flame robe stood, his hands resting on the railing. His magnificent robe fluttered gently in the wind as he gazed at the purple-gold pillars shrouded in the ethereal mist. His expression was serene.

He mused, 'The scenery on this isle is quite good, but this formation is rather ordinary. Though it was established following the path of the Solar Orthodox Tradition and possesses some novelty, it remains overall too rigid and old-fashioned.'

The True Immortal's gaze swept across the isle, and a peculiar glint appeared in his eyes.

'This small Crescent Moon Lake, surprisingly, has so many low-level cultivators. It's truly rich in resources. However, unlike how the Wei-Li immortal officials engage with the common people, these cultivators are surprisingly divided and mobilized among various immortal mountains. While even low-level cultivators produce something, preventing too much material expenditure, what is the real purpose of supporting them?'

He further thought, 'Even if Buddhist cultivators head south and require lives to be sacrificed, only the lives of Foundation Establishment cultivators truly matter. Fetal Breathing and Qi Cultivation stages... they are merely futile efforts.'

The True Immortal waited for a moment. The man behind him quietly kept his head bowed. When he saw someone materialize at one end, he turned around with a smile. After a quick glance, he realized it was Li Zhouwei. A hint of disappointment secretly flickered in his heart, but he remained silent, bowed, and greeted:

“Daoist Friend Minghuang, your reputation precedes you!”

“Greetings, Senior Tianhuo.”

Li Zhouwei responded and began to observe the True Immortal of the Golden Feather Sect. He noted the man's handsome features, elegant demeanor, and casual, somewhat cynical attitude, which indeed matched the rumors.

He had heard that True Immortal Tianhuo was the son born to the Golden Feather Sect's elder in his old age, and was thus exceptionally doted upon. He was known to be playful and unpretentious, even earning a reputation as a fop in his younger years.

The young man following him was a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Jinglong Royal Court. He appeared extremely well-behaved; this was presumably Su Yan. The Immortal Dao had spoken of his astonishing demonic cultivation and untamed nature, yet at this moment, there was no trace of defiance. He seemed like a docile junior.

That Tianhuo had achieved the Purple Mansion realm meant these rumors were naturally dispelled. However, his personality remained as restless as the rumors suggested. Seeing Li Zhouwei approach, he smiled and said:

“When I came here back then, I met Chen Taoping in the market. He only sought a cultivation method for breakthrough, and even asked if the Golden Feather Sect wanted Crescent Moon Lake. The isle was in such disarray under his stewardship that I refused. Unexpectedly, looking at it now, the isle is covered in purple-gold light, and clouds entwine around resting qilin. It truly is a blessed land, bestowed by heaven, a testament to your noble clan's profound heritage.”

“It is but mediocre, far inferior to Golden Feather!”

Li Zhouwei gave a casual reply and invited him to take a seat. Tianhuo entered with a smile, his gaze subtly sweeping over the spiritual artifact at Li Zhouwei’s waist. Upon seeing the Huayang King Axe, he subtly shifted his gaze, his smile unwavering.

As tea was brewed, Tianhuo smiled and said:

“I’ve just arrived from my sect. My original purpose was to seek out a True Immortal, as Zhaojing and I did have some agreements and arrangements back then. However, on my way here, I heard some news.”

“I am listening.”

Li Zhouwei replied, and Tianhuo continued:

“I heard that a new Huaijiang Dao has been established in the north. Zhi Xuanxie was tasked with promoting the orthodox tradition, serving as the orthodox leader of Huaijiang Dao. Daoist Friend Ye Gui, who has the highest cultivation, traveled to the capital overnight... and there's been no news since!”

Tianhuo's smile gave away no discernible emotion:

“He, as a military official, is at odds with the Buddhist cultivators. Given his position, it's no wonder he rushed to meet Wei Xuanyin. Wei Xuanyin also needs manpower from north of the river, so it's normal for them to align so quickly.”

Ye Gui had visited earlier to discuss matters. This man, standing at the center of the storm, was primarily driven by his pursuit of the Dao, with no real stance. Li Zhouwei was not surprised. He simply asked:

“Senior, you have news from the north; do you know of King Bolie’s situation?”

True Immortal Tianhuo lowered his head, sipped his tea, and replied:

“There is no specific news, but I heard from the capital's arrangements that there seems to be an intention to invite him back. As for whether people from the Gao family will be sent down, that's hard to say.”

Currently, two individuals are in charge of the northern Jiang'an region: Fachang, a Buddhist cultivator from the Grand Veneration Dharma Realm, and King Bolie. Of these two, one is at odds with the Void, and the other has no intention of causing any trouble. Naturally, both sides remain peaceful and orderly. This indeed reflects the northern high-level's reluctance to cross the river.

However, should King Bolie depart, the Jiang'an region might no longer know peace.

As Li Zhouwei paused, Tianhuo smiled and said:

“I do have some good news for you, Daoist Friend.”

He took a jade box from his sleeve, placed it on the table, and stated formally:

“The *Jianghe Daling Sutra* has been deciphered. I am here this time to give your noble clan a reply!”

When Tianhuo took Su Yan back to the sect previously, he borrowed this item. His original intention was to use Su Yan to unlock the orthodox tradition, and he had finally succeeded. Tianhuo gently picked up the jade box, opened the lid, took out a pure white jade slip, and said with a smile:

“Please take a look!”

“As expected of a descendant of the Golden Feather True Monarch, the immortal lineage is indeed precious. You have unlocked this item. My clan owes you thanks, True Immortal!”

Though Li Zhouwei's words were polite, he did not immediately take the slip. Instead, he scrutinized it carefully, and said with a smile:

“True Immortal, you said that day you would borrow the jade slip and return it after it was unlocked. However, the one I see today... appears to be an imprinted copy. What happened to the original *Jianghe Daling Sutra*?”

The *Jianghe Daling Sutra* falling into the Li family’s hands originally stemmed from the Golden Feather Sect using their ancestor Li Tongya as a proxy for Su Yan. They even took spiritual artifacts, leaving behind more prominent markers, like Du Ruo, to attract the enmity of the Miao family.

At the time, he was merely a minor cultivator and could hardly demand fairness. No great disaster occurred, so the matter was not pursued until now. However, since the Golden Feather Sect miscalculated, this item rightfully belongs to the Li clan. And seeing that the item itself was not simple, how could Li Zhouwei allow it to be taken without clear understanding?

As expected, upon hearing the question, Tianhuo showed a hint of embarrassment and replied:

“Once that jade slip was unlocked, it immediately transformed into a point of Kan Water light and settled into Su Yan’s Ascendant Yang Mansion. Su Yan is now an inner disciple of my Golden Feather Sect and also an alchemist. We cannot forcibly extract it from his Ascendant Yang…”

He gestured slightly, and Su Yan immediately stepped forward to bow. A faint golden light flickered in Li Zhouwei’s eyes. Indeed, within Su Yan’s Ascendant Yang Mansion, he saw a point of Kan Water light. It seemed to be the seat of some legacy, or perhaps a symbol of identity.

‘The *Jianghe Daling Sutra* indeed contains the legacy of the former Chen Immortal Sect... Perhaps even the position of Sect Master,’ Li Zhouwei thought.

This was not surprising. Otherwise, Chen Taoping wouldn't have spent his entire life searching for it, nor would the Golden Feather Sect have remained obsessed with it for over four hundred years. Both understood this unspoken truth clearly.

If the Li clan cultivated Kan Water, they would undoubtedly feel immense regret at this moment. Fortunately, ever since it became clear that Xiao Chuting was intent on proving Kan Water, the direct descendants of the Li clan had increasingly avoided cultivating Kan Water.

Beyond just the Li clan, common Kan Water cultivation methods were widespread, but profound orthodox traditions were hard to come by. Cangzhou was far off in the North Sea, and a formidable figure like Xiao Chuting stood on that path. Knowledgeable individuals in Jiangnan were reluctant to cultivate it. However, this did not mean Li Zhouwei couldn't use it as a bargaining chip. He simply smiled and said:

“It seems True Immortal truly has good news after all.”

His attitude made Tianhuo visibly relax, and he smiled, saying:

“Thank you for your understanding, True Immortal! I am indeed here to offer my apologies.”

Tianhuo only added:

“That point of Kan Water light, once it settled, showed no other peculiarities. I asked the elders in the sect, and they said it was related to the Great Ning Palace... Alas... that's ancient history! If An Huaitian hadn't appeared, our two families might have been able to cooperate well based on this. But An Huaitian has long since appeared, and the Great Ning Palace was destroyed ages ago. What use is it now?!”

Li Zhouwei pondered for a moment before asking:

“I’ve heard that the primary spiritual resource for the ‘Qilin Radiance Pill’ is a spirit flower, which is said to bloom and wither annually, its fallen petals transforming into scale insects. It was originally obtained from the Eastern Fire back then. My clan would be interested in exchanging for some.”

Something that blooms and withers annually would inevitably be a treasure that yields at least one spiritual resource per year, its value far surpassing other items. Li Zhouwei had set a high tone, only mentioning exchange. At this question, Tianhuo shook his head and smiled, saying:

“Although this item was obtained by my Golden Feather Sect, it is located outside my clan sister Qiushui’s cave abode. It belongs to her. Normally, taking a bit of spiritual resource is fine, but she has now achieved mercury transformation to preserve her nature, and cannot be disturbed. Even if I could, it would be difficult for me to ask her for it. However, I retrieved the Radiant Qilin refining method for the Qilin Radiance Pill long ago, and I present it to you today, Daoist Friend.”

Li Zhouwei had anticipated that he might offer this technique. He frowned slightly and asked:

“Please elaborate, Senior.”

Tianhuo replied seriously:

“This technique has a long and storied history. It was originally consumed within the imperial court and official residences of the Wei Dynasty, and was enhanced by various secret arts, making it impossible for several orthodox traditions to unlock. However, my Golden Feather ancestors possessed some of the lineage, enabling them to decipher it.”

“However, with the collapse of the Wei Dynasty, the Bright Yang realm underwent many changes, rendering this technique largely unusable. This current version has been modified by True Immortal Cui, allowing it to be used once more!”

“So it is one of a kind.”

Li Zhouwei said softly:

“But without the necessary spiritual resources, my clan cannot utilize this pill technique even if we possess it.”

Tianhuo smiled:

“As I told Daoist Friend, the produced spiritual resources have always been kept by the Golden Feather Sect. One only needs to send someone to exchange for them.”

With that, he reached out a hand and took a golden scroll from the jade box. His expression was solemn as he presented it:

“Since I obtained an ancient technique from your noble clan, I shall now return an ancient technique to your noble clan. This item is precisely the original Radiant Qilin refining method from the Eastern Fire Grotto-Heaven, named the *Qilin Radiance Glorious Sun Pill Scroll*!”

The golden scroll had patterns etched into its four corners. Its texture, when touched, was fine and supple, like woven gold. His thoughtfulness, and the fitting excuse he offered, made it difficult for Li Zhouwei to refuse. He could only accept it with thanks, placed it back into the jade box, and said:

“My thanks, Senior.”

Tianhuo smiled and replied:

“I won’t trouble you any longer. Distinguished guests are expected at my sect, to discuss several important matters, and I should return to welcome them. It’s ultimately not proper to stay here with Daoist Friend for too long.”

Li Zhouwei's expression remained unchanged. He subtly lifted his gaze, gently closed the jade box with his left hand, and left it on the table. Then he asked:

“It seems the matters north of the river are troublesome.”

Tianhuo’s smile remained unchanged as he replied:

“I think it’s more than just that.”

Li Zhouwei's expression remained impassive.

‘What kind of distinguished guests would require multiple Golden Feather Purple Mansion cultivators to welcome them? And need Tianhuo, who is currently away, to rush back on time?’ he wondered.

Li Zhouwei’s breakthrough had been sudden. For a time, the lakeside had been calm, and the north seemed to have no reaction. Yet, True Immortal Tianhuo’s visit to the lake subtly revealed a hint of larger developments.

‘It’s not just north of the river; it’s south of the river too,’ he realized.

He escorted Tianhuo all the way out of the lake. The Golden Feather True Immortal’s smile finally faded, and he fell silent. Just before departing, he suddenly spoke:

“Minghuang broke through in the East Sea, yet he was willing to return... Presumably, he has no intention of leaving now.”

Li Zhouwei quietly gazed at him and smiled:

“I only returned in time to save the lakeside disciples from Helian Wumeng.”

Tianhuo gazed at him deeply, then finally dissipated like smoke, and vanished.

Borodva.

When Li Ximing arrived on the wind, the Western Po Kingdom was still a vibrant, peaceful, and harmonious sight. He had barely flown into the pavilion when the Demon King leaped up to greet him, exclaiming happily:

“Daoist Friend, you arrived so quickly! Daoist Friend Qingyan has not returned yet!”

Although Liu Changdie had vouched for him, Li Ximing had already acquired the Li Fire, which understandably caused concern. Now, as Fuxun approached him cheerfully, Li Ximing didn't waste words. He stated his plans to acquire the spiritual items, and then asked:

“When will this Daoist Friend return?”

“I’ve already inquired... He is in the Fenkuai area. He's been searching for a spiritual item on the island recently, and he’s quite well. He is close to human cultivators and has some reputation, so he can assist you from the side. My identity is special, so it would not be appropriate for me to enter Huyi…”

Fuxun seemed a bit embarrassed and immediately looked at Liu Changdie, evidently hoping he would accompany him to Huyi. However, Liu Changdie was quite relaxed and simply smiled, saying:

“Then let’s depart! There have been many troubles lately, and it just so happens I need to go to Fenkuai. That Vermilion Bird is stirring again. Since I made a promise to Huoyang, Daoist Friend Fuxun should not leave the Western Po Kingdom. Let us go together, and make haste! We can wait for Daoist Friend Qingyan in Fenkuai when we arrive!”

Fuxun had no choice but to take out the two spiritual items. He handed Li Ximing a jade talisman for contact, and placed the items in two sparkling golden caskets. He then took out a storage bag, apparently containing auxiliary medicines, and handed everything to Li Ximing, a look of wistfulness on his face.

Li Ximing chuckled, extending his hand to receive them. However, his arm instantly tensed, and he showed a hint of surprise:

“Oh?”

Of the two golden caskets, one was as light as nothing, while the other was surprisingly heavy, like a mountain. This forced him to exert his divine abilities and magical power, using all five fingers to effortlessly lift both caskets and store them in his sleeve.

“I’m counting on you, Daoist Friend!”

The two bowed farewell to the Demon King and, riding the wind, departed from the Western Po Kingdom, traversing the Great Void. Liu Changdie's emotions had long since calmed. He began to ask about Li Ximing's descendants, appearing rather curious.

Li Ximing, however, found an opportune moment and smiled, saying:

“I previously heard Senior mention that profound abilities can nourish spiritual resources... I wonder if the Mansion Water path conflicts with your Dao, Daoist Friend?”

Liu Changdie nodded and replied:

“Before the union of Qiku, Kujin was accumulated gold. Aside from incompatibility with a few water and fire virtues, it was harmonious with everything else. As for the various waters, with the exception of Pinhe Lu, all other waters found Kujin to be extremely beneficial.”

“After the union of Qiku, many of its characteristics became less pronounced. Although the incompatibilities were less intense than before, the affinities and benefits were also not as strong. Nevertheless, it still possesses a certain profound mystery.”

Li Ximing calculated that Mansion Water would also benefit, and his mind was set. However, Liu Changdie smiled and asked:

“Do you have some treasure you wish to show me?”

Li Ximing smiled but remained silent. Liu Changdie understood that without a protective formation here, it was inconvenient to speak much. The two traveled back together. Li Ximing parted ways with him at Linhai and swiftly journeyed to Huyi. Upon arriving and inquiring, Hou Fu was indeed absent. However, he had left instructions that if Li Ximing arrived, he could proceed directly to the Guidu Hall for alchemy.

The Guidu Hall was located behind the main hall at the mountain peak. It was not very tall, merely a three-story pavilion. A Xiumao sect disciple led him there, where a five-legged spiritual furnace stood squarely in the center of the hall.

Below the furnace, faint purple magical light shimmered, perhaps indicating that spiritual artifacts were being nurtured within. The Xiumao sect disciple bowed and withdrew, closing the hall door for him. Li Ximing then gently turned his hand and took out the jade box from his storage bag.

Inside the box, three pitch-black scales shimmered faintly, emitting a misty Kan Water qi. These were none other than the Cangzhou Viper Scales!

‘First, I'll open the furnace to refine pills, taking care of the fifteen pills for Ding Yangzi,’ he thought. ‘This will also serve to warm up the furnace and secure some good fortune. Then, once the others arrive, I can proceed with refining this great pill!’