Chapter 933: Li Ke

His voice, faint and ethereal, echoed over the Luikui Pond. The surging energy of the Luishui, swayed by his tone, transformed into streaks of dark green light that wove through the air.

"He... how did he come back! The events beyond the heavens have concluded!"

Ning Wan lowered her head, her mind slowly going blank. She said nothing, unsure how to face the formidable figure before her. The silence in the air was terrifying.

"Pitter-patter."

Just at this critical moment, footsteps began to approach from outside the cave dwelling. The two cultivators guarding the entrance readily opened the door, and the steps grew more rapid. Lin Wuning, dressed in a dark brown robe, had arrived at the entrance outside the pond.

"Reporting, Revered Immortal, Tianwan Revered Immortal has sent another letter."

Ning Wan felt a chill rush to her brow and silently cursed. Yet, the handsome man at the head of the room displayed a smile of great interest, his eyes full of amusement as he replied:

"Come in."

Although it was clearly not Ning Wan's voice, Lin Wuning responded with respectful ease, lifting his robe and stepping over the threshold.

He completely ignored Ning Wan, who was prostrate on the ground. At one point, he was barely an inch from her white robe, yet he seemed to see nothing, proceeding directly to the main seat. He bowed, then respectfully presented something with both hands, saying naturally:

"Revered Immortal, please see!"

Sui Guan did not take the letter, but merely glanced at its contents. His face erupted in uncontrollable mockery, becoming suddenly animated:

"Hahahahaha..."

"What nonsense! How dare they claim the position of Cold Qi!"

His laughter echoed in the cave for a while. Lin Wuning's expression froze, as if he had turned into a stone statue at the moment of the laughter, rigid in place.

The Grand Revered Immortal, at the peak of the Purple Mansion realm, laughed for a while, then patted his seat and chuckled:

"The Three Yangs govern the Dawn Qi, establishing the roles of ruler and subject. The Three Yin generate Cold Qi, serving as assistants. The Dawn Qi could only enact the play of a subject usurping his ruler by capitalizing on the demise of the ruler and subject, Ming Yang, and riding the east wind of all cultivators' aspirations. This completely altered its symbolic meaning, allowing it to gain some prestige and present a Shi Chang. But what are *you*, Tianwan? You dare to seek the Cold Qi for the Fifth Path, to have demands of it!"

He withdrew his gaze, quickly losing interest. Ning Wan, deep in thought with her head bowed, took the opportunity of Sui Guan mentioning Si Boxiu to respectfully say:

"Senior Yuan Xiu failed to achieve enlightenment and died in the South Sea."

Sui Guan sat silently on the elevated seat, one hand resting on the jade-like white throne. His fair fingers traced its patterns, and a hint of amusement appeared in his bluish-purple eyes:

"What immense audacity, to dare to borrow Du Qing's Path-Attainment Aura. In seven hundred years of Green Pond history, he is the first."

"Ah?"

Hearing him call Luishui by its true name, Ning Wan felt a chill down her spine. She froze in place, sensing the extremely oppressive and terrifying spiritual power emanating from the man before her. She dared not raise her eyebrows or speak.

Sui Guan, however, showed considerable amusement:

"Among the so-called 'Three Primaries' back then, the Tang individual had the least talent, only reaching the second level of Qi refinement at fifteen. Yet, they had the most courage and ruthless ambition. But it seems I was wrong; Chi Rui also misjudged. This Si Boxiu is truly the most ruthless."

"Seeking Collected Wood… what a clever idea… what profound cultivation!"

Si Boxiu's cultivation, cunning, and courage when he attained enlightenment back then were such that even Sui Guan had to offer praise, far surpassing Chi Wei. It made Sui Guan narrow his eyes.

"It's a pity that shamans are extinct, and the Wood Virtue is in decline and not flourishing. The Collected Wood remains suspended. Otherwise, if he had truly achieved the Dao through it, that would have been quite amusing!"

Ning Wan knew there must have been a reason for Yuan Xiu's actions before his death, but her cultivation was not high enough to discern it clearly. Now it seemed he had borrowed Du Qing's authority, a move akin to provoking a formidable power. She dared not interrupt, but then saw Sui Guan straighten up, his smile gradually fading:

"A pity, the Chi family members were originally still useful."

The spiritual energy of the entire Luikui Pond instantly congealed, as if winter had suddenly arrived. Despair welled up in Ning Wan's heart.

"The Si family and the Linggu family combined forces, various families fanned the flames, and the Li family dug the grave, burying the Chi family. And now, I have to face this!"

She lightly raised her head and respectfully said:

"The Chi family was retaliated against by the various families... When this junior emerged from seclusion, the entire clan had already been annihilated..."

The man above smiled faintly, his face now possessing an ethereal, demonic beauty. He rose from the main seat, hands behind his back. Throughout the Luikui Pond, it felt as if spring winds were thawing the ice, bringing warmth and gentle harmony.

"It matters not. As long as they can be commanded, it just means a few more deaths."

"However, there's a Chi Buzi who has gone to the East Sea. Not only the East Sea, but also Penglai. He's quite bold, trying to cultivate the Manor Water."

Sui Guan's gaze held deep meaning as he said:

"You, Green Pond, consistently produce ambitious and sharp-witted individuals... I've observed that Golden Feather yields many figures skilled in manipulation, unpredictable, and adept at schemes, all due to Zhang Yuanyu's authority. It seems you too are following suit, influenced by Du Qing's authority!"

Ning Wan lowered her eyes, silent, sighing inwardly.

The man before her, however, descended step by step from the elevated position, slowly pacing closer, and said softly:

"Manor Water has lost its vastness, and its remaining positions are no longer applicable. However, a leap position can still be attempted. He is naturally a clever man; whether it's present or not, he's at least trying to cultivate it. In today's world, the timing is right, but the Dragon kin may not allow it."

When he spoke of the Dragon kin, a deep, cold glint flashed in his eyes, yet a smile appeared on his face:

"Those few evil dragons have hearts smaller than a needle's eye. The North Sea Dragon King's heart is a bit larger than his brothers', but not by much. He'll have a tough time of it..."

Hearing him mention Zhang Yuanyu one moment, Du Qing the next, then Shi Chang and the Dragon King, Ning Wan was already filled with both shock and fear. Even hearing these names felt sacrilegious. She finally managed to steer the conversation back to Chi Buzi, hastily saying:

"This person is single-mindedly devoted to the Dao. After Chi Wei's death, he vanished without a trace..."

"Mm."

Sui Guan responded with a faint sound, then replied:

"He is smarter than Chi Wei."

With these words, the man with bluish-purple eyes fell silent, slowly closing them. The Luishui energy over Luikui Pond gradually became calmer, and the surroundings were so quiet that only the dripping sound of the cave spring could be heard. Ning Wan waited for a while, then finally heard the man before her say in a flat tone:

"Come with me to Luyu Heaven."

Ning Wan's long-suspended heart finally plummeted. Despair filled her, and her voice was rough. Yet, even Elementus lacked the ability to refuse, let alone her. After a moment of hesitation, she could only weakly utter a single word:

"Yes..."

As soon as the word fell, surging Luishui energy began to spread over the pond. Inside the cave, a pattering rain began to fall, gradually obscuring the two figures until they vanished without a trace. Everything became empty and silent, leaving only Lin Wuning kneeling by the pond.

"Drip!"

As the rain dissipated, the pond's surface returned to calm, pristine as a mirror. It even reflected Ning Wan's white robes and her gentle face, distinctly clear as she slightly lowered her head into the clear pond water.

Ning Wan's reflection remained in Luikui Pond.

And on the reflected main seat, Sui Guan's reflection appeared. His bluish-purple eyes were downcast, gazing silently at Ning Wan.

Soon, he slowly rose. The reflected Ning Wan in the pond also uneasily stood up, following closely behind him until she vanished at the edge of what Luikui Pond could reflect.

Wangyue Lake.

Late autumn brought frost. Trees along the bank were already frosted, and the road was covered in ice. The wheels of a carriage rolled by, making crisp crunching sounds, as a horse whip cracked. Passersby along the road were whispering:

"The North has been in turmoil for quite some time, and recently it's only intensified."

"Indeed... many have died... Didn't a Revered Immortal fall recently?"

The fragmented whispers from outside drifted into the carriage window, prompting the young man inside to lift the curtain, turn his head, and smile:

"It's rare to see Fourth Uncle emerge from seclusion. Coincidentally, Li Ke Tower has a new play. Firstly, to spend some time with you, and secondly... I've always heard the scenery along this lake is excellent, so you might enjoy it."

Li Zhouluo, beside him, smiled slightly and replied:

"I was wondering where you found the leisure to ride in a carriage; so that's it... As for this play... Since Zhou Ming entered seclusion, fewer people have sought to please him, and fewer are willing to spend a fortune. A new play is a rare sight."

The young man was, of course, Li Jiangzong. He was far more cunning than his father and didn't share the deep affection his granduncle Li Cheng had for Li Zhouluo. This trip was naturally to mend relations—Li Zhouluo was not only a Foundation Establishment cultivator but also from a prominent background; how could he be offended?

Li Zhouluo understood this as well. That day, he had instinctively agreed with Li Zhoufang, telling him not to disturb the Revered Immortal hastily. However, within a day or two of returning to the lake, he secretly regretted it. Regardless of the clan elders, Li Zhoufang himself had not been bad to him.

Now, keen to apologize, he was naturally very polite. The two traveled all the way to Lijing Estate, where they saw ancient residences everywhere.

Many of the families who had originated from this place were now high-ranking cultivators. Every house in this ancestral land was worth commemorating, and they returned annually for ancestral worship. Though seemingly ancient and dilapidated, it was the most prominent spot by the lake, surpassing even the dense forests.

After navigating through the blue-brick houses for a while, the two stopped before a spacious tavern. The owner of the establishment was already waiting at the entrance, his eyes bright as he ushered them inside, maintaining a respectful demeanor like a young attendant throughout.

"Esteemed sirs... please come in!"

Naturally, many onlookers glanced over, and those who recognized them couldn't help but feel inwardly shocked, bowing their heads in silence.

Li Zhouluo paid little attention. Unlike Li Zhouming, he only indulged himself once every many years. As a revered Foundation Establishment cultivator, no one dared to say anything. They proceeded all the way to the top floor, where a splendid stage stood in the center. Above, the sounds of music floated, melodious and pleasant to the ear.

The host had naturally reserved the best seats. The two sat at a table in the center, and Li Jiangzong assiduously poured wine for him, offering many polite words before finally lowering his voice:

"That day, my father was overcome with grief, and his words were inappropriate. Fourth Uncle, please understand..."

"It was also my rashness!"

Li Zhouluo felt a little melancholic. He sipped his wine and spoke of his fond memories of their past brotherhood. The surrounding sounds grew louder, as if everyone was cheering. He raised his eyebrows and glanced around, listening to the performance above:

"In troubled times, millions perish... I alone survive my entire family, my meager fate deserving of divine punishment, my meager fate deserving of divine slaughter..."

Li Zhouluo frowned and asked:

"What is this about..."

Li Jiangzong was slightly embarrassed. He had always been busy and never had time to watch these plays, only hearing brief summaries for conversation. He immediately smiled:

"This is 'Hate the Flowing Water'. I heard it's about a noble family scion whose family was murdered. He fell into destitution, and knelt in a chaotic forest, seeking death. Unexpectedly, his brother became an immortal and pulled him up to the heavens to become an immortal... It's all about brotherly affection..."

Not entirely confident, he chuckled:

"This play was found by Uncle Zhou Ming in a neighboring county back then and performed privately for his own viewing. I heard he even brought the elder to watch it... It's only being publicly performed now."

Li Xuanxuan never used to watch such things. Only after Li Ximing mentioned them did he go once or twice. In recent years, his health declined, and he stopped drawing talismans, finding these performances surprisingly novel instead.

"Oh!"

Li Zhouluo immediately fell silent, nodding as he watched. However, he had always disliked such performances, so his gaze didn't linger. Instead, it unexpectedly fell upon a middle-aged man by the stage.

This man was dressed in plain clothes, with a long, narrow face and phoenix eyes that nonetheless conveyed an air of dignified grandeur. He wore a Daoist coronet on his head. Standing amidst the bustling crowd, he appeared clear-cut and otherworldly. Although his cultivation was indiscernible, he possessed a unique charm that commanded respect from those around him, who silently gave him a fist's distance of space.

At his waist, he had two ancient small gourds, about the size of a fist, tied together with a purple cord. On the other side, six decorative miniature short swords were arranged in a neat line, three on each side.

"In years past, a single sect dominated the county... how many struggles ceased? North and South, heads rolled in battle... the common folk suffered harm, their grievances forever unappeased!"

At this moment, the surrounding clamor was like a tide, with much discussion. He, too, nodded and chuckled, his eyes filled with admiration.

"What an extraordinary character."

Li Zhouluo took a few more glances, secretly nodding. Cultivators often stood out, but their natural temperament and demeanor were hard to change unless their appearance was altered. He doubted many cultivators he had met could compare to this man.

"Fourth Uncle!"

Li Jiangzong's voice brought him back to reality. Li Zhouluo chuckled:

"Indeed, it is the ancestral land, to produce a character of such grace."

Li Jiangzong looked thoughtfully towards the stage. The two took a sip of their drinks together. Above, an old man had already appeared, clad in tattered robes, singing:

"In years past, this forest was a den of ghosts... then a great demon hid its tracks... and ghostly winds swept people away..."

Li Zhouluo shook his head. The imaginations of these lower-level cultivators were indeed wild, but with his higher cultivation, it seemed too much like ancient tales of immortals and ghosts, holding little interest for him. Just as he was about to speak, he heard a soft sound. A person was now standing beside their table.

This spot offered a panoramic view, which Li Jiangzong had specifically reserved. The sudden arrival of someone made him slightly displeased. Just as he was about to look up and speak, Li Zhouluo turned his head, seemingly startled, and his pupils immediately dilated.

The person standing by the table was clad in fine, scale-like armor. Tall, with broad shoulders, a narrow waist, long eyebrows, and a wide face, his appearance, while not strikingly handsome, possessed a formidable deterrence that made it hard to look him directly in the eye. Standing there, he exuded an oppressive presence that enveloped both of them.

"A Revered Immortal?!"

It was indeed Li Zhouwei.

Li Jiangzong had only seen him a few times, but how could he not recognize his family's Revered Immortal? At this moment, his entire body tensed, and a cold dread shot directly from his spine to the back of his head, rendering him speechless.

Yet, everyone else around them seemed completely oblivious to his presence, focused intently on the stage. Li Zhouwei, meanwhile, stood with a calm expression, hands clasped behind his back, his golden eyes blazing as he too stared straight ahead.

Li Zhouluo's mind went blank in an instant. For a moment, he wanted to leap from his seat and prostrate himself, but he couldn't move. He could only feign composure, and after a long hesitation, he said with trepidation:

"Greetings... Revered Immortal!"

Li Zhouwei nodded slightly in acknowledgment, his golden eyes fixed silently on the middle-aged man below the stage. The man seemed utterly unaware, waiting for the actor on stage to perform a crying, envious scene, and he even displayed a look of sorrow.

"Wandering aimlessly, without a plan, how can a ghost compare to immortal talent? As for those who became immortals! The light of the four continents and their rivers and mountains obey only their command; the five ghost envoys can only summon wind and thunder by their orders..."

The drawn-out notes soared through the air. A slight change appeared in Li Zhouwei's eyes. He merely tilted his head slightly and said softly:

"Step back a bit. Protector Ding is waiting for you outside the building."