Chapter 937: Senior Brother

The Jiu Tian Pavilion.

Wind stirred and clouds billowed within the pavilion. The bells hanging from the shelves jingled, and a cacophony of sounds arose – first the clang of swords, then the surging of green clouds, intertwining and colliding, accompanied by whistling winds.

In the center of the pavilion, a man dressed in silver robes and a red cloak sat upright. His hands were clasped in a mudra over his Qi Sea, as he quietly regulated his breath. Hearing the wind pick up, his handsome and gentle face lifted, and he asked:

“What’s all that commotion?”

From outside the door, a voice called out:

“The disciples are messing around outside!”

Quan Yuduan smiled, leaped from his seat, and as he pushed the door open, he laughed:

“With Master gone to the East Sea for secluded cultivation, they’ve certainly started making trouble! So early in the morning, disturbing one’s quiet practice!”

As the pavilion door opened, a cultivator in black robes was seen sitting on the steps in front of the hall. Hearing the commotion, he turned his head, shook his robes, stood up, and said with a hint of helplessness:

“One has been in the north, the other in the south these days, and occasionally they have to run to the East Sea. It’s been quite a while since they last met. To see if they’ve made progress or regressed in their cultivation, they always have to spar a bit to find out.”

“Indeed!”

Quan Yuduan laughed heartily and stepped out of the courtyard, crossing the steps in two strides. He said:

“Uncle Wushao, it’s rare to see you! How has Zhou Luo been these past two years?”

Li Wushao, with his arms crossed, also rarely smiled.

“It’s nothing but cultivation. Yun Qing needs a suitable arcane art, and I also need to cultivate my movement techniques, so it’s a good time to visit Jiu Tian Pavilion. There are many things here, after all. Your master has accumulated a lot of merit points, and with his status as an honored guest of Qingchi, it’s a good opportunity to make use of them.”

Over the years, Li Wushao had gained numerous benefits by following Li Xizhi. The spiritual treasures and elixirs given to him were more than what an ordinary demon could gather in one or two centuries. Silently, his foundation had grown robust, reaching the peak of Foundation Establishment.

Furthermore, the Lunar Essence he absorbed in his early years, combined with various spiritual treasures, was transformed into the mysterious power of the Azure Edict through the Six Weirs Life-Matching Art to nourish him. Multiple purifications had made his bloodline increasingly pure. Though not apparent in his early years, as his cultivation gradually perfected, his formidable power became increasingly evident.

However, he rarely made a move, silently protecting Li Xizhi’s descendants for years. Although Quan Yuduan could discern his profound magical power, he was unaware of his true strength, pondering secretly:

‘Although Uncle Wushao’s origins are ordinary, it now seems that even a regular Qingchi Sect disciple might not be able to defeat him…’

For a demon, this was an extremely high commendation. To not come from a noble lineage yet be able to contend with disciples of an immortal sect… such demons were probably few and far between in Jiangnan.

Looking into the courtyard, Zhao Junwei, wielding the Cold Edge, was locked in an intense battle with his junior fellow disciple, Si Xunhui. Sword light and arcane arts intertwined, making the courtyard flicker between light and dark.

Though Quan Yuduan was the senior disciple, his temperament was no match for Zhao Junwei’s, and his background was far inferior to that of his junior fellow disciple, Si Xunhui. Seeing their swordsmanship and cultivation, he felt a surge of shame and silently lowered his head for a moment.

Although Zhao Junwei’s character and perseverance were most highly regarded by Li Xizhi, Si Xunhui’s own character was also excellent, and he was equally diligent. With the backing of a powerful family, it was naturally something Zhao Junwei couldn’t match. After battling for the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, Zhao Junwei was already defeated and sighed:

“Junior brother’s arcane arts… truly live up to Master’s renown!”

Si Xunhui quickly withdrew his hands and shook his head, saying:

“I cannot be compared to Master! When he was at my level of cultivation… he was already fighting on the river, and the world did not yet know his talent… That is the true path of preserving one’s fortune by remaining unassuming.”

The disciples sat in the hall and chatted eagerly. Zhao Junwei chose to speak only about matters in the East Sea, replying:

“When I returned from Reef Sea, I heard something unusual. The people of Scarlet Reef Island and Thunder-Listening Island fought fiercely near there over some treasure… The fight escalated until the Dragon Clan intervened to mediate. No one knows who ended up with the item… but… it seems a key direct descendant from Thunder-Listening Island died in that battle… so they’ve definitely fallen out completely.”

Neither of these two families were good entities. The two disciples simply enjoyed hearing the gossip, finding it amusing. Quan Yuduan, however, gestured for them to look at him, and said seriously:

“I have some news to share.”

Both looked at him in unison. Quan Yuduan whispered:

“Do you still remember the Azure Grain Peak Master?”

“Of course!”

Si Xunhui was less familiar, but Quan Yuduan and Zhao Junwei naturally couldn’t forget Yuan Chengzhao’s name. How could they forget this uncle who repeatedly harmed their master? Quan Yuduan sneered and replied:

“We only saw him silent for the past few years, spending day after day in secluded cultivation, not even disturbed by the chaos in the Yuan family… But in the past few days, Qin Xian apparently received some information. He sent people to arrange formations and discovered that the cave dwelling had been vacant for many years… even the supplies sent there were unused.”

“Oh?”

Both their expressions subtly changed. Quan Yuduan sneered:

“Qin Xian, worried something had happened to him, ordered the cave dwelling’s door to be opened immediately, only to find it empty!”

“It seems he secretly sealed the cave dwelling and has gone traveling the world at some unknown time!”

There’s a lot to say about this matter. With Si Bohxiu’s death, Yuan Chengzhao naturally should have realized he had reason to fear… Although Li Xizhi said he would let bygones be bygones, having offended an immortal clan, how could Yuan Chengzhao be at ease?

Li Wushao, listening to this for a while, showed a cynical smile, silently turned away, and thought to himself:

‘Qin Xian and others are watching. The Si family needs to save some face; it’s not good to ‘kill the donkey after it grinds the mill.’ So they gave him an early opportunity, letting him go. As for his ultimate fate… Si Tongyi doesn’t have the courage to pursue it, so he’s likely been left to fend for himself!’

Li Wushao then turned back, intending to select movement techniques. Who knew that the low discussions of the junior disciples would drift on the breeze, flowing past him?

“Have the two senior brothers heard… that there seems to be some activity at the Green Mallow Pond!”

This single sentence shook Li Wushao’s heart. The foot that was already crossing the threshold immediately halted. After a moment of hesitation, he stepped through the door and stopped in front of a row of shelves.

But he did not close the door, and the disciples’ voices still floated lightly into his ears:

“Senior brother is well-informed… I’ve lived abroad for a long time and don’t know the inside story… What kind of activity is it?”

Then a clear voice, deliberately lowered, was heard – it was the junior fellow disciple Si Xunhui, sitting nearby:

“I heard from my family’s elders… that it seems the Great True Man has returned.”

This voice was like a clap of thunder, nearly causing Li Wushao’s expression to change several times:

‘The Great True Man?!’

‘Elders… which elder in the Si family now?’

“True Man Sui Guan!”

Quan Yuduan’s surprised voice almost coincided with Li Wushao’s thoughts. This name clearly struck fear into everyone. This True Man Sui Guan, emerging from a Grotto-heaven, was rumored to possess an otherworldly aura. Not to mention the present generation, even the Chi family back then viewed him with both suspicion and dread!

At this moment, the pavilion was exceptionally quiet. The three disciples sat around the table. Zhao Junwei sighed, refilling the tea for his two fellow disciples. Quan Yuduan, with a complex expression, said:

“It’s him…”

He slightly turned his face, looking somewhat suppressed, and replied:

“I only heard that… True Man Qiuhu summoned Lin Wuning and Qin Xian… The two emerged without any abnormality… I only heard that they were reassigning personnel, reducing the scale of several market towns, and increasing tributes, but I haven’t heard anything more… Junior brother’s information is truly formidable.”

Not to mention their suppressed reactions, Si Xunhui’s expression wasn’t any better at this moment!

Qingchi was indeed in a turbulent period and desperately needed a Purple Mansion cultivator. Having a Great True Man to back them was naturally a good thing, but Sui Guan was no ordinary person! Not only was his relationship with the True Monarch Lushui profound, but he also possessed an ageless countenance and perfected divine abilities!

Let alone Ning Wan now… even if Si Bohxiu were resurrected, he would only be submissive in Sui Guan’s presence. And now, Ning Wan remained silent, giving no instructions, the details of which were terrifying upon closer thought…

Seeing that both were speechless, Si Xunhui’s tone became low as he replied:

“According to Qingchi’s past rules, all Purple Mansion cultivators of the Qingchi Sect who achieve enlightenment must make a journey to the Sky of Lushui Pronouncements…”

He hesitated for a long time, then finally sighed:

“And within this Sky of Lushui Pronouncements, there hangs an object called the Lushui Altar Awakened Heart Sword. Whenever a Purple Mansion cultivator enters the Grotto-heaven, this sword will ascend to the Rising Yang Palace, leaving a sword imprint there.”

“This object is mysteriously unfathomable; it’s debated whether it’s the Great One’s divine ability or some kind of magical treasure to this day…”

He continued:

“However… my ancestors still regarded this object as a magical treasure. In modern terms, it’s a Golden Core magical treasure, but in ancient times, it was classified by 'rank.' Since it originated from the path of Lushui, it was known as the Lushui Rank.”

His Si family was an ancient lineage, knowing far more than the other two. At this moment, his expression was solemn, and seeing the other two lost in thought, Si Xunhui said very earnestly:

“As for the purpose of this imprint, others don’t know, but it’s rumored to protect the soul from being searched by others. Over the years in Qingchi, whether it was Chi Wei or the San Yuan, all of them have entered…”

Quan Yuduan remained silent, then whispered:

“I’ve only heard of the Golden Bridge Lock! I never imagined there was an Awakened Heart Sword.”

Si Xunhui silently sighed. After this discussion, he felt he had spoken too much, and his heart felt hollow. He quickly added, echoing:

“How could one have imagined this? That peerless genius in the Sky of Lushui Pronouncements is greatly admired, and not without reason.”

He quickly stopped and turned to ask Quan Yuduan:

“Reducing the market town scale, increasing tributes… what kind of arrangement is that?”

Quan Yuduan shook his head slightly and replied:

“It’s just that I’m responsible for this area. According to the arrangements from above, for the next six months, the funds and personnel used to maintain the market towns, collect spiritual treasures, and ensure stability within the county will be cut in half. And it might even decrease further in the future…”

“Over these years, the sect has repeatedly suffered damage, and its population was already not thriving. Looking at the arrangements from above, the requirements for recruiting disciples have become even higher… Not only will this fail to fill the various peaks, but I suspect we might even have fewer people!”

Si Xunhui silently took note, his gaze naturally bypassing Quan Yuduan. He saw the pavilion’s entrance wide open, many jade talismans jingling in the wind, and lowered his head to sip his tea.

North Shore.

Lingering snow fluttered, mingling with moonlight as it fell onto the steps. The main hall atop Cold Cloud Peak was brightly lit. A man, clad in fine scale armor, sat upright on the main seat, slowly opening his eyes.

Li Zhouwei had cultivated for a while on the North Shore, focusing primarily on the *Profound Grand Art*. Originally, this art cultivated faster in the realm where sun and moon shone together, but the Great True Man of Luoxia Mountain had just departed. Unlike others, it wasn’t safe for him at the moment, and with constant changes in the north, he simply chose to cultivate here, not saving that small bit of time.

Now, having completed his arcane art practice, he slightly parted his lips, and a wisp of white mist surged from his nostrils, transforming into various shapes in mid-air. It quickly dispersed under the impact of the cold air, leaving no trace.

‘Although the *Profound Grand Art* is difficult, it’s not so difficult as to prevent any progress. Now that I’ve successfully cultivated this wisp of white mist, I’ve finally entered the initial stage!’

With a thought from his spiritual consciousness, he ascended to the Grand Void and, closing his eyes in mystic vision, saw streams of pure, snow-white Qi surrounding his Rising Yang Palace, like stars encircling the moon, supporting it.

This substance was the Vast Grand Pure Qi, generated by the *Profound Grand Art*, capable of healing the body. Currently, he had only formed one portion. With his current cultivation level, he could gather a maximum of three portions, with each taking about a year to form.

The prerequisite for gathering Vast Grand Pure Qi was a flawless body, meaning no injuries. It didn’t require his constant attention as with other cultivation. Once the arcane art was refined, it would naturally elevate, and the speed of elevation was related to one’s cultivation level. Pure Qi was naturally the fastest, followed by the Twelve Qi.

Bright Yang wasn’t fast, but it was sufficient. Li Zhouwei silently estimated that three portions would be useful for ordinary cultivators, but for him, it was merely a trifle, enough only for minor injuries.

‘In any case, I don’t need to personally elevate it; it’s fine to just cultivate it and let it be. The sooner it’s cultivated, the more time there is for it to elevate. The sooner this cultivation method becomes profound, the greater its effect can be.’

As he stepped out of the hall, he saw a robust, white-haired old man approach from the side, bow respectfully, and say in a resonant voice:

“Your subordinate has returned from the Northern Foothills and received a reply. Several masters of Great Li Mountain have entered secluded cultivation. Although I met a few demon generals, the day of their master’s emergence is still unknown. According to Fellow Daoist Lu, it likely won’t be a matter of one or two days.”

The last time the Great True Man of Luoxia Mountain appeared in Lijing Town, a four-eared man in white robes showed himself. At that time, Li Zhouwei had deduced that he must be the more powerful Fox clan member from Great Li Mountain.

Although the Northern Foothills had always been the territory of the Fox clan, and it was reasonable for them to investigate when the Great True Man of Luoxia Mountain appeared there, combined with the earlier words sent by Demon King Qing Yu, there was ultimately some reason to believe it was for his own sake… Li Zhouwei naturally had to go and offer his thanks.

‘Having a connection is one thing, but the Fox clan would absolutely not get involved in this matter themselves! For me to go and visit right after the Great True Man of Luoxia Mountain left would inevitably be a bit sensitive!’

So he dispatched the White Ape to go, testing the waters under the pretense of the White Ape visiting a friend. Sure enough, the other party had already gone into secluded cultivation and was unavailable, and Li Zhouwei understood.

“I understand…”

Li Zhouwei was not surprised. He dismissed the White Ape, stepped into the Grand Void, and began to ponder secretly, taking out a jade slip from his sleeve:

The *Sutra of Great Rivers and Tombs*!

This item had now been unsealed. It was a Purple Mansion cultivation method of the Vast Sea path, rated fifth-grade, likely the hidden inheritance of the Chen clan of Ningguo! It came with various wondrous movement techniques and arcane arts, but unfortunately, their affinities didn't match.

‘It is widely known that True Man Xiao cultivates the Kan Water. My family and the Xiao family have always had old ties. This item should still be given to him, but it’s not very convenient for me. And since Uncle-Grandpa has several ties with him, it’s better to strike while the iron is hot and have Uncle-Grandpa make the trip… entrusting it to him would be better.’

But just as he stepped into the Grand Void, his expression suddenly changed. In the mundane world, the ground was already shaking violently, causing him to step back onto the lake. His golden eyes abruptly focused on the southeast.

He saw a wave of Qi in the southeastern sky, thunder rumbling, ghosts wailing, and purple rain falling from the heavens. Spiritual energy surged upwards, disturbing the surrounding spiritual aura, causing it to constantly fluctuate.

‘Someone has failed their Purple Mansion breakthrough!’

Li Zhouwei needed only a glance to know that this person had accumulated extremely profound reserves, likely having reached the final step, but unexpectedly failed to cross that crucial threshold and ultimately perished.

Amidst the pouring rain, a white, wave-like illusory mountain peak was soaring skyward, visible from afar. It shattered the heavy rain clouds one by one, standing majestically among the clouds.

The morning light was rising, bathing the cloud-shrouded mountain peak and casting it in a golden hue.

‘What a vast expanse of purple rain and white peaks! Half of Yue country must be able to see it!’

But before he could even sigh in awe, within the hazy purple rain, a colossal, jet-black object suddenly appeared, steadily floating upwards bit by bit!

On this colossal object, pavilions and towers were all present. Pines and cypresses stood tall, still covered in snow. Winding paths were visible, and cultivators in feathered robes still circled, making it appear remarkably lively.

He heard shouts from afar:

“A mountain?! What a huge mountain!”

A majestic mountain peak had actually taken advantage of the momentum and ascended into the sky.

“Boom!”

Only then did Li Zhouwei understand where the earlier shaking of the earth had come from:

‘Someone actually seized the opportunity to move a mountain!’

Looking from afar, countless cultivators, like ants, flew up from the ground, raising their heads to stare dumbfounded at the unprecedentedly enormous mountain peak in the sky.

Meanwhile, the white Qi in the clouds seemed to have found something incredibly tempting. It descended from the sky, attaching itself to the mountain peak one by one, supporting the entire mountain!

The wind and rain had now ceased, but faint specks of earth could still be seen falling from afar. The mountain peak hovered briefly in the air, then swiftly drifted away, buoyed by the white Qi, flying into layers upon layers of mist and vanishing from sight.

Li Zhouwei watched the mountain peak ascending into the heavens, his pupils slightly dilated. A name slowly emerged in his mind:

“Xianyou Peak!”