Chapter 938: Mu Fa

Jiangbei, Tangdao Mountain.

Early spring rain and snow poured down, drifting over the golden peaks and sliding down the eaves. A man in a simple kasaya sat in a pavilion, one hand resting on the table, gazing out into the rain.

Not long after, a young man emerged from the rain and snow. He wore a long white gauze crown and a black robe with dark patterns and gold edges on a white background. Two purple silk tassels hung from his waist. He had a fair complexion with red lips and white teeth, yet possessed a detached and magnanimous demeanor. Upon reaching the hall, he smiled and greeted, "Greetings, Abbot Fachang!"

It turned out the monk in the pavilion was Maha Fachang, sent by the Great Mu Dharma Realm to guard Jiangbei!

Fachang immediately rose to greet him, smiling. "Greetings, Daoist Qi! Your Grand Void Walk is incredibly fast; that journey was certainly not short!" He quickly lifted his inner robe, revealing white, tightly bound pant legs, and hurried down the steps. Standing to the side, he gestured with his sleeve to welcome the young man, who only smiled and said, "Just a simple walking technique."

The young man stopped, completed the courtesies, and sat down in his seat without ceremony. Maha Fachang, instead, showed him deference, sitting by his side to brew tea, saying with evident joy, "In the blink of an eye, it's been several years since we last met. How has True Master Qi's cultivation been on the mountain?"

This True Master seemed to come from a prominent background, appearing quite natural in response to Fachang's attitude. He replied, "I've made some progress... But I should congratulate your Great Mu Dharma Realm. Your senior brother has returned to the mountain after accepting his revered position, which subtly aligns with the orthodox tradition. With his current progress, I estimate even I might not be his match anymore!"

When this was mentioned, Maha Fachang seemed a little awkward. Although it was a joyous occasion, it made him hesitant to speak, and he said in a low voice, "His cultivation has indeed advanced... but in my opinion... it may not be a good thing. No matter what, he is still Emperor Wei. Such karma accumulating on him is like a child wielding a sledgehammer. If he loses his grip one day, and it flies out of his hand... he might even get himself killed!"

The young man sneered, but a hint of silence entered his eyes. He clearly agreed with some of the monk's words, but as the matter was too significant for him to elaborate, he sighed, "A genius like you, whose cultivation has stumbled these past years, is not without reason... Some things cannot be spoken of lightly!"

Both knew these words should not be dwelt upon and quickly moved on. The young man said, "I just saw purple rain and falling feathers. Has there been a levitation event in the South?"

Maha Fachang quickly replied, "Indeed. And strangely, there was no malevolent aura, so it wasn't the Gen Earth Relocation technique. It was the Duwei Mountain God Levitation technique... I heard from those below that... the mountain was Xianyòu Mountain, the gate of Xiao Chuting's sect."

"I know!" The young man raised his leg, his black-patterned robe gleaming with spiritual light, a rather curious expression on his face. "He went to Beihai, perfectly leveraging the power of Kan Water. True Master Ji'an couldn't stay there either and had already given him Pi'er Mountain. But Pi'er Mountain is too small for a family to thrive, only suitable for reclusive immortals. He still needed another mountain!"

At the mention of this, Maha Fachang immediately frowned, showing confusion, and asked, "How far is it from Jiangnan to Beihai! Only a Grand True Master of the Gen Earth lineage could move it. It's correct that Xiao Chuting didn't use Gen Earth; he absolutely had to use the Duwei Levitation technique."

"This is what I don't understand... he cultivates Kan Water..." He hadn't finished his sentence when he saw the other man wave his hand and shake his head. After drinking his tea, he then smiled and said, "Bai Ziyu came to Zhixuan Pavilion, and I've met him. He also cultivates Duwei... Your neighbor, the Duxian Dao sect, is his territory. I specifically asked him about it..."

"This Xiao Chuting, he has a junior named Xiao Yongling, who cultivates the Duwei's East Feather Mountain, which is the levitation mountain in Daoist symbolic imagery. The Xiao family spared no effort to support him in reaching the Purple Mansion realm, so there was already a scheme involved."

"Xianyòu Mountain is a large mountain after all, even just its main peak would be a considerable mountain in Jiangnan. And it's such a long distance. He first borrowed spiritual artifacts, but that still wasn't enough, so he naturally needed assistance. I saw that he had already set up formations on the mountain long ago, just waiting for this opportune moment!"

Maha Fachang understood everything just from this sentence. His initial suspicions were confirmed, and he nodded, "I see... If Xiao Yongling succeeds, there will certainly be an East Feather Levitation phenomenon, marking the ascension to Purple Mansion and the refinement of divine abilities, which would perfectly help him lift the mountain. If he fails, there will also be an abnormal phenomenon of breakthrough failure and his body returning to the earth, which could also be utilized."

"That's the logic, and their calculation," True Master Qi, who appeared youthful, laughed heartily and replied, "It's a brilliant move! I saw he was well-prepared, but I didn't expect that Xiao Yongling to be so fundamentally strong. He fought battle after battle and somehow managed to endure... I suppose, according to Xiao Chuting's original plan, the event should have happened during the great war!"

"But it kept dragging on until now, getting him more deeply involved. Still, it has finally settled, and his scheme has succeeded."

Maha Fachang shook his head, "Early planning is natural. Xiao Chuting was a late bloomer. Although opportunities and secret methods came together, and his divine abilities progressed extremely quickly, how much lifespan does he have left? The Xiao family has no outstanding heirs either, and even if they did, it wouldn't be convenient for them to remain in Jiangnan."

True Master Qi chuckled, smoothly changing the topic, and said softly, "That True Master Bai Ziyu is indeed an intriguing person, with some strategic depth and broad-mindedness. My lord had a conversation with him and truly admired him! I never expected that first there was Changxiao, then him. Nowadays, even rogue cultivators can produce such talents..."

He quickly turned his head and asked with a smile, "How is Jiangbei?"

Maha Fachang pressed his palms together. His simple robe had no patterns, a stark contrast to the True Master opposite him. His eyes held a hint of helplessness as he said in a low voice, "It has been pacified; there were no major conflicts. However, I haven't yet met that White Qilin by the river. The prestige of Shengming Jinmingwang is still potent, but logically speaking... Shengming Jinmingwang only achieved his divine power through a direct descendant of Emperor Wei becoming a Buddhist practitioner. He should not be his match."

True Master Qi's expression was calm as he murmured, "Shengming Jinmingwang..." His expression implicitly conveyed disdain, but as it was, after all, a senior Buddhist practitioner from the other's orthodox lineage, he refrained from saying more, merely lowering his head to sip his tea, offering no comment.

Maha Fachang could not fail to notice this. He silently lowered his head and steered the conversation, "However, the Yan Kingdom is still constantly pressuring us to make a move... They've sent people over."

True Master Qi shook his head and smiled, "It's Murong Yan and Shilo Yingge."

This news seemed to differ slightly from what the monk had heard, causing him to widen his eyes slightly, "King Bolie just left, so why is another Gao family member coming? Helian Wujiang is essentially King Tiefu, and now two royal families are here... Won't they also call Prince Chen and Prince Dai later?"

"It's good news, not someone trying to mediate... The Gao family has produced a genius named Gao Fangjing, who has already reached the Purple Mansion realm. That's why he's able to descend again."

The monk could only nod at this, but without any joy. True Master Qi seemed to understand his apprehension and chuckled, "For so many years... there have been instances of crossing the river between North and South. What's there to be afraid of? Southern cultivators have been stirring for so many years, repeatedly crossing the river, and I've never seen anyone afraid."

"Are only Southern Solar Orthodoxy cultivators allowed to cross the river, but not the various Northern Daoist sects to go south? The key to this matter isn't who crosses the river, Monk, you've misunderstood!"

He tilted his body and smiled, "If they truly didn't want the North to cross the river, how would things have progressed to this point? As long as we don't overdo it, a few skirmishes, even a few major battles, are perfectly fine."

Yet, despite his words, the various Northern forces were clearly feeling apprehensive. Maha Fachang's expression subtly shifted, appearing somewhat subdued, as if listening intently to his words, or perhaps merely awaiting a promise from him. He murmured, "This humble monk understands... Thanks to Daoist friend for coming from the North to clear my doubts... otherwise, with my limited intelligence, I don't know how many days it would take me to comprehend."

"Limited intelligence?" True Master Qi seemed amused, simply saying, "I think you don't want to create killing karma... Sometimes I wonder, are Beigu and Yeren truly from the Liao River region... or is it you?"

Maha Fachang lowered his head slightly and replied, "I dare not compare myself to the high cultivators of the Northern World Honored Dao. But when I accepted this responsibility, I knew this journey would inevitably involve countless acts of killing!"

He hailed from the Great Mu Dharma Realm, which was among the most reputable Buddhist sects in the North. They believed that the present world *is* the Buddha-land, and there's no need to seek it in future lives. Both practitioners and devotees actively participate in transforming the current world to resemble the Buddha-land described in scriptures.

Precisely because of this doctrine, the Great Mu Dharma Realm faced much criticism from fellow practitioners, with many believing they desecrated the scriptures. Now in this position, Maha Fachang naturally bore immense pressure.

But if not for this, why would Qi Lanyin, from the Guanxie lineage, address him as "Daoist friend"? He simply chuckled and said, "Monk, since you know you'll create karma of killing, why embark on this journey, needlessly creating mental obstacles for yourself?"

Maha Fachang sighed softly, answering, "This area absolutely requires a Buddhist practitioner to preside over it. If it were someone else, who knows how cruel their methods would be! They would simply use heretical techniques to devour these common people into their bellies or refine them into their divine abilities... Only by my coming here can this place find some peace."

"If I had not come, I would be filled with regret."

"Xianyòu Mountain has left Jiangnan." In rushed voices, several cultivators landed on the mountain. Li Jiangqian led two others all the way to the summit, entering the main hall alone to report, "Father... the Xiao family has arrived."

The man above opened his eyes.

Although only a few hours had passed since Xianyòu Mountain levitated away, the entire lake region was abuzz. After all, the mountain was not small, and its departure was so grand, leaving people wondering where it might have landed. It must be outside Jiangnan, which naturally sparked speculation.

Li Zhouwei knew the Xiao family would send someone as soon as he learned of the incident. He now simply said, "Let them come up."

After waiting a moment, he saw a tall, slender man with a rather refined appearance ascend to the hall. The Xiao family had kept their gates closed for many years, remaining safe and sound amidst various turmoils, keeping to themselves. Now, their direct descendants were barely recognizable. The man politely bowed in the hall, respectfully saying, "Junior Xiao Congyu pays respects to True Master Minghuang!"

Li Zhouwei nodded, "No need for formalities."

Xiao Congyu straightened up and respectfully said, "The matter of our sect's mountain levitating is of utmost importance, which is why True Master Xiao never disclosed it... Even many clan brothers and elders in the mountain were unaware, only True Master Xiao and the family head knew. Now that the mountain has risen from the earth, True Master Xiao is unable to spare the time, so I have come to bid farewell."

"Our Xiao family has already relocated to Cangzhou in Beihai..."

The celestial phenomenon had not yet dissipated, but the person had already arrived before the mountain, clearly having set off immediately. Li Zhouwei looked at the man kneeling in the courtyard, feeling a hidden sense of regret.

Xiao Chuting was wise to protect himself. In earlier years, the spiritual atmosphere of Jiangnan required his intervention, forcing him to remain there. Later, he found a respite within the two sects, immediately sealing off his mountain gate and gradually abandoning surrounding interests. His plan to leave Jiangnan must not have been a recent one.

His departure now was not unexpected, even somewhat late. Li Zhouwei simply said, "Our two families have been on good terms for many years. My uncle-granduncle admires True Master Xiao immensely and has often expressed a desire to visit him. He has mentioned it to me several times, but True Master Xiao's whereabouts are uncertain, making a meeting difficult."

Li Zhouwei never intended to involve anyone in his own affairs, only hoping that these Li family allies could protect the Li family in the future. Thus, he did not mention a single word about himself, speaking only of Li Ximing.

"Should my uncle-granduncle visit Cangzhou in Beihai one day... I hope True Master Xiao will grant him an audience."

Xiao Congyu immediately bowed low, respectfully saying, "Our True Master mentioned... he is also quite concerned about True Master Zhaojing. From now on, our sect's mountain will be on Pi'er Mountain in Kanbei County, Cangzhou, Beihai. If True Master Zhaojing has any requests, he is welcome to visit at any time."

Li Zhouwei nodded, waved his hand, and replied, "I need to guard the lake, so it will mostly be True Master Zhaojing who goes there. When an immortal family moves to a new location, he will certainly go to congratulate them and present gifts."

The Xiao family member said no more. Seeing Li Zhouwei wave his hand, he quickly took his leave. Li Jiangqian, who saw him off, said in a low voice, "Father... The Xiao clan has been in seclusion for many years and made early preparations. They haven't forged any new marital alliances... Among their direct and blood relatives in the county, those who could be taken were taken, and those who could leave have left..."

He lowered his gaze and said, "From your son's perspective, the Xiao family's departure actually does not affect the overall situation... That True Master will ultimately not involve himself with any single family. Even if he remained here and some turmoil arose in the North... it would not implicate or offend him."

The man in the crimson robe narrowed his eyes slightly, "Now, while they've just offered assistance... and there's still a measure of goodwill, departing early is indeed a good opportunity."

Li Zhouwei indicated his understanding, softly saying, "He was only able to leave precisely because it did not affect the overall situation."

The golden-eyed man rose from the main seat, descended the steps, and slowly walked to the front of the hall, his expression composed. His golden eyes gleamed, appearing exceptionally radiant in the dim sky.

From this vantage point, one could clearly see the rolling dharma smoke on the opposite bank of the river, with clusters of brilliant and colorful clouds rising from the north, and countless figures emerging densely from within.

The scene in the sky was reflected in his golden pupils. Neither the clouds nor the dharma smoke could obstruct his vision, revealing the dark figures and golden bodies within the mist one by one.

"Regardless of all this... inform the Solar Orthodoxy that people have arrived on the river."

**Characters Appearing in This Chapter:**

* Li Jiangqian: Foundation Establishment Middle Stage* Li Zhouwei: Purple Mansion Early Stage