Chapter 943: Wind and Sand

Brilliant golden clouds glowed brightly as swirling sand and dust rose from the lake. The sky was filled with vibrant colors, and long, purple-golden columns soared upward. The formation array spontaneously activated, halting the swirling dust at its edges.

Bright streams of light appeared sequentially, pausing in the air before swiftly descending to the lakeside cave dwelling situated between the purple-golden pillars. Those gathered there silently exchanged glances.

"It's the Western Seventh Pillar Cave Dwelling..."

Barely an instant later, a black-robed man arrived, riding the wind with a subtle expression. The cultivators on either side bowed in unison, speaking deferentially:

"Protector Chen!"

Chen Yang nodded. He observed the shifting anomalies in the sky and had a rough understanding, but upon observing the cave dwelling's location, he sensed something was amiss. He asked in a low voice:

"Is it the Fifth Young Master?"

The cultivators on both sides lowered their heads in unison. One stepped forward and replied softly:

"Reporting, My Lord... This is the Young Master's private retreat. He himself chose this lakeside cave dwelling back then."

The Fifth Young Master Chen Yang referred to was naturally Li Zhouming. However, he had never imagined that someone of Li Zhouming's esteemed status would not choose a location at the very center of the continent, but instead select this lakeside spot overgrown with fragrant grass. It seemed more like a guest elder's secluded cultivation retreat.

He wasn't particularly concerned about this notorious dissolute young master. He observed with a detached gaze for a while, and even felt a sense of relief, musing inwardly:

"He must have failed his Foundation Establishment... which is quite convenient. With such a dissolute young master around, all the families found themselves in a difficult position."

His face was full of regret. He waited for a while, but no one emerged. The people on either side silently shook their heads. Yet, no one seemed surprised; they began discussing who should open the cave dwelling.

After all, Li Zhouming had no particular temperament or ability. Sometimes when he acted arrogantly, everyone had to concede to him. Moreover, he was stubborn, clinging to one or two rigid principles. When an order was issued across the continent, there was usually a thirty to forty percent margin for flexibility. But if this flexibility was occasionally discovered by the dissolute young master, he would inevitably cause a huge scene.

Therefore, Chen Yang sighed outwardly. He looked left and right, noticing many people seemed relieved. But as the current leader of the Chen family, Chen Yang, whose talents were outstanding, thought more deeply:

"In recent years, Xia Shouyu has quietly but rigorously managed the dense forest and the fragrant mists. She has seized control of the vital lifeline of essence collection, and in collusion with Li Quewan, they have continually raised the requirements for obtaining essence, secretly promoting impoverished families and collateral branches..."

Chen Yang couldn't say he found their actions objectionable; it was merely a method of checks and balances. One of them was born overseas, and the other was from a remote collateral branch that returned to the lake. Naturally, they disliked favoritism towards direct descendants and prominent families. Now, some precious and unique spiritual energy was being preferentially given to impoverished families, subtly eroding the foundations of those with vested interests. However, both were favored by the two True Lords. Although there were grievances below, no one dared to speak out.

Although Chen Yang felt little sense of belonging to the Chen clan—and at worst, he could send two of his subordinates to handle essence collection for himself—he had now sired two sons and was soon to have grandchildren. He still very much desired one or two cultivation techniques for his children and grandchildren, and naturally hoped the two would exercise some restraint.

"Xia Shouyu is a sensible person; she's simply trying to curry favor with Li Quewan. Once Li Zhouming dies and she loses her backing, she naturally wouldn't dare to get involved in such hateful matters... As soon as she loosens her grip, and Li Quewan is often busy with cultivation and other affairs, this network will loosen considerably."

He felt a sense of ease within him, while his face showed sorrow. He murmured:

"The Young Master has always been highly regarded... At the very least, a direct descendant of his generation should be invited here..."

No sooner had he spoken than a burly man arrived, riding on thunder. His imposing, almost savage, face was filled with astonishment. He turned his head and asked:

"Protector Chen! What happened?!"

This man was precisely Li Zhouda, who had inherited Li Cheng's mantle. He had broken through to Foundation Establishment some time ago. He was short-tempered and courageous, which perfectly suited his cultivation technique, allowing his progress to advance by leaps and bounds. The six swaying silver tokens at his waist further instilled a sense of dread.

After all, power and position could cultivate a person. Back then, he was known for his recklessness and impulsiveness, and was almost excluded from the succession because of this flaw. But now, having managed the Jade Court for two or three years, that very recklessness and impulsiveness seemed to have transformed into an imposing aura.

But as soon as he arrived, the expression of a long-robed Qi Cultivator on the far right immediately changed. He gave him a deep, meaningful look, and without a word, silently rose on the wind and departed.

Chen Yang saw this and sneered inwardly.

"This Li Zhoutui is ultimately ill-tempered and a coward. He often says Li Zhouda holds grudges and is narrow-minded. It's hard to say who is truly narrow-minded!"

"The Fifth Young Master... may have perished."

Chen Yang explained with a hint of regret, causing the burly man's expression to freeze. Then, Xia Shouyu arrived, riding fire with Li Xuanxuan. The woman, with downcast eyes, supported the elder, appearing very quiet.

Li Xuanxuan's face and lips were slightly pale. He stretched out a hand, remaining silent for a long moment. A hint of doubt appeared on his face:

"The life jade from Mount Qingdu hasn't reacted..."

Li Quewan, who arrived later, maintained a relatively calm expression. His gaze swept across the lake, though it was unclear what he was looking at. A young man then ascended on the wind nearby, his expression sorrowful:

"Cousin... Elder Sir..."

"Zhousun!"

Li Zhouda glanced at him, wiped his eyes, and replied:

"Let's go together... When you cultivated by the lake back then, the Fifth Young Master often gifted you spiritual artifacts."

Li Zhousun replied with a slight tremor, his handsome face filled with disappointment. This direct descendant of the Li clan had voluntarily relinquished Li Cheng's succession rights back then, and thus maintained good relationships with both Li Zhouda and Li Zhoutui. He also caught the attention of Li Xuanxuan and others... it was hard to say whether this was a loss or a gain.

Chen Yang composed himself, his expression serious as he guarded the group. Yet, they saw a small boat propelled from the lakeside. A boatman in a straw cape was poling it along, singing loudly:

"White horse gallops to the Western Ridge, descendants await ascension to immortality. Nine energies combine to form a radiant platform. Is the mortal world enjoyable? Demonic enchantresses achieve profound cultivation, but how many find true fate?"

Hearing this, Li Zhouda froze in place. Li Zhousun, beside him, had a strange expression and remained silent. The Qi Cultivators on either side said nothing, exchanging speechless glances. Li Quewan, however, let out a chuckle, shaking his head with pursed lips.

The boatman's Foundation Establishment cultivation was clear, and brilliant Yang Qi surged. Who else could it be?

The elder in the sky, whose face had been slightly pale, flushed instantly. His previously tightly pursed lips trembled, and his eyes showed both joy and anger. He clenched his fists and cursed under his breath:

"Nonsense..."

Li Zhouda paused for a moment, feeling both annoyed and amused, but ultimately, his eyes held joy. He cursed:

"This scoundrel! Forming an Immortal Foundation is even grander than a True Lord breaking through to the Purple Mansion! I wonder who he learned this from!"

The elder was, after all, afraid of him losing face in front of everyone. But Xia Shouyu, standing nearby, flicked her white robe and descended with a cold smile, landing in front of the boat. She said with a laugh:

"Fifth Young Master, how grand!"

This startled the boatman, causing him to drop his pole. He laughed somewhat fawningly:

"Oh, it's Madam..."

Seeing his smile, Xia Shouyu's irritation completely subsided. She said, somewhat testily:

"I wondered who would choose a lakeside cave dwelling... And whose boat have you stolen this time?"

"What are you saying!"

Li Zhouming felt a little embarrassed. He ascended on the wind with her and replied:

"I paid him a good sum! I was just in a hurry, afraid I wouldn't be able to put on this grand show before you arrived, so I quickly tossed him ashore, and now I don't know where he's gone."

Xia Shouyu couldn't help but let out a laugh, rolled her eyes, took his arm, and together they ascended into the sky, listening to the cultivators on both sides congratulate in unison:

"Congratulations, My Lord, on achieving Immortal Foundation!"

Li Zhouming glanced around. He, who could laugh aloud even at Xia Shouyu's cold mockery, surprisingly looked indifferent when listening to the fawning voices of these cultivators. He offered a placating smile to Li Xuanxuan, but the elder simply turned his head away, refusing to look at him.

Li Zhouda was very happy. He simply took his hand and said seriously:

"For such great news, we brothers must have a drink together!"

Li Zhouming nodded repeatedly and replied:

"We should first pay our respects to the True Lord."

After a burst of lively chatter, everyone dispersed. Li Zhouming hurried to appease the elder. Li Xuanxuan didn't make things difficult for him; he just shook his head and told him to go to the North Shore:

"It happens that Jiang Nian is emerging from seclusion, preparing to break through to Foundation Establishment. You two should go together and meet the True Lord."

Li Zhouming, however, didn't let him go. He immediately inquired about his well-being and then listened to recent developments in the North. Seeing that only their own people were around, he replied:

"I don't like some of the people on this continent; they are like fleas living in fur. It's still too lively here now. The North is pressing hard; why not send more people over there?"

Hearing this, Li Quewan looked at him with some surprise. Xia Shouyu, meanwhile, lowered her head without a word. Li Xuanxuan simply turned his head and said:

"You've thought too much about it. Jiang Long and Jiang Qian have already made arrangements."

Li Zhouming had just broken through to Foundation Establishment, yet he seemed to show little joy. He only said:

"I understand your words, My Lord. There are many like Fei Qingyi, and it's just talk. Now, Zhouda and Zhousun are both good brothers; I heard they even went to Boring Blade Mountain. Why should my family always be on the front lines? Meanwhile, some prominent families live comfortably."

Li Quewan listened to his words, sighing softly, and replied:

"Clan Uncle, look at this. The North-South conflict once broke the backs of the Tian and Xu families. Now, we don't know whose turn it is, and they are also apprehensive. We're just arranging things slowly so as not to make them too nervous."

Only then did Li Zhouming understand, and he replied:

"I understand... I'll go over there now."

North Shore.

A biting wind swept through the pavilion. Li Zhouwei stood on the cliff, seemingly gazing intently into the distance, yet the spiritual energy within his body was constantly condensing, forming streams of magic power from the "Body Suppressing Tiger Pass Scripture" lineage and converging into his Qi Sea.

The magic power within his Qi Sea churned, transforming into dark golden currents that gathered at the bottom of the valley, constantly rising at an astonishing speed, vaguely taking on the appearance of scale-like shimmering light.

Li Zhouwei's cultivation was already rapid. Back then, he even had to practice certain spells to slow down his progress and conceal it. After achieving divine abilities, his speed became even more astonishing. Now, without any concealment, his cultivation soared. In just a few months, his cultivation in the Qi Sea had already reached more than half of what was required to condense an Immortal Foundation.

"I estimate it will take half a year to condense the 'Monarch's Treacherous Steps Immortal Foundation'."

Logically speaking, a conflict between North and South could erupt at any time, making cultivation at this moment not a wise choice. However, Li Zhouwei had remaining Azure Talismans; as long as his Immortal Foundation was achieved, with the aid of the talismans' energy, which had no side effects, he would likely achieve divine abilities. It was entirely worth the gamble.

Li Jiangqian stood beside the hall. Seeing Li Zhouwei look over, he reported:

"In the past three months, several groups of Buddhist and Demonic cultivators crossed the river. They were at the North Shore, the wilderness, and Mount Ji respectively, but all have now been driven back. Our family lost a few Qi Cultivators, and Guest Elder Miaoshui sustained minor injuries."

Li Zhouwei nodded, listening as he continued:

"More and more cultivators are arriving from the North. I heard that direct descendants of many orthodoxies have come. Murong Yan appeared in a desert region, passing by the border of the Golden Feather Sect. I also heard that True Lord Tian Huo appeared, but they didn't fight."

"Golden Feather always plays both sides; they won't start a fight."

Li Zhouwei casually responded and replied:

"Perhaps Tian Huo crossed the river first."

Li Jiangqian bowed his head and said respectfully:

"There is good news: Uncle Zhouming has broken through... Furthermore... Younger Brother Nian has emerged from seclusion, and Younger Brother Liang has already arrived in the mountains, preparing to see Father."

Li Zhouwei wasn't particularly surprised. He merely said:

"Let him come up."

Li Jiangqian bowed and descended. After a few breaths, a white-robed man was seen ascending the stone path.

The man had a pair of handsome, golden eyes. His brows were free and unrestrained, full of heroic spirit. Tall and well-built, he already resembled a promising young talent. This was precisely Li Jiangliang.

He arrived before the pavilion and bowed respectfully, saying deferentially:

"Greetings, Father!"

Li Zhouwei showed no coldness. He invited him to sit in the pavilion and said casually:

"I heard you found a lovely lady. Why didn't you bring her to the lake for a visit?"

Although Li Jiangliang appeared composed, he couldn't help but feel nervous when truly facing Li Zhouwei. His eyes involuntarily lowered, and he said in a low voice:

"Tian You encountered something midway and was delayed... Her father and brother are in trouble, so she had to go check on them temporarily."

"Hm."

Li Zhouwei nodded:

"The Imperial Yang clan?"

Li Jiangliang affirmed, a little embarrassed. This young man no longer had much of his former obedient and docile demeanor; he appeared energetic yet subtly calculating:

"I didn't know at first... I met her during my travels, and our ambitions aligned. Only later did I realize, but I didn't know which branch of the Imperial Yang clan she was from..."

"She... she is a junior of the Yang clan, a direct descendant. She has already reached Foundation Establishment, and it's said she's related to Clan Uncle Zhou Luo, and she mentioned wanting to visit him..."

Li Zhouwei did not want to dwell on this with him. He simply looked at him quietly:

"How do you plan to proceed from now on?"

Li Jiangliang was already sweating. He said respectfully:

"Tian You hopes I can make a trip to Simin Commandery. I've also met her elder brother; he's a top-tier figure, like Father... Once I reach Simin Commandery and meet her father, this matter will be settled..."

The Li family had long known that the Yang family concealed a Purple Mansion realm cultivator and most likely possessed a life-bound divine ability to control the situation. They surely had a grand scheme, perhaps secretly arranging something. But now, Li Zhouwei saw that his son's words were clear and his understanding of pros and cons distinct. He probably already had his own plans.

"Your son wishes to travel South. But with the constant turmoil on the North Shore, I cannot contribute, which makes me feel truly ashamed... I hope to inquire with the Yang family; after all, they are defending the river for the South, which also contributes to our family's strength."

Li Jiangliang slightly lowered his brows and said respectfully:

"Tian You said that Clan Uncle Zhou Luo also has good intentions. Your son hopes to help facilitate this."

Li Zhouwei heard his words and chuckled twice, but there was no amusement in his eyes.

This child had just said that Li Zhouluo and Yang Tianyou had not met, yet he then said that Li Zhouluo also had good intentions. This merely implied that Li Zhouluo had also been in contact with the Yang family. Otherwise, how would Yang Tianyou know? With Li Chenghuai away on training and Li Xizhi having gone to the East Sea, it was reasonable for the Yang family to contact Li Zhouluo.

Li Jiangliang lowered his head, saying no more. After a long silence, Li Zhouwei finally spoke:

"You speak of Zhou Luo... he is, after all, also of Yang family blood, so more contact won't hurt. But the legitimate son Jiang Chun has also arrived at the lake. He is the eldest legitimate son of his lineage, and his mother comes from a prominent family under the Pure One Dao, with an unblemished background. I intend to bring him back and cultivate him here on the continent from now on."

Li Jiangliang nodded and said in a low voice:

"Father's arrangements are very fitting... Actually, Grand-Uncle Chenghuai was the most suitable