Chapter 949: Stepping into Danger

The vast East Sea surged.

A white and a golden ray of light swiftly approached, streaking over the tumultuous waves, and soon revealed the armored-helmet-like form of Longzhou Island.

Compared to its desolation of many years, Longzhou Island was now bustling. Cultivators in uniform robes flew back and forth, busy everywhere, all members of the Li family who had been sent there in recent years.

The two passed directly through the void and landed on the island. Beneath the island's palace, layers of steps had been constructed, leading deep underground. They descended, and soon arrived above the Baleful Lake.

In the pitch-black darkness, the Suppressing Tide Manor, situated on the Nether Bell Baleful Liquid, appeared exceptionally tall and grand. Limitless baleful winds enveloped the space above. It was not only deserted but also showed no trace of change compared to when they had left years ago.

The Li family had many rules. With no Purple Mansion cultivator guarding it and no commands emanating from the lake, the cultivators on the island evidently feared delaying something and dared not enter this place. Li Ximing smiled faintly and said:

“Please!”

Liu Changdie's face was filled with astonishment. He had clearly sensed the miraculous nature of the formation. He stroked his beard, remaining silent, his eyes gleaming with pleasant surprise, and simply said:

“What a precious land, truly seizing the creation of heaven and earth!”

The two entered the Suppressing Tide Manor together. Inside, they saw a massive circular hall with carvings of intertwined tortoises and soft-shelled turtles, black and white. Deep blue tables with golden patterns were neatly arranged, creating a grand and magnificent atmosphere.

Li Ximing's gaze naturally fixed on the Feather Transformation Pool. The pool water had become warm and jade-like, emitting faint white light.

He had left this place, traveled to and from Boruo Duo, then refined several elixirs, all the while busy, and finally returned here. Counting the time, it had been a full year.

Now, the pool water was just one step away from forming a Neck Feather!

Liu Changdie's insight was remarkably keen. Almost in sync with Li Ximing, his gaze immediately fell upon the Feather Transformation Pool in the great hall. He quickly stepped forward, bent down, and meticulously examined the pristine white magical pool, a sense of profound shock evident:

“Ximing… do you have authority over the grand formation?”

The Profound Turtle Suppressing Manor Spirit Formation now had only him as its master, so he controlled it as easily as his own arm. With just a thought, Li Ximing connected his spiritual sense to the grand formation and immediately registered Liu Changdie's aura.

As soon as Liu Changdie connected to the formation, he didn't hesitate. He placed both hands on the edge of the pool, and immediately, shimmering silver light swirled around the water, accompanied by the clinking sound of chains:

“Treasury Beam Silver!”

The white water in the pool rapidly spun, the water level dropped, and in an instant, it completely vanished. Immediately, a silvery-white, metallic feather lay at the bottom of the empty pool.

A Neck Feather.

‘So fast!’

Li Ximing used a divine ability to lift it, then contentedly placed it into a box. Liu Changdie, however, was not distracted. He gently brushed the white jade at the bottom of the pool, and the surface astonishingly became transparent, vaguely revealing countless runes embedded within.

He was momentarily mesmerized, silver-white light appearing in both his eyes simultaneously as they rapidly mirrored all the countless runes before him, seemingly recording them with a divine ability. He murmured:

“Such an ingenious concept! How is this any different from artificially creating a spirit tree or spirit flower? There must be a Mansion Water treasure here, used to borrow its unique properties!”

Li Ximing was startled. Although he controlled the formation plate, he couldn't discern what materials the grand formation was made of. He mused inwardly:

‘The Profound Lake One Qi Cavern Origin is already in my possession. Could there be something else within the grand formation? It actually makes sense!’

Liu Changdie, however, looked up, his eyes bright, and spoke:

“Ximing, if you dismantle the Profound Turtle Suppressing Manor Spirit Formation, you will surely gain something!”

Li Ximing awkwardly feigned a look of sudden realization. Liu Changdie, however, repeatedly waved his hands, answering his own question:

“It cannot be dismantled! It cannot be dismantled! Such a precious technique from a senior should be thoroughly studied!”

He thus left Li Ximing aside and became absorbed in his observation. Fortunately, he retained some clarity of mind; though his eyes couldn't move away, he said aloud:

“Please allow me to use this precious place! Ximing, rest assured, with the Treasury Beam Silver, the crystallization speed of this spiritual item will be at least half a year faster!”

Li Ximing nodded with satisfaction. He quietly touched his waist and felt his jade pendant growing warm, knowing that Li Zhouwei had already sent someone to retrieve the Profound Shell Flower Leaves from the Golden Feather Sect.

‘I can immediately go into the grotto-heaven and refine these flower leaves into elixirs, which both he and I can take.’

So, without wasting time, he excused himself to leave. Liu Changdie, however, suddenly stood up, his expression hurried:

“Let's go out together for a moment. It's inconvenient for me on the island. Perhaps Ximing could assign someone to me.”

“That's easy!”

The two Immortals immediately exited the underground passage, traversed the void, and landed in the hall, startling the white-robed man in the main hall. He rushed forward to greet them:

“Greetings, Immortals!”

An Siwei, clad in white robes, still appeared somewhat middle-aged, but his overall demeanor seemed rather aged. He wore a long beard, and the golden rings he constantly wore on his hands were gone, making him appear very simple.

As the first non-Li family Foundation Establishment cultivator, An Siwei's talent was not actually too bad. However, his cultivation method was not top-tier, and he hadn't benefited from good resources in his youth. Now, having just broken through to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, and with the fierce North-South conflict, sending him to battle would naturally be a near-certain death. Thus, he was dispatched here along with Li Wen.

On the riverbank, he could be considered the least capable among Foundation Establishment cultivators, even inferior to Li Wen. But out here, fighting a few demonic cultivators was no problem. Being loyal also, it was quite a suitable position for them.

Li Ximing found him amiable. As they flew towards the island's interior, he inquired about An Siwei's recent life. Liu Changdie's gaze was complex as he suddenly said:

“And An Zheyen… how is he doing now?”

An Siwei paused, then remembered that the Immortal before him had also visited the Li family years ago, perhaps having some connection. Upon mentioning his father, he immediately showed sadness and quickly replied:

“Father… he's become extremely old. He was supposed to be living out his days at home, but he kept making a fuss, insisting on seeing me. His days must be few. He was brought to the island yesterday and seems to have lost even his clarity of mind, only fussing about wanting duck soup…”

“Oh!”

Liu Changdie responded, tidied his robes, and with a complex expression, asked:

“Where is the elder? I wish to see him!”

Liu Changdie also knew An Zheyen. When he was constructing the formation for the Li family, this elder had assisted him. Moreover, they had known each other in a past life… The first significant wealth he acquired… was even from an accidental discovery of a spiritual material by An Zheyen in Lixia during his prime, which Liu Changdie had taken beforehand.

Although he had been plagued by inner demons in the past, he eventually achieved great enlightenment, transforming all his obsessions into a spiritual quest to break through to the Purple Mansion and atone for his mistakes. Yet, facing this scene now, the bitterness in his heart was beyond words.

‘In my previous life, An Zheyen had not yet reached the end of his lifespan, but I had already heard he was preparing to attempt Foundation Establishment… His current state… perhaps he has lost his will.’

Li Ximing also felt a pang of sympathy. Liu Changdie, sharing similar thoughts, nodded in assent. The three descended together and soon found the elder in the courtyard.

The old man's head was still bald, but the white beard on his temples and chin was extremely long, hanging down to his chest. A leather cap hung beside his chair. He lay back, facing the sky, one hand resting on the armrest, the other on his forehead, looking drowsy.

As soon as An Siwei entered the room, the old man immediately stirred, his eyes wide and clouded, and asked:

“Jingming! Has the Yu family arrived?”

An Siwei's face was slightly pale. He stepped forward to support him and whispered:

“Father, an Immortal has come to see you.”

Li Ximing fell silent. He had seen the elder when he was a child—a strong, slightly simple old man. Although he had heard that An Zheyen was once an extremely brutal family head, for all his years with the Li family, An Zheyen had always been a gentle and easily sentimental elder.

‘He has no spirit left, hanging on only by the few spiritual medicines the An family managed to find…’

As Li Ximing fell silent, Liu Changdie beside him suddenly had red eyes, standing somewhat blankly in place:

“Old Man An… Old Man An…”

The old man in the chair, however, showed no reaction. Even upon hearing the words 'Immortal,' he merely groaned and tremblingly opened his mouth:

“Oh dear… why… aren't you leaving yet!”

An Siwei burst into tears and replied:

“It's me… Siwei.”

An Zheyen stared blankly at him, as if suddenly remembering something. His two old, withered hands grasped An Siwei's, and he murmured:

“You must give up alcohol… you must give up lust…”

“Yes…”

An Siwei sobbed his reply, and the old man again spoke in a dazed, foolish manner:

“You must be cautious in your words and actions… you must protect yourself wisely…”

“Yes…”

“Do not think of revenge…”

No matter what the old man mumbled, An Siwei continued to sob his replies. An Zheyen sat dazed and foolishly in place, repeating those few phrases over and over. Finally, his gaze somewhat focused on An Siwei's face:

“Oh… and you must have children…”

Li Ximing slightly raised an eyebrow, about to step forward and use a divine ability to prolong the old man's life a little longer, but then saw Liu Changdie weep:

“Let him go…”

At that instant, the old man's head finally drooped.

An Jingming's words during their last meeting no longer echoed. The door to the An family's inner chamber no longer opened in his fantasies in various terrifying ways, nor did the gloom of the underground passage return—the guilt and illusions that had repeatedly tormented him in his dying years finally vanished along with his life.

Yet, under his son's gaze, a dull, bewildered look, underlaid by fear, still lingered on his frail, aged face.

Liu Changdie dared not look at him. He turned his head, took out a jade box from his sleeve, placed it beside An Siwei, and somewhat hurriedly left the courtyard. After walking with Li Ximing for a while, he finally lowered his brows and said in distress:

“He should be sent back to Jade Pavilion Mountain for burial!”

Sun and moon shone together, illuminating heaven and earth.

A faint herbal fragrance permeated the white mist. The golden cauldron gently swayed, its ivory-white edges gleaming with spiritual light. The Immortal lightly raised his hand, and eight streaks of golden-white light, linked end to end, flew into his palm.

Li Ximing exhaled, casually put away the elixir cauldron, walked out of the small courtyard, and ascended to the pavilion, where he saw Li Zhouwei quietly cultivating inside.

“Eight Scale-light Illumination Elixirs!”

He smiled slightly. Eight golden-white elixirs, resembling scales, formed a circle, continuously rising and falling, nurtured by the Bright Yang divine ability in his hand.

“Uncle-Grandmaster, your alchemy is excellent!”

Li Zhouwei took four of the elixirs from his hand and chuckled. Li Ximing then mused:

“I see that the medicinal power of these is slightly inferior to those from the Eastern Fire Grotto-heaven. Ultimately, this is due to the increasing decline of Bright Yang in recent years and the weakening of spiritual items. They only reach eighty to ninety percent of their original efficacy. Fortunately, the quantity is sufficient, so it's nothing significant.”

“It's already excellent.”

Li Zhouwei said:

“The Profound Shell Flower Leaves and Golden Feathers are said to be quite abundant. One flower that blooms each year can be given to our family. If we consistently get eight elixirs each time, it will certainly be enough for both Uncle-Grandmaster and me to cultivate… What ordinary Purple Mansion cultivator has such conditions?”

“Haha.”

That much was true. Li Ximing chuckled in agreement, and Li Zhouwei whispered:

“Uncle-Grandmaster… Senior Tingyun has appeared!”

“What?”

Li Ximing's heart jolted with a mix of joy and complexity. Though he had been prepared, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly at this moment, listening as Li Zhouwei continued:

“Immortal Qiuhu has arrived at the lake and is currently in the wilderness area. I received news from her that Kong Tingyun has actually already been to Shanji and taken away several members of the Kong family. As for Fuyuezi… he didn't make it to today; he perished during the chaos of the Zhu Palace disappearance back then.”

“Although there's no news now, the Mysterious Gate Daoist Temple's territory is constantly shifting. I believe the North's intention is… that the Mysterious Gate will temporarily fall under Kong Tingyun's jurisdiction.”

Li Ximing replied:

“I understood from Sui Guan that it was settled. Now, it can only be considered that the dust has settled. Originally, it would be reasonable for them to meet no matter what, but with no news now, perhaps it's because they cannot cross the river.”

“Is Ning Wan showing any abnormalities?”

At Li Ximing's question, Li Zhouwei merely shook his head in silence and replied:

“No difference at all! Just a hint of helplessness between her brows… I didn't talk much with her, but calculating the time, it's only eight months until the next sacrifice. Jiang Chun has already been brought back.”

“It is, after all, the Senior's method.”

Li Ximing sighed and left the pavilion. Li Zhouwei sat cross-legged, a scale-covered white elixir appearing in his hand, which he silently consumed:

“While many external matters are still inactive, it’s the perfect time to refine my Immortal Foundation!”

Spiritual elixirs are typically used to train divine abilities. Now that he had ample resources, Li Zhouwei was eager to cultivate. Jun Daowei already possessed cultivation and was heading straight towards the completion of his Immortal Foundation.

Within the grotto-heaven, light and darkness were indistinguishable. Qi surged forth. After a long period of quiet meditation, a constant surge rose within his Qi Sea. Originally only about half a year away from achieving his goal, Jun Daowei's magic power in his Qi Sea rapidly increased under the elixir's catalysis. In one continuous burst, it ascended!

A concentration of dark gold color appeared, magic power surging, and in a trance, light permeated everywhere.

Jun Daowei's Immortal Foundation was complete!

Perhaps it was due to the spiritual elixir's boost, making the process astonishingly easy. But the moment it was achieved, his mind immediately cleared:

‘To tread on danger with the nature of Bright Yang, and thus overcome it. The Five Divine Abilities of Bright Yang are not merely powers; they each signify one of Bright Yang's five situations. Jun Daowei symbolizes being in a humble yet perilous position, where Bright Yang seeks to rectify its influence!’

And Li Zhouwei, now being favored by Bright Yang yet having a low cultivation, isn't this the essence of Jun Daowei? Naturally, the speed was astonishingly fast:

‘As for Visiting the Heavenly Gate, it represents the grand completion and majesty of Bright Yang, thus it's naturally unsuitable for the current situation. If what my family had obtained wasn't Visiting the Heavenly Gate, but Jun Daowei, my speed in breaking through to the Purple Mansion would have been much faster than it is now!’

‘Even now, cultivating a second divine ability should be much faster than I originally anticipated!’

This couldn't help but make him ponder inwardly:

“If there was no suppression from the Setting Sun, and reincarnated individuals like Chu Yi and Lin Feng cultivated Jun Daowei… it would be equivalent to Li Qianyuan himself combining a dangerous position and breaking through perilous circumstances. Wouldn't that force Bright Yang to ascend, directly transforming into the sovereign parent of the world? That would truly be terrifying!”

However, before he could ponder further, he abruptly opened his eyes, golden-white light flashing rapidly within them, and thoughtfully raised his head.

On the main seat in the pavilion, the pristine white jade vase, originally used to store the Azure Talismans, was gently trembling as if being summoned. Wisps of white smoke, like mist, emerged from it, yet they could only swirl around the vase, unable to escape.

‘Is this… a family sacrifice?’