Chapter 950: Joyful Event

The jade bottle stood silently on the desk, three vertical lines glowing faintly. A misty white aura transformed into faint white halos. Li Zhouwei glanced at it quietly, his heart stirred slightly, and he slowly stepped forward.

But with just this one step, the jade bottle on the desk trembled slightly. The white aura, as if stimulated, rushed towards the bottle's opening. In an instant, it transformed into a swirling, continuous white light, slowly rising and shooting forth like a comet!

Li Zhouwei's pupils dilated slightly. He instinctively wanted to leap up, but fortunately, he forcefully restrained himself, remaining still with great effort.

Then he saw a surge within the Ascending Yang. The spiritual power on both sides receded like a tide. A point of white light emerged from it, flickering slightly, and as if drawn by something, it quickly passed through his Twelve-Storied Pagoda and descended into his Qi Sea.

The spiritual power within the Qi Sea also receded to both sides. Jun Daowei released fragments of dark gold light, rising majestically like the morning sun piercing through clouds, drawing it upward!

The swirling white aura rotated around Jun Daowei, quickly condensing into a brilliant white light about the size of a finger. Like a small talisman, it gently adhered to the dark gold radiance.

If it had been earlier, Li Zhouwei would have hesitated and pondered for a while. But having just experienced the 'Bright Display of Sun and Moon' himself, how could he not recognize it?

'Talismanic Qi?!'

Li Zhouwei's mind was still somewhat blank, and his heart trembled:

'There's still Talismanic Qi?! The Second Immortal Foundation has it too?!'

In that brief instant, he first bowed deeply, silently moved away from the position directly facing the main seat, and stepped sideways out of the room. Only then did he slowly calm his trembling heart.

He then looked inward with his spiritual sense, slowly examining his Qi Sea.

Within the Qi Sea, the Jun Daowei Immortal Foundation was faintly shimmering. But as his spiritual sense sank in, this piece of Talismanic Qi did not respond, nor did various profound wonders or transformations appear.

He discerned it for a while, gradually understanding, and joy welled up in his heart.

This talisman was different from those received during ordinary sacrifices. It seemed not to resonate with his own life force; it merely submerged into the Immortal Foundation, playing the role of the Talismanic Qi itself in propelling spiritual power, continuously resonating with the Immortal Foundation below, nourishing and communicating spiritual power.

'The most significant feature... is that it can accelerate the completion and perfection of the Immortal Foundation! And it can continuously temper spiritual power day and night!'

According to Li Zhouwei's perception in this short time, the operating speed seemed to be significantly slower than cultivating by himself, yet, it was already an astonishing feat.

The usual speed for a Purple Mansion cultivator to perfect their Immortal Foundation was five to ten years. Li Zhouwei's own cultivation speed was faster, plus the inherent acceleration from Jun Daowei. It was originally estimated to take about three years. Adding the time previously spent shaping the Immortal Foundation, he could attempt to condense a divine ability as quickly as every five years, which was already half the time or more compared to ordinary cultivators, who took over ten years.

Although Purple Mansion cultivators rarely succeeded in forming a divine ability from their Immortal Foundation on the first try—it was not uncommon for it to take three to five attempts—it would also take over a decade to form a second divine ability. This was considered extremely fast among Purple Mansion cultivators.

This was also why Li Ximing hadn't been in a hurry to cultivate for the past two or three years. After all, this period was too short in the lifespan of a Purple Mansion cultivator, and it was still far from forming a divine ability.

However, if he were to completely stop cultivating now and focus on studying spells, this Immortal Foundation would still be catalyzed by the Talismanic Qi, gradually perfecting itself. It was estimated to take only five or six years. If he also cultivated in seclusion, the perfection speed would be even faster, perhaps even less than two years!

While others cultivated once, he would have enough time to account for three failures. Although cultivating in the Purple Mansion realm became increasingly difficult later on, the time saved by this automatic cultivation was a genuine boon for improving both cultivation and spells—after all, not everyone could achieve breakthroughs at divine speed through self-cultivation, like Master Chibu Zi or Master Zimu!

'Whether it's the Murong family, the Tuoba family, or even the Solar Orthodox sect, they all have their own methods to help achieve divine abilities. They might save some time or even increase success rates to some extent. But compared to the domineering effects of our family's Talismanic Qi, it would likely be on the level of Luoxia Mountain, the Underworld, or the Dragon Kin!'

'I wonder if this catalytic speed is related to my own cultivation speed, or to the difficulty of cultivating the Immortal Foundation or divine ability...'

He calculated it secretly with considerable surprise, and experienced it carefully. A tremor rose in his heart. He slowly opened his eyes and hurried downstairs.

Li Ximing was in seclusion downstairs, his aura steady and calm. Li Zhouwei didn't want to disturb him. He just gently knocked on the door, and instantly, golden light flowed out like water.

Li Ximing saw his slight urgency and was slightly startled. He asked:

"Has the north reached the lake in battle?"

Li Zhouwei chuckled. While inviting him upstairs, he explained in detail.

"Perhaps by entering this place, obtaining the method of ascending to immortality, and acquiring a second Immortal Foundation, one can obtain Talismanic Qi from the bottle... However, the conditions are unknown at the moment. Perhaps one needs to break through in front of this treasure, specifically in this upper pavilion..."

"So I dared not delay. Seeing that Granduncle is also cultivating his Dao Foundation, even if it can't be completed in five years, ten years is excellent, and it must not be missed. So I came down to invite you!"

Li Ximing listened, dumbfounded. He carefully pondered the words, and after a long while, he said with some regret:

"Then I miscalculated! I should have cultivated this Immortal Foundation earlier. That way, I wouldn't envy Tinglan's Transit Token!"

Li Zhouwei smiled:

"If it has it, that's even better. Accelerating cultivation while practicing spells... Granduncle, what is your current cultivation level?"

Despite his regret, Li Ximing's eyes were now filled with hope and anticipation. The previously distant and uncertain second divine ability suddenly seemed much closer. He shook his head and said:

"It's only been half a year, so naturally I can't compare to you. But a single Purple Mansion Spirit Pill had a tremendous effect. It's still in my Qi Sea, not yet fully refined... I estimate it will take less than another year."

"I'm eager to cultivate the 'Great Li White Radiance.' I never expected to achieve a divine ability in one go. Now it's even better; I just need to quickly condense this Immortal Foundation and then wait quietly."

Li Zhouwei nodded repeatedly, his mood much improved. He touched his waist and produced a jade talisman. It glowed with a warm, clear light. It was a report from a direct descendant of the Li family outside. Since it hadn't shattered, it wasn't urgent, and didn't require him to leave seclusion immediately.

He smiled, his eyes gleaming. He cupped his hands slightly and said:

"I shouldn't have stayed here for too long, to prevent others from stirring up trouble. Now that I've completed my cultivation, I'll go out and see; perhaps there's good news."

So he transformed into light and departed. Upon opening his eyes again, he was already inside the Xiyao Glazed Treasure Pagoda. Under his feet was a series of silver lightning bolts, like water ripples.

As soon as he exited the main hall, his golden eyes shifted. His spiritual sense had already swept across the surroundings, and a hint of a smile appeared. He quickly stepped out and soon appeared in a side hall within the inner formation.

The main hall's door was slightly ajar, and faint specks of magical light shone from within. He then saw a delicate-looking boy sitting at a desk, carefully examining the tabletop. A wooden slip lay open in the center, with elegant ink characters.

The child's skin was slightly pale, and he had delicate features. Being young, he was almost indistinguishable between male and female, not yet fully grown. Yet, one could already discern his future demeanor.

Li Zhouwei pushed the door open and entered. The child immediately looked up, closed the wooden slip, awkwardly jumped down from the platform, and said in a childish voice:

"Chun'er greets Master!"

Li Zhouwei had never met him. The child had no spiritual sense, so he shouldn't have been able to discern his cultivation level. This showed he was an intelligent child. He approached leisurely, his golden eyes narrowing, and smiled:

"You recognize me?"

Although Li Jiangchun was young, his conduct was very proper. He bowed and said:

"Mother often teaches that golden eyes belong to the Master's bloodline. I've met several older brothers. If I meet someone I don't recognize, even if their attire is different from the paintings, they must be a Master."

Li Zhouwei's Yuane had been sent to Qize, and he had uncharacteristically changed into white clothes, making him hard to recognize. He smiled, sat beside the child, and asked:

"What cultivation method did you obtain?"

Li Jiangchun shook his head and replied:

"I don't know what Master is talking about."

Li Zhouwei froze for a moment, then shook his head with a laugh. Faint golden light flickered behind him. He asked about his birthday and preferences. After only a few questions, he heard hurried footsteps outside the door. Li Jiangqian, in a crimson robe, quickly pushed the door open and entered. He bowed in the courtyard and respectfully said:

"Congratulations on leaving seclusion, Father!"

Li Zhouwei nodded, still smiling as he looked at the child in front of him. He then saw Li Jiangchun jump down again and bow, saying:

"Big Brother said that secrets must not be told to anyone. Once spoken, both the listener and the speaker shall perish... I heard Master often changes appearances, so this junior has offended you, sir."

"Hahaha!"

Li Jiangqian was astute, fearing the child might be naive, so he wanted to scare him. But Li Zhouwei showed no intention of correcting him. He smiled with interest, revealing his excellent mood. Turning to Li Jiangqian, he pointed at the kneeling child below and said:

"Pang Yunqing is truly worthy of her prestigious lineage; she teaches exceptionally well."

Li Jiangqian, having only heard this much, understood perfectly clearly in his heart. He took a jade slip from his sleeve, stepped forward quickly, presented it with both hands, and respectfully said:

"Reporting, Father, he obtained a copy of the 'Minor Yin Dark Monarch's Water-Fire Record' and the 'Great Yin Breath Cultivation and Wheel Nurturing Scripture'... The former is an extremely profound spell! As for the latter... it cannot be written down..."

"Oh?"

A flicker of understanding crossed Li Zhouwei's pupils. He took it and, with a glance, immediately exclaimed in admiration:

"Excellent spells!"

Although Minor Yin had no conflict with Bright Yang, Li Zhouwei clearly wouldn't cultivate such spells himself. He only glanced at it, then casually handed it back, smiling:

"When you go back this time, get him to read the 'Wugui Soul-Snatching Divine Scroll'."

The more he looked at Li Jiangchun, the broader his smile became. He simply took the child's hand and said:

"The path of Minor Yin is rare in our family and in Jiangnan, yet its power is considerable. Now that you've obtained it, cultivate diligently."

Li Jiangchun respectfully assented. When he looked up again, his golden-eyed uncle had already vanished. He committed the words to heart. He went out with his elder brother, passed through layers of great formations, and finally saw his father.

Li Zhouluo appeared somewhat nervous. He sat in a side seat in the spacious main hall, occasionally stroking his sword hilt. When he finally saw the two of them emerge, he said with a mix of joy and apprehension:

"How was it?"

Li Jiangqian had taken him on the pretext of meeting two Masters to seek methods of cultivation. But Li Zhouluo, at this crucial juncture, seemed to recall something. As a core direct descendant of the Li family, he knew that children at age six were required to visit the hall once, and understood that the Li family had this specific procedure. On the other hand, he himself had received similar treatment back then; he only vaguely remembered kneeling before something. Perhaps he had been fated not to succeed and had missed out. Now, he was inevitably apprehensive, secretly speculating in his heart:

'It's not just about talent or bestowed methods. Aside from Que Wan, who was personally chosen by the Venerable One back then, perhaps everyone else undergoes a ritual of bowing to the ancestral magic sword to invite its spiritual essence.'

He pondered for a moment, but then saw Li Jiangqian smile:

"Congratulations... congratulations!"

This instantly sent a shiver of excitement through him. He looked over with a mix of surprise and joy. Li Jiangqian then gave him a meaningful look, but Li Zhouluo joyfully said:

"I'll go pick out some sword manuals for your little brother right away!"

Li Zhouwei stepped out, appearing above the sparkling lake. He landed on the Guanche Platform using his light. A red-robed elder was stroking his beard and adding fire. Li Jiangzong was bending over beside him, listening intently to the elder's explanation.

Li Jiangzong cultivated True Fire and had always been trained as the Li family's next generation of artifact refiners. He naturally hadn't fallen behind during these days. He had a good reputation within the clan and was especially courteous and humble when seeking guidance from Chu Minglian.

This was a common sight, which was why Li Zhouwei noticed it. As he stopped on the platform, everyone bowed. Li Jiangzong approached him with great joy:

"Excellent!"

Li Zhouwei praised him. Chu Minglian also quickly turned around and bowed respectfully:

"Greetings, Master!"

"The progress is quite fast."

Li Zhouwei glanced around and noticed that all twelve spots on the platform were occupied. There were several unfamiliar cultivators in green robes. He immediately understood, and indeed, he saw Chu Minglian respond:

"Ever since Master Ning arrived here, hearing that Master was perfecting the spiritual embryo, she invited a few people to help. The Great Ascension has reached the nurturing stage, just a tiny bit short. Please take a look, sir!"

The Guanche Divine Fire Refining could accommodate up to twelve Foundation Establishment cultivators assisting simultaneously. However, the Li family didn't have that many personnel, so it had always been six people rotating. Ning Wan had many cultivators under her, so she sent people to help.

'If I hadn't left seclusion early, it would have been ready in three to five more days. But now, it's just the final step.'

After Chu Minglian finished speaking, he deliberated for a moment and whispered:

"This junior has discovered something else that should be reported to Master... The treasure easily absorbed fire and essence; its internal patterns were clear and naturally flowing... This junior suspects... suspects this item has a significant origin."

He was clearly unsure and dared not say more. But Li Zhouwei reacted quickly, raising an eyebrow and saying:

"Did it degenerate from an ancient cultivator's spiritual embryo?"

Chu Minglian whispered:

"Very likely..."

Li Zhouwei nodded slightly. The Great Ascension was obtained from the Green Pine Grotto-Heaven, so this speculation was not without reason. Perhaps it was originally a spiritual embryo locked onto the platform through some secret method, and problems only arose due to the passage of too much time or changes in the Bright Yang fruit status.

As they spoke, the Bright Yang divine ability swept upwards along the light, gradually coloring the spiritual embryo suspended on the platform. The spiritual power within his body rapidly decreased.

"Buzz!"

As he infused all his spiritual power, this final bit of refinement was at last complete. The Guanche Platform emitted a brilliant golden light. The long halberd quickly transformed into a golden speck, gently landing in his palm.

This golden speck extended from his palm to both sides, revealing the deep golden halberd. Its long branches curved at the end, like a crescent moon, almost completely obscuring Chu Minglian's entire upper body.

The halberd's shaft extended all the way to the platform. Its round, blunt golden tail rested against the platform, emitting a crisp sound. For a moment, respectful congratulations sounded from both sides.

The Great Ascension!

This magical artifact was obtained from the Green Pine Abbey Grotto-Heaven; its foundation was inherently exceptional. It naturally ranked among the top-tier spiritual embryos. In the past, it could imbue one with Bright Light, and the halberd could also project the light of a blazing sun, affecting others. Now that it was refined, its wonders began to manifest one by one.

The first was "Effigy Attachment."

This wonder was clearly a transformation of the former Bright Light Imbuement. When he wielded this weapon, the Bright Yang light would empower it. A long halberd's light-shadow would condense on the weapon, which could then split off to defend against opponents.

The original Bright Light that illuminated people advanced a step further. After being refined by divine abilities and nourished by spiritual essence, the blazing sun's light emitted from the halberd converged into one, transforming into the "Embrace and Illuminate" wonder, nurtured within the halberd's core.

Although it also illuminated people, this wonder was quite different. Each time it was used, it would release a streak of "Embrace and Illuminate" white light. The emitted bright light was tangible; if it missed its target, it would not dissipate but would instead follow the weapon's movements.

Similar to many Bright Yang spiritual artifacts, the number of "Embrace and Illuminate" white lights was also related to the owner's divine abilities. The more Bright Yang divine abilities cultivated, the more "Embrace and Illuminate" white lights were released each time.

'It truly favors the strong and disdains the weak.'

Li Zhouwei was already satisfied. After all, given his current situation, having a suitable weapon was already a significant improvement, let alone having these two extremely effective wonders.

So with a light flick of his finger, the Great Ascension transformed into a golden light and vanished into his palm. He rose with the light, arriving at the northern shore in an instant.

At this moment, white snow drifted along the shore. The sky was quite noisy, with interwoven lights and ceaseless waves of divine abilities. It was clearly a fierce battle. The white snow in the sky stopped at the river surface. On the other side, demonic smoke billowed, surrounding a lone figure. Li Zhouwei recognized the face with just a glance.

'Helian Wumeng.'

Characters in this chapter:Li Ximing: Early Purple Mansion, Purple Mansion AlchemistLi Zhouwei: Early Purple MansionLi Jiangqian: Mid Foundation Establishment, Great Li ScholarLi Jiangchun: Mortal