Chapter 960: Mushroom Forest

Qilanyan, standing before him, merely toyed with bone fragments, tossing them lightly in his hand, and chuckled, "So, Fellow Daoist Murong… what brings you here?"

Murong Yan, with a gloomy expression, stood in the courtyard.

The people in Shitu must have some scheme, pushing him, Murong Yan, forward. But Qilanyan, standing before him with a beaming smile, was no good either!

'Those old fogeys from Shitu want to put me forward. But my surname is Murong; though not royal, I am from the direct lineage. At best, they'll use me; at worst, they'll drag me into Shitu… Qilanyan, on the other hand, truly hopes for my downfall!'

The Murong clan and the Guanxie faction were never on good terms; their conflict wasn't recent. Back when the Great Liang dynasty fell and heroes rose, the Qi family suffered defeat at the hands of the Murong clan. Qi Wang, an ancestor of the Qi family, was even captured by Murong Dechang and served him for life. The Qi family had always prided itself on being a prominent clan in Yincheng, ennobled by the Zhou dynasty, with noble blood. They naturally looked down on outsiders; how could they endure such humiliation?

In those days, the entire Qi family strove tirelessly, vowing with blood and tears to be mortal enemies with the "Murong barbarians." With the passage of time, things appeared much better on the surface, and with the Murong clan's growing power, the Qi family remained silent. But who knew what they truly thought in their hearts?

The moment Murong Yan saw him, he knew nothing good would come of it. Today, he understood even more clearly that although his rear was unstable, bowing to Qilanyan would only bring him humiliation!

Therefore, with a cold expression, he casually said, "Naturally, I am here to follow Lord Qi's instructions."

Qilanyan smiled as he stood up, appearing very polite: "There's no talk of instructions. I merely ask Fellow Daoist Murong to encamp outside the mountain. Once the Grotto-heaven yields results, you are welcome to enter together… Oh, and Lord Gao… is he willing to enter? I fear he might clash with the Li clan, which would dishearten him!"

Shi Louyingge always claimed the surname Shi Lou. Qilanyan feigned ignorance, using "Gao" for him. Although he smiled, his expression was clearly more sarcastic. Murong Yan only said coldly, "Fellow Daoist Shi Lou always follows the lord's arrangements. I don't know who Lord Gao is. As for Tuoba…"

"Enough!" He had only uttered "Tuoba" when a clear, cold voice floated from the temple door behind Qilanyan, cutting him off decisively. Murong Yan immediately broke out in a cold sweat and quickly bowed to the side: "I had no idea Lord Wei was here!"

Murong Yan didn't need to think; Qilanyan behind him was undoubtedly sneering.

The temple door opened gently, and a summons was heard. Murong Yan quickly stepped forward, indeed seeing a white-robed man standing in the hall, holding a small box, seemingly admiring something. A faint golden light faintly illuminated his face.

Seeing him approach, Wei Xuanyin put down the box in his hand and said seriously, "Thank you for your trouble, Fellow Daoist Murong."

Murong Yan cautiously shook his head.

Wei Xuanyin glanced at him and casually said, "We thought the Yan State would handle it themselves and didn't wish to disturb the arrangements of several great virtues. We never expected such a misunderstanding; perhaps the information was not timely, causing Fellow Daoist Murong distress."

Seeing him ask so directly, what could Murong Yan say? Complain about his own Shitu, exposing their weaknesses? He could only swallow the bitterness and smile, "Shitu had already given hints… It was all my eagerness; I misunderstood Shitu's intentions!"

Wei Xuanyin, whether believing him or not, simply nodded slightly and asked, "This time, both clans suffered many casualties among their generals. Once inside the Grotto-heaven, you can certainly support each other and make up for it… In a few days, Sheng Bai, the Dao Lord, will arrive and first establish himself in Luoxia. The necessary courtesies cannot be omitted, and as we are not well-versed in such matters, we ask Fellow Daoist Murong to receive him."

"Yes…" Murong Yan responded softly, his heart pounding. Although Wei Xuanyin's words were pleasant, he felt little comfort: 'Although the Guanxie faction now acts as Luoxia's lackeys, and Qilanyan cultivates Jiaomu while Wei Xuanyin cultivates Jueyin – two paths unrelated to Luoxia's orthodox teachings, lacking Luoxia's tolerance and magnanimity towards immortal cultivators…'

He wasn't as wary of Wei Xuanyin as he was of Qilanyan, but he didn't have much goodwill either. He smiled, "I will only follow the lord's instructions. However, I heard that Fellow Daoists Zongchang and Gongsun have already arrived at Dayuan Guangyin Mountain and will soon be here…"

With Wei Xuanyin present, his original intention to negotiate properly with Qilanyan and subtly pressure the Yan State faded. He could only return without success and depart disgruntled. Qilanyan didn't even lift an eyelid. Only after Murong Yan had left did he drop his smile: "Murong Yan truly didn't receive any information. Those 'Merciful Aspects' in Shitu are indeed heartless enough. Mercy is mercy, Murong is Murong… yet it makes sense."

Wei Xuanyin shook his head, looking somewhat displeased: "You acted too hastily with this matter!"

Seeing Qilanyan's confusion, he said softly, "Do you know why Murong Yan has encountered this tribulation?"

"Lord Xue still hasn't sent any news, and the mountain provides no protection. The longer this drags on, the more the North, high and low, will become suspicious and gradually covet Li Zhouwei…"

"The Path of Compassion is similar. With the precedent of Sheng Ming Jinming Wang, and seeing that the mountain has remained unresponsive, how can they not develop greed for Bai Lin? Li Zhouwei isn't easy to convert, but if they can kill him and form a great karma, the benefits wouldn't be less than those gained from conquering Yan back then."

"Thus, crooked thoughts immediately arose in their hearts, leading them to disregard Murong Yan, hoping that something would happen to him in this upheaval, to create increasingly larger karmic ties, and ultimately see if they could involve Compassion in the outcome…"

"But Murong Yan is someone who seeks immortality; otherwise, he wouldn't have steadfastly chosen the Female Water path. In his heart, he yearns for the Golden Rank and is ashamed of dwelling in the Release Rank. Only as a last resort would he consider cultivating Release Arts… So why would he be willing to be their sacrifice? That's why the news was cut off."

Qilanyan remained silent for a moment, then saw Wei Xuanyin say softly, "But the mountain's attitude isn't clear, and the Path of Compassion clearly hesitates. Murong Yan, after all, is exceptionally gifted, whereas Li Zhouwei might be a fruitless endeavor. They hope he gets injured and creates grievances, to prepare for future variables, entering at the appropriate time, but they don't wish for his complete downfall. That's why they cut off information but still protect him in the Great Void—a contradictory stance…"

Qilanyan gradually understood. Wei Xuanyin said wistfully, "Unfortunately, I don't know who revealed the flaw, intentionally disgusting the Path of Compassion, or perhaps Bai Lin's golden eyes are formidable, subtly detecting many figures in the Great Void. He merely pointed it out without truly escalating the conflict. This round failed, making Murong Yan wary. He will likely not risk himself again."

Qilanyan was silent for a long time before asking, "Uncle-master… what are your thoughts?"

Wei Xuanyin lowered his gaze and remained silent. After an unknown period, he finally raised his brush, his eyes still fixed on the desk, and quietly said, "Compassion is not the first to have such thoughts, nor will it be the last… Just wait."

He rolled up the scroll on the desk, tucked it into his sleeve, and then took out the small box from the side of the table. A faint golden light illuminated the surroundings. Qilanyan glanced at it: it seemed to contain a small seal, about two fingers wide, embedded in a base, with only its side visible.

Wei Xuanyin shook his head and smiled, "I'm going to the East Sea… to meet an old acquaintance."

***

The sky was bright, with the morning glow rising on the horizon. The vast plain was full of vitality, and several streaks of light soon sped along the fertile land beside the stream.

The leading youth was dashing and refined, dressed in a feathered robe with a jade belt around his waist, clearly from a wealthy and noble family. He rode a magnificent silver-scaled steed that gleamed brilliantly.

The woman beside him wore a simple white dress, yet its fabric subtly shimmered. Her appearance was pure and beautiful, with an aura of detached elegance.

The young man smiled faintly, pointing to the region before them: "Tianyong, this is Fengxiang Commandery in Xunlinyuan, a unique and beautiful treasure land…"

"Oh?" The girl smiled and glanced at him, asking, "Brother Liang, have you been here before?"

Li Jiangliang laughed, "When I traveled south years ago, I rested here. My companions told me that this place was once occupied by the Shanyue tribe, who worshipped an idol. Later, a cultivator named Yuan Chengdun destroyed them, seized their magical artifact, and it fell into this commandery, thus giving it its name."

Yang Tianyou softly said, "So it was him."

The two stopped in the commandery city, and immediately many people came forward to fawn, "Young Master!"

The young man waved his hand, frowning, "Who is in charge here?"

The crowd immediately bowed, a little apprehensive, and after much pushing and shoving, a middle-aged man finally emerged from the group.

The man had a head full of grey hair, looking quite aged. Though his face exuded nobility, he lacked an eye and had a disheveled beard. He stumbled forward, bowing deeply.

Extremely flustered, he stepped forward to lead Li Jiangliang's horse, humbly turning sideways, and said tremblingly, "This humble one… this humble one greets Young Master."

Li Jiangliang turned his head and said with a smile, "From which family are you? Your cultivation isn't bad. Lead us around."

The man dropped to his knees with a thud and whispered, "This humble one is but a servant; I fear I might offend your esteemed ears!"

Li Jiangliang's smile remained unchanged as he said, "Speak freely."

There was a stir among the onlookers, all looking up. The man lowered his head deeply, revealing the bony, protruding vertebrae at the back of his neck. He trembled, "This humble one… this humble one… Yuan Fuyao."

"Oh!" Li Jiangliang lightly nudged his magnificent horse. The silver-scaled spiritual steed snorted, pulling the reins from the man's hand until they came loose. He laughed, "What a coincidence!"

With that, he dismounted. Another person, with a head full of white hair, came forward from the crowd, urgently pulling Yuan Fuyao away and behind him. His face was full of respectful smiles: "This humble one, Ding Xiding, greets Young Master!"

Though the old man's hair was white, his eyebrows were thick, and his face still held a hint of cheerful frankness. He seemed very excited, replying, "Sir… Sir… please!"

Yang Tianyou also flew down from her spirit beast. The two entered together, surrounded by a lively throng of people. Behind Li Jiangliang, however, one of his subordinates laughed, seemingly recognizing Ding Xiding, and said with a smile, "Old Ding! I remember you bragging about being sworn brothers with Lord Yuequejian. What happened? Now that the real person is in front of you, you've gone mute?"

The old man's face immediately turned red, his thick eyebrows raised high. The boastful words he could utter back then now stuck in his throat; he could only stammer, "At that time… at that time I also met him…"

Li Jiangliang laughed, "I know… The Ding family! They once had a presence by the lake too… bordering the An clan."

At these words, Ding Xiding's eyes welled up with tears, and he nodded repeatedly: "Young Master is truly remarkable… to have read through the histories and remember such ancient matters… This humble one is eternally grateful!"

When Li Tongya achieved Foundation Establishment back then, he still sighed with envy and thus never mentioned it. But as Li Tongya's fame spread and the Li family had more and more Foundation Establishment cultivators, he gradually started boasting about it. However, once the Li family produced a Purple Mansion cultivator, Ding Xiding didn't dare say a word.

Now, to be mentioned by the junior of a junior, he surprisingly felt honored and shed tears on the spot.

And Yuan Fuyao, whom he had once addressed as "Young Master" and treated with the utmost deference, had long been cast aside like a burden, standing alone and timidly.

A group of people crowded around them as they entered the grand hall of the commandery. Li Jiangliang waved his hand, and immediately, like the wind, they all went out. Yang Tianyou smiled, "This place is too close to Moonlit Lake; everyone knows the Li family. The rumors circulating below also revolve around the lake. Yuan Fuyao's little matter… I fear it's common knowledge."

Li Jiangliang shook his head and smiled, "There's no need to make things difficult for him… After all, we still need to win over people's hearts. Your elder brother only just settled the Yuan clan; if I go and make trouble, it wouldn't look good… Moreover… I actually think I should thank him."

Yang Tianyou clearly understood what he meant and laughed, shaking her head. Li Jiangliang strolled with her around the commandery for a while, observing carefully, and whispered, "The few minor local clans still need to be dealt with, which is easy enough. However, at present, we have too few people ourselves, and not all of them are exceptional. Once spread across the vast Xunlinyuan, it will be even more troublesome…"

Yang Tianyou looked a little helpless, frowning slightly, which only made her appear more captivating against her beautiful features and refined demeanor. She replied, "My family simply doesn't have many people… We've brought everyone we could, and we're still busy elsewhere. We can't keep everyone concentrated here…"

She then changed the subject, saying with some hope, "It's just that there are many cultivators on the lake, and all of them are capable… Could you perhaps borrow a few competent ones from your family? They don't even need to be Foundation Establishment cultivators; some Qi Refinement cultivators would suffice. What we lack are trusted aides."

Li Jiangliang immediately felt a bit awkward.

He truly didn't want to borrow people from the lake. Although his elder clan sister Li Quewan, who managed family affairs, and his second elder brother Li Jianglong, would certainly not make things difficult for him, all his siblings were serving the family. It was bad enough that he couldn't help, but now he had to ask for help from home!

Moreover, this matter wasn't for cultivation but for others, which inevitably made it awkward. He pondered, "This…"

He secretly deliberated on how to speak. Looking up, he had already arrived at the bustling marketplace in the commandery. The surroundings were noisy. As he casually scanned, he suddenly felt a warmth from the jade token at his waist. His expression immediately froze, a mix of doubt and delight.

Li Jiangliang's gaze quickly swept the surroundings. Beside a stall ahead stood a man in crimson robes, hands clasped behind his back.

The man was tall and slender, with an extraordinary appearance. Standing quietly among the crowd, he exuded a remarkable aura. Though his eyes were full of smiles, and due to the narrow gap between his eyebrows and eyes, they appeared somewhat malicious, his slightly narrowed pupils gleamed with a brilliant golden light.

The man seemed to inadvertently turn his head and beamed a brilliant smile at him.

Li Jiangliang turned to look at Yang Tianyou, who was smiling at him. He suddenly felt a pang in his heart and sighed, "You'er… come and meet your elder brother!"