Chapter 964: Placement of Zhentao

Li Zhouwei picked up a cup, pondered for a moment, and remained silent. Li Quewan had already come up from the mountainside, apparently having brought someone down the mountain. Suddenly seeing the situation, she quickly withdrew.

But Li Zhouwei put down the cup, motioning for her to come closer and listen as he replied, "All the families share the same view. Fairy Qiuhu's actions are a demonstration. A high-ranking underworld official, an incarnated subordinate figure—even if he's not as special as the Grand Ancestor, how much worse could he be?

"And those who are working together or standing on the opposite side to prevent this must be figures of the Dragon Clan or Luoxia level. At worst, they are figures of the Shengbai or Bei Shaoyang level. The handful of Purple Mansion cultivators in Jiangnan, or one or two Solar Daoist lineages without True Monarch protection, can only avoid offending either side and wait to see how things unfold."

Li Jiangqian nodded, understanding that his father's mention of Shengbai referred to Xiyan, and Bei Shaoyang to Empress Beiyao. However, as these were now prominent figures not to be casually named, he tentatively asked, "My point is, even now... even if we know he's naturally extraordinary, the clan doesn't need to send people to support him or befriend him in advance... to prevent our family from being destroyed by the collateral damage of a conflict between two top powers."

Li Zhouwei took a sip of tea and said, "The clan doesn't need to get involved. Your brother's statement about not seeking help from the family might actually be a subtle reminder that what Yang Zhuo is doing is no small matter, and we absolutely cannot interfere."

His expression gradually turned solemn as he looked at his two most outstanding juniors and said in a low voice, "What you two need to do is achieve divine abilities early... even if divine abilities don't make you a chess player in such a grand trend.

"But once you achieve divine abilities, even in the eyes of the high-ranking Daoist lineages, you can be considered someone important. Except for those with special statuses who must remain, any Purple Mansion cultivator can grit their teeth, abandon their inland foundation, and eventually find a territory overseas where they can live freely and need not bow their heads."

Li Quewan, having heard only this small part and knowing it was about Yang Zhuo, bowed slightly and replied with Li Jiangqian, "We understand."

Li Zhouwei said quietly, "Although I have some special qualities, I am merely an exposed piece in the North-South game. If certain confrontations and gambits fall upon me, I will certainly not escape. The clan's affairs are now a good handle for them to control me. The day their matters are settled and I perish for some reason, the clan's affairs will depend on your Uncle and the two of you."

His gaze swept over the two of them, passing over the silently nodding Li Jiangqian, and then he looked meaningfully at Li Quewan before saying, "Whether we end up in Chongzhou or wander overseas, as long as there is a Purple Mansion cultivator, some of our bloodline can be preserved. But if there's no Purple Mansion cultivator left, we won't even qualify for pity!"

Li Quewan felt a pang of sadness upon hearing this and nodded silently. The more she thought, the more she realized: "Our family's secrets are gradually being moved into the World of Sun and Moon Radiance, which is certainly safe... But the immortal artifact has long since vanished into the Void. Once the family faces upheaval and the inheritance is broken, we might lose contact forever!"

"Continuing the Purple Mansion lineage is paramount."

As she pondered this silently, Li Zhouwei turned around and asked, "Has there been any news from the blessed land?"

Li Quewan shook her head, apparently having already inquired about the relevant information, and replied, "The blessed land is sealed, covered by a grand formation, and there are no letters. However, there is news from the East Sea."

Li Zhouwei frowned and asked, "Xinyu Archipelago? Queyi?"

With the Ziyan Sect in seclusion, their overseas interests were naturally difficult to maintain. The Xinyu Archipelago, once quite famous, was still operating, but few cultivators remained on the islands.

Li Quewan nodded, and a smile immediately appeared on her face as she mentioned Li Queyi. She replied, "With Ziyan locked down, figures like Cao Chu and Wei Danying were left in the Xinyu Archipelago, effectively entrusting it to several aristocratic families to co-manage. Later, after some time, a True Man arrived, claiming to be a rogue cultivator named Kuang Yu."

"So it was True Man Kuang Yu!" Li Zhouwei was thoughtful, and upon reflection, it made sense. Since Ziyan could not control overseas affairs, Kuang Yu, as a True Man close to the Solar Daoist lineage and having assisted in several major battles, would naturally be rewarded.

Li Quewan gently affirmed and replied, "It's just that everyone suspects True Man Zhugong might also be hiding there.

"However, ever since Ziyan's direct lineage withdrew, Younger Sister Queyi has become someone they particularly respect. They all value her highly; even True Man Kuang Yu asked for her name. She wrote several letters home, expressing much sentiment."

She then changed the subject, saying, "Unfortunately, when Ziyan was sealed... Quexi was in seclusion in the blessed land, attempting a breakthrough. She should now also be locked in the blessed land, unable to leave."

"Hmm," Li Zhouwei wasn't surprised. He knew that whatever means or connections Ziyan had left to care for and protect the Xinyu Archipelago, they wouldn't trouble the Li family's direct lineage. With that in mind, he asked, "How are things with the Zhuang family in the Great Desert?"

Although the True Man asked about the Zhuang family, Li Quewan understood what he was truly asking. She respectfully replied, "The grand strategy has had repercussions, but the Golden Feather is strong, so no one dares to act recklessly. However, I hear that Zhuang Pingye has been traveling for several years and is not often in the Great Desert. Several disturbances were handled by Aunt Xinghan, who is now quite famous."

Li Zhouwei nodded, dismissed the two of them, and then saw a middle-aged man coming up from the mountains.

Although this person already had a middle-aged appearance, his face was sharp and he looked very astute. His black hair looked somewhat damp, tied in strands on both sides. Holding up his robe, he nervously approached, not daring to raise his head, only kowtowing and weeping, "Your old servant greets... Grand Harmony of Bright Directions!"

"Rise," Li Zhouwei paused slightly and glanced at him with some emotion. The robust young man of yesteryear was now a Foundation Establishment cultivator, but his shrewd appearance was still evident. So he smiled and said, "You've had it tough too."

Di Liyoujie then raised his head, still not daring to look at his face, only staring at his boots, and said tremblingly, "Your old servant... is fortunate to see Milord again..."

Li Zhouwei asked, "Cultivating Geng Metal?"

"Reporting to Milord! Fortunately, I received a cultivation method from the Lake... it is Geng Metal!"

Di Liyoujie, a lowly slave outside the Grand Imperial Court, rose to the position of King of Beishan Yue, all thanks to Li Zhouwei. Later, he gradually entered cultivation. Most cultivators from the Lake discriminated against the Shanyue people, so Di Liyoujie's so-called royal title meant nothing. Only by his own cunning, borrowing Li Zhouwei's name, was he able to gain respect from others.

He also understood in his heart that it was ultimately because he had followed Li Zhouwei for this period that he repeatedly achieved success in his later cultivation and obtained such excellent cultivation methods and resources. Whenever Di Liyoujie woke up from a midnight dream, he couldn't help but ponder: if he hadn't camped outside the Grand Imperial Court that day, he, Di Liyoujie, would still be that lowly wretch with laughable cultivation. Even though he was now a Foundation Establishment cultivator, his fear was even greater, afraid it was all a dream.

Li Zhouwei, however, glanced at him and mused to himself: "Geng Metal... his strength is only barely adequate... but his loyalty is commendable."

He silently made up his mind and casually took out a Geng Metal artifact from his sleeve. It was a small golden sword, only palm-sized. He instructed, "This is just a Geng Metal magic sword, used for casting spells, not good for direct confrontation. Keep it safe. Since Quewan brought you here, you will follow her from now on. You can run errands for her and deliver messages normally; you're quite reliable."

"Yes, Milord!" The Shanyue man left, trembling with deference, clutching the sword to his chest, tears streaming down his face.

Li Zhouwei then gently stepped forward. His foot landed inside a pagoda where thunder rumbled. He closed his eyes slightly, and as sun and moon radiance intertwined around him, he had instantly arrived within the Grotto-Heaven.

The True Man in white-gold robes sat leisurely inside a brightly shining pavilion, carefully reading the scroll in his hand. A fist-sized Li Fire bird perched obediently on his shoulder. It was clear he had been waiting for a long time. Li Zhouwei bowed and smiled, "Uncle!"

Li Ximing smiled without speaking. With a flip of his hand, he took out a jade bottle from his sleeve and then replied, "Six Radiant Kylin Pills! Combined with what you have, it should be enough for over a decade!"

With the Radiant Kylin Sun Scroll and Profound Boundary Flower Leaves in the hands of someone like Li Ximing, who excels in alchemy, the quantity of these pills was naturally delightful. Li Zhouwei thanked him, took them, calculated, and asked, "Uncle, you acquired six neck feathers back then; three were entrusted to Baiyang Mountain, Chen exchanged two, and one was exchanged for a Profound Boundary Flower Leaf. Do you still have any remaining?"

Li Ximing replied with a smile, "My initial prediction was correct; this Grotto-Heaven is truly a money tree. Later, three more condensed gradually, plus the one that took a year to condense before Senior Liu Changdie arrived. A total of four were added to my stock. Now one has been exchanged for a Profound Boundary Flower Leaf, so three are still in stock."

However, mentioning this, he also showed some concern and replied, "Indeed, we must use them sparingly. Originally, there were more than these three, but due to successive large-scale purchases of Bichen Water, we have been short of funds twice in a row. It took over half a year to collect enough, wasting considerable time. I estimate it will be even more difficult going forward...

"For this matter, I specifically sent them to check several market cities in the East Sea, and they eventually went to Xinyu."

Li Zhouwei listened to this and looked up with interest. Li Ximing smiled, "They even met True Man Kuang Yu... and only then managed to collect enough Bichen Water for the next half year. She is quite an interesting person; she achieved the Dao with life-bound divine abilities and managed to withdraw unscathed from this wave of conflict. She even secured her own territory."

Li Zhouwei nodded slightly and pondered, "Senior Liu... intends to cultivate in Zhenmao Mansion?"

Li Ximing hesitated, "Cultivation, not really. His path is already severed. His focus is simply on studying formations. Zhenmao Mansion's grand formation is profound and inscrutable, enough for him to study thoroughly. I estimate he'll be around here for these next few years."

Li Zhouwei then nodded, "Given that, I also have two matters to discuss with Uncle.

"The matter of Bichen Water is extremely important; we absolutely cannot just collect it day by day. This water comes from the West Sea. I ask Uncle to make a trip to establish a reliable trading route and save us from aimlessly searching in places where this water is not abundant."

Li Ximing, inspired by him, looked thoughtful and replied, "I've just acquired a new batch of Radiant Kylin Pills. There's a Yangya in the West Sea. I can't speak for other cultivators, but I am a Mingyang cultivator myself. How could I not know how good these pills are? He must be desperately coveting them. Although he doesn't want to associate with our family, now we have Daoist Friend Changdie to represent us!"

Li Zhouwei's eyes lit up and he replied, "Excellent! Bichen Water alone might not be enough to tempt him, but this fellow has been a Purple Mansion cultivator for many years. He must still have some Mingyang treasures. If we can exchange them for spirit pills, it would be almost a no-cost transaction for our family."

Although Yangya harbored deep resentment towards their family, why would these two True Men care so much about that? Unearthing good things was the real priority. They exchanged a glance, and Li Ximing smiled, "Leave it to me!"

Li Zhouwei then changed the subject, saying, "Second, although Zhenmao Mansion is located in a barren land, we now increasingly realize its incredible value. It can even serve as the foundation for a clan's rise and is an excellent retreat."

Li Ximing's expression slowly turned serious as he listened to Li Zhouwei explain the Yuan family's affairs one by one. He said in alarm, "Wu Country has only just begun to fall into chaos, and the Yang clan has acted again. This is likely a sign of great turmoil."

Li Zhouwei nodded and replied, "I've also been considering this recently. Our family's retreat must be prepared early. Zongquan Island was where I achieved my breakthrough; it has now transformed into a Mingyang phenomenon, drawing considerable attention, and might be useful in the future. Zhenmao Mansion is another crucial location. It doesn't yet have someone capable of holding the fort... This junior wishes to send Quewan there."

"Quewan?" Li Ximing pondered as Li Zhouwei continued, "Zhenmao Mansion already has a Purple Mansion cultivator guarding it, and Uncle also frequently visits. Located in the remote barbarian lands, it's inherently safer than inland, not to mention this turbulent riverside.

"Since it's a retreat, we can send Quewan there. Firstly, for her to manage it well, and secondly, for her to cultivate peacefully there and prepare for the Purple Mansion."

Li Zhouwei had clearly been considering this for more than a day. He said softly, "I'll let Di Liyoujie follow her. This person has also been King of Shanyue for decades. The East Sea doesn't emphasize background, making it easier to deal with. He can also handle some trivial matters for her normally."

"That's fine..." Li Ximing hesitated for a moment and agreed to the matter. Li Zhouwei then took out the golden slip of Di Qiguang from his sleeve, handed it to him, and said, "I have initially mastered this technique. My insights, experiences, and annotations are all recorded in the slip, for Uncle's reference."

"Good..." Li Ximing took it with considerable delight.

Although Li Zhouwei only took nine months to master Di Qiguang, this was definitely a very complex technique. Though it had been acquired nine months ago, the two had privately arranged their time. Li Ximing had not cultivated it, but had been refining his immortal foundation. He was just waiting for Li Zhouwei to master it, so he could take the golden slip and then cultivate it, thereby avoiding many detours.

Although Li Ximing was tempering his immortal foundation, he had never wasted the fragmented time over the years. The Li family no longer needed his constant attention, allowing him to be completely at ease. In recent years, he cultivated with even greater peace of mind, occasionally discussing profound Daoist principles with several True Men, enhancing his cultivation, living quite comfortably!

And regarding resources and spiritual treasures, he also acquired Li Fire, a novel and precious item. He secretly studied the Grand Li White Radiance and could now condense four Grand Li Scarlet Radiance orbs!

"About one per year... even if it gets harder later on, at most another seven or eight years, to gather ten, and the power of the technique will ascend to a new level!"

Now, taking the golden slip, Li Ximing surprisingly exuded a carefree and leisurely aura and said with a smile, "It just so happens that the Lake will be collecting Bichen Water; I'll come back and take her then!"