Chapter 966: Wan Xue

Si Yuanli! The person before him was none other than Si Yuanli, who had been in seclusion for many years, seeking to perfect his divine abilities!

The Si family boasted a long and profound history. Si Boxiu, a Grand True Immortal who commanded a region, possessed many powerful methods. Having also acquired the Bright Truth Harmonizing God Pill from Anhuai Heaven and made extensive preparations, Si Yuanli’s divine abilities were now fully matured, and he was vibrant, having already ascended to the Purple Mansion realm!

He smiled, radiating a spirit of vigor and ambition. The scroll at his waist, though seemingly ordinary, subtly emanated a flowing radiance that was difficult to gaze upon directly.

“Lin Wuning… Where is Fellow Daoist Ning?”

Lin Wuning remained prostrate, not daring to look up, trembling like chaff. He stammered for a long time but couldn’t form a coherent sentence, even forgetting the proper honorifics. He could only utter, “True Immortal… in seclusion…”

Although Qin Xian stood respectfully in place, his demeanor was far more imposing than Lin Wuning’s. He looked down at Lin Wuning with a cold sneer in his heart.

‘Without a True Immortal to support you and having lost Li Yuanqin’s backing… what good are you, Lin Wuning! Spoiled since childhood, you’re nothing but a useless mediocrity!’

Although Li Yuanqin was a member of the Ning family, he was capable, influential, and even the current True Immortal of the Li clan’s granduncle. If Li Yuanqin were to become the Sect Master, Qin Xian would undoubtedly have courteously offered advice without a second thought. However, in his eyes, Lin Wuning was merely an opportunist, and he genuinely showed him no respect.

Seeing his pathetic weakness, even Si Yuanli frowned. After all, Lin Wuning was the Ning family’s designated Sect Master. Si Yuanli remarked, “There’s truly no one left in the sect!”

Humiliated, Lin Wuning could only lift his head, force a smile, and respectfully retreat to the side. Si Yuanli, with a pained expression, gently turned his head and saw someone rush up the steps with great fervor. The person knelt before the stairs, weeping with joy, and exclaimed, “Congratulations, True Immortal… congratulations…”

Si Yuanli glanced over; it was Si Tongyi. Kneeling beside him was a handsome, vibrant young man, unable to contain his joy. This was Si Xunhui, Li Xizhi’s youngest disciple.

Si Yuanli smiled, “That you two are still here is truly my greatest joy!”

Both laughed with joy, and the atmosphere instantly became lively. Si Yuanli, familiar with the layout, entered the hall and took the main seat. Qin Xian diligently brought hot tea, and Si Yuanli happily took a sip. Then he saw Si Tongyi present a jade pendant with a grave expression.

“This jade pendant, left by the Old Ancestor before his passing, contains a message for you, True Immortal. None of us have been able to open it…”

Si Yuanli’s eyes instantly reddened. He carefully took the pendant, held it trembling in his hands, closed his eyes, and listened for a moment, before hot tears welled up. He then said:

“Among all Purple Mansion cultivators, only the Elder’s posthumous affairs were handled with the utmost care… unlike Changxi’s selfishness and last-minute efforts, nor Yuan Su’s resentment and malicious disposition, or even Yuan Wu’s unbearable brutality. Without the Old Ancestor’s various treasures and methods, how could I possess my divine abilities today?”

The Si family members on both sides were moved. Qin Xian, though having no real affection for Yuan Xiu, also squeezed out some tears. However, Si Yuanli received a hint from the words in the jade pendant and urgently asked, “Where is True Immortal Ning?”

Si Tongyi took a step back, knelt down, and replied:

“True Immortal Ning secretly killed a Demonic Cultivator of the Purple Mansion realm in the north, leaving millions of corpses in their wake. After that, he immediately went into seclusion and has remained there ever since… It seems he’s not in Luchi anymore, and even Lin Wuning doesn’t know his whereabouts.”

“Oh?”

Si Yuanli put down his cup and listened as Si Tongyi rambled on about past events. The more he listened, the more something felt amiss, and his expression gradually grew solemn.

“Kuiqi fell? Both gates locked?”

“Qi Lanyan? Xuanyue Kong Tingyun!”

He hesitantly raised his head. During his years of seclusion, the world outside had undergone monumental changes. Counting them one by one, there was no one left he could even visit.

“How did it come to this?”

He pondered for a long time, a chill rising in his heart. He secretly thought:

‘What kind of method is this? Lushui surging, millions of corpses… Could this truly be Ning Wan’s divine ability? And why has she disappeared without a trace? Something isn’t right… There must be a problem!’

Si Yuanli was not a simple character to begin with; he secretly sensed something was wrong. Thus, he asked, “Has Li Zhouwei attained the Dao?”

“Yes…”

Si Tongyi cautiously replied:

“The Elder has achieved the Purple Mansion realm, and his Daoist title is Minghuang. I hear he is skilled in combat and has exchanged blows with northern cultivators multiple times; although his divine abilities might not be superior, he has never been at a disadvantage!”

Si Yuanli immediately smiled, looking kindly at Si Xunhui, who was standing nearby. He simply asked, “How is your master?”

Si Xunhui joyfully replied:

“My master is cultivating in the Eastern Sea, seeking an opportunity to break through to the Purple Mansion realm!”

Although Si Xunhui was young, he was far from naive. As Li Xizhi’s disciple, his identity was not simple; he could even use the Li clan as his backing. He was the only person in the Si family who harbored genuine goodwill towards the Li clan.

Unlike his two elder brothers, who were quite attentive to Li Zhouluo’s emotional state, Si Xunhui, while affectionate towards his master and his master’s descendants, understood that affection aside, his true aim was to forge connections with the Li clan. Li Zhouluo was merely a stepping stone. Years ago, he had secretly revealed information, befriended Li Wushao, and even deliberately visited the Li family several times—all for this very purpose.

Reading the expressions, he understood that Si Yuanli had something to ask of the Li clan, and his heart secretly burned with excitement:

‘This should be my stepping stone to advancement. If the Si and Li families maintain a long-standing friendship, I will certainly be the most favored…’

Si Yuanli’s expression grew solemn, and he remained silent for a long time. However, he was secretly pondering.

‘The Elder has departed and is nowhere to be seen. In recent years, the Grand Bestowal Bronze Pagoda Temple has repeatedly lost its Peacocks, and everyone in Peacock Sea is on edge… I never imagined the interior regions would also be in such disarray…’

‘The Old Ancestor instructed… saying that once I achieved the Purple Mansion realm, first, I must absolutely not meddle with the mess of the Solar Orthodox lineage, and second, I must never disrupt the Yang family’s affairs. I should protect myself within the realm, observe the changing situation, preserve the clan, and seek the True Law of Wood. Perhaps this refers to the current situation.’

Although Si Yuanli had been in seclusion for many years, his Old Ancestor had left behind a considerable amount. Among the Three Yuan, True Immortal Yuan Xiu had the highest cultivation and the most prominent background. In his later life, due to his extraordinary divine abilities and superb talismans, he had accumulated countless resources. Si Yuanli had inherited his legacy… perhaps even Ning Wan paled in comparison by a third!

Now, after a brief consideration and asking a few names, he began to ponder:

“The Qi family… in their time, they were also a prominent family, and had some connections with ours. Unfortunately, times have changed… Back then, everyone revered the Douxuan Orthodox lineage… What a pity now!”

He secretly stroked his beard and pondered:

‘Now Li Zhouwei has also ascended… and he deserves it. When Li Ximing broke through back then, it foretold this day.’

His expression was grave as his gaze swept across the hall. He gradually understood:

‘Although I’ve returned, I absolutely cannot remain confined to Qingchi. Ning Wan cannot be found, but there is still the Li clan; it would be good to go and ask for clarification. The Old Ancestor said he left a favor with the Li family, and even a Pure Qi spirit item, which should come into play today…’

He then took a sip of tea and looked at Qin Xian, who was kneeling to the side.

‘No wonder Lin Wuning is so useless. Ning Wan probably considers Qingchi a hot potato… Fortunately, fortunately, a capable person has long been cultivated, so my own disciples won’t have to get involved personally.’

It wasn’t that Lin Wuning absolutely had to be replaced. However, Si Yuanli intended to integrate Qingchi, secure significant gains for his own disciples, and cultivate a few trusted aides. It was naturally impossible to keep such an incompetent person in power.

So, he smiled and looked over, raising his chin as he spoke:

“Guest Elder Qin, take over Lin Wuning’s duties.”

Qin Xian’s body trembled; he appeared unprepared, even incredulous. He had originally thought the Sect Master position would surely go to Si Tongyi, and that getting a small share would be enough for him. How could he possibly obtain such a position? His mouth went dry, and he stammered:

“This… how can this be…”

He secretly glanced at Si Tongyi, only to see Si Tongyi smiling as he said:

“This matter can be entrusted to Guest Elder Qin… everyone can rest assured!”

Qin Xian’s face immediately brightened with joy at Si Tongyi’s smile, and he vowed solemnly, “I will certainly serve True Immortal until death!”

Si Tongyi did not know Si Yuanli’s true intention, nor was he without desire for the Sect Master position. However, with his own elder having become a True Immortal and himself being the only junior, he was already in an unassailable position; why would he contend for this? He smiled as he saw Qin Xian out, then turned back to see Si Yuanli slowly say:

“Have a few of our juniors resign from their positions within the sect. Find some excuses to send them all to the Southern Sea and prepare to stay out of this matter.”

“Yes…”

Si Tongyi was secretly alarmed, assented, and was about to leave. However, Si Yuanli called him back, pondered for a long time, and then instructed:

“Send someone to the Li family…”

He hesitated slightly, then looked instead at Si Xunhui, who was standing nearby. As if having made a decision, he changed his tone and looked at Si Xunhui with a full smile:

“Xunhui, you shall accompany me to the Li clan!”

Si Xunhui answered with a smile, not outwardly displaying his closeness to the Li family in front of Si Yuanli. Instead, he obediently replied and chuckled:

“Reporting, True Immortal… this junior believes we should present the name of our True Immortal.”

Si Yuanli stroked his beard and smiled, replying:

“If Ning Wan doesn’t follow Qingchi’s rules, then neither will I. Let’s call it… Qinghu, then!”

Both assented. A deeply pained expression of sorrow, however, flashed across Si Yuanli’s face. He sighed heavily and replied:

“Before that, there is still one more thing to do… I heard that the Old Ancestor failed in his breakthrough in the Southern Sea. I should go to the Southern Sea to pay my respects, and then return to the clan’s cenotaph to inform him of this good news!”

“Eastern Sea… Zhengtou Manor…”

On Zhijing Mountain, white flowers bloomed. A True Immortal sat by a table, suffused in brilliant light and surrounded by true fire, slowly sipping tea. Another person, armored and even taller, stood with hands clasped behind their back amidst the mountains.

Li Quewan, bowing to the side, responded with some surprise:

“As per the decree of the two True Immortals…”

Li Ximing merely smiled:

“The spiritual energy there is not bad, and they all genuinely care for you.”

Li Quewan hastily replied:

“This junior did not mean that! It’s just that once this junior commits to cultivation, the family matters will trouble my brothers.”

Li Ximing chuckled and shook his head. Li Quewan, however, pondered aloud:

“This junior still has matters to report.”

“Oh?”

Li Ximing raised an eyebrow. Li Quewan then reported:

“A few days ago, this junior went to the wilderness, intending to see my brothers before entering seclusion. However, while calculating spiritual energy, I noticed several fluctuations that were repeatedly imprecise. My immortal foundation warned me, indicating a loosening of hidden seals, which suggests there might be changes.”

“The wilderness?”

Li Ximing’s first thought was naturally Wanling Heaven across the river. But hearing 'in the wilderness,' he secretly felt some doubt. Li Zhouwei had already turned his head, a thoughtful expression on his face.

Li Ximing understood immediately.

‘If Quewan had discovered something unusual, she must have investigated with an immortal artifact. She must have seen some clue, couldn’t elaborate, but was certain.’

He then raised an eyebrow and exchanged a look with Li Zhouwei. Together, they stepped into the Grand Void, and in a few steps, they had already reached the Grand Void above the wilderness.

Li Zhouwei glanced around, his divine ability sweeping over the area. He nodded thoughtfully and said:

“Indeed, there’s something unusual!”

Li Ximing’s illusion-breaking technique was far inferior to Li Zhouwei’s. Yet, he secretly invoked his own method and swept his gaze over the area. He felt the world clear, and a faint, illusory white appeared from the dark ground beneath their feet, its light fluctuating like ripples on water.

Although he had never seen this color before, it felt very familiar. Li Ximing’s heart stirred, and he asked, “A formation?”

Li Zhouwei nodded slightly. Together, they sank into the depths of the Grand Void, following the spiritual leyline downwards. After descending to an unknown depth, as the fluctuations in the Grand Void grew stronger, they saw a gentle white light flickering, rising and falling violently.

Li Ximing sensed that this part of the Grand Void corresponded to a cold cavern deep underground at an unknown depth. The cavern was dark all around, filled with biting cold, crystallized ice, and dense terrestrial malevolence.

“There is indeed a space deep underground…”

Li Zhouwei’s golden eyes slowly swept over the area. Suddenly, he heard his granduncle gravely say through divine ability:

“Someone is here.”

Indeed, they saw a woman in white standing in the cold cavern.

The woman wore her hair loosely, had bright eyes and a sculpted nose, and possessed exceptional beauty. Her skin was like congealed snow, her demeanor like frost, and a chilling purity emanated from her. She stood serenely amidst the cold mist, as if a blizzard had coalesced, accompanied by bitter winds.

Cultivating cold qi inherently enhanced one’s appearance and demeanor. And her features were truly exquisite, her serene coldness perfectly matching the elegance of an Eastern woman, making one forget the mundane upon seeing her.

Li Ximing had seen countless women, and his first glance was likewise struck by her beauty. However, intense divine light had already leaped into his eyes, and in the next instant, his heart tensed.

Four strands of chilling qi divine ability converged on her, swirling and circling, an extremely terrifying sight.

He was secretly horrified:

‘A Grand True Immortal of the Cold Qi lineage?’

Many cultivated cold qi in the world, but Grand True Immortals were few. Almost in the next moment, Li Ximing understood.

Tianwan!

‘True Immortal Tianwan of Scarlet Reef Island!’

At the same instant, Tianwan, who had been meditating with closed eyes, slowly opened them and raised her head. Her gaze seemed to pierce the Grand Void, falling upon the two like snow.

Decades had passed, but her appearance had not changed in the slightest. The only difference was that the divine abilities she had just cultivated after crossing the Immortal Threshold back then were now complete, swirling around her like a blizzard.

True Immortal Tianwan cultivated cold qi; although her cold qi was incomplete and she wasn't skilled in combat, she was still a Grand True Immortal. While her current strength couldn't compare to Changxiao or Wei Xuanyin, she had no problem handling an average mid-stage Purple Mansion cultivator.

Scarlet Reef Island and the Li clan had a deep-seated feud, almost like an ancestral vendetta. Seeing Tianwan here truly sent a chill down Li Ximing’s spine.

‘Tianwan… is actually here… and it seems she hasn't been here for just a day or two!’

Li Ximing simply looked at the cold cavern, and already had a good idea of what was happening.

The Grand Void only existed where there was spiritual energy. This place should have been disconnected from the Grand Void, with methods to suppress spiritual energy to prevent Purple Mansion cultivators from detecting it. Tianwan, however, had somehow found this place and was quietly waiting, seemingly for something.

But with the drastic internal changes and the impending fall of Wanling Heaven outside, a considerable amount of spiritual energy had emerged, connecting with the outside. However, this movement was extremely subtle, deep underground, and Tianwan had tried her best to suppress it, so no one had noticed…

Only because the Li clan was situated nearby and had operated in the wilderness for many years, and because Li Quewan had achieved the Marquis of Divine Arts rank and utilized shamanic arts, making her comparable to a Purple Mansion cultivator in detecting changes, could these subtle signs be perceived.

An ordinary person who noticed it would likely dismiss it as an illusion. However, Li Quewan possessed an immortal artifact that could secretly investigate the hidden, allowing her to confirm her suspicions, which is why she dared to speak so boldly to the two of them.

However, Tianwan, standing quietly in the cold cavern, seemed unsurprised and displayed no significant hostility. She spoke softly:

“I knew you two Fellow Daoists would come sooner or later. Please, enter with me.”

Li Ximing hesitated slightly, looking at Li Zhouwei, who was standing nearby. He saw Li Zhouwei frown slightly and communicate through divine ability:

‘It’s likely about the Crimson Snow Sect.’