Chapter 968: One Swift Effort

Li Ximing saw Si Yuanli off. As he sat down, Li Zhouwei appeared and asked a question. Li Ximing sighed, "There's an intention to befriend them to some extent. After all, circumstances are stronger than individual will. The Si family is no longer what it once was. Our family has endured. Even if he feels some resentment, he still has to yield when necessary."

Li Zhouwei nodded and asked, "Did you mention the Yang family matter, Uncle?"

Li Ximing chuckled and replied, "Since he didn't ask, I didn't bring it up. After all, the Mushroom Forest is originally Qingchi territory, and Yang Zhuo won't turn around to attack Moon-Gazing Lake. Let him sort things out himself."

Li Zhouwei smiled. The Netherworld was indeed unusual, and Si Yuanli didn't completely trust the Li family, so the Yang family matter wasn't something easily discussed. He simply poured tea and replied, "Coincidentally, I was just in the wilderness when I saw True Master Xuanyi approaching. I reckon he was originally looking for you, Uncle, but he ran into me and, with some hesitation, started talking. He wanted to discuss the Hongxue lineage."

He paused, then continued, "According to him, Hongxue originated from the Wei Li, and it actually has some deep roots. Several sects that were destroyed back then had already been completely divided, but only Hongxue managed to hide this one lineage underground. Both Qingchi and the other sects realized at the time that it must have been hidden elsewhere, which is why they later gathered the descendants of Li Ti."

"Xuanyi said that this place isn't like a grotto-heaven, but more like a secret realm."

Li Ximing became skeptical. "How much of that is true? You say Qingchi Sect is backed by a grotto-heaven, and given a master's status, having a secret realm might be possible. But Hongxue is just a Purple Mansion cultivator; where would they get so many techniques?"

"I asked about it," Li Zhouwei replied. "Apparently, the Hongxue sect was a branch of the fallen Wei Li. They encountered the reincarnation of Emperor Wei, which is how they gained some opportunities. The Master obtained a Douxuan lineage, one of the Four Secrets, called the Miyan lineage. After everything was taken, some scraps and the empty shell of that secret realm were left for them, and this branch of Wei Li began to prosper."

Only then did Li Ximing understand. He nodded subtly and asked, "A secret realm, like the Great Tranquility Palace back then, either remains unopened and can be preserved for centuries, or if opened, without sufficiently powerful cultivators to maintain it, it probably won't last long."

"Exactly," Li Zhouwei said, a strange expression on his face. "Fortunately, that secret realm wasn't very large and relied on Wanling Heaven's status, so it remained relatively stable, allowing Hongxue to use it for many years."

"Currently, Li Quantao has entered the secret realm. Tianwan's Cold Qi divine ability isn't a complete elixir, so entering this place still requires various auxiliary methods. But this is also her opportunity. Times have changed; Wanling Heaven is constantly shaking, gradually revealing signs, and this place is becoming increasingly unstable. True Master Xuanyi's meaning is that we just need to wait. As soon as Wanling Heaven changes, this secret realm will inevitably have problems."

"What a shame!" Li Ximing lamented to himself. He had already understood the strange look in Li Zhouwei's eyes. To be honest, their family had no particular need for Cold Qi, but this secret realm was a first-rate treasure. If they could obtain it, its concealment capabilities would be far superior to the Xiaoyuan Glazed Pagoda! Many things could be hidden more effectively, and it would bring immense convenience. But now, this item was clearly on the verge of collapse, making it impossible for them to acquire it.

Seeing Li Ximing's regret, Li Zhouwei comforted him, "Our family doesn't understand the art of constructing the Great Void. Even if we managed to acquire a secret realm, we wouldn't have a way to maintain it. Furthermore, the maintenance costs for secret realms are much higher now than in ancient times. If our family were to undertake such a task, it would certainly fall upon the future Que Wan."

Li Ximing nodded in agreement, then grew serious. "Wanling Heaven is getting closer by the day. You must go in and explore. I'll make a quick trip and then stay by the lake, arranging the Hongxue matter while also looking after the clan."

He worried, "Although everyone's attention will be on Wanling Heaven at that time, the Buddhist cultivators are cunning. It's hard to say how many might target our family. We absolutely cannot let our guard down!"

Li Zhouwei's expression gradually became serious. He left the mountain with Li Ximing, heading towards a more secluded grand formation, and replied, "I am considering this very matter."

He then changed the subject. "The Monarch's Peril is a place of perilous obscurity in Mingyang, where cultivation is extremely fast. I have cultivated the Monarch's Peril immortal foundation, received blessings, and obtained resources from you, Uncle. Within a few years, it has been perfected."

"Oh?" Li Ximing showed delight and replied, "After all, you took a Qiling Light Elixir..."

Li Zhouwei nodded, his expression grave. "Although the immortal foundation is perfected, there will inevitably be conflicts in the grotto-heaven afterward, and the possibility of injury is extremely high. Once injured beyond a certain limit, it's very likely to damage the immortal foundation..."

Li Ximing secretly weighed his words, already understanding his meaning, and was inwardly startled. "You want to try to conceive a divine ability?"

"Exactly!" Li Zhouwei had long planned this in his heart; otherwise, he wouldn't have taken multiple Qiling Light Elixirs to boost his cultivation. At this moment, his eyes gleamed as he replied, "Rather than risking damage to my cultivation in the grotto-heaven, it's better to make a concerted effort and directly ascend to a divine ability!"

Li Ximing focused, remaining silent, but Li Zhouwei spoke with certainty. "The Monarch's Peril occupies a humble position, which is perfect for this place. Whether it's forming an immortal foundation or achieving a divine ability, there's a strong fit. That's the first reason. The Monarch's Peril is a body-related divine ability, and I am favored by Mingyang, inherently possessing spiritual marvels that secretly align with it. That's the second reason."

"Even if I act rashly and fail to achieve a divine ability, as long as I push straight for Ascending Yang, it will make the next attempt at the Monarch's Peril divine ability easier and faster. In any case, it's better than simply wasting my cultivation!"

Li Ximing grew increasingly hesitant as he listened, replying, "I only fear one thing: pushing for Ascending Yang and conceiving a divine ability takes a considerable amount of time. Even if you're no longer a Foundation Establishment cultivator, it's certainly not something that can be achieved in a year or two. If you haven't succeeded yet, but the grotto-heaven has already opened, wouldn't you miss the opportunity?"

Li Zhouwei's expression was quite firm as he replied, "The immortal foundation is not a problem; it can be cultivated at any time. But the grotto-heaven descent is a one-time event. If time truly runs out and the grotto-heaven falls, the spiritual energy between heaven and earth will be immense. If I sense this, I will certainly abandon the Monarch's Peril and head to the grotto-heaven."

Li Ximing knew this junior was much more decisive than himself. Gritting his teeth, he said, "There's nothing I can do to help you... Fortunately, I once refined a type of grand elixir in the East Sea. Its effects are excellent: primarily for breaking through bottlenecks and calming the mind, nourishing the physical body with the pure spiritual essence of the Cold Moon, and increasing longevity. It perfectly suits your current needs! Just take one, and it will surely assist you!"

Li Zhouwei naturally knew how precious this elixir was. Li Ximing had used one in a critical situation back then, but it wasn't applied effectively. Although he didn't voice it, he had secretly regretted it over the years, especially after obtaining high-quality consumables like the Qiling Light Elixir, which he no longer mentioned. How could he possibly let Li Ximing take another one for him now? He hastily said, "This matter must not be brought up! What if the grotto-heaven descends in time? Should I withdraw, or should I not waste the elixir? My goal is to prevent losses as much as possible, not to achieve a breakthrough in divine ability. It absolutely cannot be wasted!"

His words were well-reasoned and convinced Li Ximing, who only lamented, "It's a pity Si Yuanli is still so cautious and won't exchange elixirs with me. Otherwise, the Mingzhen Combined Spirit Elixir, which can help conceive a divine ability, would be most suitable for you!"

"Such good things don't just happen," Li Zhouwei said with a smile as he saw Li Ximing out, saying no more. In his heart, however, there was still some anticipation: 'This grotto-heaven contains more than just spiritual treasures and lineages; there's also the chance for a great battle, which will prevent my cultivation from stagnating!'

He then transformed into light and swiftly entered the formation, taking a seat in the realm where sun and moon shone together. Without hesitation, he lightly touched his brocade pouch and took out a Qiling Light Elixir. 'The Monarch's Peril is complete, just one last step!' He then consumed the elixir. Immediately, the surging Mingyang divine ability circulated within his spiritual body. In his Sea of Qi, the clouds dispersed, and a golden light surged forth, rising dramatically with the aid of the Bright Light divine ability and the elixir's power.

As various mystical phenomena ascended, platinum-colored scales emerged around the young man's neck, crawling upwards along both sides of his face, appearing utterly ferocious.

Turbid Slaughter Mound.

A faint white mist permeated the sky, while stark white bones lay scattered across the ground. Amidst the surging cold air, several minor cultivators, equipped with talismans, cautiously wandered among the bones. The sky was somewhat eerie, not dark, but a deep purple, like a massive, magnificent gem.

"What a treasure land..." A swirling demonic wind lingered. A man holding a long-handled zhaodao stood in the air, drawing the surrounding ominous energy to swirl around him. Helian Wumeng's demonic eyes stared into the Great Void, light flickering continuously as if discerning something. Beside him, a slender middle-aged man, with a imposing presence, rested his hand on the magic sword at his waist and softly said, "The spiritual energy changes three times a day, and signs are beginning to appear."

Helian Wumeng knew his elder had a higher cultivation and was probably more skilled at discerning such changes. He smiled and asked, "Have the juniors arrived?"

Helian Wujiang nodded leisurely and replied, "Changyu and Changying have both reached Jiangbei. They are both pillars of our family, and it's a good opportunity for them to seek their fortune."

Helian Wumeng's gaze swiftly swept across the Great Void, seeing a beam of feminine water light rising from one side, and true fire blazing fiercely from another, each occupying its own area. He sneered, curling his lips. "They've all arrived."

Helian Wujiang shook his head. "After widely spreading the Taoist methods, they finally managed to produce a 'faith bug' (a person with strong faith/luck). Several families have invested a lot, even preparing spiritual treasures for him, and perhaps even lost spiritual treasures on various potential candidates. Naturally, they want to recoup their losses—especially the aristocratic families from Zhao."

The Helian family had slowly risen in recent years, overcoming the difficulties of the northern desert and conquering numerous tribes. Naturally, they had offended many and were not on good terms with several aristocratic families. Helian Wumeng was about to scoff when he saw a golden light flickering in the Great Void on the other side, cascading down like a waterfall.

Two men appeared: an elder and a youth, both clad in golden flame-patterned robes adorned with gold stones and windswept sand. As soon as they appeared, they illuminated the surroundings, truly an imposing sight.

Helian Wujiang whispered, "That's the Golden Feather Sect, True Monarch Taiyuan... He's the Gengyi Daoshan Qing Daoist mentioned in the texts, and he represents a top-tier lineage."

Helian Wumeng nodded silently. This man usually defied both heaven and earth, but hearing that name instilled a bit more reverence in him. He said with some awe, "So it's him... He's also a venerable figure of Golden Virtue."

Before he finished speaking, a patch of clear clouds arrived from the southwest, shifting and transforming in the air. Faintly, several figures could be seen standing within the clouds, exchanging greetings with the people from the Golden Feather Sect. 'Changhuai Mountain.'

Thus, divine abilities gathered from all directions, colorful clouds swirled, and more abilities appeared in succession, waiting in the clouds. Helian Wumeng then chuckled, "Ordinarily, they're always shouting and fighting, but when it comes to dividing the grotto-heaven, they all show up, acting friendlier than ever. No more fighting, no more killing..."

"Where isn't that the case?" Helian Wujiang chuckled. "Otherwise, why would someone like Bai Ziyu bother to get involved?"

Amidst the gathering of divine abilities, Helian Wumeng looked up, his gaze quickly finding a bright patch of color, but the person he expected was not there. He asked, "This is..." Helian Wujiang's gaze was deep. "Li Ximing."

The vast Great Void revealed its splendor in sequence. A man in a platinum-colored Daoist robe stood in the south, Li Ximing, his sleeves folded, surveying his surroundings.

More than half a year had passed since Li Zhouwei entered seclusion. During this period, Li Ximing had been cultivating spells and improving his cultivation, naturally without much leisure. Aided by talismanic energy, his Great Li White Radiance steadily progressed. He occasionally had brilliant insights, taking a huge leap forward, and surprisingly condensed another crimson light.

This should have been a joyous occasion, but as soon as he finished cultivating the spell, he saw the spiritual energy near the shore fluctuating, and a sense of unease arose within him. His joy immediately faded. He stood in the Great Void, and indeed, indistinct figures were all around.

Then, a golden light leaped towards him, manifesting before him as a handsome and elegant young man—True Master Tianhuo of the Golden Feather Sect. "Daoist Zhaojing!" "Daoist Tianhuo..."

Li Ximing was actually hesitating, but seeing Tianhuo proactively approach, he felt somewhat safer. Tianhuo, however, smiled very naturally. "Which juniors did you bring, Daoist friend?"

Li Ximing shook his head with a wry smile. The young man before him, however, was extremely perceptive and subtly changed the topic, simply stating, "The foundation of Wanling Heaven is gradually appearing. What will fall first are certainly the many secret realms attached to it. Do you still remember the Great Tranquility Palace, Daoist friend? Anhuai Heaven back then was exactly the same!"

"These secret realms are mostly for Foundation Establishment cultivators... There's no need for you and me to go down and snatch them. But sending some juniors down... that would be an excellent idea! Sometimes there are even great surprises. And with us stationed here, everyone will be restrained, so there won't be many casualties."

With just a brief explanation, Li Ximing immediately understood. 'What was a great opportunity and a great crisis in the eyes of Foundation Establishment cultivators back then is merely so-so in the eyes of divine ability cultivators... Our own elders are the swords of Qingchi, doing precisely this kind of work now!' 'If that's the case, a few people from Ming Palace could definitely go in and try... especially Ding Weizeng... he'd be perfect! He has the miraculous ability to escape confinement, so he'd definitely be able to enter and exit safely. It's a shame Xiao Cui is gone...'

But considering it from another perspective, this would undoubtedly leave them with more time. Li Ximing was secretly delighted, surprised that Tianhuo was quite enthusiastic, and he opened his mouth with a smile, "Are there any arrangements at the lake? Several juniors from my sect will also be coming here. If you are interested, you could let them enter together; they could look out for each other!"