Chapter 970: Storm

A group of Purple Mansion cultivators unleashed their divine abilities, sending down streams of figures who descended into the secret realm one after another, in order. Li Ximing feigned humility, remaining still, but his spiritual sense had already swept through the secret realm like a gentle breeze passing through a mountain pass.

To claim that the Purple Mansion cultivators possessed no means of perception would naturally be impossible. Although this secret realm was like a chessboard, with no direct entry for them, some, possessing high attainments in divination, powerful life-divine abilities, or unique spiritual artifacts, could still make some calculations.

But no matter how they calculated, how could it compare to Chayou?

Li Ximing's thoughts raced. He looked directly into the main hall, unraveling any purple light arrays or profound spiritual patterns, seeing everything clearly.

He saw that there were no tables or chairs in the Naxiang Hall. In the center stood a large bronze cauldron, one of nine tripods, radiating a deep, hazy purple light. It was unclear what cultivation lineage it belonged to, but its form and appearance were similar to those in the Great Ning Palace of yesteryear.

Such large cauldrons were ultimately divided among various clans, so observing them wasn't particularly important. Only on the highest main seat, adorned with sparkling jewels and swirling mercury, did it appear someone had undergone seated transformation. A Dharma robe floated around it, concealing a brilliant, purplish-glowing bead within its folds.

'It's probably a spiritual artifact... judging by its appearance, the quality is quite good. I wonder if it can be considered a spiritual treasure...'

Li Ximing's own Mountain-Driving Ocean-Crossing Tiger was barely considered a mid-grade item, even that was a compliment, so it certainly couldn't compare to this. As for the Huayang Royal Axe, it was unique, appearing to favor the strong and disdain the weak, its power depending on its master. He privately estimated that this item was slightly inferior to Xiukui's top-tier Grand Harmony Kui Copper Sword, a treasured item, but it could surpass many True Human's spiritual artifacts.

In ancient times, there were many grotto-heavens, and grand cultivators from various lineages liked to collaborate, using grotto-heavens to create secret realms, just like this Naxiang Hall. Irrespective of the gains within the grotto-heaven itself, consuming a large portion of such a secret realm would yield substantial rewards. Less powerful later cultivators would also set up small halls and temples around these secret realms, but those were negligible.

He secretly noted this and found an unoccupied spot. He locked onto two or three palaces and swiftly swept his spiritual sense over them. Finally, just as almost everyone else had sent their disciples into the secret realm, he found a quite valuable palace and barely managed to send a few individuals inside.

This place was likely a pavilion of the Naxiang lineage for maintaining spiritual resources. The highest point was secured by a small array, using several Foundation Establishment-level spiritual items to nourish the resources. Although most of them were now withered, the spiritual resources within the array still emitted a purple glow, indicating there would clearly be gains.

He secretly gave instructions to a few juniors and pointed out the direction. He had intended to withdraw his divine spiritual item, but as he casually observed, he suddenly noticed a man from the Golden Feather Sect.

The moment this person entered the secret realm, he immediately bade farewell to his senior and junior brothers. Without hesitation or pretense, he directly aimed for and rushed towards the hiding place of the most valuable spiritual items nearby — it was Su Yan.

This made him involuntarily withdraw his gaze. He inadvertently glanced at Tian Huo, who seemed to be lost in thought beside him.

'Golden Feather Sect... Su Yan inherited the Chen Clan's Lingyu Gate legacy. Putting other things aside, it's certain that the Chen Clan of Lingyu Gate migrated from Ning Nation... and has significant ties to both Ning Nation and Wanling!'

Seeing this situation now, how could Li Ximing not understand? Although he sighed inwardly, he couldn't help but praise:

'Truly, calculating three steps ahead from one. What taking the "Rivers and Grand Tombs Scripture" or taking the Lingyu Gate legacy... The Zhang Clan must have known long ago that Wanling Tian would surely take this path, and the true purpose absolutely lies within this grotto-heaven secret realm!'

One must remember how it was recorded back then: The Sima, Su, Xi, Xiao... and other clans all met north of the River, led by Li and Jiang, establishing the Great Ning Nation... and among them was the Su surname!

Tian Huo merely smiled without speaking. Li Ximing felt a pang of pity for him in his heart:

'So the Golden Feather Sect's initial presumption was my clan. But later, unforeseen changes occurred, leading to an abrupt end. After years of effort, only now has Su Yan emerged, yet too much time has passed... Perhaps according to their original plan, a Purple Mansion cultivator who had obtained the "Rivers and Grand Tombs Scripture" should have entered with them by now!'

As he was pondering, clashes had already begun within the secret realm. From the west, a swirl of white mist surged forth, undergoing various transformations. Li Ximing distinctly noticed that Tian Huo's expression soured. He turned coldly, and the white mist had already solidified before them, transforming into a person.

This person stepped on black flowing light, had delicate features, and wore a simple Daoist robe. He held a hazy gray orb, and his entire being exuded concentrated divine abilities—he was surprisingly a mid-stage Purple Mansion cultivator.

He grinned: "Fellow Daoists, long time no see! Your divine abilities have truly advanced greatly!"

Tian Huo had not made any significant breakthroughs in his divine abilities for decades, and this True Human had reached mid-stage Purple Mansion not long ago, so such a remark inevitably carried a hint of sarcasm, causing Tian Huo to sneer: "Ah, so it's Fellow Daoist Qing... you seem quite at ease now, your thoughts must be clear and unobstructed... no wonder you've broken through."

Hearing the surname Qing, he knew it must be a True Human from Changhuai Mountain. Indeed, he scoffed, then turned his head to look at Li Ximing: "I am Qing Jifang of the Changhuai lineage, my Daoist name is Ziwu. You must be Zhaojing, I presume!"

Li Ximing truly had no good impression of him. Whether it was the rumors or the encounter his own elder had with him when Yuan Su died, nothing about him was likable. But Changhuai's power was immense, so Li Ximing calmly said: "I've heard much about your esteemed name!"

Qing Jifang merely smiled, his face betraying no emotion. He casually said: "I've also heard of Fellow Daoist Li's name—why isn't your clan's White Kylin here?"

His gaze did not linger on Li Ximing's face; he spoke playfully. Li Ximing knew this person was arrogant and certainly looked down on him, likely considering only Li Zhouwei to be someone significant. He secretly sneered and replied: "Minghuang is in secluded cultivation and has no time to entertain you all... I just heard that Wu Nation has been in turmoil recently, yet Fellow Daoist seems quite carefree."

Qing Jifang sneered. Beside him, a young man quickly stepped forward. Dressed in grey-green clothing, he intervened, appearing somewhat troubled: "Just some minor disturbances, nothing worth mentioning."

He interjected with a smile, saying: "I am Qing Zhuo, Daoist name Guanlan. Pleased to meet you, Fellow Daoist..."

Li Ximing nodded, only to see Qing Jifang chuckle: "I hear Fellow Daoist has close ties with the Solar Dao Lineage, which is quite fated. Yet, I see Fellow Daoist visiting various sects and schools, but you've skipped over my Changhuai Mountain, instead diligently frequenting Baiyang Mountain. I wonder what the reason is!"

On paper, Qize was originally under the jurisdiction of Changhuai Mountain, and Baiyang Mountain was famously connected to various Solar Dao lineages. If Qing Jifang truly pressed the issue, it would be a problem, but Li Ximing was disinclined to argue with him, so he simply said: "It was an old matter arranged by True Human Xiukui, refining some pills for that True Human. It was that True Human who came to find me by the lake. If there's any offense or slight, please bother Fellow Daoist to inquire at the Grand Xiukui Temple."

The Grand Xiukui Temple was currently in secluded cultivation, so there was naturally nothing to ask and no one to verify with. Only then did Li Ximing respond, and Tian Huo burst into laughter: "Qing Jifang, what concern is this of yours? I've been to Baiyang Mountain too, and I've even visited the Grave-Seizing Sword Immortal's abode! So what?"

The True Human from Changhuai glanced at Li Ximing, then turned his head away indifferently: "Tian Huo, I won't say much more to you. We'll settle this in the Beiyuan Hall. I'm just giving you a heads-up, so you don't bring trouble upon yourself then!"

Both parties parted unhappily and went their separate ways. Li Ximing maintained a composed expression, though his heart gradually darkened. He subtly changed the subject: "Why haven't I seen Fellow Daoist Qinghu?"

Although Sima Yuanli had only recently broken through, as a Purple Mansion cultivator of the Green Pond, he naturally had the qualifications to be here. When Li Ximing asked, True Human Tian Huo leisurely said: "He's not suitable to show his face now. The Sima clan is also an important aristocratic family of Ning Nation. Back then, Ning Nation had many aristocratic families, and those who still have influence today are all tied to the Solar Dao Lineage. One is his Sima clan, and the other is the Xi clan of the Pure Unity Dao."

"These two clans must have a deeper understanding of the grotto-heaven, and they will certainly come. But they won't show up openly, as everyone is covetous, and it's hard to guarantee that someone won't secretly follow them or use some methods..." He chuckled: "They will wait until the grotto-heaven descends, then quietly enter, relying on the information they possess and their bloodline to secure a substantial share... they won't sacrifice the big picture for a small gain!"

Li Ximing now understood where Sima Yuanli was. He secretly nodded. He closed his eyes in the Grand Void, concentrating, while cultivating and casually observing the situation. After an unknown period, he finally heard a thudding sound from within the purple expanse.

The destructive power of Foundation Establishment cultivators was considerable. Moreover, with so many Northern and Southern cultivators gathered in this secret realm, constantly fighting each other, even though the secret realm was quite large, it was already a mess. He raised an eyebrow and glanced, realizing that cultivators had already reached the front of the Naxiang Hall.

He heard Tian Huo beside him spit and curse: "Damn it..."

It turned out that the first to arrive were the cultivators from Changhuai Mountain, holding compasses. Upon entering the secret realm, they broke through barriers and dissolved arrays, reaching the hall's entrance almost effortlessly. The treasures in their hands were exceedingly powerful, so much so that even Su Yan and Ding Weizeng, who had received prior guidance from Li Ximing, were a few steps behind and had not yet arrived.

The main hall of Naxiang Hall involved vital points of the secret realm, making it difficult for Foundation Establishment cultivators to unlock. But Qing Jifang and others had calm expressions, evidently having prepared methods long ago. Indeed, the cultivators below began to take out talismans.

"Boom!" The purple light intensified with the commotion. Streaks of escape light were drawn in, constantly breaking through towards this direction. The fighting grew fiercer, with various Daoist lineage lights flashing in turn. Essentially, all Purple Mansion cultivators opened their eyes, watching intently.

Li Ximing slightly raised his hand, first extracting the injured Chen Yang and Li Wushao. Of these two, one had low cultivation, and the other had an unremarkable background. Fortunately, one was more cunning than the other, and even injured, they steadily endured until the end. Chen Yang even brought out an ancient magical artifact: a Female Water Dharma Pearl.

Next was Li Jianglong, who was truly unlucky. He was chased by several Buddhist cultivators all the way. Although he didn't miss out on treasures, he was gradually forced into a desperate situation and was soon extracted from the secret realm. Though his face showed reluctance, he silently descended by riding the wind.

The fighting in the center grew more intense. The large cauldron was struck, shaking continuously. Black and gold intertwined pills shot into the sky. Many glows collided. Ding Weizeng, connecting his long and short staffs, was full of momentum, causing Tian Huo beside him to show a hint of surprise. He explained: "So those are Nangong Xuansui Pills! No wonder they were nurtured in the Ancient Green Medicinal Cauldron..."

Li Ximing's current alchemy cultivation was not shallow, and he had inherited the Mien Fan Dao lineage. He truly knew this spiritual pill, renowned alongside the "Mingzhen Unity Divine Pill," and recognized it at a glance, secretly delighted: "Nangong Xuansui Pills... they can enhance divine abilities, open up Xuan Palaces, and be used to advance cultivation. When combined with various cultivation methods, they belong to the Pure Qi lineage, suitable for all practices..."

What was even rarer was that Nangong Xuansui Pills could open up Xuan Palaces within the body, which could not only be used for cultivation, but also temporarily store various fire and demonic qi, and even divine abilities. Once a Purple Mansion cultivator finished their practice, the Xuan Palace would also be filled with divine abilities, which could be assimilated in one go, or extracted by breaking the belly and used as a talisman. Although they were not very useful for Purple Mansion cultivators themselves, they could serve as protective items for juniors.

Tian Huo shook his head with a hint of emotion: "Back in the Naxiang Dao lineage... those junior cultivators were absolutely not to be provoked, and it was all because of these pills. Those old undying ones would cultivate daily, 'breaking open their bellies,' and their favorite juniors would each receive one for protection... How many cultivators of the same level dared to provoke them?"

Li Ximing was very interested and secretly nodded. All the divine ability cultivators watched the battle below as if it were a play. Some even brought out tea and wine to drink, appearing leisurely and content.

Li Ximing took a few more glances and couldn't help but smile. Li Jiangxia, that fellow, was actually fishing in troubled waters among them. Instead of snatching treasures or spiritual resources, he activated his immortal foundation and vigorously smashed the surrounding Buddhist cultivators. With Ding Weizeng's support, and given that Buddhist cultivators were inherently disunited, other cultivators were happy to watch him cause trouble and ignored him.

When all the dust settled, the spiritual artifact ultimately fell into Guan Xie's hands. The medicinal cauldron was taken by Changhuai. No major commotions arose, nor did any clan deliberately make things difficult. But what each clan had pocketed, only they themselves knew.

Li Ximing, quite satisfied, brought the two out and stood in the Grand Void. Looking at Ding Weizeng's somewhat disheveled appearance, he praised: "Good!"

Ding Weizeng wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and quickly showed the two pills he had kept in his bosom. He then took out a jade box and handed it to Li Ximing, making the True Human nod with satisfaction. The other miscellaneous items were naturally not taken out one by one. Li Jiangxia, beside him, chuckled: "Hold on."

However, this Third Young Master was always shrewd, more courageous than his brothers, and particularly fond of taking risks. He had secretly hidden a jade bottle in his bosom at some unknown point.

"Excellent!" Li Ximing praised him, and his spiritual sense immediately swept over. Ding Weizeng's two pills were indeed Nangong Xuansui Pills. Li Jiangxia's pill was obtained from a Buddhist cultivator, a spiritual pill of the Wood Gathering lineage, without a name marked. As for the jade box in Ding Weizeng's hand, it was something Li Ximing had already been alerted to by Chayou. It was indeed a Purple Mansion spiritual resource, a Heart-Flavor Fiend, and surprisingly, a spiritual resource of the Conjoined Fire lineage.

To have such a harvest in the secret realm, he couldn't help but smile. Tian Huo, equally satisfied, turned his head and chuckled: "Fellow Daoist, your gains are impressive! Congratulations, congratulations!"

"To you as well!" Li Ximing smiled: 'After all, it's a grand event like the fall of a grotto-heaven; otherwise, how long would it take to acquire even a single spiritual resource on ordinary days...'

All the Purple Mansion cultivators looked up. They saw streams of colorful light emerging in the Grand Void. Golden halls descended from the sky in the four cardinal directions—southeast, southwest, northeast, and northwest. They crashed with dull thuds into the Turbid Killing Mausoleum, like collapsing towers, causing the scattered cultivators to erupt in a frenzy, swarming densely like ants, fearlessly rushing into them.

'Some smaller halls and temples, previously attached to Naxiang Hall, have fallen...'

The contents here could not compare to Naxiang Hall and were almost useless to Purple Mansion cultivators. Li Ximing paid no attention and casually dropped the two individuals. Tian Huo also casually released a few Golden Feather disciples, instructing them: "Just go down and have a quick look... save your energy for the subsequent secret realms!"

Li Ximing's thoughts were gradually no longer focused here. He smilingly probed: "I wonder how many more such opportunities their juniors will have..."

Tian Huo glanced at him and chuckled: "My elders say there should be two or three more secret realms... The next one won't fall for at least half a year, so it's still early!"

'I'm holding things up here for Zhouwei. Estimating there are two or three more, that should give us another year or year and a half...'

Li Ximing calculated the time in his mind and secretly breathed a sigh of relief. With his thoughts settled, he closed his eyes, meditated, and began cultivating.