Chapter 982: West Xiao Oath (1+1/2)

The Yellow-robed Immortal’s heart immediately became complicated and heavy. Seeing the golden eyes and the shimmering golden patterns on the neck, his mouth felt bitter, and he found himself at a loss for how to respond. The bright spirit tool in his hand dimmed slightly. He made no sound or superfluous movement, stepping back. As that complex emotion surged within him, an unbidden sense of dread inexplicably arose.

‘Mingyang is arrogant; I forcibly ordered Cui Jueyin to return to the state… This already violates the Oath of Xixiao! And I injured his pride, which must be a great humiliation. It would have been better not to meet, but now, suddenly seeing me…’

Cui Yushan hailed from Xiha. His ancestors had moved from Donghai during Li Xuan’s restoration of the nation. Whether it was a branch of the Cui clan spreading out, gradually becoming estranged from the main lineage, unwilling to bear the karma of a hundred generations, or a means for the Chongzhou Cui clan to preserve their bloodline, this branch of the Xiha Cui clan sought to sever past karma. They distinctly cut ties with the Li family! He believed he had done nothing wrong in this matter, but in the eyes of the imperial lineage, how could such a distinction between right and wrong exist?

His heart instantly leaped to his throat. The heavenly light beneath his feet shimmered, and his divine ability, upon seeing the person before him, naturally deferred. He even felt an impulse to flee! However, the blue-robed immortal in front of him frowned suspiciously, his heart also sinking with a jolt: ‘It’s Li Zhouwei!’

This immortal hailed from Nanha Qushi Mountain, which, several hundred years ago, was part of the same lineage as Xuan’yi Immortal’s Jingyi Mountain. They were still very close and communicated frequently, so he truly recognized Wangyue Li. Xuan’yi had personally said: ‘Wei Li… fighting is also inappropriate…’

He sighed to himself: ‘Although Xuan’yi says she has a good relationship with some Zhaojing Immortal, there’s no proof, so it’s hard to explain. But the relationship between Cui and Li is known throughout the world; he will definitely side with Yangya… It’s better not to cause any misunderstanding!’

So, without any defense or wasting time, he said nothing. He ascended on light, transforming into a swirling magical wind and dispersing.

This scene was quite ironic. Both Li Zhouwei and Yangya understood why the other person would easily retreat. For a moment, Yangya was awkwardly unsure how to proceed. According to traditional principles, as a Cui family Purple Mansion cultivator who had received the Wei Dynasty’s orthodox teachings, upon seeing Bailin, he should kneel and bow, calling him “My Lord”—or even “Your Highness” or “Your Majesty” would not be excessive! ‘Inside the Grotto-Heaven, all the Lords are watching. If I utter that phrase… it would mean the West Sea Cui clan, and even Chongzhou, has chosen a side!’

But if he didn't say it, how could Yangya fare well? How did the Cui clan rise to prominence? Back then, they were merely a noble family in the mountains, no different from the Lin or Qi clans. It was when Emperor Wei and the Cui clan’s ancestor, Cui Yan, united as ruler and minister, swearing an oath on Mount Xixiao to create a great enterprise, that their later glory came to be! At that time, Emperor Wei promised: “Throughout the Wei Dynasty, the monarch shall be the Supreme Yang Lord.” Cui Yan then stated: “Having long received your grace and kindness, I, your subject, shall assist the imperial lineage. Should any of my kin or descendants fail in their duty or dare to insult the common people… may they be struck down by light.”

Later, one became Emperor Mingyang, and the other became True Monarch Shangyao. The oath was fulfilled. Throughout the Wei Dynasty, the Cui clan enjoyed all spiritual blessings, achieved immortal nobility, and even became the foremost family. At the peak of the celestial dynasty, just before its collapse, Cui Mu was even able to assume the position of a False True Monarch using the dynasty’s methods… How noble was that? Reading that history, every Cui family descendant would be profoundly moved. Even though the subsequent history was one of endless blood and tears, the Cui family had experienced true glory. When asked about the past, their descendants could proudly answer: “I am a descendant of the True Monarch’s kin.”

The past of Wei Li was both the Cui family’s blood and tears and their brightest, most proud moment. Cui Yushan was no exception; he remembered it exceptionally well. Even he, the one most insistent on severing ties with the Li family, as a child, sometimes dreamed at midnight of the emperor descending and the world once again having its imperial father. Even Yangya could understand why previous generations had tirelessly worked to revive the Wei state: ‘Emperor Qi destroyed the nation and burned its books three times. Except for my Chongzhou Cui clan, which preserved some abroad… everything else has been mostly obliterated. The Oath of Xixiao is indeed remembered by few now… but…’

‘But the oath sworn by the two Lords back then, while the whole world might forget it, one thing will definitely remember it clearly: the Mingyang Karmic Position!’ Just as Cui Yan said—may they be struck down by light. This was an agreement between an Emperor and a True Monarch. Without this light hanging high above, even if the Cui clan’s family discipline had been excellent, they could not have been perpetually respectful and devoted to the people, willing to die for them! The Oath of Xixiao no longer seems to have much binding force, but it remains a glimmer of hope for the Cui family. For those cultivating other orthodoxies, it might be better, but Yangya himself cultivates Mingyang. Even though he could casually dismiss the oath as empty talk on weekdays, seeing Bailin now, he couldn’t help but hesitate: ‘Who knows if Mingyang’s gaze is upon him? Who knows which part of Mingyang he represents?’

Under these multiple conflicts, he could only stand stiffly to the side. He dared not leave, nor dared to speak. He bowed slightly, standing like a statue, silently waiting.

Li Zhouwei, however, had no time to bother with him, treating him as if he weren’t there. He unfastened the Huayang Royal Axe from his waist and began dealing with the formation. As time passed, the white light covering the area visibly weakened, decaying at an exaggerated rate. With just one swing of the axe, the white light shattered! He pulled up his sleeves and, like a whirlwind, collected all the items on the platform. He secretly investigated and knew that the items in the side hall on the other side had already been taken. He glanced at Yangya, who was bowing respectfully nearby, said nothing, and departed on light.

This action literally saved Yangya’s life! Yangya broke out in a cold sweat, then suddenly relaxed. He hastily ascended on wind, his panic dissipated, leaving only an empty sense of lingering fear and complex emotions. He flew off into the distance without looking back, feeling bewildered: ‘Can my Cui clan truly escape this… Does any of this still have meaning? If every time Wei Li appears, the Cui family must pay the price, is it my turn today?’

‘If I stand aside… does that mean… the sacrifices of my predecessors were all in vain…’

He felt an infinite sense of confusion, retreating in a state of disarray, traversing the empty heavens and earth. A chill ran through him, and he began to wonder: “Is it a curse from generation to generation, or an enticement time and again? Did my Cui clan ancestors die generation after generation because of loyalty, or because they all wanted to be the protagonist of that Oath of Xixiao?”

“Clang!”

A roaring storm of true fire circulated through the mountains, passing through the green palace. The gold-robed cultivator stood quietly in the hall. The swirling true fire swept past his sleeves, crashing with a loud boom inside the main hall. The gold-robed man withdrew his sleeves. The immortal on the other side, scorched by the fire, retreated slightly, his face solemn. While conjuring true qi of water and fire to block the true fire, he lowered his gaze and said: “Daoist Lou is being rather impolite!”

Lou Yingge’s face was calm. The divine ability in his hand showed no politeness, making him appear like a true fire profound furnace, radiating light, transforming into hundreds of streams of light to strike at the person in front of him. He casually replied: “Immortal Lin, you jest. This is no time for politeness!” As he responded, his gaze silently swept across the sky.

The colorful light in the sky was growing increasingly scarce. It should be noted that the Purple Mansion cultivators gathered here were the most numerous in a hundred years, far surpassing those at Anhuai Heaven back then. No matter how large this mountain range was, it was like child’s play in front of these Purple Mansion cultivators, already mostly divided in an instant. However, the battle among the few great immortals in the very center grew fiercer. The entire sky roared, several Dao towers had already collapsed, and the spirit treasures each found their owners, yet they refused to stop, instead fighting exhilaratingly, as if to determine supremacy! More crucially, as the magic treasures were slowly raised and their mystic powers stimulated, the sealing and containing power of this place grew stronger and stronger. Thus, those who obtained treasures swiftly fled, and those who did not also felt uneasy, preferring to pursue eagerly rather than linger in this dangerous place. It should be known that surrounding this mountain range were endless bones, containing many good things… and even quite a few inherited orthodoxies, which naturally could not be missed! More Purple Mansion cultivators, having gathered enough, immediately curbed their greed and dispersed in various directions, preparing to leave the Grotto-Heaven.

‘Those still lingering here to fight at this moment… are mostly Purple Mansion mid-stage cultivators…’ He retracted his gaze, scanning the central jade platform, and subtly frowned. The true fire on his body surged more and more fiercely, but he suddenly raised his brows. Golden-red light flickered in his hand, and he sneered: “Daoist, you’ve waited long enough!” Indeed, patches of clouds swirled, and a black light descended from the sky, attempting to land on the jade platform. However, it was blocked by the golden-red light, raising patches of dark clouds and flickering black light. Only then did Lou Yingge’s expression slightly change: “Witchcraft Talisman Dao?”

The rolling black qi dispersed, and a person appeared from nothingness: tall and thin, with a sallow complexion, wearing black clothes and black boots, with a red dot between his eyebrows, holding a jade tablet in his hand. Immortal Lin blinked slightly, half mockingly, half inquisitively, and smiled: “What kind of character dares to block the path of us northern noble families and marquises!” The man did not speak, but smiled faintly, and a voice echoed in everyone’s ears: “Nanshun Luoza, Jiaozhong Zi!”

“How audacious!” Although Lou Yingge had heard of Nanshun Luoza’s name—Dilu Tiansanglin was not small in reputation, considered a rare pillar of the Witchcraft Talisman Dao after Duanmu Kui—Dilu Tiansanglin’s power notwithstanding, with just one glance, Lou Yingge saw that this person’s divine ability was not particularly high, and he sneered. But Jiaozhong Zi’s eyes suddenly lit up, and layers of reddish-brown flames erupted from between his eyebrows, plummeting down!

In this brief delay, Immortal Lin on the side did not let the opportunity pass. Although seemingly motionless, his divine ability had already flown forth, radiating brilliance for a moment, but then a dim light showered down, suppressing his divine ability. A short, stout man emerged, who was indeed Murong Yan. “Daoist Lin! Long time no see!” Murong Yan still maintained his short, stout appearance, as if the recent hardships had left no trace on him. He laughed heartily, and his牝水 (Filly Water) divine ability enveloped the person in front, firmly holding him back!

“Conspiring together!” Immortal Lin snorted coldly, but showed little surprise. Murong Yan appeared just in time, yet Lou Yingge’s face showed no joy. Instead, he suddenly rose with fire, and colorful clouds were already rippling in the sky, heavenly light appeared, and the Gate of Heaven suddenly descended! This Gate of Heaven was truly a signature move, causing everyone to react instantly! ‘Li Zhouwei!’ Everyone paused simultaneously. Lou Yingge’s expression was calm, but his eyes suddenly became sharp and determined! ‘He’s finally here!’

Immortal Lin raised an eyebrow slightly, his expression the calmest among them, clearly aware of the grievances between them and watching with an attitude of enjoying the show. Jiaozhong Zi, riding black qi, had an inscrutable expression, with a hint of anticipation in his eyes. Only the short, stout Murong Yan’s expression had changed significantly from before. No longer was there any eager anticipation or amusement; instead, a deep gloom instantly welled up, and his eyes, filled with suspicion, stared eerily at the sky. ‘Li Zhouwei… Li Zhouwei!’

Murong Yan was not stupid, and he had his own backing within the Murong family. The danger at the riverside last time had made him realize his situation, and after multiple negotiations, he gradually understood his position! Now, seeing Li Zhouwei, who knew how much suspicion filled his heart! But no matter what they were thinking, Jiaozhong Zi intended to restrain Lou Yingge, and Murong Yan wanted no connection with Li Zhouwei. For a moment, they restrained each other, allowing the Gate of Heaven’s Audience to descend with a crash! “Boom!”

Instantly, divine abilities surged, creating a terrifying spiritual energy storm. The Grotto-Heaven’s profound mysteries had already malfunctioned, and the formation was weakening by the moment. The jade platform, swaying precariously in the storm, finally could not hold on and shattered with a bang! This was precisely Li Zhouwei’s plan! Their divine abilities intertwined, and their strengths were not weak. Murong Yan and Lou Yingge were in cahoots, making it difficult to seize things here. It was better to release the items within while they restrained each other, and then seize them in the chaos! Indeed, the white light shattered in an instant, and six streams of golden light immediately shot out!

“What a pity…” Lou Yingge felt a pang of regret, but the divine ability in his hand did not slow down at all. His golden robe instantly billowed, and golden-red true fire surged around his body: “Pheasant Departure Form!” The rolling light of witchcraft dispersed, and true fire bound the golden light, drawing it into his palm. Lou Yingge squinted slightly. In his palm was indeed a jade piece with golden patterns, emitting a faint glow. ‘Only one-sixth obtained…’ Lou Yingge showed little joy, already knowing that it was impossible to seize other items. He turned around, casting his gaze towards the golden-eyed youth not far away, who also held a stream of golden light.

Their gazes silently collided in the air. One golden and one red stream of light leaped into the sky, streaking across the Grotto-Heaven’s firmament at an extremely terrifying speed, creating a sharp sonic boom in the sky. In a flash, they pursued each other for an unknown distance, with countless changes in scenery and light streams soaring, until they both stopped simultaneously! “Boom!” In an instant, intense true fire, golden-red in color, swirled in the sky, burning the sky into a sea of fire!

Golden-red true fire surged forth, instantly filling the vision. A hand as white as jade emerged from the fire. In its palm, four small crimson profound-patterned swords spun and danced, reflected in Li Zhouwei’s golden eyes. Also rising was the bright white sharp edge of a halberd! “Clang, clang, clang…” The Great Ascension (Dasheng) danced, its bright golden physical form and the illusory, pure golden auxiliary mystic power flashed interchangeably. In an instant, they collided hundreds of times with the four small crimson profound-patterned swords. Intense heavenly light and true fire exploded together. The four small crimson profound-patterned swords had already leaped back into Lou Yingge’s sleeve. This man’s figure became illusory, his eyes cold: “Pheasant Departure Form!” This divine ability operated at full power, and hundreds of true fire pheasant departure shadows emerged from his body, transforming into hundreds of Lou Yingges in the rolling sea of fire. The eyes of these pheasant departure profound shadows simultaneously lit up, and their hands formed a seal before their chest: “Xu Xuan Qing Ping Guang!” The transition between divine ability and spell was seamless, without a moment’s pause. This single move demonstrated Lou Yingge’s profound mastery of true fire!

These hundred streams of true fire light surged forth, and beneath the light, separation fire (Lihuo) actually formed, sweeping across the sky. Li Zhouwei, however, lightly tossed out a green light. This green light flew and expanded in the air, transforming into a green square cauldron, its profound bird patterns suddenly brightening! It emitted a rolling suction force, drawing the true fire light cast into it, firmly locking it in place! Li Zhouwei floated in the air, his entire body radiating heavenly light. He was unharmed in the rolling separation fire. The Shangyao Fuguang (Supreme Yang Subdued Light) from his brow suddenly shot out, like a golden light blade spanning the sky, sweeping across and annihilating all the illusions! “Clang!” Amidst the surging separation fire, four small crimson profound-patterned swords abruptly appeared beside him. Lou Yingge had actually materialized from the separation fire!

But those golden eyes showed no surprise. Li Zhouwei had already raised his hand, as if he had anticipated it, gripping into the fire, seizing Lou Yingge’s striking hand. His five fingers suddenly tightened, making cracking sounds. The light at his brow grew dim from the center, occupying the entire circle; the omen of a solar eclipse had already appeared! Lou Yingge, however, had sharp eyes, staring directly at him. His true fire had already transformed into separation fire early on, and the red in his pupils suddenly magnified, revealing the scene of profound pillars breaking. “Boom!” The next instant, dense, black-and-gold Emperor Qi light surged forth, engulfing the golden-robed man in front of him, passing through his chest and shins, exploding into bits of separation fire light!

Li Zhouwei slightly shifted his gaze, suspicion arising in his heart: ‘Something’s not right…’ He suddenly leaped up, patches of colorful light appearing from the sky. Heavenly light shone down, transforming into layers of heavenly gates descending! “Bang!” The Lou Yingge in front of him exploded with a loud bang, and pure true fire energy swept out, pushing back the Gate of Heaven’s Audience by several feet, causing vibrations. Four small crimson profound-patterned swords had already flown over, and Lou Yingge also reappeared from above the heavenly gate! At this moment, the man’s golden robe had transformed into a golden-red Daoist robe, his eyes turned bright red, and a crimson circular halo appeared behind his head. Endless true fire surrounded him, forming distorted patterns in the air, like a true fire deity!

Li Zhouwei stood in the radiating heavenly light. The Gate of Heaven’s Audience blocked all the true fire one by one. The Bi Ting Qing Yuan Xuan Ding in the sky was filled with magical light, transforming into white qi that poured down, covering him. The halberd, meanwhile, parried the crimson profound-patterned swords, and his pupils sparkled with unusual brilliance: ‘Still Pheasant Departure Form… What a powerful divine ability!’ Despite his admiration, he keenly captured the opponent’s momentary pause. While this technique was formidable, having escaped from the Emperor Qi light, though appearing majestic, he had not yet fully recovered his breath! Thus, the golden light at his brow grew brighter and brighter, and scale-like mysterious patterns gradually climbed onto Li Zhouwei’s face, covering it. Jun Dao Wei (Lord’s Step in Peril) was already operating at its maximum.

“Clang!” The halberd suddenly broke through the blockade, scattering the four small crimson profound-patterned swords, and thrusting towards Lou Yingge’s heart, piercing through the true fire! ‘What a strong divine ability!’ Lou Yingge’s Pheasant Departure Form, operating at full power with other enhancements, was exceptionally formidable! The physical bodies of ordinary cultivators would wince upon contact, and even cultivators who had perfected body-strengthening divine abilities would not simply ignore it! Seeing Li Zhouwei uncover his weakness and charge forward, he joined two fingers and pushed them forward, immediately showering down true fire light! Lou Yingge’s cultivation was high, and his spirit tools were excellent. For many years, he only needed to focus on cultivation, unlike Helian Wujiang, who had to run around for his clan’s survival. His strength was inherently superior. More importantly, his understanding of Mingyang was far superior to Helian Wujiang’s! Helian Wujiang’s golden light was a pure illusionary immobilization technique, without any additional power, and it was a demonic art with evil qi, which was completely countered by Lou Yingge, rendering it ineffective. However, Lou Yingge’s true fire light, while possessing the ability to create illusions, was more about the intermingling of substantial light and malevolent qi, precisely landing on Li Zhouwei.

The light of Jun Dao Wei rose as expected, sweeping away this illusionary divine ability. But rolling light of malevolent qi followed, drifting down upon him, halting his charging momentum. Li Zhouwei had already gained insights into the mysteries of Jun Dao Wei during the previous struggle for the separation fire spirit treasure. At this moment, it was no surprise. The halberd thrust forward, piercing rapidly. Its speed still slightly startled Lou Yingge. He urgently summoned the crimson profound-patterned swords, but sighed inwardly: ‘No more holding back!’ So he slightly opened his mouth, and an expanse of light appeared in his throat. The magical light that had been nurtured in Jueque for nearly a hundred years erupted with a bang, flashing rapidly in the air. Intense sunlight quickly spread across the heavens and earth, covering both true fire and heavenly light: “Sun Equator Profound Light!”

“Buzz…” The bright solar color instantly enveloped the heavens and earth. The terrifying power of the first celestial manifestation was fully revealed. The blazing light descended, striking Li Zhouwei with a clang, sending him plummeting into the clouds like a falling star! “Boom!” A massive solar light surged up from the ground, stirring a bright white storm. The colorful clouds in the sky and the sky itself dispersed, and the cloud layers retreated, forming a huge empty circle.

Lou Yingge’s face was pale. He took two deep breaths, then recovered from the intense spiritual power consumption, casting his gaze downwards to the storm beneath the clouds. ‘No Mingyang color… Jun Dao Wei is resilient. This single strike isn’t enough to severely wound him. I’ll need one or two more times.’ But just as Lou Yingge’s thoughts settled, in that instant, he suddenly felt dizzy, as if a spiritual sword had pierced into his mind, continuously stirring vigorously. Intense pain flooded his spiritual consciousness. He tried to open his eyes, but various golden lights cruelly bored into his pupils, making him almost cry out in pain: “Not good!” Lou Yingge’s heart pounded. He forcefully widened his eyes, injecting divine power, and only then could he discern something amidst the chaotic and complex golden light. It was a pair of golden profound rings. The profound rings were only finger-thick, seemingly unremarkable, but they faintly radiated platinum-white light, constantly shimmering and rapidly approaching, quickly enlarging in his vision. ‘Spirit Treasure!’

**Characters:*** Li Zhouwei: Purple Mansion early stage* Lou Yingge: Purple Mansion mid stage, Bolie Gao* Yangya: Purple Mansion early stage, Xiha Cui Clan