Chapter 988: Si Ning's Stay or Leave

Sima Yuanli chuckled bitterly to himself, paused for a moment, and then sighed. "How could I possibly underestimate you, Fellow Daoist? The prestige of a Zifu cultivator for ten years already filled me with envy back then. Knowing you are such an outstanding talent, how could I still cling to old notions now?"

The middle-aged man had achieved the Zifu realm late in life, appearing older and more world-worn than Li Ximing. Stroking his beard, he said, "It's just that I am not as capable as you, Fellow Daoist, to have entered the game early as Mingyangzi. My current situation is awkward, and I'm merely testing the waters..."

Li Ximing knew that "Mingyangzi" referred to Li Jiangliang, who was currently with Yang Zhuo. He understood that Sima Yuanli suspected his own family had boarded the Yinsi's ship early on, so he simply sipped his tea without speaking. Sima Yuanli continued, "As for Qingchi... no matter what it becomes, it is intimately close to your esteemed clan. If things are handled well, it will not only stabilize the situation but also prevent much bloodshed and bring peace to the common people—a matter of great importance."

Li Ximing shook his head inwardly. *'I'm not part of the Yang family... what good is asking me?'* He let out a deep sigh and said in a low voice, "Fellow Daoist, who can truly dictate the course of events? Is it my Wangyue Lake? My family's situation is even more awkward than yours; we have no intention of balancing the Yue Kingdom."

These words made Sima Yuanli ponder. He took a sip of tea, feeling secretly perplexed, and asked, "Then... we just leave it be? I fear it might bring disaster upon us..."

Li Ximing raised an eyebrow, his expression serious. "Fellow Daoist, do you have any thoughts of leaving this realm? If you truly have serious plans, let's speak frankly. Tell me what clues Senior Yuanxiu left behind; there's no need for further probing."

At these words, Sima Yuanli faltered, then shook his head quite decisively. "I have no such intention..." He paused briefly, his tone wistful. "Since Fellow Daoist has asked, I will speak clearly."

"More than sixty years ago, when An Huaitian had just fallen, my old patriarch issued an order: any young talents cultivating true qi under Qingchi's jurisdiction were to report immediately... This order was of the highest importance, with officials specifically responsible for it, and it was only rescinded upon his demise..."

Li Ximing nodded imperceptibly, listening as Sima Yuanli sighed, "Looking back now, my lord must have had early premonitions, making secret guesses, which is why he issued such an order..." His expression grew profound. "Since ancient times, nine out of ten who achieve high ranks do so by leveraging the world's circumstances. Even those with world-shaping strategies and brilliant talent for establishing lineages cannot escape this truth. When my lord attained the Xuan-rank, and the truth of the Yuzhen-rank was revealed, once true qi manifested, my lord knew this day would come..."

"He often taught me that entering the Dao is like choosing a master, and cultivation must seize the opportune moment—this is precisely the elder's instruction, to ensure my family's survival within this realm and not bother the Yang clan!" His expression became grave, showing his resolve. "My Sima family has migrated from north to south, settling in various places, but rarely leaving this realm. We have always had influential figures, and it's all thanks to this single family motto. Fellow Daoist is right, Zifu cultivators can be chess pieces—even a True Monarch would not causelessly kill a True Master. Zifu cultivators have the right to choose sides; it's just a matter of choosing the wrong one!"

"Even if one chooses the wrong side, they won't easily lose their life! But if we don't choose either side, quietly taking our clan members away from Qingchi—what is my Sima family then? If either side decides to settle accounts, would I still be alive?"

Li Ximing showed deep contemplation, watching him silently. Sima Yuanli said in a low voice, "Did the Gao family, the Helian family, or even my Sima family during the Ning Dynasty, truly choose the right side back then? No, they didn't. Yet, once the dust settled, they still retained their positions as nobles and immortal sects..."

"Even the Chen clan of Lingyu, if they had been willing to humble themselves and not die to prove their convictions, would still be active in the Yue Kingdom today. But the Su family and Lin family, who withdrew from this realm, do they still have any trace of existence?"

He smiled, a touch more resoluteness in his expression. "Now that Fellow Daoist Ning Wan is in a position in Qingchi from which she cannot descend, she has shielded me from a calamity. If I still dare not make a move, it would be a betrayal of my predecessors' trust. When the Yinsi intends to seize the Yue Kingdom, how can it do so without assistance! My lineage is complete, my heritage orderly, and thus, we have earned their favor!"

"To ensure survival within this realm..." Li Ximing pondered quietly, mostly understanding Sima Yuanli's line of thought. *'It seems that ever since Sui Guan's "what does that have to do with me," everyone knows Qingchi is merely a tool, and the Yinsi's actions are certainly a transaction, not a manifestation of Golden Core-level conflict in the mortal world...'* *'In the current volatile situation, to ensure survival within this realm likely means allying with the Yang clan. No wonder he's been running around; he's eager to get on this ship...'* *'Ning Wan is taking the brunt for him, and she's entered the Luyu Heaven, so presumably, she has no chance to change allegiances. But he's doing quite well!'*

He looked at Sima Yuanli, who was sipping tea, and mused: *'Though Yuanxiu has fallen, the opportunities and connections he left behind for Sima Yuanli are considerable. If this old True Master was so certain that the Sima family would benefit by remaining in this realm, he must have had something to rely on... befriending him in advance... might not be a bad thing...'* Thus, intending to probe, he first nodded in deep agreement, then chuckled, "I nearly forgot... even if something unforeseen happens, with Senior Yuanxiu's favor and the connections with the Dantais of Nine Hills, the Sima family will have a retreat no matter what... there's nothing to fear!"

Sima Yuanli naturally had arrangements. Slightly surprised, he still nodded. Li Ximing glanced at him and asked, "How many people have you sent to serve under that esteemed individual?"

Sima Yuanli looked a little bitter as he replied, "The appointments in the captured market towns were specific, and there were a few junior members of my Sima family among them... It's just that my family's talent pool is thin, and we haven't quite caught that esteemed individual's eye. We only managed to secure a few positions through the connections of Diyun Peak." His eyes lit up, and he whispered, "A few direct descendants from my Sima family are venturing out. If they could serve under Jiangliang, that would naturally be the best outcome!"

Li Ximing's expression was odd as he replied, "Fellow Daoist should just rely on your own abilities."

In contrast, he was more concerned with Qingchi's next decisions. He asked, "As for Qingchi, how do you intend to handle it, Fellow Daoist?" Sima Yuanli clearly had a decision made long ago. Lowering his gaze, he said, "Qin Xian will lead people to guard Simin. After this campaign, Qingchi will close its gates and seal its mountains, dismissing the disciples of its thirty-six peaks. All will be handed over to that esteemed individual for disposition and deployment, only seeking to seal the mountain gate, isolate our lineage, and remain detached from worldly affairs." "As for how that esteemed individual decides... that will be none of my concern..."

Li Ximing nodded and sighed, "Let's wait and see how the situation unfolds!" He changed the subject, bringing up the matter of True Master Luo. Sima Yuanli merely shook his head helplessly. "His people did bring a request, but I'm in such a desperate situation right now, how can I concern myself with him? When my family's elder was alive, he wouldn't dare show his face. Now that the situation has drastically changed, he's getting ideas again."

Li Ximing smiled. "He obtained treasures in the grotto-heaven. At this very moment, perhaps they could be useful." Sima Yuanli naturally wouldn't defy him and nodded repeatedly. Li Ximing then took out a spirit jade and asked Sima Yuanli about it. But when True Master Zhu Sheng was mentioned, Sima Yuanli's face clouded over. "In the battle of Turbid Slaughter Mausoleum, Ning Wan deceived him. Although it was unavoidable, it caused that Master to storm off, squandering all their past friendship and goodwill. Now, Ning Wan remains in secluded cultivation, and he stays indoors, caring nothing for any Solar Dao lineage. Only I can try to meet him using my ancestors' connections... I will mention it for Fellow Daoist..."

He made it clear that meeting Zhu Sheng and facilitating this deal wouldn't be due to any status, but rather by using Sima Yuanli's personal favor. Li Ximing poured some tea and said casually, "Then I truly thank you, Fellow Daoist!"

In truth, Sima Yuanli likely felt a hint of good fortune. Back then, even though his cultivation was sufficient, True Master Yuanxiu kept pushing back his breakthrough to Zifu, citing the need to deepen his practice. While this certainly increased his chances of success, it now seemed to carry a deeper meaning... *'If I had broken through a few years earlier, I would have had to bear this burden too! If I had broken through a few years later, who knows what the situation would be like then!'*

Thinking that Ning Wan was taking the lead, Sima Yuanli felt somewhat relieved. He then turned to his own affairs and said seriously, "I came to see you this time for something else... I have a spiritual item called Hollow Profound Mulberry, which I need to refine into a medicine. It's an excellent medicine for uplifting the spirit and refining the soul, called Empty Sleeve Profound Dao Powder. It's used for Zifu cultivators to advance their cultivation and quickly establish an immortal foundation... I hope it can yield six pills. I entrust this to you, Fellow Daoist."

He then took a jade slip from his sleeve and said earnestly, "Please take a look!" "Oh?"

Li Ximing was now someone who had seen much of the world. He casually took it and read it. Indeed, the difficulty was not low. Named as a 'powder,' it was considered a 'loose pill,' producing many pills. For him, this difficulty was truly nothing. He raised an eyebrow playfully and remarked, "Even Qingchi cultivators are starting to use these pills."

Sima Yuanli naturally understood what he meant. If one were to be precise, this pill was extremely luxurious, consuming spiritual items for a not-so-significant effect—far less effective than taking a sliver of someone else's immortal foundation. The Yinsi might not have cared in the past, but that True Monarch Tianwu back then was no ordinary individual, and the current one also cultivates true qi, so there might be some commonalities. He was eager to improve his strength, uncertain of the Yinsi's future methods, yet also held onto the fantasy of self-cultivation. Thus, he refined this pill and sighed, "Fellow Daoist, please don't mock me!"

The hint of sarcasm in Li Ximing's eyes receded, and he took the spiritual item with satisfaction. However, he suddenly recalled something and asked seriously, "Fellow Daoist, do you know Li Quantao?" Sima Yuanli naturally knew him. Not only did he know Li Quantao, he even knew Li Quantao had two sons! He caught on immediately, nodding with a smile as he replied, "Besides Xi Zhi's few disciples... it would be him, I suppose."

After all, if there was to be great chaos, many lives would undoubtedly be lost, and stationed positions would become crucial. Qingchi only had a few of its own people; Li Xizhi and Yang Xiao'er would certainly be safe, but others might not be. Li Ximing nodded. Sima Yuanli smiled and said, "Don't worry, he'll be transferred overseas after this. He won't be back for a while..."

As they spoke, this person's life had already been secured. Another name surfaced early in Li Ximing's mind, but he couldn't bring himself to speak it: Li Yuanqin. This uncle was also from Qingchi and was in secluded cultivation, so he wasn't in any immediate danger. However, he was also from the Ning family. Although he tried to protect himself within his means, he couldn't stop the inevitable trend... His future was even more uncertain.

Sima Yuanli was very astute and clearly thought of this matter immediately. But since it involved the Ning family, who knew if the True Monarch's shifting of blame held another deeper meaning? It vaguely concerned the intentions of True Master Sui Guan, so he wouldn't dare to promise anything. He could only pretend not to notice and immediately change the subject.

While Li Ximing was pondering, the person before him smiled and said, "Xun Hui mentioned to me that he and Que Yi get along quite well, which is good news... Moreover... I hear that True Master Kuang Yu of the New Rain Atolls also thinks highly of her. It seems she's quite fortunate."

Li Ximing nodded. Li Queyi often wrote letters home, so he was naturally aware of this matter. *'Sima Xunhui has a good appearance and a good personality. He is also clever and smooth in his dealings. Over the years, he has made a name for himself in the Yue Kingdom, often acting against demonic cultivators and correcting Qingchi cultivators... While there might be a suspicion of him cultivating a reputation, he is also a rare good match...'*

He chuckled and offered a few congratulatory remarks, but Sima Yuanli said seriously, "Since that's the case, I think it's best to settle this matter sooner rather than later... After all, both children's cultivation levels are getting higher, and offspring will become rarer later on..."

Since both were willing, when Sima Yuanli brought up such a matter, it was hard to refuse. Li Ximing secretly had an idea and simply said directly, "Fellow Daoist's words are very true! Just have the two juniors return once so that the elders in the family can meet them, and this matter can be settled!"

It wouldn't take much time for them to come and go. Sima Yuanli had no doubts and nodded with a smile.

Li Ximing escorted Sima Yuanli all the way out. Only then did he drop his smile and return to the mountainside with a solemn expression. "Someone!" He called out, then instructed, "I'm going to the North Sea. It will be a short trip, ten-odd days, or a long one, several months. Go and tell Jiang Zong not to interfere with anything happening in the south. If there's truly an urgent matter, he can consult True Master Minghuang, but he must not act on his own!"

***

New Rain Atolls.

The sea wind howled, and waves rolled. A woman in pink robes arrived on the wind. Cultivators on both sides, upon seeing her, stepped back respectfully and greeted her. A woman in purple robes nearby called out, "Junior Sister Que Yi is back!"

The woman had a rounded face and small, delicate ears. Her features matured with age, giving her an elegant demeanor. It was precisely Li Queyi! She stopped her wind-borne movement, first nodding to the cultivators who had come to greet her on either side, then glanced at the purple-robed woman. "So it's Protector Yang. You seem quite free today."

The purple-robed woman seemed oblivious to her indifference, stepping forward with a smile. "I heard you were coming back, and I was so delighted, I came right away to greet you." Li Queyi smiled but said nothing, moving forward on the wind. Just then, a handsome man with a refined demeanor arrived on the wind, stopping before her. He asked with concern, "Why did it take so long this time? I was worried something might have happened to you."

Only then did Li Queyi offer a genuine smile. "Sister Que Wan is also in Qunyi! We haven't seen each other in years, so naturally, we had to catch up... She's truly matured a lot; her planning and handling of affairs already have the air of an elder." She showed a hint of surprise. "I've only just reached Foundation Establishment... and Sister is already at the late stage of Foundation Establishment!"

Sima Xunhui nodded approvingly. The Guest Elder Yang, on the other hand, didn't pay much attention. Having heard that Li Quewan's lineage wasn't particularly noble and that she had been sent to Qunyi, she assumed Quewan was not favored. She hurriedly laughed, "They truly are formidable figures! But even if their cultivation is high, I'm afraid they can't compare to Junior Sister's noble lineage, her esteemed position in the True Master's eyes, and such a wonderful fiancé..."

Li Queyi's deepest bond was with her sister, Li Quewan. These words sounded particularly grating to her ears; the flattery had fallen flat. Li Queyi's expression turned icy. She frowned, turned around, and said coldly, "Protector Yang, is it your turn to stir up trouble concerning my family's affairs?!"

The purple-robed woman was immediately startled and stammered a few words. She saw the woman before her sneer: "The True Master has given orders that all former disciples of Purple Mist are to serve as protectors or instructors. Protector Yang has just come out of secluded cultivation and doesn't understand the current situation. It's fine to speak carelessly in front of me, but if the True Master were to hear it, I wonder if Protector Yang could bear the consequences. Watch your mouth!" "And now you're trying to provoke a direct descendant of the Zifu realm. Be careful with your life, Protector!"

She turned away, leaving the woman standing there, and walked straight towards the center of the island. Sima Xunhui, standing nearby, cast a meaningful glance at the purple-robed woman, then stepped forward, following Li Queyi with a chuckle. "There are really people who don't know what's good for them."

Li Queyi shook her head and sighed, "Her cultivation was higher than mine back then, and she was my senior sister. I gave her three points of respect, but she started to rely on that... Now is not like before. If I let her cling on, she'll end up losing her life and dragging me down with her." Sima Xunhui said with a smiling face, "Don't worry, she won't bother you again." Li Queyi glanced at him, then said softly, "Discuss everything with me first..."

Just then, a woman came forward to report, also a former fellow disciple from Purple Mist Sect, but her attitude was extremely respectful. "My Lords!"

These cultivators had endured several years of hardship overseas and were now utterly submissive. Everyone had shed the facade of immortal sects, and the status gap with Li Queyi had suddenly widened infinitely, becoming a difference between heaven and earth. All that remained was addressing her as "My Lord." She respectfully said, "The True Master is waiting for you in the hall, My Lord!"

Sima Xunhui's expression turned serious, and he immediately withdrew. Li Queyi quickly changed direction, proceeding straight ahead to the main hall. She bowed in gratitude before entering, only to find that there was more than one person seated inside. Besides True Master Kuang Yu, who presided over New Rain, there was also a beautiful woman in white robes, with a melancholic aura. "Greetings, True Master!"

Li Queyi had just bowed, but Kuang Yu smiled and beckoned her closer, introducing her very warmly, "Sister Wan'er, this is Que Yi, my favorite junior." This person was indeed Ning Wan, whom she hadn't seen in a long time!

In terms of age, Ning Wan was actually a generation older than Kuang Yu. Kuang Yu had cultivated in Hengfu Blessed Land during a period when the previous generation of True Masters had fallen, and True Master Hengli achieved his rank, leaving vacancies. With her father also being a True Master, she undoubtedly enjoyed full access to resources from both paths, leading to her rapid breakthroughs. However, the Ning family's most crucial Elemental True Master had no descendants, and the Ning family was truly in decline. Ning Wan, who was reluctantly chosen, actually possessed less talent than Kuang Yu and others, and it took her an exceptionally long time to break through her spiritual fog, which is why she was so much later—truly, Kuang Yu would naturally call her "Sister."

Ning Wan nodded slightly and asked, "Que Yi... Which lineage are you from?" Li Queyi bowed low and respectfully replied, "This junior is the great-granddaughter of the Yuandu lineage. My celestial ancestor was of the Xuan generation, named Xuan." "Li Xuanxuan..." Ning Wan evidently knew of him, softly saying, "So you are a descendant of the elder." She was in a low mood, so she only answered this, having nothing else to say. Kuang Yu, however, became curious and asked, "Oh? Is Zhaojing your direct elder? How are his descendants?" Li Queyi dared not acknowledge this, quickly replying, "Reporting to True Master, True Master Zhaojing is of the Yuanping lineage... True Master... has one grandson, of the Zhou generation, named Ming, and no other descendants."

Ning Wan sighed faintly in resignation, communicating telepathically, "Xinyu... the Sima family's future is also uncertain. How can a direct descendant be promised to them?" Kuang Yu only smiled, motioning for her to rise, and said regretfully, "It's a pity you've already entered the Purple Mist Sect and established your foundation early. I'm not familiar with the lineage you cultivate, otherwise, I would have been quite tempted."

"But since you're working under me, I can't treat you harshly. While the Purple Mist cultivation method isn't bad, I know of a better one, and more importantly, it offers a path to the Zifu realm..."

Upon mentioning Purple Mist, Ning Wan frowned and asked, "I've observed for a bit; the Purple Mist disciples in your territory are living quite miserably... it's not a glorious sight."

Kuang Yu said seriously, "This wasn't my arrangement; it was Senior Ding Lan's reminder... I'm not like the Purple Mist Sect, nor do I have the lavish days of the past. If I don't curb their tempers, and I can't personally intervene in every matter, then they'll only bring deadly disaster upon themselves..." "Keeping them down a bit also saves them from causing trouble outside..."

She smiled, then turned to Li Queyi and said, "The person accompanying you is from the Sima family, also of good background. Back then, they went south and joined the Solar Azure Profound. True Master Yuanxiu was also the last generation of True Masters with the title of Solar Dao lineage... Moreover..." Kuang Yu asked, "He also has Tantai blood, doesn't he?" This question was not directed at Li Queyi, of course. Seeing Ning Wan nod, Kuang Yu casually remarked, "Yes, from the Tantai family. After all, their ancestors were connected."

As Kuang Yu replied, she casually took an item from her sleeve and placed several gleaming spherical beads in her palm. They exuded a chilling aura and appeared to be of excellent quality. She smiled and said, "Both of you are close to me. Since there's joyous news, take these for now."

Li Queyi's face flushed slightly, and she repeatedly demurred, but Kuang Yu gestured for her to accept them and smiled, dismissing her. Ning Wan only sighed. With Li Yuanqin in seclusion, the few remaining members of the Ning family were utterly incapable of managing affairs; they might not even send a congratulatory gift! Ning Wan was also nominally in seclusion, so she naturally couldn't say much.

"But Sister Wan'er... this situation..." Hearing this, Ning Wan looked weary and said indifferently, "It's fine. I'll have to go back eventually. As for the Yang family's affairs, I can temporarily avoid them by remaining in seclusion. The final outcome... will depend on Qingchi." "Even if Lushui Pool shows some reaction, I can still save my life..."

Kuang Yu naturally understood her meaning, but the situation was truly not optimistic. That Master Lushui always acted unpredictably; he was arguably one of the most difficult True Monarchs to deal with... *'What's more, pushing the great crime of the Turbid Slaughter Mausoleum onto her... truly makes one suspicious...'*

Kuang Yu was somewhat worried and replied, "No matter what, it's still that revered one's lineage. How much effort was expended on this mountain, this formation, this pool? Wouldn't it be a pity to let it all be razed to the ground?"

Ning Wan said faintly, "Why would it be necessary? He could handle this place, then offer sacrifices to Lushui and rebuild the lineage for the Master, then calmly withdraw. Even if everything is torn down, who knows when a Grand Master Lushui will emerge from the pool again, select a few families to enlighten, and it won't be re-established?"

Kuang Yu's expression tightened. "Isn't there... also Chi Buzi? He's also entered the pool!" Ning Wan lowered her gaze and said, "But he is useful." Her voice was calm, yet it drifted quietly through the grand hall.

Kuang Yu was slightly taken aback, looking at her with some doubt. The beautiful woman before her raised her eyes, revealing a calm and melancholic depth. Her voice was light and airy: "He saw clearly, he understood. Cultivating by the pool, even with countless divine abilities, is only for the purpose of cultivating a utility. Once that utility is cultivated, one can grasp that key, that seal."

"Qingchi is a pocket that's tightening more and more, destined to be put into someone's grasp. Qingchi's divine abilities are not for Zifu; they are the Master's private property and a scapegoat. Only one person can survive... just enough for one. Once that person steps out and obtains that opportunity, everyone else must remain in the pocket." "For so many years, I never understood why he didn't cultivate divine abilities. Now that I think about it, he must have understood too. It's just that he lacked Chi Buzi's ambition, unwilling to step out, and so he clutched that key in solitude—until his death."

***

**Characters in This Chapter:**

Li Ximing: Early-stage Zifu, Zifu AlchemistSima Yuanli: Early-stage Zifu, Sima FamilyKuang Yu: Early-stage ZifuNing Wan: Early-stage Zifu