Chapter 994: Heading to Sea

Li Zhouwei released his hand and saw Li Ximing reveal a jade talisman. As he displayed the complex runic patterns on it, a faint, pure white light, flowing from the Duwei lineage, shone forth.

"This item is the Dushan Spirit-Summoning Talisman, an ancient spiritual artifact from the Xuandao lineage. It can manifest light, but its primary function is spirit-summoning, used to command mountain ghosts and river spirits. In ancient times, when perfected, mountain ghosts and river spirits could even contend with cultivators at the 'Pity' level..."

"Nowadays... it's only useful for errands, suitable for protecting younger generations."

Li Ximing raised his hand, held the Dushan Spirit-Summoning Talisman, shone it towards the Zhijing Mountain beneath their feet, and then threw it onto the ground, stamping his foot as he commanded: "Deity of folded essence, summon the Guard Court!"

White smoke billowed up. Where the Dushan Spirit-Summoning Talisman landed, it transformed into a tall man in black robes and armor, wielding a spear. Golden-white light radiated from him, and the scent of incense lingered, giving him an air of considerable majesty. He knelt before them, bowing deeply as if a golden mountain had fallen, and respectfully said, "This minor deity greets the esteemed master..."

He answered with a resounding voice, then slightly turned his head, lowered his gaze, and bowed once more to Li Zhouwei, respectfully saying, "This minor deity greets Your Highness."

Li Zhouwei raised an eyebrow, examining it with keen interest. Li Ximing, meanwhile, smiled and said, "The Dushan Spirit-Summoning Talisman is quite fascinating, and it has an additional benefit: the mountain ghosts and river spirits it summons are closely connected to the local area. This minor deity, summoned over Moon-Gazing Lake, is quite powerful..."

Li Zhouwei scrutinized it and asked, "Does it have memories? Does it possess a true spirit?"

Li Ximing shook his head with a hint of regret. "It's not like Xuanyi's Pure Corner Merit Vase. Although the minor deity summoned by the Dushan Spirit-Summoning Talisman is powerful, it requires divine power to sustain. As days and nights pass, this deity dissipates. When summoned again, its mind is completely blank."

Li Zhouwei nodded. "Its power is rather awkward. Just as Uncle said, it's only good for show and running errands."

Li Ximing then added, "Aside from the spirit-summoning, the remaining 'Duguang' (Supervising Light) also has its power determined by pre-communication with nearby lakes and mountains, the owner's cultivation level, and the number of accompanying jade talismans... At least over the lake, the power of this Duguang is quite considerable."

As he spoke, he pushed the 'Twin Luminaries of Heavy Fire' spiritual treasure back. Li Zhouwei, however, shook his head and replied, "The Twin Luminaries of Heavy Fire... Uncle, please take it and use it yourself."

"Hm?"

Li Ximing frowned and responded, "How could I possibly use a spiritual treasure..."

Li Zhouwei smiled. "The Twin Luminaries of Heavy Fire require 'Lihuo' (Leaving Fire) to activate. Would you provide me with a portion of Lihuo, Uncle? It's not a question of whether I can use it. Your strength is already formidable; with three spiritual flames imbued in you, you're capable of dominating at the early Zifu stage. Equipped with the complementary Twin Luminaries of Heavy Fire, even cultivators from the ancient Sun Lineage would likely be overshadowed. Whether it's a Mahā or a cultivator with three divine abilities, they would have to think twice before facing you, Uncle..."

"This carries a completely different meaning... With dangers lurking everywhere, only by possessing power comparable to the mid-Zifu stage can one handle most crises."

Who wouldn't be tempted by a spiritual treasure? Li Ximing gazed at the round, golden core-like artifact, his heart filled with no small amount of excitement. After much hesitation, he finally tucked it into his embrace, unable to part with it, and replied, "What a waste! Once Jiangqian has good news, I'll hand this over to him!"

Li Zhouwei remained noncommittal. By the time Li Jiangqian broke through, Li Ximing would also have attained enlightenment throughout the world. With three Zifu spiritual flames and the blessing of valley winds drawing fire, it would truly be hard to say who would be more suited for this spiritual treasure...

Li Ximing then chuckled and said, "Do you remember the letter from back when you went to the East Sea? There's news about the Water-Attuned Spiritual Item you obtained. It's called 'Chen Sui Jin' (Submerged Age Gold), a very rare Water-Attuned spiritual material, suitable for crafting weapons... It's just a pity my family has no use for it."

Li Zhouwei pondered for a moment and replied, "Please keep it for me. By my estimation, Dingjiao will also reach the Zifu stage within the next ten years. If this item has no more significant use, giving it to him as a congratulatory gift then would not be a discredit to him."

When Li Zhouwei reached the Zifu stage, Dingjiao had given him a Zifu spiritual treasure. This return gift would be far too modest by comparison, but his family wasn't wealthy enough to offer a spiritual treasure as a congratulatory gift, so Chenguang Suijin would have to suffice.

Li Ximing then recalled this matter, nodded silently, and recounted the news about Dingyangzi's blood sacrifice to the spiritual artifact. Li Zhouwei, however, frowned and said, "That wouldn't be appropriate... At most, one drop could be given, similar to how Zhu Gong requested spiritual resources back then, to make the artifact more amiable—but there's absolutely no possibility of me spitting out a mouthful of vital essence! The higher my cultivation, the more precious this blood becomes. If I were truly to extract a mouthful of vital essence without a spiritual item like 'Ba Du Blood' to replenish it, my cultivation could be delayed by decades!"

This was something Dongfang Heyun had specifically warned him about back then. Li Zhouwei shook his head quite decisively, causing Li Ximing's heart to clench. He sighed, "Fortunately, we have the Qilin-Crow Spiritual Molt!"

This was excellent news. Li Ximing immediately had Li Minggong summoned, preparing to send her to Qize. Only then did they begin discussing various recent news, and he said seriously, "The children of the Suiyu generation have also grown up. There are three or five who could be of great use... I think we need to consider them carefully!"

Li Zhouwei looked up with great interest, seeing the middle-aged man smile. "One... is your direct grandson, named Sui Huan. He is very ambitious and highly talented."

Li Ximing appeared only to be filled with contentment, watching him with a wide smile. He recounted the child's words, his tone carrying a sense of pride and boldness. Li Zhouwei listened, then chuckled, responding, "The child is still naive."

Li Ximing averted his gaze, lowering his eyebrows and eyes, and took a sip of tea. He replied, "Sui Huan's talent is exceptional after all, and he deserves encouragement... The others are a step below but are still considered excellent. Among them, a child named Li Suining has an astonishingly high talent for array formations!"

Upon hearing Li Suihuan's name, Li Zhouwei's expression became slightly complex. He set down his cup, hesitated for a moment, but ultimately said nothing and asked no questions, only offering a smile: "Li Suining?"

"Precisely!"

Li Ximing put down his cup and said seriously, "Since we've rarely found such a talent in array formations, this matter shouldn't be delayed. I was originally thinking of a trip to the south, but now it seems I should first go to the East Sea and consult Senior Changdie..."

He chuckled, "After all, since I just gave him the spiritual embryo, I should also extract some array formation inheritances from him in return!"

"And for the family... Shangyi's 'Essence-Gathering Profound Origin Art' has already taken root, so it can be bestowed upon Li Suikuan. As for cultivation methods that aid array formations, I still need to consult our lineage, select a batch from the pavilion, and distribute them."

He paused briefly, then whispered, "There's no need to rush to exchange them! We have a good number of ready-made Foundation Establishment cultivation methods in the pavilion... Take them out first and place them in the secret pavilion atop the grand formation. Then, whenever a junior excels, we can exchange them for compatible Zifu lineage cultivation methods!"

Li Zhouwei found this quite reasonable and added, "Anyway, there are many Foundation Establishment cultivation methods inside. We can also place a batch of compatible Zifu cultivation methods that the family already possesses there. Lower-grade ones like the 'Profound Light Mountain-Chasing Scripture' can have their Foundation Establishment sections directly added."

Li Ximing assented, then changed the subject. "I'm only considering one thing... Minggong... she's no longer young, and her cultivation is sufficient."

"The old patriarch came to inquire once, also about divine abilities—it was a mixed blessing."

At just that one sentence, Li Zhouwei fell silent. Li Ximing subtly activated his divine ability and said, "I specifically looked in the pavilion. There's a fifth-grade 'Heavenly Sparrow's Light Scripture,' with only one secret method. It requires ninety-seven Immortal Merits... When we exchanged for the Emperor Qi Light, there were two hundred ninety-eight remaining... And you gained thirty-one more after coming out of the grotto-heaven..."

Li Zhouwei thought for a long time before replying, "Difficult... too difficult... Our family doesn't have a True Fire Zifu spiritual item, even if we did. One secret method... wouldn't that be pushing Aunt into a fiery pit?"

The golden-eyed young man put down his tea and asked, "What does Aunt herself... say?"

Li Ximing sighed. "Actually... there's also Ding Weizeng... They are among the few in the family who have a faint hope. The others have none at all, but neither of them has ever mentioned it..."

As they spoke, Li Minggong arrived in the mountains. She was no longer young, but having established her foundation early and not suffered any major injuries, she appeared to be in her thirties, her black hair simply tied back. She bowed to Li Ximing.

"Minggong, do you have any aspirations for divine abilities? I happen to have news of a True Fire Zifu cultivation method... it's compatible with your Immortal Foundation."

Li Ximing stated it concisely, but Li Minggong was startled, bowing slightly with a hint of panic. She replied, "Minggong has no ambition for the Zifu stage..."

Li Ximing nodded, watching Li Minggong lower her head. She said, "If the family truly needs it, Minggong will certainly try... but Master, you don't need to consider Minggong's lineage."

"Among the disciples of Chengming back then, Minggong was not outstanding... I merely got lucky and returned alive from the north. Both Brother Liao and the other younger brothers were far more exceptional individuals who hadn't even considered the Zifu stage, let alone the younger generation... I just want to preserve my life and teach the juniors of my brothers, essentially protecting their descendants."

Li Ximing sighed inwardly, then moved past the topic, instructing her to go to Qize. Regaining his composure, he forced a smile and said to Li Zhouwei, "I'll go take a look now... and have someone update the cultivation methods in the continent!"

He transformed into light and departed, but Li Zhouwei remained seated at the table, lost in thought for a long time. He wasn't in a hurry to see his eldest grandson, but suddenly instructed, "Call Jiangnian up for me."

The mountain guards immediately descended. Before long, a man in white ascended the mountain.

The man's face shimmered with an illusion, making his features appear upright, yet he seemed timid and withdrawn. He bowed before Li Zhouwei and respectfully said, "Father..."

Li Zhouwei saw through the illusion on his face at a glance, revealing his ugly countenance. His eyes were unnaturally wide due to external manipulation, and there were clear signs of deformation on his cheeks. Evidently, his face had been altered using a Jade True technique, but the imperfect skill had made it appear distorted instead.

"You've established your foundation."

"Reporting, Master... It was merely by chance."

Li Zhouwei watched him silently, his gaze free of sternness or aversion. He reached out, patted Jiangnian's shoulder, and instructed, "From today onwards, go to Qunyi."

Li Jiangnian stood up, asking no questions, like a submissive lamb. He nodded. Li Zhouwei stood up, his voice much softer: "Cultivate more life-preserving techniques, practice diligently, and stay far from the lake. You don't need to live under your brothers' light... That would also be very good."

Li Jiangnian continued to nod. Finally, seeing Li Zhouwei wave his hand, he called out "Thank you, Father" and hastily departed.

Li Zhouwei watched his retreating figure, then slowly lowered his head, his gaze calm: "Back then, I only hoped for a turn of events, a glimmer of change. But Uncle couldn't bear it and bestowed the character 'Huan.' Now the child has grown... there's nothing left to change..." "Not just a divine ability of the second generation... not just the 'Bright Sun' of the second generation... How could this be!"

On the black jade platform, purple mist dispersed.

A round porcelain plate rested quietly before the platform. Golden sand, like water, spread out, with a small Taoist temple placed upon it. A carefree man lay beside the plate, casually observing. "Martial Uncle—how many divinations did you get?"

True Immortal Tianque excitedly entered from outside the cave, stopping amidst a cloud of purple smoke. "Good fortune," he replied, "I got two!"

"Oh?"

True Immortal Tianhuo rose in surprise, raising an eyebrow. "I only heard about one place. Where did another one come from?"

True Immortal Tianque seemed to be in excellent spirits. "One is a figure from our own territory, and the other is at the Ni family's residence. I received news in advance and brought it back to the mountain... It was a treasure that, influenced by a pulling force, flew out. Fortunately, I arrived in time, and the Ni family wouldn't dare offend us, which allowed me to acquire it!"

"Congratulations, Martial Uncle!"

Tianhuo replied, then saw Tianque's smile vanish. Tianque said seriously, "How is that esteemed master doing?"

Tianhuo's expression also immediately grew solemn. He replied, "He sent his subordinates to Linhai Commandery. He himself hasn't appeared for a long time. I speculate he is already attempting to reach the Zifu stage!"

Hearing this, the other True Immortal beside him sighed and sat down. "He truly gives us no time to breathe... It's been a few years since the Wanling talent emerged, and most families are still digesting their gains and healing their injuries, yet he's already preparing to set great events in motion..."

"It's always better to act quickly."

Tianhuo responded, his expression distant. "How did Changhuai Mountain reply?"

Tianque still harbored some cold resentment, though not intense. He casually said, "What other reply could there be? Of course, it's about the matter of Qingtangyin—they caused such a stir back then, integrating the Wenwu Pingqing Ritual Cup into the grand formation, spreading it throughout the entire Wu Kingdom... covertly scheming... and then standing by as the nine noble families expanded. Wasn't it all for today?"

"The shattering of the Wenwu Pingqing Ritual Cup also incited great chaos in Wu Kingdom. He reincarnated and learned the art of emperorship. The nine noble families have been isolated for so long that they remain oblivious. Ultimately, many people will die, and the karma of slaughter he accumulates will likely be even greater than that of Yang Zhuo."

Tianhuo shook his head with a wry smile. "Keeping some distance between each other can also be considered an unspoken understanding."

Tianque sighed and nodded, then continued, "No matter how much I asked, they wouldn't say much, only promising a few positions—how could they not? Unless the two sects want to go to war, without my Jin Yu's approval, how could he restore the former territories of Wu Kingdom..."

He suddenly changed the subject, asking, "Yuner... how many divine abilities does he have now?"

Tianhuo casually replied, "He has three divine abilities! If he hadn't been ambushed by those wretches from the north, he should have achieved them much earlier! As it stands, time is even tighter... We shouldn't rely on it; it mainly depends on Father."

"One more thing... I want to ask—is the regnal name ready?"

"Naturally... they had already decided on that."

Tianque slightly raised an eyebrow, a hint of solemnity in his gaze. He replied, "Shu."