Chapter 995: Change

“Daowei Body Divine Ability…”

Golden light flickered on Mount Zhijing. Li Zhouwei withdrew his divine ability, let out a breath, and his eyes snapped open, the golden radiance receding. As he had anticipated, Jun Daowei's cultivation speed also received a boost at the Purple Mansion Divine Ability level, though it was no longer as terrifying as it had been during the Foundation Establishment stage—after all, perfecting a divine ability was a painstaking process. Li Ximing cultivated for ten years and used a spirit elixir to complete the Gate to Heaven cultivation. Five years after the fall of Wanling, Li Zhouwei spent about a year recovering from his injuries. Nearly half of the remaining time was dedicated to advancing Jun Daowei's divine ability, and there was still a long way to go.

‘Fortunately, with Grand-uncle here, Lin Guangzhao Yi Elixirs are being used one after another, no less effectively than those used by people from major Daoist traditions. I reckon… if no spirit elixirs are taken, Jun Daowei will surely reach completion in at most three more years.’

He stood up and saw someone reporting from the mountains. A black-robed demon general came forward, trembling uncontrollably, not daring to meet his gaze. He knelt before Li Zhouwei and spoke, “Yan Hu… greets Your Majesty!”

Li Zhouwei recognized him as the demon who managed affairs for his grand-uncle in the Southern Reaches, and nodded slightly. Yan Hu hurriedly said, “Reporting to Your Majesty, I have received the Great Supofo King’s command to invite the True Lord. Demon King Qingyan has acquired a treasure and wishes to exchange it with the True Lord. He finds it inconvenient to come to the lake, so he requests the True Lord to go there…”

“Poluotuo?” Li Zhouwei knew of this matter; it was part of Li Ximing’s network in the Southern Reaches. Upon being asked, Yan Hu quickly nodded and respectfully replied, “It was originally set in Poluotuo… but in recent years, the Shengbaidao’s power has become increasingly formidable. I heard they’ve gained another powerful figure and have extended their influence to Poluotuo, causing instability in the region… Even the Great Supofo King no longer frequently stays in Poluotuo… Both of them are in the Western Sea… they said on Mount Bojun in the Western Sea.”

Li Zhouwei only heard that much and largely understood their apprehension. After all, Great Supofo King Fuxun had enmity with Shengbaidao, and no one wanted to get involved. However, Li Ximing had previously sorted out his cultivation methods, summoned Li Jiangchun for a long discussion, and had already left the mountain, flying to the Eastern Sea—to exchange for Daoist traditions from Liu Changdie and to visit Li Quewan incidentally.

‘Furthermore, the amount of Wall-Sinking Water in the Qunyi region has been decreasing. Over five years, only two Neck Feathers have been obtained. Even though Grand-uncle now has a good relationship with True Lord Kuangyu and has repeatedly acquired large quantities of Wall-Sinking Water, it’s not appropriate to ask for more now… Grand-uncle had already mentioned going to the Western Sea once.’

He casually instructed, “The True Lord is still in the Eastern Sea. You may go and wait for now.” Only then did Yan Hu withdraw. Li Zhouwei rose, holding a jade slip, intending to return to the Sun and Moon Shining Together Heaven and Earth, but he slightly raised his head and looked towards the north.

He saw a cloud of light spreading, the sky changing, and iridescent colors soaring into the heavens, painting the northern sky a silvery white. Li Zhouwei stepped forward into the Void, examining it closely. “It is Chenshuize.” He then patiently waited for several hours in the mountains before Chen Yang approached with a grave expression to report.

His cultivation had progressed rapidly; he was now deeply accumulated in the Mid Foundation Establishment stage, possessing a solid and steady aura. He bowed before the steps and respectfully said, “Reporting to True Lord, Master Zhong Qian of Chenyun Immortal Gate in Huaijiang Dao has broken through to become a True Lord, taking the title Chonggong. All the families of Huaijiang Dao have gone to offer congratulations.”

Li Zhouwei put down his cup, not surprised. He nodded and said, “He has accumulated a lot and is now manifesting it; he was destined to reach the Divine Ability realm.” Chen Yang hesitated slightly, kneeling firmly, then shuffled forward. He respectfully said, “It’s just… according to the current division of Daoist traditions, True Lord Chonggong is a figure of Huaijiang Dao and also a True Lord of Zhao State. Although he has old ties with our family… this congratulatory gift…”

“No matter…” Li Zhouwei raised an eyebrow and took out a box from his sleeve. In the center lay a scale as black as ink. He instructed, “Have someone deliver this Cangzhou Serpent Scale… let it be our Li family’s congratulatory gift.” Chen Yang nodded repeatedly, about to withdraw, when Li Zhouwei suddenly stopped him, raising an eyebrow to ask, “I’ve been in seclusion for so long, but I also heard your good news. Has Jin Xi achieved Foundation Establishment?”

Chen Yang immediately bowed and chuckled, “Reporting to True Lord… he’s not much to speak of, truly! He just had some luck and successfully broke through to Foundation Establishment. Of my three descendants… Jin Bao perished, leaving only him and Jin Guang. Now that he has succeeded, it’s all up to Jin Guang.”

Li Zhouwei nodded, handed him a jade box, and softly said, “We are all family… I too must offer a congratulatory gift.” Spiritual light flickered, subtly shining within.

The pavilion was extremely quiet, with jade slips locked above, radiating a white glow. A young man strode through, his brow deeply furrowed, his gaze constantly sweeping through the pavilion.

“It’s not here… how can it not be here…” Li Suining wandered through the secret pavilion during a break in his cultivation. The family’s cultivation methods for Fetal Breath and Qi Condensation were generally stored in two places: one was the Dense Forest Mountain Daoist Palace, and the other was this secret pavilion within the continent. The former was mostly for guest elders, protectors, and external clans who came for advanced studies to borrow, while the latter supplied family members—however, the boundaries of so-called family members were not clearly defined, as all families, big and small, had some kinship ties. Some trusted guest elders and protectors could also come here. The establishment of a separate Dense Forest Mountain Daoist Palace was more about bestowing favors upon the smaller families on the East Shore and those allied in the wilderness. After all, the family’s cultivation methods for Foundation Establishment and Purple Mansion Seeds were usually restricted; favors should not compromise their core foundations, hence this separation.

‘King Wei’s mandate is clear: our family possesses numerous Purple Mansion cultivation methods, comparable to those of immortal sects, giving us confidence. Therefore, the Daoist restrictions within our clan are the most relaxed in Yue State.’ Yet his gaze swept over the dazzling array of cultivation methods, from the east side of the pavilion to the west, his hand rising and falling. His heart filled with surprise and doubt: ‘How can it not be here!’ This was already his third visit, and three months had passed since he entered the continent, yet the Golden Tablet Upper Scepter Art from his previous life was indeed absent! It would be one thing if Dou Hengxuan’s Golden Tablet Upper Scepter Art wasn’t there, but Listening to Xingchen’s Xingchen World-Monitoring Art was also missing! This suddenly cast a shadow over his heart. The Golden Tablet Upper Scepter Art was extremely crucial; not only did it greatly enhance array formations, but more importantly, it shared the same essence as the subsequent Star Palace Grand Granary Divine Scroll… This almost jeopardized the entire outline of his plan! It was fine if he didn't have the Star Palace Grand Granary Divine Scroll for a while; the Golden Tablet Upper Scepter Art could calmly substitute it. But if he didn't have the Golden Tablet Upper Scepter Art… what was he to do?! It wasn't as simple as just having a copy in his mind! The reason immortal sects and clans could rule securely was primarily due to two things: spiritual energy and cultivation methods. Without a power to acquire spiritual energy for him, let alone the Star Palace Grand Granary Divine Scroll, even having a ninth-grade cultivation method in his mind would be useless!

‘In my previous life, I was in seclusion for over a year before I qualified to break through to Qi Condensation… Could the family have acquired it during that year?’ He fell into deep thought for a moment, then returned to the front of the pavilion. He saw a middle-aged man tidying jade slips at the entrance, his head bowed very low, his cotton cloth stained with oil, meticulously wiping them. Seeing him descend, the man quickly looked up, “Greetings, young master… Which cultivation method are you looking for? My surname is Chi, and I am the humble guardian of this secret pavilion…”

Li Suining glanced at him, frowned, and asked, “Can senior make decisions here?”

“Certainly not.” The guardian, Chi, chuckled awkwardly and pointed, “I’m just an errand runner. If young master sees something he likes, I will go to the building opposite to invite Master Bai Yuan to retrieve it. But seeing young master’s expression… I fear you are here for a cultivation method… that involves spiritual energy matters…”

Li Suining nodded then, pondered for a moment, and replied, “There’s no need…” Prompted by that remark, his mind suddenly went blank: ‘That’s not right… Gathering spiritual energy can take five to ten years at a time. If the family… doesn’t have the Golden Tablet Upper Scepter Art, what about the spiritual energy? Even if this cultivation method is obtained within a year, how long will it take to gather spiritual energy, and how will I have enough time? It was clearly there in my previous life!’

He suppressed his thoughts, just as he was about to leave the pavilion, when he felt a gust of cold wind rush in, sweeping into the hall. It was a white-robed young man descending on the wind. The young man was simply dressed, with refined eyebrows, dark eyes, slightly prominent brow bones, and a tall nose bridge, adding a touch of solemnity to his appearance. His long hair was tied up, his appearance excellent. A sword hung at his waist, encased in a white jade scabbard, lending him one of his few aristocratic touches. He stepped into the pavilion, looking up slightly.

The guardian, Chi, immediately stepped forward, bowed, and respectfully said, “Greetings, Master…”

“No need for formalities!” His voice was clear and refreshing, invigorating those who heard it. His gaze quickly swept across the room, landing on Li Suining, a slight surprise in his eyes as he smiled, “Which clan brother is this?”

Li Suining was momentarily dazed, but he quickly knelt down, steadying his voice, “Greetings, Junior Uncle… Your junior, Suining, is from the direct line of the Yuanwan branch…”

“From the direct line of the Yuanwan branch?” The white-robed young man before him seemed even younger than himself, yet he was already of his uncle’s generation. At that moment, he took a step forward, placed a hand on Li Suining’s wrist, quickly helped him up, and smiled, “Good… so you are Suining! You recognize me?” His voice was clear and amiable, yet it made Li Suining’s heart seize up.

How could he not recognize him? This uncle of his, Li Jiangchun, was young, yet he was the one who, after a century, once again linked the Li clan with the Sword Immortal families! With his Moon Gap Sword Art complemented by Shaoyin spiritual power, he slew the Shu general Li Nitan in battle, startling the Song Emperor into summoning him to the capital for rewards… After three duels, he angered the Second Prince of Great Song so much that the prince never practiced swordsmanship again… His premature death shook the court and the public, causing King Wei to withdraw his armies and officials to enter the palace at midnight. One could even say it initiated the great animosity between Shu and Song… Now, with him standing so pure and ethereal before him, how could Li Suining not be dazed? However, his mind was quick and his reaction swift. Without hesitation, he said, “Suining has only met a few clan brothers. I figured you must be an elder, and combining your age, attire, and spirit sword, I guessed it.”

Li Jiangchun nodded thoughtfully and smiled, “No need to be so polite… we are of the same age.” Li Suining immediately felt ashamed. It was precisely because they were of the same age that Li Jiangchun had made all the families take notice in his previous life. When Li Jiangchun slew the Shu general in battle, Li Suining was still worrying about his Foundation Establishment!

Then Li Jiangchun took two steps forward, his eyes clear and bright, yet with the sharp edge characteristic of a sword cultivator in his gaze. He followed him into the pavilion and smiled, “I just came down from Mount Zhijing, and I was originally looking for you. I heard that this year… the elders acquired a batch of cultivation methods and spell arts, including sword techniques, which have already been sent down the mountain and are being added to the pavilion in sequence. My heart rejoiced, so I came to find Master Bai Yuan… thinking of getting a sword technique and then looking for you in the west…”

“What a coincidence, you’re here too.” Half of Li Suining’s doubts gradually resolved. He secretly nodded: ‘So that’s it… Whether it’s the Golden Tablet Upper Scepter Art or the Xingchen World-Monitoring Art, they were added during this period. Since I arrived a little earlier, it’s natural I couldn’t find them.’

As he pondered, Li Jiangchun led him to the second floor of the pavilion. He lightly closed the door, casually activating the grand formation, then ceased smiling and said earnestly, “There is news regarding the array formation cultivation methods you mentioned. I came from the mountain under the True Lord’s command.”

Li Suining knew that things had changed and must be different from before. He quickly bowed in the pavilion and offered his thanks. Li Jiangchun put down the jade slip in his hand and chuckled, “There’s no need for that… If you must thank someone, thank the True Lord.” He said earnestly, “The True Lord went to the Eastern Sea and has not yet returned. He is attending to some affairs and, incidentally, exchanging an array formation Daoist tradition for you from a senior… It’s uncertain when he will return. True Lord Minghuang has emerged from seclusion and asked me to come down the mountain to find you… Firstly, to meet you… and secondly… to arrange for elixirs.”

Li Suining’s heart trembled, and he quickly bowed. He saw Li Jiangchun shaking his head and saying, “This elixir… is for your seclusion, so you can quickly complete the fifth layer of Fetal Breath cultivation. When you do, come find me again; I have another elixir here to arrange a cultivation cave for you to perfect your Fetal Breath.” Li Suining’s heart stirred.

After these two sentences, he had largely understood the situation.

‘First… the True Lord went to the Eastern Sea… to exchange for a Daoist tradition for me, likely to seek True Lord Yuanbian. In my previous life, I only heard that Master had gone directly to the Western Sea and was delayed from returning for some reason. Could it be because I revealed my talent in array formations ahead of time… delaying his trip to the Western Sea!’

This brought a moment of joy to his heart. He trembled slightly and asked, “Your junior just thought that by striving to break through to the fifth layer of Fetal Breath, when I meet the True Lord and receive the array formation Daoist tradition… I could be more composed!”

“Exactly!” Li Jiangchun smiled and replied, “The True Lord said he would return in a few months, which should be enough time for your breakthrough.” Li Suining mused inwardly.

In his previous life, he entered the continent to cultivate, secluded himself in a cultivation cave for six months, when suddenly the earth shook and mountains swayed, and he realized that Buddhist cultivators had arrived… The wilderness was suddenly attacked, a Purple Mansion battle erupted, leading to chaos and heavy casualties. Ding Weizeng and An Xuanxin fell in battle… At that time, the lakeside was caught off guard; only Li Zhouwei took action. Li Ximing was still in the distant Western Sea and could not return!

‘Perhaps… the True Lord can return in time…’ Li Suining had never imagined he could influence Li Ximing’s movements! Even after his rebirth, he hadn't expected to achieve everything, and even when facing the turmoil in the wilderness, he only thought of protecting Ding Weizeng… How could he have thought he would affect a battle at the Purple Mansion level! One must know that in his previous life, the Li family merely defended itself in that great battle… Li Ximing’s intervention might not necessarily be a good thing. His heart pulsed with mixed feelings of joy and apprehension: ‘If the True Lord truly returns in time… will the final outcome of this great battle be changed… If it changes… will it be a blessing or a curse? If the True Lord’s involvement leads to injuries, or even greater misfortune… wouldn’t I be a sinner!’