Chapter 996: Heartfelt Thoughts

Li Suining pondered, his emotions swiftly controlled. He quickly weighed the priorities and formed a clear thought: "Many powerful figures are observing the full moon, so I must not appear too unusual. I cannot interfere with the True Master's actions, regardless of whether he comes or not. I can only do my best to save Guest Elder Ding, just in case." "But where is the Golden Seal Memorial Art?" he wondered.

Doubt arose in his heart, and with a thoughtful expression on his face, he cautiously asked, "But... the collection of spiritual energy takes quite a while. I'm afraid I'll have to wait several years for the True Master to bring the cultivation method."

Li Jiangchun shook his head slightly and replied, "Not necessarily. True Masters have many subordinates; we can simply acquire it from them."

This sentence quickly clarified things in Li Suining's mind, and he instantly calmed down. "That's right! In my previous life, when I emerged from a year of seclusion, spiritual energy was available, so the Golden Seal Memorial Art must have been acquired through exchange. In my previous life, when something happened in the wilderness, True Master Zhaojing rushed back and subsequently undertook few external activities. So, the Golden Seal Memorial Art was very likely sent by True Master Yuanbian from the East Sea!"

"This also explains why the Golden Seal Memorial Art resonates with the Star Vault Grand Granary Scripture. True Master Yuanbian is renowned for his array formations, possesses profound good fortune, and owns many treasures. The Star Vault Grand Granary Scripture is, in all likelihood, also his!"

"It was precisely because this wilderness upheaval led to the loss of Guest Elder Ding and Protector An, causing the family to once again face threats from Buddhist cultivators, that the True Master dared not leave freely until the Yang clan ascended the throne. Since True Master Yuanbian does not venture inland, and such a precious item as the Star Vault Grand Granary Scripture could never be entrusted to a minor subordinate for delivery, he had someone first send the Golden Seal Memorial Art, which shared the same aura!"

He felt a slight easing in his heart, estimating that his guess was at least seventy to eighty percent accurate, with only one last lingering doubt: "If that's the case, why did I still have to choose between the Awakening Star World-Monitoring Art and the Golden Seal Memorial Art in my previous life? Could it be... there's more than one lineage of cultivation?"

As he pondered, Li Jiangchun misunderstood and reassured him, "Don't worry. Although you started a bit late, the cultivation methods and Taoist scriptures you've studied by the lake are all for solidifying your foundation. Disciples on the lake still have to learn them."

Li Suining set aside his thoughts and respectfully acknowledged, though his mind was on something else.

"At that time, grey fires filled the sky. I wonder who from the North that was..."

Once his thoughts settled, he spoke, hesitatingly, "Uncle... I have something to say, but I'm not sure if I should..."

"Oh?" Li Jiangchun was momentarily stunned, looking at him with some confusion. He saw Li Suining raise his brows, his eyes slightly red, as he sighed, "I wonder... what are the general arrangements for Third Young Master in the wilderness?"

Third Young Master, of course, referred to Li Jiangxia!

Li Jiangchun, who had been standing before him, stopped and sat down with him at a small table in the pavilion, asking casually, "What's wrong?"

Li Suining was not supposed to ask about the arrangements for the direct lineage of the family. Even if Li Jiangchun's status was high and Li Ximing valued him greatly, asking without a good reason would be suspicious and highly unusual. But Li Suining was prepared and sighed, "My father passed away in Jiangbei while serving the clan. I never met him since I was young. I heard he served under Third Young Master and Guest Elder Ding. Third Young Master personally delivered his belongings back then. As his son, having received my mission here in the prefecture, I feel I must go and see this clan uncle..."

Among the Three Bearers, besides Li Jiangliang who served in the imperial court, Li Suining was very familiar with the other two clan uncles. This Great General who Conquered the North and Left Commander of the Fengwu Hall was generous in nature and had taken great care of him on multiple occasions because of his father. Even now, thinking back, he still sighed.

With Li Suining's status, he could actually visit Li Jiangxia directly. However, Li Jiangxia was currently in Foundation Establishment. Others might not know, but Li Suining was well aware that Li Jiangxia was in seclusion in the mountains, which also conveniently allowed him to avoid the great calamity.

Mentioning the family matter and his father's passing, Li Jiangchun's gaze softened. During the decade of turmoil, the wilderness was where the Li clan's cultivators suffered the most casualties, mostly at the hands of Buddhist cultivators. He lowered his brows and sighed, indeed replying, "Third Brother is already in seclusion. The wilderness is currently being managed by Uncle Zhou Fang and An Xuanxin, with Guest Elder Ding in charge. For now, just focus on your cultivation."

Li Suining nodded, appearing lost in thought, and murmured, "Guest Elder Ding... I should also meet him. However, Foundation Establishment cultivators are unpredictable in their movements, and I wouldn't want to trouble the elders of the family. Since we have ample time for cultivation, I'll just find a suitable opportunity, prepare a gift, and pay him a visit!"

He laid the groundwork and hinted subtly, but Li Jiangchun didn't pay much attention. He nodded casually, smiled, then drew his sword, rode the wind, and flew towards the prefecture.

After riding the wind for a while, he landed in a pavilion, pushed open the door, and entered. An old man was seated at the head of the room, holding a wooden slip in his hand, meticulously pondering it.

"Greetings, Elder Master!" He bowed in the pavilion. Li Xuanxuan quickly rose, a smile appearing on his face, and took a few steps to help him up, saying, "I've told you before... there's no need for such formalities in the future. Just push the door open and come in. Look at your fifth uncle; he just walks in laughing, with fewer formalities."

Li Jiangchun rose with a smile, turning his head slightly. Indeed, he saw Li Zhouming in red robes, standing to the side. He held a pot, seemingly having just refilled the old man's tea, and smiled with downcast eyes, though his gaze lingered on the old man's wooden slips, frowning slightly.

Li Jiangchun escorted the old man back to his seat and respectfully said, "I have met with a few of the younger clan members."

"Oh?" Li Xuanxuan raised his brows, stroked his beard, and listened as the young man said, "Sui Huan is spirited, Sui Kuan is precocious. As for Suining... he lost his father early, so he seems to be quite thoughtful, likely with many intentions. At fifteen, he's at the fourth level of Fetal Breath, which is acceptable..."

He did not mention Li Suining's request, nor did he mention any filial piety, only using the phrase "quite thoughtful."

Li Xuanxuan was thoughtful, but the dandy above him laughed, "Acceptable, you say? He's much better than me, just not as good as you."

Li Jiangchun was about the same age as Li Suining, but he manifested his spiritual aperture later, beginning cultivation at seven. By nine, he had reached the fourth level of Fetal Breath. Later, after consuming spirit elixirs and talismanic pills, he entered the Qi Refining stage at ten, cultivating the Wugui Soul-Snatching Scroll.

In the same year, he acquired Sword Qi, which once astonished a True Master. Li Ximing was quite delighted and taught him the clan's Moon-Gate Sword Canon, allowing him to diligently practice swordsmanship. His cultivation speed was also impressive, having already reached the fifth level of Qi Refining. He then slowed his cultivation to begin studying the Lesser Yin Dark Monarch Water-Fire Record.

Precisely because of this, Li Xuanxuan showed him a preferential treatment tinged with regret. Li Jiangchun spent more time practicing sword arts and less time cultivating, so the old man would often go to see him, frequently standing in the courtyard for one or two hours, just watching silently.

Hearing his words now, Li Xuanxuan considered them more deeply. Changing the subject, he said seriously, "But... does he feel the family has wronged him?"

This was an extremely sensitive question. Li Suining's elders were incapable, and his father had died for the clan. Although the lakeside had provided considerable compensation and discreet care, children often harbored extreme thoughts, making it difficult to know what they truly felt. The old man, being thoughtful and cautious, immediately considered this possibility.

Li Jiangchun, however, shook his head decisively and replied, "He has his own thoughts. My incense has not yet settled, and my worldly desires have not yet arisen, yet I still have some intuition. He is most likely a person of resolute will and clear understanding."

"That's good then!" Li Xuanxuan smiled with delight and replied, "There were too many juniors present then, so I didn't chat with him for too long. I'll pick a day to test him!"

Li Jiangchun recounted the conversations with the various juniors. Li Xuanxuan nodded as he listened, all the while keeping an eye on the bright moon outside the pavilion. He said seriously, "The crescent moon has risen. Such a clear and cold moonlit night is not to be missed."

The Wugui Soul-Snatching Scroll favored clear and cold moonlit nights, making it the perfect time for cultivation. Li Jiangchun understood and withdrew. But just as he exited the pavilion, he saw a figure in red robes follow him out.

This Fifth Uncle, graceful and unrestrained in his movements, became even more at ease after reaching Foundation Establishment. As he walked out with him, he smiled and asked, "Jiangchun... do you enjoy listening to music?"

Li Jiangchun was slightly helpless and replied, "Swordsmanship is important, and spellcasting is complex. I've naturally never listened to music."

Li Zhouming, having successfully achieved Foundation Establishment, had a natural glow on his face and wore less makeup, yet he still maintained his dandyish demeanor. He casually flicked his fan, stopped, and said nonchalantly, "There's a song called 'Hate the Flowing Water.' It's quite interesting. You might want to listen to it."

Li Jiangchun raised his brows, looked at him, and then took his leave thoughtfully.

The dandy, famous throughout Huzhou, stood in the pavilion, raising his fan and gazing at the moonlight falling on his red robes. The smile on his face slowly faded, and a thoughtful expression appeared in his eyes. "It's not just once... Every time I come to the pavilion, these song lyrics are always on Elder Master's desk. He reads them over and over, until the characters are worn..."

"Even the day before yesterday, when I was casually strolling around past midnight and came here, the old man was still sitting at his desk, head bowed, reading it over and over by the lamp, sighing repeatedly..."

"'Hate the Flowing Water'..."

His gaze wandered as he stood in the moonlight. He closed his fan and murmured ominously, "Where have the old times... the old scenes gone...? All that's left is my spirit, cold."

Mount Dayuan Guangyin.

Golden statues stood like mountains, brilliant light rained down. Wherever light touched, primal magnetism gathered. The Dharma Hall glowed with ten thousand rays, and a hundred monks descended from the building. The colorful ponds rippled, and pure vessels held flower water. What a serene palace it was.

The white steps, tier upon tier, were smooth. A grey-robed monk sat before the steps, his expression distant. Beside him, a young monk held a begging bowl, waiting, hesitating to speak, "Maha..."

But the monk rose, hoping, "Luejin, is there any news from the Profound Wonder Temple?"

The young monk shook his head hesitantly, causing the monk to sigh, "Lord Qi still refuses to see me... More lives are about to be plunged into misery."

He brushed his sleeves and rose, momentarily stunned. He raised his brows and looked down the mountain, only to see a monk standing on the steps, climbing leisurely step by step.

This person was tall, with very narrow eyes and a vibrant spirit. His pupils were light red, and he wore a green silk sash around his waist, exuding a powerful aura. He arrived barefoot, hands clasped, and smiled, "Fellow Daoist Fachang!"

Fachang saw him, and his brows lowered as he sighed, "So it's Fellow Daoist Sparrow Carp Fish... You've come... You've finally come."

Sparrow Carp Fish's slightly reddish pupils stared at him, as if grey mist was emerging, making Luejin step back. The Maha slowly spoke, "You should have known. My Great Desire Dao had a million followers slaughtered in Jiangbei—with such massive karma, how could I not come?"

Fachang's gaze was complex. He invited him into the hall and, raising his brows, said, "Then... Lord Sparrow... how many more people will be killed now?"

Sparrow Carp Fish let out a laugh. With his pointed chin and fair skin, he was originally a handsome monk, and his smile only added to his charm. He cast a sidelong glance and replied, "My Great Desire Measured Power method is to eradicate demons and guard the Dao, to create a world of boundless joy, allowing everyone to cross the sea of desires and ascend the empty mountain—'killed'? What kind of talk is that!"

"You've slandered my Great Desire Dao more than once. If it weren't for the sake of the Grand Admiration Dharma Realm, I would surely make your spirit and form perish together."

His tone was flat, yet filled with killing intent. Fachang acted as if he hadn't heard, clasped his hands, and sighed, "I have no other intentions; I only hope that Fellow Daoist, in employing these methods, can cause less harm to the innocent."

"Innocent..." Sparrow Carp Fish sneered and replied, "You truly are ignorant, occupying that position in vain. How many innocent people have you saved? You want to save the innocent, but my Great Desire Dao's million followers... did you save them? You only carry karmic burdens in vain!"

"In this changing world, if you join a faction, you do their bidding. How many are truly innocent? Are those in the South, who selfishly transmit their teachings and whose aristocratic clans drive the common folk like cattle and sheep, innocent? Or are you referring to these wicked commoners who habitually kill, harm each other, and reject religion?"

He laughed, "If there are truly any innocent people who have been impoverished and ravaged to this point, a single ray of Buddhist light will evoke a response, and they will naturally be brought into my Dao."

"To put it plainly... Fellow Daoist, your doctrines merely contradict ours. Just return to your White Horse Temple."

Fachang remained silent for a long time. Then he saw a person follow Sparrow Carp Fish up the steps from behind. This individual was unremarkable in appearance, seemingly an Arhat cultivator, bare-chested, with a venomous dragon coiled around his body, subtly revealing his robust muscles.

Sparrow Carp Fish raised his brows, glanced at the newcomer, and said casually, "Lingci, this is Maha Fachang, a high-level cultivator from White Horse Temple."

Fachang's gaze shifted up and down, filled with pity. He clasped his hands and replied, "Congratulations, Fellow Daoist, on acquiring a brilliant disciple."

With that, he turned and silently descended the steps, leaving the empty grand hall and its new master. Lingci bowed in the hall and noticed that Sparrow Carp Fish's expression was not pleased.

The Maha said coldly, "People from the Grand Admiration Dharma Realm are always like this. If he truly dared to stand independent of the Seven Paths and follow the ways of ancient cultivators, I would respect him somewhat. But mediating like this is not decisive; he just drags his feet by the riverside. If the higher-ups really order him south, will he obey or not? If not for Qi Lanyan having some connections with him and getting him transferred away in time... he would still have to suffer this hardship!"

Lingci lowered his brows, listening to Sparrow Carp Fish pace and sneer, "The matter of King Shenming has already been handled, yet now he has pity for you. What a joke."

Lingci nodded and respectfully said, "Master, about going south..."

"You don't need to get involved for now." Sparrow Carp Fish's light red eyes gradually narrowed as he replied, "Li Zhouwei, who took the painting back then, also carries great karma. You haven't fully digested the benefits gained from a million followers... You can't be easily lost. Just wait for me at Mount Dayuan Guangyin."

Lingci bowed his head in assent. The Maha before him had already vanished, leaving him kneeling on the ground, bowing to the various golden statues in the hall. In his ears, faint sounds still echoed: "Wonderful, wonderful..." "Enlightened, enlightened!"