#1086 - Purple
Li Jiangqian came up from the mountain and knelt in the forest, saying respectfully:
“Congratulations, Lord, on the achievement of your divine power… This junior is overjoyed and deeply honored.”
Li Ximing hadn't seen him for quite a few days. These years he had been in seclusion, rarely involved in worldly affairs. Li Jiangqian's clothing had been simplified to a single light white Daoist robe, which was quite different. Li Ximing looked him up and down and smiled:
“Your time is precious, yet I have made you wait so long.”
Li Jiangqian bowed and said respectfully:
“It's not a long wait. This junior heard from my cousin Jiang Chun about the changes in recent years while in the mountains. I've been pondering them for a long time, deeply feeling the rapid changes in the situation… far beyond expectation. The matter of divine power should not be delayed…”
Li Ximing knew that he always had his own ideas, and now he must have some opinions in his heart, so he asked:
“I heard that… Jiang Long has been ordered to guard the wilderness, and Jiang Xia is still in the imperial capital. Both brothers have their own thoughts. The Zijin Palace is a great opportunity… What do you think?”
Li Jiangqian smiled and replied:
“This is not for this junior to judge. My younger brothers are both thoughtful and will certainly not treat the family poorly.”
Li Ximing just shook his head and asked:
“How is your cultivation going?”
Li Jiangqian then became serious and said in a low voice:
“The four secret methods of the *Tian Li Ri Ze Jing* (Scripture of Heavenly Separation and Sun's Decline), the third method [Setting Snares] has been completed, with only [Correct Flame] remaining. The difficulty is extremely high. This junior has read it carefully, and the mysteries within are as vast as the sea. I'm afraid… it cannot be mastered in five or six years. If things go smoothly, it might take ten years.”
Li Ximing's head already ached when he heard this. He himself was a Zifu cultivator, and he had seen the difficulty of secret methods. He knew that the Mingyang secret method he had studied back then was fully analyzed and explained, written clearly and understandably… much simpler than the scroll in Li Jiangqian's hands!
'After all, not everyone can compare to his father…'
Li Jiangqian didn't mention much about his own affairs, but lowered his head slightly and said:
“In recent years, several secret letters have been sent to the family from overseas, written by our younger sister, Que Wan. Her progress is not slow. Of the five secret methods of the [Hou Shu Golden Book], she has already completed three!”
“Three?”
Li Ximing was slightly stunned.
Because she had to practice witchcraft for many years, Li Quewan's cultivation speed was a step behind Li Jiangqian. When Li Jiangqian was practicing the second secret method [Heavenly Apricot], she had just begun to practice secret methods. Now her speed was actually faster!
Li Jiangqian nodded and smiled:
“The witchcraft she has practiced in recent years has greatly helped her Dao practice, and it has also greatly helped her practice secret methods. Even though her techniques are more difficult than mine, she is still a few steps ahead of me.”
Li Ximing nodded with a smile, glossed over the matter, calculated with his fingers, and frowned secretly:
'He wants to surpass the Buddhist cultivators, and it's best to have a Zifu cultivator assist him. Estimating the cultivation time, twenty years… is a bit too long…'
He secretly looked at Li Jiangqian and said in a low voice:
“Is [Correct Flame]… absolutely necessary to practice?”
Li Jiangqian understood his words as soon as he heard them and said seriously:
“This junior came this time to discuss this matter with the True Person—why not abandon this technique and directly seek divine power!”
He paused slightly, revealing a hint of regret, and replied:
“Back then, when the True Person was in seclusion, this junior had already asked the Old Lord, but the Old Lord strongly denied it, insisting that I complete all the secret methods before trying… I had no choice but to return to my cave…”
Li Xuanxuan's love and care were heavier. Li Ximing was different after all. He frowned and nodded, replying:
“If it's not smooth, it will be more than ten years… we really can't wait… If you have this much effort, and you take the elixir, it will be enough for you to refine another divine power…”
It should be known that Li Jiangqian has not yet received the Talisman… If everything goes smoothly, his two divine powers after breaking through to Zifu will be extremely simple. Not only will reaching the mid-stage of Zifu be a certainty, but the speed will also be astonishing!
'A mid-stage Zifu cultivator ten years earlier… is enough to change the situation.'
Li Ximing pondered for a long time, but Li Jiangqian on the ground also had his own thoughts, and his emotions were complex and cautious.
According to his character, he would never allow any mistakes in matters that could endanger his life, such as breaking through to Zifu, nor would he let go of any opportunity to increase the success rate, but the current situation… the more he listened, the more he felt something was wrong.
'Father seeks Mingyang… the conflict between the North and South is also fierce. If something goes wrong, it will inevitably be a world-destroying situation…'
He thought gloomily:
'I originally thought that Father would protect us for three hundred years, which would be more than enough, but now it seems that it is far from enough. The matter of seeking gold depends on the situation of the world and will never exceed one hundred years. In extreme cases, it may only be sixty or seventy years…'
Throughout Wangyue Lake, Li Jiangqian was most unsure about his own father. How confident Li Zhouwei was… he had no idea at all. In this situation, Li Jiangqian always made the worst plans.
'Once Father has an accident, I must have enough strength to protect myself… It's best to already be a Great True Person… and have the value of being valued by a big shot…'
Under the impetus of these considerations, Li Jiangqian solemnly bowed to the True Person and said seriously:
“Father is involved in the North-South conflict, and there are disasters on the lake from time to time. At this time of crisis, Jiangqian is unwilling to wait any longer!”
Li Ximing nodded heavily and comforted him:
“You don't need to be nervous either. I have thought about this matter carefully.”
He took out a box from his sleeve and revealed the spiritual object inside.
Inside the box was a golden orb, round and bright, with layers of feather-like floating patterns on the surface. Heavy golden light was brewing within, showing an extremely mysterious Li Fire aura. Li Ximing said seriously:
“I have also inquired about this thing. It is the [Golden Li Beryl], which is of great help to Li Fire cultivators. It can increase divine power and forge magic weapons, but it cannot be taken when injured… It is also an extremely suitable spiritual object for breaking through!”
This object was obtained from the Li Fire Palace in the cave heaven back then. It was prepared by that Senior Lu for the successor of the Dao lineage. Obviously, it was carefully selected. Li Ximing first handed this object to him, and then took out a jade bottle, saying:
“This thing is the [Embracing Feather Harmonious Heart Pill]. It was obtained when I was refining pills for a Li Fire Demon King in Poluo Tuo. It is a Zifu elixir. In order to exchange for spiritual fire, the ingredients were extremely solid and can increase divine mystery… It is more than enough for you to use.”
Li Jiangqian quickly took it. Before he could thank him, Li Ximing waved his hand to stop him, flipped his palm, and revealed a Hunyuan golden elixir-like spiritual treasure—it was the [Double Fire Two Bright Instrument]!
Li Ximing said:
“This thing is an extremely precious spiritual treasure, and it is also your father's thing. I had long wanted to give it to you, but I kept it for safekeeping. There is a divine mystery in it, which is [Dao Merit], which can assist in the cultivation of divine powers in the Li Fire True Fire lineage.”
He smiled slightly and replied:
“It is because there is such a wonderful spiritual treasure that I am willing to let you enter seclusion in advance!”
Li Ximing's series of actions were undoubtedly well-intentioned. He said meaningfully:
"Back then, your father hastily entered secluded cultivation at sea, and he didn't have these conditions. Not to mention me… These things… even ordinary immortal sects can't prepare them all. Your father prepared them for you one by one, you must remember this."
Li Jiangqian burst into tears and bowed, saying:
"The family's kindness, this junior will remember it well… I will certainly not fail your entrustment…"
Li Ximing sighed slightly and asked:
"Have you chosen a place yet?"
Li Jiangqian shook his head and sighed:
"It's just on the lake, I wouldn't feel at ease anywhere else."
Li Ximing had considered Zhentao Prefecture, and he pondered in his heart:
'The spiritual atmosphere of Jiangnan shouldn't change. In fact, it's a bit more reassuring than overseas. What I fear is the possibility that our family can't defend it, and in the end, people will attack…'
'Que Wan is definitely in Zhentao Prefecture, so Jiangqian should stay on the lake. If the two of them enter secluded cultivation separately, if something goes wrong in one place, at least one can be saved.'
He agreed and, with a flick of his sleeves, said solemnly:
"You will enter secluded cultivation in the inner formation. The aura there is stable and undisturbed. I will personally activate the [Double Fire Two Brightness Instrument] and use my divine power to lock the spiritual treasure in the great formation, to help you break through to divine power!"
… …
Between the continents.
The light of the sky on Zhi Jing Mountain was always dazzling. Away from this mountain, all the way to the lake, the brilliance dimmed a lot. Li Suining traveled here, covered in dust, and landed in front of the high hall between the continents. He saw a man in rough clothes walking down quickly.
"Guest Qing of Nantanz!"
Li Suining bowed slightly. Nan Tan Chen cupped his hands and smiled:
"Greetings, Young Master!"
Similar to his previous life, Nan Zhang cultivator Nan Tan Chen, whose background was not so glorious, revealed his talent in alchemy and quickly took over the burden of alchemy in the family. Li Suining came to pay respects to the old master Li Xuanxuan. Seeing him coming down from here, he knew that he had personally reported to the old man. He smiled kindly and said:
"Congratulations, Guest Qing."
Nan Tan Chen shook his head and saluted, then quickly went down. Li Suining looked at his departing figure, feeling a bit strange and emotional in his heart.
'Chen Jingxi… actually fell…'
Chen Jingxi was Chen Ang's own son and also the pillar of the Chen family. Later, his cultivation once reached the late stage of Foundation Establishment. He and Chen Jingguang were known as the Twin Prides of the Chen family. Not to mention how famous they were, at least they were among the top-ranked non-relatives on the lake…
'This battle was inexplicably fierce, killing him. Nan Tan Chen was even sighing with emotion, going to offer condolences…'
This was where Li Suining felt strange. In his previous life, Nan Tan Chen was suppressed by Chen Jingxi for his entire life, and he was restrained everywhere. The conflict between the two was extremely fierce… The entire Chen family had never given Nan Tan Chen a good look… If he had known that Chen Jingxi had died, Nan Tan Chen should have laughed three times.
'It was Chen Ang who lost his pillar, and suddenly restrained himself, not in the mood to pay attention to Nan Tan Chen. That's why Nan Tan Chen is doing so well in this life…'
He felt inexplicably emotional, but the more doubts in his heart were still about the situation on the shore, and he was worried all the time.
'This time, Wei Wang may have suffered even more serious injuries, and I'm afraid he can't easily come out of secluded cultivation. Fortunately, nothing major happened,'
He hurried forward and arrived in the main hall, saying respectfully:
"This junior, Suining, pays respects to the old master!"
The old man responded briefly and asked him to come in. Li Suining bowed again and said respectfully:
"Suining's cultivation is complete, and I have come to ask for pills!"
He looked up and noticed that the old man in front of him was white-haired and leaning on the main seat, seeming a little upset. He was holding a book in his hand, and his old eyes looked a little cloudy under the light, and were actually somewhat close to the appearance in his previous life's memory. Li Suining was immediately in a trance:
'Master… has aged a lot.'
Li Xuanxuan didn't feel anything, and stood up very happily, smiling and saying:
"You have finished your adjustment… and are ready to break through!"
Li Suining quickly showed a smile. Li Xuanxuan personally helped him up, his eyes showing appreciation, and sighed:
"Sometimes I can't tell the difference. Back then, whether it was Que Wan or your younger brother, you people who grew up by the lake are more sensible. Those who grew up on the continent… don't like to listen to me."
Li Suining thought he was pointing at Li Zhouming and shook his head in confusion. Li Xuanxuan sighed:
"That clansman your Uncle Jiangzong added for you… Li Suiqing… the older he gets, the less obedient he is. Although his father was in secluded cultivation all those years when he was born, someone clearly taught him, but I don't know why he is like this, causing everyone to be dissatisfied with him. Forget it, forget it, today is your happy day, let's not talk about these disappointing things…"
Li Suining suddenly understood.
Now most of the big and small affairs in the family have fallen into the hands of Uncle Li Jiangzong. This uncle is a rare talent… He got a direct son named Li Suiqing, who is very useless.
Li Suining had a deep memory of him. Li Suiqing was stubborn and mischievous. The elders in the family would scold him, and he would restrain himself, but he just couldn't get rid of his greed, and he repeatedly committed crimes. He was sent to the market, where he embezzled a lot of money and was suppressed back to Qingdu, and since then, there was no news of him.
There are many people in the family, and they are uneven. Li Suining is not in Yuting and doesn't know much about these things, but this person has a noble status and is a major pain for Li Jiangzong. Therefore, Li Suining kept it in mind and persuaded him with a few words:
"My clansman is still ignorant… I still need to trouble the old master to teach him…"
Li Xuanxuan seemed upset and replied:
"How can he be ignorant… Zhouming is often by my side anyway, and I know his temperament. I have also seen Suiqing. He is not stubborn, but vicious… I am an old man… how long can I change him."
Li Suining was amazed by his keen eyes and silently took a breath, shaking his head in his heart:
'This is when Wei Wang is here… When Wei Wang is not here, and several Zifu disappear and fall, that will be a chaotic dance of demons…'
As he was thinking, a white-clothed cultivator hurried into the hall. It was actually a strange face, and his cultivation was not high. He only came in after three reports. His face was full of tears, and he knelt on the ground, sobbing:
"Old master… my ancestor… can't hold on anymore!"
Li Suining clearly felt the old man in front of him froze in place, panting a few times, stood up, and said blankly:
"Qiuyang… is it Qiuyang?"
The white-clothed cultivator just nodded with a sob. The old man sobbed:
"Qiuyang is a few years older than me, it's not easy… it's not easy! He was burned by Binghuo, and even with so many elixirs and Sun Bai personally healing him, it only made him suffer in his old age on the bed…"
Li Xuanxuan's hands and feet were cold. He threw the book in his hand on the table, and hurried out of the hall. Li Suining was full of worry and quickly supported him, driving the wind to send him out.
Flying all the way to the lake, the old man seemed to have come back to his senses. Li Suining only felt a coldness on his wrist. The old man suddenly grabbed his hand tightly, choking with some daze and helplessness:
"Suining… how much time do I have left to take care of you… Qingdu is arrogant, Yuting is strict, the real person only has a few people in his eyes, they only care about the things in the sky, one day I am gone… who will be kind to the disciples of the four veins!"
Main characters in this chapter
— —
Li Ximing [Early Stage of Zifu]
Li Jiangqian 『Great Departure Book』 [Peak of Foundation Establishment]
Li Suining [Ninth Level of Qi Refining]
Li Xuanxuan [Ninth Level of Qi Refining]
