#1094 - Theory of Five Virtues

The seawater of Peacock Sea was colorful and extremely beautiful under the sunlight. Li Ximing flew through the air, his expression slightly solemn, revealing a hint of contemplation.

He had rushed out in a hurry, originally to deal with Zhen涛府 (Zhen涛 Prefecture). Jiu Qiu (Nine Mounds) did indeed need to be visited, but it was far from requiring such urgency. However, upon arriving at the island and taking a look, he felt his scalp tingle and dared not step inside. Fortunately, he had such an excuse and immediately brought Li Quewan out.

Along the way, after listening to Li Quewan's account, Li Ximing could only smile wryly:

"The world is unpredictable… Back then, when I invited Senior Liu to the island, I had already considered that it might attract bad things, but I never expected it to actually come true."

Li Quewan, hearing his voice transmission, worried that he was blaming Liu Changdie, and quickly replied:

"Lord Liu has been very kind to us these years, and it wasn't intentional on his part…"

Li Ximing, seeing her misunderstanding, shook his head and said:

"This matter cannot be blamed on anyone. If Senior Liu hadn't been guarding the East Sea, Zhen涛府 would not have been able to be preserved until now… and there would have been no 【Neck Down Feathers】 offered for many years!"

Zhen涛府's role in recent years has indeed been significant. The collected 【Wall Submerged Water】 can be described as massive, filling pool after pool to the point where the price of 【Wall Submerged Water】 in the East Sea has soared. If it weren't for True Person Kuang Yu collecting it in her name from the side, it would have inevitably attracted attention.

Later, it became almost impossible to collect 【Wall Submerged Water】, but after a long period of accumulation, Li Ximing indirectly exchanged for 【Mystic Shell Flower Leaves】 from Jin Yu twice, and after a total of four times, he still had two 【Neck Down Feathers】 in reserve. Not to mention the spiritual resources used for the exchange, the spiritual resources obtained before and after were valuable, not inferior to two or three spiritual artifacts.

He only worriedly said:

"I see… there's a reason he said he wanted to find dragons. Just try to satisfy him. Let those nobles fight among themselves and quickly leave the island…"

Li Quewan was still a little uneasy and replied:

"They won't vent their anger. They won't provoke 明煌 (Ming Huang)."

Li Quewan pondered and nodded. Li Ximing then calculated in his heart for a while, and actually didn't know if some things should be said or not.

The people who know the Li family's situation best now are none other than Li Zhouwei and him, Li Ximing. Li Quewan has a firm and gentle nature and can listen to some things, but Li Jiangqian has too many thoughts, and Li Ximing is a little afraid to talk to him. He sighed in his heart:

'Let Zhouwei decide for himself… I'll just keep quiet.'

He abandoned his thoughts, and the worries in his heart increased. Even though he had made an excuse, he could only rush to Jiu Qiu. With this kind of thing happening, he couldn't settle down anyway. He gritted his teeth and finally made up his mind:

"I was thinking it wasn't good to disturb Zhouwei, but this matter has already endangered Zhen涛府, and may even endanger the foundation… I'm afraid I still have to see him."

So, he took Li Quewan and flew around in the Peacock Sea for a while, not going directly to Jiu Qiu, but all the way to Dong'a Wang Sea. He dived into the seabed and found a hidden place, which was where he had refined the precious pill underground back then.

He had cleaned it up neatly back then, and there was no aura of any pills left in this place. Li Ximing casually sealed this place off, surveyed the surroundings to make sure no one was around, instructed Li Quewan to cultivate on the spot, and then rose up and floated towards the place where the sun and moon shone together.

Soon, the golden and white variegated colors appeared before his eyes, and the scene of the sun and moon shining together and the extremely stable spiritual atmosphere reappeared. Li Ximing went down the pavilion, and all around was bright. He saw the man sitting on the pavilion in the courtyard.

Li Zhouwei had removed his armor and was wearing a gray Taoist robe, his long hair rarely draped down, quietly cross-legged on the platform, like an old Suanni (mythical lion-like creature) crouching on the platform and dozing off.

Li Ximing then remembered that his armor had been placed in the fire fiend of Zhi Jing Mountain to be repaired. But strangely, after removing that majestic black armor, the junior in front of him seemed even more unsettling.

Li Ximing took another step, and those golden pupils immediately opened alertly, and a pool of cold gold shone from the depths of the courtyard, landing on Li Ximing's face.

"Ming Huang!"

This soft call caused the white Qilin (mythical creature) on the platform to disappear. Li Zhouwei stood up and tied up his long hair with one hand, while politely saying:

"Uncle-Grandfather, what are your instructions?"

Li Ximing sighed and replied:

"Some trouble has occurred! Perhaps I need you to go out and take a look…"

He hurriedly told the news before and after. Li Zhouwei's gaze gradually became solemn as he listened. He stepped out, and the first thing he said was:

"When Liu Changdie wrote back, did he mention that Fu Xun was seeking to meet with the dragons?"

Li Ximing replied:

"Yes…"

This made Li Zhouwei nod slightly and reply:

"The fact that my injuries have healed is top secret, and it's very useful for the next layout. It's not appropriate to leave seclusion. Once it's revealed to the outside world, it's very likely to cause the war between the North and South to break out in advance… It's impossible for this junior to go out."

His expression was gloomy as he replied:

"And the matter of 【Zhen涛府】 is not difficult to solve. If Liu Changdie has already mentioned it, then Uncle-Grandfather has an excuse for this trip—I will immediately write a letter and have Uncle-Grandfather go to Chongzhou and give it to Huicao. Please have the巡海使者 (patrolling sea envoy) go to Zhen涛府, and this matter can be resolved. Our family doesn't need to get too deeply involved."

He slightly raised his hand, took out a piece of cloth from his sleeve, and conjured a brush out of thin air, using his神通法力 (supernatural power) as ink, and wrote golden characters on the cloth with a solemn expression:

"I will use the excuse of arranging my affairs after death and supporting a demon king to take care of my Li family juniors. Bai Long Tiao (White Dragon Ancestor) will not refuse."

Li Ximing nodded in relief, and Li Zhouwei dipped the ink and said in a low voice:

"As for Suining, Uncle-Grandfather doesn't need to be nervous. Just pretend you don't know. I was originally going to see Qing Yuqian once, and I already have a plan in mind. Just send him to seclusion, and after about five or six years, there will be arrangements. If it's something from outside, it's not too late to get rid of it."

Hearing this, Li Ximing understood his intention to definitely achieve神通 (divine power), and did not ask what would happen if something happened in five or six years. The worried expression on his face gradually calmed down, and he raised his eyebrows and looked at him, replying:

"I'll go and ask for a 【Mingzhen Heshen Pill】 back."

Li Zhouwei paused, and finally nodded. Li Ximing silently put away the handwritten letter, listening to Li Zhouwei's reminder:

"This place has even Yin and Yang, and there will be traces left on the cloth. After all, it's going to be given to the dragons, so Uncle-Grandfather should put it aside after going out and not rush to give it."

Li Ximing nodded and quickly went out. He walked all the way to the steps, hesitated for a moment, and looked back. This junior was already sitting on the platform, like a statue.

……

In the cave, the fire veins surged. Li Quewan waited for a long time before seeing Li Ximing appear out of thin air.

This True Person's face was natural, and he seemed much more relaxed. He touched her head and smiled:

"Don't worry, it's all been taken care of."

Then he rose up with light and flew all the way out, looking at Li Quewan's puzzled face, but instead comforted her, replying:

"You're not in Zhen濤, so it doesn't matter even if this 紫府大阵 (Purple Mansion Great Array) is lost. This place is Jiu Qiu's Dao lineage, and the owner is True Person Yuan Dao. You must be well-behaved and polite. When talking about something, only answer when you're really asked."

Li Quewan was indeed a little nervous and nodded solemnly. Li Ximing then laughed:

"I was seriously injured and fled here back then… you said you were traveling east, so let's just say you were traveling east. This Jiu Qiu owner took good care of me and gave me a spiritual fire. You have to make a good impression. I also want to test it out today. If something happens in the future, and you're stranded overseas, it's best to come here and ask."

Li Quewan's originally solemn expression immediately collapsed, she pursed her lips, and responded to him in a low voice.

Decades had passed since their parting, but Nine Qiu Mountain was still a sea of purple and red. Maple leaves rustled in the sea breeze, creating waves of sound. Li Ximing waited before the mountain gate, and when he saw an old man descending from the mountain path, he greeted him with a smile:

“Fellow Daoist Zhao Jing, long time no see!”

This old man was none other than the old Real Person Ling Du from back then!

Although this old Real Person’s cultivation wasn’t particularly high, he possessed an air of immortal grace and a benevolent countenance that inspired peace. Li Ximing smiled, feeling somewhat reassured, and replied:

“Greetings, Senior… I was ignorant in the past and caused much disturbance…”

Ling Du smiled and shook his head, inviting him up the mountain, replying:

“Where did that come from…”

After exchanging pleasantries, they arrived beneath the maple forest. The stone table where Ling Du and Hou Fu had once played chess still stood atop the mountain, causing Li Ximing to sigh inwardly. He subtly shifted a step to the side and sat down.

Ling Du saw this but shook his head in silence. Li Ximing tacitly avoided mentioning the matter of the Solar Dao lineage, accepted the tea offered by the old man, and said:

“This time, I’ve come… to inquire about your esteemed sect’s 【Fangxi Nectar】—my family has gained a promising junior who cultivates the Lesser Yin path. I wish to plan for his future…”

Ling Du raised an eyebrow, intrigued, and asked:

“He cultivates…”

Li Ximing replied:

“『Xiang Ju Chen』.”

“Rare indeed!”

Ling Du praised, put down his tea, and smiled:

“This is not difficult, but are you seeking a breakthrough in his divine abilities? Do you want to reserve a spot for him in the pool?”

When Li Ximing had cultivated in the 【Fang Yin Pool】 in the past, he had sensed that this place could clear the mind and greatly aid in breakthroughs in divine abilities. However, he hadn’t expected the other party to be so generous, only seeking a taste of the pool water. Hearing this news, a look of surprise appeared on his face as he asked:

“Senior’s kindness is immense! I only came seeking a portion of the nectar!”

Ling Du chuckled and shook his head, saying seriously:

“The Fang Yin Pool is dominated by Lesser Yin and clear Qi, and not everyone can achieve a breakthrough within it. The 【Fangxi Nectar】 is condensed specifically to aid cultivators of the 『Lesser Yin』 path.”

He gently tapped the table, and a cultivator hurried over, bowing to both of them. Ling Du instructed:

“Fetch the Xuan Yu and summon your eldest brother. Wait until midnight when it thaws, then draw a ladle of 【Fangxi Nectar】 and bring it here.”

He turned his head and said:

“The 【Fangxi Nectar】 cannot normally be taken out of this pool, but after many years of research by our lineage, we have made some progress. We possess a 【Dan Juan Xuan Yu】, crafted from treasures of Lesser Yin and clear Qi. Holding this item allows for temporary transport, but it still cannot be preserved for long.”

He smiled:

“However, the 【Dan Juan Xuan Yu】 is a spiritual embryo, nurtured by my disciple. After you have used it, Daoist friend, please remember to return the Xuan Yu.”

“Thank you! Thank you!”

Li Ximing nodded solemnly. If this had happened in the past, he would have been amazed that the other party would casually lend out a spiritual embryo. Now that he had seen more of the world, he found it normal—lineages like theirs had accumulated countless treasures since ancient times.

‘The journey will be long, so I’ll have Guo Nanwu run errands then.’

However, Li Ximing naturally wouldn’t take their things for nothing. He immediately took out a box from his sleeve and said seriously:

“This is a portion of 【Cangzhou Huilin】 and a portion of 【Neck Feather】, returned to you as compensation, firstly to thank you for the 【Fangxi Nectar】, and secondly to thank you for your help in the past!”

Li Ximing had mentioned his ignorance and offenses in the past for a reason. He hadn’t understood how precious the 【Fangxi Nectar】 was for increasing divine abilities back then, but now he understood very well… Sima Yuanli had used 【Hollow Xuan Sang】 to refine the 【Kongxiu Xuan Dao San】, which increased his divine abilities; that was a spiritual object!

Knowing this, the amount of 【Fangxi Nectar】 condensed in the 【Fang Yin Pool】 must be limited. He had used 【Valley Wind Guiding Fire】 to absorb more than one person’s share back then, how could they not know?

“Daoist friend is too kind.”

Seeing Li Ximing’s actions, Ling Du smiled and glanced at him, shaking his head and pushing the spiritual materials back, replying:

“The 【Fangxi Nectar】 only has the effect of increasing divine abilities within the 【Fang Yin Pool】. Its greater effect actually lies in the pool itself. Otherwise, why would I give a junior Foundation Establishment cultivator a whole ladle? Don’t overthink it.”

“And Daoist friend, don’t overestimate the 【Fang Yin Pool】… Although the 【Fang Yin Pool】 can clear the mind, a breakthrough in divine abilities is a natural principle. Obscurity will still appear, and the 【Fang Yin Pool】 cannot dispel it. If inner demons take hold, that is your own affair!”

Only then did Li Ximing suddenly understand, nodding thoughtfully. Sensing an opportunity, he feigned unwillingness and replied:

“Obscurity, can it truly not be removed? Have so many cultivators throughout history, so many great powers, not had a single precedent?”

This was clearly a subtle inquiry about their own possessions, but it was done very naturally. Ling Du stroked his beard, paused for a moment, and asked:

“But that is not the case. Has Daoist friend ever heard of… the Wu Guan Legacy?”

Li Ximing raised an eyebrow, feigning interest, and listened to the old man say:

“The Three Mysteries Dao Lineages each have their own Dao, with different philosophies. The Dou Xuan Dao Lineage, very, very long ago, had a great figure known as Wu Guan, who was the first to propose abolishing the Five Virtues theory and establishing the Clear Six Principles theory. He resided in the Clear Qi Intercalary Position and was one of the Four Ancestors of the Ancient Demonic Dao.”

“He left behind a legacy, which was the transformation of his subordinate positions. Those favored by this legacy can gain many mysteries, one of which is to reduce obscurity and elevate rising Yang.”

Li Ximing frowned as he listened, finding it difficult to understand, and asked:

“Abolish the Five Virtues theory? The Five Virtues are principles of heaven and earth, how can they be abolished?”

Ling Du shook his head, replying:

“Fire Virtue, Water Virtue… these are all unified names within the various Dao sects, but what connection is there between water and fire? Why are the five elements collectively called the Five Virtues? Have you ever heard of Earth Virtue having Five Earths, yet there is also a Sixth Earth, Qing Xuan? Is Qing Xuan both Bing Gu and not Bing Gu?”

“Ultimately, it is only what the world is accustomed to calling them. In the eyes of those in higher positions, the positions are either high or low, some close, some far, without a single major category, or perhaps there is, but immortals and celestial lords cannot fully recognize each other, so it no longer exists.”

“In ancient times, the world was peaceful, not a struggle of life and death, but a debate of Dao lineages. Cultivation matters were exchanged, generously sharing their own Dao collections, with many schools of thought contending… These theories then spread throughout the world.”

He looked at Li Quewan behind Li Ximing, smiling with interest:

“For example, that one from 『Quan Dan』 calls the Three Witches and Two Prayers 『Plain Virtue』, located in the Sixth Virtue, claiming that 『Quan Dan』 is the womb of 『Plain Virtue』, and 『Plain Virtue』 is the root nature of 『Quan Dan』, which still has a lineage to this day… Each family has its own theories, in order to better sort out their own cultivation methods and facilitate the cultivation of later generations… He is also one of the people who supports abolishing the Five Virtues theory—if you are a 『Quan Dan』 cultivator, using… 【Quan Dan Plain Virtue Theory】 to understand the mysteries of heaven and earth and the changes of things will definitely be more comfortable than the Five Virtues theory!”

Li Quewan raised her head thoughtfully, understanding that the other party was awakening her, listening to the old man say:

“The Zijing Dao doesn’t care about anything, collectively calling the many Dao lineages that deviate from the Five Virtues and Twelve Qi 『Bing Gu Laws』. Although there is no problem with cultivation, it is also a symbol of the Zifu Jindan Dao’s eagerness for quick success and lack of foundation at its origin.”

“Therefore, Qing Xuan is both the Sixth Earth and Bing Gu, and there is no conflict!”

Main characters in this chapter

—

Li Ximing [Early Zifu]

Li Quewan 『Hou Shenshu』 [Peak Foundation Establishment]

Ling Du [Mid Zifu]