Xuanjian Xianzu

Chapter 1190 is on the register
Li Quewan and Li Ximing left the cave together, rode the wind away from the Purple Mansion Formation, pinched the Taiyin Spirit Treasure and descended into the mountains. They saw the two strangely shaped underworld messengers waiting in the mountains. One was squatting on a jade pillar staring at the alchemy furnace, while the other was lying in the flower bushes, bored and yawning incessantly.

These two servants were truly ugly, their bodies dark and devoid of any purity, resembling two demons. Yet their faces were quite expressive; upon seeing Li Ximing and his companion, the horned servant immediately stood up and cried out:
"Two esteemed masters, I have been waiting for you for quite some time!"

These two were old acquaintances, both trusted confidants of the Yang family. Li Ximing bowed in response.

"Having survived a life-or-death situation, I inevitably have some private things to say, but I'm sorry to trouble you to wait so long, messenger."

"I wouldn't dare... I wouldn't dare."

The horned monster, holding a large brush in its hand, laughed:

"The nobles are all geniuses, and I'd love to make more trips. What's a little waiting? It's just like admiring the sacred mountain!"

He immediately turned his head to look at Li Quewan, his emotions fervent, and said:

"I heard early on that the gold and mercury were vibrating and that Kan and Li were changing, so I knew that you had succeeded. I even made a bet with those unjustly dead ghosts below, and it was indeed true. Congratulations! May the lead and mercury be refined into an elixir, may your pure heart remain in your nature, may you ascend to the ranks of immortals, and may you live a long and peaceful life."

Li Quewan thanked him politely, and Wang Long, beaming with delight, tried to ingratiate himself, saying:
"The 'Complete Elixir' path used to be a frequent visitor to my home. Back then, I often used the 'Lower Ritual' tool to enter the Netherworld to gather Qi, and I got to know a few of them. Although things have changed now, I hope you will still take care of me."

Zhang Gui, standing to the side, kept a simple mouth and remained silent, holding his book and waiting. Wang Long, however, was very talkative. After carefully discerning the details, he praised:
"It must be 'Hou Shen Shu'... It's truly miraculous."

Although these underworld figures didn't possess any great supernatural powers, they had sharp eyesight. After a quick glance, they picked up their pens, chuckled, and said:
"When I heard about King Wei's great abilities, the underworld was in an uproar. All the ghosts and judges were talking about it... and some of the dead from the past Wei and Li were spreading the news throughout the capital. It was quite a lively scene."

Li Ximing was quite surprised, even a little embarrassed, and didn't know how to answer him. He just rolled up his sleeves and shook his head, then looked at Zhang Gui. This honest-looking guy kept his head down, flipping through the book in his hand. After a long while, he looked up and secretly peeked at Wang Long.

Wang Longzheng was speaking intimately when he was stared at, causing him to shake his head and glare back at him.
'How many times has this happened? We just write names in there ourselves if there aren't any. Are we going to find someone to hold accountable?'

The two ghosts were exchanging glances; how could the two members of the Li family not recognize them?
'We still definitely won't be able to find the name.'

Li Quewan didn't seem to have any special destiny bestowed upon him, nor did he break through on the lake; it was almost certainly due to the influence of the talisman seed. To ease the awkwardness, Li Ximing immediately laughed and said:

"Both times, it was only after we reached the mainland that you two were asked to register our names. It seems that the overseas areas are not under your jurisdiction?"

The two ghosts laughed, exchanged a glance, and Zhang Gui slowly said:
"Fellow Daoist, you misunderstand. It's not that overseas are not under the jurisdiction of the Netherworld. We keep Yuandao and Tianwan in mind. It's just that we don't need to trouble ourselves to travel overseas. We can simply record them in our books and don't need to notify them. We only need to investigate their backgrounds if we can't find their names in the records..."

“When noble masters return to the lands and establish their paths in the regions of China, whether through the transmission of profound teachings or by receiving divine mandates, we must inform them to show our respect. Some overseas lineages are of higher esteem, and there are even dedicated individuals in the netherworld to oversee them!”

Li Ximing understood now:
'So, just showing up and registering is considered a favor!'

Wang Long then clarified these words, straightening his expression and speaking with his usual stern authority:
"What's your name?"

Li Quewan said softly:

“The Li family’s descendants are like a gate, a gate in the celestial palace, a gate in the circle.”

As soon as she said this, ink immediately flowed from the large, millstone-like brush. Wang Long then picked up the brush and added his name to the register himself. After a long while, he bowed and then changed the subject, smiling as he said:

"There is one thing I wish to ask of a true man."

"Speaking!"

Li Ximing asked with slight surprise, and Wang Long replied awkwardly:

“I know that the eldest son of the King of Wei has attained enlightenment and should be recorded in my register. However, due to the high status of nobles, the mysteries cannot be verified. There has been no change in the celestial signs, nor has his name appeared on the list. The gates of hell refuse to open... We two can only wait…”

"Now that the nobleman has achieved the Dao of 'Complete Elixir,' I only hope that you will grant me the honor of adding my name to the list so that I can go back and report to my superiors."

'So it's about Jiang Qian... I didn't even have a chance to ask, but he spoke first!'

The benefits gained from the Pure Dao are too great. He originally possessed the [Vast Desolate Flame], but given Li Jiangqian's refining speed, he probably refined this flame long ago. He has already consumed the [Desolate Apricot Fruit]. As early as when Li Quewan returned, Li Ximing activated the jade talisman in his sleeve to prompt him, but received no response, clearly indicating that he is at the critical stage of refining.

This is still a troublesome matter, Li Ximing sighed:

"Unfortunately, Changli has already gone into seclusion to cultivate a secret technique and cannot easily show himself! May I register him on the roster?"

Wang Long was both embarrassed and hesitant, and said:
"I could have just caught a wisp of its aura, but there's a treasure protecting this lake. I need the person to answer in person, otherwise this brush won't produce ink... Oh well, I'll come back another time!"

"Thank you for your understanding, envoy..."

"Come again next time" was a kind remark that brought a knowing smile to Li Ximing's face. However, it was the first time he had seen someone so reluctant to serve, so he took out a jade box from his sleeve and handed it over lightly. Wang Long accepted it familiarly and smiled, saying:

"Sir, you are truly skilled, even managing to obtain the Golden Book. It seems you have an excellent relationship with Jin Yu. We will not trouble you any further and wish you all success!"

So he turned around on the spot and instantly dissipated like smoke. Li Ximing was still pondering his words. He turned to look at Li Quewan, who was also full of thoughts.

The two returned to the Purple Mansion Array in silence. Li Quewan said worriedly:

"I believe it would be best if I informed Jin Yu of my breakthrough, and if the time is right, it would be even better if I could pay him a visit..."

These words made Li Ximing sigh and nod, saying:

“I understand... Wang Long may be eyeing Jin Xing, or perhaps he's trying to gain favor in advance. He seems to favor my family, and this is a warning... but I'm not sure if anyone in my family has reached an agreement with Jin Yi... so it's not appropriate to say it openly.”

"How come the [Xinggongtai] in the West Sea only has one seriously injured [Daomian] left? This is a lesson from the past. Even with Mingyang's protection, we should at least send a letter to mention it."

"As for paying a visit... since we are now in two different countries, they are of the True Lord lineage and can come and go as they please, but it is not appropriate for us."

Li Quewan nodded solemnly, while Li Ximing entered the main hall, took something from his sleeve, and changed the subject with a smile:

"Take a look... what is this?"

Li Quewan was startled. Upon seeing the crimson-patterned silver pill in his palm, she felt a connection to his life force and a call from his divine powers. A surge of emotion welled up within her, making her heart burn with passion. She stammered, "..."
"Ling Bao?!"

"Hahaha!"

Li Ximing was both delighted and sighed, remarking:
"When I first entered the Purple Mansion realm, I would be overjoyed at the sight of even a single spiritual resource. Now, in your generation, each of you has a spiritual treasure to match you as soon as you enter the Purple Mansion realm... It's a completely different story!"

He was merely making a casual remark, but Li Quewan took it to heart. Her eyes reddened with excitement, and she held the wondrous treasure with anticipation, eager to refine it immediately. Yet, she respectfully said:
"Without King Wei and the True Man, there would be no Su Yun today. This junior will certainly live up to your trust!"

Li Ximing smiled and waved his hand, then said seriously:

"Refine this item first and see how many wondrous things it holds. And your talismanic energy... now contains a black tiger!"

"only…"

He hesitated and said:

"This [Mysterious Jade Edict Pill] has the effect of commanding the gods. However, its true power and limitations, as well as whether it can be used to control this Black Tiger, still need to be considered. On the other hand... we just refined your brother's Azure Talisman, which was a grand and eye-catching event. It is not advisable to let people make any connections... You should focus on refining the spiritual treasure."

As soon as he emerged from seclusion, even the demonic creatures of the Purple Mansion were prepared at home. Li Quewan was not even familiar with the [Bi Ting Qing Yuan Xuan Ding] in her hand, and there was even a rather peculiar spiritual water inside the cauldron!

Cultivators like Li Ximing and Li Jiangqian, who follow the "Mingyang" and "Lihuo" paths, can refine spiritual fire, while cultivators of the "Jueyin" and "Kanshui" paths can naturally refine spiritual water... And her "Complete Elixir" belongs to one of the paths that regulate water and fire. Except for combining water and fire, she can refine all of them!
Now that she has obtained a spiritual treasure, and hasn't yet digested all the benefits she's gained, she's like someone guarding a mountain of treasure waiting to be discovered. Naturally, she's full of anticipation, saying:
"You can leave it to the younger generation!"

Li Ximing didn't say much, sending her to refine the spiritual treasure. Finally, he breathed a sigh of relief, returned to the alchemy furnace, blended the spiritual resources, and put the portion of [Precious Rain Water] into it. He hesitated in his heart:

'The refining of spiritual treasures takes a long time, and there will still be gaps. This batch of 'Hornwood' pills will take two or three years to produce. It's not too late to consider eradicating the calamity then... If these two or three years go smoothly, I will have several portions of [Mysterious Moon Essence] by then.'

...

Li lay dormant in the lake, digesting the benefits gained from the North-South conflict. The two ghosts that left the lake, however, flew dejectedly, glancing back every step of the way. Wang Long, filled with unease, said:

"The master specifically instructed me to write that name down as well. How am I going to explain this back home?"

Zhang Gui shook his head and said in a simple voice:
"We've only been criticized a few times; the fault isn't mine. They can't possibly demote or kill us!"

He was quite frank, but Wang Long was somewhat disappointed and said:

"You're used to it. I finally caught the eye of a few high-ranking officials, and it seemed like I was on the verge of promotion. If this doesn't work out, I'm afraid it will ruin my plans!"

Wang Long kept rambling on, regretting that he hadn't been more forceful earlier. Zhang Gui just listened blankly. The two of them seemed to have used some kind of magic trick, moving extremely fast. They arrived at the graveyard and went deep into the dark abyss. Soon, a chilling cry could be heard.

The voice was sharp and piercing, as mournful as a ghost, echoing endlessly in the abyss. The two ghosts, however, had long been accustomed to it and ignored it. One continued to complain, while the other remained silent, until endless darkness descended, and a dark red hue crept into the thick, cloud-like heaven and earth, and only then did they see a person.

This person was tall and thin, with a withered appearance, and a distorted face, like a bamboo pole. A long white talisman was pasted on his face, with golden characters written on it:
[To the lowest level of etiquette].

When Wang Long saw this man, it was as if he had seen a good friend. He simply grabbed the man's withered hand, complained incoherently for a while, and then hesitated before saying:
"I've also heard that Yang and Li are on good terms. Perhaps I should put this matter aside for now and go report to my master first?"

The messenger glanced at him and said coldly:
"Whether the tasks assigned to you by your superiors will be completed or not is already predetermined, so why worry? Just report them as required. Whether it's a reward or a punishment, what's yours will be yours, and you can't escape it, can you?"

Wang Long cried and complained for a while, but seeing that the other party was unmoved, he asked:
"Where are you going, brother?"

The withered face finally showed a flicker of emotion; the ghost forced out a tearful smile and said:

“There is a true man in the East Sea who is about to pass away. He is a Taoist with a mediocre lineage. He has cultivated the virtue of Earth and added the name ‘East Feather Mountain’. The Duwei Daoist Temple is full of mountain ghosts and monsters, and with the presence of Earth, we cannot ignore it. Since it is in my jurisdiction, I will take care of it.”

"It's a thankless and tedious job that gets you nowhere."

Wang Long looked at him with pity, then noticed that he was holding a porcelain bowl filled with murky river water in his other hand. His gaze immediately changed, and he sighed:

"You...were seen by that guy surnamed Cui?"

The thin, tall ghost guard's face was stiff as he said indifferently:

"Cui E stood guard at the gates of hell. As soon as the gates opened, he knelt before them, listening to the screams and cries outside, while anxiously waiting for someone to come and take this bowl of 'Water from the River of Unrequited Life' out to his Crown Prince Wei so that he could drink some and relieve his pain and get a moment's rest."

"He refines each bowl of river water with his ghostly body for twenty years, so that he is still a ghost who died unjustly, yet he does not feel tired."

Wang Long sighed, glanced at the porcelain bowl in his hand, and gently reminded him:
"This is a bowl of muddy water."

The ghost messenger shook his head, the white talisman on his face fluttering in the wind. He turned his hand over, and the turbid river water poured down from the rim of the bowl, turning into white waves that roared and shook.

The river water that Cui E had refined through twenty years of ghostly practice vanished in an instant, all disappearing into the dark, gloomy depths, leaving nothing behind. The ghost messenger said coldly:
"Whether it was me or those soft-hearted colleagues, we all emptied the bowls as soon as we left—no one dared to get close to that Crown Prince Wei. We just showed the empty bowls to Cui E when we got back, just to give him some comfort."

Wang Long remained silent, while the skinny man said:

"I see you have a great liking for it, calling it 'Mingyang' one minute and 'Quandan' the next. You think that even a broken ship has three pounds of iron, and you can use it to gain some credit and make a good impression on the True Lord, so that you can find a backer for your future promotion? Is that right?"

Wang Long was speechless for a long time before saying:

"At first I didn't think much of it, but after seeing this 'Quan Dan' today, I'm thinking she might be able to take advantage of the situation... These little thoughts of mine can't be hidden from you, brother..."

But his words only elicited a cold laugh, and the gauntlet said:

"I ask you, if Mingyang fails, will the Li family be slaughtered? Will the imperial bloodline be killed or not? Jin Yi thinks that having a full Dan position might be a good thing, but will some people on the mountain still let her go to ask Jin for help?"

"Those you have worked so hard for are now prominent, but a hundred years is fleeting, and in the end, I'm afraid Li Huo will become the Crown Prince of Wei, and Quan Dan will become Cui E."

(End of this chapter)