Xuanjian Xianzu

Chapter 1223 Xiaoguan Pass
Li Quewan blurted out the answer, but then frowned and said in an instant:

"But there is one thing I don't understand. The Chen of Master Chen is the Chen family of Yuyang. Although there are some rumors that the lineage is similar... Fushui is also the main path of the Chen family... but there is no conclusive evidence."

Li Jiangqian remained silent, then took out maps of both domestic and international locations, examining them carefully. His eyes grew increasingly thoughtful, and he said softly:
"Not only that, although this clan has nothing to do with Lingyu Gate, in my opinion, it is just another Tanshan Li clan out of fear of karma."

Li Quewan frowned:
“How come you see?”

The elder brother paced back and forth, a look of understanding gradually appearing in his eyes, and said in a deep voice:
"Because of the Song Dynasty."

"The situation in Jiangnan back then seemed to have come naturally. It would be impossible for the Yang family not to have used any means. Since the Yin Division wanted to take the path of true Qi, their plans today were not something that had been planned for a year or a month."

His eyes were sharp, and he said seriously:
Do you remember how Ningguo was established?

Li Quewan focused his mind:
"True Qi... Wanling Immortal Sect..."

She understood that what her brother was about to say was definitely not something that both of them already knew. After a slight pause, she said:
"A prominent family?"

"good."

Li Jiangqian said softly:

"On the surface, the establishment of the Great Ning Kingdom was the result of the joint efforts of various aristocratic families. Back then, the prominent families of Ning Kingdom were nothing more than a few clans, with Li and Jiang as the leaders, and Sima, Chen, Su, and Xi as the assistants. There were also Xiao, Ruan, Quan, and so on. Look at these first few surnames. Apart from the imperial Jiang clan, almost all of them now have real people or clan members! Even if some surnames only have a few survivors, most of them now hold official positions in the court. Do you remember Quan Yuduan, the disciple of that Grand Uncle overseas? Even he received a fiefdom early on."

“The old ministers of the Ning Kingdom possess true Qi, and the new dynasty must also have them. The powerful families of Da Ning are all secretly protecting each other, which is why Changhuai Mountain has nurtured these nine surnames. There is definitely bloodline among them. The Yue Kingdom may have originally had the same idea, but their plans were disrupted by the Sun Dao lineage…”

"But the Yang family also had a lot of influence in this. Not to mention the Sima family, Chunyi said that my Li family also has Ning Li blood, and the Su family was taken over by the Wu Kingdom... If the Wuzhu and Hongxue sects hadn't been divided up back then, there might be even more now..."

His expression was solemn as he said:
"I hadn't noticed anything at first, but now I've secretly learned from Chengqian that the Great Song Dynasty wants to seize [Guoling Peak] and establish a so-called Protectorate. It's impossible that they wouldn't covet the coastal areas at all. With Chunyi Dao right under their noses, would they really abandon their ancestral heritage and move their entire family away? The so-called [Guoling Peak] is just a pretext; they're after the Xi family!"

Li Quewan whispered:

"And the Chen family... must be the same Chen family from before?"

Li Jiangqian nodded slightly, and Li Quewan silently took a breath and said:

"If that's the case... wouldn't the Xiao family's withdrawal from Jiangnan be a risky move? How did Elder Master Xiao manage to do that!"

Li Jiangqian looked solemn and slowly shook his head.

Xiao Chuting was once an important backer of the Li family. A marriage contract was of great help to the Li family in its early years, and even the current Ji lineage contains the blood of the Xiao family... As for his methods, even the descendants like Li Quewan and Li Jiangqian, who had never met him, had heard of them and were quite wary of them.

Now that Li Quewan had brought it up, Li Jiangqian simply nodded with his hands behind his back, his gaze peculiar:
"It's hard to say how the Xiao family escaped, but since that's the case, I miscalculated before... Chen Yin fought on all sides and was often injured, yet he was able to perfect his third divine power in just over twenty years. It was definitely not because he exhausted his resources... but because of... the support of the Xiao family!"

His golden eyes flickered slightly:
"Don't forget... this Master Xiao... before the Li family rose to prominence, he was a renowned alchemy master in Jiangnan... now he is probably a Great Master. With his support, it's not surprising that Chen Yin's progress is so unstoppable, given that he only possesses perfected divine abilities, not condensed ones."

Li Quewan nodded, his expression strange, and said:

"Chunyi once hinted to my family that Master Xiao might be interested in vying for the Lingyu inheritance. Could it be that he was planning for this? If Chen Yin becomes a Grand Master, joining forces with him would indeed give us a better chance of success."

These words left the elder brother unsure for a long time. He shook his head hesitantly and said softly:
“I don’t think so… First of all… Judging from Zhang Duanyan’s attitude back then, Jin Yu valued Su Yan highly. This matter would definitely offend Jin Yu Sect. Chen Yin was willing to risk his life for his clan, but he would never do anything that would cause endless harm for Xiao Chuting.”

He shook his head slightly and continued:
"Secondly... Jin Yu Sect controls all directions. Chen Yin's actions may seem secretive, but how could they not know? They wouldn't just stand by and watch Chen Xiao join forces."

"This matter... is definitely not simple."

Li Quewan frowned and said:

"In any case... there will most likely be a struggle between the Xiao family and Jin Yu, otherwise the Zhang family would not have repeatedly and intentionally brought Su Yan to the lake, and even reminded him of the Xiao-Li relationship. If that day really comes, how should my family deal with it?"

These words made Li Jiangqian's expression somber. He understood Jin Yu's methods and didn't want to offend his former backer. He also knew that his elders were even less willing to let the Xiao family down. He could only sigh and say:
"We're busy dealing with matters in Western Shu right now, so let's not rush things. Once this great battle is over and your presence has spread throughout Song, it's only right and proper that we have a grand event on the lake. We can then discuss it thoroughly with my great-uncle and father, and take advantage of the occasion to invite the Xiao family here..."

"Regardless of which side we support, we must have a plan in mind!"

Although Li Quewan's own wealth and career were largely in Jin Yu's hands, he absolutely did not want anything to happen to his family that would cause pain to his loved ones and joy to his enemies. He silently nodded, then took his leave and departed for the land of the sun and moon shining together, leaving Li Jiangqian standing in the mountains, his expression slightly somber.
'Xiao Chuting...it seems he has a heart that seeks the Dao...'

'Does he desire the rightful place... or does he wish to become the second Yuanxiu?'

The light in his eyes, once so intense, gradually began to change:
'The mutual generation and restraint of Kan and Li are nothing more than the difference between water and fire. Since they are both of positive nature, if I could see him seeking metal, it might be of great help to me…'

Li Jiangqian sat quietly for an unknown amount of time before he heard footsteps echoing through the mountains. Ding Weizeng hurried over, bowed before the honored guest, and said in a deep voice:

"Reporting to the Master! The Western Shu launched a major military campaign a day ago, marching out of the Kui Gate and advancing along the Xingyuan Road of Zhao, breaking through several passes and engaging Zhao in a great battle at the Xiaoshan Mountains!"

Li Jiangqian suddenly stood up, his expression slightly changing, and asked:
"Several real people?!"

Ding Weizeng, with a solemn expression, replied:

"Looking northwest from the desert, the sky and earth are painted in five colors, intertwined and blended, innumerable."

...

The night was pitch black, and a fierce wind was blowing. The mountain range, which resembled a giant dragon, undulated between heaven and earth, while countless gray clouds drifted in the sky, like a vast and boundless gray sea, all of which were blocked outside the mountain range.

The immortal in the clouds stood with a cold expression, his hands behind his back, silently watching the several gleaming arrays that adorned the mountains.

This is Mount Xiao.

Qing Jifang has always been an extremely arrogant person. As the direct descendant of the Qing clan and the only son of the Great Master, he was able to look down on 99% of the cultivators in the world. However, in this war against Zhao, Qing Jifang rarely put down his pride and used all his strength.

"All nine surnames are present. Although their Purple Mansion members are few, there are still six... The four sects are incompetent and have long since merged into the palace. Adding to this the cultivators of Changhuai, aside from a few to guard against the Song Kingdom, almost all the True Immortals of Western Shu are here!"

Changhuai's years of dominating Shu were not empty talk. This time, he sent out three Great Masters. In addition to the newly broken through Sun family, the leader of the Nine Clans, and the Wu Rong Master in the palace, he even used one of Changhuai's own Great Masters, Ping Yan!

'I waited these past few years to increase the number of Great Masters from one to three, along with numerous other forces... If we had marched out from Tongmo... it would have been enough to crush the Song Kingdom... yet we still couldn't conquer it...'

The reality was cold and unforgiving. The majestic mountain range before him, stretching endlessly and almost cutting off half of the world, remained an impenetrable barrier even with the support of the previous dynasty's top-tier formation. Such a formidable force could not shake this natural chasm, and as Zhao's reinforcements continued to arrive, the hope of crossing this place was becoming increasingly slim.

Qing Jifang didn't think he was any worse than Yang Ruiyi. But the lucky guy who, in his opinion, was not very talented and was forced into power, pacified Jianghuai, while he, full of ambition, suffered a crushing defeat here. This made him feel gloomy, as if he wanted to devour someone at any moment.

The cultivator beside him was extremely tall, with a long beard and well-groomed eyebrows, and an elegant appearance. He carried a long sword on his back, his expression was calm, but his cultivation level was clearly that of a Great True Person. He slightly turned to the side and said:
"Your Highness need not worry too much."

After all, he was a Grand Master, so when he spoke, Qingji Fang had to be polite and shook his head with a sullen face.

Upon seeing his appearance, the martial arts master sighed silently.

Compared to the Song Dynasty, Western Shu naturally faced geographical disadvantages. What kind of place is Jianghuai? To put it bluntly, apart from the halberd, Jianghuai has no mountains worth mentioning. And what kind of place is Xiaoshan?
'The place where the Wei emperor rose to power... Throughout the Wei dynasty, the territory of each ruler increased and decreased, but no one had ever been able to cross this majestic mountain from the south. Even after the fall of Wei, when the Qi emperor reached Guanzhong... the pass was completely unguarded, and the rebel armies in Shu could only linger there...'

This is why the territory between Song and Zhao kept changing, and Shu could only delay the Zhao people no matter how much they fought. Back then, Wei wanted Shangyao Zhenjun to personally oversee the Jianghuai region, but they didn't pay any attention to anything outside of Xiaoshan. Moreover, the capital of Zhao is right behind the mountain. Qingji is about to cross this place. Does he really think the Zhao court is full of dead people?

'They've spoiled us rotten; we're now utterly arrogant.'

He waited a while, but the person in front of him remained silent, so he had no choice but to speak again:

"It is not advisable to linger here for too long, lest it jeopardize the situation and ultimately lead to nothing."

Qing Jifang's expression was cold as he said indifferently:

“What the Great Master says is true, but if we march from the east, the march will be long, and the target will be Luoyang. Even if we are not afraid of an attack on Shu… or even if we can take it, can we hold it?”

"If we can't hold out, we'll eventually have to retreat. Wouldn't that mean we've destroyed the Luoyang aristocratic families first, allowing the Song Dynasty to reap the benefits?"

Wu Qian remained silent for a moment.

In fact, Qingji's considerations were not wrong. Yinsi's layout was extremely insidious. Wangyue Lake was a tight block to the east. Luoxia had personally witnessed the layout of Wei in this ancient Jingzhou region, which almost cut off the possibility of Western Shu advancing eastward. In addition, with Jinyu inside and Xiaoshan outside, it was like a dome, trapping Western Shu.

"Who told you to fight the White Road for so many years, yet you still haven't opened up a route from the west to the northern Longdi... Every time, you still have to pass through the territory of the Xiangxiong Kingdom."

He had no choice but to reply:
"Entering Luoyang doesn't necessarily mean killing everyone... The Great Zhao is currently weak, so we can relocate the people to Shu and bring in those powerful families from the Central Plains... That would also be considered cultivating martial virtue."

Wu Qian had extremely high standards, and this was almost the best path at present. However, Qing Jifang ignored his words, looked down at the mountains and rivers in front of him, and remained silent. Suddenly, someone came up and stopped in front of the two of them. He was full of lightning and it was Li Muyan.

The man seemed to have recovered much better from his injuries, and whispered:
"Your Highness, Chen Yin has left Yuyang and should have already gone to Wangyue Lake to guard it."

Upon hearing this, Qingji's expression became even more unpleasant, and a hint of ruthlessness flashed in his eyes. He said calmly:

"The reason I didn't enter Luoyang from Xiaoshi is because Xiaoshi is on the Song border. I was afraid it would arouse the vigilance of Wangyue and the Song court, causing them to transfer real people to that area... so that we wouldn't be too passive when attacking the lake..."

"I never expected... that Li Jiangqian... to react so quickly... Fortunately... the Song court hasn't reacted yet."

Wu Rong then realized that this prince was still plotting against Wangyue Lake. Speechless for a moment, he replied:
"Your Highness means..."

Qing Jifang's gaze gradually turned cold. He turned around and said indifferently:
"If we can't take Xiaoshan, so be it. Let's take the old route and have Master Sun go around via the plateau. I'll be there immediately..."

"Li Muyan!"

Upon hearing this, the master beside him immediately responded, and Qingji Fang said quietly:
"Take men to Tongmo and harass the Chen family. Make sure to keep the Song Dynasty's attention focused on the southwest and make a big fuss... It would be best if you could force the Song court to question Chen Yin."

Li Muyan knew this was a task that would offend people, so she gritted her teeth inwardly but nodded solemnly on the surface. Qing Jifang, while drawing out the bead-like spiritual treasure, said calmly:
"You just wait there. It's best to find out how many cultivators are guarding there. If Chen Yin returns, then the Chen family will be considered sensible... When I return with my troops, someone will take your place. First, draw the main force of the Song Kingdom to Tongmo..."

Li Muyan nodded quickly and whispered:
"What if he...is determined not to go back?"

"not going back?"

Qingji laughed, a hint of anger flashing in his cold eyes, and said calmly:
"Then let's turn it around. This time, when we return to the north, we'll draw attention to the north. We'll just destroy the great formation at Wangyue Lake. There's no need to seek any casualties. The two Grand Masters will rush south to help you conquer Yuyang. Yuyang doesn't have as many rules as Wangyue Lake. There's no need to worry about Mingyang being destroyed. We can send as many people as we want, as long as we can withdraw in time."

Qing Jifang was extremely bloodthirsty, and when he was angry, he acted entirely on impulse without any reason. As soon as he said this, Li Muyan and Wu Rong's expressions changed at the same time. One was afraid of the revenge of a mid-stage Purple Mansion cultivator who had no ties, and the other understood that Changhuaishan did not want to get their hands dirty and would definitely send him, which would inevitably offend Tianhe and tarnish their reputation!

Li Muyan dared not contradict him, but Wu Rong spoke in a deep voice:
"Your Highness, is the Chen family...?"

"How could I not know! Not killing Chen Yin and that Chi Xuan, destroying the formation and killing cultivators, is not the same as slaughtering an entire clan. Why are there so many taboos!"

Qing Jifang's figure had already disappeared into the distance, leaving only a chilling voice in mid-air:

"Master Sun and Fellow Daoist Shen Sou must be extremely excited. Doesn't Chen Yin like to guard other people's lakes? Let him guard them to his heart's content."