Xuanjian Xianzu

Chapter 1240 Calculation (1+12) (Bonus Chapter 22113 for Hidden Dragon)

Upon hearing this, Ji An froze on the spot, put down his tea, and a hint of doubt appeared in his eyes. After a moment of contemplation, he whispered:

"I have been cultivating overseas for many years and have no contact with Jin Yiduo. As for Master Tianque, I am not familiar with him either, but I have heard that he possesses profound knowledge of the True Fire Dao..."

"Oh?"

Li Jiangqian frowned and said:

"In that case, does the old master know Jin Yi's purpose in obtaining the fire?"

Ji An shook his head, a hint of doubt in his eyes. He then saw the young man before him shake his head again and sigh:
"Why would a dignified lineage of the Golden Dao be so lacking in the Three-Holding Mysterious Fire that it has to come to the lake to ask for it?"

The old master was taken aback, still somewhat puzzled, and said:

"Are you leaving immediately?"

Seeing that he couldn't understand the meaning of this "true fire," Li Jiangqian said:
"Jin Yu obtained a secret technique from the Dao to exchange for it, but this matter was sudden and the timing was also coincidental. It was only settled a while ago, but at that time the elders were still refining pills, so it was delayed for some time. It was set for five years, and now there are more than two years left."

"But if we calculate the time, it should be around the time when my elders were healing and coming out of seclusion that I would exchange fire with the True Fire. So I have some doubts. The old master is also a highly cultivated Fire Master, so I asked him this question."

He left the subject open, then changed the subject:

"Leaving aside Grand Uncle's injury, now that he has lost his precious flame, even if he recovers, he probably won't be able to refine pills for a True Person... I have a method, how about... ask Senior to take some time to borrow a spiritual flame, so that you won't be waiting in vain."

"This……"

Ji An was speechless for a moment, and said:
"The spirit flames of the world are precious and not easily lent out... I wonder who I should ask to borrow them?"

"Naturally, we should find a lineage that does not value spiritual flames, so that we can lend them out with peace of mind and without fear of loss."

Ji An placed the cup down and said with concentration:
Which lineage or lineage?

Li Jiangqian's expression remained calm as he said:
"Kim Il".

Upon hearing this, Ji An finally understood and was secretly shocked.

'This kid… he's so suspicious. He figured the time Jin Yu wanted his family to hand over the True Fire coincided with the day he was supposed to refine pills for me, so he suspected Jin Yu didn't want his Li family to refine pills for me. That's why he took the True Fire away and sent me there, just to put his mind at ease!'

Ji'an had never really thought of that, but Li Jiangqian's words were so clear that he couldn't understand them for a moment:
'I have never had any dealings with Jin Yi, so there's no reason for him to target me... But... Jin Yi's lineage is so powerful, why would he need to risk this one fire? Why would he try to force his way out of Mingyang's overall situation?'

For a moment, the old master was truly stuck on the spot, his expression shifting uncertainly as he held his cup.
'Could it be a true entanglement between the two paths?'

But he stood there for a while, pondering inwardly:

'That doesn't make sense. I cultivate the Li Fire, how could I possibly hinder his True Fire Dao?'

The old master, caught in a dilemma of right and wrong, frowned and said:

"I only have one question in my heart: Did Jin Yi exchange real fire with the nobles, or did the nobles exchange secret techniques with Jin Yi?"

The old master had a keen eye, doubting whether Jin Yi truly needed the true fire, but the young man before him was even more solemn, raising his hand and saying:
"Absolutely true! This True Fire was specially brought by Jin Yi to obtain! He only said it would be useful to his family. If my family were to exchange it ourselves, why would we hand over the alchemy tools of our elders? Senior, you are overthinking it!"

"Too."

Ji An looked away and said softly:

"I understand."

He lowered his head heavily:
"I will find an opportunity to visit Kim Il-sung!"

Li Jiangqian nodded with a smile and said seriously:
"Then I'll have to trouble you, senior."

Ji An was somewhat gloomy, and his expression was grim instead of smiling in response to Jin Yu's thanks. If Jin Yu lent him the fire, it would naturally eliminate any suspicion, but what if he didn't? Li Shi would probably have to make excuses for what she had promised!
But to his surprise, the young man's smile remained unchanged, and he said:
"Senior, rest assured, this is not to alleviate my family's concerns, but to resolve your worries on your path to enlightenment. If Jin Yi is willing to lend it to you, that would be a win-win situation. If not, since Grand Uncle has agreed, he will surely do his best to refine this pill for you!"

Ji An's expression changed, and he finally showed genuine joy, saying:
"This is true!"

Li Jiangqian smiled wryly:

"My elders know my temperament... They took on such a huge mess as the Xuan Yue Sect back then. Since he agreed, how could we juniors stop him!"

Ji An naturally trusted Li Ximing's reputation, his face instantly brightening as he nodded repeatedly. Li Jiangqian, however, said solemnly:
"As for Jin Yi, you'll have to handle things yourself! If you're going to borrow, you might as well extend it for another three to five years, just in case things change!"

"I see!"

Ji An, after all, was a true cultivator who had practiced for many years. He knew his own limitations and whether he could hinder others' ability to obtain gold perfectly well. However, the prestige of the Gold Dao lineage was too great, and he was only slightly apprehensive. He simply said:
"Don't worry, I'll make the preparations and then go ask around!"

Then he paused, and smiled:

"I understand that nobles often face difficult circumstances... which is why I waited so long for the Western Shu army to return before coming to the lake. But I must ask that you two understand the predicament of this old man..."

After speaking, the old master immediately rode the fire and disappeared into the void. Although he had also failed to form a pill, he did not leave in disappointment, nor did he pay attention to Li Ximing.

Li Jiangqian sat upright at the table, took a sip of tea, put down the cup, and stared at the half-full cup of clear tea with his golden pupils.

'In this way, by transferring this difficulty to him, my family won't have to worry about the flames for alchemy for a while…'

He knew, of course, that the [Three-Holding Mysterious Fire] had almost nothing to do with Ji'an; it was merely a bluff. His gaze held a strange expression as he pondered the old master's parting words, and he sighed inwardly.
"Having been a rogue cultivator for many years, this old fellow is still quite shrewd. He originally thought that if Jin Yu was unwilling to lend him the items, he could pretend that my family was willing to help without hesitation, thus taking the opportunity to gain a favor. However, seeing that Jin Yu had resources, he was unwilling to trust him easily. Now that he has agreed, firstly, the timing is indeed opportune, and it's safer to test Jin Yu's intentions; secondly, he has already handed over the spiritual items and artifacts to my family. As long as my family doesn't go back on their word or make excuses, he'll be happy to endure even a few extra troubles."

'These old folks are hard to fool; they're skeptical. Just use this excuse to save face for both sides.'

He calmly dealt with the man, then sat upright in his seat and paced back and forth a few steps:

Now that most things are settled, we can raise our previous concerns.

The man in crimson robes stood in the mountains, looking at the records of various races and their deeds that had been brought up early and piled up like a small mountain. He picked one up, rubbed it in his hand for a while, his eyes flickering, and quietly said:
"Let Suining come to see me first."

The voice, imbued with supernatural power, soared through the void and landed in the main hall within the formation. Moments later, hurried footsteps could be heard, and Li Jiangzong had already arrived before the hall, bowing respectfully.

"I've seen a real person!"

Although the two were cousins, once their supernatural powers were fully developed, they were extremely valuable. Unless it was a major matter, they still had to be addressed as "Sir." Li Jiangqian raised an eyebrow and smiled:

"What about people?"

Li Jiangzong hurriedly said:
"Senior Liu inspected the great formation and only came to the lake today to chat with the old master. Suining accompanied him on the island. We have already sent someone to inquire..."

"Oh!"

After all, Li Suining had become the disciple of the True Man, so Li Jiangzong couldn't just call him away from his master in the Purple Mansion. Li Jiangqian waved his hand, a slight smile appearing on his face:

"I happen to be going there."

……

"Li Xixuan..."

The sky above the lake island was bright, and the golden sunlight shone on the steps. The immortal, dressed in a fur coat, stood in the hall, nodding thoughtfully.

"So... he's Yuan Wan's junior!"

"Exactly!"

The old man sitting opposite him had a kind face, nodded gently, and said:
"Yuanwan's branch has a large population, but few cultivators. Over the years... Suining and his brother have been the most outstanding..."

The young man standing to the side nodded in agreement, while Liu Changdie stroked his beard and said:

“Xi Xuan…I remember he was the eleventh in line…Judging from Sui Ning’s appearance, he must be a capable person.”

His words were like rubbing salt in the wound, leaving Li Xuanxuan speechless for a moment. He shook his head and said:
"He was a shrewd kid who did quite well in his early years, but unfortunately... he made some mistakes and was punished for a while, which led to his subordinates splitting up completely and no longer having any contact with each other."

Li Xuanxuan was actually a little puzzled—this True Man didn't care about anything else, but he loved to inquire about the lives of the early members of the Li family. Li Yuanwan was just an ordinary mortal, and in theory, he shouldn't have been noticed by this cultivator who only came to the lake once every few decades, but he seemed to be very familiar with him.

It would have been fine if Li Yuan had finished speaking, perhaps Li Yuanjiao had mentioned it once, but in the end it brought up Li Xixuan. He was indeed an ancestor of Li Suining, but he had absolutely no connection with Liu Changdie!

Liu Changdie's expression was somewhat complicated. After learning a few things, he already had the answer in his heart and sighed inwardly.
'In his previous life, Xi Xuan went out to govern several towns in the Yue region, assisting the Yue king and placing his own trusted confidants in power. Although he was hampered by his incompetent son, he managed the clan affairs quite well and worked diligently. He eventually died of illness in office, much to Yuan Jiao's regret... He never expected that... in this life, the Li clan would develop so rapidly, allowing him to extricate himself and retire peacefully on the lake, only to end up like this...'

Having witnessed the events of his past life, even though the other party felt it was shameful and didn't mention Lee Seung-jae much, he still guessed a lot. His heart was filled with complex emotions, and he sighed:
"Sometimes when your children are truly hopeless, no amount of help will help them, and it might even ruin your own reputation in your old age!"

His words made Li Suining's eyes flicker with understanding. He was a perceptive man, and he sighed inwardly:

'Master's previous life as Tian Su must have been on the lake...'

He glanced at Liu Changdie's expression, but given his noble status and supernatural abilities, he couldn't look at him for long, so he quickly lowered his head and listened to Li Xuanxuan sigh:
"Compared to this, my spoiled brat seems much less troublesome!"

Liu Changdie didn't quite understand, but nodded in agreement. Suddenly, a beam of light swept in, revealing the figure of a young man in the hall. He entered the hall with a smile and said:

"You two elders seem quite relaxed!"

Upon hearing the voice, Li Suining immediately bowed. Sure enough, he saw Li Jiangqian take his seat, and shook his head with a smile. Liu Changdie then laughed and said:
"The old man was worried about the battle in the desert, but there was no detailed news. After I returned from inspecting the desert, I asked Fellow Daoist Juexi to keep watch, and I came here specifically to relieve his worries."

"It was my fault."

Although Yin Juexi was wholeheartedly devoted, he was clearly not as trustworthy as Liu Changdie at the moment. This master returned empty-handed from his search for someone at sea and was then sent by Li Jiangqian to guard the western front, which gave Liu Changdie a lot of free time.

Li Jiangqian apologized and said with a smile:

"I've been busy these past few days, organizing the files, and only now have I had a moment to spare to come and say hello to the old master."

He looked at Li Suining and said affectionately:

"Suining's cultivation level is quite high. Do you have any plans for the future?"

Li Suining quickly bowed and replied:

"I will follow the arrangements of the clan."

Li Jiangqian sighed and said:
"These 'Heavenly Master' artifacts are hard to find!"

Li Suining sighed inwardly.

The "Heavenly Master" artifacts are not just hard to find, they're practically impossible to find. The only "Heavenly Master" treasure in Jiangnan is being treasured and revered by Western Shu...

'Fortunately, since I've decided to enter the grotto-heaven, following the path of my previous life, I can save myself this spiritual treasure…'

If Li Zhouwei had brought it up, Li Suining would certainly have said there was no need to search any further. However, with Liu Changdie and other outsiders present, and considering various factors, he ultimately remained silent. He then saw Li Jiangqian smile and say:
"However... this matter doesn't need to be too troublesome. Sometimes things will fall into place naturally, and everything will pass. It's just that I heard from Senior Changdie that your skill in array formations is already extremely impressive..."

Liu Changdie nodded and praised:

“This is no ordinary thing… When I was building my foundation, I was probably not as good as him.”

Li Jiangqian secretly understood and smiled:

"I've heard that when he was practicing embryonic breathing, he even tried to set up an array without any array flags..."

Li Suining's heart skipped a beat. Liu Changdie raised an eyebrow, his expression grave, as if deep in thought. The hall fell silent for a moment. The Yuanbian Zhenren spoke cautiously, then smiled and said:

"This is the first time I've heard of it either."

"Cough cough..."

Li Xuanxuan coughed twice, seemingly somewhat tired, and said:

"Now that Jiang Qian has arrived, I still have some questions to ask. I've bothered Master Liu for quite a while today; Suining also needs to cultivate..."

Liu Changdie assumed he was tired and immediately rose to take his leave. Li Suining also withdrew. Li Jiangqian didn't say much, but simply withdrew his gaze from the younger man, a faint silver glint appearing in his eyes, and smiled:

"My lord...do you have any instructions?"

Li Xuanxuan sighed and said naturally:
"I heard you talked about something involving the Chen family?"

Li Jiangqian paused slightly, then nodded and said:
"true."

This time, Chen Yin didn't even go to his own Yuyang County immediately, but rushed to the lake to provide rescue. His intentions were clear, and Li Jiangqian was truly grateful for his help. Otherwise, he wouldn't have put aside his pride and sent Liu Changdie to assist him.

Furthermore, with the Xiao family's shadow looming behind the Chen family, he felt even more sincere, and his previously uncertain thoughts began to lean in. He said:

"How is this person?"

The old man nodded and said:
“You agreed at the time, and a few days later, the Chen family sent someone to cultivate on the lake. His name is Chen Yuanzhuo. He is steady and I have met him. He is likable.”

"Is that so?"

Li Jiangqian was slightly surprised—the Li family didn't have many marriage alliances, and in fact, this old man was mostly dissatisfied with the marriages of the direct descendants over the years. It was extremely rare to get this evaluation from Li Xuanxuan!
Li Xuanxuan nodded with a smile, and sent someone to invite the young master, saying in a low voice:

"Besides, you've never met Yu Sui, so you don't know her personality. She's completely different from her brother!"

"How is it different?"

Li Jiangqian asked with a smile, and Li Xuanxuan shook his head and said:

"She is gentle and compliant, but fortunately she is a girl. She should be paired with someone with a strong personality so that she will not be bullied invisibly after marrying into a family outside the marriage."

These words were subtle, but Li Jiangqian understood that good or bad could sometimes be separated by just a word. In a woman, it meant gentleness and yielding, but in a man, it meant weakness and utter disappointment.

Within the short time it takes for an incense stick to burn, a man and a woman had entered the main hall. The man was dressed in blue, his cheeks were slightly thin, and he could not be described as particularly handsome, but his gaze was firm and he looked resolute and brave. He bowed before the main hall and said:

"Greetings, sir!"

Li Jiangqian glanced at him only once before smiling and skipping over his face, landing on the woman behind him.

When Li Yusui came to the lake, Li Jiangqian was still in seclusion seeking the Dao. He had no free time for years after year. This was the first time he had seen her. The woman was dressed in a white dress, with slender wrists. She knelt on the ground, looking as if she had no bones, and kept her head down very cautiously. Judging from her cultivation and demeanor, her talent was not particularly outstanding compared to her brother.

The old man's sharp gaze made Li Jiangqian nod inwardly, a peculiar glint appearing in his eyes:
'Could it be a sign from the bright side of life? One moment there's a brilliant and capable older brother, the next a weak and frail sister. Perhaps it's a correspondence in their destinies, a dominance of Yang over Yin!'

He seemed to be deep in thought, then smiled and greeted her. Seeing the woman in white raise her golden eyes, he nodded. He then went to ask Chen Yuanzhuo, but after only a few questions, he found the man to be composed and unperturbed, and couldn't help but nod in agreement.
'The Chen family has sent their future pillar of support here!'

"That's true. Chen Yin, as a true man, risked everything to secure this opportunity, so naturally he wouldn't waste it on a junior. He'd love to send over the most outstanding member of the entire clan. As long as this marriage can be arranged, at least the Chen family will be safe during the crucial decades of generational transition!"

He glanced at it, already understanding the situation, and smiled:
"As the saying goes, an elder brother is like a father; can one truly forgive and punish wrongdoing?"

Li Xuanxuan sighed:
"I've already met him. He approves of Yuan Zhuo, but he doesn't like that she married so far away."

These words, spoken at this point, essentially settled the matter. Li Jiangqian smiled and shook his head, saying:
“I should have met with my father, but he is currently in seclusion and at a critical juncture in his cultivation, so we cannot meet... Therefore, I have taken the liberty of agreeing on your behalf.”

Chen Yuanzhuo's eyes immediately lit up with joy. Li Yusui's personality and temperament were both excellent. Most importantly, as a direct descendant of the Purple Mansion, she was not domineering at all and was very obedient. The Chen family had now climbed a high branch with the Li family. What they feared most was that the woman was domineering. Now, even the most taboo point had become a source of support. How could he not like her?
Li Jiangqian paused here, his smile fading, and quietly said:
"No matter what, she is my niece, Li Jiangqian's niece, and the granddaughter of the Prince of Wei. I don't care whether Li Jianglong takes care of her or not. If she suffers any injustice in your Chen family, my Li family will hold you accountable."

Li Jiangqian's words were not unfounded. Li Sui treated Li Yusui very well. Just for the sake of this future head of the Li family and the Mingyang bloodline, Li Jiangqian really couldn't afford to lose face.

Chen Yuanzhuo simply bowed deeply and said:

"I, Chen Yuanzhuo, swear I will never betray the trust of my elders! If she suffers any injustice, I, Yuanzhuo, will be swallowed by the Fu River, my body hacked to pieces, and I will die without a burial place!"

His words were loud enough to make Li Yusui, who had been keeping her head down, lift it slightly. Her golden pupils were fixed on his profile. Li Xuanxuan took everything in, chuckled softly, and said:

"Nothing is certain, but since we have a relationship, let's not make things awkward for either of us."

Chen Yuanzhuo's expression was resolute as he said in a deep voice:
“If a man cannot protect his wife and children, how can he protect his clan? Ancestor, there is no need to say more. I will protect her well.”

These words made Li Jiangqian glance at him again, then lowered his head and sipped his tea.

Having made up his mind, the next step was the mundane wedding arrangements. Li Xuanxuan dismissed the two children, a complex look in his eyes, and said:
“He’s a good kid… He should be the one saying those words.”

The old man had experienced too much; he had seen far more than just the people in front of him in this scene.

'It just so happens that my Yuexiang ran into that coward Yuan family… If Yuan Fuyao had even five or six parts of his wit, he wouldn't have ended up in such a sorry state back then!'

He was already old and aging, clinging to life with a few miraculous powers. Whenever he thought of the past, he felt drowsy and would hang his head without speaking. Li Jiangqian, however, had already gotten up, said goodbye, and left.

He rode away in his flying mount, quickly returning to the mountains. Li Jiangzong was still waiting there. Seeing him return in such a hurry, he bowed, and seeing Li Jiangqian nod and sit down, he said softly:

"But we still need my cousin to go and invite Suining..."

"No need."

Li Jiangqian smiled and said:
"He must have gone into seclusion. You won't be able to find him anyway, so there's no need to disturb him."

Li Jiangzong only half understood what he was hearing, and nodded hesitantly. His cousin, who was a True Person of the Purple Mansion, walked around the mountain with a smile, waved his hand, and signaled him to leave.

After Li Jiangzong left in a hurry, the young man in crimson robes sat upright in the main seat, his eyes shining even brighter:

'A silver light flashed under the cover of darkness—this is the first time such a thing has happened… Can't Father see it… Can't Great-Uncle see it? No, that's precisely why they're protecting him, and the old man is covering for him too… This is interesting…'

He stood with his hands behind his back:

'The cultivators of my family's talismanic cultivation have always shared their knowledge without reservation. Now that we've reached the stage of "Sun and Moon Shining Together in Heaven and Earth," we work together wholeheartedly, and there's absolutely nothing worth hiding...'

The only things that can be avoided are the sun and the moon themselves.

This young man was extremely perceptive. He was fine if he hadn't paid attention to this person on ordinary days, but once he had a suspicion and seized upon a hint of doubt, he immediately probed silently, and almost everything in his mind became clear:
'My father went to the Western Sea before my breakthrough... That's understandable, but even though he was supposed to use magic to cover it up for me, he was still seeing Li Jiangxia three days before I left seclusion... How accurate... 'Si Tian'...'

'The magic that covered me up might not have come from the Western Sea as I suspected… Now, the [Yin Exorcism Technique] that enables the utilization of all the Yin spiritual objects—Father hasn't mentioned its origin at all… Could it be related to that?'

There was no anger in his eyes, only a hint of relief.

'it is good. '

'Very good.'

'The adults don't interfere; only a father can fight his way to success. In their eyes, we're less than ants; when will we ever amount to anything?'