Xuanjian Xianzu

Chapter 1245 A Punishment for Insults (1+12) (Bonus Chapter 22113 for "Hidden Dragon in Action")

'Is Kan Shui... really that important to Jin Yi? Controlling Jin De isn't enough; he also needs to keep an eye on Shui De? Is it really worth paying such a high price to get Xiao Chuting to back down!'

Li Quewan easily averted her gaze from the magical object, a cloud of doubt rising in her heart, her eyes clearing:

'Since Senior Xiao Chuting couldn't succeed... can Su Yan succeed instead? Water Virtue is a forbidden domain of dragons; even Luo Xia probably can't guarantee she'll successfully cultivate a Water Virtue True Lord!'

She kept these doubts to herself, saying little, but instead spoke with neither humility nor arrogance:

"I will certainly convey the message of the Lord's will."

But as she lowered her gaze, the colors in the lake water faintly reflected in her eyes. Li Quewan suddenly felt a chill rush to her heart, flowing through her heart and into her mind. Countless illusions suddenly appeared before her eyes, and her eyes ached!

'This is…'

The bright sunlight over the great lake suddenly faded, and the white flowers standing beside it blurred rapidly. The world stood still, and her gaze seemed to magnify infinitely, passing through the lake, over the turbulent waters of Mingyang Lake, through the submerged, magnificent Xuanmen and Taoist temples, and finally sinking into the bottom of the ice crystal lake created by the 'Jueyin' spiritual object. Following the blue mist that seemed to extend from infinity, she finally saw a glimpse of gold.

It was a tiny, golden glass shard, about the size of a quail egg.

This golden light seemed to burn through her pupils, and the talisman seed in Li Quewan's dantian vibrated wildly, every inch of her intuition responding, telling her just how precious the thing before her was:
Fragments of the Immortal Mirror!

'At Golden Feather!'

The shock she felt was like a landslide and a tsunami; all her previous worries and doubts were forcibly suppressed and replaced by this profound horror.

'Jin Yu has a share... inside the mountain gate...'

It felt like an eternity had passed in her mind, yet it also felt like only a fleeting moment. A slight daze turned into the shock of seeing the supreme treasure of the Bright Sun. In just a moment, Li Quewan had already composed herself and silently pursed her lips.

Tian Huo gave her a deep look and said:
"I believe that the King of Wei will make a choice that suits his wishes."

As his words fell, the mist on both sides rapidly enveloped them again, gradually changing from white to cyan. That place seemed to be receding at breakneck speed; Tian Huo's figure had vanished, and Zhang Duanyan's golden-clad figure appeared behind him, politely saying:

"please!"

Li Quewan appeared hesitant, but the shock and complexity in his heart were like an invisible storm brewing, stuck in his chest. As he followed her down the steps, he secretly pointed:
'【Investigate the Ghost】!'

That supreme, all-seeing gaze swept across, crashing into the thick blue mist, gradually thinning the object. But as the mist receded, what was revealed in her vision was a tightly closed cavern filled with purple energy, where true fire flickered and a cultivator sat cross-legged, consolidating his supernatural powers.

'Tianque'.

'Great Master!'

If Li Quewan had received this secret information under normal circumstances, she would have been secretly alarmed. However, her attention was no longer on Tian Que, but on urgently searching for the location of that large lake.

'No Tianhuo...no Mingyang spiritual root...'

That mysterious place vanished as if it were an illusion.

But since Li Quewan saw the fragments of the immortal artifact, how could all of this be an illusion!

'The thick white fog that surged up was definitely not ordinary... and there were no increasingly higher blue steps on the way back; that area we just visited wasn't even within the Golden Feather Sect!'

'A secret realm? A hidden paradise?'

Or is it... a magical artifact?
[Respectfully appointed to the Upper Green Palace]?
She was shaken, and her face showed hesitation. She walked the entire way, lost in thought. Zhang Duanyan assumed she was hesitating about the Xiao family's affairs and didn't disturb her. Instead, he silently led the way. Before long, they reached the mountainside. Suddenly, Zhang Duanyan smiled and said:
"Old-timer!"

But then they saw a raging fire vein in the mountains, and an old man in red was sitting on it, holding a long, thin copper spoon in his hand, staring into the fire vein. It was Ji An!

Li Quewan had the answer in an instant.

'His elder brother told him to find Jin Yu, and he did.'

She suppressed her shock for the moment and smiled:
"I've met senior!"

"What a coincidence."

Ji An's eyes lit up, and he nodded with a smile. However, upon seeing Li Quewan's worried expression, a knowing glint flashed in his eyes:
"The matter of the 'Complete Elixir' is of utmost importance; even the Li family must kneel and pay homage… This would be tantamount to severing one's own path to enlightenment…"

Li Quewan's mind was no longer on this matter, but he still answered politely. Ji An then smiled and said:
"Wait a while, and once I have retrieved the spirit fire, I will head to the lake."

It's always been Jin Yu who takes advantage of others, rarely others who take advantage of Jin Yu. Without a doubt, this must be intentional, showing Jin Yu that he knows everything clearly and is deliberately cooperating with the Li family—regardless of whether the lake accepts the favor or not, they are determined not to let others take advantage of them for nothing.

Li Quewan forced a smile, cupped his hands in farewell, and only after reaching the foot of the mountain did he bow and say:

"Thank you for your guidance, Master."

Zhang Duanyan chuckled softly, returned the greeting, and said:
"There's no point in giving advice or not; it's all about friendship."

Her figure drifted away like golden sand, leaving Li Quewan standing quietly in the void. She glanced back one last time at the sun talisman that had hung in the sky for hundreds of years, illuminating the entire Golden Feather Mountain Gate, and with a complex heart, she rode the wind away, disappearing into the darkness of the void.

The entire void then plunged into endless, deep darkness. From a perspective where no one could see, a white phantom slowly emerged, gazing at the majestic, undulating mountains beneath its feet.

'【Zunzhi Shangqing Palace】'

The gold in his pupils slowly faded, and the shock seemed even more intense than that of the woman from before.

It was not the fragments that disturbed him. Li Quewan set off for Jinyu, and he kept a close eye on it from beginning to end. Out of his wariness of the Jinyi lineage, he was on high alert. He even wiped out all the abnormalities caused by the talisman seed's vibration in an instant. From Li Quewan in Jinyu to Li Jiangqian, who had no protection in the desert, there were no abnormalities.

What was reflected in his pupils was this magnificent fairy mountain.

This is the first time in the more than two hundred years of Li's development that he has set foot in this place, in this mysterious Jin Yi Xian Mountain.

This place was completely different from the many mountain gates he had seen—it was even somewhat ordinary. The prestigious Golden Dao Sect, apart from a purple qi cave worth mentioning, seemed to have nothing outstanding about it. Every cultivation technique was tightly locked, and there was actually no secret realm. Although it was connected to a grotto-heaven, it was very tightly isolated from the Great Void.

The only thing that attracted him was the sun talisman in the sky.

As he slowly raised his head, the perspective of the world instantly zoomed in, and the dazzling golden light gradually faded, revealing the true form of the talisman.

The talisman paper was rough and pale yellow, looking like ordinary household yellow paper. However, the ink was quite peculiar, with a mysterious golden glow. It was made with the essence of the sun and was not complicated or any supreme mystical pattern, but rather six seal characters.

Like the small seal script of the phrase "The Wonderful Method of the Golden Elixir of Unity".

[The sun and moon's influence has led to punishment].

The light that floated down seemed as gentle as the morning sun, yet it revealed an unparalleled status.

'Written by Dao Tai himself!'

'What a powerful amulet!'

This is not a talisman in essence, but six characters left by the Dao Embryo. It is these six characters that separate this mountain gate from the outside world, and completely block the cave behind it from the entire void!
'But the sun... is clearly not a doctrine of concealment!'

Lu Jiangxian could clearly sense the wondrous nature of this place. Although it existed between Yin and Yang, it possessed a sense of change, even exhibiting a hint of "transcendence," which was rare and highly distinctive.

"Most likely... it was that great cultivator who 'Crossed the Yin and Yang,' the one who sent out the [Yang-Seeing Ring], the great figure who prophesied that Emperor Mingyang would be executed... [Yanhua]... So it was this [Yanhua]! The Qingxuan Dao lineage of Taiyuan originated from here!"

'No wonder that magical artifact was called "Venerable Ascendant of the Azure Palace"! No wonder it caused the Great Wei Dynasty to collapse so dramatically!'

People say this talisman used the essence of six suns, but it's really just the ink of the six characters! Yang manifests while Yin remains hidden; even those at the lower cultivation level, or even those at the Golden Core stage, can only sense the essence of six suns!

Who else would I post this for?
'Naturally, they are the Dao embryos of the North and South!'

Lu Jiangxian could sense that the power within was not particularly strong. Or rather, the Dao Embryo's writing back then was not intended as a backup plan; the focus was on the status rather than the power. It was merely a signal, but that was enough.

'Therefore, He is still called Taiyuan.'

This was the first time Lu Jiangxian had seen seal script from outside the Immortal Stele. He stared at it for a long time with a complex expression, and the golden ring in his hand shimmered, revealing several large characters:

'Lu Jiangxian, Qingsong Temple.'

The same six characters, but the handwriting is clearly different.

He confirmed this, and then looked away with a sense of loss.

In that instant, the wondrous sight of simultaneously observing the sun and moon made Lu Jiangxian wonder if this person might be her reincarnation. However, this Dao Embryo cultivator, "Zhidu," was most likely heading to the outer heavens. Having reached that level of cultivation, it was impossible for him to forget his past life. Since he said, "It's a pity that the ancestral master's treasures will be lost to the common people," and the handwriting was quite different, it was most likely not this person.

He then turned his head and looked at the dense, bottomless void.

Li Quewan guessed correctly. In that instant, she did indeed enter the magic treasure, and this magic treasure was indeed the [Zunzhi Shangqing Palace]!
'The fragment is inside the magical artifact.'

When the fragment appeared just now, the magic weapon had almost relaxed. Lu Jiangxian could even have tried to forcefully suppress and control the magic weapon and take it out!

'Of course, first I must challenge Taiyuan one-on-one, then shake the world…'

But after just one glance, Lu Jiangxian had a strong premonition that this fragment was fundamentally different from what he had obtained before. It contained not only the power of the Yin but also the power of the Sun!

'These two powers even achieved a very precise balance.'

This was what shocked him the most. If the various fragments he had encountered before were like mirrors smashed on the ground, with fragments of different sizes and even jade pendants hanging on the edge of the mirror, then this piece was like a small, perfectly round mirror that had been precisely dug out without a single crack!

What does this mean?
'Either... someone has the ability to adjust the yin and yang of these fragments, or the Immortal Mirror's original body was not broken by external force, at least not entirely due to external force or some accident!'

The former is highly unlikely. According to Lu Jiangxian's speculation, only a Dao embryo of the Yin-Yang Dao could possibly have such an ability—but it is only a possibility.

More likely, the Immortal Mirror was tampered with before it shattered, with a piece of its original body removed from the center! This may even be the reason for its subsequent shattering.

How was the Taiyuan era obtained?!

Lu Jiangxian was no longer the same Lu Jiangxian who first encountered the fragments. As his emotions calmed down instantly, he quickly came to his answer:
'If all the speculations are true, this is probably the final step in perfecting the Immortal Mirror!'

It's easy to deduce that if perfecting a celestial artifact is a jigsaw puzzle, then it's about piecing together the silent Taiyin before piecing together the Sun. And this piece is probably the round hole left in the center of the mirror after all the other fragments have been pieced together!
'However… Taiyuan didn't just use a magical artifact to lock this object away; he also used it to assist Qiushui in her breakthrough!'

Even with just a fleeting glance, he still noticed the top-tier configuration within that magical artifact. With the aid of this fragment, and using top-grade Yin and Yang to simulate lead and mercury, Qiu Shui's breakthrough potential would once again be pushed to its peak.

'Truly making the best use of resources…'

The value of this news was already invaluable, at least letting him know where his final step should be. He couldn't help but admire the True Lord's plan. He glanced one last time at the talisman in the air, and the darkness around him quickly receded, revealing the world piled with white snow. His gaze lowered and fell on the table.

A jade slip was placed in the center.

【The Secret Method of Seeking Transformation for Hidden Dragons】.

'Xiao Chuting.'

This was something he had thought about for a long time and felt he should take seriously.

Did Xiao Chuting send this secret technique from afar to plant a seed in the Chen family? Was it to secretly collude with the Li family? Or was it to demonstrate his unwavering resolve to stand against Jin Yi?

No, in Lu Jiangxian's view, these were all just superficial disguises.

"He brought it to me to show me; it's an unspoken understanding between us that has continued from back then until now."

Lu Jiangxian's gaze remained calm:
'He was telling me how he was going to ask for gold.'

【The Hidden Dragon Seeks Transformation Secret Method】? No, this is actually the outline of a method for seeking gold!
That is precisely why this so-called secret method can help with breakthroughs!

Lu Jiangxian's expression was somber.

This actually reveals two things. First, Xiao Chuting has powerful backers; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to obtain the Seeking Gold Technique. Even if he had, he wouldn't have had the time or ability to refine the outline of a Seeking Gold Technique into a Seeking Dao Technique for Chen Yin to use!

'The [Hidden Dragon Seeking Transformation Secret Technique] subtly surrounds the [Vast Sea]... while the others are less obvious. Xiao Chuting wants the [Prefectural Water], which is why he sought out me, who is vaguely a [Remnant of the Immortal Palace]?'

'And who is that person behind him...?'

In Lu Jiangxian's view, no matter who was behind him, Tian Huo's words were absolutely correct. Under such circumstances, there was no place in the world for him to break through. Chi Buzhi could take risks to achieve enlightenment, but he didn't even have the right to take risks!
'This is utterly unsolvable. Xiao Chuting's "Kan Water" is in its proper position! Just like Si Boxiu's "Zheng Wood" back then, it's in its proper position, even a powerful one that's been submerged in a vast ocean, overflowing and thriving. How can it possibly be a leap year? The strange saying from back then, "Since it's already in its proper position, what's the point of seeking a leap year?" still echoes in his ears. He can't possibly not take this as a warning!'

'His succession was several times more difficult than Sibo Xiu's! So difficult it was almost impossible! Even the dragons wouldn't bother to stop him…'

'As for seeking a higher position… how can he seek it? His lifespan is barely enough to cultivate even five supernatural powers. Even if he possesses some supreme method, how can he cultivate six supernatural powers to seek it? His cultivation itself is flawed. Without cultivating his own nature, how can he gain the recognition of a proper position?'

'The only possibility is to find the remainder... Sigh...'

According to the ancient texts obtained by Lu Jiangxian, the person in the Zhengwei position is naturally inclined to seek surplus, so even without results, they can still seek surplus, but the difficulty will be much higher. However, Kan water is different; over the years, there have only been deaths and no surplus, which is obviously still a problem.

If we really want to be fair, Xiao Chuting and the Li family have been connected for a long time. If he can help them, he will be a great asset in the future Mingyang affairs. Lu Jiangxian would love to have as many pawns as possible. She even used Qi Lanyan with a heavy heart. How could she not pay attention to Xiao Chuting?
'If this person hadn't been born at the wrong time and burdened by worldly affairs, he would definitely be considered a potential Golden Core cultivator. Both his temperament and his cultivation are top-notch in the world, extremely rare.'

However, he cultivates the Kan Water element rather than the Tai Yin element. Currently, it seems that no matter which path he chooses, Lu Jiangxian is truly powerless to help him. Yet, he hasn't given up on him; instead, he has many thoughts swirling in his mind:

"Since he has someone backing him up, he must know that the resources on the lake are limited, and if he wants something, he can definitely get it. Since he sent me the outline, his meaning is clear: he definitely has a next move!"

'This is very likely just the first step for him and those behind him! Wait a while, and he'll probably come to the lake; even if he doesn't, he'll reveal some information.'

……

Amidst the rolling sands of the vast desert, a mysterious energy lurked, and a pale golden array stood in the void, invisibly influencing the cultivators who passed by.

The [Xiang Huo Seeking Evil Spirits Formation] was established, but the number of people sent by the Li family was not large, and the overall space was quite empty. Firstly, the Li family originated from the Great Lake, and most of the lower-level cultivators practiced water virtue, so there were not many cultivators suitable for this formation. Secondly, Li Jiangzong was cautious in his actions and did not hastily arrange manpower, so the space seemed empty and free.

The colors of Jintai converged, and a strong spiritual energy poured down. A young man in a crimson robe stood with his hands behind his back, gazing silently at the vast desert.

After an unknown amount of time, a person came to the steps. He had a strong and distinct appearance and a somewhat stern air. He was Nan Tanchen, the alchemist of the clan. He was now in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage and was the highest-level alchemist in the clan. He was in charge of the alchemists and had come to the desert to refine pills.

This person came from a noble family, one of the few remaining impoverished individuals. Always keeping a low profile, he rarely had the opportunity to see his own family's Purple Mansion. He bowed before this True Person and respectfully said:

"Reporting to the Master, someone has arrived from the lake!"

Then he saw a woman following behind him, dressed as a woman, with extremely profound cultivation. She cultivated the rare "Yinghuo" technique and was already in the late Foundation Establishment stage, yet she was very young. As soon as Li Jiangqian saw her, he immediately raised an eyebrow, dismissed the others, and smiled:

"Greetings, Aunt!"

Xia Shouyu manages the spiritual energy in her home, so there are very few things that would make her personally come here. The young man guessed it almost immediately, and sure enough, upon seeing the woman, he whispered:
“Master, the people from the South have returned.”

She rolled up her sleeve, took out a box that looked like black jade, and handed it to the master, saying solemnly:

"The spiritual energy has been formed!"

A smile appeared on Li Jiangqian's face as he took the item. A quick scan with his spiritual sense revealed a swirling aura of yang energy, interwoven with gold and white, exuding a majestic aura—it was the [Riding Emperor's Aura] he had collected from Yishan City!
'It will take some time for the shipment to arrive from the south, but it's actually faster than I expected!'

He nodded in satisfaction, tucked the item into his sleeve, and said:

"Excuse me!"

"Don't dare."

Now that the desert formation has been established, it is very suitable for Xia Shouyu to come here to cultivate the Fire of the Sands. The Li family has the idea of ​​letting her govern a region. She has been very busy these days. She immediately bowed and withdrew, leaving only Li Jiangqian standing on the high platform.

He paced back and forth for a couple of steps, finally seeing a streak of light rushing towards him, settling firmly on the grand array platform in a shimmering silver light, and revealing the figure of a woman. He breathed a sigh of relief and stepped forward, saying:

"how?"

Li Quewan was both happy and worried, appearing preoccupied, and said:

"We've obtained the cultivation technique... but... there's a lot of news, and this isn't the place to talk—where is Senior Liu?"

Hearing her mention Liu Changdie, Li Jiangqian vaguely sensed something and said:

"Spend time with the elderly on the lake."

The two then sped off, crossing lakes along the way, and soon arrived at Zhijing Mountain. They then sent someone to invite Liu Changdie, while Li Quewan hesitated several times before taking out a jade slip and a jade bottle and silently placing them on the table.

As soon as Li Jiangqian's spiritual consciousness landed, the name of this technique flooded his mind.

The Dao Qian Qi Yi Jing!
'A rare "Qi Jin" martial arts technique!'

Having only read the outline, he already knew exactly what was going to happen next, and he didn't even need to look at the jade bottle on the jade table—it must be the spiritual energy of the 'Qi Jin' technique.

A shadow crossed the young man's eyes, but there was also a sense of reason in his heart. He said:

"Is this Kim Il's order?"

Liu Changdie was difficult to talk about with others, but he treated Li Quewan exceptionally well, offering her meticulous guidance and preparing congratulatory gifts. The woman returned with this news, feeling a pang of heartache. Her expression was downcast as she replied:

"In their mouths, it's said to be their affection, but their family has always been adept at social maneuvering, so only they know for sure!"

Although there was a hint of gloom in the young man's eyes, he resolutely shook his head:

"If it were just their fear, they wouldn't need to resort to this method. They could have easily outmaneuvered Senior Liu by pulling out a single hair. Why go through all this trouble for nothing? Since we've laid it all out, at least there's seven parts truth in it."

When the elder arrived in the mountains, the brother and sister had already brewed tea. Liu Changdie seemed to be in a good mood, the silver mark between his brows shimmering slightly, his eyes full of smiles, and he said:
"Que Wan is back!"

Li Quewan suppressed his emotions and politely said:

"That's right... I just returned from Golden Feather and received some news that I need to discuss with you, senior..."

"Golden Feather?"

Upon hearing those two words, Liu Changdie realized what was happening. His heart was filled with deep wariness and hatred towards these great lineages. The smile on his face gradually faded, replaced by a cold glint in his eyes. He said:

"Are you going to kill me... or make me commit suicide?"