Xuanjian Xianzu

Chapter 1255 Supreme Secret (Bonus Chapter for 5-Star Glory)
When Li Jiangqian's golden eyes shone down, Li Suining immediately lowered his head—both possessed the golden eyes of a unicorn, but while the King of Wei kept them hidden, this Changli Zhenren often made people feel as if they had thorns in their backs, sending chills down their spines.

Li Jiangqian had quite a bit of contact with him in his previous life. To put it bluntly, this prince was absolutely ruthless. Communicating with him often required careful consideration, and every time he asked a question, Li Suining would be rendered speechless and silent.

'He's amazing; he can turn anything around, and even if things go wrong, he can always escape unscathed…but that's precisely why he's so amazing.'

In the end, Li Suining even had some regrets about his past life.

'I shouldn't have talked to this person too much!'

The members of the family are all peerless figures. As the situation has developed to the end, and considering all the doubts, it is absolutely impossible for them not to have guessed anything! Li Quewan, Li Zhouwei, and even Li Xuanxuan, who lived for several decades in his second life, all had their own guesses. How could this Changli Zhenren, who is known for his cunning and ruthlessness, not have his own speculations?
'His second incarnation must have become suspicious, and perhaps even formed his own judgment.'

It's not hard to deduce that when Yao Guanyi came to Wangyue Lake, Master Suyun had no choice but to fight him. However, she had sent a message in advance, asking Master Changli to return... In the end, he failed to appear. Li Suining could also believe that he was obstructed by someone. But... given Li Jiangqian's complete mastery of the [Double Fire Brightness] and the Great Perfection of the Great Li White Brightness at that time, there were really not many people who could stop him from coming south from the north!

Even though his return is pointless... I should still... say as little as possible...

Li Suining was already filled with emotion, and because of the great formation in this third life, he had come into contact with Li Jiangqian earlier. As a result, the prince quickly saw through his disguise, which made him secretly shudder. He quickly bowed and said:

"I have met His Highness!"

"No need to be polite."

Li Jiangqian nodded to him, his spiritual sense flowing and landing on the purple jade slip. In an instant, his stunned pupils lit up with great joy, and he said:

"This...this is..."

Li Zhouwei waved his hand, indicating that he didn't need to ask any more questions, and said:
"Keep this safe and give it to Que Wan when she comes out of the pass."

Li Jiangqian certainly knew how precious these things were. The decades that others spent in the Purple Mansion might not be worth much, but for the two juniors who were racing against time, they were truly more precious than spiritual treasures!
After the father and son sat down, Li Jiangqian immediately took the jade pot and filled three cups, but Li Suining dared not accept it and just stood aside.

Li Jiangqian did not hesitate, immediately looked up, and said solemnly:
"Father rarely comes out of seclusion, but there is a matter concerning my path, which I am asking you about!"

"Oh?"

Li Zhouwei glanced indifferently at Li Suining beside him, shook his head and smiled:

"Speak!"

"Yes!"

Li Jiangqian answered respectfully, saying:

"My child has mastered many supernatural powers, but I do not know which one to begin with next... If so, the right supernatural power should be between 'Ranked Following Luo' and 'Smooth Conquest'!"

He presented the several cultivation manuals he had compiled, and Li Zhouwei simply took them in his hands, raising an eyebrow and saying:
"It's simply a matter of whether it follows the remainder or the leap month."

Li Jiangqian couldn't help but praise him, nodding repeatedly, while Li Suining, standing to the side, was secretly moved.

'This "Cong Luo"... the second incarnation of the True Man Changli never practiced cultivation... yet he became a Great True Man, leaving behind this path of non-cultivation as a means for him to seek advancement or surplus...'

Clearly, given Li Jiangqian's personality, he would plan everything well in advance, starting preparations as early as when he first gained supernatural powers. Hearing Li Suining hesitate for a moment before whispering:

"The 'Li Huo' path is known for its extreme prosperity and brightness throughout the world. Its position is suspected to be occupied, but it remains unclear to this day. After all, the flourishing of water and fire is difficult to observe. As for seeking the result or the remainder... in fact, they do not interfere with each other. After all, the proper position is good for the remainder. Even if there is no one in the result position, the remainder position is also bright."

Upon hearing this, there was a moment of silence between the two men in the hall. They exchanged a glance, both father and son seeing the thoughtful look in each other's eyes. Li Suining waited quietly for a few moments before saying:

"As the saying goes: 'The correct position is not intercalary, and the receiving position is not superfluous.' The correct position is the embodiment of the five virtues: 'Dui is correct, Kan is correct, Li is correct, Gen is correct.' The receiving position is the accumulation of the five virtues: 'Gathering together and returning.' The Si Bo (司伯) is the one who rests and dies, and the Dongfang You (东方游) is the one who loses and becomes superfluous. It is nothing more than these eight characters!"

He read these words aloud exactly as they were spoken to him by Li Quewan years ago, but now that they had come to pass so soon in this hall, they were like a thunderclap, shocking both father and son.

Li Zhouwei's golden pupils were fixed on him, and he murmured softly:
"These eight characters are priceless, and have brought down countless heroes!"

Li Jiangqian couldn't take his eyes off the table, staring intently at it as if deep in thought.

"As the saying goes, a true teaching can be conveyed in a single sentence, while false teachings fill countless volumes—how accurate! For thousands of years, the Great Dao has suppressed countless heroes and powerful figures with just these few key phrases!"

This is the clearest dividing line. Whether it's Jin Yi or Long Shu, they can generously give away spiritual treasures, scriptures, and lineages, and even support the pursuit of gold! But you will never hear such words from their mouths!
'Only when it truly comes to the greater good will a path be pointed out to these lower-level officials, only mentioning leap years and surpluses, but never explaining why they are leap years or surpluses!'

"Because this is their true teaching—all those spiritual treasures and supernatural powers, golden book lineages, these are all illusions... once passed down to lower cultivators, they will naturally flow back over the years. But these things! They will not reveal even a trace of them to outsiders!"

'Even within the Li family, we only hear about it when a powerful figure in our own clan secretly places a bet in support!'

Li Zhouwei was deeply shaken, let alone Li Jiangqian, a cultivator of the true level. His gaze was focused, his voice trembled slightly, and he whispered:
"Since that's the case, there are clear distinctions in supernatural powers. 'Position Following Luo' is the key to seeking the rest, and so is Si Boxiu's 'Position Following Zhuan'... He lost because of this supernatural power!"

In that instant, Li Jiangqian's first reaction was actually to feel fortunate that his family had the Shanghuan Pavilion.

Was Si Boxiu's cultivation low? Not really. Throughout history, anyone who could seek gold was definitely more enlightened than an ordinary person. Li Jiangqian even suspected that this great master must have had some kind of premonition in the end.

But it's not of much use—even clan cultivators with noble and ancient lineages only have a few lineages in their hands. Even they have to go to Anhuai Heaven to complete their lineages, let alone others? Often, when they reach a certain level in their supernatural abilities, they move on to the next one, cultivating and searching at the same time. Finding a lineage to inherit is already considered good. How can they choose the order? They can't even compare and differentiate!
Li Suining understood their feelings, but he didn't stop, and whispered:

"There are actually two more lines before this, which are: 'Accepting positions without refusing, not dwelling on changing positions.'"

This undoubtedly unleashed another storm of those eight words in the main hall. Li Zhouwei's eyes shone brightly as he softly said:
"I see…"

His cultivation was already high, and he had studied the vast number of cultivation methods in the Upper Heaven Pavilion, gaining considerable understanding of the Five Virtues. He said softly:
"The most famous of the five virtues in the cultivation of the hidden positions are the True Palace and the True Palace. The change of position is naturally the Geng Geng Lu Hong Xuan!"

'【Accepting all positions, not clinging to changing ones】...Interesting…'

Li Jiangqian raised his head, speechless with emotion.

'This is true mastery of the Dao! It's just a matter of birth charts!'

These sixteen words, regardless of the probability of helping Li Jiangqian obtain a large sum of money, at least allow him to avoid harm and maximize benefits, which is enough!

The King of Wei stared intently at him, his gaze sharp, and said:
"Righteousness, Gathering, Accumulation, Transformation... What's the next one?"

Li Suining said solemnly:

"The character '藏' (zang) signifies growth, storage, and preservation."

'Indeed, the [Hidden] realm, inhabited by the Yin Water and the Treasury Gold... the great supernatural power of Qi Ku Bao Suo also originates from the entanglement of these two realms!'

Li Zhouwei remained silent for a long time, his eyes growing brighter, and he murmured:

"There are also five."

"Exactly!"

Li Suining's tone also became more excited as he said:
“She…they say…this is called the Five Manifestations, also known as the Five Paths. Just like the warp and weft, it is interwoven with the Five Virtues, forming morality. One horizontal and one vertical line, like a chessboard, like heaven and earth, echoing each other and inseparable!”

His words were like a thunderclap, cleaving through the fog in their minds. Li Zhouwei's breathing changed, and he slowly closed his eyes, stood with his hands behind his back, and stood there in a daze, carefully sensing the scene. Li Jiangqian, standing beside him, also fell silent. Li Suining's words could only leave the two Purple Mansion cultivators stunned in place, and they couldn't help but organize their own cultivation.

There were only four words in the hearts of the father and son.

'I see! ’

The two remained in place, pondering rapidly, organizing the vast amount of classical texts and experiences in their minds. They truly grasped the key points, becoming clearer and clearer with each thought, their understanding deepening with each reflection, unwavering despite the changing light and shadows around them.

Li Suining dared not disturb the two, and waited quietly by their side. Days passed, and almost half a month went by before the King of Wei finally let out a long sigh and said:

"The Five Manifestations... if they fall into the ears of discerning individuals, they are sufficient to form the foundation for attaining enlightenment!"

Li Jiangqian, standing to the side, gradually grew serious and murmured:

"The upright position favors the remaining elements but dislikes the intercalary one. In this light, my interpretation of 'Li Fire' is indeed a clear path!"

Li Suining nodded slightly, but inwardly he muttered to himself:
'If King Wei achieves enlightenment, with your status as his eldest son, Mingyang's path will be infinitely bright! Disliking intercalary months... doesn't mean intercalary months are entirely unacceptable. He is, after all, the son of Emperor Mingyang, and the Mingyang Fire is so dear to him…'

Li Jiangqian pondered for a long time, and seeing that the young man before him remained silent, he finally let out a long sigh and said softly:
"Such supreme and profound secrets, I have learned a great deal!"

With this, Li Jiangqian's future path had taken shape in his mind, and he seemed quite satisfied, a smile spreading across his face. Li Zhouwei, whose lineage did not lie among the Five Virtues, was more concerned with the current situation, and murmured:
"So, the fall of Dongfang You, which triggered the water-falling and lightning-rising events, was actually part of the Dragon Clan's plan, and the Jin Dao lineage's shift from Geng to Dui also utilized this change..."

What does this mean?
Li Zhouwei's eyes were bright:
"As long as we can explain what these people did back then, we can predict what they will do next—that's the most important thing!"

"Since [the position is not fixed], is Lushui also changing position? It's easy to deduce that Chibu Zisi Run is also plotting something, and going further, is that Lord Lushui also planning something?!"

His thoughts flowed incredibly quickly, drawing inferences from one instance to another. Li Suining was momentarily stunned, while Li Zhouwei's expression turned serious.

"However, these speculations are not valid at this moment... and judging from the current situation... there is someone who is already in imminent danger..."

"Master Xiao..."

Li Jiangqian nodded in agreement and said in a deep voice:
"Jin Yi said he was bound to fail, and this is probably one of the reasons. Since Kan is in its proper position, the only option is to seek the remainder..."

He said seriously:

"Since this matter has been brought up, I also have something to report."

Without pausing, he continued:
"Something happened in the North Sea... Master Xiao emerged from seclusion and personally visited the Great Immortal Sect of the North Sea, the Bei Huan Sect, where he had a conversation with the sect leader, Master Zhen Su, at sea... It is said that... it was not pleasant, causing several changes in the celestial phenomena... In the end, Zhen Su left in a huff."

Li Zhouwei frowned, and his son immediately said:
"First there were changes in the celestial phenomena, then the news came from Owl Sunflower and Purple Smoke. They seem to have some connection with the Northern Universe Sect. In addition, this matter has caused quite a stir in the North Sea... This [Zhen Su] Grand Master is a great cultivator who suppresses the North Sea, and is a Grand Master who has been famous for a long time."

"Everyone speculates that Master Xiao is now at least a Grand Master!"

Li Zhouwei turned his gaze, realizing that he had brought this up specifically. After a slight pause, Li Jiangqian immediately said:

"Kim Il's words are still ringing in our ears. Even if we're just going through the motions, we should at least pass on a message."

Li Zhouwei tilted his head and said:
Are you familiar with the Lingyu cultural heritage site in Suining?

'How could I not know!'

Li Suining felt a bitter taste in his mouth upon hearing this. This matter could be considered a turning point in the relationship between Jin Yi and the Li family. With this major event over, the attitude of the Jin Yu Upper Sect towards Wangyue Lake had cooled considerably. He could only lower his head and say:

"I know that... there are no winners in this struggle."

Li Jiangqian's expression changed slightly as he listened to Li Suining say:

"Although I cannot know the details of what happened inside... Master Su... perished despite heavy protection, and Jin Yi had no choice but to retreat. The several powerful families that participated in the competition gained almost nothing..."

"Master Xiao..."

He mentioned the name, and Li Zhouwei and Li Jiangqian's gazes almost simultaneously fell on Li Suining's face. The young man said quietly:

"Although he received the benefits, it wasn't enough; he took a larger share. Thus, in his pursuit of the Dao, he perished, his body transforming into the Kan water, filling the heavens and earth..."

It's uncertain whether Xiao Chuting can successfully acquire the entire Lingyu heritage site, but the portion that's been divided up is a significant flaw. Even his own Prince Wei lamented at the time:

'Qi Lanyan has been repeatedly troubled by gathering troops from the north, but he has also received support from the Compassionate Path. If I were to pass through the Purple Palace, I wouldn't be hindered by this petty villain! And I wouldn't want to disturb Master Xiao.'

After all, Situ Huo was absent, Yang Ruiyi was in seclusion, and Qi Lanyan led his men south—he was no ordinary man like Qing Jifang, he at least had some methods. This meant that Li Zhouwei, whose injuries were not so severe, had less time to seclude himself and failed to break through to the Great True Person realm, delaying his breakthrough for many more years…

'As expected, it failed...'

Despite the fact that Kan and Li are close in feng shui, and nothing unexpected happened, a complex look still flashed in Li Jiangqian's eyes. He glanced at his father and whispered:
"Even so..."

"Even so, we still have to help."

Li Zhouwei stood with his hands behind his back, his expression unchanged. He turned his head, his eyes gleaming with golden light.
"You're saying it's...incomplete, because the Lingyu heritage was divided up?"

"That's what I've heard..."

Li Suining paused slightly, nodded, and watched as the King of Wei's expression gradually became more intrigued. He then asked:
When will the Lingyu Heritage Site open to the public?

Li Suining replied:
"If we calculate the time... it might be twenty years... but this matter was brought about by many parties, so I'm afraid things might change."

The colors in Li Zhouwei's eyes became even more vivid, and he whispered:

"last question."

He said, word by word:
"Master Xiao—will he come to the lake?"

Li Suining raised his head, nodded first, and was about to speak when Li Zhouwei stopped him. He paced a few steps in the hall and said quietly:
"I understand."

He stood quietly for a while, then said:
"I have gained a lot here, so I won't bother you any longer, Jiang Qian!"

Li Jiangqian immediately understood, stood up, and followed his father into the void. They landed in the dark inner formation, both deep in thought, remaining silent for a long time. Then, his father turned and suddenly said:

"They've all been collected, haven't they?"

"Nothing can be hidden from your father."

Li Jiangqian remained expressionless, took out a jade bottle from his sleeve, and said solemnly:

"This is the [Pingzheng Blazing Qi], obtained from the place where the fire of Li Huo killed and fell. There are many such places in the world. Whether it is the reefs of Hengzhu or the mountains in the south, they can all be collected. It is the spiritual energy of 'Shunpingzheng'. My son sent two or three people over, and they have already collected it all."

"it is good."

Li Zhouwei's expression was solemn as he said in a low voice:
"What you cultivate and how you cultivate is up to you. There will definitely be a great battle within ten years. Your sister is cultivating supernatural powers, so there is no need to worry. But if you have a foundation for immortality, you should be careful that your cultivation will be wasted."

It was rare for his father to speak to him with such a solemn expression, and Li Jiangqian understood the seriousness in his voice, nodding deeply.

"My son understands!"

He treaded on flames and hurriedly drifted away, while Li Zhouwei walked slowly and sat alone in the dark hall, his palms facing upwards, a sliver of light slowly appearing in his palms, pulsating with the aura of a perfect emperor.

'Emperor Guanyuan'

Unlike before, his cultivation is now purer and brighter, as if it has been integrated in some way, making it even more unfathomable, and even his immortal foundation seems more perfect!
The insights he gained from his deep contemplation just now were no less significant than a major battle on the Yangtze and Huai Rivers.

Li Suining's words were insightful and profound. If his previously soaring Mingyang Daoist cultivation was ultimately too extreme and scattered, these words, which transcended Yin and Yang and settled on the Five Elements, brought together all his scattered understandings outside of Mingyang, making them more complete and flawless. Their help to him was immeasurable!
He even had a vague premonition:
"With these words, my chances of surpassing the Purple Realm in one go with this Immortal Foundation are now over 60%!"

But Li Zhouwei's eyes showed little joy; instead, they were filled with deep thought as he murmured:

"So that's how it is. The so-called secret method for seeking change may not be meant for us to see... That's more like it... That's more like it!"

'In that case, all plans must be scrapped.'

He is becoming increasingly confident, and while he can certainly cross the Canzi Pass and launch a reckless northern expedition, that is far from enough!

'It was once a matter of necessity, but this breakthrough isn't about resisting a northern attack; it's about actively moving north. I've become the one who's come from afar. How can the north stand idly by? I may achieve considerable results… but it's merely adding glory to Xiuwu. What real benefits? How much of them are there?'

The gains and losses of a few cities and places, spiritual objects and resources, are not enough to determine the overall situation. But the opportunity he gained to break through to the Great Master, this precious information gap and time gap, is lost forever!
The key to the overall situation now lies in the Lingyu heritage, rather than the gains or losses of a single city or place!

"We must help the Xiao family."

Li Zhouwei will not give up any opportunity. No matter what Jin Yi's coercion or bribery, or the face of the Dragon Clan, it will not change because of the so-called support for the Xiao Clan. These people value the overall interests. Those who should help him will not be less, and if they do not lend a helping hand in the end, it will only be because the benefits are not enough, and it will never be because of such things!

In fact, the more Jin Yi threatened and bribed, the more he used his own interests to persuade the Li family to convince the Xiao family to back down, and even paid a heavy price in the end, the more it demonstrated how great Xiao Chuting's chances of achieving enlightenment were, and how sophisticated the methods of the person behind him were!
"Moreover, given Jin Yi's methods, he can easily coordinate to make it appear as persecution, a feint, or a strategic retreat—why wouldn't he be capable of such tactics?"

Li Suining didn't reveal much information, but it was enough for Li Zhouwei to figure out the major changes in the coming years, and a plan immediately came to mind.

"As long as I elevate this first immortal foundation and shatter it upon entering the rising sun, increasing the probability of success next time, with the second immortal foundation and all sorts of other assistance, I'm even 90% confident that I can succeed in one fell swoop."

'In this way, when someone breaks through to the Great True Person realm is entirely within my control.'

He stood up, his expression solemn.

"Chunyi Dao said that the Lingyu legacy is located in [Badger County], which is north of Luoxia. If Luoxia cannot be conquered, supporting the Xiao family will require crossing the Great Zhao territory, and almost only I can go there, and I may not even be able to fully support him."

"Meanwhile, the north is leaderless, and Luoyang is currently at its weakest point. Qingji is severely wounded, and Western Shu has no time to look eastward! Furthermore, Jin Yi is at his closest with my family, and my prestige in the Song Dynasty has reached its peak. I have all the advantages of timing, location, and popular support. These ten years are a godsend!"

"Once we are certain that we can break through to the Great True Person level, we can first gain the support of the Song Emperor. Then, pretending to be at the mid-stage of the Purple Mansion realm, we can suddenly enter Luoyang and conquer it unexpectedly. We can then bring the Song Emperor onto this warship and let the Great Song's True Persons protect Luoyang. Only then can my family fully support True Person Xiao, and only then will people like Chengqian and Kuang Hong have the possibility of intervening."

"As long as the timing is clever enough, by then, the Great Song will be stable in Luoyang, avoiding a counterattack from the north. I will receive the feedback of the talismanic energy and return. As long as I can take a breather to break through, I can suddenly descend upon [Badger County] as a Great True Person and the Four Divine Powers of Mingyang, and fully support True Person Xiao in seizing the Lingyu legacy and achieving the Golden Core!"

"Once this major event is over, Luoyang will no longer be important. We can defend it if we can, but it's fine to give it up if necessary!"

His expression was icy and solemn. Li Zhouwei knew, of course, that even if Xiao Chuting obtained the entire Lingyu inheritance, the probability of him achieving Dao was still pitifully small. He also knew that if Xiao Chuting did achieve Dao, there would inevitably be trouble. But this was not something he should be concerned about.
Even if it fails, it will still have its uses!

'Only a transformation to the Golden Core level can match the grand scale of my becoming a Great True Person—whether True Person Xiao succeeds or not is another matter. Stirring up the winds and clouds, forcefully intervening, the aura of the Bright Sun Sect is clearly evident!'