Xuanjian Xianzu

Chapter 1259: Return
The mountains and valleys are covered in a deep, dark blue-green hue.

Li Quewan rode the wind across various places, approaching a coastal prefecture. The hills became more numerous, but she had no interest in appreciating them. With a flick of her sleeve, she took out a slender jade-necked bottle.

Back then, my elder brother went to Chengyun to discuss with this Master Chonggong, exchanging the [Ten Thousand Fiends Piercing Golden Blade] for it. However, the [Ten Thousand Fiends Piercing Golden Blade] could not compare with the [Eight Ghosts Facing the Frontier], so my family had to make up for it. But when the item actually came into the hands of Chengyun Sect, the situation changed again.

"The 'Eight Demon Faces' is a relic of Master Kuiqi. It suffered minor damage during the great defeat at Luoxia, and Master Fu was unable to repair it in time, so it was lost in Shanji. Now that it has been recovered, the minor damage has not been repaired, thus its value has decreased."

When she built the array, she asked Zhong Qian for extra spiritual resources, owing him even more favors... After much deliberation, Li Quewan took out the [Mysterious Name Dao Fiend] and gave it to this True Person.

Although Zhong Qian was in a dilemma, he clearly needed the item urgently and expressed his gratitude. Li Quewan, having been reminded by Li Jiangqian, specifically asked about the use of this magical item, and Zhong Qian told her everything without reservation.

'The Mysterious Name is the Master of Destiny. The Mysterious Name Dao Sha is the Sha nurtured by the Central Earth. When Heavenly Metal encounters Sha, it sinks, thus becoming Yuan Magnet. This Sha is neither bright nor dark, neither biased nor partial, possessing the virtue of nurturing, making it most suitable.'

'I am destined for greatness. Although I only possess two supernatural powers, my future opportunities to transcend to the highest level lie in these [Mysterious Name Daoist Auras]!'

Li Quewan suddenly realized, but Zhong Qian then said:
"Your Highness exchanged the Golden Knife for spiritual resources that day. We still need to discuss the [Mysterious Name Dao Fiend]. This item is indeed the foundation of my path. The [Eight Ghosts Face the Frontier] was damaged. I have not treated you unfairly. I have also found some good things to make up for it."

It was this item in the bottle called [Mysterious Pill Technique Aura], which was tainted with the aura of the 'Complete Pill' path. 'Complete Pills' were rare in the world, and Li Quewan needed this item to forge a spiritual weapon. After delaying for a while, he finally accepted it.

Right now, as they head towards Tiger Mountain, a rather bitter feeling lingers:
'This Senior Zhong never lets anyone suffer a loss. I went there to repay a favor, but instead of repaying much, it seems I owe even more.'

Although there are many people in Jiangnan who want their King Wei to owe them favors, whether it's Chen Yin or the Sima family, who aren't rushing to do so? But Li Quewan can at least distinguish between loyalty and self-interest, and sighs inwardly.

In the blink of an eye, the majestic mountain appeared. But as they approached the mountain gate, the black-clad man with a sinister expression hesitated for a long time before suddenly taking a step closer and whispering:
"Miss, is the Lin Gu family still living in Linhai?"

Li Wushao was a spirit medium, so he naturally stayed by her side. However, Li Quewan was taken aback when she heard this, and after a moment's thought, she said:
"What are you..."

The demon stood with its hands behind its back, a cold smile playing on its lips.

“I had long heard that there was a white-scaled hooked snake in the neighboring Gu family. It was very old. Back then, Gu… had an old friend who was afraid of its power and distanced himself from me. I was unwilling to accept this, so I went to take a look.”

Li Quewan immediately recalled his past from his youth and couldn't help but laugh, saying:
"Your temperament remains the same as before, always afraid of wearing fine clothes in the dark. But if you were to go now, you might scare others!"

Despite his laughter, Li Quewan hesitated, then whispered:

"Although the Lin Gu family isn't a powerful clan, we have no grudges against them and have always been polite to our family. Lin Gu Lan Ying even saved Sima Xun Hui back then... so they're still my Li family's son-in-law..."

Li Wushao said solemnly:

“Your subordinate is narrow-minded… I can’t just forget what happened back then, but I will never delay your affairs. It’s not just about spite. I once heard a few words from an old friend that this demon was left behind by Lin Gu Xia. Now I’m doing this to… ask about Lin Gu Xia.”

'He did it all for… that young master who had promoted him for many years, his great-uncle who lived overseas!'

This demon remembered the old feelings very well, Li Quewan immediately understood, but it was clear in the Shanghuan Pavilion that this matter was irreversible. Only to appease his eagerness, she hesitantly nodded. The demon stepped forward and smiled:
"The Li family of Wangyue has come to pay their respects! We humbly request that the immortal open the mountain gate!"

In an instant, a gray wind swept through, and a true immortal dressed in black with a treasure pouch at his waist walked through the air, bowing respectfully from afar. Upon arriving, he examined her supernatural abilities and said solemnly:
"It must be the arrival of the Venerable Su Yun."

Li Quewan nodded with a smile:
"I've met senior!"

The two then headed into the mountains. When they reached the snow-covered mountaintop, a black and white pattern crisscrossed the stone table. There, in front of the hall, stood a person dressed in green, with a slightly pale face, but still revealing a beautiful countenance.

Neighboring valley orchids reflect.

Clearly, the two had arrived at an inopportune time. This rare sage from the neighboring Gu family was visiting Tiger Mountain. Upon seeing Li Quewan arrive, he gave a slight bow and smiled, saying:

Congratulations, fellow Daoist!

Lin Gulan and Li Quewan could never be considered equals, but she maintained a humble and polite attitude. However, when she glanced at the black-clad man standing behind her with a sinister look in his eyes, her mind went blank for a moment.
'It's him…'

How come Lin Gu Lanying doesn't recognize Li Wushao!

'The monster that Li Qinghong brought back then...'

Back then, her neighbor Gu Lanying's spirit pet, Gu'er, had a brief affair with Li Wushao, but due to their different bloodlines, it didn't work out. At the time, Li Xuanfeng was at the height of his power, and she was afraid of incurring his wrath, which troubled her for quite some time! Later, Gu'er perished, and then disappeared without a trace…

'But this is… the Purple Mansion of the 'Fu Water'?!'

Lin Gu Lanying stood there stunned for a moment.

"What a joke!"

Lin Gu Lan Ying had carefully examined Li Wushao's abilities back then, so how could she not know? Her breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment stage was all by chance, at most she had eaten a spiritual item or two, which was somewhat different... How could she possibly achieve supernatural powers—even her speed was almost catching up with Lin Gu Lan Ying's!

Lin Chengsheng, standing to the side, was only slightly less shaken than her, yet equally speechless. He clasped his hands in a fist salute and said:

"Who is this…"

Neither of them possessed any life-saving supernatural abilities, and Li Wushao had achieved his status through extremely valuable spiritual essence. He appeared to be only a slightly weaker True Person. Unless they fought, it would be difficult to discern his true nature. Li Quewan smiled slightly and simply said:

“This is my family’s guardian deity, Wushao.”

Li Wushao bowed to Lin Chensheng, then turned around and smiled:

"Rin-tani Master, how have you been?"

Lin Gu Lanying nodded with a wry smile and said:

"Time flies, and people of the past are like flowing water. The image of you, my fellow Daoist, fighting side by side with that person back then... is still vivid in my mind..."

Her tone was tactful; she mentioned Gu'er's death while also bringing up Li Qinghong, but Li Wushao only shook her head and sighed:

"You flatter me, Master! Just call me Wushao or Protector... Miss, you call me Senior. How can I, as your subordinate, be worthy of such a title!"

Lin Gulan had no choice but to turn her head and look at the two of them. Li Quewan smiled and said:
"I came here today to discuss a good matter with Senior Lin, but I never expected to have interfered with Senior Lingu's business..."

"Serious words."

Lin Gu Lanying gave an awkward smile and said:
"I'm asking about my injuries... I was quite badly injured on the lake, and I asked Fellow Daoist Sima for a pill, but I haven't fully recovered... Shen Sheng can make pills, and there's a precious furnace in the mountains, so I'm asking here..."

Li Quewan nodded slightly, then smiled and shook her head at Lin Chensheng:
"With Master Zhaojing before me, I dare not mention matters of alchemy..."

Seeing this, Lin Gulan bowed and took her leave. Li Quewan smiled and said softly:
"It's quite a coincidence. I've heard that your noble family also has a protector, who is also a hooked snake, left behind by the senior Gu Xia from back then... Wu Shao greatly admires him and hopes to meet him!"

Lin Gulan Ying was slightly taken aback, her heart pounding, but she nodded and went downstairs with Li Wushao. Lin Chensheng took in everything, poured tea for Li Quewan, and said with a smile:

"The Linya family... it's rare to have someone like her in all these years, it's really not easy."

Li Quewan had heard about how many valuable items that old swordsman had smashed at the neighboring valley's house back then; it was a widely circulated rumor in the Purple Mansion. Only now did people understand the old swordsman's intentions. Li Quewan nodded.
"It's all thanks to the Immortal Sect."

Lin Chensheng smiled without saying a word, while Li Quewan stood up solemnly and said:
"I have come today with two important matters to discuss. The first is the [Chongyang Juxing Treasure Plate]!"

She bowed deeply and said:
“This treasure is extremely important and has been of great help to the King of Wei. He originally wanted to come and thank him in person, but due to his injuries, he had to send me in his place.”

Lin Chengsheng remained silent, then quietly said:

“When I suffered misfortune, Master Zhaojing helped me many times. Although I did not witness it in person, I remember it well. In the Battle of Xianhu, King Wei personally beheaded Qi Lanyan, which also avenged my blood feud with Owl and Kui. I remember it well.”

He said softly:

"The [Chongyang Juxing Treasure Plate] was first brought to Xiaokui by the [Qinglong] True Person. He protected Xiaokui throughout his life, and his only dying wish was that the sect would preserve the treasure plate and not let it be scattered elsewhere. Thus, it became a precious artifact of Xiaokui and has been passed down through generations according to ancestral teachings..."

His gaze was complex, and he said somberly:
"Having seen the King of Wei, I now know that this treasure is ordained by Heaven..."

Li Quewan stood up and said softly:
"Senior's guess is correct. This treasure is indeed of great use to my family. However, we were aware of Owl's predicament long ago. Our arrival here was not without preparation!"

She took out a jade box from her sleeve, presented it with both hands, and whispered:
"Please look!"

Lin Chengsheng was slightly taken aback, seemingly not expecting the Li family to think of compensation after taking his things. He shook his head and said:

"As I've said before... this is both a favor and destiny..."

Li Quewan remained solemn and silent, her brows lowered. This only fueled Lin Chensheng's suspicions. Looking at her expression, he formed a certain guess and quickly got up, gently opening the jade box.

The moment his gaze fell upon the jade box, his breathing suddenly became heavy, his hands trembled, and he tilted his head to the side, but could not look away. He carefully picked up the black mystic rope inside with both hands.

This mysterious rope was extremely thin, resembling silk but not quite. Beneath its black surface were inconspicuous pale gray patterns, with faint glimmers of gold flowing within, forming various grotesque faces. Lin Chengsheng's eyes instantly welled with tears; he tenderly picked it up and sobbed:
"Daoist!"

Li Quewan sighed inwardly, while Lin Chengsheng picked up the item and examined it carefully with tearful eyes. Sure enough, he saw a tear-like mark at the end of the black rope, filled with white mist. Li Quewan then said softly:

"Back then, during the great battle in Luoxia, the Dao Lord shouldered the heavy responsibility and launched a fierce attack, single-handedly blocking Wei Xuanyin. However, he never expected that Changxiao would turn against him without regard for past friendship, cutting off his retreat and even causing his spiritual weapon to shatter, resulting in this 'Shangyi' injury!"

Lin Chengsheng sobbed softly for a while, then gritted his teeth and said:
“Changxiao! He came all the way from the East Sea back then, and the first place he paid homage to was my Tiger Yi Mountain Sect… My elders treated him with great courtesy, thinking that his cultivation of the righteous path was of high quality and could rectify the customs of Jiangnan. Who would have thought that things would turn out this way!”

"I swear to kill these treacherous bastards!"

Despite the fact that his opponent was a renowned master who had been famous for many years, Lin Chensheng did not hesitate at all, his teeth clenched and his heart pounding. Li Quewan, however, understood perfectly well:
'I'm afraid it's too late...'

It's not that it's impossible, it's that it's too late.

She knew that Lin Chensheng hated Changxiao and Wei Xuanyin, but the two of them were about to attain enlightenment. One of them would never show himself easily, and the other had a great lineage behind him. The cruel reality was that, most likely, by the time Lin Chensheng passed the Canzi stage, the two of them would either have already attained enlightenment and died, or they would have already ascended to the Golden position.

Too many hatreds and resentments in this world end hastily and without consequence, leaving only a wistful soul and a bewildered heart.

Just like...Chi Wei.

The Li family harbored a desire for revenge against the Chi family, but without a doubt, this revenge was neither satisfying nor pleasant. Chi Wei died a splendid death, and the Li family's grudge, which had lasted for two hundred years, could only be directed at the Chi family... But even the Chi family—it was only when the autumn chill had faded and all things were withered, and the great tree of the Chi family had fallen, that the Li family risked their lives to stir up an autumn wind.

She remained silent, her expression hardening. Lin Chengsheng, on the other hand, cried his heart out for a while before lowering his brows and saying:

"Thank you, nobleman, for allowing the Daoist Master's relics to be returned to their rightful place! On behalf of the Lin family and on behalf of the Owl Queen, I express my gratitude!"

Li Quewan quickly stepped aside, remained silent for a moment, and then whispered:
"Senior, you flatter me. Please forgive me for not being able to accept such a favor. While the Eight Ghosts Facing the Frontier is indeed valuable, it cannot compare to the Chongyang Star-Controlling Treasure Plate. King Wei has said that the Great Kui Bronze Sword will be retrieved on this day and returned to Owl Kui!"

Lin Chengsheng wept silently.

'In this world, those who possess such supernatural abilities lack the will, and those who have the will lack the ability. The only one who dares to make such a promise is this King of Wei!'

He was not one for words, and for a moment he was speechless. He could only slowly suppress his grief and solemnly say:

"If the King of Wei launches a northern expedition, Shen Sheng is willing to serve as the vanguard!"

Li Quewan, however, changed the subject, revealing a slight smile, and said:
"I have another joyous occasion to discuss with you, senior, concerning my niece... There is a direct descendant of the noble family named Lin Caiyin, isn't that right?"

Lin Chengsheng clearly knew about this matter, and had even been thinking about it for a long time. He raised his head and sighed:

"Yes... This child is a descendant of the Dao Lord's bloodline, the eldest son of the third generation. He is currently cultivating in the capital and has developed feelings for the general's daughter. He has already written several letters back... I was worried that the nobles were too busy, so I have not set off to inquire."

"If Lin Chengsheng had come earlier, he would definitely have come up empty-handed too," Li Quewan said with a smile.
"So you are a descendant of the Dao Lord. In that case, let's settle this good matter today!"

(End of this chapter)