Xuanjian Xianzu

Chapter 1291 The Secret

When Xiao Chuting left the main hall, the night was already quite dark. In the distance, the water was covered in a continuous expanse of gold, shimmering with light, while the morning glow lay prostrate on the ground, watching intently.

The old man stood before the hall, gazing silently.

Li Zhouwei stood quietly behind him, his golden eyes seemingly holding a thousand words, yet he remained silent.

The two stood there silently until the King of Wei spoke softly:

"Lingyu Heritage... Senior Xiao, do you have any plans? Do you know... when it will open?"

The old man adjusted his straw raincoat and said:
"I already possess five supernatural powers. Whether they are activated or deactivated is entirely up to me, Xiao. If I am willing, I can go to Badger County right now and activate them immediately."

Jin Yu had been plotting for years, but it seemed he hadn't managed to wrest the initiative from Xiao Chuting. Throughout the millennia, very few had managed to gain any advantage from Jin Yu. Yet, the old man showed no unusual reaction, stating matter-of-factly:

"Without me, that young friend Su wouldn't be able to touch [Dalingchuan]."

Li Zhouwei asked:
"[Daeryungcheon]?"

Xiao Chuting shook his head and said:

"It was originally a grotto-heaven of the Great Ling Kingdom. Later, the True Lord perished, and the grotto-heaven was about to be destroyed. It was taken in by the great supernatural being of the Chen family and established in Badger County."

"There is a river here, which is the result of the supernatural power of the ancient Kan River. It is also said to contain the legacy left by the True Lord of the Ancient Kan River."

Even someone as composed as Xiao Chuting showed a hint of melancholy when this matter was mentioned, and Li Zhouwei nodded secretly:
No wonder…

'No wonder! Kim Il-suk intended to obstruct us…'

Looking back now, Jin Yi's obstruction seems ambiguous. Whether the Zhang family didn't want Xiao Chuting to achieve enlightenment or didn't want the Dragon Clan and Xiu Yue to have the opportunity to kill Kan Shui Zhenjun... remains to be seen.

Li Zhouwei considered Kim Il's position and said in a low voice:
"Does the Gukan River have a name?"

"Naturally there is."

Xiao Chuting said sadly:
"Kan and Li are opposites. Li is Chongluo, and Kan is Xixian. The original name of Kan water should be 'Xixian Kan water flows through the pit,' which means water in the canal and the flow of hundreds of rivers in the earth."

"The present-day Kan water, 'Jiazi Kan water Qian Ne Xing', is the first among all things, hence the name Jia. It is used to describe the nature of Yi water, which is quick-witted but silent, hence the name Ne. This is its nature, vast and boundless, leading to harmony, hence the name Zi. When water is too abundant, it becomes Yi, flowing east, west, north, and south, hence the name Qian. When water does not flow through channels, it flows against the current and surges like embankments, hence the name Qian... Combining these elements results in Qian."

His current cultivation level is truly too high; with just a few words, the surrounding waters suddenly cascaded down, whispering:
"In fact, the position of Kan Water is subject to great changes and has its own significance. I have one or two clues, but I myself do not understand them. Since King Wei is not familiar with the virtue of water, I will not go into details, lest I harm King Wei. As long as we can obtain that ancient Kan Water, it will surely be of great benefit to our pursuit of gold."

Li Zhouwei chuckled and shook his head, saying:
"Senior, you are wrong... We are all people who have attained enlightenment, so how could we complain about hearing too many theories? We should listen to profound words and learn from the strengths of all schools of thought in order to attain enlightenment!"

In fact, after that brief encounter, Xiao Chuting already realized that the King of Wei before him was definitely not lacking in cultivation!

'He's only a little over a hundred years old... how could he have such profound cultivation? Even ordinary Grand Masters are probably inferior to him... Leaving aside cultivation level, even the disciples on the mountain would likely not achieve a level of cultivation comparable to a Grand Master by the age of one hundred!'

He could have relied on the help of the Lake Lord, but what he just heard about Shen Zi made him realize that Li Zhouwei had not mastered the Daoist techniques popular among the current Dao Embryo and Golden Core lineages…

'Is it really just a matter of talent?'

He suppressed his doubts and smiled:

"This journey is one of no return. I will not keep anything to myself. I have learned some tricks from a fellow Daoist surnamed Nian. I have combined them with the Five Manifestations. They can serve as topics of conversation during our leisure time, and I may also be able to discuss them with the King of Wei."

"The true nature of the five manifestations is not only in the interior, but also in the body of the five virtues. Whether this Kan water is called 'Kan water of the dangers and the nature of the pit' or 'Kan water of the Jiazi year of the thousand silences,' there is 'Kan water' in the mysterious name. It is bright and majestic, and sits in the center."

“If we look at ‘female water,’ which is called ‘the great organ of fetal breathing, the mysterious female,’ there isn’t even a single drop of water in this mysterious name!”

Seeing Li Zhouwei's thoughtful expression, he smiled and said:

“‘Female water’ is water that receives and stores, so naturally it is stored away!”

"This can be extrapolated from the same line of reasoning..."

Li Zhouwei's eyes lit up, and he nodded, saying:
"wonderful…"

Xiao Chuting's words have a profound meaning.

What does "by analogy" mean?

Since he said that the title of a fruition can be changed by a person with great supernatural powers, once a title is obtained, if the prediction does not conform to this rule, then the fruition must have changed!
The name of Duijin has definitely been changed; it's now called "Jin Yi Tai Yuan Shang Qing Xing," which is utterly astonishing—the one presiding over it is no longer Duijin, but Tai Yuan…

What kind of magical power is this?
Xiao Chuting's claim that this was some kind of little trick was merely a humble statement; it was actually an extremely profound and convenient method for enlightenment!

"This junior has learned a great deal!"

He had gained a great deal, having sorted through the events, his gaze sharp, and looking at the old man with an awkward smile, he said:
"Those profound Daoist teachings were taught to me by a senior when I was at the Four Divine Powers stage. During this trip to the lake, King Wei completely drained me of the few true teachings I had painstakingly pieced together and gained through various opportunities over the years..."

Li Zhouwei could only shake his head regretfully, but his mind cleared, and he immediately changed the subject:
"Since you can decide when you will achieve enlightenment, you have made extraordinary contributions. Why not set four years as the dividing line?"

According to Li Zhouwei's plan, four years is just the right amount of time. According to the usual practice for breaking through to the Purple Mansion, if Jiang Yan fails this time, four years will definitely not be enough for a second breakthrough. If Wei Xuanyin obtains Qi from Ye Hui to break through, without the help of the talisman Qi, he will inevitably be slower.

"Four years."

Xiao Chuting nodded, seemingly calculating the time, and left him a jade talisman. Only then did Li Ximing bring Xiao Yuansi over. The old man bowed before the hall, but then Xiao Chuting suddenly spoke:
"Yuan Si, you should stay on the lake."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuansi was taken aback, his gaze turning somewhat horrified, and he said:

"Ancestor... this is..."

Xiao Chuting smiled and shook his head, saying softly:

“I will be returning to Jiangnan to visit various families. I will not be returning to Beihai for several years. You are getting old, so it is a good time to catch up with old friends here. There is no need for you to travel around with me.”

Xiao Yuansi could only lower his head and agree. Li Ximing, as if sensing something, smiled and said:
"Indeed, the scenery on the lake is beautiful, so let Master rest well."

Li Zhouwei observed quietly, a complex expression flickering in his eyes.

'The Xiao family can still find protection from Wangyue Lake, and Xiao Chuting specifically mentioned the Wu family to me, which is perhaps to protect the remnants of the Jiangnan lineage. But when I attain enlightenment, who will the Li family find to protect them…'

His thoughts were clouded, and the old man beside him seemed to sense it, turning around and saying:
"King Wei! I, Xiao, have already attained enlightenment..."

A faint smile flickered in the old man's eyes:

"May we one day ascend to the throne with gold in hand, and discuss the Dao beyond the heavens."

……

Crimson flames rolled, and purple smoke billowed.

The sun's radiance shimmered, and purple energy echoed continuously within the cave. The red-robed Taoist stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes flashing with vermilion light, with faint golden runes flowing within them. His gaze was fixed on the earth fire array before him.

Within the array's core, malevolent energy gathered, intertwining black and red, supporting a flame.

This fire is bright red overall, with a blazing outer edge and pale red patterns, while the inside is white with flashes of gold, making it a vivid color. It is indeed the [Three-Tier Xu Xuan Fire]!
This high-ranking cultivator of True Fire stood before the leaping flames, gazing down in silence for a long time. Purple energy swirled around him, shimmering with a golden robe. True Man Tianhuo sat to his side, chin in hand, deep in thought. After a while, the Great True Man finally spoke:

"Is there any news from [Qinggetian]?"

Tian Huo shook his head and said bitterly:

"Since the Li Quewan incident, no more orders have been issued by Jin Shu. The officials have been keeping a close eye on things, and they will definitely spread any news that comes out..."

Tian Que pondered for a moment and said:

"If you don't have it, then so be it."

There was still a faint smile on his face:
"Since the True Lord has not spoken, I will have to do it myself. The Master has his reasons."

Tian Huo said regretfully:
"It's a pity that Clan Sister Qiushui is in seclusion, otherwise we could have consulted her. With her cultivation, a single word from her would be more effective than a hundred words from those elders in Qingge Heaven..."

Tian Que said calmly:

“I already asked her about it. She was the one who guided me on the matter of the Three-Holding Mysterious Fire.”

"The 'Innate True Fire' was destroyed much earlier than the Water Virtue, a fact known throughout history. Its final flourishing occurred in the hands of Dou Xuan, perhaps also during the conflict between immortals and demons..."

"But the true fire is hidden within, and all others rejoice, hence the saying 'not rejecting.' My position does respond, supposedly to that 'Innate Mysterious Marquis True Lord.' If I can find a way to understand why he can still respond, perhaps I'll have a way to prove my position..."

Tian Huo frowned and said:
"The Primordial Mysterious Lord of Fire Virtue?"

Tian Que nodded and smiled:
"The rules in Qingge Heaven are still strict. Outside, people usually don't pronounce the Fire Virtue name. Just like the Goddess of Female Water, she should be called 'True Lord of the Wonderful Dao Transformation of Water Virtue'..."

The young man laughed and said:

"Of course. Those who uphold the Five Virtues and attain enlightenment, whether they have achieved the fruit or the remainder, are usually given the additional Water and Fire Virtues according to ancient customs. The reason why the Azure Heaven adds these two is to prevent us from forgetting them, while the reason why they are removed from the outside is to prevent them from remembering them. How can we judge them as being too strict?"

"Set up obstacles carefully, and avoid creating personal barriers... only then can you advance or retreat with moderation."

He spoke with ease and naturalness, but Tian Que sighed with distress. Facing this young master, he appeared less serious and sighed:

"Everyone faces obstacles on their path, but how many can truly ride the waves of fate? I envy people like Xiao Chuting and Li Zhouwei... I only regret not having the chance to fight for my life."

"Even a great man cannot know the essence of a true lord's destiny, let alone me? I'll just try my luck; perhaps I'll have a chance to suddenly understand."

As the two were talking, Zhang Duanyan entered from outside the cave, bowed, and whispered a reminder:
“Two sirs, Xiao Chuting has arrived at Wangyue Lake.”

Tian Que had just mentioned him, and upon hearing this, he immediately turned around. Tian Huo's eyes lit up, and he whispered:
"Oh? It's the pinnacle of supernatural powers?"

"It is said... to be the Five Supernatural Powers."

These words made Tian Que frown, and he said:
"That means it's not perfect yet. It's tough on him, considering his advanced age. It's too late for him to cultivate another path."

This great master seemed to have some goodwill towards Xiao Chuting, and casually said:

"If he were to acquire the Six Supernatural Powers, it might be worth a try."

This man couldn't help but sigh at the fact that they were both people with the same desire to attain enlightenment.
"He's quite something. First, he followed the will of the underworld and boarded a ship in the south the moment the 'Emperor Ying' was destroyed. He's been sailing with the wind ever since. Now he's associated with that legendary figure from Cangzhou. If he really succeeds one day, he'll be a figure who will be remembered for generations."

Tian Huo shook his head somewhat strangely and said:

"The key is to use the Five Supernatural Powers; otherwise, why would we need to use the [Great Ridge River]?"

Seeing that the two were chatting idly, Zhang Duanyan said somewhat uneasily:
"But... since he's going in person, given the personalities of the Li family and Li Ximing, they'll likely grant his request! So, what should we do then...?"

Tian Huo and Tian Que exchanged a glance, neither seeming particularly anxious. The seemingly lazy-looking True Man shook his head and said:

"What else can they do? Xiao Chuting is determined to waste [Dalingchuan], and Wangyue Lake is also fueling the flames. It's simply an exchange—on one hand, they strongly support Xiao Chuting's path to enlightenment, and on the other hand, they exchange it for the Dragon Clan's help in securing a way out for Li Zhouwei in the Mingyang affair..."

Tian Que frowned and said:
Is there any way out?

Interrupted by him, Tian Huo actually seemed to ponder for a moment, and said:
"Who knows? Qingxuan's methods are never conventional. Let's not even talk about the empty proof. That immortal can cross the Yin and Yang, my master can borrow Geng for Dui, and Duanmu Kui dared to ask for the same fruit after obtaining the immortal book. If Li Zhouwei kills the Wei Emperor, it's not impossible for him to give us a chance to escape before the Wu-Qian leap. Whether we can actually escape is another matter, but at least we will have [Qingxuan Qi]."

He couldn't help but laugh at this point, smacking his lips as if he wanted to say more:

"If Li Zhouwei could obtain Mingyang and escape from Luoxia's clutches, he would certainly be a peerless genius."

Tian Que disagreed, saying:

"Whether we can escape or not depends entirely on whether Luoxia wants to kill us. Right now, we're all smiles and harmony, but who knows if she's afraid of being cornered and forced to act rashly on the lake? Back then, with Shaoyang, wasn't it all good news to everyone at first..."

Tian Huo didn't respond to him, and pondered:
"【Dalingchuan】is the last place where ancient karst waters can be used. Apart from this place, there is no other place where ancient karst waters can be used to attain enlightenment. It is the only and last chance for a true dragon to prove its Dao, or for a dragon to fail before it fails."

"The order given from the cave back then was to do everything in our power to stop Xiao Chuting from achieving Dao. Now that there are no new orders, even if we have to confront the Li family, we must take action!"

His gaze was sharp as he surveyed the surroundings, seemingly seeking their approval. Seeing them both nod in unison, he said:

"Now that Li Zhouwei has just returned from the great battle, based on the judgment on the battlefield, the 'Crimson Arrowhead' has only just reached perfection. He doesn't have time to touch Ginseng Purple. At most, he can heal some injuries and cultivate one or two spells. With the help of the Great Master, it will be enough to suppress him."

Tian Que understood what he meant, and immediately raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised:
"One person from the grotto is enough. Do I really need to personally come?"

The young man was taken aback, then sighed deeply and said:
"Uncle-Master Tianque has been in seclusion for too long and has no idea how powerful Bai Qilin is now—he killed Gongsun Bei in just the time it takes for an incense stick to burn! No matter what, he was at the mid-stage of the Purple Mansion realm. With opposing lineages, how many people could kill him in the time it takes for an incense stick to burn!"

Tian Que pondered for a moment, then shook his head and said:

"It's not impossible for you to ask me to go, but it's far too exaggerated... Li Zhouwei is armed to the teeth from head to toe, with either spiritual treasures or top-level spiritual artifacts and ritual objects of the Great Wei. What does Gongsun Bei have? Two pieces of junk... If he had even one spiritual treasure in his hand, he wouldn't have been killed in the time it takes for an incense stick to burn."

Zhang Duanyan, however, had observed from afar and felt a certain fear in his heart, only saying:
"After all, it is a white Qilin. I just hope we don't underestimate it."

Although Tian Que had a fiery temper, he wasn't stupid. Seeing that the two younger relatives who were often away from home had spoken, he immediately became serious, nodded secretly, and said:

"When the time comes, I will bring all my treasures and fight to my heart's content."