Xuanjian Xianzu

Chapter 1324 Coming soon
Gardenia Mountain.

Flames roared in the mountains, illuminating the alchemy furnace. A man with red lips and white teeth sat cross-legged before the furnace, his hands forming a mudra, concealing his supernatural powers, his expression filled with worry.

After an unknown amount of time, he suddenly stood up, strode forward, and watched as the ray of light descended from the sky, gently landing before him. He immediately exclaimed with delight:

"Wan'er!"

The iridescent light immediately manifested, the crimson and mercury mingling, dazzlingly revealing the woman's appearance. Her eyebrows and eyes were gentle, her gaze bright, and although she looked somewhat travel-worn, she possessed a unique charm.

Li Ximing looked him up and down, secretly relieved, and said:

"How is it, King Wei..."

The woman smiled, pursing her lips, and said:
"King Wei need not worry. That so-called Dharma Protector Maha has cultivated for six lifetimes and was almost killed. Now, his supernatural powers are so great that there are probably no more than ten people in the world who can suppress him!"

"He still had the intention of taking this opportunity to make further achievements, so he did not return and went north with his elder brother. However, seeing that I had reached the age to cultivate supernatural powers and that the secret realm of the family was about to be established, he specially sent me back!"

Li Ximing's worried expression lessened slightly, and he said:

"That would be the best... He's capable, and it would be best if he could achieve even greater things, but I'm here in the south, and I've heard that the scenery there is truly terrifying... Master Xiao..."

"They've fallen!"

Li Quewan's gaze dimmed, and she gave a brief explanation, which left Li Ximing stunned, his expression changing repeatedly. Finally, he slumped down, sighed, and said:

"Things didn't go as planned! I..."

He sighed:
"Master is still on the lake; we need to talk to him..."

Seeing his low spirits, Li Quewan forced a smile and said:
"Grand Uncle... Although Senior Xiao has perished, the appearance of the True Lords this time has revealed a lot of information, which may also inspire King Wei... We have also gained something in the cave!"

Li Ximing also temporarily put aside his thoughts, while Li Quewan, with a serious expression, asked the question that had been troubling him all along:

"How is the secret realm? How is Chengqian?"

Li Quewan was both shocked and afraid when she entrusted the Secret Realm Xuantao to him, fearing that something might go wrong. This was one of the reasons why she rushed back. She had already gone to Huzhou and used Chayou to investigate. There were no signs of instability, so she breathed a sigh of relief and returned.

Upon hearing this question, Li Ximing nodded silently and said:
"Fortunately... there was a great upheaval in the north a few days ago, and too many changes occurred in the world. There were times of instability, and he went to great lengths to stabilize it with his own bloodline. He even sealed the main hall with divine magic to prevent others from disturbing it..."

He replied seriously:
"Now I owe him a favor."

"I understand."

The woman nodded in agreement, setting aside the matter for the time being. With a flick of her wrist, the black elixir with silver patterns appeared in her palm!

She smiled and said:
"Wear the Xuanwu Imperial Edict!"

Li Ximing was startled, his eyes shining brightly. He stared in amazement for a long time, and although he couldn't figure it out, he still exclaimed with delight:
"I expected something good, but I didn't expect it to be this good!"

Li Quewan held the treasure with obvious affection, seemingly reluctant to put it down. She then recounted her encounter with Li Qinghong, causing Li Ximing to pause in surprise. Li Ximing shook his head with a hint of guilt and said:
"I haven't had a chance to thank my aunt for what happened back then..."

She didn't say much, only smiled and said:
"This one is the [Mysterious Sovereign Pill], which, when paired with the 'Owl Sunflower,' not only includes the [Mysterious Subjugation] and [Material Evolution] effects, but also, as usual, the most prominent and wondrous [Divine Edict]!"

With a flick of her sleeve, a shimmering spray of water fell to the ground, gracefully materializing to reveal the figure of the man in black. His slightly narrowed eyes swept over Li Ximing, and he immediately knelt down, exclaiming with delight:

"The real person! The real person! The old demon has seen Miss..."

"I know, I know…"

Li Ximing laughed heartily, helped Li Wushao up, examined him carefully, and said:

"Now we can take it one step further!"

Li Quewan had a premonition when he received the Xuanheng Imperial Pill back then, and now that he has received the second one, his guesses have been confirmed. At this moment, Li Wushao's aura fluctuated, and he was indeed receiving the divine blessing of the Xuanzhu Imperial Pill at the same time!

Li Wushao hurriedly said:
“What the master said is true… Now I have a path to cultivation. Although I have no cultivation techniques, I can only rely on my connection with this spiritual treasure to absorb supernatural powers and magic, but at least I have a way to go.”

Li Wushao had thought his path to supernatural powers had come to an end, and he was extremely satisfied. He hadn't expected there to be an opportunity for further advancement. Looking at the woman beside him, he exclaimed with delight:
"I've measured it out. The beauty of this [Divine Command] is that it has no threshold. If I were to cultivate on my own, I should be able to fill it with divine power within twenty years... which would just be a second-level divine power Purple Mansion without any divine power..."

Li Ximing chuckled and shook his head, saying:
"You can't calculate it like that... Each supernatural power represents a qualitative change. Before, you struggled against just one supernatural power, and now you've lost one more, making you even weaker against two supernatural powers... The Kan Water Technique I had you practice before..."

Demonic cultivation techniques are inherently inferior to human cultivation, and Li Wushao's Dao wisdom was truly low, so naturally he made little progress. Embarrassed, he lowered his head. Li Ximing understood, took out a jade bottle from his sleeve, and sighed:

"I have no shortage of spiritual resources at home, and I also have a stockpile of elixirs. Take them and cultivate diligently. Be sure not to forget about magic—if you don't cultivate diligently, you will surely regret it one day..."

Li Wushao accepted the gift with profuse thanks, then took his leave and returned to Lingbao. Li Quewan smiled and said:
"This treasure is called the [River Crow], possessing the power to receive divine guidance and resolve mysteries. Once you wield this spiritual treasure, you can dissolve mysteries and even withstand attacks with your life..."

Seeing Li Ximing frown, she explained:
"This wondrous operation can distribute a portion of the damage inflicted by another's supernatural power into their life force, transforming it into a torrent of calamity or malevolent energy that surrounds the body, turning the current injury into a calamity that will last for many years... to be resolved after escaping death..."

She whispered:

"This magical thing is very useful. It can have unexpected effects during battles, just like the previous 'Hengzhu' imperial edict pill, which was also evolved from some kind of 'Owl Sunflower' supernatural power... However, this thing must not be taken lightly. If it is used too much in a major battle, the calamity will accumulate to a terrifying level."

"King Wei once suffered the calamity of Qingya Wutu. If the 'Owl Sunflower' cultivator uses this supernatural power to avoid fatal damage, the resulting calamity will likely rival that of the Qingya Wutu calamity, with all sorts of bizarre phenomena..."

Li Ximing hesitated for a moment, then, as if remembering something, his eyes dimmed, and his hands clasped anxiously inside his sleeves. He said:

"I see…"

Li Quewan, unaware of his thoughts, simply smiled and said:
"However, this wonder is not as powerful as that supernatural power. It can share less damage and bring less calamity. When combined with the [Hengxuan] of the 'Hengzhu', it can be considered as a mutual assistance."

Li Ximing nodded silently and said:
“I think these five edicts of the Xuanfu are all made from the same mold. Each one is blessed by the Xuanfu and has a mysterious power that can save lives. If you really collect them all, you don’t know how long you can live.”

Li Quewan smiled, listening to Li Ximing speak seriously:

"For the [Mysterious Elixir]'s [Consuming Mystery], you should use [Heavenly One Pure Origin]!"

Before Li Quewan could say more, Li Ximing had already spoken:
"This thing is a first-class spiritual treasure of the world... It is of great help to both cultivation and the condensation of supernatural powers. If it is really useful, it is not too late to take it out. Who else but you?"

He didn't give Li Quewan a chance to say more, and settled the matter. Li Quewan had no choice but to bring up other things, saying:

"There are many treasures in the cave, including a female water treasure in my brother's possession, and a Kan water, which is quite peculiar and can be used as a reference for our lineage. I will keep it with me."

She opened her slender hand upwards, and specks of light flew from her sleeve, landing in her hand, as she said:

"There aren't many spiritual resources, mostly water-related. King Wei has many spiritual objects, but I only have a copper lamp here, which I haven't had time to refine yet. As for spiritual objects, there are two: one is He Shui [Tianhai Baisha], and the other is Fu Shui [Baihu Shi]. Both are rare items. As for other cultivation techniques, my brother and I have picked and chosen and categorized them here. In addition, there is a pot of treasure."

She smiled slightly, and a jade pot appeared in her palm. Its curves were graceful, and it radiated a pleasant light. Even through the pot, one could feel the fragrance wafting towards them.

Four characters were written on it, their ink gleaming:
【Changes and transformations】

"This item was stolen by my elder brother from a water palace after we parted ways. It is an extremely rare ancient spiritual essence called 'Karaki'!"

Li Ximing sensed it only slightly, and his face immediately lit up with joy. He exclaimed in surprise:
"Zaraki?"

In this day and age, the Wood element is at its lowest point among the Five Elements, with only the "Horn Wood" element circulating in the world. The "True Wood," being the correct element, follows closely behind, while the "Gathering Wood" element is scarce, and the "Further Wood" and "Protecting Wood" elements are practically nowhere to be found...

'Only this ancient grotto-heaven still preserves items of the "Gengmu" spirit, let alone a single "Gengmu" essence!'

Li Ximing only took a light sniff, but his heart was already pounding. A strange feeling suddenly came over him. With a flick of his sleeve, another 'Li Ximing' appeared, sitting cross-legged with his eyes staring straight at the jade pot.

[Divided Spirit/Alternate Body]!
The "Soul-Merging Hundred Hearts" used to forge this item was made from Gengmu wood, and the "Soul-Listening Mulberry Wood" used for the main carving is also related to Gengmu wood...

Li Ximing has been refining this object for many years. This strange entity has devoured countless supernatural powers and magical strengths of his, even his magical body and blood. It is quite spiritual, but it lacks the true divine substance to nourish the strange entity.

His eyes gleamed for a moment, and he said:
"With this nourishment, the [Divided Spirit and Different Body] should surely benefit greatly and reach a higher level..."

Li Quewan clearly already knew this, and nodded with a smile, saying:

"Grand Uncle's [Divided Spirit Body] was already powerful. He had long been able to practice meditation and martial arts. Now he can also manipulate fire and refine pills. With this item, perhaps the next step will be to cast spells!"

Li Ximing put the item away with great anticipation, in a very good mood, before listening to his junior say:

"The King of Wei has sent me back...and has other plans..."

She relayed Li Zhouwei's instructions, and Li Ximing immediately nodded in understanding, saying:

“This is easy to resolve. Since Western Shu is peaceful, I will leave Chengqian behind to assist you, and take the rest of you with me—your next supernatural power, ‘Zhiyangyi,’ is already prepared, so it’s a good time to cultivate it.”

He took out a jade box from his sleeve and said:
"Back then, I exchanged for the [Mingzhen Heshen Pill]. This is the last one, and it's perfect for you to take—no need to say more, your brother has one, and you will have one too, you'll definitely have plenty."

As a cultivator of the Purple Mansion realm, Li Quewan naturally couldn't possibly resist this precious pill. After a slight pause, she ultimately put it away. Li Ximing then said:
"I will set off immediately—you go to Huzhou to see Chengqian, arrange things properly, and diligently cultivate. By the time King Wei returns in triumph, your two supernatural powers should be fully restored!"

……

Liangchuan Mountain.

The winds and clouds churned, and the distant light of the Buddha continued to flicker. A swaying golden aura swept in, lingering in the air for a moment before materializing into a man with his hands clasped behind his back. His eyes, gleaming with magical light, swept across the surroundings as he softly spoke:
"Fellow Daoist Bai!"

A sound rang out from another part of the void, and a young man draped in purple robes emerged, bowed to him, and said:
"Greetings, Fellow Daoist Chang Yun."

Chang Yun nodded to him, his eyes thoughtful, and said:

"So Fellow Daoist Bai has come too."

The two exchanged a glance, their unspoken words carrying weight. These were all exceptional individuals; how could they not see the meaning behind the white qilin and the general's mobilization of forces at this time? Chang Yun sighed inwardly:

'This is going to offend someone!'

Ye Hui smiled, his gaze deep and mysterious. After a short while, a beam of azure light appeared and hovered in mid-air. It was a luxurious, bright green carriage that enveloped the two of them.

The person in the carriage lifted the curtain and stepped out; it was Sima Yuanli. Now that he had become a Second Divine Power, his demeanor had become quite imposing. He bowed to each of the two men and said softly:
"Fellow Daoists, the situation is tense. The General has already led his men eastward and entered the territory of Lotus Temple. King Wei left orders for me, specifically to wait for you two here..."

Chang Yun nodded slightly, but Ye Hui looked down on him, smiling and turning his face away. Sima Yuanli didn't find it strange and said seriously:
"Instruct Chang Yun Zhenren to go north, enter the eastern foothills of Taihang Mountain, detour around Guangping, wait for the change of supernatural powers, and prepare to block Weijun's reinforcements... Instruct Ye Hui Zhenren to go east, pass through the corner of Dangyin, quietly cross over, and wait north of Juancheng, be on guard against Cibei and Gujun, and observe the situation and act accordingly."

His expression was solemn. He glanced at the two men, and upon seeing Ye Hui's appearance, he simply said:

"There must be no slackness or mistakes."

"Who do we have here? It's Fellow Daoist Sima..."

Ye Hui glanced at him and laughed:

“I, Ye Hui, am alone in the field, so I am naturally not afraid of offending anyone. King Wei has his reasons for mobilizing the two of us—but Fellow Daoist Sima, this is a rare opportunity for battle. I wonder what duties you have?”

Sima Yuanli's expression changed slightly. Knowing that Ye Hui's attitude was unpleasant, he could only say:

"I will wait here until all fellow Daoists gather northward to assist you two!"

Ye Hui gave a deliberately cold laugh and replied:

"Fellow Daoist, you've got a good job... Judging by the days... Tai Xi's new Dharma body is complete. On this journey... we might meet again. I'll have to trouble you again!"

Sima Yuanli certainly knew what he was talking about. During the great battle on the lake, it was his hesitation that led to Li Zhouwei's escape of Taixi. Although Ye Hui was in the north, he had clearly heard of this. The real man's sarcasm was extremely biting.
"You can't afford to offend the powerful, let alone face the aristocratic families of Gu County. Any one of them is more illustrious than your Sima family's ancestors. You may have that fear, but we lack the King of Wei's magnanimity!"

He was a man of satire, and back in the north he had infuriated Guang Chan. Now, intentionally testing him, a single sentence made Sima Yuanli's face turn ugly. But this usually good-natured master was unusually intolerant, and sneered:
"No need for you to trouble yourself, fellow Daoist. True Man Zhaojing has been of great help to me, and King Wei saved my life from the clutches of Da Yu in the grotto-heaven, gifting me the Spring Carriage. Today, I am heading east to repay King Wei's kindness. I have no intention of showing any mercy; I will fight if there is war, and kill if there is death. If I show even the slightest fear..."

His face, unusually serious, even took on a fierce look, tinged with a cold smile:

“Then I will order Zhao Zhao to take my head.”

(End of this chapter)