Xuanjian Xianzu

Chapter 1337 Southern Transformation
Gardenia Mountain.

The sky was blazing with sunlight, white flowers were fluttering in the air, a woman sat cross-legged, made a talisman, seemingly practicing her supernatural powers. On a platform a step lower, a man sat in front of a furnace, silently refining pills.

After waiting a moment, someone came forward to report, his face beaming with joy:
"Master...Young Master has arrived at the lake!"

Li Quewan opened her eyes, a flash of silver light passing through them. She slowly exhaled, the talisman in front of her flickering. With a flick of her finger, she sent the talisman out.

Not long after Li Ximing set off, Li Quewan, while studying the Golden Book and cooperating with Chengqian to promote Xuantao, took the time to guide Qiao Yue. Qiao Yue had been cultivating under Li Ximing's guidance for the past few years. Although Li Quewan was not proficient in alchemy, he was more than capable of guiding Qiao Yue's cultivation.

Being interrupted right now is actually a bit surprising:

"Young master? Which younger brother?"

But then the man bowed again and said:
"It's Young Master Jiang Chun!"

Li Quewan was immediately delighted and stood up. Sure enough, she saw someone stepping out from the mountains. He was dressed simply and modestly, wearing only white. His cultivation had reached the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage. He carried a sword on his back and looked refreshed and energetic.

It was Li Jiangchun!
Li Quewan hadn't seen him for a while, and now she smiled somewhat, but a hint of doubt lingered in her heart. She waved for Qiao Yue to leave, and said:

"How rare... Uncle Zhou Luo actually let you come back!"

Li Jiangchun looked quite guilty, and upon hearing this, he shook his head even more, saying only:
"Congratulations, elder sister! Many letters have arrived from home these past few days, but I've been in seclusion for so long that I haven't had a chance to reply… I rushed to the lake as soon as I emerged from seclusion…"

"Retreat?"

Li Quewan glanced around, understood, stood up, and said:

"Are you practicing some kind of secret technique?"

Li Jiangchun smiled and said:
"Yes, Master!"

Li Jiangchun's cultivation is particularly unique. He possesses the [Shaoyin Xuanjun Water and Fire Record] and is a rare sword immortal. Now that he has reached the peak of Foundation Establishment, he should have started cultivating secret techniques much earlier.

However, the "Lesser Yin" technique is extremely rare. Although the Li family has paid close attention to it over the years, they have never been able to obtain a secret technique at the Purple Mansion level. Li Ximing originally wanted to ask Jiu Qiu about it, but unexpectedly, Li Jiangliang mentioned it early on and asked Yang Tianyou, who was also in the capital, to retrieve a copy.

This Lesser Yin Secret Method contains three parts, which is already quite excellent. Li Jiangchun returned to Black Lake. These past few years have been turbulent, so this matter will be postponed for now. Li Quewan immediately understood what kind of seclusion he was in and nodded, saying:

"Was it your sister-in-law who gave you that portion?"

Li Jiangchun laughed and said:

“My father has been working on my behalf for many years. He said that the family has entrusted me to him to fulfill the bond between father and son. Naturally, he will take care of these things. A few years ago, he found a way to take me to the palace to study the martial arts!”

Li Quewan raised an eyebrow and said:

"how?"

Li Jiangchun's expression was slightly strange:

"They obtained a cultivation technique called the 'Regulating Cold and Maintaining Dryness Classic,' which also resulted in the 'Fragrance and Agarwood' technique. It is said to be a powerful and exquisite technique treasured by the Yang family, reaching the fifth rank... but..."

He lowered his voice and transmitted it telepathically:

'I have studied and researched it, and while it is indeed exquisite, it only focuses on minor details. Compared to my current technique, it lacks a truly profound and far-reaching understanding, and is actually inferior to my own…'

Li Quewan nodded secretly, and Li Jiangchun continued:

"This secret technique is unique in that it contains more and is more refined than the one Fourth Sister-in-law gave us. It has five parts in total, which is extremely remarkable. It is probably the kind of treatment that a direct descendant of a Golden Core cultivator in a grotto-heaven would receive!"

Li Quewan smiled and said:
"Since that's the case, I see you've gained quite a bit?"

The young man laughed and said:

"It has already become three paths!"

"Three?"

Even though Li Quewan was prepared, he couldn't help but be startled at this moment. He raised his eyebrows and stared at the young man before him. Li Jiangchun then said:
"The methods of Lesser Yin are all contained in the Records of Water and Fire. I have practiced this art for many years, and these specially selected secret techniques all concern water and fire. How could it not be fast?"

Li Quewan, who practiced Xuanwu arts, could tell that Li Jiangchun's foundation in this method, which he had cultivated since childhood, must be quite profound. He couldn't help but nod with a smile, then shook his head and said:

"I thought we had some time to maneuver, but I didn't expect you to cultivate so quickly. It seems we still need to hurry."

Li Jiangchun said:

"Five dishes are more than enough..."

Li Quewan shook his head noncommittally, but suddenly his expression changed. Sensing the supernatural powers in the void outside, he nodded, signaling Li Jiangchun to step back, a question arising in his mind:
'At this hour... who would come looking for me?'

She quickly calculated with her fingers and saw the raging "Burning Fire" outside. She immediately rose and asked Qiao Yue to bring the supernatural power in. Sure enough, she saw a middle-aged man, quite handsome, and bowed to him, saying:
"Fellow Daoist Su Yun!"

"So it was Master Fuchi."

This person is actually Tantai Jin!

This master was supposed to be stationed in Liangchuan, but for some reason he returned south and came all the way to this great lake. He seemed to be in a hurry, which puzzled Li Quewan. He simply said:

"This is a real person..."

Tantai Jin's expression changed slightly, but he didn't say much. He bowed deeply and said:
"I came here on orders, and I have a lot of news to tell Master Suyun. I will only tell you the most important thing first—the fighting has broken out in the Southern Frontier!"

Li Quewan was taken aback at first, then her mind suddenly changed. She raised her eyebrows and asked:

"Gan Lu Fu?!"

Tantai Jin nodded, his voice slightly deep:

"Last night... that giant dragon swept through the Pyu Kingdom deep in the southern border, causing the entire country to collapse. It is said that a large number of people and cultivators were taken back to the Demon Ridge, stretching for thousands of miles, as far as the eye can see!"

"The Kingdom of the Pyu?"

Li Quewan remained silent for a moment.

The Piao people are the largest witch kingdom in the southern part of the country. The population is densely distributed in the mountains and forests, with more than a million people. It is relatively wealthy. Even if the ruler of a certain country is tyrannical, there are still a lot of cultivators. At its most glorious time, it could even form its own faction. Now it has declined, but the ruler is also a second-level supernatural being!
Tantai Jin was quite uneasy and said:
"The ruler of that kingdom perished on the spot, and the nearby Sanzuo Kingdom was also destroyed. Luo Zangmulu, who was visiting friends abroad, barely escaped with his life. Centuries of accumulated wealth were destroyed in an instant, and he couldn't even save a few of his disciples..."

“Luozangmulü…”

Li Quewan paused slightly, then said:
"It must be that Taoist Luo who repairs the wood."

Tantai short road:

"Exactly!"

This Taoist Luo was an acquaintance; he had a past relationship with Li Ximing. Back when the Sun Sect was declining, he came to lend a hand and also got a share of the spoils…

Li Quewan frowned slightly and said:
"They saw that the fighting between the North and the South was fierce, and they figured that the North couldn't be distracted to deal with them, so they took advantage of the situation to attack!"

Tantai Jin sighed and said:
"Indeed, the entire court is in shock right now, and everyone suspects that he has further plans. So he urgently summoned me back under the pretext of returning to the capital to report on his duties... He specifically asked me to remind Su Yun when I pass by the lake!"

Li Quewan understood what he meant.

"Although Qingjifang is in seclusion, Western Shu still possesses considerable strength. The Sun and Chen families have a long-standing blood feud, and if trouble arises in the south, the west could very well seize the opportunity to invade."

"If fighting breaks out again, the people in the north will definitely have to come back to provide support."

She immediately sensed trouble, her brows furrowed, and Tantai Jin sighed again:
"There are still quite a few troubles. Does Que Wan still remember the Wei and Jia families?"

"Of course I know."

Li Quewan paused, listening to him say:

"The Wei family had a very remarkable junior named Wei Dangshan, who was said to be the greatest genius in Luoyang in this era, and possessed wisdom and insight unseen in the Wei family for hundreds of years... Last night, a crimson light shot into the sky over Luoyang; it was his demise!"

Upon hearing this, the first person to change color was surprisingly Qiao Yue, who had remained silent throughout. His eyes were filled with disbelief, as if he had heard something utterly impossible. Li Quewan was initially taken aback, but quickly understood and replied:

"Daeryungcheon..."

"Yes... Although King Wei was benevolent and spared his life during the great battle, who could have imagined that Dalingchuan would undergo such changes? The river changed its course, the Huai River reappeared, and the Yin River in the void swept from Dalingchuan all the way to the Central Plains, and then from the Central Plains to the East China Sea..."

"I thought Jin would be the one to suffer, but unexpectedly, things took an unexpected turn. This change didn't just affect one area, but spread like a long river. Jin actually suffered relatively little damage. As for the other places... how could a cultivator seeking a Purple Mansion withstand it? He was late enough; back then... other cultivators perished on the spot..."

He sighed:
"Such a genius, how could he have fallen so hastily! Master Jia was with me at the time. Upon seeing the celestial phenomena and hearing the news, he immediately vomited blood, turned pale, and became utterly disoriented, unable to be roused..."

Li Quewan said softly:

"This is something we can't change... King Wei may appreciate talent, but the world is unforgiving, and where can we seek redress for this injustice? We can only accept our bad luck..."

Tantai Jin shook his head and said:
"Coincidentally, a few days ago, one of Qinghu's capable juniors broke through to the next level and died. His name was Sima Tongyi. He died very easily... Qinghu probably knows about it too."

Li Quewan could only offer a word of condolence, then changed the subject, saying:
"In that case, I'm afraid we must also be wary of the lake area!"

Tantai Jin nodded silently, glanced at her, and hesitated before saying:
"This matter is difficult to handle. We still need to be more vigilant, Master. We don't have many people available right now. I heard that Master Lin has returned and will be at the lake soon. When I set off, fighting broke out in the north. I didn't see King Wei, but Master Changli was leading people to defend the city... There might still be changes..."

He was pressed for time, and after saying this, he was about to leave when the woman called him back. She bowed and said softly:

"The venerable elder lent me this magical treasure years ago, which I used for many years. I am only now having the chance to return it, and I am deeply ashamed. I have long wanted to properly thank Jiuqiu..."

She spread her hands, revealing a moonlit hue in her snow-white palm, its intricate patterns revealing an astonishingly valuable Yin treasure that she handed over without a trace of regret.
"Returning the item to its rightful owner..."

Just as Tantai Jin was about to say more, the woman before him took out a jade box, interrupting him:
"Having heard that you cultivate 'Blazing Fire,' the Prince of Wei has long been aware of it. Please accept this small token of my appreciation!"

Tantai short road:

"Since we are destined to meet, and we are like brothers and sisters, why be so polite?"

He declined twice, but finally accepted the gifts. Li Quewan could tell he was pressed for time, so she simply smiled and nodded.
"My younger brother cultivates the Lesser Yin, and we will need your help in the future!"

Tantai Jin was taken aback at first, then chuckled and shook his head:

"Su Yun, you may not know this, but the King of Wei has recently acquired a True Man, a highly accomplished cultivator of the Lesser Yin Dao. He must have already considered this matter... There's no need to worry!"

Without saying much, he headed south.

Li Quewan then understood. She watched him leave, feeling uneasy. She closed her eyes, pretending to be deep in thought, but in reality, she was in contact with Cha You. She looked around in the distance and, finding no supernatural power, breathed a sigh of relief.

But it would have been better if she hadn't looked. Looking down, she noticed an old man already standing on Zhijing Mountain, pacing hesitantly at the foot of the mountain, seemingly having waited for a long time, unsure whether to come up. Upon closer inspection, she recognized him as Xiao Yuansi. Raising her eyebrows, she transmitted her thoughts and instructed:

"Please come up, senior!"

A few days ago, Li Quewan brought back the news, and Li Ximing immediately met with Xiao Yuansi and told him the news. The old man went back to his cave to cry. Although Li Ximing couldn't bear it, he had received orders to go to the north immediately, so he didn't have time to take care of him.

"He must have recovered a bit."

Xiao Yuansi's status was beyond question. This old man was the senior brother of the Sword Immortal. He had met several generations of ancestors and had even refined pills for Li Tongya and Li Xiangping. Li Quewan dared not be negligent in the slightest. After giving the instructions, he went down to greet him personally.

Seeing an old man with a full head of white hair, looking gloomy and listless, his head drooping, seemingly somewhat slow-witted, he suddenly saw the supernatural power descending and immediately bowed down, saying:
"I've seen it..."

Li Quewan was very nervous and helped him up, saying:
"No...no! You're too kind, sir!"

She dismissed the crowd, then led the old man to the mountaintop, served him tea, and then asked with concern:
My deepest condolences, sir/madam…

Xiao Yuansi then raised his head, tears still streaming down his old face, and said:

"Please forgive my humble visit, Master. I have come with a request..."

Li Quewan hurriedly said:
"Please speak, sir!"

The old man's lips trembled slightly, and he immediately said:
"The fall of the True Immortal shook heaven and earth, but the laws of the Great Lingchuan are intertwined, and the void trembles. Much of the news cannot be transmitted back to Cangzhou... And there is no one in Cangzhou to take charge. I still hope... I still hope the True Immortal will let me go back!"

Of course, no matter what the conditions were, even if it was a rare treasure from the Purple Mansion, Li Quewan would be willing to give it up. But these words made her hesitate, and she said softly:
"Please rest assured, senior. Cangzhou is a remote and sparsely populated area. The Xiao family has always maintained a low profile and has excellent family discipline. Nothing should happen to them these days. On the contrary, with the surrounding areas in turmoil, I'm afraid that if they rashly head north, they might be intercepted and implicate the Xiao family... That would be terrible..."

"Grand Uncle also said long ago that once things are more stable in the North and South, he will personally escort the elder back. This is only right... Once a Purple Mansion appears, the Xiao family will also be at peace."

She was perceptive and spoke kindly, which silenced Xiao Yuansi for a moment. She said:
"The real person is very thoughtful..."

He wept:
"But then I remembered that when the lake first rose to prominence, Guiluan married into the Li family, and my Yushan lineage married Qingxiao... When Zhaojing became a Purple Mansion, I even brought her to congratulate him... Now the Yushan lineage has been settled on [Shi Nu Island] in the North Sea, Muyun has become the island's lord, and Qingxiao lives a secluded life... She rarely sees anyone anymore..."

"This is a story that has been passed down as a beautiful tale, and today, I'm thinking of... continuing it."

Li Quewan was taken aback. Looking at the old man before her, she noticed that Xiao Yuansi was extremely uneasy and said in a low voice:

"This time... we're begging a direct descendant of the immortal clan... to marry into our family..."