Xuanjian Xianzu

Chapter 1482 Espionage
The sun and moon shine together over heaven and earth.

A rich spiritual energy surged through the heavens and earth. The young man in crimson sat quietly cross-legged, his golden eyes gazing ahead at the empty desk.

He stared intently, seemingly deep in thought.

'Since I was cultivating on the lake, I didn't see any reaction. The Master just returned from the South Sea and was immediately summoned. It's not necessarily to see Li, but specifically to see him alone...'

Li Jiangqian's expression was calm, but his emotions were turbulent. Hearing footsteps, he stood up, bowed, and smiled:
"Father!"

Li Zhouwei pushed open the door and entered, nodding slightly. His gaze swept over the empty desk. Li Jiangqian stepped forward, turned slightly to the side, and bowed his head, saying:

"The master summoned him, and Grand Uncle took the token and disappeared."

Li Zhouwei finally raised an eyebrow, his eyes revealing surprise and a hint of inexplicable complexity. He nodded, turned around, and sat down at the jade table. After a while, a crisp sound was heard:

"Boom!"

A platinum-gold figure descended from nowhere, seemingly falling from a great height. After a slight stumble, he regained his footing and looked around in confusion. Upon seeing the two immortals before him, he exclaimed with delight:
"Great...that's wonderful!"

He seemed to have been relieved of a great burden, strode to the table, sat down, and said:

"We have our own people on Shi Xiu's side now!"

Even with their quick wits, the two were initially bewildered. Li Ximing, however, had spoken at length in the heavens despite being a mere mortal, and his long-lost dryness had not yet subsided. He took the tea from Li Jiangqian, took a sip, and said:
"This is a long story. When I went to heaven, I met a man who was to be sent to the Buddhist and Taoist circles to serve as a high-ranking official. He was the one who came from our lake back then and helped us suppress Chi Buzhi. Now he is the one who is looking for me. The token he used created a world, which is extremely magical. We talked in detail there."

He paused, then said seriously:

"With his official position, he had countless monks lurking around. Not to mention Chi Luo and Wu Mu, even Ren Shi Jia... were their people."

So he recounted those words, and upon hearing them, Li Zhouwei's lips curved into a slight smile, while Li Jiangqian's gaze shifted several times, lost in thought. Li Ximing then sighed:

"He gave me such a wonderful treasure!"

So he took out the catalog and handed it to Li Zhouwei, saying solemnly:
"We should go to Meichi Palace and visit Suining together!"

As the King of Wei watched, he listened to Li Ximing explain the Great Desire Path's plans in detail. After studying for a while, he sat down in the secret realm. When the silver-robed youth approached, he handed over the catalogue in his hand and said with some complicated feelings:

"I never imagined... that Liao Kong was also from the Great Wu Xuan Tian. I originally planned to deal with him first when I left Shu... but it seems I've saved myself the trouble of making this trip..."

His expression showed more regret than surprise. After a pause, Li Ximing pondered:
"It's not surprising, really. It's said that back then, Liaokong was just a minor mage. He only attained enlightenment because of an opportunity given to him by his uncle during the internal strife of the Qingchi Sect!"

Li Zhouwei nodded, not underestimating the enemy despite having learned of the various plans in the north, and said:

"The Great Desire Path is indeed a formidable enemy, with profound foundations in the Great Desire Path! It should not be underestimated."

Li Suining was looking down when he was so shocked that he gaped and speechless. He didn't know whether to feel fear or joy; both were frozen in one place. He thought to himself:
"The Great Crow Mystic Heaven... I've never heard of it before!"

It's not surprising that he was somewhat aware of what was going on when Li Ximing revealed that place to him, but this so-called Xuan Tian completely shattered his preparations, even sending a chill down his spine.

Li Suining has been reincarnated many times, so he naturally understands the limits of Tian Su's power.

"The so-called Heavenly Essence is the Daoist method that extends in all directions and investigates opportunities. It can see through most of the arrangements under heaven, but it cannot completely overshadow the True Lord."

What sets Tian Su apart from other paths is this cycle of reincarnation. Although it cannot fundamentally deduce plans at the True Lord level, if these plans are executed by lesser cultivators or become known to them, Tian Su will still experience them during the deduction process.

That's why he was able to foresee Yayoi's reincarnation!
'Because those monks of the Great Desire Path have been brewing this for far too long. Ever since the Peacock Painting was revealed, these matters have been no secret, but have been widely circulated among the confidants of those Dharma Masters, which is why I came to know about them through this process…'

But he had no experience whatsoever with the so-called "Great Black Heaven"!

'This can only mean that it was done by the True Lord, and... it's possible that it was accomplished temporarily after my last deduction...'

But that possibility is extremely low. Judging from the words of the two masters before them, Shi Xiu, who had been subdued by their powerful backer, had already received considerable assistance. Therefore, there is only one other possibility:
'This mysterious realm is not only unknown to any minor cultivator, but it has also been completely erased from existence by some supreme divine mystery, leaving no trace even for Tian Su!'

His heart was a mixture of ice and fire:
'This is the supernatural power of the lords of the lake…is it the legendary Lord of the Prefecture…or perhaps that Lord Xuan'an! Tian Su…he knows him.'

'Legend has it that Tian Su cannot appear on the lake, nor under Qing Yi Yuan Xin Yi's influence. It seems this lord has indeed affected the immortal artifact…'

This left him momentarily stunned, and he fell into a long silence.

Li Zhouwei said coldly:
"These carp and other creatures have rallied the various sects to attack Liangchuan, their aim being to force the enemy to defend their territory, determined to corner me in that very place..."

Li Jiangqian was equally astute, saying:
"They want to keep Father King here in Luoyang!"

The Li family abandoned the vast territory of Gu County and retreated to Juancheng. Their power in the north shrank to a small force, which actually extended along the southern half of the Taihang Mountains all the way to Liangchuan, consisting of three or four strategic passes. They could launch another attack on Gu County in the east at any time, while connecting to Luoyang in the south.

The situation in Luoyang is now quite ambiguous.

If judged by merit, Luoyang was conquered by Li Zhouwei himself, who also orchestrated the migration of the entire Luoyang aristocratic family and forged an alliance with the Tao family, thus establishing a deep foundation. However, when the Song Dynasty was invited, this place had already been promised to the Song Emperor and was no longer directly controlled by the Li family.

Faced with this territory deep in the north, the Song emperor's handling was equally clear: he enfeoffed Li Zhouwei's two sons there one after another, which was very much like sending a vassal lord out to the countryside.

Li Jiangqian said:

"Yang Zhuo's meaning is very clear. The population of Luoyang has already been relocated, so its value to him is no longer what it used to be. However, it is now an excellent place to settle down. His two younger brothers were therefore enfeoffed there—it is to send all the pro-Wei forces within the territory of Song to Luoyang, to be ordered to assist the King of Wei. From now on, he will not have to worry about them. These lords will not be able to say whether they are from Wei or Song..."

"Luoxia is a passage connecting Jianghuai and the North. Even if the Song Dynasty doesn't care, we will naturally guard it. However, it is directly facing the Da Mu Fajie and Zhao Ting, which is very dangerous. They are certainly confident that they can keep my father there... Moreover, even if the Song Dynasty wants to take action now, it will definitely send Yang Ruiyi again."

Li Jiangqian sneered and said:
"The Yang family's feelings toward us are complicated. They are more wary than supportive. This general has always been a man who cherishes his life, and he is under a lot of pressure. We shouldn't expect him to make any big moves."

Li Zhouwei largely agreed with Li Jiangqian's analysis. He nodded and pondered, saying:
“This is not difficult. Jianglong and Jiangxia have not yet taken up their fiefs, and the people in Luoyang have long since moved away. In recent years, there have only been a few cultivators.”

He said calmly:

"As for the Tao family... they consider what happened back then a humiliation and once asked us for help. Kawakami is currently holding the head of Guangchan. This time... the Tongxuan Daoists will absolutely not have the face to watch Maha attack the Tao family's mountain gate. There is no need to worry."

Li Suining, having calmed down, had understood and said:
"The King of Wei wants to abandon... Luoyang."

Li Zhouwei nodded and said:
"The carp will surround Luoxia together with the Great Mu Dharma Realm. This huge sack was specially set up for me. There's no way I can crawl into it. With the Taiyin Feather Robe, they won't be able to detect my movements. That River-Swept Immortal Official wants those two heads. I'll go cut one off first to disrupt their plans."

Upon hearing this, Li Suining secretly began to make calculations in his mind.

Based on what happened in his previous life, Li Zhouwei should have been embroiled in a fierce battle with the two factions in the north, unable to attend to anything else. However, just as he had predicted in previous lives, the events that had occurred in reality at this point had completely deviated from his previous life.

Li Suining has now come to understand.

'I possess neither such great supernatural powers nor am I skilled in warfare. My role is not to advise the King of Wei, but simply to inform him…'

He grasped this principle for the first time, and Li Zhouwei immediately destroyed the Shu Kingdom. Li Suining learned from this lesson and followed suit, saying:

"It's time for the Yan Kingdom to make its move!"

He frowned and said:

"But... we're not sure if they're targeting Gu County or the Great Desire Path..."

Upon hearing this, Li Ximing laughed and said:

“I heard from Dangjiang that the Compassionate Path has long been extremely envious. I think this southward expedition is just a pretext to attack Gu County, while they are actually trying to trip up the Great Desire Path!”

He said:

“Jinghai is also one of our people. If there are any changes, we will surely hear about it.”

Upon hearing this, Li Suining roughly understood the situation and said:
"I'm afraid that if we lose Luoyang, Yu Xixin and the others in the north will be left isolated and in a dilemma!"

Li Jiangqian, however, showed little worry, his brows furrowing slightly. Li Zhouwei, on the other hand, smiled and said:

“You’re right. Luoyang is a passage connecting the north and south, but in the vast Jianghuai region, is this the only connection? Beyond Luoyang are the counties of Shanle Road. Since that Minghui guy is one of our own, we can easily traverse the lands of Shanle Road as well…”

"Moreover, if we continue eastward, there is another feudal lord."

"good."

Li Jiangqian smiled and said:
"It's time we could use him!"

Which company borders the eastern side of the Jianghuai region?
Qi Di!

King Bolie, wear high robes!

Li Zhouwei said softly:

"When he came south that year, we talked for a while, and I already knew his intentions. Although he had been able to conquer the north over the years, he had never been confident of holding it for long, so... so I never sent anyone to look for him..."

Gao Fu had given them ample face when he went south, and Li Zhouwei did not want Gao Fu to make a premature move because of his rash actions. When he had to retreat due to the deteriorating situation, he would not be able to find a large enough Qi territory to accommodate the entire Gao family's power. In that case, the entire Bolie Kingdom would suffer intense and endless retaliation from Shi Xiu.

Li Zhouwei had a premonition that the King of Bolie, who remained silent, must know his worries and was also waiting for the right opportunity to make a move.

"Things are different now."

The King of Wei tilted his head slightly and said calmly:
"My power is established, the Jianghuai region is stable, and the Lotus Temple has yielded. As long as he makes a move, he can unite the entire area north of the Jianghuai region into one. It's alright to put Luoyang aside for now. Once things are settled, we can easily reclaim it!"

He said:

"Jiangqian!"

Li Jiangqian immediately stood up, bowed respectfully, and said:

"Your subject is here."

Li Zhouwei spoke in a low voice, taking out the token in his hand, and said:
"Go up the Yangtze and Huai Rivers and go to the land of Qi for me. Make Gao Fu obey my orders and help him recover the land north of the Yangtze and Huai Rivers. Connect with Gu County in the north and guard Raoshan, the southern gateway, to support Luoyang."

"Yes!"

Li Jiangqian respectfully accepted the gift with both hands, and left the secret realm under Li Suining's complicated gaze, quickly disappearing into the horizon.

Li Zhouwei stretched and said softly:

"To make contact with the Great Crow Mysterious Heaven, we must enter the Sun and Moon Shining Together Heaven. I ask Uncle to stay on the lake and await news. The matters here also need to be discussed carefully."

A hint of guilt flashed across his face as he said:
"This will delay Uncle's cultivation again..."

Li Ximing had actually returned from this trip intending to go into seclusion, but he didn't seem to care. He nodded solemnly, moved his lips, and finally let out a long sigh, saying:
"The peace won't last more than a few years; war will break out soon..."

So he watched the King of Wei leave the cave, then went to the world where the sun and moon shone together, picked up the mysterious token, and gently stroked it again.

A golden light shone in his spiritual consciousness, and he could vaguely see the words "pavilion". So he calmed himself down and wrote down all the arrangements. He watched them dissipate in the golden light, and when he turned back, he found that he had only lost a little bit of his immortal power.

'It's definitely cheaper!'

He then turned back and went to the attic below. After thinking for a while, he had another wicked idea:
'Since this Xuanling token recognizes me, Li Ximing, it's highly likely based on the talisman seed... If I were to use my split spirit body to hold it, I should also be able to recognize it!'

With a flick of his sleeve, Li Ximing, dressed in white, appeared on the spot. He took the Xuan Token with both hands and carefully sensed it. Sure enough, he could sense that glimmer of light!
'really!'

This discovery thrilled him:

'This way, it won't delay my cultivation, nor will it hinder my plans in the North and South! When Wan'er returns, she should also try it! Let's see if she recognizes the talisman seed or me!'

If it were a formal condensation of divine power, there would be no possibility of being distracted. But Li Ximing was only trying to elevate his immortal foundation this time, and had no intention of achieving success in one fell swoop!
Overjoyed, he did not hesitate to focus his mind and enter his body. His spiritual sense swirled in his dantian, and he saw a golden light lying in the thick sea of ​​clouds!
This light is high above, yet it is surrounded by countless swirling auras, with countless official residences residing there. Mysterious patterns and secret paths flow above it, like a long river winding through the mountains, dispersing into every corner of the Qi Sea.

Immortal Foundation: Oath of the Xiaoshan Sect!
In the blink of an eye, a pill had already fallen into his mouth, turning into a dazzling golden light that poured down. The immortal foundation suddenly rose up, like a flying mountain, soaring into the endless clouds.