Chapter 1552: Settlement At Zhen Tao (I) |
Li Zhouwei lifted his cup, weighing his thoughts for a moment, yet remained silent. Li Quewan had just come up from the mountain, clearly having escorted the guest to its base. But the moment she saw the scene before her, she hastily withdrew.
However, Li Zhouwei set his cup down, gesturing for her to come closer and listen as he said, "All the various houses share the same view, and Fairy Qiuhu has set the example. When the dignified Underworld's judiciary sends someone down to reincarnate, even if they are not as exceptional as the Grand Ancestor, how inferior could they really be…
"Those working together behind the scenes, standing in opposition and seeking to stop it, would certainly be figures on the level of the Dragon Clan, Luoxia, or at the very least, people of Pure Victory Dao and Northern Lesser Yang's tier. Add a few Purple Mansion Realm cultivators from Jiangnan, or one or two Supreme Yang Dao lineages that have lost the protection of a True Monarch, in such a situation, the only choice is to offend neither side and simply observe how things unfold."
Li Jiangqian nodded. He understood that the Pure Victory Dao his father mentioned was in reference to Xiyan, and Northern Lesser Yang to Empress Beiyao. But as they were now figures present in the world, they could not be casually named.
He probed cautiously, "My thoughts are the same… Even if we know he is born extraordinary, there is no need for the family to send anyone to support him or build ties in advance… If the top forces on both sides clash, even the aftershocks alone could destroy our family…"
Li Zhouwei took a sip of tea and replied, "There is no need for the family to get involved… Your younger brother's decision not to seek help from the family may well be a subtle warning. What Yang Zhuo is doing is no trivial matter. We must not interfere."
His expression gradually turned grave as he looked at the two most outstanding juniors of his family and said softly, "What you must do is achieve divine ability as soon as possible… In the face of such grand currents, even those with divine ability are not true players of the game.
"But once you have attained divine ability, even in the eyes of those lofty Dao lineages, you can still be considered someone of note. Aside from those bound by special circumstances, any Purple Mansion Realm cultivator who is willing to grit their teeth and abandon their mainland foundations can always carve out a domain overseas, a place where they can rule and live freely without bowing their heads."
Li Quewan had only heard this much, but she already understood it concerned Yang Zhuo. She gave a slight bow and replied together with Li Jiangqian, "We understand."
His gaze swept across the two of them, passing over the silently nodding Li Jiangqian before settling meaningfully on Li Quewan. Only then did he continue, "Whether we end up reduced to Chongzhou or drifting in the outer-sea, as long as there is a Purple Mansion Realm cultivator among us, some of our bloodline can be preserved. But if we lose even that, then we will not even have the right to be pitied!"
Li Quewan felt a pang of sorrow in her heart as she listened. She nodded silently, her thoughts deepening with each passing moment.
Now that the family's secrets have gradually been moved into the Realm of Sun and Moon Radiance, it is indeed safer… but the immortal object has long since vanished into the great void. If something were to happen to the family and the inheritance were to be cut off, we would likely lose contact with it forever! The continuation of a Purple Mansion Realm cultivator is of utmost importance.
She pondered this inwardly, while Li Zhouwei turned and asked, "Has there been any news from the blessed land?"
She shook her head. It was clear she had already inquired about it beforehand as she replied, "The blessed land is sealed, covered by a grand formation. There have been no messages… but there is news from the Eastern Sea."
Li Zhouwei frowned. "The New Rain Scattered Reefs? Queyi?"
With the Purple Smoke Gate closed, it was naturally difficult to maintain its outer-sea interests. The once rather renowned New Rain Scattered Reefs were still operating, but there were no longer many cultivators left on the islands.
Li Quewan nodded. At the mention of Li Queyi, a faint smile appeared on her face as she replied, "When Purple Smoke Gate sealed itself off, it left behind Cao Chu, Wei Danying, and their faction at the New Rain Scattered Reefs. It could be said the place had been entrusted to several families to manage jointly. Some time later, a Daoist Master arrived, claiming to be a rogue cultivator, named Kuangyu."
"So it was Daoist Master Kuangyu!"
Li Zhouwei fell into thought. The more he considered it, the more it made sense. Since Purple Smoke Gate could no longer control the outer-sea, and Kuangyu was a Daoist Master close to the Supreme Yang Dao lineage who had also lent aid in several major battles, it was only natural she would be rewarded.
Li Quewan responded softly, "However, many suspect… that Daoist Master Zhugong may also be hiding there. But ever since Purple Smoke Gate's direct lineage withdrew, Sister Queyi has become someone they hold in particularly high regard. They all value her greatly. Even Daoist Master Kuangyu asked about her by name. She has sent several letters home, filled with emotion."
Her tone shifted as she continued, "Unfortunately, when Purple Smoke Gate sealed itself off, Quexi was in seclusion within the blessed land attempting a breakthrough. She is likely still trapped there now, unable to leave."
"Mm."
Li Zhouwei was not surprised. No matter what arrangements Purple Smoke Gate had left behind to protect the New Rain Scattered Reefs, it would not go so far as to trouble the Li Family's direct lineage.
With that in mind, he asked, "And what about the Zhuang Family of the great desert… How are things there?"
Although he asked about the Zhuang Family, Li Quewan understood what he truly meant and replied respectfully, "The great war has had some impact, but the Golden Feather Sect remains strong, and few dare to act recklessly… However, it is said that Zhuang Pingye has been traveling abroad for several years and is rarely in the desert. In the recent disturbances, it was Aunt Xinghan who took action each time. She has now gained quite a reputation."
Li Zhouwei nodded and dismissed the two. Only then did he see a middle-aged man ascending the mountain.
Though he appeared middle-aged, his features were sharp and capable, giving him an air of alertness. His black hair looked slightly damp, hanging in strands on either side. Lifting his robe, he approached nervously, not daring to raise his head.
He could only kowtow as he choked out, "I pay my respects… to the Grand Concord of Radiance!"
"Rise." Li Zhouwei was momentarily taken aback. He looked at him with a trace of emotion. The once robust man had now become a Foundation Establishment Realm immortal cultivator, yet that same sharp, clever air still remained. He smiled faintly and said, "It hasn't been easy for you."
Only then did Dili Youjie raise his head, though he still did not dare meet his gaze. His eyes remained fixed on Li Zhouwei's boots as he said in a trembling voice, "I… am fortunate to see you again, my lord…"
Li Zhouwei asked, "You cultivate [Geng Metal]?"
"My lord! Thanks to the method bestowed from the lake… I indeed cultivate [Geng Metal]!"
Back then, Dili Youjie had risen in a single leap from a lowly slave outside the Great Jueting to the throne of Northern Mount Yue, all thanks to Li Zhouwei. Later, as he gradually stepped onto the path of cultivation, most cultivators from the lake looked down upon the Mount Yue people. His so-called royal status meant nothing at all. It was only through a bit of his own cunning, borrowing Li Zhouwei's name, that he was able to earn the respect of others.
He also understood clearly in his heart that it was precisely because he had walked this path alongside Li Zhouwei that, in the latter half of his life, his cultivation had repeatedly succeeded and he had obtained such fine techniques and provisions…
Whenever he awoke in the middle of the night, he could not help but wonder. If he had not camped outside Great Jueting that day, he would still be that wretched nobody with laughable cultivation. Even now, though he had become a Foundation Establishment Realm immortal cultivator, the fear in his heart only grew stronger, as though everything might vanish like a dream.
Li Zhouwei merely glanced at him, already weighing things in his mind, Geng Metal… his strength is only passable… but his loyalty is commendable.
Having made his decision, he casually drew out a [Geng Metal] dharma artifact from his sleeve. It was a small golden sword, no larger than a palm.
He instructed, "It is only a [Geng Metal] dharma sword, suited for casting techniques, not for direct confrontation. Take good care of it. Since Quewan brought you here, you will follow her from now on. Run errands for her, and pass along messages. That will be sufficient."
"Yes!"
The Mount Yue man left in a state of awe and fear, clutching the sword to his chest, tears streaming down his face.
Li Zhouwei stepped forward lightly. When his foot came down, he was already within a pagoda filled with roaring thunder. Closing his eyes slightly, with the radiance of sun and moon weaving around him, he arrived within a grotto heaven.