Chapter 346: The Xi Da Xuan Lineage

"Oh?"

Upon hearing Li Yan mention the Qiankun Academy, Yuan Feng showed clear surprise. "Li Li Shaoxia, your information is quite swift."

Li Yan nodded. "I have some friends who happened to learn of this."

This matter was first revealed to me in a letter from Yan Yan Jiuling.

The court plans to establish a specialized academy for studying various miscellaneous disciplines, to be located in the capital. Yan Yan Jiuling sees great potential and wishes to join as an official.

Thinking of this, Li Yan could not help but ask: "Does this Qiankun Academy handle gunpowder formulation?"

"No."

Yuan Feng stroked his beard and smiled. "This is actually a coincidence."

"During the previous dynasty, foreign missionaries colluded with pirates and took advantage of the north-south divide to heavily harass coastal regions. All foreign religions were eradicated by the Xuanmen."

"Since the opening of the seas, these missionaries have returned by sea, offering the court numerous treasures in exchange for permission to preach, but have repeatedly been opposed by several National Masters."

"Yet they refused to give up, sending instead many books and artifacts—covering medicine, divination, machinery, firearms, and nautical charts—which finally caught the court's attention."

"The Emperor carefully inquired and learned that many foreign nations long had large academies dedicated to studying various miscellaneous disciplines, and in recent years, these had flourished."

"The Emperor wished to emulate them, but this sparked fierce debate within the court, becoming a point of contention between the isolationist and pro-sea factions."

"The isolationists argue these are mere tricks and frivolous arts, mere distractions that harm state affairs and people's livelihoods, even mobilizing Confucian scholars to launch fierce criticisms..."

"The pro-sea faction, in turn, brought forth scholars who claimed this is the study of things to attain knowledge, a path to uncovering the great Dao of heaven and earth, beneficial to the nation and people, with merit lasting a thousand generations."

"In the end, the Emperor made the final decision: to prepare the establishment of the Qiankun Academy."

Saying this, he could not help smiling. "Though the Qiankun Academy claims to follow Confucian principles of investigating things to attain knowledge, and has Confucian scholars joining, it recruits far more experts in agriculture, numerology, machinery, and other miscellaneous disciplines."

"This is naturally good for our Momen."

"Even before the academy is established, the Emperor has already assigned us a task: to travel across Shenzhou, locating mountain and forest mineral deposits."

"For example, Shenzhou is vast, and the original thirty-six Grotto-Heavens and seventy-two Blessed Lands are no longer adequate. Many hidden places remain uncharted, and the Qiankun Academy will send teams to investigate them."

"The Xuanmen has also actively responded; many fengshui masters from Ganzhou have joined. With this Lu Ban Wooden Sparrow, it's like adding wings to a tiger..."

Seeing the old man grow increasingly excited, Li Yan could only sigh and interrupt: "Elder, how does this relate to firearms?"

Yuan Feng replied: "Shenzhou is too vast, and the Qiankun Academy is still in its infancy, with limited manpower. Thus, personnel will be dispersed across regions."

"In the mountains and forests, one inevitably encounters mountain spirits and wild monsters. Some matters involve court secrets and cannot be entrusted entirely to outsiders, so the academy will also recruit skilled warriors to serve as bodyguards."

"Given your current reputation in Ezhou, you are certainly qualified. I can put your name on the list and allow you to obtain gunpowder directly from local yamen offices under the Qiankun Academy's authority."

"But you must not sell it privately, and you must occasionally perform tasks for the Qiankun Academy—this will silence all critics."

He winked, his tone laden with meaning: "The key is, you won't have to pay a single coin..."

"Deal! Thank you, Elder."

Li Yan beamed and immediately agreed.

This new gunpowder is not cheap—it contains two heavenly and earthly treasures. Even the imperial army dares use it only in critical moments.

Just this one item alone would save a great deal of money.

After reaching the agreement, both sides were naturally satisfied.

With the Lu Ban Wooden Sparrow, Momen can now replicate it. If it proves effective in the upcoming southwestern campaign, it will be a monumental achievement for them.

Thinking of this, Elder Yuan Feng's mood improved further. He asked: "What are your plans, Li Li Shaoxia?"

Li Yan replied honestly: "With the Shen household matter settled, we have no reason to stay. We will find a secluded spot nearby to settle, stabilize our cultivation, and when the time comes, we will ascend to Zhenwu Palace to build our tower."

"Oh?"

Yuan Feng was taken aback. "If I recall correctly, your current cultivation level is the Second Story, correct?"

Seeing Li Yan nod, he pondered briefly, then smiled: "The Ministry of Works will soon send people. This mission counts as part of the Qiankun Academy's preparatory tasks. Why not simply register your name? After completion, I will report directly—saving you much trouble."

"By the time the Qiankun Academy is formally established, you will be considered an elder. No one can find fault."

Li Yan was surprised. "Is this considered a mission?"

"Why not?"

Yuan Feng stroked his beard and smiled. "This tomb contains the Momen's legacy of mechanical arts—perhaps the very foundation upon which we will stand in the Qiankun Academy."

"Since it holds the Lu Ban Wooden Sparrow, there may be other mechanical treasures inside. We cannot afford to miss them."

"Even this 'Shi Rou'—not only is its body enormous, but it has fused with a place of great evil, transforming into a malevolent entity. It will inevitably cause chaos. Thus, I have already summoned many experts to assist."

"When the time comes, both Buddhist and Daoist forces will act simultaneously: Daoists will set up a Thunder Altar to subdue and slay it; Buddhists will establish an altar to dispel its malevolent energy. You, Li Li Shaoxia, need only lend a hand."

"Of course."

Li Yan nodded and smiled. "We too wish to witness this."

…………

The next day, in a mountain hollow near Lake Liangzi Lake.

Along the rugged path, Shen Shen Jinghong and two servants led the way, while Li Yan and the others followed behind.

Shen Shen Jinghong urged as they walked: "Li Li Shaoxia, the Shen household has many residences. Why not stay..."

"No need for such courtesy, Young Master Shen."

Li Yan smiled. "We are rough folk, always wielding swords and spears. And you must manage your business—your household now consists entirely of women. It would be inappropriate for us to stay."

After finalizing terms the previous day, Yuan Feng had taken the Lu Ban Wooden Sparrow away. Master Lin had also eagerly returned with the 'Man Yan' flesh to treat his son.

Li Yan, too, planned to leave the Shen household and settle nearby, cultivating while observing events.

Shen Shen Jinghong naturally did not wish to let them go.

He had originally regarded Li Yan and his companions as merely skilled sorcerers. But over these days, witnessing the powerful factions that came and went, he now understood Li Yan's true value and wished to curry favor.

Li Yan, of course, knew his intentions. He said meaningfully: "Did you see that Elder Yuan? Many more will arrive in a few days. Though there are many villages near Lake Liangzi Lake, some matters are simply inconvenient."

"Visit often, cooperate fully, and benefits will follow."

Shen Shen Jinghong immediately understood, bowing deeply: "Thank you, Li Li Shaoxia, for your guidance."

As they spoke, the group entered the hollow.

Passing through a bamboo grove, the view opened up to a clearing, lush with vegetation, concealing two stilted houses—wooden, weathered, clearly abandoned for years.

"Here we are. This is the place."

Shen Shen Jinghong said: "The Miao village is closed off, dislikes outsiders, and often quarrels among themselves. Years ago, a minor dispute led two villages to feud, resulting in many deaths."

"The court eventually intervened and quelled the conflict. But one village lost too many people and migrated elsewhere."

"One family refused to leave, built a house here, and worked at our Shen family kiln. Later, the elders passed away, leaving only a single son who left to seek his fortune elsewhere. The house has stood empty ever since."

After all the fuss, by the time Shen Shen Jinghong and his party departed, dusk had fallen.

Li Yan and the others lit a bonfire outside the house.

Soon, the aroma of meat broth from the iron pot drifted through the air.

Perched high, they could see Lake Liangzi Lake below, the sky filled with stars, the fire crackling, the evening breeze blowing, a biscuit in hand, a sip of broth—everyone felt at ease.

"Finally, we can rest a while."

Wang Wang Daoxuan sighed with feeling. "In my past travels, though I often slept under the open sky and mingled with the poor, I was content—as long as I had food."

"Now, I lack nothing, yet I am weary. The more one desires, the harder it is to take a single step..."

Li Yan sensed something unusual and asked quickly: "Daozhang, have you finished reading those books? Found any clues?"

!.

Earlier, Liu Gang had used Wang Wang Daoxuan's lineage as leverage, threatening Lu San's life, forcing him to act against Tongtian San Niang and others.

Though they ultimately escaped and eliminated the demons, Liu Gang's secret remained unrevealed.

Fortunately, he left behind many fengshui manuals. Wang Wang Daoxuan had spent most of the journey studying them intently.

Perhaps the clue lay within these books.

"I have found some clues."

Wang Wang Daoxuan sighed. "But only fragments."

Li Yan grew interested. "Tell me. Whatever the difficulty, we'll find a way."

Wang Wang Daoxuan spoke solemnly: "Liu Gang sought to become a Earth Immortal, which requires a Grotto-Heaven's sacred land. Thus, he collected numerous fengshui manuals, seeking the Five Grotto-Heavens."

"Though I have not found the location of the lineage's origin, I now know the roots of my own sect."

"My Xi Da Xuan lineage traces back to the Eight Immortals of the Tang..."

"Eight Immortals?"

Sha Li Fei perked up. "Dao Master, your lineage is mighty! Are you descended from Iron-Crutch Li or Lu Zu?"

Wang Wang Daoxuan chuckled. "Not those eight. The Eight Immortals of Emperor Yao's time: Tianhuang Master Sanfeng Zhenren, Guangchengzi, Hongya Mr., Yi Jian Yi Jian, Chisongzi, Ningfengzi, Ma Qin Shi Huang, and Chijiangziyu."

"My lineage originates from 'Chijiangziyu.' Legend says he lived during the time of the Yellow Emperor, abstained from grains, and fed on the blossoms of a hundred herbs. 'Feasting on flowers and drinking dew' refers to him."

"During Emperor Wen of Han, a man named Pei Pei Xuanren, from Hancheng, Shanzhou, met a Daoist named Zhi Ziyuan, who transmitted to him the 'Chijiangziyu's Five Heads Divine Decree.' He cultivated successfully and became a great Xuanmen cultivator of his time."

"Later, he earned merit fighting the Xiongnu, was enfeoffed as a Marquis, and appointed Inspector of Jizhou. As his cultivation deepened, he resigned his post, abandoned his family, and wandered famous mountains, meeting immortals and deities who taught him true scriptures, founding the Xi Da Xuan lineage and ascending to divinity."

In the third year of the Xingning era of the Jin dynasty, he descended with Master Wang Tongbai, Lady Wang of the Central Hou, and Lady Wei of Nanyue to Yang Xi's home, transmitting the 'Baoshen Jing.'

"Daozhang, wait."

Li Yan frowned, sensing something amiss. "Pei Pei Xuanren was a figure from the Western Han dynasty, and Lady Wang of the Central Hou was the daughter of King Ling of Zhou. If they had already ascended to divinity, how could they descend again? Doesn't that violate the Heavenly Laws?"

Wang Wang Daoxuan shook his head. "I do not understand this either. Historically, immortals often descend to enlighten mortals without violating the Heavenly Laws—perhaps they were sent by command."

"For example, Yang Xi later founded the Shangqing Sect of Daoism and was posthumously enfeoffed as the True Person of Divine Manifestation and Supreme Virtue."

"According to Liu Gang's accounts, the Da Xuan Qi Xianwei Chen Chen Tianjun I venerate lived in the same era—end of the Eastern Han—and was Pei Pei Xuanren's disciple, the patriarch of the Xi Da Xuan lineage."

"He called himself Li Erlang Zhenjun, likely having ascended to divinity. Yet history records nothing of him. Only our Xi Da Xuan lineage preserves his memory. Something major must have occurred in between."

"Liu Gang's books do mark the location of our Xi Da Xuan ancestral temple: west of Jùqū Mountain."

"Jùqū Mountain is the ancient name for today's Maoshan."

Li Yan heard this and immediately understood; he said gravely, "Mount Mao is the altar of the Shangqing Sect; Pei Pei Xuanren transmitted the teachings to Yang Xi… Master, do you suspect the decline of the Western Da Xuan lineage is tied to the Shangqing Sect?"

Wang Wang Daoxuan nodded but said nothing more.

The Shangqing Sect is not to be trifled with; they revere Wei Huacun as their ancestral master, arose in the Eastern Jin, flourished in the Tang and Song, and their Mao Mountain talismans strike fear across the land.

Though they declined during the Southern Song, their influence remains substantial, and some of their followers merged into the Longhu Mountain Orthodox Daoist Sect.

To them, it is still a colossal force.

If there truly is some connection…

Thinking of this, Li Yan said gravely, "Master, don't concern yourself—your matter is our matter; we have all the time in the world."

"Let's first investigate quietly, find out what truly happened, and then decide our next move."

"Exactly!"

Sha Sha Li Fei added, "Master, rest easy—you are the true heir of Western Da Xuan. We only seek to reclaim your lineage. They've grown rich and powerful now; surely they won't dare interfere?"

Yet Wang Wang Daoxuan fell silent for a moment, then shook his head and smiled, "I appreciate your kindness, but as for any lineage—I no longer care."

"The methods left by my Western Da Xuan lineage are mostly for blessing and warding off calamity; surely this was our ancestral master's intent."

"They don't hinder cultivation and still accumulate merit—more than enough for me. To seek more is merely to invite trouble."

"Let's speak of this later."

Li Yan gave a slight shake of his head and dropped the subject.

Wang Wang Daoxuan could abandon this matter, but he himself would find a way to uncover the truth—more talk would be useless.

Thinking of this, Li Yan said gravely, "All of you, focus on your cultivation during this time—practice the firearms freely, and aim to ascend Mount Mount Wudang before autumn arrives!"

With the plan settled, no one dwelled on it further.

In the following days, each of them trained alone, and every fixed hour, they went to nearby uninhabited mountains to practice firearms.

In his spare time, Li Yan shared his understanding of martial cultivation without reservation, explaining it to Sha Sha Li Fei and Lu San, and sparring with both of them.

Of course, most of the time, they trained separately.

For instance, Li Yan primarily cultivated the Thunder Gang Martial Art…

Wang Wang Daoxuan attempted more advanced rituals to avert calamity…

Lu San often took a group of spirit beasts and Wu Ba, under the introduction of the Wild God Black Head Great King of Lake Liangzi Lake, to nearby desolate mountains to communicate with mountain spirits and wild monsters…

Around Lake Liangzi Lake, things grew increasingly lively.

Five more days passed, when finally a minor official descended the mountain, presenting a formal invitation: "Young Master Li, I come by order of Master Yuan to request you descend the mountain…"

(End of Chapter)