Chapter 931

Bright streams of light arrived one after another, coming to a halt in the sky, then rapidly descended to the cave dwelling by the lake between the purple-gold pillars, silently staring at one another.

"It is the cave dwelling of the Western Seventh Pillar..."

Only a breath of time had passed when a man in black robes arrived on the wind, his expression quite subtle. The cultivators on both sides bowed one after another, saying respectfully, "Protector Chen!"

Chen Yang nodded, looked at the ever-changing strange phenomena in the sky, and had a rough idea in his heart. Yet, looking at the location of this cave dwelling, he felt something was wrong and said in a low voice:

"Is it the Fifth Young Master?"

The cultivators on both sides lowered their heads in unison. One stepped forward and said in a low voice:

"Reporting to my lord... it is the Young Master's place of seclusion. He chose this cave dwelling by the lake himself back then."

The Fifth Young Master in Chen Yang's mouth was naturally Li Zhouming. It was just that he had never thought that someone with Li Zhouming's noble status would choose to stay in a place like this—grass-covered and by the lake—rather than the very center of the continent... It was more like the seclusion of a guest elder.

He actually did not care much about this famous playboy. He watched coldly for a while and even felt a sense of relief, thinking to himself:

"He must have stumbled at Foundation Establishment... That is just as well. With such a playboy around, every family finds it difficult."

His face was full of feigned regret. After waiting for a while and seeing no one come out, the people on both sides shook their heads silently. However, no one on the left or right was surprised, and they discussed who should go to open the cave dwelling.

After all, Li Zhouming had neither temperament nor ability. Sometimes, when he became overbearing, everyone had to yield to him. Yet, this person was stubborn and fixated on one or two dead-end principles. When the continent issued an order, there was usually a tacit 30 to 40 percent room for flexibility, but if the playboy occasionally ran into that 30 or 40 percent, he would insist on making a scene that reached the heavens.

Therefore, Chen Yang sighed on the surface. Looking left and right, many people seemed relieved. But as the current leader of the Chen family, a man of outstanding talent and ability, Chen Yang thought more deeply:

"Over these years, that Xia Xia Shouyu has been quiet, yet she has managed the dense forest and 【Cuoxiang】 strictly, holding the lifeline of Qi gathering. Together with Li Li Que Wan, she has raised the requirements for obtaining Qi higher and higher, secretly promoting those from humble backgrounds and branch lineages..."

Chen Yang could not say he was disgusted by their actions; it was nothing more than a method of checks and balances. One of these two was born overseas, and the other was from the remote branch of Huihu. Naturally, they did not like favoring the direct line or the prominent surnames. Now, some precious and unique spiritual energy was being diverted more to those from humble backgrounds, which was ultimately quietly thinning the foundation of the vested interests. However, both were figures valued by the two True Persons, so although there were complaints below, no one dared to speak out.

Although Chen Yang had no sense of belonging to the Chen clan—at worst, he could just send two subordinates to handle the Qi gathering—he now had two sons and was about to have grandchildren. There were one or two cultivation techniques he really wanted for his children and grandchildren to practice, so he naturally hoped the two would restrain themselves a bit.

"Xia Xia Shouyu is a sensible person; she is merely currying favor with Li Li Que Wan. Once Li Zhouming dies and she loses her backing, she naturally won't dare to participate in such hateful matters... As long as she relaxes her hand, and since Li Li Que Wan is often busy with cultivation and other tasks, this web will loosen significantly."

He felt a bit more relaxed in his heart. With a mournful expression on his face, he said in a low voice, "The Young Master has always been highly valued... at the very least, we must invite a direct descendant of the same generation to come over..."

Just as his voice fell, he saw a burly man arrive on thunder. That majestic, even slightly overbearing face was full of astonishment. He turned his head and asked, "Protector Chen! What has happened here!"

This person was Li Zhouda, who had inherited Li Cheng's mantle. He had broken through to Foundation Establishment quite a while ago. He was a man of irritable character and courageous spirit, which fit this cultivation technique quite well. His cultivation progressed by leaps and bounds, and the six silver tokens at his waist swayed, making others even more wary.

After all, high position can nurture a person. Back then, he was known for being reckless and impulsive, almost being excluded from the succession because of this flaw. But now, having held the Mount Yuting for two or three years, that recklessness and impulsiveness looked like majesty.

But as soon as he arrived, the expression of a Qi Refining cultivator in a long robe on the far right changed instantly. He gave him a gloomy look, and without saying another word, he silently rose on the wind and left on his own.

Chen Yang watched this, sneering coldly in his heart.

"This Li Zhoutui is truly a spineless coward with a foul temper. He often says Li Zhouda is vindictive and narrow-minded, but it's hard to say who is really narrow-minded!"

"The Fifth Young Master... perhaps he has fallen."

Chen Yang explained with great regret, causing the burly man's expression to stiffen instantly. Just then, he saw Xia Xia Shouyu arrive on fire with Li Li Xuansuan. The woman lowered her head and eyes, supporting the old man, appearing very quiet.

Li Li Xuansuan's face and lips were slightly pale. He stretched out his hand and remained silent for a long while, his face showing slight doubt:

"The life jade of Mount Mount Qingdu has no reaction..."

Li Li Que Wan, who came later, had a calm expression, her gaze wandering over the lake, not knowing what she was looking for. A young man arrived on the wind beside her, his expression full of grief: "Clan brother... Old Master..."

"Zhouxun!"

Li Zhouda glanced at him, wiped his eyes, and replied:

"Let us go together... When you were practicing on the lake, the Fifth Young Master often gifted you spiritual items."

Li Zhouxun responded to him with a slight tremor, his rather handsome face full of disappointment. This Li clan direct descendant had voluntarily given up the right to inherit from Li Cheng back then, so his relationship with Li Zhouda and Li Zhoutui was quite good, and he had also caught the eye of Li Li Xuansuan and the others... It was hard to say whether it was a loss or a gain.

Chen Yang withdrew his expression and guarded the group with a serious face. Just then, he saw a small boat being poled along the lake. A boatman wearing a straw raincoat was poling and singing loudly:

"The white horse gallops to the Western Ridge, the descendants wait to ascend to immortality. Nine Qi combine to form the Brightness Terrace, can the human world be joyful? The demon's posture is wondrously cultivated, how many obtain the true affinity!"

Li Zhouda was stunned in place upon hearing this. Li Zhouxun beside him had a strange expression and kept his mouth shut. The Qi Refining cultivators to the left and right were all speechless, looking at each other in silence. Li Li Que Wan let out a snort of laughter, pursing her lips and shaking her head.

The boatman's Foundation Establishment cultivation was clear, and the Qi of Bright Yang surged. Who else could it be? The old man in the sky, whose face was slightly pale, suddenly flushed. His tightly pursed lips trembled, his eyes full of both joy and anger. He clenched his fists and cursed inwardly: "Nonsense..."

Li Zhouda was stunned for a moment, feeling both angry and amused, but there was joy in his eyes. He cursed:

"This bastard! Refining an immortal foundation is more ostentatious than a True Person breaking through to Early Zifu! I don't know who he learned this from!"

The old man was ultimately afraid of hurting his face in front of everyone. However, Xia Xia Shouyu beside him flicked her white robe and just sneered as she went down. Landing in front of the boat, she smiled: "Fifth Young Master, what a grand display!"

This scared the boatman into dropping his pole, and he smiled somewhat obsequiously:

"So it is you, Lady..."

As soon as Xia Xia Shouyu saw that smile, the anger in her belly dissipated. She said somewhat irritably:

"I was wondering who would choose a cave dwelling by the lake... Whose boat did you snatch this time?"

"What kind of talk is that!"

Li Zhouming felt a bit ashamed. He rose on the wind with her and replied: "I paid plenty of money! It's just that I was in such a rush, fearing I wouldn't be able to make a grand enough display before you all arrived, so I hurriedly threw him onto the shore. I don't know where he went now."

Xia Xia Shouyu couldn't help but laugh, rolled her eyes, and took his arm. The two of them rose into the air together, listening to the cultivators on both sides congratulating them in unison: "Congratulations, my lord, on achieving the immortal foundation!"

Li Zhouming swept a glance. He, who could laugh even when hearing Xia Xia Shouyu's sneers, instead looked cold when hearing the obsequious voices of these cultivators. He smiled apologetically at Li Li Xuansuan, but the old man turned his head directly and did not look at him.

Li Zhouda was very happy. He just pulled his hand and said sternly: "Such a great happy event, we brothers must have a drink!"

Li Zhouming nodded repeatedly and replied:

"I must first pay respects to the True Person."

After the crowd made a commotion for a while, they dispersed. Li Zhouming hurriedly went to appease the old man. Li Li Xuansuan did not make things difficult for him, just shook his head and told him to go to the North Bank: "It just so happens that Jiangnian has come out of seclusion and is preparing to break through to Foundation Establishment. You should go together and see the True Person as well."

Li Zhouming did not let him go, followed closely to ask about his well-being, and listened to recent events in the North. Seeing that those around him were his own people, he replied: "I don't like some people on this continent; they are like fleas born in the skin. It is too noisy now, and the North is pressing hard. It would be better to send more people over."

Hearing this, Li Li Que Wan stared at him with some surprise, while Xia Xia Shouyu lowered her head without a word. Li Li Xuansuan just turned his head and said: "You are overthinking it. Li Jianglong and Li Jiangqian have already been arranged."

Li Zhouming had just broken through to Foundation Establishment and seemed to have little joy, only saying:

"I understand the old man's words. There are many people like Fei Fei Qingyi, I was just saying it. Now Zhouda and Zhouxun are both good brothers. I heard they have all gone to Mount Tangdao Mountain. Why must my family always be on the front line? It would be better for a few prominent surnames to be comfortable."

Li Li Que Wan sighed low upon hearing his words and replied:

"Clan uncle, just watch. The struggle between North and South once broke the backbone of the Tian and Xu surnames. Now I don't know whose turn it is. They are also drumming in their hearts. Just arrange it slowly so as not to make them too nervous."

Li Zhouming finally understood and replied:

"I understand... I will go over there now."

North Bank.

The cold wind in the pavilion blew in gusts. Li Li Zhouwei stood on the cliff, seemingly gazing into the distance, but the spiritual energy in his body was constantly condensing, gathering into streams of magic power from the 【Body-Suppressing Tiger Pass Precious Scripture】, flowing into his Qi sea.

The magic power in the Qi sea rolled, turning into streams of dark golden Qi, gathering at the bottom of the valley, rising at an astonishing speed, vaguely turning into light like scales.

Li Li Zhouwei's cultivation was already fast. Back then, he still had to practice some techniques to slow down his speed to cover it up. After achieving his divine ability, his speed was even more astonishing. At this moment, he did not hide it at all, and his cultivation climbed crazily. In just a few months, the cultivation in his Qi sea had reached more than half of what was needed to condense an immortal foundation.

"I estimate that in half a year, I will be able to condense the 'Monarch Treading the Danger' immortal foundation."

Logically speaking, the North and South could fight at any time, and practicing now was not a wise choice. But Li Li Zhouwei had remaining green talismans. As long as the immortal foundation was achieved, using the talisman Qi, which had no side effects, to lift it, there was a high probability of achieving a divine ability. It was a gamble that had to be taken.

Li Li Jiangqian stood beside the hall. Seeing him look over, he reported: "In the past three months, several batches of Buddhist and demonic cultivators have crossed the river, separately in the North Bank, the wilderness, and Mount Shanjie. Now they have all been driven back. Our family lost a few Qi Refining cultivators, and Guest Elder Miaoshui suffered minor injuries."

Li Li Zhouwei nodded, listening to him continue:

"There are more and more cultivators in the North. I heard that many direct descendants of various Daoist lineages have come. That Lord Murong Yan appeared in a desert and passed by the edge of the Golden Feather Sect. I heard that True Person Tianhuo also appeared, but they did not fight."

"Golden Feather has always played both sides and will not fight."

Li Li Zhouwei responded casually and replied:

"It's hard to say if Tianhuo crossed the river first."

Li Li Jiangqian lowered his head and said respectfully: "There is good news. Uncle Zhouming has broken through... Furthermore... Younger brother Nian has come out of seclusion, and Liang has already arrived at the mountain, preparing to see his father."

Li Li Zhouwei was not too surprised, only saying: "Let him come up."

Li Li Jiangqian lowered his head. After a few breaths, he saw a man in white coming up from the stone path.

This man had a pair of handsome, golden-bright eyes, his brows were dashing, his spirit was vibrant, and his figure was tall. He was already the image of a young talent. It was Li Li Jiangliang.

He arrived in front of the pavilion to pay his respects and said respectfully:

"I have seen Father!"

Li Li Zhouwei had no cold expression. He let him sit in the pavilion and said casually:

"I heard you found a lovely person. Why don't you bring her to the lake to have a look."

Although Li Li Jiangliang looked calm, he couldn't help but feel nervous when facing Li Li Zhouwei. His eyes couldn't help but lower, and he said in a low voice:

"Yang Tianyou encountered something halfway and was delayed... Her father and brother are in trouble, so she had to go and see them temporarily."

"Hmm."

Li Li Zhouwei nodded: "The Imperial descendant Yang clan?"

Li Li Jiangliang answered yes, feeling slightly embarrassed. This child no longer had the obedient and well-behaved appearance he once had, appearing vibrant but secretly plotting:

"I didn't know earlier... I just met her when I was out, and our ambitions matched. I only realized it later, but I didn't know it was that Yang clan of the Imperial descendants..."

"She... she is a junior of the Yang clan, a direct descendant. She has already reached Foundation Establishment. It is said that she can be related to Clan Uncle Li Zhouluo, and she said she wanted to visit him..."

Li Li Zhouwei did not want to pull him here and just watched him quietly: "How will you arrange things in the future?"

Li Li Jiangliang was already sweating and said respectfully:

"Yang Tianyou hopes I can go to Simin Prefecture. I have also seen her brother. He is a first-class figure, a figure like Father... Once I arrive at Simin Prefecture and see her father, this matter will be settled..."

The Li family had long known that the Yang family was hiding a Early Zifu, and most likely had a life divine ability, controlling the situation. There must be a big plan, perhaps secretly arranging something. But Li Li Zhouwei saw now that his child's language was clear and the pros and cons were distinct. I am afraid he already had his own arrangements in his heart.

"The child wants to go South, but now the North Bank is tossing and turning, and I cannot contribute. I feel very guilty in my heart... I hope to ask the Yang family, after all, to guard the river for the South, and also contribute to my family."

Li Li Jiangliang lowered his brows slightly and said respectfully: "Yang Tianyou said that Clan Uncle Li Zhouluo also has this kind heart. The child hopes to help facilitate it."

Li Li Zhouwei laughed twice after hearing his words, but there was no smile in his eyes.

This child said earlier that Li Li Zhouluo and Yang Yang Tianyou had never met, and later said that Li Li Zhouluo also had a good heart. It was nothing more than saying that Li Li Zhouluo had contact with the Yang family. Otherwise, how would Yang Yang Tianyou know? Li Li Chenghuai went out to practice, and Li Li Xizhi went to the East Sea. It was reasonable for the Yang family to contact Li Li Zhouluo.

Li Li Jiangliang lowered his head and said no more. After a long time, Li Li Zhouwei said:

"You mentioned Li Zhouluo... after all, he is also of the Yang family bloodline, so it is fine to have more contact. But the direct son Li Jiangchun has also come to the lake now. He is the eldest of the direct line, and his mother is from a large clan under the rule of Pure One. His background is clean. I am just thinking of taking him back and cultivating him on the continent in the future."

Li Li Jiangliang nodded and said in a low voice: "Father's arrangement is very correct... Actually, Uncle Li Chenghuai is the most suitable, but he is devoted to the Dao and has long been arranged by the old man... It is a bit reluctant to withdraw in time and finally find Clan Uncle Li Zhouluo."

"As for younger brother Li Jiangchun, I have also seen him on the lake. He is a very intelligent child and will definitely be able to achieve great things in the clan in the future."

These two sentences from Li Li Jiangliang were clearer. Li Li Zhouwei's smile faded. His golden pupils fell on Li Li Jiangliang's face, and he said quietly: "I originally thought that Zhong Qian'er had the most ideas. I didn't expect you to be the one who dared to do it. But have you made up your mind?"

Li Li Jiangliang left his seat and bowed, kneeling firmly on the ground, and said respectfully:

"The child knows what he is doing. There are many talents in the family, why cherish me alone? My trip South this time is not only to fulfill my own wishes, but also to contribute to the clan. If there are changes in the situation... it is also a way out."

But Li Li Zhouwei in the pavilion just looked at him calmly and replied:

"You just fulfill your own wishes. I'm afraid that one day you will come to the clan to ask for something, and I'm afraid I will still have to give it to you."

Li Li Jiangliang broke into a cold sweat instantly and said repeatedly:

"The child dare not! Everything must be considered for the clan. This heart is clear and there is absolutely no falsehood!"

"Get up."

Li Li Zhouwei did not look at him, but looked at the rolling river to the North, his voice gradually lowering:

"You children seek your own paths. You are also considered smart, but your younger brother Jiangnian is a confused person. I am afraid he will cause more trouble if I send him out... and I am afraid he will not live clearly. It is better than you, even if you die, you know where you died."

"You have been under Cui Cui Jueyin for many years. Compared with a father like me who practices without a trace, he seems to be the one who cares about you. Go and see him."

Li Li Jiangliang immediately shed tears, kowtowed three times in front of him, and replied: "Thank you, Father!"

This man in white rose, retreated quickly, and disappeared into the mountains. After a long while, he saw a man coming up from the mountains. The same white clothes were draped over him, but he looked wretched. Trembling with fear, he arrived in front of the pavilion and bowed: "Fa... Father."

"Jiangnian."

Li Jiangnian's seclusion time was far longer than his brothers. He almost practiced whenever he wasn't practicing, but now he was only at the eighth level of Qi Refining, kneeling on the ground and not daring to move.

Facing this child, Li Li Zhouwei appeared much more peaceful. When he pulled him up, those timid gray pupils pierced into his eyes and quickly lowered. Li Jiangnian said in a low voice: "Fa... Father... the child is already at the eighth level of Qi Refining, hoping to come to the family to receive a share of resources... to break through to Foundation Establishment..."

The Li family's original intention for him to practice Yu Zhen was to hand over the Mount Yuting Guard to him, but his performance was too unbearable. Now it had been changed to Li Zhouda. Li Li Zhouwei was not disappointed in him and said in a low voice:

"Go and receive it, and practice more life-saving techniques."

Li Jiangnian said in a low voice:

"The child understands. The child has no golden pupils... not as good as the brothers..."

Li Li Zhouwei didn't know what he was thinking. He looked at him silently and replied:

"Fortune and misfortune are unpredictable."

Then he saw a golden light descend from the sky, turning into a man in golden-white Daoist robes in the pavilion, sitting casually. Li Li Zhouwei waved his hand to let Li Jiangnian retreat, returned to the pavilion, poured tea, and said:

"Clan Uncle has returned."

Li Li Ximing appeared a bit hurried, exhaled, and smiled: "I came back to discuss something with you."

Li Li Zhouwei's expression was slightly strange, and he asked:

"Clan Uncle has become polite."

Li Li Ximing laughed, reached into his sleeve, took out a brocade box, and placed it gently on the table.

He opened the brocade box and saw a bright white stone as translucent as a pearl on the bright red lining inside. Many golden patterns were carved on it, constantly flowing, and there was vaguely white Qi surrounding it.

Li Li Ximing smiled: "This object is the 【Six-Phase Spirit Stone】 of the 'True Qi' path, which is a spiritual resource."

Li Li Zhouwei recognized it now. He lowered his brows and looked at it twice, a flash of appreciation in his eyes, and asked:

"'True Qi' path? Is this thing not obtained from 【Anhuai Heaven】... has the Solar lineage come to ask?"

"Not bad!"

Li Li Ximing sighed and replied:

"We looked at Zhu Gong's injury. It was plotted by Wei Wei Brother Xuan Yin. If it is to heal, it is best to take spiritual items of the Bright Yang high position. We naturally don't have any on hand. At least I can refine a pill, use a few things to assist, and hope to take some blood from you, which can be considered a substitute."

"So that's how it is."

Li Li Zhouwei said thoughtfully: "True Person Zhu Gong... it seems to be killing the chicken to warn the monkey."

Li Li Ximing nodded repeatedly, covered the jade box, and replied:

"Senior Tinglan took this thing out, wanting to entrust me to ask you, and it is also a determination to save her... Let me bring it over first to request you. This matter... how do you see it?"

Li Li Zhouwei looked at the jade box quietly, sipped his tea, and replied:

"Zhu Gong... actually unwilling to withdraw from Jiangnan, must have something to ask of Senior Tinglan..."

But before his voice fell, the two were stunned at the same time. They raised their heads simultaneously and looked to the Northeast, seeing brown clouds rushing to the sky and rolling sand smoke. From the distance came the dull sound of sand and soil, the earth shook, and spiritual energy rose.

In the distance, mountain ranges seemed to be rising, and there was the sound of earth-shattering roars, startling birds to fly away, but they circled in the air. Even if they were battered by the wind and sand, they still hovered in the air, unwilling to leave.

The smoke and dust rising to the sky quickly covered the horizon in the distance. Li Li Ximing stepped on the light and rose, gazing into the distance for a while, his expression gradually becoming suspicious.

He looked at Li Li Zhouwei beside him and muttered: "'Gen Earth'... there is a phenomenon of 'Gen Earth' in Jiangbei!"

Li Li Ximing seemed to remember something, his expression becoming complicated in an instant. For a time, he was speechless, silently clutching the brocade box in his hand. The light under his feet flickered, now bright, now dark.

His Li family had obtained the technique of the Profound Mountain Gate, and Kong Kong Guxi had entrusted the entire family fortune of the Kong family to the Li family. This rising Qi was extremely familiar. Li Li Ximing recognized it almost at a glance!

【Profound Light Mountain-Driving Scripture】! Li Li Zhouwei stood with him in the light, watching the sand and soil constantly falling in the distance, until the sunset went down and all the strange phenomena disappeared, leaving only the spiritual energy constantly fluctuating in the air.

The residual red light draped over him. The golden-eyed man turned his head and said in a low voice: "Clan Uncle, what if it succeeds."

Characters appearing in this chapter

——

Li Zhouming 【Foundation Establishment Early Stage】 【Bo Lineage Direct Descendant】

Li Zhouda 【Foundation Establishment Early Stage】 【Zhong Lineage Direct Descendant】

Chen Yang 【Foundation Establishment Middle Stage】

Xia Xia Shouyu 【Foundation Establishment Early Stage】

Li Li Xuansuan 【Qi Refining 9th Level】 【Bo Lineage Direct Descendant】

Li Jiangnian 【Qi Refining 8th Level】 【Zhong Lineage Direct Descendant】

Li Li Jiangliang 【Qi Refining 9th Level】 【Zhong Lineage Direct Descendant】

Li Li Zhouwei 【Early Zifu Early Stage】

Li Li Ximing 【Early Zifu Early Stage】 【Early Zifu Pill Master】