Chapter 940: Chapter 934: Master of the Blood Sea
[Your family has received the compensation from the Immortal Suppression Department: Two Supreme-grade Dharma Treasures, a quantity of Fourth Grade Spirit Medicines and Spirit Materials…]
Inside the Ancestral Space.
Li Wei, who had previously appeared to outsiders as a figure shrouded entirely in black mist, was now clad in a suit of pale yellow armor.
He resembled the bright moon hanging high in the sky.
This was a legacy left behind by the Blue Moon Immortal Sect—a Supreme-grade Dharma Treasure known as the Bright Moon Divine Armor.
It possessed the ability to elevate a Void Refining cultivator’s Spiritual power by one small realm.
The black mist surrounding Li Wei drifted out through the joints of the armor, while a black light burst forth from the helmet’s visor—the exposed radiance of his Nether Eyes.
“Wearing this armor, my cultivation base has reached the Mid-Stage of Void Refining.
Combined with the North Star Spirit-Breaking Spear, if I have to fight a Limit Void Refining cultivator again—and if I borrow Yaotie’s Nine Life-Siphoning Gates—it won’t be nearly as difficult.”
Recalling the battle at the Mountain of Esoteric Stratagems, he had fought against Zhen Wu and He Hao inside the Void Refining Space for several full days before finally succeeding.
It was entirely due to the strength of his Spatial Laws, combined with the Spiritual power of Li Dalong’s Heaven-Imprisoning Lock and the Heaven-Piercing Coffin, that he managed to completely capture the two of them. Otherwise, given their capabilities, there was a genuine risk they might have escaped.
“As for my cultivation base…” Li Wei sensed the state of his own Spiritual power.
When Void Refining cultivators break through, they absorb the Spiritual power of Heaven and Earth along with Laws to construct their internal dimension.
However, for his specific Spatial Cultivation, absorbing Spatial Laws was not so simple. He could only set his sights on Spirit Medicines.
“Yaoqing now holds the Enlightenment Golden Chapter. Coupled with her current state of Pseudo-Void Refining, once she fully comprehends the True Void Refining realm, her Divine Art will break through.
Creating Fourth Grade Spirit Pills and Spirit Medicines is undoubtedly the most material-efficient method.”
Speaking of this, Li Wei actually envied Li Dalong and Li Yunlin.
With a flash, he appeared within the Sea of Blood inside the Heaven-Piercing Coffin.
The Sea of Blood was boundless; the blood of enemies slain over the past few hundred years had mostly been preserved within it.
Li Dalong sat cross-legged in the center of the Sea of Blood.
Thick threads of blood formed in mid-air, flowing continuously into Li Dalong’s body, causing his cultivation base to increase day by day.
After thoroughly mastering the Sea of Blood upon reaching the Void Refining Realm, Li Dalong had also obtained a trait: [Master of the Blood Sea].
[Through the boundless Sea of Blood, one can refine the Spiritual power of flesh and blood, integrating it into one’s own body to increase cultivation speed. The rate of increase depends on the concentration of Spiritual power within the flesh and blood.]
Coupled with the blood left behind by the Zhao Clan Ancestor, it won’t be long before Li Dalong can break through to the Mid-Stage of Void Refining on his own.
Gazing at this cultivation scene filled with the thick stench of blood, Li Wei sighed inwardly. Indeed, ceasing to be human was truly the most effective method for cultivation.
He vanished from the spot once more.
Li Yunlin had returned to the Immortal Martial Grotto-Heaven and was cultivating within the Skyveil Hall.
The Skyveil Hall resembled a vast, misty, starry sky. The specks of light scattered throughout were naturally the Spirit Items the family had acquired over the years.
Since the Skyveil Hall was constructed from these very Spirit Items, they represented the various Laws of the world.
Just like starlight, they shone down upon Li Yunlin, and this Spiritual power allowed his cultivation to progress at a tremendous pace.
[Great Dao Cultivator]
[Through the Spirit Items, your descendant Li Yunlin is utilizing the Artifact Spirit “Old Cat” to observe and comprehend the Laws of the Three Thousand Great Daos.]
“Hiss… the Three Thousand Great Daos!”
Li Wei sucked in a breath of cold air. By now, Li Yunlin had completely refined the Skyveil Hall into his own body; the two had become indistinguishable from one another.
That gluttonous Old Cat was vastly knowledgeable. Although it was a bit arrogant, it was truly a premier mentor in this world, effectively making Li Yunlin the member with the strongest aptitude in the entire family.
While he was still marveling at this.
A notification appeared on the panel, causing Li Wei to raise an eyebrow slightly.
“The Immortal Suppression Department’s compensation has arrived?”
…
There were guests within the City of Merit.
Heavenly Monarch Ning of the Heavenly Monarch Dao Sanctuary had perished at the Mountain of Esoteric Stratagems; of the three Heavenly Monarchs, only Heavenly Monarch Jiang survived.
Heavenly Monarch Jiang’s injuries were yet to heal. Clad in a large white cloak with a sword at his waist, his middle-aged features lent him an imposing and martial air.
As he walked with a furrowed brow along the narrow field paths of the City of Merit, he drew sideways glances from the local commoners.
His female companion was Zhangsun Buhuo of the Zhangsun Clan, a woman of graceful and luxurious bearing.
These two had once schemed against one another within the Immortal Suppression Department, but the journey to the Mountain of Esoteric Stratagems had unexpectedly left them finding common ground through their shared misfortune.
“According to the Immortal Suppression Department, both the Li Clan’s Corpse Ancestor and Sword Venerable perished at the Mountain of Esoteric Stratagems. The Li Clan clearly intends to conceal the existence of those two.”
Jiang Tianjun’s eyes still held a lingering dread.
“From that fleeting glimpse we caught at the Mountain of Esoteric Stratagems, those two Li Clan Ancestors were engaged in a great battle against He Hao and Zhen Wu.
Their power was truly extraordinary.
The Department’s intelligence claims that He Hao and Zhen Wu also perished; I fear that part is true. The Azure Cloud Li Clan… they have hidden their strength deeply.”
Zhangsun Buhuo nodded slightly. She couldn’t help but think of Li Chang’an, causing her to grit her teeth in anger.
“We have all had the wool pulled over our eyes.”
The world proclaimed Li Chang’an to be a “True Gentleman,” but in Zhangsun Buhuo’s eyes, that scoundrel was nothing but a “Hypocrite.”
For over a hundred years in the Immortal Suppression Department, Li Chang’an had kept himself deeply hidden, which allowed the entire Li Clan to remain deeply hidden as well.
Whenever she recalled the disdain she had held for the Li Clan over this past century, a sense of shame would unwittingly well up in Zhangsun Buhuo’s heart, making it impossible for her to look Li Chang’an in the eye.
She couldn’t shake the feeling that for over a century, she hadn’t been the one ignoring Li Chang’an; instead, Li Chang’an had been laughing at her behind her back, looking at her as if she were a mere clown.
“Do not be angry.”
Jiang Tianjun also noticed the resentment in Zhangsun Buhuo’s heart and spoke indifferently,
“We, hidden factions, all conceal our strengths and keep trump cards in reserve to deter those with ill intentions; this is simply human nature.
It is just that the Li Clan has been established for such a short time that underestimating them was a common mistake.
We have come here to discuss cooperation; you must not let your emotions disturb your state of mind.”
“Naturally, I will not.” Zhangsun Buhuo’s phoenix eyes narrowed slightly as she spoke calmly.
“I heard that the Blue Moon Immortal Sect fell into a trap recently. Their foundation, built over tens of thousands of years, has now completely fallen into the hands of the Azure Cloud Prefecture. The people of the world should take this as a resounding warning bell.”
“That is good, then.”
Jiang Tianjun nodded.
“The main branch of the Li Clan is headed by Li Xinnian, who is also Li Chang’an’s grandson.
That child was a brilliantly talented figure in his youth. The entire Azure Cloud Prefecture is managed by him, and the clan is united from top to bottom.
The Li Clan has appointed him to preside over these talks as well. You must not underestimate him simply because his cultivation is rumored to be only at the Peak of the Nascent Soul realm.”
These repeated warnings had already sparked anger in Zhangsun Buhuo’s eyes.
“Thank you, Heavenly Monarch Jiang, for the reminder once again.”
Jiang Tianjun replied, “That scoundrel Wu Neng from the Immortal Suppression Department is truly detestable. We must unite; this is a matter of utmost importance. If my words were inappropriate, please do not take offense.”
Before long, led by the Li Clan steward, Huang Xiujin, the two arrived at the main hall to discuss matters with Li Xinnian.
Originally, Heavenly Monarch Jiang had been anxious. However, after a conversation with Li Xinnian, his heart felt at ease.
Li Xinnian’s words were refreshing, like a gentle spring breeze; he appeared truly sincere—a veritable “True Gentleman.”
Zhangsun Buhuo, however, remained secretly vigilant in her heart, simply because Li Xinnian resembled Li Chang’an too much.
“Regarding the matter of the alliance, this junior has already spoken with Elder Duanmu of the Eternal Immortal Sect and consulted with the elders of my clan,” Li Xinnian said earnestly.
“To set up a separate Immortal Suppression Department would be to completely tear off all pretenses of civility with Wu Neng.
This junior has heard from my grandfather that Wu Neng is a man of extremely narrow-mindedness; however, he also understands how to weigh the pros and cons.”
“We should leave him with a shred of dignity. We will let him know that from now on, we will ‘heed the summons but ignore the orders,’ while retaining our official positions within the Immortal Suppression Department.”
“This junior can arrange for you all to travel to the Eastern Border to meet with Crown Prince Feiheng.
From now on, there will be no need to report to the Immortal Suppression Department; instead, you can take orders directly from the Crown Prince.”
Hearing this, Zhangsun Buhuo and Jiang Tianjun were overjoyed.
What they sought was to achieve great merits akin to “founding fathers” during the Crown Prince’s time, so that when the new Crown Prince ascended the throne, they would soar too.
Wasn’t this recommendation from the Li Clan far better than obeying the Immortal Suppression Department?
“Then, This Seat will go find the Sword Pavilion and Elder Duanmu, so we may travel together.” Jiang Tianjun laughed heartily.
Li Xinnian nodded.
The three continued to discuss the finer details of the arrangement. However, when the topic turned to the Sword Pavilion, Li Xinnian frowned repeatedly.
“Heavenly Monarch Jiang, are you saying that after the battle at the Mountain of Esoteric Stratagems, a major event occurred within the Sword Pavilion?”
“Mn.” Jiang Tianjun said,
“That Sword Master of the Sword Pavilion truly does not know what is good for him.
During the battle at the Mountain of Esoteric Stratagems, we went there specifically to rescue your two Li Clan friends, yet the Sword Master led his people away without a moment’s hesitation.
Afterward, we paid a visit to the Sword Pavilion; while we cannot dictate the Sword Master’s decisions, we ultimately need to cooperate with them. However, unexpectedly, the Sword Pavilion’s mountain gates were sealed tight. It seems we will have to make another trip.”
Zhangsun Buhuo smiled and asked, “Is His Excellency the Sword Venerable at home? The Sword Venerable is most familiar with the Sword Pavilion. If he is present, it would be easier to discuss matters with him.”
“That would be best. I will notify my elder immediately.”
As Li Xinnian’s voice faded, Huang Xiujin arrived. Without shying away from the guests, he reported,
“Patriarch, the compensation from the Immortal Suppression Department has arrived. Zhao Guang delivered it personally; he left a storage ring and departed immediately.”
“Compensation?!!”
Zhangsun Buhuo stood up abruptly. “What kind of compensation did Wu Neng give you?”
Li Xinnian blinked.
Jiang Tianjun was already frowning.
“My Heavenly Monarch Dao Sanctuary suffered disastrous casualties, yet Wu Neng only granted us two Region Prince titles and one official position at the Divinity Transformation realm.
As for Dharma Treasures, there was only a single Mid-grade treasure and a collection of spirit materials.”
“My Zhangsun Clan fared no better.” Zhangsun Buhuo wore a look of grief.
“The two who were sacrificed were in-laws of my Zhangsun Clan; I don’t even know how to explain this to their families.
Wu Neng caused the deaths of my clan’s kin, yet he dismisses us as if sending away beggars. It is bullying of the highest order!”
The two of them looked at Li Xinnian in unison.
Meeting their gaze, Li Xinnian found it difficult to empathize with them.
Seeing the faint smile on Huang Xiujin’s face, he simply said, “Supreme-grade Dharma Treasures.”
“What?!!”
In an instant, Zhangsun Buhuo and Jiang Tianjun narrowed their eyes. Having lost all mood for further discussion, they took their leave.
Li Xinnian stood side by side with Huang Xiujin, watching the two depart in a fit of rage.
Huang Xiujin remarked, “Patriarch, injustice breeds enmity. From now on, these two families will never trust Wu Neng again; it is hatred piled upon hatred.”
Li Xinnian remained silent, a cold glint in his eyes. If not for his lack of strength, he would have wished for nothing more than to kill Wu Neng right then and there.
If the family did not possess the Old Ancestor—skilled as he was in concealment—and if they did not possess prior knowledge of the Mountain of Esoteric Stratagems, he feared they would have met the same fate as the other major powers.
Furthermore, if the family were truly weak and lacked these layers of connections in the background, he feared they wouldn’t have received even a scrap of compensation.
Immediately, Li Xinnian stopped dwelling on the matter.
Suppressing his anger at the filth of the Imperial Court, he used the family teleportation formations to head towards the Thunder-Fire Devil Cave.
The Thunder-Fire Devil Cave had once again returned to its former state, overrun with devilish figures.
It had become a gathering place for Devil Cultivators and was also the location of the Li Clan’s dungeon.
Whenever evildoers appeared in the Azure Cloud Prefecture, they were invariably sent here to be dealt with by the Devil Cultivators.
Deep within the Thunder-Fire Devil Cave…
The Li Clan elders were all present. However, there were also many strangers.
Most notably, a middle-aged man with an extraordinary bearing sat on the ground, his face filled with grief, sighing repeatedly.
There was also a woman dressed in white robes with high slits revealing the fair skin of her long legs; her face was filled with rage.
Lying beside her was a child whose body was shrouded in pervading black mist.
Hovering in the air was a monk with kind brows and benevolent eyes. His earlobes hung down to his cheeks, and thirteen ordination scars marked his head as he chanted Buddhist scriptures.
Over three hundred cultivators with impressive cultivation bases stood nearby, wearing various masks to conceal their auras.
Their expressions were filled with worry and doubt regarding their future prospects.
Li Xinnian bowed and paid his respects. “Greetings to all the elders: Holy Monk Yidian, Huan Gui, He Hao, and all seniors.”
An old red tree appeared particularly dazzling within the dim interior of the Devil Cave.
Li Changyao leaned against the tree trunk, a faint smile playing on her lips.
Li Changsheng sat perched on a branch, chewing on a small twig, staying low-profile.
The fugitive, Imperial Concubine Ji, stood solemnly before Li Yaoqing.
“Medicine Master, the Dao Seed within my body has been removed. Please send me back to the Imperial Palace. I must personally denounce the Peerless Hall to His Majesty!”
—
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