Li Ximing lifted the cup and drank the tea.
The flavor of the tea was mild and its spiritual qi merely ordinary. It hardly matched Xiao Chuting’s stature, and Li Ximing felt a trace of doubt, but the elder spoke, "Years ago, when Li Tongya came to Cloud Crowned Peak, I offered him this same Cup of Tongming Fruit-Leaf Tea. He thought it too precious and dared not drink much. Yet now this tea has become a common item even among your esteemed family."
Li Ximing naturally followed his train of thought and respectfully said, "My entire family remembers Senior’s great kindness. It will never be forgotten. Now that I was fortunate enough to succeed in breaking through, you were the very first person I came to seek. I had thought you were still at the Northern Sea, so this is most fortunate."
"Good. The matter at the Northern Sea has long since been settled." Xiao Chuting gave a word of praise, nodded, and said with a smile, "I accept your intentions. But it would be best for you to first visit Si Boxiu. He values rules and also his reputation. If you fail to show him respect, that old pedant may say nothing aloud, but he will be displeased in his heart."
Li Ximing had planned to meet Tu Longjian second and Changxi third, leaving Si Boxiu for last. Hearing this, his heart tightened, and he said softly, "Fortunately Senior pointed this out!"
Xiao Chuting replied warmly, "You managed to cross into the Purple Mansion Realm so swiftly, which only shows your state of mind is not lacking. But Si Boxiu’s lifespan is nearing its end and his situation is most precarious. He is the one you should first steady. If you ignore him and instead come to see me, an outsider, what will he think?
"Fortunately, you have not yet announced your breakthrough to the families, and your number is not counted among them. You even came here with your divine light suppressed. Si Boxiu is likely still weighing whether you have truly succeeded. Though he holds the Dongli Secret Register, since you took the Sky Stone and did not cultivate Bright Yang with his own eyes upon you, he cannot estimate it clearly."
Li Ximing nodded thoughtfully and asked in a low voice, "The Dongli Secret Register?"
"Correct." Xiao Chuting sipped his tea and said softly, "The Dongli Sect’s grotto heaven was divided among three sects, and its secret techniques as well. The Dongli Secret Register records all the peculiarities of the Bright Yang Daos. As early as when you were at Foundation Establishment Realm, Si Boxiu had already discerned your Dao foundation and cultivation method."
Li Ximing’s heart grew heavy. His impression of Si Boxiu’s stern and upright image shifted in many ways. After accepting his thanks, Xiao Chuting continued, "Your breakthrough cannot be hidden for long. It is only a matter of time before it is discovered. It is better to announce it early and rise to the rank of an immortal family.
"Once news of your divine ability spreads, all the families will come to visit and offer congratulations. Hold a divine ability gathering, then pay visits one by one. The first three Daoist Masters you meet are especially important, so pay close attention to them."
Li Ximing carefully memorized every word, nodding solemnly. Xiao Chuting said, "Tu Longjian has gone to the Southern Sea. You need not rush to see him. He avoids entanglements these days and wishes to stand apart from all. If you go hastily to meet him, you may disrupt his plans. Do not reserve a formal place for him, just visit him privately.
"You may meet Changxi, but his lifespan is even shorter than Si Boxiu’s. He is the sole Purple Mansion Realm cultivator of the Profound Peak Gate. Their decline will come within a few short years; perhaps they may not even be able to keep their gate."
Here he paused slightly, as though observing Li Ximing’s expression, then spoke softly, "Handle it as you see fit. If your ties are not deep, it is best to cut them early. Do not rush to meet him. It should be he who hurries to meet you."
Li Ximing suddenly understood. He had known nothing of Purple Mansion Realm affairs, while Xiao Chuting was deeply versed in such matters. Without such guidance from a senior, who knew how many mistakes he might have made.
"If I did not know these crucial points, I would only be manipulated by others." He bowed solemnly and said in a deep voice, "Zhaojing offers deep thanks for Daoist Master’s guidance!"
Xiao Chuting let out a soft laugh, his face easing into warmth as he replied, "Seeing you as you are now, my junior’s wish can finally be considered fulfilled! His whole life was hardship, since he was sincere to others yet often taken advantage of. To have gained a disciple like you is truly bitterness turned to sweetness."
Li Ximing still remembered Xiao Yuansi’s Radiant Violet Pill and gave a slight nod. Xiao Chuting then said softly, "Go now. Settle your family’s affairs, then make the announcement to the families. Yuansi will accompany me to find you."
The elder’s gaze landed on Li Ximing. When Li Ximing heard the words 'settle your family’s affairs,' his eyes clearly flickered. The youth immediately nodded, took his leave in a quiet tone, and departed into the great void.
Xiao Chuting quietly put away the jade cups, sinking into thought, He knew enough to come see me first. But judging by his manner, it seems he is unaware of the great figure behind him...
He took up the jade fishing rod and cast it into the icy pool. Snow fell in flurries as Xiao Chuting sank into deep contemplation, staring at the waters without a word.
————
After Li Ximing departed the mountain, the purple flame over Mount Wu started to dim slightly. The fragile grand formation trembled with a booming sound. A young man clad in armor and with eyes as dark as ink descended on lightning, thunder at his command. It was none other than Li Chenghui.
Behind him followed a middle-aged man in white robes, with a spear slung across his back. His cultivation was at the early stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm. His expression was cautious as he descended into the formation. The blazing purple flames burned hot, stinging their faces.
"Clan Uncle Siwei." Li Chenghui glanced around and said quietly, "These purple flames are scorching. It would be unwise for you to enter. You stay outside to watch over him. I will search for my uncle’s traces."
The man in white was An Siwei. More than ten years had passed, and he had now achieved the Foundation Establishment Realm. His expression remained as composed as ever. He nodded, withdrew, and flew off with the wind.
Li Chenghui went straight to the mountaintop. The jade pillars had collapsed, the ground was riddled with cracks, and strangely, gardenia trees had sprouted everywhere. White blossoms rolled across the ground, some even rolling over his boots.
He searched carefully but found no trace of Li Ximing. There was not even a Daoist robe. He only discovered two heaps of incinerated jade dust.
Shielding himself from the purple flames with lightning, Li Chenghui drew closer and carefully examined them. He thought to himself, The family head once instructed me that if an anomaly occurs and no trace of the lord is found on the mountain, it must remain a secret whether success or failure... Since he is not at home now, I must handle this myself.
These past years, the three sects near Mount Xiaoshi, the Golden Tang Gate, and the Jiangbei devil cultivators have grown increasingly brazen with harassment and schemes. There will be no peaceful days ahead with this startling celestial phenomenon. Careful planning is needed.
He plucked a gardenia blossom, placed it into a jade box, then quickly withdrew, riding the wind out of the formation. Outside, Li Xuanxuan was waiting, his face anxious. Seeing Li Chenghui approach, he asked softly, "How is it?"
Li Chenghui hesitated, then replied softly, "The purple flames were too fierce. I could not see clearly and was forced back out."
In truth, Li Xuanxuan had little faith that Li Ximing could succeed in reaching the Purple Mansion Realm, but he still clung to a sliver of hope, unwilling to let it go. He lowered his head silently and said in a hoarse voice, "What do Minggong and the white ape say?"
Li Chenghui answered respectfully, "Elder Sister has sent word. The devil cultivators around Glacial Cloud Peak were startled by the celestial phenomenon and scattered in confusion.
"These next few days should be free of worry. However, since the family head is still in the Eastern Sea hunting demonic creatures, we must remain vigilant. The sects near Mount Xiaoshi are not ordinary rogue cultivators. I expect they will head toward the lake."
"Good." Seeing that he had matters in hand, Li Xuanxuan quickly withdrew.
Li Chenghui looked up at the sky and muttered softly, "Half of Moongaze Lake is already veiled in colorful clouds. The three sects and seven gates cannot possibly be unaware. Word must have reached within the sect by now. All we can do is wait for their message."