"No need for such formalities." There was something strangely familiar in Gao Xuanzhi's tone, and Li Ximing could hear that his congratulations were sincere. His joy was far more genuine than that of the other gates. Since Tu Longjian regarded Li Yuanjiao as his junior, it was only natural that the cultivators of the Slaughter Jun Gate were genuinely pleased by his attainment of the Purple Mansion Realm.
Gao Xuanzhi picked up a jade box from the table and Li Minggong hurried forward to receive it. With a respectful bow, Gao Xuanzhi said, "My family's Daoist Master has prepared this method, the Art of Miao Tai[1] Transformation, as a congratulatory gift for Fellow Daoist."
The spell did not sound especially miraculous. But the thought behind a congratulatory gift mattered more than the actual value. Li Ximing replied, "Please convey my gratitude to Senior Junjian. I still remember the grace he showed me back then with the Radiant Sky Stone. If not for his assistance, there would be no Zhaojing today."
Gao Xuanzhi returned the salute and quickly withdrew, unwilling to speak more before the crowd.
As Li Ximing took another step, a man approached with a cup in hand. His eyes were bright, and a spear was slung across his back. His features were refined, and his attire was neat.
He smiled and said, "Zhong Qian, on behalf of Chengyun Gate, offers congratulations to the Daoist Master, and presents this pair of White Shadow Gold Clasps!"
This was none other than Zhong Qian, whom Li Xuanfeng had befriended years ago. Li Ximing naturally recognized him. Zhong Qian was by no means an ordinary figure, so he raised his hand and said, "So it is Sect Master Zhong."
"I wouldn't dare!" Zhong Qian, now advanced in years and bearing an air of gravitas, returned the gesture and said, "This humble cultivator was in seclusion in recent years, and some of my subordinates acted rashly. Fortunately, they knew when to restrain themselves and did not commit any outrageous acts. I have come today to offer my apologies to the Daoist Master."
Perhaps the Bhrama Cloud Cave harbored ulterior motives, but in the end, they had not acted out of line. Zhong Qian, as sect master and a familiar face, had also come personally to apologize.
Naturally, Li Ximing did not press further and simply instructed Li Minggong to accept the gift. He then said, "My grand-uncle once mentioned you. He said you possess talent beyond the ordinary, and that you have the prospect of reaching the Purple Mansion Realm in the future."
Zhong Qian repeatedly voiced his thanks. Li Zhouwei then heard An Siwei's voice beside his ear from within the banquet hall, "Family head, Gao Xuanzhi has taken his leave."
Like the other Daoist Master whose leaders had yet to arrive, Gao Xuanzhi had also taken his leave early, but his conduct could not be considered discourteous. The Slaughter Jun Gate stood at the junction of Wu State, the southern border, and Yue State. It was not truly a Yue State sect at all. By rights, they had no need to come and offer congratulations, and had only done so out of personal regard for Tu Longjian.
As for the sects of Wu State, they all acknowledged Mount Changhuai as their leader. Mount Changhuai's dominance within Wu State was several times greater than that of the Golden Feather Sect within Yue State. The Wu State sects rarely cultivated ties with those of Yue State, and the Slaughter Jun Gate, caught between the three territories, had always kept aloof, never pledging itself to any faction.
Therefore, Gao Xuanzhi's presence was already a great show of respect. Li Zhouwei deliberately rose from the banquet to escort him all the way out of the courtyard. Gao Xuanzhi adjusted his robes and smiled as he asked a few questions. Li Zhouwei glanced at Gao Xuanzhi as they conversed.
The young man only spoke after they left Milin Mountain and reached Changxi Gate, where the heat of wine and revelry had faded and a chill breeze brushed past his face, "Family head, forgive the trouble of seeing me off. My Daoist Master does not wish to stir up more entanglements. Please, stop here at Changxi Gate."
Clarity dawned in Li Zhouwei’s heart, So Daoist Master Junjian does not wish to entangle himself too deeply with our family, or perhaps he simply does not want his own karma to spill over onto us...
He gave Gao Xuanzhi a long, searching look before nodding and replying, "Since your Daoist Master is not present, if the Slaughter Jun Immortal Gate ever finds itself in difficulty, I ask that you inform our family. We will spare no effort in lending aid."
Gao Xuanzhi smiled faintly and said while shaking his head, "I too am a sword cultivator. If your esteemed family has outstanding juniors in the way of the sword, you may send them to my Slaughter Jun Immortal Gate for me to meet. Though I am far from a Sword Immortal, I do have some attainments in the Dao of the sword..."
Li Zhouwei was slightly surprised. Everyone knew the Li Family was a family of sword immortals. For Gao Xuanzhi to say such a thing showed just how confident he was in his own swordsmanship.
"Many thanks, Senior!" Li Zhouwei offered his thanks. Gao Xuanzhi returned the courtesy, then glanced at the grand Changxi Gate. The foundation stones on either side were carved from Radiant Stone, heavy and majestic. The beams were painted with lakes, waves, flying snow, and ancient pines, while seventy-two roof ridges shimmered faintly, dyed with the divine glow of Bright Yang. The entire gate appeared resplendent.
He smiled and said, "This Changxi Gate is quite remarkable."
With that, he rose upon frost and snow, flying southwest. Li Zhouwei watched him depart with a thoughtful expression. Only after a long while did he ride his light back into the courtyard. The banquet among the various families had already concluded, and most were preparing to leave.
Only the group of rogue cultivators lingered, reluctant to leave such a rare chance at free resources and spiritual energy. They sat silently in the courtyard, some lowering their heads to drink and others chewing fruit, but all intent on filling their bellies before taking their leave.
Some went further, seizing the chance to draw in the rich spiritual energy. A few elderly rogue cultivators did not dare make a show of it, so they secretly formed hand seals beneath the tables. Their eyes remained open and their mouths moved as if in idle chatter, yet they quietly cultivated, though who knew how effective it really was.
Rogue cultivators already lived hard lives, and those who refrained from eating blood food fared even worse. A grand banquet like this was rare, and the Li Family was not stingy.
Li Zhouwei simply called Li Minggong over and quietly instructed, "For those at the lower seats who are unwilling to leave, give each of them a pot of spirit tea. Do not let them sit here in embarrassment."
Li Minggong obeyed at once. Soon, a group of attendants came forward carrying jade trays with spirit tea pots, presenting them one by one. The courtyard instantly filled with words of gratitude.
Li Zhouwei had been watching all along. With his sharp perception technique, he noticed from afar that the few old cultivators quickly poured out the tea, wrapped the leaves in paper to save for later use, then rose with empty pots in hand to ask for spirit water instead.
"Li Family Head!" As Li Zhouwei was observing them, a clear voice rang by his ear. He turned to see a bearded middle-aged man leading a group forward, dressed in the attire of the Xiao Family.
The man's features seemed somewhat familiar to Li Zhouwei. The middle-aged cultivator had already begun speaking with a smile, "I am Xiao Muyun. Do you recognize me?"
Li Zhouwei immediately realized who he was. This man was Xiao Muyun, son of Li Qingxiao and head of the Mount Yu branch of the Xiao Family. That technically made him an elder of the Li Family, but since he belonged to the Xiao Family while Li Zhouwei was Li Family Head, he naturally refrained from addressing him by seniority and instead rose to offer a formal salute.
He said, "So it is the master of Mount Yu. Has the Elder come as well?"
In a gentle voice, Xiao Muyun replied, "My mother is with Elder Xuanxuan. She was overjoyed when she heard that Daoist Master Zhaojing had achieved the Purple Mansion Realm. She packed her things at dawn today and hurried back to her maiden home in excitement."
Before Li Zhouwei could ask further, Xiao Muyun continued, "So that the Family Head is aware, I now serve as steward of the thirteenth outer branch of the Xiao Family, overseeing the affiliated families both great and small. This time, our Xiao Family has also brought along a modest gift."
"Oh?" Li Zhouwei had already expected as much, yet he still asked politely.
Xiao Muyun reached into his sleeve, drew out a roll of parchment, and smiled as he said, "There are one hundred and twenty-seven families in total from the eastern shore of Moongaze Lake to the borders of Lixia Prefecture. Of these, seventy-nine within ten kilometers west of Cloud Crowned Peak are now presented as a gift to your esteemed family!"
Xiao Muyun spoke at length, but everyone present already understood his meaning. Before Li Zhouwei could respond, Li Minggong quietly exhaled, her heart stirred with emotion as a look of sentiment crossed her face, At last, it has been reclaimed!
Although the Li Family had occupied Moongaze Lake for more than a decade, their hold over it had never been complete, especially concerning the southern and eastern shores.
The southern shore was densely forested, particularly around Mount Yue, and extended into Mount Dali where no cultivation was possible. But since the Li Family had ties with the local demon dens, the land yielded abundant spirit items. It was never necessary to turn it into spirit fields, so it still held value.
1. 妙 (miào) means wonderful, subtle, exquisite, marvelous and 骀 (tái / dài) as a character, it often relates to horses. In classical texts, 骀 can mean an old horse, a slow horse, or sometimes to let loose / to gallop freely. In an extended sense, it can also carry a nuance of unrestrained movement or free-flowing. ☜