Yu Yuwei could only worry on his own. Li Xizhi didn’t understand artifact refinement and couldn’t be of much help. Azure Pond Sect’s path of artifact refinement had also withered since the deaths of those who had inherited Yuanwu’s mantle such as Tang Shecheng, Yu Xiuxian, and finally Yu Muxian. There were simply no skilled artificers to be found.
The old man wore a troubled expression as he lugged a large purplish-red cauldron around. He glanced at Li Xizhi and said, “Xizhi... the fallen grotto heaven is called Dongning Palace. A few Purple Mansion Realm cultivators have already sent people in... Judging by the timing, I hear that gates like Crimson Reef and Xiukui, who usually don’t make moves, will arrive soon as well.”
Li Xizhi nodded, putting on a look of serious attention as Yu Yuwei mumbled, “These days, this old man can hardly see the full picture... Crimson Reef and Xiukui are constantly battling in the outer seas, and cultivators fall every month. Meanwhile, some Purple Mansion Realm elders seem to be turning back north to involve themselves in Mount Bianyan matters...
“Hard to grasp... truly hard to grasp!” The old man sighed heavily, then sat down in confusion.
Meanwhile, Li Quantao looked at the two and said, “Dongning Palace... It was once a cave dwelling for many cultivators of Ning State. Ning State was the homeland of Daoist Master Donghua, Li Jiangqun. The Jia, Jiang and Li Families from Ning State were Golden Core Realm immortal descendants, so many things must’ve been left behind. With the Wanglin Sect and Prince Ning... it’s bound to be tempting.”
Yu Yuwei thought even further but their acquaintance was shallow, so he didn’t say much to Li Quantao. He only nodded lightly and muttered, “Yesterday, I received word that my nephew, Yu Fuyu, has died. No one at home is willing to claim the body, so I have to go.”
The Yu Family was in such disarray they might as well have been enemies. Yu Yuwei showed no emotion when he spoke of his nephew’s death. He merely let his eyelids droop, exchanged a few pleasantries, tucked the cauldron into his robes, and rode the wind away.
Once the old man left the courtyard, Li Quantao stepped forward and said quietly, “Brother Zhi... the Yu Family is full of selfish and cruel people. Even though Yu Yuwei is older, that doesn’t mean he’s any better... be cautious.”
When Li Xizhi glanced at him, Li Quantao’s expression turned serious as he added, “Do you still remember the matter of Murong Xia, Brother Zhi? Your family must have records... The Yu Family acted without shame as they openly and righteously rounded up people with mana, built numerous corpse mounds, and even constructed a grand hall where Murong Xia devoured humans day and night.
“Though all the families suffered under Murong Xia and understood that the Yu Family had no choice... they still laughed, never tried to hide it, and even worshiped him from start to finish...”
Li Quantao shook his head and said grimly, “Truly disgraceful!”
Li Xizhi knew this matter as well and nodded slightly. Li Quantao continued, “Besides... Yu Yuxie’s death is also tied to Yu Yuwei. Rumor has it that he was deliberately harmed in a family feud. If someone can kill even his own brother, how can he be trusted?”
Yu Yuxie was clearly made into a pill for cultivation by Chi Wei... Li Xizhi’s expression sobered, but he couldn’t say it aloud. He simply replied, “Thank you for the warning, brother.”
As the two were conversing, a man approached from below, bowing and holding a green command token in both hands. He respectfully said, “Sirs, a celestial order from the upper sect.”
Azure Pond Sect had many ways of delivering orders. If a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator brought one, it would be a solemn matter. But now, they merely sent a token, and not even a messenger. It was clearly a sign of discontent.
Li Xizhi stood, brushed his sleeves, accepted the token with the proper gesture and channeled mana into it. When it shone green, he uttered, “Li Xizhi of Changtian Peak is to return to the station at Baixiang Valley within three days, and follow further orders.”
————
Mount Yan Pass.
Mist hung over Mount Yan Pass as black-robed cultivators descended on the wind. The cultivators below quickly greeted them. Li Wushao, as usual, wore a stern expression and said little, simply riding the wind downward.
As soon as he landed, he found a burly artifact smith dressed in red, with clinking metal tools hanging from his body, standing atop the wall and looking out. It was none other than Chu Minglian.
Chu Minglian had been refining artifacts in the city for the better part of this period. He had ties with the Li Family and was known for his hearty and generous nature, which had helped him blend in well.
When he saw Li Wushao land, Chu Minglian looked over in interest and asked, “Fellow Daoist Wushao... why haven’t we seen you visiting Lingu Lanying lately? And today you’ve returned so quickly...”
The garrison of Lingu Lanying from the Lingu Family was not far from Mount Yan Pass. Her mount was a white Hooked Serpent. Li Wushao often claimed he hadn’t seen such a beast in years and would go there to visit frequently.
Everyone understood what was really going on but refrained from teasing him. They were privately curious and constantly tried to pry out gossip, but Li Wushao was tight-lipped, which only made them more intrigued.
Li Wushao kept a straight face and only replied, “Greetings, Master... devil cultivators have been rampant lately. I fear missing orders, so it’s unwise to leave the formation.”
Li Wushao then drifted away on the wind. Chu Minglian watched, slightly puzzled, and after wandering around the pass for a while, he saw another woman flying in before the formation.
The woman had a lovely appearance and was at the mid-stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm. She wore a light jade-green Daoist robe that glowed with brilliant dharma light. It was clearly not an ordinary item. Her long black hair flowed like a waterfall, and was pinned with several hair ornaments. She was quite beautiful.
The woman bowed and spoke gently, “I am Lingu Lanying of the Jiachuan Lingu Family... I wish to meet Fellow Daoist Qinghong.”
“So it’s a fellow Daoist from Jiachuan Lingu. I am Chu Minglian,” replied Chu Minglian.
Chu Minglian was only here to refine artifacts and didn’t have the dharma artifact to open the formation. He waved politely as he looked Lingu Lanying over with a glance, and courteously stepped aside.
Lingu Lanying wasn’t in a rush. She waited quietly before the formation for a few minutes, and sure enough, someone approached. It was a bright and graceful female cultivator, who respectfully said, “Li Minggong of Qingdu greets senior.”
Her manner was quite agreeable. Lingu Lanying smiled softly and followed her through the formation, passing several city walls before arriving at a small hill. The furnishings on the hill were simple and unremarkable.
Inside the cave dwelling, she found a white-robed woman at a table reading a jade slip. A silver spear was lying flat in the hall. White lightning occasionally flickered around it, producing faint crackling sounds.
This must be the thunder cultivator, Li Qinghong... thought Lingu Lanying.
“Lingu Lanying greets Fellow Daoist!” Lingu Lanying studied her.
Li Qinghong also examined her in return, then smiled and stepped down from her seat, speaking warmly, “Lately, Wushao has been visiting often. I hope he hasn’t troubled you too much, Fellow Daoist!”
Lingu Lanying looked a little embarrassed and replied with a smile, “It’s no trouble at all. My Gu’er has someone to keep her company.”
From her tone, it was clear that Gu’er referred to the white serpent. Li Qinghong had a vague premonition and quietly speculated, What could Lingu Lanying want from me? I am pretty sure this is going to be about Li Wushao and that Gu’er...
After a round of pleasantries, Lingu Lanying finally said, “These past years, your family’s Wushao has grown close with my Gu’er... I’ve seen him many times. He’s sharp and capable, and though my Gu’er is still young, she’s learned quite a bit from him and gained a great deal.”
Li Qinghong nodded with a smile and said gently, “Fellow Daoist, are you suggesting...?”
Lingu Lanying smiled awkwardly and softened her tone, “It would naturally be wonderful if this could come to fruition... Our two families had ties long ago, and I myself have long admired senior...
“Gu’er and I spoke several times. She hesitated for a long while. She said that Wushao was strong, and the Li Family was a prestigious family. Wushao also treated her with great care, so she was very torn...”