At this point, Li Qinghong sensed something was off. Her expression sobered, and she remained silent as Lingu Lanying quietly continued, “But the young one is still... well, young. In the end, she made up her mind. It won’t work. Her family line has always been of the Pristine Water lineage, and she’s always dreamed of a Pristine Water cultivator as her husband. But Wushao... he’s of Water Mansion lineage...”
Lingu Lanying spoke very tactfully, but Li Qinghong wasn’t ignorant. She understood in her heart immediately, Pristine Water and Water Mansion. What nonsense! So in the end, they’re just looking down on Li Wushao’s mixed Hooked Serpent bloodline!
The Hooked Serpent was a descendant of the Pristine Water Feathered Serpent, and the Pristine Water line was considered the most pure and noble among them. Li Qinghong had seen Gu’er before; she was much larger than most Hooked Serpents, with sleek, refined scales and an aura of elegance and nobility.
Other types, like Converging Water or Pit Water, were lesser, being descended from subordinate lines of the Feathered Serpent. Water Mansion was the only one not represented among the many Hooked Serpent clans, making it, naturally, the lowest of the low.
Before meeting Li Yuanjiao, Li Wushao had been destitute and his cultivation weak to the point of fleeing into Lake Xian. That had much to do with his bloodline.
Li Qinghong’s heart grew cold. After so much time together, the cultivators here had long considered Li Wushao one of their own. This left her deeply displeased.
Lingu Lanying hadn’t lied, and though she had phrased it gently, she felt bitterness in her heart. When she saw Li Qinghong’s neutral expression, she could only explain, “This visit carries no disrespect. I simply wished to speak to senior in person... I’ve also brought an apology gift, hoping you might understand.”
Things had reached this point, and even Lingu Lanying felt deeply troubled. The Hooked Serpent Gu’er at her side was the only daughter of a revered and powerful elder serpent within their family. Lingu Lanying had no choice but to show her some respect.
When she first heard about the two serpents, she had been excited for a day or two. Since the Li family was currently ascending, Lingu Lanying was eager to establish ties. But no matter how pleased she was with the potential marriage, it wasn’t a decision she could make alone. How could she force Gu’er to submit?
At this point, Lingu Lanying seemed rather flustered. Li Qinghong could see the difficulty in her eyes, and her own impulse to lash out subsided. She sighed softly and said, “This is simply a matter of mutual affection. There’s no need for any apology gift, please take it back.”
Now that she had been dragged into this mess for no reason, Li Qinghong had little patience left. The Lingu Family was among the top families. She had already shown enough courtesy and had no desire to say more.
Li Qinghong brushed her off with a few perfunctory words. Seeing her sour expression, Lingu Lanying quickly took her leave. Just as Li Qinghong was about to summon Li Wushao, Li Minggong hurried over and said respectfully, “Aunt, Master Chu has finished crafting the feathered robe!”
The feathered robe was originally a brocade garment captured from a devil cultivator, and had once belonged to the Wanglin Upper Sect. Chu Minglian had taken a liking to it and spent a long time modifying it, incorporating every rare material he could find. After much effort, it was finally complete.
“Oh?” Li Qinghong’s eyes lit up.
She exited the cave with Li Minggong, just in time to see Li Wushao and Kongheng waiting outside. Kongheng’s cultivation had advanced, and he looked radiant. Li Wushao stood quietly to the side.
Since there were many people present, Li Qinghong didn’t speak further and simply said softly, “Let’s see the feathered robe first.”
Mount Yan Pass had once been home to a minor sect. There was a fire vein on the mountain, and the group rode the wind down to a furnace platform where Chu Minglian was waiting. His hearty face beamed with joy. He cupped his hands to Li Qinghong, then swept his sleeve over the table. A white feathered robe appeared upon it.
The elegant and regal feathered robe gleamed with pure white feathers. It had a ring of beautiful cyan-blue plumes around the collar and shoulders, emitting a halo-like glow. The feathers flowed downward in waves, weaving cyan, blue, and white into a jewel-like tapestry.
The shimmering iridescence of the robe captivated everyone’s eyes. Chu Minglian was obviously proud as his gaze moved lovingly across the garment. He was clearly reluctant to part with it.
“This feathered robe originally belonged to the Wanglin Upper Sect but was later altered by a devil cultivator into something unrecognizable. I removed the gaudy embellishments and reworked many details. It’s no longer what it once was.
“I also reinterpreted many of the ancient design elements. After all, the True Monarch’s essence is now of Metallic nature, and many aspects are no longer suited to the original form.”
He let out a hearty laugh, confidence brimming in his voice, “What’s more, since the Fruition Attainment of the True Monarch of the Jade True Unified Void Essence, I’ve carefully modified all the arrays and incantations. Its power now surpasses what it once was and enhances the wearer far more effectively.”
Chu Minglian’s expression turned serious as he declared, “I may not match Tang Shecheng of old, but the foundation of this feathered robe is excellent. In its current form, it’s absolutely on par with the dharma robes of the direct descendents of Azure Pond and Golden Feather Sects!”
This feathered robe was certainly not of the same class as the Xia You spirit fan, but even resting on the table, it radiated an aura that stirred the soul. Li Qinghong picked it up gently, her face alive with joy.
“As for its defensive abilities, those go without saying. It can easily withstand casual attacks from an ordinary Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator. If you, Qinghong, actively channel your mana into it and reinforce the surface, its effect will rise to the next level.” Chu Minglian explained, “First, the Cyan Plume. This robe retains techniques from the Wanglin Sect of old. The devil cultivators who obtained it had no idea how to use them, and so they lay dormant for years. If you channel mana into the thirty-two tail feathers, they will emit cyan light, like a thunderous and swift bird soaring to the sky. Whether flying through the heavens or diving into the sea, the effect is formidable.
“Second, the Tranquil Frost. The robe incorporates materials like Cold-metal and Ice-jade. The moment you put it on, Qinghong, it will produce a calming, icy aura. Whether for cultivation or resisting illusions in combat, it offers remarkable benefits!”
Li Qinghong was already enamored with the robe. The cyan, blue, and white hues of the feathers flowed through her hands and past her pale wrist.
Chu Minglian chuckled and said, “I also crafted a technique called Imperial Plume. The robe’s thirty-two cyan tail feathers can now be released all at once, each trailing radiant light. Every feather flies like an arrow, it will be extremely effective against numerous enemies.”
“Many thanks, Senior!” said Li Qinghong, smiling gently.
Chu Minglian nodded, his broad face glowing with pride, and asked, “This robe may only be a refitted piece, but it’s the best work I’ve ever produced. Qinghong, have you decided on a name for it?”
Li Qinghong gave a slight nod, watching the colors flow across her palm and the soft swaying of the cyan tail feathers in the wind. After a moment’s thought, she replied, “Let’s call it Cyan Sparrow Plume!”