Afraid of being discovered, Li Chengliao quickly moved away. A white mist gradually descended on the banquet, muffling all conversation. Only once he reached the far end did he cautiously look back.
He saw the white mist slowly enveloping everything. He accidentally locked eyes with the youth’s arrogant, venomous gaze through a gap in the clouds. The carefree youth was idly stirring a few spirit fruits with a pair of jade chopsticks.
Li Chengliao’s heart skipped a beat. Fortunately, the youth didn’t seem to notice him; he was merely lost in thought, his lips moving slightly, his expression sharp, before soon looking away.
As the mist thickened, Li Chengliao moved toward the banquet seats. That piercing gaze was still vivid in his mind, leaving a chaotic mix of emotions in his heart.
————
Mount Bianyan.
Li Xuanfeng had just exited seclusion. As he sipped a cup of tea in the grand hall, Ning Heyuan hurriedly approached.
Ning Heyuan drew close, but was startled by the sight of the middle-aged man before him. It took him a careful look to realize it was Li Xuanfeng. When he took in the sharp brows, fierce aura, and the faint platinum radiance emanating from the latter’s body, he quickly congratulated him, “Congratulations, brother-in-law, on your great advancement in strength! It’s as if you’ve regained your youth!”
Li Xuanfeng was still unaccustomed to his current appearance. He lowered his brows slightly, but even with no expression, his face exuded a vibrant and fierce spirit. He replied, “No need for courtesy... How long have I been in seclusion? Has anything happened?”
“Less than half a year!” Ning Heyuan quickly said quietly, “Tang Shedu seized the opportunity after Tuoba Chongyuan’s death to launch a surprise attack on Baixiang Valley, reclaiming most of the lost territory and even pushing in a few kilometers further north. Afterwards, fierce battles broke out with both north and south suffering losses, but there have been no major changes since.
“However, over the past few months, the devil cultivators have suffered repeated setbacks, losing many cultivators... Several cave dwelling ruins have also fallen from the sky. Two of them are quite large, covering fifty kilometers each, and have drawn many to fight for their opportunities.”
Li Xuanfeng nodded lightly. From the way Ning Heyuan had rushed over, he guessed that there was likely something important waiting to be said.
Sure enough, after just seconds, Ning Heyuan said in a serious tone, “Brother-in-law, the devil cultivators, specifically the Murong Family, have had two new arrivals. Their cultivation is said to be formidable. It’s likely that the devil cultivators will push south again within the next two months. Chi Zhiyan has asked me several times about you; he may be plotting something.”
Li Xuanfeng was in no hurry. Instead, he changed the subject and asked, “How goes the reforging of the spirit armor?”
Ning Heyuan suddenly realized and answered, “Of course, it’s ready! I’ll have someone bring it to you right away!”
After giving a few instructions, Ning Heyuan turned back and said, “Brother-in-law, in the past half year, Jiangnan has gained two new Daoist Masters...”
Ning Heyuan described them both. Tu Longjian naturally needed no introduction, while the other was an immortal cultivator from Wu State’s Ni Family, who had attained the Purple Mansion Realm. Since they were located on the far western edge of Wu State, near the Great Western Plains, there had been little commotion about it.
“With Tu Longjian’s breakthrough... certain people surely aren’t sleeping easy anymore!” said Li Xuanfeng.
A faint smile broke through Li Xuanfeng’s somber expression. After all, this was rare good news for the Li Family. Gaining another allied Purple Mansion Realm cultivator could save several lives and help avoid many future humiliations.
“Reporting to the Daoist, my lord summons you!”
Members of the Chi Family arrived swiftly just as he finished speaking. Before their words had even faded away, two men approached, carrying a suit of platinum-colored armor that shone brilliantly with a faint layer of whitish glow.
Though the armor had yet to be named, Li Xuanfeng had specifically instructed that many Bright Yang treasures be used in its forging, most of which he had personally exchanged for. It had drained more than half the wealth of his storage pouch.
Li Xuanfeng didn’t have time to examine the armor carefully. He simply stored it away and strode out. Ning Heyuan closely followed, and together they rode the wind to land before the main hall.
Chi Zhiyan was studying a map when he saw the two arrive. He casually gestured, prompting Ning Heyuan to tactfully withdraw.
Chi Zhiyan then warmly approached Li Xuanfeng and asked, “What kind of Immortal Foundation have you obtained, Daoist?”
Li Xuanfeng nodded slightly on the surface, but inwardly, his thoughts sharpened, Either Chi Zhiyan knows exactly what type of Geng Metal Triple Qi Pill it was, or there is definitely a shared understanding among Azure Pond Sect’s true core members regarding this matter...
“It is the Heavenly Gilded Helm,” replied Li Xuanfeng.
Chi Zhiyan nodded in satisfaction and said joyfully, “As expected of a true master! The Heavenly Gilded Helm is exceptional. Combined with Senior Xuanfeng’s archery, those devil cultivators surely won't return alive!”
Li Xuanfeng cupped his hands in acknowledgment. Chi Zhiyan pulled him forward and lightly circled a patch of forest on the map. “This is Chengshui Tomb, once the royal mausoleum of Ning State. The terrain is flat, but the spiritual energy is dense, making it ideal for setting up formations. That’s why the Murong Family’s devil cultivators are stationed there.
“This time, since more devil cultivators have descended from the Murong Family, it must be Senior Xuanfeng who breaks through. You’ll take the forces I’ve selected and advance upriver. I’ve already ordered Tang Shedu to attack from another side, and Yu Su will cut them off from the south...”
His gaze was fervent as he said in a low voice, “Tuoba Chongyuan made us suffer a great defeat, now it’s time to strike back!”
Li Xuanfeng immediately understood it wouldn’t be an easy task. He sighed inwardly and asked, “May I ask which forces I am to lead?”
Chi Zhiyan smiled at him. “Troops from Mount Yan Pass! These cultivators have fought many victorious battles recently, earning considerable merit while sustaining the fewest injuries. Li Qinghong, Lingu Lanying, and others among them are outstanding Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators...”
Li Xuanfeng’s heart grew cold. He thought to himself, So they mean to send all the Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators of my family into battle... Well, better they serve under my command than under Tang Shedu or Yu Su... At least I can protect them somewhat.
Besides, once I take on this task, I likely won’t need to leave seclusion for at least another year or two...
Studying the map carefully, he saw that the three forces would neatly encircle the devil cultivators. Even if the devil cultivators broke apart and fled, they would only collide with Yu Su’s troops, ensuring the Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators mobilized from Mount Yan Pass would not be placed in undue danger.
At least Chi Zhiyan doesn’t want to see his forces wasted pointlessly... That’s why he’s entrusted the Li Family’s Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators to me.
As for Li Xizhi, now under Tang Shedu’s command, it was the old trick of forcing mutual support. Glancing at his own roster, Li Xuanfeng saw it indeed included quite a few members from the Tang and Yu Families.
After discussing a few more details with Chi Zhiyan, Li Xuanfeng nodded in agreement, took a command token, and rode the wind outside. Ning Heyuan had been waiting before the hall for some time.
Li Xuanfeng didn’t waste words. He tossed him the roster and said in a deep voice, “Order all cultivators from Mount Yan Pass to report to me here within three days!”