Si Boxiu stood with his hands behind his back, seemingly lost in thought. The late-stage Purple Mansion Realm cultivator said nothing, but Si Yuanli could read his expression. He was already harboring doubts, but a chill of dread surged through his heart.
Could it be...
Just as the chill set in, he noticed a look of amused interest appear on the elder’s face. The old man turned around and spoke, “Li Xuanfeng... though he hadn’t reached the Purple Mansion Realm, he was still a remarkable talent of his time. Yuan Su’s eye for talent has always been accurate.”
The words eased Si Yuanli’s mind. The old man fell into thought again, raising his brow to gaze northward as he mused, What a scheme. That boy Houfu must’ve had a hand in this. The Sword Gate and the aloof Hengzhu shouldn’t be involved... Xiao Chuting wouldn’t have the time either... who else... could it be Changxi? Would he dare?
It no longer mattered whose plan it was. Si Boxiu soon turned and said casually, “I saw Chi Buzi in Anhuai Heaven. He’s already at the late stage of the Purple Mansion Realm. He is cultivating in solitude, and truly the prized tree of the Chi Family.”
The color drained from Si Yuanli’s face. Before he could ask further, Si Boxiu shot him a glance and continued, “He’s focused solely on the path to immortality now. He said he’ll no longer involve himself in Azure Pond Sect matters, and has cut ties with the Chi Family.”
Si Yuanli relaxed instantly, now more confident in his own schemes. Forming a seal and casting a spell, he drew a small cauldron from his sleeve, along with a securely bundled scroll, and said solemnly, “This junior has obtained the item that Daoist Master requested.”
This was, of course, the bronze cauldron from the Great Ning Palace. With the constant battles inside the palace, there’d been no time to refine it. He’d had to flee while lugging it around. Now that he had the chance, he had refined it into a palm-sized cauldron.
Si Boxiu accepted it without fuss, squinting slightly as he said hoarsely, “When I return to the sect, say I’ve entered life-or-death seclusion to heal. Don’t respond to anything from the outside world.”
Si Yuanli understood immediately and nodded, then asked softly, “Ancestor... may I ask about Anhuai Heaven...”
“No need to ask.” Yuan Xiu cut him off and said in a soft voice, “From now on, if any talented youth cultivating True Essence appears under the Azure Pond Sect’s jurisdiction or within the Southern and Eastern seas, report to me immediately.”
“Yes!”
Si Yuanli responded, and at last, Si Boxiu’s gaze fell upon him. His voice softened slightly as he said, “You’re more sensible than those other uncles and cousins. From you downwards, Tongyi and Tongwen are all capable. In the past, I had to carry the burden alone, but now our Si Family should rise again. We can finally stretch our arms and legs.”
Si Yuanli understood what he meant, but one matter still weighed on his heart. Taking advantage of the elder’s good mood, he spoke softly, “It’s just that our family still has too few Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators of our own blood. I wonder if there’s any chance of bringing my elder brother back...”
The moment he mentioned his elder brother Si Yuanbai, Si Boxiu’s expression darkened, anger flashing across his face as he said coldly, “Him? He’s hopelessly rigid and soft-hearted, utterly blind to the situation. He listens too easily to others; if you bring him back, he’ll just oppose everything! Better to let him wander freely.”
“Please calm your anger, Daoist Master...”
“Calm down?” Si Boxiu’s face grew even darker, and he growled, “Where did he get the guts to reprimand Chi Wei in front of all the Daoist Masters? That rabid dog was desperate to extend his life, his eyes glowing green with greed, and even Yuan Su stepped aside for him! But your brother ran straight to Azure Pond Peak to hurl insults!
“If I hadn’t acted first and suppressed him beneath the tower, Chi Wei, who’s nearing the end of his lifespan, would’ve lashed out, disregarding my face and the younger generation. As it is, not even his bones can be found!”
Si Yuanli could only sigh. Si Boxiu glanced at him, then gradually eased his tone. “The Moon Glazed Tree grows on Azure Pond Peak. It's a spirit item that can assist in breaking through to the Purple Mansion Realm. If you get the chance, take note of it... as for Chi Zhiyun, ignore him. If he breaks through too early, I’ll handle it.”
Break through to the Purple Mansion Realm!
Those words struck Si Yuanli like thunder. The allure of Purple Mansion Realm divine abilities was immense. A rush of heat surged to his head, as he struggled to believe what he’d heard.
Si Boxiu paid no further attention to what the junior might do next. With a flick of his sleeve, he sent him back to the mortal world, then continued drifting through the sky, lost in thought, Yuanli’s ruthless move suits the situation. The Purple Mansion Realm cultivators are all of one mind. Li Xuanfeng has already been used thoroughly. He protected Jiangnan and died at the right time. No need for me to intervene.
The younger generation is stirring up storms, so this is the perfect moment... as for Chi Zhiyun...
Si Boxiu let out a cold chuckle and said quietly, “The boy fears Buzi and is too impatient. Soon, Zipei will break through, and a dragon kin will swallow thunder... Heaven and earth’s spiritual aura shifts every decade. Mount Azure Pond is only five hundred kilometers from the Purple Smoke Blessed Land. You want to break through to Purple Mansion Realm and attain Fire Virtue divine abilities? Then waste decade after decade trying in vain!”
The old man put away the talisman in his hand, his figure gradually fading into the great void, leaving behind only a faint murmur in the air. “Mount Changhuai dispatched several Purple Mansion Realm cultivators to protect this Metallic Essence... there must be a scheme brewing. The immortal system of Wu State differs from Yue State. Four sects, nine esteemed families, and Mount Changhuai stands above them all. This makes it far easier to act as they please...”
————
Moongaze Lake.
The mourning rites lasted three days. Li Xuanfeng's storage pouch lay quietly on the table. Everyone, having busied themselves with the funeral, finally sat down together.
Li Xuanxuan only woke up after two days of drunken stupor. The Wanglin Blossom, brewed to prolong life and ease sorrow, had been specially prepared for him by Li Xuanfeng. Only with it had he been able to drink so freely. Its effects still lingered, leaving the old man somewhat dazed.
Li Xijun took the registry in hand, its pages densely packed with names. After reading it carefully, he sighed inwardly.
The Li Family had contributed more than any other in this struggle between north and south. From the chaos at Chengshui Tomb, the crushing defeat at Mount Yan Pass, to the battle at the riverbank, they had given everything, suffering grave losses.
The disasters at Chengshui Tomb and Mount Yan Pass had been completely unforeseen. All cultivators below Foundation Establishment Realm perished at Chengshui Tomb, while barely one in ten survived at Mount Yan Pass. As for the riverbank battle, fought just behind Moongaze Lake, the Li Family fought with the utmost valor and self-sacrifice.
Though most of their Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators had survived, the prominent families, guest cultivators, and especially the Radiant Lure generation of the Li Family suffered unprecedented losses. White mourning cloths hung at every household.
Many skilled guest cultivators of the Li Family had headed north. Chen Donghe had been wounded in the riverbank battle, though not seriously. An Zheyan had lost an eye. Only Li Wen and Tian Zhongqing remained; nearly everyone else who went north perished.
The Radiant Lure generation was nearly wiped out. Only Li Minggong had made it back alive from Mount Yan Pass. Li Chengliao and Li Chenghuai had been defending the riverbank. Li Chenghui had been in the Eastern Sea. Lastly, there was also Li Chengdan, whose cultivation was lacking. Only these few remained out of the dozen Qi Cultivation Realm cultivators before.