Chapter 1624: Price (II)

Clink...

The lotus throne had reverted to its original form. A palm-sized pink object fell onto the sea of light and rocked gently. Li Ximing swept it away into his sleeve, grinding his teeth.

"So it really existed... If you hadn't asked that extra question..."

The patterns on Li Zhouwei's face gradually faded. Without a word, he flew out alongside his granduncle. There they saw the middle-aged man atop the [Heaven-Venerating Gate] wearing an ugly expression. He likewise had no desire to speak and merely cupped his hands toward the two of them.

The [Huai River Map] isolated all sounds from within and without, but as the master of the spirit treasure, Si Yuanli had heard everything clearly. His heart was cold with fear and resentment, and his mood was even worse than theirs.

No wonder... I always felt there was something wrong with that painting... So this was the reason!

The Ancestor... When the Ancestor spoke of preserving ourselves within the inland regions... he must have foreseen this as well!

The three exchanged glances. Li Ximing silently gestured toward the mountain, inviting them to speak there. Si Yuanli forced a smile and waved the suggestion away.

He said quietly, "She mentioned Lord Que. The one in the Wilderness was undoubtedly Que Liyu. A Peacock."

Preoccupied with his thoughts, Li Ximing replied absentmindedly, "I've seen one or two before... but none possessed such overwhelming might. They say the Peacock serves as the Revered One's mount. This one is likely of exceptionally noble status. How strong was it?"

Li Zhouwei shook his head and said, "We never truly fought. We only exchanged a few rounds through divine abilities. I merely rescued some people from the hands of the Merciful Ones... The real tragedy is what happened to the various families of the Wilderness. When the Karmic Fire descended, who knows how many perished. Even now, I have no idea how the aftermath should be handled!"

On the surface, the Wilderness was an ownerless land. Yet after the repeated decline of Grace Covenant Gate and the Kong Family, the disappearance of Capital Immortal Dao, and the departure of the Xiao Family, it had in truth long fallen under the control of Moongaze Lake. It was governed through Milin, which distributed cultivation arts, while the Wilderness continuously supplied the lake with spirit materials and talented cultivators.

The Li Family's influence had spread into the Wilderness from the very beginning. Back when Li Ximing advanced to the Purple Mansion Realm and conquered Floating South, the Wilderness, Floating South, and Smoke Valley had together served as buffer regions for the Li Family. Now that the last of those territories had been lost, it represented not only a loss of manpower and land, but also a significant reduction in the room they had to maneuver.

One piece of bad news followed another, leaving both men thoroughly dispirited.

Si Yuanli hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Honorable is an understatement. Que Liyu is considered a descendant of a Dharma Master-level figure. I know of him as well. He first cultivated Merging Fire, and his cultivation art is quite unusual. Upon becoming a Grand Daoist Master, he was able to convert immediately, and through the karmic destiny of his bloodline, he became a Maha on the spot.

“His cultivation speed has been terrifying ever since. He is already in his sixth reincarnation now. Although he still has not recovered the might he possessed as a Grand Daoist Master... he remains extremely formidable.

"This journey south is likely his attempt to use the great conflict between north and south to overcome the hurdle of the seventh reincarnation and reclaim the power he possessed in a previous life..."

Si Yuanli had connections in the north and was better informed than most. With all the pieces now falling into place, he had already begun drawing conclusions.

"Conflicts between north and south rarely cross the Wilderness and reach Quanwu, let alone regions even farther south. In my opinion... if he intends to attack Simin Prefecture, it must be an operation that demands a swift and decisive victory, one that cannot tolerate the slightest mishap. That is why he has no intention of provoking your esteemed family."

Although the Li Family had lost the Wilderness, it was clear that the other side did not wish to become entangled in the affairs of Bright Yang and introduce unnecessary variables. Si Yuanli, however, was in a miserable position. Now that he understood the karmic implications involving the Great Desire Dao, how could he not break out in a cold sweat when the enemy might come knocking at his mountain gate?

"It is highly likely that they are coming for the Yang Family... but what if they are not? Lord Yang has been in seclusion for many years, and no one knows when he will emerge. The timing may be coincidental... but one must always prepare for the worst. After all, who knows whose turn it will be to end up on the platter?"

After much hesitation, a glimmer of hope suddenly surfaced in his heart, Nine Mounds... that's right, Nine Mounds... They have always been close to the peacocks. Even if I cannot meet the Grand Daoist Master now... In a situation like this, those seniors should at least be able to offer some guidance...

Unable to remain seated any longer, he hurriedly bade the two farewell, rose on the wind, and vanished from sight.

Li Ximing watched him depart, while Li Zhouwei said softly, "For now, staying at the lake is the best thing he can do... Perhaps he has some connections or hidden cards up his sleeve!"

The two stood within the great void for a while. The gray fire in the east continued to spread. Li Ximing sighed inwardly, feeling both anger and pain.

Why did it have to be Chengqi?!

Though Li Chengqi had been rigid and old-fashioned, he had always dared to speak and act. His loyalty was unquestionable. Back then, he had dared to oppose Li Zhouluo in order to protect Li Chengpan, yet when Li Zhouming needed him, he could likewise set aside personal feelings and bow his head for the greater good.

His entire family had been fiercely loyal to the clan. He was renowned among several generations for his steadfast integrity and stubborn devotion. He had also mentored many younger talents and was the uncle of both Li Zhouyang and Li Zhoufang.

After his death in the north, Li Zhouwei had even written, 'The enmity of Great Desire and Emptiness shall surely be avenged,' for Li Zhouyang. Should news of his conversion become public, it would be enough to bring shame upon half of the Li Clan...

The only thing Li Ximing felt fortunate about was Li Zhouwei's caution. What had been written was a vow of vengeance rather than a posthumous commendation. Testing the waters, he said, "Fortunately, you were careful..."

Li Zhouwei shook his head. His gaze was icy as he replied in a low voice, "This matter must never reach the clan!"

Li Ximing let out a breath of relief and nodded, speaking with some bitterness, "Chengqi's entire family perished for the sake of the clan, and he left no descendants behind... He did adopt a child, but the boy seems to have amounted to little. Are we really supposed to punish him over this matter? We'll simply have to take things one step at a time.

"As for Chengpan's descendants... perhaps they should receive a little more protection..."

Li Zhouwei seemed somewhat doubtful and fell into thought before saying, "No rush. More importantly, keep a close watch on him. There may be some scheme of fate unfolding in the north."

Having reached an understanding, the two finally descended in silence.

The cultivators of Moongaze Lake remained huddled within the formation, at a complete loss for what to do. The Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators stood within the great hall, whispering among themselves and exchanging anxious glances. The moment the two streams of heavenly light appeared, the oppressive atmosphere eased at once. With a rustle, the two rows of cultivators dropped to their knees in unison.

Li Ximing swept his gaze across the hall, silently counting heads. He realized that the clan's members had rarely gathered so completely. Yet it happened to be at the onset of great turmoil, giving him the strange feeling that the overture had only just begun and the curtain of fate was about to rise.

The descendants of the first and second lineages stood on either side. Li Zhouming and Li Minggong stood beside the old elder, while opposite them were Li Zhouda and Li Zhouluo. Slightly farther down sat Li Jianglong, Li Jiangxia, and Li Jiangzong, each taking their seats according to rank and seniority.

Some appeared carefree and charming, others dignified and graceful; some wore fierce expressions, while others radiated bold enthusiasm. Each possessed striking features and a distinctive bearing. There were few among them who could be called ordinary. Though the worries in Li Ximing's heart had not faded, he found himself momentarily lost in thought.

In those days, Granduncle Xuanfeng would have been seated here, while I stood at the side awaiting orders. The lord left the clan three means of protection against unforeseen disasters. At that time, Zhouwei was still in swaddling clothes. Yet today, the two of us are the ones in charge.

He remained silent for a moment. No one below dared speak. Only then did a man clad in crimson armor arrive from outside the hall.

Kneeling before the steps, he respectfully said,"This subordinate greets the two Daoist Masters."

A chorus of voices immediately echoed through the hall. Whether idle young masters or court guards, all offered respectful salutations. Even the elders nearby rose to their feet, turning toward him with attentive expressions.

Li Ximing glanced at Li Zhouwei beside him and discovered that the younger man had already stepped down one level. Standing with his back turned, he faced the main seat behind Li Ximing, which looked south from the north. Those once fierce golden eyes were now calm as still water as they silently watched him.

————

On the island.

While the great hall above remained solemn and dignified, the pavilion among the dark pillars was noisy and restless. Men and women whispered among themselves, exchanging worried questions.

A middle-aged man stood within the pavilion, visibly anxious. "Eastern Residence... Has Suikuan of the Eastern Residence arrived?"

Li Suikuan answered from nearby. Li Zhoufang carefully examined him and committed his appearance to memory before the middle-aged man hurried off to question the other children.

The winds and clouds are clear...

Standing by the window, Li Suining carefully observed the scenery outside. The heavenly light remained brilliant, and nothing seemed particularly unusual. His expression stayed calm, yet doubt rose within his heart.

In my previous life, there should have been two showers of glass flowers, enough to cover almost the entire lake. Two Merciful Ones were suppressed by the Wei King's divine ability and executed beneath axe and halberd...

But circumstances had already diverged from his previous life. No matter how carefully he looked, apart from the brilliant radiance that had bloomed earlier and a scattering of glass fragments, he saw none of the dazzling spectacle he remembered.

No shower of glass flowers... Perhaps the Buddhist cultivators did not suffer as heavily this time as they did in my previous life.

As he pondered this, feeling that it was hardly a good sign, a joyful figure suddenly descended from the sky.

The man bowed before the steps and hurriedly reported to Li Zhoufang, "My lord... My lord... the two Daoist Masters have appeared in the hall!"

Those words instantly silenced the pavilion. From Li Zhoufang, who oversaw affairs here, down to the white-armored guards stationed outside, everyone released a collective sigh of relief. The oppressive atmosphere vanished at once, and Li Suining's heart jolted.

So it was Daoist Master Zhaojing who held the lake this time!

Li Zhoufang let out a long breath. A smile appeared on his face, though he still maintained a serious demeanor as he asked, "What were the casualties?"

The man bowed again and answered respectfully, though his voice carried a note of gloom. "My lord, those stationed along the shore, as well as those responsible for shoreline patrols and hunting devil cultivators, were all burned to death by the Karmic Fire...

“Among the garrison, seven Qi Cultivation Realm cultivators and twenty-one Embryonic Breathing Realm cultivators perished. Another six Qi Cultivation Realm cultivators from the patrol teams also fell... Dharma Protector An Xuanxin did not personally lead a team out, but the Karmic Fire happened to descend upon the encampment... and he too was lost..."

Li Zhoufang let out a heavy sigh and gestured for the man to withdraw. For a moment, he said nothing. Li Suining, meanwhile, turned his head away, his expression complicated.

Clearly, although An Xuanxin had not gone out because of Ding Weizeng's departure, the Karmic Fire descending from the north had been targeted from the start. Even remaining on the mountains along the shore would not have been enough to preserve his life.

Helping Guest Cultivator Ding leave was already the limit of what I could do. If both of them avoided disaster because of me, it would inevitably arouse suspicion. My own death would be one thing, but if the Daoist Master and the Wei King were exposed before all those great powers, that would be far worse...

Having lived through the calamities of his previous life, Li Suining understood all too well how petty and unforgiving those lofty figures could be. They were willing to eradicate even the Bright Yang bloodline, let alone an unpredictable variable like himself! If he were exposed, death would be certain.

The Wei King once said that the ones truly hoping to contend for the Bright Yang Fruit Position were not simply Mount Luoxia... but my Li Family. Changes surrounding the Bright Yang Fruit Position are merely a matter of time for Mount Luoxia, but for my family, this is our only opportunity. Whether we use it to align ourselves with one side or to produce a Bright Yang of our own, this is the one thing our family has going for it.

The situation remains unclear. No one knows what reaction changing all of this might provoke. If I keep silent before the two Daoist Masters, then at worst, I alone will die when the truth comes out. But if those two Daoist Masters, whose actions can influence the entire situation, learn of it... whether they believe me or not, the consequences will already be irreversible. The chain reaction could very well alert that lord, causing him to strangle this variable in its cradle and destroy Moongaze Lake ahead of time. If that happens, the Wei King may never even receive the chance to gamble on Bright Yang!

Of course, Li Suining desperately wanted to change the future. Yet he possessed no ability to control Purple Mansion Realm cultivators. Until his family possessed a sufficient foundation to rely upon, he absolutely could not allow the two Purple Mansion Realm cultivators to place themselves in danger on his account. Deep within his heart, he remained constantly vigilant.

The thing that can truly allow my family to turn the tables and find a path to survival is not me... it's the Daoist Masters! Without these three powerful pieces, and without the Wei King and Bright Yang as our hidden trump cards, it would not matter how cleverly I maneuvered... Saving anyone would be meaningless!

Thus, when forced to choose between Ding Weizeng and An Xuanxin, Li Suining resolutely chose the former. Though he had made similar choices several times in his previous life, his heart remained coldly rational as he thought, No one owes anyone anything. I seek only a sliver of hope. Anyone can become the price that must be paid... even myself.

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