Chapter 496 93: Li Encheng (2)

He showed a look of regret on his face, and continued:

"I had thought that the Li Family is thriving, Li Tongya is a famed sword cultivator, Li Yuanjiao and Li Qinghong are exceptionally talented, and, most importantly, they have successors—if I could associate with this family, it would be ideal, but sadly, he doesn't trust me."

Meng Zhuoyun said nothing, and Meng Taizhi sighed:

"If, by the time my lifespan is near its end, Li Yuanping still refuses to trust me, then I will no longer hide my true abilities—I'll offer my entire formation cultivation to the Li Family, only asking that you go to Li Ximing and learn a secret technique or two in the Alchemy Dao, so that you'll have means to survive in the future."

"The lands under the Green Pond Sect are quite similar to the East Sea; you should instead go to the Jin Yu Sect, it'll be safer."

Meng Zhuoyun listened, her pale slender fingers gripping an iron-gold bronze mirror, and murmured softly:

"If only my husband hadn't been killed by that loose cultivator; with his skill, I would not have had to live this drifting, unsettled life."

"Say no more… say no more…"

Meng Taizhi sighed again and again, his face revealing a look of despair, and replied:

"Who could have imagined it? A dignified peak Qi Cultivator, killed by a mere early-stage Qi Cultivator! He actually died encountering a loose cultivator on the road!"

The old man raised his snow-white head, tears streaking down his cheeks, and sighed:

"Should not have… should not have provoked that Tulong Jian! That's what led to our downfall today!"

Meng Zhuoyun's expression, however, was cold; she only whispered:

"I have nothing to regret—it's only a matter of time before I kill him."

...

Green Pond Sect.

Within the bamboo forest atop Qing Sui Peak, a youth robed in feathers sat cross-legged, a breeze blowing gently; he opened his eyes, and a faint smile appeared on his face.

"The Morning Glow Imperial Travel has succeeded!"

'Morning Glow Dew Technique' is a cultivation technique refined and perfected over five centuries by the Green Pond Sect. Its supporting components are very comprehensive, and among fourth grade techniques it is second to none; Li Xizhi's cultivation of this technique is a case in point—used for elevation and support.

Sadly, this technique can only be cultivated up to Foundation Establishment Peak; what disciple in Green Pond Sect isn't ambitious for the Zifu stage? Furthermore, it's not helpful in alchemy or artifact refining, so very few people practice it.

Li Xizhi practiced with this technique, often looked down upon by fellow disciples, but Li Xizhi never let it bother him, cultivating on his own.

He now rose, six-colored aura blooming beneath his feet, brilliant and vivid, carrying him aloft; Li Xizhi, clad in the black feather robe gifted by Yang Xiao'er, truly looked as otherworldly as an immortal.

Flying above Qing Sui Peak for a while, he was quite pleased:

'For close-range leaps I have River Rapids Step; for soaring and riding the wind, Morning Glow Imperial Travel; if someone wants to kill me, even a peak Qi Cultivator would find it hard.'

'When Six-Color Primordial Escape is mastered, and I carry a few talismans, wandering outside will be far less perilous.'

Looking at the churning six-color aura at his feet, he sighed:

'It's a shame this technique is perfect in every way but one—it's too eye-catching. One look, and it's obviously a mystical art, hardly discreet enough.'

Li Xizhi was amused by his own never-satisfied temperament; descending on the wind, he saw Yang Xiao'er arriving by wind, a petite storage bag in hand.

She had still been anxious earlier, but Li Xizhi's even-tempered kindness had gradually soothed her, now smiling radiantly, her eyes filled only with him.

"Husband, news from home!"

Li Xizhi hastily took it, scanned it with his spiritual sense—inside were three jade boxes. Reading the small note, he fell silent.

Yang Xiao'er stepped forward, and spoke gently:

"So—what's the situation?"

Li Xizhi led her back into the woods, took her hand, and answered in a low voice:

"Everything is settled at home—I'm afraid I will have to visit Chen Peak; if I can get connected to him… after all, he is a Foundation Establishment Peak alchemist."

Yang Xiao'er pursed her lips:

"Li Encheng is eccentric, never sides with any faction… offering apologies is fine, but trying to build a relationship will not be easy; you might just end up humiliated…"

The Green Pond Sect is a five-century-old grand sect, a titanic force dominating Yue Country, based at the south's two counties and the Green Pond Mountain Range; east, it permeates into Five Gates, west, it suppresses the flourishing, vigorous Changxiao Sect, and the borderlands of Wangyue, Lixia, and a few other places are controlled by heavy taxes and massacres, seizing blood and qi. Every region's authority is sharply defined and the stability is extraordinary.

But within the Green Pond Sect itself, factions abound; led by Yuanxiu and Yuanwu, there are a dozen lesser sub-factions, with Peak Masters, Elders, and Perfected Persons contending endlessly. The sect leader, Chi Zhiyun, can barely maintain the equilibrium.

"No, we still have to try."

Li Xizhi thought carefully and replied:

"Currently, the Chi Family's numbers are sparse within the sect—they have to rely on the Ning Family to control the peaks. Facing the Yuanwu faction has already become exhausting, and with Eastern Fire Cave Heaven's allocations so unequal, the Yuanxiu faction provokes again and again—Chi Zhiyun has been almost completely sidelined, barely managing the rest."

"If I want my family to find a foothold in Yue Country through the Green Pond Sect, I need to build background—I'd rather be Green Pond's dog than its prey. This is a great opportunity and I must not miss it!"

Ning Xiao'er looked at him with much concern; her ordinary features came alive with the affection in her eyes as she said:

"But… our teacher's Yuan family is of Buzi Perfected's lineage; my family's position is sensitive and we dare not build cliques or alliances… if you go there…"

'The Yuan Family's ancestor committed an offense years ago and was expelled from the sect; he's nearly dead now, and the Yuan Family's influence within the sect diminishes year by year—there's little leverage left. Otherwise, our teacher would have long introduced me to the people of Tianzi Peak!'

Li Xizhi understood; Yuan Tuan had hinted to him many times in private but dared not speak plainly, so he could only reply:

"Rest assured—our teacher is also on the peak."

Ning Xiao'er heard this and realized Yuan Tuan was likely behind it, so she dropped the subject and nodded her agreement.

Li Xizhi rode the wind away from Qing Sui Peak, pondering over his thoughts twice.

"Uncle-grandfather has earned the attention of a Perfected Person in Yi Shan City, now has Ning Family backing, yet the Yuansu Perfected Person has always acted independently in Yi Shan City and never involved himself in the sect's affairs…"

Li Xizhi understood the Ning Family was quite favorable toward his own. Yet, in his heart, he never saw joining Ning as the best choice:

'If I can get in with Li Encheng, things will open up—my family will have a voice in Green Pond; then I can support the Ning Family, staying close, but not outright submitting to become their vassal…'

He knew deeply the difference between the two; drifting in the clouds for a while, he descended before Chen Peak, where the Chen Peak attendant spoke:

"Are you here seeking pills, Immortal? What guidance do you have?"

Li Xizhi dared not be presumptuous; hands respectfully clasped, he replied softly:

"Li Xizhi of the Li Family at Wangyue Lake, come to pay respects!"

He didn't mention Qing Sui Peak—using the Li Family name was a hint; if even this door couldn't be opened, he'd just give up and go to sleep.

The attendant went up ahead, the great formation's clouds and mist parted, and Li Xizhi landed on the peak to see the ground covered in crimson, countless fire veins buried beneath; jagged boulders everywhere, up ahead was a towering palace, like an enormous cauldron.

He entered the grand hall with due respect; at the chief seat sat a tall, gaunt elder in white robes, skeleton-thin, cradling a white jade wine flask, drinking freely. Upon sighting Li Xizhi, he frowned repeatedly and said bluntly:

"Li Family? I've no dealings with your house—why do you seek me?!"

Li Xizhi saw his impatience, his heart sinking, but still replied humbly:

"Greetings, Peak Master; I have heard there is a Shanyue at Wangyue Lake who often collects precious medicine for Peak Master…"

Li Encheng was stunned for a moment before realizing:

"Yes, that's true."

Li Encheng's gaunt cheek twitched as he drank; Li Xizhi continued:

"That Shanyue recently broke through to Foundation Establishment Late Stage—became arrogant and reckless. Recently he entered our territory; my family joined with the Yuan Family to slay him. I've come to report this to Peak Master!"

"So that's what it was!"

Li Encheng had practically forgotten about the man, stank of wine, and waved him away:

"Killed, so be it; it's all a matter of fate. Spend a little more time searching for precious medicine next time, don't make me send you running about. Go back now!"

Li Xizhi promptly replied:

"My family feels deeply guilty and wishes to make amends to Peak Master…"

"Oh?"

Li Encheng took a swig of wine, smiling faintly:

"What do you have in mind?"

Li Xizhi bowed in respect, and said aloud:

"Our Li Family resides along the lakeshore; behind us is Da Li Mountain, west lies the great desert, north reaches Xu Zhao, east leads to the coast—my family is in a position to acquire all kinds of spiritual objects; if Peak Master has need, our house can procure them on your behalf!"