The Mirror Legacy - Chapter 1485: Axe (II)
Chapter 1485: Axe (II)
Li Ximing’s eyes lit up as he smiled. “How confident!”
Li Minggong lowered her head silently as Li Ximing continued, “No need to say more. Tell him this. Since I am inviting him, why would I go to someone else? I accept this matter. Not only will I refine the full amount for him, I will even borrow a spirit furnace from Huyi Mountain to do it, to show my sincerity.”
After laughing, he grew serious and said, “Before you head to Lacquer Marsh, have Quewan look into the matter regarding [Wall-Sinking Water]. We need to purchase it in large quantities. Let her decide how much to acquire and bring it into the inner formation.”
Li Minggong quickly agreed. At that moment, a streak of heavenly light shot in from outside the mountain, taking form within the range. It manifested into a man with golden eyes, refined brows, and white-gold armor.
He cupped his hands and said, “Seventh Granduncle[1] has returned.”
Li Ximing acknowledged, “Mm.”
Li Zhouwei took his seat, in a good mood, and said with a smile, “There was some disturbance in the Wilderness this morning, so I went to take a look. I did not come to see you immediately, granduncle… Please forgive me.”
Li Ximing smiled. “Nonsense.”
The two rose in tacit understanding and headed toward the island at the heart of the lake, descending toward the inner formation. As they walked, Li Zhouwei recounted the matter of the Bolie King, causing Li Ximing’s smile to gradually fade.
He sighed inwardly and replied, “That is indeed troublesome… But I do have some good news to share with you!”
They sat down. After brewing tea, Li Ximing took a jade box from his sleeve and handed it over. Li Zhouwei examined it closely and exclaimed in surprise, “[Cave Egret Origin Water]!”
Li Ximing chuckled and recounted what had happened along the way, leaving Li Zhouwei somewhat shaken. After a long moment of thought, he said softly, “Granduncle, you are someone whose life is tied to immortal fate. You are not comparable to ordinary people!”
Li Ximing shook his head with a faint laugh, clearly unconvinced, and said, “The immortal fate belongs to our ancestors. This life is borrowed from you. Even what I gain now is merely nourishment taken from the weakening Supreme Yang. What is there to praise?”
Li Zhouwei sipped his tea. “I see no difference…”
Li Ximing paid it no mind, so Li Zhouwei could only remind him, saying, “Daoist Master Tinglan came by once. She said Daoist Master Zhugong is gravely injured and hopes you can use your pills to treat her.”
Li Ximing shook his head. “It would be better to have Sumian handle that matter. Turning to me is just grasping at straws in desperation. Once things settle, I will go and show my face to maintain relations.”
He then said seriously, “Idle talk is pointless. I have obtained a favor from Master Dingyang, an opportunity to forge a spirit artifact. Since you have placed [Da Sheng] at the [Viewing Pavilion], send [Yuan’e] to Lacquer Marsh and have someone examine it.”
Li Zhouwei raised his brows, a hint of joy appearing on his face. Before he could refuse, Li Ximing continued without pause, “Ancient items are already rare to begin with, and armor is even rarer among them. There’s no need to hope for too much, just refine it yourself. Besides, now that I have obtained Radiant Fire, this item should go to you.”
With that, he raised a hand. Heavenly light shone between his brows, and from it flew out a spirit axe about three feet long. Its twin blades curved like crescent moons. It was the [Brilliant Yang King’s Axe]!
The moment the spirit artifact appeared, even as he held it, it gave the sense that it would fly off at any moment and land in Li Zhouwei’s hand. Li Ximing let out a sigh and said, “This item is most useful in your hands…”
At this point, Li Zhouwei truly did not dare accept it. He immediately stood up and said solemnly, “You have spent years and countless effort to obtain such a treasure. How could I dare take it for myself?”
Li Ximing shook his head and released his grip. “What was spent was family resources to begin with!”
The ability [Misplaced Entrustment] of the [Brilliant Yang King’s Axe] immediately activated. It recognized a new master on its own and flew into Li Zhouwei’s hands!
Li Zhouwei protested, “This!”
Li Ximing did not give him a chance to speak and said with feigned annoyance, “I wander freely outside while you guard the northern shore. Without some spirit artifacts to hold things down and a suitable weapon at hand, how could that work? They may not be able to deal with you directly, but if you get tied down, the younger generation along the river will be in trouble.”
He didn’t accept any further arguments as he handed it over. Before long, Li Quewan was already knocking on the hall doors. Li Ximing immediately shifted the topic, had her come in, and asked, “How is the supply of [Wall-Sinking Water] in Jiangnan at the moment?”
Li Zhouwei was not one for many words. At this point, he could only bow in thanks and fasten the axe at his waist.
Li Quewan now managed the family’s spirit items, making her the most suitable person to ask about such matters. She gave a graceful bow and said respectfully, “If you require large quantities, we must not let others know, or they will raise prices. We must handle this personally, purchasing from various markets. Unfortunately, Mansion Water is already not in demand, and [Wall-Sinking Water] is widely used in artifact forging. Fortunately, the quantities are large. I estimate that for now, we can only acquire dozens of portions. Over a year, we should obtain at least ten to twenty small vats, though it will put some strain on the family.”
Li Ximing did some quick calculations. It would certainly be enough in a year, so he felt reassured. Knowing he intended to arrange matters regarding the [Under-Neck Feathers], Li Zhouwei asked, “The transformation method still requires you to examine and test it with your abilities.”
Li Ximing nodded. “I understand.”
Now understanding that the two were making long-term plans, Li Quewan quickly took her leave. After some hesitation, Li Ximing said softly, “I intend to establish an office around Lulai Island. It suddenly made me think of Liu Changdie… He once said the divine ability he cultivates can nurture golden quintessence and provisions. If he truly has that intention now, we can have him take a look at the [Feather Transformation Pool] in the cave dwelling and think of a solution.”
Liu Changdie had long-standing ties with the Li Family and was trustworthy. Unfortunately, he carried quite a few troubles, and the concern was that he might attract unwanted attention.
Li Ximing hesitated, deciding to first inquire about [Mansion Water] instead, and turned to Li Zhouwei. “Is the [Bright-Clarity Vital Qi] still here?”
Li Ximing had other plans for this return. One of them was to take away the family’s [Bright-Clarity Vital Qi]! Despite traveling constantly, he had not neglected his cultivation. He studied spell arts when he had short breaks, and in longer ones, he cultivated his qi. Almost casually, he had completed the six cycles and was now preparing to use [Bright-Clarity Vital Qi] to cultivate his second divine ability.
The past few years were full of trouble, with constant battles. Now Jiangbei is stable, and there seems to be little chance of conflict. With Minghuang guarding the riverbank, I can finally cultivate in peace.
He took it from Li Zhouwei and stored it in his sleeve, sighing with emotion. “I truly envy the [Migration Command Token] of the Purple Smoke Gate. Right now, I wish I could split myself to handle everything. I also envy those who can cultivate and practice spell arts at the same time.”
Though he sighed, he did not linger. After settling matters with Li Zhouwei, he departed in a streak of light.
Li Zhouwei saw him out of the hall, then returned alone. Ever since returning from Mount Dali, his heart had known no peace. Even now, Li Ximing’s words echoed in his ears, The king’s axe is given to protect the disciples along the river.
Protection for a time is possible, but if I fail to follow Luoxia’s will and am forced into rebirth, what will become of the lake’s disciples?!
The inner formation was always dim, and now it was utterly silent. Only his footsteps echoed through the hall. He walked to the highest point, took the main seat, and removed the meter-long king’s axe from his waist, holding it in his hands as he examined it.
The king’s axe was the authority of Bright Yang. Its face bore a deep brown-gold hue with a faint silver sheen. Patterns of qilin beasts rose and fell across it. Their heads faced downward, gazing below, while at the top was engraved the Heavenly Radiance diagram, signifying legitimacy and orthodoxy.
He flipped the axe over. Beneath the Yang Apex diagram on the back were the same qilin patterns, but now the beast heads faced upward, their ambitious eyes staring directly at him.
Pa ta…
Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed outside the hall, loud and forceful in the emptiness. His second son stopped at the entrance and said respectfully, “Father, Daoist Master Tianhuo of the Golden Feather Sect has arrived.”
The man with golden eyes did not respond. He remained seated high in the hall, quietly staring at the patterns on the axe.
As his son’s voice echoed through the hall and gradually faded away, this White Qilin of the mortal realm, the prodigy of the Li Family, finally reacted. His fingers and wrist exerted force together, slowly tilting the axe in his hand, its blade drawing closer and closer to his face.
As he rotated it, all the qilin patterns sank out of view due to the angle, while the Yang Apex diagram grew ever brighter. Light reflected along the long blade of the axe, mirroring his cold, golden eyes.
“Invite him onto the island.”
1. Li Zhouwei is referring to Li Ximing. ☜
