Chapter 1754: Protecting Tingzhou (II)

When Li Ximing emerged from the great hall, as expected, he found Sima Yuanli still waiting outside. He offered him a salute and sighed. "I'll have to rely on Qinghu's support from now on!"

He then told Sima Yuanli of Yang Ruiyi's arrangements. But Sima Yuanli was secretly startled, and could not help feeling puzzled, He actually... sent me over as well! Yang Ruiyi's favoritism toward the Li Family could not be more obvious. It goes far beyond even that of the Song Emperor...

Yet outwardly, he smiled and quickly replied, "We're simply working together toward the same goal. It's only right!"

Li Ximing gritted his teeth, his thoughts still fixed on the [Bright Truth Harmonizing Divine Pill], and said quietly, "May I ask fellow Daoist for a [Bright Truth Harmonizing Divine Pill]? As for this [Hundred-Ridge Profound Stone Umbrella]... I believe fellow Daoist has had his eye on it for quite some time!"

Sima Yuanli's eyes immediately lit up, and he stroked his beard in thought.

The [Hundred-Ridge Profound Stone Umbrella] in Li Ximing's possession could only be considered middling to below average among spirit artifacts. Its real strength lay in its exceptional attainment in the [Majestic Earth] Dao, which allowed it to resist many wondrous arts. It was also precisely why Li Zhouwei had kept it. When Si Yuanli had parted with it years ago, he had not been particularly reluctant, but he had always acknowledged the artifact's merits.

Since Li Ximing has brought up the [Hundred-Ridge Profound Stone Umbrella], he clearly isn't planning to trade it for just one [Bright Truth Harmonizing Divine Pill]. Still, it is a spirit artifact. Only the Li Family as it stands today could casually put something like this on the table...

For Li Ximing to go so far as to offer the [Hundred-Ridge Profound Stone Umbrella] was already a sign of how limited his options were. Sima Yuanli had little interest in the other things he possessed, and although Li Ximing had plenty of [Soul-Tuning Mulberry Wood], he had another important use for it and could not part with any.

Li Zhouwei had seized a tremendous haul of spirit materials from the grotto heaven, but with Li Jiangqian and Li Quewan attempting to break through to the Purple Mansion Realm, the cultivation expenses had accumulated over the years. Moreover, with the Zhen Tao Residence's stock of Under-Neck Feathers exhausted, Li Ximing's resources were no longer plentiful. After weighing his options, he could not bear to part with the few truly precious spirit items he still possessed, so in the end, he chose the [Hundred-Ridge Profound Stone Umbrella], which had already been awaiting a buyer.

After all, his family already had more than enough spirit artifacts for its needs, and [Majestic Earth] was not particularly compatible with any of the younger generation. More importantly, Li Zhouwei's matter could not be delayed. Though it pained Li Ximing to part with it, he ultimately decided to let it go.

Sima Yuanli, however, was quite pleased. After considering the matter carefully for a while, he gestured for Li Ximing to continue and asked, "What would you like in exchange?"

The [Hundred-Ridge Profound Stone Umbrella] had limited value, so Li Ximing did not expect to obtain anything as valuable as a Whole Pill spirit item from him. After some thought, he said, "At least three [Bright Truth Harmonizing Divine Pills], along with a portion of spirit materials."

At this, Sima Yuanli frowned and replied, "[Bright Truth Harmonizing Divine Pills]... I truly do not have many of them on hand. How about this? I can make up the difference with more spirit materials, and give you one [Bright Truth Harmonizing Divine Pill] for now. Would that do?"

Li Ximing's heart immediately sank, and suspicion arose within him, So that's your game, Sima Yuanli. You're hoarding a rare commodity to drive up its value! You've realized my family has a considerable need for this pill, so now you're treating it as something precious and waiting for a chance to squeeze even greater profit out of us.

He immediately withdrew his hand, making it clear there was nothing more to discuss. Sima Yuanli hurriedly stopped him with an ingratiating smile and said, "Given the relationship between our two families, there's no need to be so formal. I also have a portion of [Cold Pool Metal] on hand. I'll add that to the trade for you!"

Li Ximing shook his head and smiled. "I have no use for [Cold Pool Metal], but I heard that fellow Daoist possesses a [Soul Convergence Hundred Hearts] of [Transforming Wood]. I need it to nourish my spiritual flames."

Sima Yuanli grew thoughtful, as he now understood that Li Ximing had not offered the [Hundred-Ridge Profound Stone Umbrella] merely for the pills, but also for something in his possession. As for where Li Ximing had learned of it, Sima Yuanli already had a good idea.

He asked pensively, "Did Senior Master Dingyang tell you?"

Li Ximing merely smiled without answering. Sima Yuanli fell into thought for a long while, seemingly reassessing whether he had misjudged the situation, before finally saying, "This item truly is of little use to me. I have no objection to parting with it for fellow Daoist."

Li Ximing knew that Sima Yuanli was always courteous on the surface but miserly at heart. A smile appeared on his face as he cheerfully said, "With our two families being so close, this is naturally a wonderful arrangement. But with a great battle upon us, I still need to use this artifact for now. Fellow Daoist can also give me one pill first so I can experience its wonders. Once Guangchan retreats, I will hand the [Hundred-Ridge Profound Stone Umbrella] over to you."

His expression turned solemn. "After all, the grand general did say that the two of us should cooperate closely in this matter. It is only proper..."

And here I was wondering how he could bear to part with a spirit artifact. So this is where he was waiting to spring the trap on me!

Sima Yuanli looked distinctly uncomfortable and was clearly reluctant. Yet with the greater cause hanging over him, and unwilling to offend Li Zhouwei, he put on a show of generosity.

He took out the items with exaggerated magnanimity, stuffed them all into Li Ximing's hands, and laughed. "Why stand on ceremony, fellow Daoist? Take everything for now! As for the [Hundred-Ridge Profound Stone Umbrella], we'll just say I'm lending it to you!"

Sima Yuanli escorted him all the way back. Li Ximing offered a few perfunctory words of thanks, then tucked away both his smile and the items in his sleeves. Letting out a deep breath, he silently descended into the grand formation.

Once he reached a secluded place where no one was around, he immediately sensed the Realm of Sun and Moon Radiance and ascended into that grotto heaven, where the spiritual qi was dense and Yin and Yang were in perfect balance. He carefully made his way to the courtyard and found that Li Zhouwei's residence was already tightly sealed, preventing him from observing anything inside.

There was no one with whom Li Ximing could discuss Yang Ruiyi's words. After hesitating again and again, he gently placed the jade bottle in his hand outside the courtyard gate and thought, I don't know whether Zhouwei has already begun elevating his divine ability. I'll leave this pill outside his hall for now. If he has already succeeded, that would be best. If he hasn't, then when he sees this pill, he can still make use of it...

Five years is simply too little time...

After thinking it over repeatedly, he took another jade box from his robes. Inside was the [Qi of the Humbled Sovereign Harnessing Radiance] from the [Imperial Book of Radiance-Slaying for Myriad Chariots]. He then took out paper and brush and wrote an explanation.

I may not know what his current situation is, but there can be no harm in preparing a little more. Just in case...

After arranging everything, Li Ximing left the courtyard and passed the Upper Firmament Pavilion. There, he saw the black-and-white immortal pavilion at the entrance to the grotto heaven. Its door, covered in luminous and mysterious patterns, was slightly ajar, allowing a faint glimpse of the interior.

A vague human figure could actually be seen sitting cross-legged inside!

Yet Li Ximing was not surprised in the slightest. Instead, a trace of anticipation rose within him. He hurried into the pavilion and pushed open the door, revealing a man in a white-golden Daoist robe seated cross-legged on the cushion at its center.

The man had upright features and an extraordinary bearing. A speck of heavenly light shone brilliantly between his brows. Beside him stood a pill furnace, within which blazing True Fire danced, sending waves of heat and smoke into the air and steeping his entire body in the fragrance of Pill Flame.

It was another Li Ximing!

Although this 'Li Ximing' sat completely motionless, faint currents of divine ability could be seen flowing between his lips and teeth. His complexion was slightly ruddier than the real Li Ximing's, and his features appeared somewhat stiff and wooden. On closer inspection, the differences were still apparent.

Li Ximing walked over to his other self. Only then did he reveal the golden scroll hidden in his sleeve, the [Wondrous Scroll of Divided Spirit and Variant Body]. Holding it between both hands, he gently unfurled it, delight appearing in his eyes.

"As expected of [Soul-Tuning Mulberry Wood]. What astonishingly fast progress!"