Chapter 1559: Shifts Of Right And Wrong (II)
Chapter 1559: Shifts Of Right And Wrong (II)
Li Ximing stepped into the mountain on a beam of light. Li Zhouwei was already seated within, sipping tea quietly. He smiled as Li Ximing landed. "A bit of intimidation keeps Tianwan from gaining the upper hand. This matter is crucial to her. We have nothing to lose, while she does. The thing is on our territory, so we are entitled to a portion."
Li Ximing's mood was not the best after that exchange, but he quickly composed himself and said with a faint smile, "Don't be fooled by her expression. As long as she gets what matters, she does not care about the rest. She had already planned to give us a share. That retreat was just a tactic to keep us from pushing further! Otherwise, she would never have yielded so easily."
Li Zhouwei nodded in agreement. Then Li Ximing shifted the topic and asked, "That transformation art of yours... is it tied to destiny itself? Quite imposing."
Though Tianwan had found it unsettling, even Li Ximing had felt a trace of unease, hence his choice of the word imposing. Li Zhouwei lowered his gaze and waved a hand in dismissal as he replied, "It only looks intimidating. [Sovereign In Peril] has not yet been fully cultivated, so it is nothing remarkable. To truly compare with the ancient White Qilin, one would need at least perfected divine abilities. If [Sovereign In Peril] was completed, it could borrow a fraction of that power and gain a touch of that subtle, opportunistic profundity."
Li Ximing took his seat. "I see."
He poured Li Zhouwei some tea. At the same time, he instructed Li Jianglong to come up, letting out a sigh as he said, "I understand... If not for the current turmoil, there would be no need to deal with her so superficially. It is hard to tell how much of her words are true or false. If she truly sides with the north, it would not be good for us either."
Li Zhouwei gave no clear response, though there was evident contemplation in his eyes as he replied, "She was right about one thing. In recent years, you have been moving about the four seas, and the Zhen Tao Residence has grown increasingly important. Tianwan is manageable, but Changxiao is the real threat. Once our family grows stronger, he must be dealt with first."
Li Ximing replied, "There is also Chengyan."
Li Zhouwei thought for a moment before saying, "Chengyan is not worth worrying about. If not for the fear of alerting others, with his limited ability, our family could have acted long ago... As for now..."
As he thought, Li Jianglong came up from the mountain below and bowed to the two Daoist Masters. Li Ximing then instructed him, "There is something beneath the Wilderness. Go instruct the others to adjust and update the grand formation, shift the mountain range, and organize it properly. Create some fluctuations in spiritual energy to conceal it.
"Remember, do it carefully and slowly. Delay it for as long as possible. There must always be some spiritual energy disturbances to keep it concealed."
"Yes!"
Ever since Li Zhouwei had spoken with him, Li Jiangqian had gone into seclusion to refine his cultivation and had yet to emerge. Both of those bearing the talisman seed were quietly racing against time, but Li Jianglong was no less capable and could handle this matter with ease.
Just as the two finished their arrangements, they suddenly sensed something and raised their heads.
Li Zhouwei asked, puzzled, "Who?"
A report came from the foot of the mountain. "My lord, Si Xunhui of the Azure Pond Sect has arrived at the mountain. He says... he says... Daoist Master Qinghu has come to pay a visit."
Li Ximing froze for a moment, then immediately stood up. He exchanged a glance with Li Zhouwei, and the same name surfaced in both their minds.
"Si Yuanli!"
They had already sensed the sudden aura descending outside the mountain. Si Xunhui was a direct member of the Si Family, and judging by the timing, the person outside could only be Si Yuanli, who had been in seclusion for many years!
A thoughtful look appeared on Li Zhouwei's face as he turned to Li Ximing and said softly, "Granduncle, you meet him. I will go watch over the Wilderness."
Li Zhouwei rarely interacted with the Supreme Yang Dao lineage and had no idea what purpose Si Yuanli had in coming, so he naturally left the probing to Li Ximing, who was known for playing the agreeable role. He immediately dispersed into light and left, while Li Ximing suppressed his surprise, put on a broad smile, and rode the wind out with visible delight.
"Is it Fellow Daoist Si paying a visit? Congratulations... congratulations!"
Outside the mountain, clouds gathered in clusters. A middle-aged man stood there with a sword on his back and a scroll tied at his waist, his face likewise full of smiles as he replied, "Indeed!"
Li Ximing swept his gaze over him and guessed that the scroll at his waist was the [Huai River Map], which only made his enthusiasm burn even brighter.
Though the two had barely met a few times, they appeared warmly cordial, as if old friends long separated. Smiling, Li Ximing welcomed him inside and said, "So it truly is Fellow Daoist! Back then, my senior mentioned you to me several times. I had long thought your divine ability would come naturally... I am truly happy for him... Why has the Azure Pond Sect not spread the good news?"
At the mention of Yuanxiu, a trace of genuine emotion appeared within Si Yuanli's otherwise insincere smile, and he replied solemnly, "It was a reminder left behind by my family's ancestor. I came to see you at once, without even reporting the news within the sect!"
That old fox... The [Glazed Pagoda of Unrestrained Boundary] was not given for nothing after all!
Li Ximing cursed inwardly, though he looked profoundly moved. "When I broke through to the Purple Mansion Realm back then, the first person I met was Senior Si. Now you have come to see me as well... It shows just how deep the destiny between our two families runs..."
Si Yuanli nodded. "Indeed, indeed."
Si Yuanli wished to build ties and insert himself into the situation, while Li Ximing, having seen the spirit treasure, harbored hopes of borrowing it. The two exchanged a round of exaggerated pleasantries, making sure the other had no reservations about deepening ties between their families.
They soon sat down at the table, and Si Yuanli sighed. "The winds and clouds shift without end, truly beyond prediction!"
He then began to inquire in detail. Li Ximing revealed a bit of information, and as expected, Si Yuanli asked, "The White River Stream has become the Turbid Slaughter Mausoleum. Was that truly Qiuhu's doing?"
Li Ximing laughed inwardly, but on the surface shook his head gravely. He raised a hand and pointed his index finger upward.
"Hiss..."
Si Yuanli's expression changed at once. Li Ximing, however, deliberately sought to unsettle him and thought to himself, The Azure Pond Sect has only just fallen into turmoil. I cannot let this fellow think he can stay out of it and build his position!
He said with a serious expression, "Fellow Daoist, do you remember a painting you once made?"
Si Yuanli was clearly taken aback, hesitating as he tried to recall. He had loved painting all his life, so how could he remember any single piece in particular? Then he heard Li Ximing say softly, "The great figure you painted!"
Si Yuanli's heart trembled, and he finally recalled it as he replied, "This..."
Li Ximing's gaze turned complicated as he frowned and said, "Do you know... that every move is seen by that great figure... He appeared through your painting, and even... even asked coldly... why you had painted him with such a fierce expression!"
Si Yuanli's face turned pale . "What?"
He instinctively shook his head, only to hear Li Ximing add, "You may not have added color... but what does that matter when he is the one seeing it?"
With Li Ximing speaking in such detail, Si Yuanli could almost recall exactly when he had painted it. A chill crept into his heart as he replied, "How... how could I have known..."
Yet Si Yuanli recovered quickly. After the initial panic faded, suspicion rose in his heart as he asked, "Although the painting may have been somewhat disrespectful... it still aided the great figure in acting in Jiangbei... it should not... lead to anything serious..."
But Li Ximing said with a face full of concern, "That would be best, but seeing how Fellow Daoist Ning still does not dare to show herself... I fear something may have happened!"
Si Yuanli was already a cautious and suspicious man. Unease inevitably stirred within him, and he nodded silently. Seizing the opportunity, Li Ximing asked, "What are your plans moving forward, Fellow Daoist?"
Si Yuanli stroked his beard and considered before replying, "Wanlin Heaven is about to descend... The fall of a grotto heaven is always a grand event. I naturally have some interest in it, and since this opportunity is at hand... I also intend to visit a few old acquaintances of my Si Family. And this time, I also have some personal matters to attend to."
He smiled faintly, hesitating for a moment as if weighing his words, then brought Si Xunhui forward and said with a smile, "This is Xunhui... you must know him as your elder brother's disciple. He is of my family's direct line. This visit... is meant to strengthen ties further and settle his marriage."
"Oh?"
Li Ximing had not expected him to be so direct and found himself momentarily at a loss. Si Xunhui was indeed a talent, so he asked, "So that is the purpose! Which young lady has caught your interest?"
Si Yuanli stroked his beard, as if considering his words. "I have heard that Moongaze has several direct descendants whose ages match Xunhui's. I wonder... if you have anyone in mind, Fellow Daoist?"
What Li Ximing feared most was that the name Li Quewan would come up. No matter what, he was unwilling to marry her off, and there was no way Si Xunhui would marry into their family.
For now, he let out a quiet sigh of relief and frowned as he said, "There are not many direct descendants in my family, and even fewer who are outstanding. Quewan has ambitions far and wide, while Quexi remains confined within a blessed land. There is, however, one girl named Queyi, who is at the New Rain Scattered Reefs."
Though he knew she was the best candidate, he deliberately feigned difficulty and shook his head. "Unfortunately, she is a disciple of the Purple Smoke Gate. Her marriage is no longer decided by the family and depends entirely on her own will."
"Hmm?"
Upon hearing this, Si Yuanli indeed showed a look of satisfaction. After all, he regarded Si Xunhui as someone precious. Bringing up the matter was mainly to show goodwill. Whether it would succeed would ultimately come down to a simple matter of mutual liking and suitability.
But upon hearing that a potential match was from Purple Smoke Gate, he genuinely grew interested and replied, "This is an excellent match. Let Xunhui make contact on his own. If it works, it works. There is no need to frame it as a family arrangement. It can simply be two disciples from different sects forming a relationship, without either needing to join the other's lineage. If any trouble arises later, it will not stir unnecessary attention."
Li Ximing was actually quite satisfied as well. He had once visited the New Rain Scattered Reefs and had a very good impression of Li Queyi. Si Xunhui was practically half one of their own, with outstanding looks and exceptional innate ability. It was only because the Si Family's current standing was awkward that there was even a question of who would yield to whom...
She has a gentle temperament and is obedient. Si Xunhui is someone with strong ideas. If it truly works out, it would be a great opportunity for her future... The Si Family has many methods... It is hard to say how deep the relationship can go, but maintaining some ties is always beneficial.
Both were fairly satisfied, while Si Xunhui was both surprised and delighted. After discussing recent matters and exchanging auspicious words, Li Ximing took the opportunity to ask, "Fellow Daoist Si, are you familiar with the [Bright Truth Harmonizing Divine Pill]?"
At these words, Si Yuanli was slightly taken aback, a strange feeling stirring in his heart as he replied, "Of course I know it. Back then... in the Great Ning Palace, it was obtained together by myself and your esteemed family's elder..."
The elder Si Yuanli referred to was naturally Li Xuanfeng. Though he usually addressed him as a Fellow Daoist, he softened his wording out of respect for seniority.
Li Ximing shook his head and said with a sigh, "It was precisely because I heard of this that I guessed you might have the [Bright Truth Harmonizing Divine Pill], so I thought to ask..."
"I see!" With Li Ximing asking so directly, Si Yuanli hesitated before saying, "It can be discussed... but this pill is valuable. Are you looking to trade for it?"
Li Ximing quickly realized that Si Yuanli was wary. Having just broken through to the Purple Mansion Realm, his guard was high, afraid of inadvertently trading away something valuable. This was not the right time to negotiate a trade and could easily cause misunderstanding. Moreover, the [Supreme Shaman] spirit embryo had yet to form, so there was no urgency.
Thus, he smiled and replied, "You are surely familiar with Master Dingyang. If you go to Lacquer Marsh, you may inquire about the items I have left in his care. If anything interests you, you can send word to me."
Si Yuanli smiled and nodded. "Good!"
This was clearly easier to accept. Before long, he rose into the air on the wind, took his leave, and led the junior through the formation and away from the great lake.
Only then did he speak with a smile, "Well? Are you satisfied?"
Si Xunhui smiled and bowed as he replied, "I leave everything to your arrangements, Daoist Master!"
Si Yuanli withdrew his gaze, the smile in his eyes gradually fading. Li Ximing's words echoed again in his mind, and a shadow rose within his gaze.
A painting... he acted through my painting... Suiguan is also a cunning and treacherous man. What exactly is the meaning behind that painting...