Chapter 96: Unexpected Turn (Please Subscribe)

The arrival of the Patriarch of the Thunderfire Sect at Huajing Immortal City for a scholarly debate was far from a mere formality; it was undoubtedly a calculated move targeting both the city and the Hua family. Otherwise, Yan Mingyao would never have spoken as he did earlier.

Li Guanxuan’s expression was grave. Even if he now revealed the situation to Master Liu Xiaoxian in his true form, it seemed she would be powerless to intervene. Retrieving all the materials intact was already a stroke of luck. Moreover, Yan Mingyao appeared to be guarding outside to prevent him from speaking recklessly.

“A Pretender Pill Master never engages in battles without confidence... this loss, whether I accept it or not, must be endured,” Li Guanxuan sighed softly. He had to admit defeat—this was the only chance to preserve the remaining materials. He had no idea how many assassins the Thunderfire Sect had lurking near Huajing Immortal City. Encountering even one would mean utter ruin, possibly dragging Liu Xiaoxian into the mess as well.

After a moment’s contemplation, Li Guanxuan sighed deeply and called out, “Fellow Daoist Yan, may I come in for a word?” He had no choice but to humble himself. When someone has a whole sect’s power piled against you, stubbornness only leads to emptiness.

Hearing this, Yan Mingyao’s lips curved slightly upward. He knew that those who traveled in avatars were no fools and understood the stakes clearly. Pushing the door open, Yan Mingyao entered, his sharp, eagle-like eyes fixed on Li Guanxuan as he smiled, “You are indeed a clever man... of course, I know you harbor some resentment, but the essence of the Iron Black Refinement is far too important to me to avoid taking this desperate measure.”

Producing a pouch of spirit stones, Yan Mingyao spoke solemnly, “The previous terms still stand: twenty thousand spirit stones here, and the remaining two thousand—no, three thousand spirit stones—I will deliver intact to the Wàn Xiàng Pavilion within a month. You need only leave a secret phrase and your surname.”

Li Guanxuan did not take the pouch, sighing softly, “My surname is Li... Fellow Daoist Yan, if you have better heavenly materials, you may exchange them with me. Spirit stones hold little significance for me.”

“I have a piece of Celestial Blue Refined Iron capable of forging a second-rank superior automaton, albeit only with the combat power of a seventh-level Foundation Establishment cultivator. Its price is thirteen thousand lower-grade spirit stones. What do you think?” Yan Mingyao inquired.

“That will do,” Li Guanxuan nodded slightly. Though he could earn spirit stones, these high-grade automaton materials were rare and required considerable effort. It was better to exchange first.

“Very well. I owe you ten thousand spirit stones. Repaying the medicinal debts will take about four to five months,” Yan Mingyao said.

Li Guanxuan could only smile and agree. After the transaction, Yan Mingyao’s smile grew broader as he sat, gazing outside. “I owe you a favor, Fellow Daoist Li. Should the Inkwater Pavilion cause you trouble, you may notify me with a communication talisman.”

“Thank you,” Li Guanxuan nodded slightly and poured tea for Yan Mingyao. Though displeased, he understood that the cultivation world was ruled by strength. Otherwise, so many would not be desperate to enter sects.

Yan Mingyao, too, harbored some caution toward Li Guanxuan. After all, sending an avatar and still producing so many lower-grade spirit stones indicated formidable backing. Should he provoke Li Guanxuan, it would be a fish-or-cut-bait situation, from which no one would benefit. Hence, he revealed some information for Li Guanxuan to ponder.

...

Above Huajing Immortal City, five days had passed since the battle between the Hua family’s Patriarch, Hua Jing, and the Thunderfire Sect’s Patriarch continued. Suddenly, a surge of power rivaling that of a true Pill Realm master erupted overhead, instantly overwhelming Hua Jing.

“Lei Gongwang, you are a true Pill Realm cultivator?!” a voice rang out in disbelief.

In the cultivation world, a Pretender Pill Master was considered a low-grade Pill Realm cultivator at the peak Foundation Establishment stage, with power only about forty percent of a true Pill Realm cultivator’s, though capable of extending lifespan by a century. Their cultivation could reach no further than mid-Golden Core.

The true Pill Realm was a higher quality; only with great fortune could one hope to reach Nascent Soul. Golden Core cultivators, possessing the highest quality, stood the best chance of breaking through to Nascent Soul.

Hua Jing, realizing his power was but forty percent of his opponent’s, was filled with terror. He sensed murderous intent from the Thunderfire Patriarch!

“Merely luck,” Lei Gongwang chuckled, unleashing thunder and fire magic that battered Hua Jing.

Facing the onslaught, Hua Jing roared, “Lei Gongwang, we were like brothers! Why do you do this?”

“Simple. Because I want to live to reach Nascent Soul,” Lei Gongwang said with a sigh as he attacked. “Hua Jing, you have no hope of Nascent Soul in this life, but I do—though it requires much resource. Stop struggling. I have set a net around the city. If you surrender, I may spare the entire Hua family out of old friendship.”

“Die!” Hua Jing shouted furiously, burning his blood and fighting desperately. He knew well that Lei Gongwang’s net was no joke; sparing the Hua family was unlikely.

“Obstinately foolish,” Lei Gongwang muttered, summoning two third-rank automatons. They charged forward, unleashing thunder magic with the left hand and fireballs with the right, striking Hua Jing.

Screams echoed across the city. Meanwhile, the entire Huajing Immortal City activated its protective array.

However...

An hour later, the protective array was shattered by numerous enchanted automata of the Thunderfire Sect.

...

The Thunderfire Sect’s cultivators poured into Huajing Immortal City, mercilessly slaughtering the Hua family’s disciples. Chaos reigned.

...

Watching the rampant spells and divine techniques outside, Li Guanxuan’s face was grave. Had he not made the right choice earlier, Yan Mingyao would have led the Thunderfire Sect’s cultivators to seize him.

“The Thunderfire Sect has plotted to seize Huajing Immortal City for twenty years, and the Patriarch has disguised himself as a Pretender Pill Master for two decades. Now at the final stage, they will not spare any person or force related to the Hua family, to avoid future troubles...” Yan Mingyao calmly explained.

Li Guanxuan asked, “Fellow Daoist Yan, how did you come to know such a secret?”

“The Thunderfire Sect’s sect leader shares my surname—Yan,” Yan Mingyao smiled.

Li Guanxuan suddenly understood and sighed, “In less than half a month, Huajing Immortal City will likely be renamed Thunderfire Immortal City... Oh well, this matter no longer concerns me. I only hope Fellow Daoist Yan keeps to his promise and spares me from this place of strife.”

“Of course,” Yan Mingyao nodded. Rising to leave, he added, “Fellow Daoist Li, this was done out of necessity. I hope you do not hold it against me.”

“I understand,” Li Guanxuan smiled. When outmatched, what else could he say?

Yan Mingyao said no more and left with Li Guanxuan from Huajing Immortal City.

...

Outside the city, Liu Xiaoxian had waited a long time. Fearing mishaps, she had come in her true form and brought a third-rank automaton. Still, she disguised herself to avoid exposing Li Guanxuan’s identity.

When she saw Li Guanxuan emerge from the city, she breathed a slight sigh of relief. If the avatar was unharmed, the materials were likely intact.

Liu Xiaoxian swiftly approached Li Guanxuan, eyes resting on Yan Mingyao. “Master, this is Yan Mingyao, an official of the Thunderfire Sect. Without his assistance, I fear it would have been difficult for my disciple to leave Huajing Immortal City.”

“You’ve worked hard,” Liu Xiaoxian nodded slightly. She had by now grasped much of the situation. A peak Foundation Establishment cultivator with a third-rank automaton—surely there was an even more formidable Golden Core master backing them. Yan Mingyao inwardly rejoiced at having restrained himself. Otherwise, he would have unwittingly made a powerful enemy for the Thunderfire Sect.

After plotting for twenty years, the Thunderfire Sect had wiped out the Hua family, offending many. It was unwise to create more enemies. Besides, a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator with a third-rank automaton signified immense wealth.

Hearing that Li Guanxuan was closely connected with the Wàn Xiàng Pavilion, his master must be a significant figure within that mercantile power. Such networks were complex; it was best not to provoke them.

“No trouble at all,” Yan Mingyao smiled, bowing slightly. “Fellow Daoist Li, you are welcome to visit the Thunderfire Sect anytime. I shall receive you warmly... Also, I will repay the ten thousand spirit stones as agreed. Should I obtain any high-grade automaton materials, I will promptly send word to the Wàn Xiàng Pavilion for you.”

“Next time, certainly,” Li Guanxuan nodded slightly, returned the bow, and left with Liu Xiaoxian.

Only after they were three hundred miles from Huajing Immortal City did Li Guanxuan exhale deeply. “The Iron Black Refinement is lost.”

“No matter. Focus on cultivating. There’s no rush to reach second-rank superior automaton mastery in enchanted techniques,” Liu Xiaoxian said with narrowed eyes. “I will reclaim this matter for you sooner or later.”

Li Guanxuan nodded slightly and handed two second-rank middle-grade automatons to Liu Xiaoxian, then dispersed his avatar. Though it drained much spiritual energy, he could easily replenish it with his golden aura and preferred not to risk leaving any marks on the avatar that might expose his true location.

This journey deeply impressed upon Li Guanxuan the perilous reality that any spirit or immortal city without sect protection was hardly safe. With the Thunderfire Sect’s conquest of Huajing Immortal City, they would surely absorb surrounding cities one by one.

At the moment Li Guanxuan dispersed his avatar, Liu Xiaoxian sensed a magical imprint floating in the air.

“An Inkwater Pavilion magical imprint?” she narrowed her eyes. It seemed the Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Inkwater Pavilion had also set their sights on her treasured disciple.

...

In Silver Maple City, Li Guanxuan learned from Liu Xiaoxian about the magical imprint left on him by the Inkwater Pavilion and sighed helplessly. He suspected the culprit.

Bai Wei, the celestial maiden, was relentless. Had the upheaval in Huajing Immortal City not occurred, Bai Wei and her admirers might have pursued and cornered him. Of course, Li Guanxuan was unafraid, for Liu Xiaoxian had come in her true form to aid him. No matter how many came, they would fall.

“This trip has made many enemies...” Li Guanxuan’s gaze darkened, especially toward Yan Mingyao. If Yan had not guessed there might be a Golden Core cultivator backing him, he would have used the Thunderfire Sect’s power to seize all his materials. As for Bai Wei, since she had murderous intent to steal his treasures, he would show no mercy if they met again.

Li Guanxuan reserved his tenderness only for his women. Most female cultivators in the cultivation world were ruthless and decisive; many were even more vicious than men.

“Master Shanggu has only five years left... I must quickly reach the third Foundation Establishment level. Now that I have two supreme spirit roots and the immortal aura from the Velvet Flower Spirit Tree, I probably won’t need life-critical pills...” Li Guanxuan pondered silently.

He wished for his cultivation to remain pure, free of medicinal impurities. He still planned to reach the Pill Formation and Nascent Soul stages, so purity was paramount.

“When I reach the seventh Foundation Establishment level, I will take Zhiqiao back to Qing’an City. With the Velvet Flower, her talent and cultivation will surge... Besides, I must visit myself—the Velvet Flower Spirit Tree has been rooted there for years. Only by going can I learn of any changes,” he had decided.

Upon reaching mid-Foundation Establishment, he planned to inquire in Daheng Yongning Prefecture about the Li family’s bloodline cultivation technique and whether he could obtain it. If necessary, he would return. He could not let his path to immortality end here.

Currently, aside from the pinnacle Foundation Establishment heart technique “Two Forms Art,” his other skills were still at Qi Refinement stage. Though he had many trump cards, his outright power was limited. While he could easily overwhelm ordinary mid-Foundation Establishment cultivators, those with similar trump cards posed challenges.

“I will train diligently indoors. With the materials for talisman and automaton arts secured, I can craft and nurture precious talismans that strike lethally in a single blow, leaving no time for enemy reaction,” Li Guanxuan muttered, pushing open the training room door to eat.

After meals, exercise was essential.

...

Peaceful days were inevitably somewhat dull, interspersed with shameless moments flowing by like a river.

Two years passed.

During this time, Li Guanxuan diligently sought immortality and harmony with his companions. He also set up a spiritual gathering formation at home, with a defensive array to make Peaceful Courtyard impregnable.

With three hundred-year-old Fierce Fang Wood, he crafted thirteen second-rank superior offensive talismans. The quality of his Explosion Little One talisman improved to second-rank superior but possessed only seventh-level Foundation Establishment combat power.

“My Wood Spirit Root has reached superior aptitude. The related array technique is now second-rank lower grade, with a lifespan of five hundred years, comparable to a Golden Core cultivator,” Li Guanxuan smiled.

As expected, he had reached the third Foundation Establishment level naturally, without relying on pills. His divine sense now rivaled that of a seventh-level Foundation Establishment cultivator. This owed much to the Velvet Flower Spirit Tree and the pinnacle heart technique “Two Forms Art.” Without this dual cultivation method, he could not have restrained the White-Haired Demoness, let alone endure half an hour with Wen Rongxin and Song Zhiqiao.

At dinner, Song Zhiqiao looked enviously at Li Guanxuan and Wen Rongxin. “Brother and Sister Rongxin have both broken through, but I’m still stuck at the fifth Qi Refinement level. I envy you.”

Wen Rongxin glanced at Li Guanxuan, seemingly asking if they should return to Qing’an City.

“There will be resources for you too. Though slow, steady progress matters... Don’t worry, your cultivation speed will soon match ours,” Li Guanxuan assured her.

“I knew Brother cared most about me. In about three months, I’ll reach sixth Qi Refinement,” Song Zhiqiao beamed.

“If you have time, send a message to Father-in-law asking about the Li family’s Foundation Establishment technique and how to obtain it,” Li Guanxuan instructed.

Song Zhiqiao nodded solemnly. She understood how crucial the Li family’s cultivation technique was to her brother. Without it, he would struggle to break into mid-Foundation Establishment.

“Brother, I will make sure Father investigates thoroughly,” she promised seriously. Now Li Guanxuan’s woman, she must always consider his interests.

At night, Li Guanxuan was in Wen Rongxin’s room. After releasing no excessive spiritual energy, following their intimacy, he embraced her and said, “Currently, Ji Yue and I are not strong enough to take her to the Falling Moon Valley. We will plan after reaching late Foundation Establishment... This won’t drag on, as our talent is catching up and cultivation won’t be slow.”

“Ji Yue might have already guessed,” Wen Rongxin whispered.

Li Guanxuan smiled, knowing what she referred to. “I can’t hide it from her. I never intended to conceal it forever. The Velvet Flower Spirit Tree is too extraordinary. Once she senses something amiss in me, she will naturally think of that treasure tree.”

Previously, Li Guanxuan told Qin Ji Yue that, after long dual cultivation, he and Wen Rongxin both developed the Velvet Flower. But as time passed and Ji Yue learned more about his past, she would surely notice details and connect them to the missing Velvet Flower Spirit Tree.

Such matters could not be hidden from the clever Ji Yue.

“There’s no need to hide from Ji Yue. She loves you even more than I do,” Wen Rongxin said softly.

“I understand,” Li Guanxuan nodded gently. Smiling tenderly, he said, “Without the two of you, I would not be who I am today.”

In the courtyard, Qin Ji Yue, habitually observing battle scenes with her divine sense, had crescent-shaped eyebrows and a sweet smile. With her husband’s sincere confession, all her sacrifices were worthwhile. She had loved the right man.

(The End)