Chapter 1743: The First Residence (I)

After listening to this explanation, Li Ximing felt his confusion dissipate. He said thoughtfully, "While cultivating, I noticed that Ancient Merging were all distinct from one another. Whether it was the Five Virtues or the Twelve Essences, they were grouped together because they possessed similar mystics, whereas Ancient Merging differed greatly from one another. At the time, I often attributed this to the vast differences among the ancient techniques, but ultimately, these are merely principles of heaven and earth."

He paused, then continued, "I visited Poluoduo once in my early years and heard the term [Three Shamans and Two Zhus] there. I assumed it was a subdivision of Ancient Merging, but I never expected that it belonged within this theory!"

Lingdu raised his eyebrows and smiled. "Poluoduo was originally a savage and desolate land, but many ancient cultivators went there in search of peace, along with devil cultivators who sought refuge. It is only natural that they left behind some inheritances."

He lowered his gaze and poured tea before continuing, "Our Supreme Tao Nine Mounds Great Dao lineage was inherited from Qingxuan. The Nine Mounds Mountain beneath our feet was known in ancient times as the [Mountain of Pure Moon and Spirit Ease]. However, as Yin and Yang declined, it became entirely different from what it once was. In terms of our Dao lineage, we are successors to the [Principal Position of Yin and Yang Thoery]."

He smiled. "This is not difficult to explain. Within our Dao lineage, Yin and Yang stand above the Five Virtues, and there are only the Three Yin and Three Yang. As for how Ancient Merging should be classified, opinions within the mountain vary considerably, and many also support the Theory of Plain Virtue...

"Jiangnan successively experienced the transmission of the Dao under Chu State and Origin Mansion, so its Dao Collection broadly covers Yin and Yang, the Five Virtues, and the Twelve Essences. Although it does not rank Yin and Yang against the Five Virtues, it likewise recognizes the Three Yin and Three Yang, making it similar to our tradition."

Li Ximing did not understand what purpose there was in ranking Yin and Yang against the Five Virtues, but that did not prevent a realization from dawning on him.

He raised his head sharply and stated, "The Dao lineages that place the Five Virtues above Yin and Yang must be those of the north."

Lingdu's hand froze in the middle of pouring the tea. After a moment's hesitation, he shook his head and replied, "The principles involved are complex, and opinions vary greatly. I fear only our Grand Daoist Master could explain them clearly. However, if you are asking what might stand above Yin and Yang, Zhaojing... Only a small number of people would acknowledge [Pure Essence] as such."

Although Lingdu spoke cautiously and did not dare elaborate, Li Ximing was already completely certain of his conclusion.

Which power in this world would place the Five Virtues above Yin and Yang? Does using Earth Virtue to govern Bright Yang not embody the Five Virtues' suppression of Yin and Yang?

Li Zhouwei's somber words from years ago resurfaced in his mind, Far too many people in this world wanted Li Qianyuan dead! The north's conflict with him was rooted not just in their Dao lineages, paths, and divine abilities, but also in old grudges, principles, and cultivation...

Li Ximing sighed inwardly, Many people were likely unwilling to see Bright Yang suppressed beneath Earth Virtue, but Li Qianyuan's path was far too domineering. It was so domineering that immortal cultivators throughout the world set aside their disputes to deal with him... That was what brought him to such an end...

His thoughts gradually grew more complicated. He silently sipped his tea for a while, then set down his cup and said with a smile, "Such precious secrets of antiquity could only be explained by an immortal Dao lineage like Nine Mounds, yet you have generously shared them with me. I have learned a great deal today. Thank you, senior!"

Lingdu shook his head with a smile. Li Ximing turned toward Li Quewan and said, "Senior gave this profound lecture especially to enlighten you. You must thank him properly."

Lingdu's words carried profound implications, and had clearly not been spoken merely for Li Quewan's benefit. Whatever his true purpose might have been, the Heavenly Glow in the north still burned brilliantly, so some pretext was necessary. Once Li Quewan had offered her thanks, a thought began to stir in Li Ximing's mind.

Old Daoist Master Lingdu is quite amiable, and the Nine Mounds Dao lineage is easy to deal with... Zhen Tao Residence is unstable at present, and there is no telling whether Fuxun's matter can be handled properly. If Senior Liu is implicated and fighting breaks out one day while Quewan is still in seclusion on that island, our family could lose a Purple Mansion Realm cultivator!

Since we have already come to Nine Mounds, I might as well rent a cave dwelling and let Quewan enter seclusion here for her breakthrough...

Li Ximing had no other concerns. This mountain might even be safer than the lake. The only difficulty lay in securing Lingdu's consent. After considering the matter briefly, Li Ximing smiled and said, "I have also come to keep an appointment with Daoist Master Yan. Several decades have passed since we last met. Has he been well?"

Lingdu stroked his beard and pondered for a long while before answering, "He is much the same as ever. A few years ago, an important junior of his failed to break through, leaving him mentally and physically exhausted. Then, while traveling through the outer-sea, he fought with someone over a treasure. Not only did he fail to obtain it, but he was also injured. When he returned home, his eldest son caused trouble for him, nearly driving him to kill the boy in a fit of rage... In short, he has not had an easy time."

Li Ximing nodded as though considering something. Lingdu smiled and said, "It would be inconvenient for you to bring Quewan along... Leave her on the mountain, and I will watch over her for you."

That was precisely what Li Ximing had been waiting to hear. He had someone escort Li Quewan away, then asked solemnly, "What do you think of this junior of my family, senior?"

Lingdu raised his eyebrows and smiled, his expression revealing a touch of admiration. "She is truly exceptional. My Nine Mounds disciples ought to take a good look at her cultivation, mana, and true origin. Then they will understand there is always someone greater beyond themselves!"

Li Ximing replied quietly, "I am ashamed to say that this junior has already reached the point where she must attempt to attain a divine ability. Unfortunately, I have many affairs to handle, and there is no telling how long Daoist Master Yan's matter will take. She has suffered from following me all this way, rushing from place to place."

Lingdu raised his eyebrows and he understood his meaning perfectly.

So he is asking for protection... Fortunately, she is a young woman and not a descendant of Bright Yang. Otherwise, it would truly be difficult to form this connection...

He smiled and said, "That is hardly difficult. Nine Mounds has a stable spiritual aura and is suffused with Pure Essence. If you believe there is still enough time, she may enter seclusion and attempt her breakthrough here on my mountain!"

"How could we impose upon you like this..."

Li Ximing cheerfully exchanged a few polite words with him, and the matter was settled. However, this reminded Li Ximing of something even more important.

Over the years, we have not obtained the slightest information about a spirit item related to [Whole Pill]. If Quewan attempts her breakthrough, she will still have to use the [Sixfold Ceremonial Colors] as her spirit item. What a pity...

The [Sixfold Ceremonial Colors] was not unsuitable; simply, it was so precious that using it this way would be a waste. Li Ximing therefore asked Lingdu about other options, but the old man ultimately shook his head and replied, "We once had a portion of [Plain Resonance Metal]. Later, when Daoist Master Qiushui sought to cross the Immortal Threshold, she gathered six Whole Pill spirit items to validate her cultivation. The Golden Feather Sect's people exchanged for it from me."

Li Ximing felt painfully envious upon hearing this and was about to take his leave, but Lingdu stopped him. Taking out a jade talisman from within his robes, he said with a smile, "Take this and show it to him as proof that you have already visited Nine Mounds."

Li Ximing was briefly taken aback, but immediately understood. He no longer feared that Yan Dushui might harbor any ulterior motives. Instead, Yan Dushui now had reason to fear him. If Li Ximing opened the treasure for him, became tempted by its contents, and killed him to seize it, Yan Dushui's aged body would truly be unable to resist. With this Nine Mounds jade talisman serving as proof of his visit, Yan Dushui could rest assured.

Li Ximing accepted it with a smile and rode the wind beyond the mountain. After crossing the glittering sea, he soon reached the [Western Curtain Sea].

The elevated seabed once again came into view below. Several decades had passed since his last visit, yet the mortals here were still harvesting reefs for the All-Seeing Immortal Gate, just as their ancestors had done for generations, with many continuing to drown in the process. The only difference was that the area appeared far more turbulent, likely because the immortal sect itself was unstable.

He waited for a while, then released a streak of brilliant heavenly light across the horizon. After it shone for some time, the great void stirred, and Daoist Master Linyi, Yan Dushui, hurriedly arrived.

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