When Cui'e wrote this scripture, his lifespan was clearly nearing its end. Even so, he had written. Within the Three Profundities, alchemy belongs to Douxuan. I once heard that four palaces were established beneath Wanling[1], known as the Four Secret Alchemical Methods, but they are now distant and elusive. If I could study even one in detail, I would have no regrets in this life.

Clearly, Cui'e knew that predecessors had long studied methods like Heaven's Will Single-Intent Method and felt a quiet regret.

"This senior Cui'e was clearly seeking a higher breakthrough in alchemy, yet in the end, he could not surpass the [Heaven's Will Single-Intent Method] of the Mifann Sect's Dao lineage[2]."

The Four Secret Alchemical Methods should be the inheritance of Douxuan alchemy. In Jiangnan, there are Mifan and Mifann among the four. The others must be elsewhere.

Li Ximing read carefully, then flipped the scripture over. He found it soft and refined in texture, clearly made from Purple Mansion Realm spirit materials, ensuring it would remain unchanged for centuries.

"With this scroll, most Bright Yang resources I obtain can now be refined into pills with precision!"

Satisfied, he stored it away. Li Zhouwei glanced at him a few more times and reminded him, "How is your divine ability cultivation now, granduncle?"

Li Ximing paused slightly and replied, "These days, I have not been troubled by injuries or combat, only busier than usual. I have just begun circulating the [Sovereign Insight Illuminating Heart Scripture]. It will still take several years before it reaches the Foundation Establishment Realm, let alone perfecting the Immortal Foundation."

Li Zhouwei seemed somewhat puzzled. After a moment of hesitation, he said, "Your cultivation speed has always been rapid. Could it be that your qihai was injured in your battle with Helian Wujiang? The various arts are important, but completing your Fate Divine Ability early to preserve your life should not be neglected."

He took out the [Qilin Radiance Illumination Pills] that had been sent from Xiukui Temple[3] some days ago. He kept one and handed the rest over, saying seriously, "These Qilin Radiance Illumination Pills are meant for daily cultivation. It is better to use them than to hoard them."

Li Ximing sighed and replied, "There are pressures from all sides. Whenever something is needed, I must first secure resources. Yet I also fear being injured in battle and wasting my cultivation, so I have kept delaying... Once I settle the matters at hand, I will go into seclusion for a few years!"

He smiled and was about to depart on light when Li Zhouwei raised a hand slightly and issued a quiet command, "Bring my younger clan brother up!"

Li Ximing raised a brow. Soon, a handsome man in red robes flew up the mountain. He greeted both sides and said with a smile, "Greetings, grandfather and elder brother!"

"Oh?" Li Ximing now showed a bit more visible delight. With a smile, he sipped his tea and said, "So our Fifth Young Master has made something of himself."

Li Zhouming had never seen Li Ximing joke before. For a moment, he was at a loss and even felt somewhat embarrassed, replying stiffly. "Grandfather, you flatter me too much!"

Li Zhouwei, however, smiled and said, "Fifth Brother broke through and came out of seclusion, rowing a boat and singing. You have gained quite a bit of fame."

Li Zhouming's small sense of pride was being teased by the two Daoist Masters. He blushed, asked after their well-being, and repeatedly said he could not compare to them.

Li Ximing felt secretly satisfied and smiled, "I still have several matters to settle. Once everything is arranged, I will return to test you."

Though pleased, he still feared something might happen to the Kong Family and did not dare delay, so he left early. Li Zhouming hesitated to speak. It was rare to see him, and he felt a sense of loss, standing there somewhat blankly.

White steeds race across the western ridges, descendants await immortal ascension...

Li Zhouwei pondered for a moment and had his younger clansman sit. He understood inwardly, He truly has good fortune. The moment Uncle Chengzhi passed, he entered seclusion and broke through, quietly aligning with the Bright Yang principle of the son advancing after the father's fall. And with elders who possess divine abilities, a single word from them can determine the fate of thousands. All of it adds to his advantage...

————

Grace Covenant Gate.

Night fell thick, and the mountain forest lay in darkness.

Li Ximing traveled toward Shanji Prefecture and soon entered the mountain gate. He found the surroundings silent. He descended all the way to the mountaintop. Even before the cave dwelling, the trees swayed quietly, without a sound.

Yet on this dim mountaintop, a middle-aged man knelt on the steps below. His figure was nearly swallowed by the trees, appearing dark and obscure. Fortunately, a spirit lamp nearby lit up on its own, its light filtering through the branches and casting fragmented patches of Bright Light onto his face, making his eyes gleam intensely.

Li Ximing had seen this man a few times before. Though he looked somewhat different now, he recognized him instantly. His steps paused slightly as he turned and glanced down.

Quite clever.

That single glance caused the middle-aged man to raise his head immediately, though he quickly restrained himself. His gaze did not dare rise above Li Ximing's knees, and his voice trembled as he said, "Xiaxiang greets the Daoist Master!"

This man was the youngest Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator of the Kong Family, Kong Xiaxiang. His once bold, upturned brows now drooped. The corners of his eyes carried a defeated look. The face that had once been spirited, impulsive, and resolute had lost all vitality, becoming pale and gaunt, with sunken eyes.

In just over a decade, life at Grace Covenant Gate had completely worn away his edges. The vigor of youth was gone, leaving behind only a sorrowful shell draped over fearful bones.

As a young direct descendant of the Kong Family, he had naturally entered into marriage, taking a direct descendant of Grace Covenant Gate as his wife. Over the years, with Kong Guxi mostly stationed overseas, he had been the representative of the Kong Family's main lineage. Every difficulty and conflict ultimately fell upon him.

Now, seeing the surging phenomenon in the north, he was both shocked and uncertain. Kneeling on the steps, he trembled, unable to speak.

Li Ximing glanced at him. From his condition alone, he could tell that no one had been there to keep things in check during Zhugong's disappearance and years in seclusion. The guest cultivators and elders of Grace Covenant Gate had not treated him lightly.

He asked, "How is Kong Guxi?"

A flush of red rose on Kong Xiaxiang's face as he said softly, "I... I do not know."

Li Ximing asked again, "Then why did you come up here?"

The man pressed his forehead to the ground. It sounded as if he were grinding his teeth or stifling tears. He knocked his head heavily and replied, "I... I am afraid..."

Li Ximing's steps paused for only a moment before he continued walking into the cave dwelling. As he entered the empty cave, the spirit lamps on both sides flickered to life, casting light across the steps below. The mountaintop remained silent, and only his faint voice echoed through the air,

"Then stay kneeling here. Endure it, and you will no longer be afraid."

Li Ximing walked further inside and found that Tinglan was nowhere to be seen. Only Daoist Master Shanbai remained within the cave dwelling, calmly preparing spirit herbs, detached from everything as if nothing concerned him.

From the empty inner chamber came the faint sounds of Zhugong's violent coughing and blood-spitting. Bright red petals poured out with the warm wind from within, swirling endlessly.

The old Daoist Master beside him used divine ability to steady the wind. Sharp eyes beneath white brows watched Li Ximing quietly, clearly aware of the situation as he said in a hoarse voice, "Tinglan has gone to Xiukui Dao Gate to discuss important matters... Zhaojing likely expected this as well. She instructed me that when you arrive, I am to fully assist you."

Li Ximing gave a faint smile as the old man continued calmly, "In the rise and fall of the world, there are always difficult circumstances."

Li Ximing shook his head silently. He took out the jade cup from his sleeve, placed it on the table before the old man, and said, "I leave this to you, senior... let it be resolved as soon as possible."

1. Previously known as Wanglin, which was related to Wangling Upper Sect, Wanglin Blossom. ☜

2. This is not the same as Mifan Dao lineage. It is an ancient sect that is a ruin now. First appeared in Chapter 480 but check Chapter 1208 for more information. ☜

3. Also known as Xiukui Dao Gate. ☜