Arrangements

The great void shook. Everyone at the exit went deathly pale, unsure which two Purple Mansion cultivators were fighting. Afraid of being caught in the crossfire, they hurriedly retreated.

Fortunately, Golden Thunder and the Dharma Body were still probing each other and had not truly begun fighting. For now, they had not shattered the great void outside.

The golden lightning transformed into a disheveled Daoist in golden robes, holding a Lightning Mirror. Within it manifested a bird-headed, human-bodied spirit, beating its wings and darting like lightning as it ceaselessly channeled thunderous light.

Opposite him, the beastly aspect of the Dharma Body grew ever more savage. The cries of a white horse and an azure ox rang out, spreading an ancient, primeval aura.

The two sides remained at a standoff. With the direct descendants of every faction present, the Purple Mansion cultivators naturally dared not truly fight. The great void churned nearby; clearly, quite a few important figures had already arrived to stop them.

"The True Person holding the mirror should be Lingming True Person of the Thunder Edict Path. His surname is Luo. The beast-headed manifestation belongs to someone from Northern Liao, not a Purple Mansion cultivator of the Li Kingdom."

Yang Yuanxin looked over. She seemed to have received a response from Dao Yan and relaxed, introducing the two True Persons outside to Xu Xuan.

"Lingming True Person uses As the Law Commands, a divine ability of the Divine Thunder lineage. It grants the utmost speed among all lightning, hurtling and flashing like the swift spirits beside thunder."

Bai Su spoke softly. She was clearly more knowledgeable, identifying the origins of Lingming True Person's divine ability. Xu Xuan looked outside again, his heart yearning toward the sight.

So this was Purple Mansion. So this was a divine ability. The slightest move shook the great void and changed the colors of heaven and earth.

Xu Xuan had met quite a few Foundation Establishment cultivators, but even if his master Wen Fufeng or someone like Zhu Yucheng were here, they would likely be unable to withstand a single bolt of Golden Thunder or a wisp of gray qi descending from above. Death would be certain.

With the direct descendants of every faction present, the two outside naturally dared not fight in earnest. Someone had already called a halt.

"Stop here. Do not damage our harmony."

A majestic voice rang out, and a carriage manifested from the hazy great void. Countless apricot-yellow flames of Li Fire surged over its golden body, purple qi rising from it, its nobility beyond description. Six Spirit Steeds drew the carriage, red, black, white, azure, gray, and yellow. Each possessed its own wondrous traits, and all had reached the Foundation Establishment late stage.

The carriage itself was a Purple Mansion Spirit Artifact. Its imposing might far surpassed the Lightning Mirror in Lingming True Person's hand.

The imperial house of the Li Kingdom.

Xu Xuan sensed it. Li Fire was cultivated exclusively by Great Li's imperial house; outsiders were forbidden to touch it. This Purple Mansion cultivator should have come from the imperial family and been overseeing matters here in secret, though Xu Xuan did not know why he had allowed the people of Northern Liao inside as well.

The Daoist and the Dharma Body in the sky dared not fight any further and separated. Lingming True Person seemed somewhat deranged, letting out several cold, sinister laughs before departing.

The beast-headed manifestation withdrew its divine ability, revealing a middle-aged man whose appearance and clothing resembled Xiao Xueya's. Clearly, he was one of Xiao Xueya's elders. The Northern Liao Purple Mansion cultivator gave a soft whistle, and a horse galloped out of the great void. Its back bore tiger stripes and dragon wings; it too was a demonic creature at the Foundation Establishment late stage.

The Northern Liao Purple Mansion cultivator swung onto the horse, rode toward the carriage, and said in a deep voice:

"Please."

An answering voice came from within the carriage. One drove the carriage, the other rode his horse, and both headed into the depths of the great void.

Outside finally fell quiet. Xu Xuan and the two women dared not delay. They followed the path out of the great void and emerged into the sky. With the matter concluded, every faction had gained something, and they departed one after another.

Bai Su took her leave first, riding away on a cold wind. Xu Xuan and Yang Yuanxin remained to await Dao Yan's return.

After a short while, Bing Fire finally surged through the clouds, transforming into solar essence and lightning in midair before revealing Dao Yan's figure. His aura seemed a little unsteady, as though he had fought someone.

"Father!"

Seeing this, Yang Yuanxin hurried forward, worry on her face, and cried out. Xu Xuan was even more startled, wondering who had dared seek trouble with this demon king.

"It is nothing. I merely saw that clan from years ago, felt rather indignant, and charged over to exchange a few words."

As he spoke, Dao Yan opened his mouth and spat lightly. Gold and silver ingots fell from his mouth, turning into streaks of frost upon touching the clouds.

"I swallowed one of that fellow's arms. Xin Metal clashes with me. Though it contains some blood essence, refining it will take a long time. Once I go back and consult a few Immortal Dao lineages that cultivate Ding Fire, all will be well."

Flame-Treader reassured Yang Yuanxin, then turned to Xu Xuan and asked:

"Did you find a cultivation method, Youdu?"

Understanding his meaning, Xu Xuan took out the purple jade Dao Text and invited the demon king to inspect it.

"Good, good. The Marsh Thunder Dragon-Treading Scripture. It really is this cultivation method. Go ahead and cultivate it. If you encounter any difficulties or lack resources, you may come and tell me."

Seeing that Xu Xuan had obtained the cultivation method, Dao Yan's expression grew even kinder. He immediately rode the wind away with the two of them, breaking through the light of heaven and returning straight to Flame-Offering Mountain, where they landed before Bingyang Hall.

Once they reached the peak, Dao Yan went into seclusion to repair his body, leaving another great demon at Foundation Establishment to receive Xu Xuan.

This demon wore a deep ocher-red robe and possessed an extraordinary bearing. His cultivation had reached the Foundation Establishment late stage. He was precisely the source of the gaze Xu Xuan had sensed when entering Deep Abyss.

"Greetings, Dragon Scion Youdu. I am Yang Yuanyi, Yuanxin's elder brother. For now, I oversee the clan's miscellaneous affairs."

Yang Yuanyi led Xu Xuan into the hall, but instead of taking the seat of honor, he sat to one side. Once Xu Xuan had seated himself, he smiled.

"Fellow Daoist Youdu, have you decided on your arrangements from here? Why not cultivate on our mountain? Once you achieve Foundation Establishment, you can enter the grotto-heaven directly."

There was an implication beneath Yang Yuanyi's words. He wanted to ask where Dragon Scion Youdu intended to attain Foundation Establishment. Naturally, keeping him here throughout would give them the greatest peace of mind.

Xu Xuan could not possibly do that. This incarnation had no independent spirit, and no one was looking after his true body. He promptly replied:

"Thank you, Fellow Daoist Yuanyi. But although I cultivate Shock Thunder, I was born in the marsh and belong to the Ren Water dragon lineage. Bing Fire does not agree with me. Please let me travel outside and see the sights of the world."

Yang Yuanyi said nothing, and silence settled over the hall. It was Yang Yuanxin beside him who spoke.

"I see no reason this should not be allowed. We only hope Brother Youdu will swear an oath with our clan, so there is a witness and both sides may rest easy."

Yang Yuanyi also spoke from his seat:

"Fellow Daoist Youdu, our Fire Crow clan has meager reserves. If we lose you, we will not be able to find another suitable candidate."

One played the kindly face, the other the stern face. Clearly, they had planned this beforehand. The oath would have to be sworn.

At that moment, Xu Xuan's Qi Sea stirred slightly. Only then did he remember Tiantuo and release the seal of clear qi. The old demon's voice rang out:

"You nearly suffocated me! You finally came out, brat. Oh, a fifth-grade cultivation method. Not a bad haul."

"Enough of that idle chatter. These Fire Crows want me to swear an oath. Should I agree or not?"

Xu Xuan asked in secret, but Tiantuo replied with utter indifference:

"As though you could refuse. These Fire Crows are clearly determined to obtain what is inside Surging Tribulation Heaven. You had best obediently agree."

He might as well have said nothing.

Xu Xuan could not be bothered to argue with Tiantuo any further. He looked at Yang Yuanyi and said solemnly:

"Settling matters with an oath is naturally a good thing. But could you explain your plans first, so I will know what to do once I enter the grotto-heaven? Though my father is a Dragon King, Great Mist Marsh remains secluded from the world. I can seldom contact him now, so I hope your clan will understand."

Yang Yuanyi pondered briefly in his seat before speaking quietly:

"We intended to tell you about this anyway, Fellow Daoist Youdu, so naturally that is no problem. Do you know the history of Great Xia?"

Xu Xuan's expression grew solemn, and he said respectfully:

"Please enlighten me, Fellow Daoist."

Yang Yuanyi's voice seemed somewhat distant as he spoke softly:

"Great Xia's second sovereign died suddenly. The Golden Crow occupying the Greater Yang position was an emperor, an immortal, and a deity, known as the Heavenly Emperor. In those days, he promoted joint rule by humans and demons, with all kinds living in harmony. He even erased his eldest legitimate son's bloodline, allowing him to reincarnate as a human and inherit the throne."

"What a flourishing age that was. Immortals, demons, devils, and Buddhists all served in a single court. Who else, throughout all history, could have accomplished that? Yet that was precisely where the trouble lay. Every tradition had its own stance. Their conflicts were merely suppressed for a time. After all, while that Golden Crow lived, no one dared disobey his moral order.

"When he sought to advance further and truly create an immortal realm on earth, he traveled beyond the cosmos to prove his Dao, intending to make Greater Yang the pivot of the universe. But he failed just short of success and vanished without a trace."

The mural on the hall's ceiling brightened, depicting a divine crow weeping blood. Yang Yuanyi paused, his expression full of emotion, then continued:

"His remaining nine sons each harbored their own ambitions. One after another, they raised armies to attack their reincarnated elder brother, ultimately bringing down the empire."

"Bing Fire and Li Fire are close to Greater Yang. Today's Great Li Song Clan entered the court and was granted royal titles alongside our clan back then. That old bond is why they allowed our clan to take root here. Yet quite a few immortal houses still objected and plotted against our ancestor. Although Great Li mediated, it could not side entirely with demonkind, and the matter was hastily swept aside. This so-called coexistence of immortals and demons is nothing more than temporary forbearance."

At this thought, Bing Fire blazed in Yang Yuanyi's hand. His gaze turned hostile, and he snorted coldly:

"Our ancestor's cultivation had already reached perfection. Back then, he had a chance of attaining a subordinate Bing Fire position, only to be struck down by that Xin Metal immortal talisman. We originally planned to obtain Immortal Ash from Kunwei Heaven to heal him, but Surging Tribulation Heaven will descend first. The Thunder Tribulation Liquid within can also restore him."

Cold sweat broke out on Xu Xuan's back as he listened. He felt he had come to the wrong place. These Fire Crows were deeply entangled with multiple Immortal Dao lineages, and even Great Li's imperial house was involved. Once he entered this affair, escaping would likely be difficult.

"I never imagined there was such a reason behind it. I understand now. But could you explain how to obtain the Thunder Tribulation Liquid after entering the grotto-heaven?"

Xu Xuan wanted to clarify things first, afraid there might be some trap. This Thunder Tribulation Liquid was likely a supreme treasure. When the time came, he would be dragged straight into the heart of the maelstrom.

"Naturally, we will not ask you to risk your life, Dragon Scion. If you attain Foundation Establishment with a cultivation method from the Law-Observing Hall and carry that Dao Text, you will be able to enter the grotto-heaven ahead of others. No restrictions will bar your way, making you much faster than the other factions. All you need to do is locate it and guide my father inside. After that, it will be a contest between Purple Mansion cultivators."

Xu Xuan understood. After weighing the risks, he felt it was feasible. He did have some things to rely on.

First, this was an incarnation. Even if it died, so long as his soul did not disperse, he could simply return to his true body.

Second, the ancient stele within him concealed him, and Tiantuo was watching over him. Those advantages far surpassed what others possessed.

Surging Tribulation Heaven was left behind by a tradition directly descended from the Thunder Palace, one that had even produced a Golden Core True Lord. Anything that trickled out of it could bring boundless benefits.

This was almost certainly the greatest opportunity Xu Xuan could encounter. Even his chance of attaining Purple Mansion might lie here. No matter what, he had to enter and explore.

"Very well. We shall do as you say, Fellow Daoist. Let us swear the oath now and never violate it."

Xu Xuan agreed solemnly, and the two immediately swore their oath. His Mysterious Yin Reverse Scale lit up, deep, profound Mysterious Yin light pouring forth. Yang Yuanyi respectfully brought out a red feather burning with spiritual fire. Both pointed to heaven and swore.

This Heavenly Oath was exceptionally binding. Even a Purple Mansion cultivator could not violate it without suffering a backlash.

After the oath was sworn, Yang Yuanyi relaxed considerably and smiled.

"If you were another kind of demon, our clan would never dare let you leave. We would fear those Immortal Dao lineages using some vicious trick."

"You are a direct descendant of a Dragon King, Fellow Daoist Youdu, unlike those mixed-blood flood dragons and snakes exiled in the past. Your name is recorded in the Dragon Lineage Register, so even the Immortal Dao lineages must show you respect. After all, the Dragon Palaces of both the Eastern Sea and Northern Sea are active in the world and have issued decrees. If a Purple Mansion cultivator directly attacks a registered dragon scion, they will be held accountable."

"But could you leave the Dao Text in our clan's safekeeping for now? You may transcribe a copy, Fellow Daoist. We only fear someone might seize it."

That was easy enough. Xu Xuan only needed the cultivation method. The Dao Text was a token for entering the grotto-heaven and a scalding-hot burden to carry. He agreed at once, took it out, copied it, and handed it to Yang Yuanxin.

"We will give you an item for protection, Fellow Daoist Youdu, as compensation as well."

With that, Yang Yuanyi handed over the red feather. Its wondrous manifestations subsided, leaving a deep crimson feather a full foot long.

"What is this?"

At the sight of it, Xu Xuan felt that the red feather was extraordinary. It seemed somewhat similar to the Mysterious Yin Reverse Scale Tiantuo had given him.

"It is our clan's Perching-Flame True Feather, left behind by an ancestor. We now present it to you, Dragon Scion. Whenever you encounter danger, activate these True Feathers, and my father will sense it."

Xu Xuan thanked him repeatedly. This was definitely the innate True Feathers of some fallen Purple Mansion cultivator. It seemed the Fire Crows really were spending their capital freely, determined to ensure he successfully attained Foundation Establishment.

Xu Xuan dared not impose any longer, afraid the Fire Crows might suddenly change their minds and detain him here. He arranged with Yang Yuanyi to make regular contact through Deep Abyss, and to enter the grotto-heaven once he reached Foundation Establishment.

Only after leaving Flame-Offering Mountain did Xu Xuan remember that he should have asked for more cultivation resources. Why had he not thickened his skin a little? After all, Dao Yan had explicitly told him to ask for whatever he needed.

"Be content with what you have. Those Fire Crows really have spent a fortune. This Perching-Flame True Feather actually contains a tiny spark of Purple Mansion Bing Fire. It should be Crimson Origin Dissolution Fire."

Only then did Tiantuo speak, sounding rather interested.

"A spark of Purple Mansion Bing Fire?"

Xu Xuan asked in confusion, and Tiantuo explained:

"These Bing-Day Flame-Offering Crows should possess three inherited Purple Mansion Spirit Fires: Roosting Crow Heavenfire, born of their own bloodline; a Greater Yang fire bestowed by the Golden Crow; and this remaining Crimson Origin Dissolution Fire, which should have been left behind when that Fire Crow King of the Xia dynasty fell."

"It is only a tiny spark. Who knows how many Spirit Treasures imbued with fire virtue you would need to feed it before it reached perfection? But spiritual waters and fires that can be cultivated and used in combat are extremely precious. This spark alone is already worth as much as the Perching-Flame True Feather."

Xu Xuan put the item away with great care and sighed.

"The Fire Crows truly have deep reserves. Every gift they offer is an ancient artifact, Purple Mansion True Feathers, or a spiritual fire."

"Naturally. Their inheritance dates back to the Xia dynasty, after all. The Great Li Song Clan is even more extraordinary. It produced a True Lord of the Li Fire lineage and possesses Liyang Heaven. That is what true wealth looks like."

Tiantuo sighed as well. The profound reserves of such ancient clans were not something a single Purple Mansion cultivator could accumulate.

Xu Xuan had him inspect everything he carried for abnormalities. Once he confirmed that his presence was concealed, he prepared to leave.

He still traveled by water, but this time Xu Xuan deliberately took a detour, planning to swim to Heavenwater first before heading to Red Cloud.

Caution was still best. Having snatched the cultivation method, he had no idea how many eyes were watching him. Tiantuo reassured him that even if those Purple Mansion cultivators lost track of him, they would merely assume it was Great Mist Marsh's doing and think of nothing else.

Diving into the Li River, Xu Xuan swam toward Heavenwater. An Azure-Scaled Treasure Carp moved leisurely through the water, carrying an air of carefree freedom.

(End of chapter)