Chapter 390 281: On Luoyue Lake

The Celestial Fire is one of the Dao Fruits of Fire Virtue, taking its meaning from "the sun rising in the sky, illuminating all directions."

To harvest it, one must attain Perfection in their Dao, and accumulate great merit. Only then can they attract the attention of Fire Virtue and be granted a place.

Jiang Yi closed his eyes and continued to draw in Spiritual Materials and Resources, feeding them into the sheet of golden paper.

'I beg the Celestial Book, deduce the Celestial Fire...'

As this thought took form, the golden paper trembled slightly, and ripples of brilliant light spread out.

A dense stream of small, tadpole-like characters emerged and flowed out.

Before long, they transformed into a vast expanse of golden light, weaving together into an obscure and profound Dragon and Snake Scripture.

Jiang Yi sat upright and motionless, immersing himself in comprehending it, word by word, line by line.

With every line he fully comprehended, flames would rise around his body, reflecting and enhancing the brilliant golden light within the Yang Qi Taiyin Heaven.

Time flowed on. An unknown number of days and months passed.

Jiang Yi entered the Meditation Realm. At times his brow would furrow in concentration, and at others, a smile would grace his face.

The surging flames around him turned from crimson to gold, then from gold to white, growing ever purer.

After a long time, Jiang Yi finally opened his eyes. Within his pupils, two solar wheels slowly rotated, emitting a soul-stirring radiance.

"It is done,"

he said softly, his voice tinged with a hint of joy.

After several months of comprehension, he had finally forged another profound art.

Now, Illuminating the Dark and the Light, World Burner, Heaven-Breaking Pillar, Sun and Moon Candle, and Can Tongcuo—

he had mastered all five of these profound arts.

Jiang Yi had now truly reached the threshold of the Celestial Fire.

He only needed a little more time to accumulate what was needed, and then he could attempt to harvest the Dao Fruit.

'Although I don't intend to follow True Monarch Yu's old path, these five Dharma Bodies are tantamount to the True Monarch himself demonstrating the Dao for me. It's enough to save me the vast majority of the hard work, so I won't have to waste my years away in secluded meditation.'

Jiang Yi slowly rose, faced the five towering and majestic Dharma Bodies, and performed a solemn Daoist salute before withdrawing from this space.

True Master Xuanmiao, who was waiting outside, saw him emerge and immediately perked up:

"Xiao Jiang, you're finally out of seclusion! Did you figure anything out?"

"I've had some small insights."

Jiang Yi gave a slight, noncommittal smile.

He looked up at this boundless world, as brilliant as colored glass, formed a hand seal, and began to chant.

The wisp of golden essence merged with his Divine Sense suddenly flared, like a Great Sun rising in his Primordial Gate, pulling the entire Yang Qi Taiyin Heaven to slowly contract.

RUMBLE!

The vast void shook violently. The floating islands, the layered palaces, and even the small courtyard of the Yu estate all gradually faded within the golden light, ultimately becoming a single bright speck that disappeared into Jiang Yi's brow.

"Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!"

True Master Xuanmiao cheered repeatedly, his portly body turning a somersault in the void.

"From now on, this Yang Qi Taiyin Heaven is yours! Without the golden essence as a key, not even a Daoist Monarch could open it!"

Jiang Yi felt the warm light within his Primordial Gate, and a great sense of security washed over him.

With this positional artifact, he would have endless resources for his future Cultivation. Moreover, he could leverage True Monarch Yu's legacy to advance, step by step, toward the Shao Yang Golden Position.

"Cat Master, it's time we checked on the situation outside."

Back in the Foundation Establishment Realm, Jiang Yi's Divine Sense spread out like a heavenly eye gazing down, extending toward Cyan Sheep Mountain.

...

...

「Cyan Sheep Mountain, the Li Family ancestral home.」

Twenty years had passed in a flash. The conflict between the Li Family and the Xu Family had long since become a legend on Luoyue Lake.

Xu Tian was killed, leaving the Xu Family leaderless. Their Mountain Protection Array was breached by Loose Cultivators led by Zhao Xiong, and they were plundered clean.

Although the Xu Family's Elder Ancestor rushed back from the lake, his return coincided with the emergence of the Immortal Mansion. He dared not linger and could only watch helplessly as his family was annihilated.

Afterward, the Li Family annexed the Xu Family's assets and, in a single leap, became the hegemon of Luoyue Lake, standing as rivals to the Luo Family.

Now, twenty years later, the Luo Family's power had waned, while the Li Family had only grown more prosperous, looking as if they were on the verge of dominating Luoyue Lake entirely.

All of this, naturally, was thanks to the Li Family Head, Li Conglong.

「Today.」

It was Li Conglong's seventieth birthday.

The Li Family's ancestral home was festooned with lanterns and banners, and a flood of guests streamed through the gates. The atmosphere was incredibly festive.

Li Conglong was dressed in a brocade robe. Though in his seventies, he was hale and hearty, and a faint Spiritual Light flowed across his face—a clear sign of his extraordinary Cultivation.

He held a wine cup, exchanging pleasantries with the various guests, a faint smile on his face.

"Brother Li, congratulations, congratulations! To reach the threshold of the Qi Cultivation Ninth Layer at seventy... such aptitude rivals that of the Disciples from the Major Sects!"

A leader of the Luoyue Lake Loose Cultivators said, offering a congratulatory salute.

It was none other than Zhao Xiong.

Years ago, he was the one who had secretly allied with Li Conglong, rallying a large group of Loose Cultivators to jointly destroy the Xu Family.

Li Conglong replied humbly:

"Brother Zhao, you flatter me. It is but a trivial bit of progress, not worth mentioning."

Despite his words, a flash of pride glinted in his eyes.

Reaching the Qi Cultivation Ninth Layer at seventy was indeed an outstanding achievement in the Luoyue Lake region.

Moreover, he had a younger brother, Li Conglin, who was skilled in Talisman Making.

Years ago, Li Conglin had clashed with a disciple of the Luo Family and was struck from the family register. He was only reinstated in the Li Family after the Xu Family's destruction.

He was now a renowned Talisman Master in the Luoyue Lake area.

After several rounds of drinks, Li Conglong excused himself to change his robes and quietly slipped away from the banquet.

He passed through a covered walkway and was about to head to the rear courtyard when a familiar figure emerged.

"Brother."

Li Conglin's temples were already streaked with white. Because Talisman Making was so draining on his Heart Spirit, he looked even older than Li Conglong.

"Why are you out here? That pack of old foxes is gathered in the front hall. It won't do for you not to be there keeping them company."

Li Conglong frowned slightly.

Li Conglin chuckled.

"That scoundrel Zhao Xiong is getting awfully friendly with a branch of the Luo Family. I couldn't stand the sight of it, so I came out for a breath of fresh air."

Li Conglong sighed softly, clasped his hands behind his back, and turned his gaze toward the old locust tree in the courtyard.

His father had planted this tree with his own hands. Now, its canopy spread out like a great umbrella, covering half the courtyard.

"Twenty years..."

Li Conglong suddenly spoke, his voice low and deep.

"Conglin, do you still remember our discussion under this very tree, all those years ago?"

"How could I forget?"

Li Conglin said softly,

"Back then, the Luo Family was powerful, the Xu Family was treacherous, and our Li Family was like this old locust tree—in danger of being uprooted at any moment."

"Indeed."

Li Conglong walked closer, hands still clasped behind him, and patted the trunk. The bark was coarse, like ravines carved by the passage of time.

"Back then, I was only at the Qi Cultivation Seventh Layer, and you were just at the Fifth. The two of us held the lives of our several hundred clan members in our hands. A single misstep would have meant utter damnation."

"Do you still remember what you told me that night, Brother?"

Li Conglin suddenly smiled.

"You told me, 'Where there's life, there's hope,' and that I should flee immediately if things went south."

"And what was my reply?"

"You said, 'Am I, Li Conglin, a man who clings to life and fears death?'"

The two brothers met each other's gaze and burst into laughter.

When the laughter subsided, Li Conglong's expression grew serious, and he said gravely:

"Conglin, the Li Family may seem prosperous now, but we are surrounded by hidden dangers. The Luo Family's power may have waned, but their Elder Ancestor is still alive, and his Cultivation surpasses our own."

"That Zhao Xiong is fickle. He can call us brothers today and turn on us tomorrow. He cannot be trusted."

Li Conglin nodded.

"Brother, you mean..."

"We must find a way to get on good terms with Wanxiang Hall."

Li Conglong lowered his voice.

"The Immortal Master from Wanxiang Hall is currently stationed at Luoyue Lake to monitor the Immortal Mansion ruins. If we could win his favor..."

Understanding dawned on Li Conglin.

"Brother, you want me to approach the Immortal Master?"

"Precisely."

Li Conglong said in a low voice,

"Your skill in Talisman Making is unmatched in the Luoyue Lake region. As long as you can catch the Immortal Master's eye, the Luo Family's Elder Ancestor won't dare to make any rash moves."

Li Conglin pondered for a moment before nodding heavily.

"I understand."

Li Conglong patted his brother's shoulder, his tone suddenly softening.

"There is one more thing. You're not getting any younger. While you're still in your prime as a Qi Cultivation Stage cultivator, you must also plan for the future."

"Your branch of the family has only a single heir. That's a little precarious."

Li Conglin's weathered face flushed.

"Brother, a matter like this..."

"I'm your elder brother. If I don't see to it, who will?"

Li Conglong shot him a look, but his tone brooked no argument.

"The reason our Li Family has made it this far is because we have a large and thriving clan—because we have spread our branches and leaves."

"Why did Father move our entire clan to Cyan Sheep Mountain all those years ago? Was it not for the very purpose of ensuring our lineage would continue?!"

Li Conglong pointed at the old locust tree, lecturing earnestly,

"Look at this tree. No matter how thick and strong the main trunk is, without supporting branches, a strong gust of wind could snap it in two."

"Only by being lush with branches and leaves, with a deep and tangled root system, can it stand tall and unyielding."

"We two brothers are the main trunk. But the trunk will eventually grow old. Only the smaller branches and leaves can continue to provide shelter from the wind and rain in our stead."

Li Conglin lowered his head, obediently taking the lesson to heart.

"You are right, Brother."

"I've already had the bookkeeper allocate five hundred Spirit Stones to your name."

Li Conglong said coolly,

"In a few days, have a matchmaker find you a few good women from respectable families. You are not to refuse again."

Li Conglin opened his mouth, but in the end, he didn't argue, only smiling wryly.

"Five hundred Spirit Stones... It would be so much better to save them for talisman paper and Spiritual Ink."

"Enough nonsense."

Li Conglong chided with a laugh,

"You're a Qi Cultivation Eighth Layer Cultivator, after all. Your constitution is strong. Taking a few more wives won't be a difficult task for you."

Li Conglin cupped his hands in a gesture of resignation.

"As you command."

The two brothers chatted for a few more moments before Li Conglin returned to the front hall to attend to the guests.

Li Conglong watched his brother's retreating back and sighed softly. He then turned to look toward the ancestral hall, his gaze growing deep and profound.

After straightening his robes, he strode over, pushed open a door, and entered another courtyard.

This was the most secret place in the Li Family estate. Other than Li Conglong himself, not even Li Conglin was permitted to enter without authorization.

The ancestral hall was cold and solemn. The memorial tablets of his father and elder brother were displayed in the seat of honor, and beside them was an enshrined, broken mirror.

"Father. Brother."

Li Conglong lit a stick of incense and kowtowed reverently.

"I, Conglong, am seventy today. That I could reach this point is all thanks to the heaven-sent Opportunity from all those years ago."

He raised his head, his gaze falling upon the broken mirror.

For twenty years, the object had shown no signs of activity, but he had continued to enshrine it, paying his respects daily without fail.

Suddenly, the broken Copper Mirror trembled, and a faint radiance began to flow across its surface!

Li Conglong's pupils contracted, and his face went pale with shock.

"This... This is..."

For twenty years, the Copper Mirror had been like a dead thing, but today, it was stirring!

'Could it be?'

Li Conglong's heart pounded like a drum. He quickly prostrated himself on the floor and said in a reverent voice,

"This junior, Li Conglong, respectfully welcomes... Senior!"

The radiance on the Copper Mirror grew more intense. Faintly, a voice seemed to drift down from the boundless void:

"Twenty years... You are quite devoted."