Chapter 731 523: Northern Sea

Yuan Su spoke these words, then rose from the Jade Throne on his own, stepped down, paused briefly at Li Xuanfeng's side, and gently stroked the jade sash at his waist. Instantly, a multitude of white clouds surged forth.

The cloud Qi spread beneath the feet of the two, and a soft, buoyant force lifted them, swiftly carrying them out from Yuan Su's cave mansion. He did not head straight north, but instead flew eastward in one breath.

Azure waters churned, the islands upon the sea scattered like stars, adorning the waves. The two flew up from the south, speeding unceremoniously past the mountain gates of several Immortal Sects, and soon entered the East Sea.

Ning Tiaoxiao stood with hands clasped behind his back, then suddenly asked:

"Is your Spirit Aperture in your palm?"

Li Xuanfeng was observing the terrain below; upon hearing these words, he was secretly startled. The fact that his Spirit Aperture was in his palm was, apart from the secret Talisman Seed and Talisman Qi of the Li Family, his greatest hidden truth.

The Spirit Aperture is originally the window that receives nature's spiritual energy during Fetal Breathing, able to lock the incoming spiritual energy to prevent leakage. Upon reaching Qi Cultivation, with every breath one begins to absorb and expel spiritual energy, making it difficult to notice the Spirit Aperture further.

After arriving at Green Pond, Li Xuanfeng had studied this matter closely but found no records of it; thus, he could only keep his doubts buried in his heart. Now, when asked so directly, he could only reply:

"Replying to Perfected Person, yes, it is in the palm. It has been many years, and this junior remains perplexed..."

Yuan Su let out a low chuckle and answered:

"It is not such a grave matter—merely uncommon. The Chi Family possesses a set of cultivation techniques designed for such constitutions, using them to perform the 'Foreign Mansion Shared Furnace' art, so it is not recorded within the Green Pond…"

"Luckily, you are not a disciple of Green Pond. Had you taken the path of entering the sect at age seven to cultivate, you would likely have been granted a special technique and cultivated a lifetime of power, all for the benefit of others."

Li Xuanfeng narrowed his eyes slightly and nodded in response. Yuan Su then softly continued:

"This constitution is rarely seen, but is not of great use in cultivation. At most, it enhances the practice of certain special spells. It might be regarded as an extraordinary talent, yet it is not comparable to those with inborn Taoist Bodies or the bloodline of Perfected Lords."

Yuan Su paused a moment, then suddenly spoke:

"How fares Wangyue Lake?"

Li Yuanfeng had not expected this sudden question, and respectfully replied:

"Thanks to Perfected Person's protection, the Li Family has already taken half of Wangyue Lake. Now, we only await the exchange of Immortal Peak territories."

Yuan Su nodded gravely, his voice low:

"Should I perish, the Ning Family would surely submit to the Chi Family, become divided and suppressed, and never again stand independently in the Southern Border as they do now. He Yuan still counts as obedient; should you need anything, you may consult him."

Before Li Xuanfeng could answer, he continued:

"Hejing may be that youth's confidant, but He Yuan is equally close to the brothers Chi Zhi and Chi Zhiyun. Those two will pursue a balance of power; at least before news of Wan'er emerges, no one will dare act rashly."

"Once Wan'er's news surfaces, regardless of whether her breakthrough succeeds or fails, at least her situation will not degenerate too badly…"

He suddenly looked at Li Xuanfeng, speaking in a low tone:

"I know your heart is with your family, yet to be used by Chi Zhiyun, Yuanqin must be properly arranged. The minds of you husband and wife are both keen. You ought to understand how to conduct yourselves."

Li Xuanfeng listened silently. Till this day, he still could not discern whether Yuan Su's words were sincere. Whatever this elder's intentions, he had indeed helped his family, directly and indirectly, in many ways.

He remained silent for a breath, spoke no polite words such as 'may Perfected Person's longevity be without bounds', but simply answered in a soft voice:

"Rest assured, Perfected Person. Xuanfeng will surely assist He Yuan, protecting the clan."

Yuan Su's lips moved faintly, his emotion unclear. He only sighed softly and, in a gentle tone, said:

"Tang Jin Sect possesses a scripture, the 'Tianxu Polished Gold'. If you truly wish to break through to Zifu, your final hope may rest on this cultivation technique. Situ Family still has Zifu members. Should you wish to plot and scheme, do not act too impulsively."

For once, the elder was no longer reticent and cold, only said:

"Your talent for cultivation is quite remarkable. To have climbed up from wild mountains, you have pushed yourself to your utmost. Yet still, compared with the direct lineage of the Immortal Sect, you fall just a bit short. The path to Zifu is arduous. Consider well before you move."

"I, Ning Tiaoxiao, have cultivated for so many years; in the end, it was my own obsession that harmed me. You must heed this as a warning."

Li Xuanfeng replied to each point in turn. Yuan Su spoke no more, instead began casting spells with several fingers, and as he rode the clouds, they sped up, seeming as though awaiting something.

Yuan Su subtly adjusted their direction; after flying above the sea for some time, Li Xuanfeng stood upon the cloud summoned by Yuan Su, observing silently. The waters beneath his feet soon turned a deep blue, and he knew they had arrived at the Heshui Sea of the Dragon Kind.

This was the stronghold of the Dragon Kind, full of monsters, with profound cultivation and considerable strength. In contrast, the Zhu Lu-Qunyi Sea had sparse human presence. Li Xuanfeng had only come here a few times, all for the purpose of demon-slaying.

Yuan Su said nothing, driving the cloud at speed. Soon, a wisp of pure Qi rose ahead, transforming from illusory to real; it was a Zifu Perfected Person, appearing as a young man in blue and white robes, with handsome features. In a warm voice, he said:

"Greetings, Senior Yuan Su."

Li Xuanfeng recognized this Zifu; years ago, this man had visited Yuan Su, and even revealed the imminent demise of Yuanwu, waiting for Yuan Su to nod politely, then spoke in a deep voice:

"Junior pays respect to Perfected Person Pu Yu!"

This was none other than the Sect Master of Qu Hai Sect, famed for being able to divine Yin and Yang, and know life and death—Perfected Person Pu Yu, whose beauty had an almost androgynous grace. He smiled with curved eyes and said:

"Xuanfeng, no need to stand on ceremony."

Though his tone was friendly, Li Xuanfeng dared not be careless. Perfected Person Pu Yu was an East Sea cultivator; in their prior meeting, he had even asked Yuan Su if he wished to dwell within his own body, doubtless possessing a bit of eccentricity. Li Xuanfeng only returned the greeting with cupped hands.

Perfected Person Pu Yu did not converse further with him, and soon looked toward Yuan Su with a smile, saying: