Chapter 751 533: Peak Master

After Li Qinghong finished speaking, Cui Changfu became suspicious and asked softly:

"Taoist Fellow… what kind of spiritual objects do you seek?"

Li Qinghong replied in a low voice:

"These things are exceedingly rare in the land—they are Mingyang Zifu-level spiritual objects, such as [Bright Light Sky Stone], [Qilin Crow Spiritual Molting], [White Birch Blood]… It doesn't have to be a specific one… As long as you have any among these, that will suffice."

Cui Changfu's expression eased slightly upon hearing this. He smiled and said:

"Zifu spiritual objects? There once was a share of [Mingfang Xuanyuan]… but now it is gone!"

Li Qinghong was seeking such things for those in her family who were about to break through to Zifu, and so she valued it greatly. But Zifu spiritual objects were hard to find, and in fact, she carried little hope. Yet some news reached her ears, so her expression brightened and she asked:

"Was it traded to another family? Please share if you have any news…"

Cui Changfu finally believed her, realizing this woman had truly come for spiritual objects. He seemed to relax, his vigilance abating, and answered softly:

"Our lineage… was once sent by Emperor Gong of Wei across the seas in search of Penglai… Emperor Gong was magnanimous and cultured, the country flourished under his rule, and he showed much generosity; thus, our treasure ships carried many things."

"Later, turmoil arose in the seas, the Great Void shattered, and our connections gradually broke off. By the time the Qi King replaced Wei, even the last traces of correspondence vanished. The spiritual objects we brought ran out one by one, until only two portions of [Mingfang Xuanyuan] remained at the end."

Li Qinghong listened closely, and saw him continue:

"One portion was long ago given to the Dragon Kind; Dongfang You drank it and bore a dragon child. The other was sent to Changhuai Shan, allowing the Perfected Person there to have an heir, who is called Qing Jifang. All this was thanks to the Mingfang Xuanyuan's merit."

As Li Qinghong heard this, she realized both items had already been used by others, and immediately felt great disappointment. Noticing this, Cui Changfu said quietly:

"Taoist Fellow need not despair… When [Eastern Fire Cave Heaven] fell in years past, it was said to be presided over by Perfected Persons Yuan Su and Qiushui. Within that cave heaven, there must have been Zifu-level spiritual objects… Even if Chu Yi plundered much, Perfected Person still made a trip; surely something remains in their possession."

When Cui Changfu mentioned Chu Yi, he seemed somewhat hesitant; his lips trembled slightly, head bowed, but it was a single phrase enough to awaken one from a dream. Li Qinghong suddenly understood, joy rising in her heart:

"That's it!"

She had not known before that Eastern Fire Cave Heaven had passed through Yuan Su's hands. Now she realized he was certain to have Zifu-level spiritual objects, and her second uncle also served under Yuan Su; perhaps it would be easier to request from him.

She clasped her hands and thanked him, smiling:

"Many thanks, elder!"

Cui Changfu examined her carefully, stroking his beard and nodding. Li Qinghong hesitated for a moment, then finally spoke:

"There is one more thing, Qinghong would ask… My family also cultivates the Mingyang Taoist Lineage and hopes to gather five Immortal Foundations for a smoother family path…"

Knowing her request was somewhat impertinent, she adopted a very humble attitude, speaking gently:

"If it is convenient, might I borrow reference to your noble family's Taoist Lineage? We could exchange it with a cultivation technique… or offer magic artifacts or spiritual objects, with the terms set by your family."

"If you are unwilling, we would never have the intention of spying on your Taoist Lineage…"

After a few more words of apology from Li Qinghong, Cui Wanqing's countenance remained pleasant and even somewhat moved, but the family elders' faces darkened, and Cui Changfu answered with a rasped voice:

"The Taoist Lineage of our ancestors cannot be lent for reference."

He refused her without hesitation. Li Qinghong apologized once, then took a spiritual flower from her storage bag and handed it to the two, saying softly:

"Thank you, elder, for sharing the news. This is a [Wanling Flower], which can extend life and ease cares; please accept it as a small token of thanks."

Fearing her continued presence would cause unease, she summoned the thunder and departed. Cui Wanqing seemed to have a good impression of her, escorting her out and saying gently:

"Safe travels, elder."

After seeing Li Qinghong off, Cui Wanqing returned to the island, only to find Cui Changfu still sitting in place, fingers drumming restlessly on the table, old eyes filled with anxiety.

Cui Wanqing was a little curious, so she sat beside the old man and asked quietly:

"Grandfather… that Qinghong elder… seems straightforward and cheerful. Their family's Mingyang Taoist Lineage is not scarce; it's not unique. At worst, we give it… It would be mutually beneficial…"

"Ai…"

Cui Changfu twisted his beard but did not respond at once, finally saying softly:

"I fear they truly are Weili's remnant clan…"

He took a jade slip from his storage bag, studied it carefully, then also took out a map for detailed examination, and said quietly:

"Wangyue Marsh lies in the South River region. When the Martial Emperor campaigned southward, he passed through this area… Even met Immortals in the marsh. Could it be some bloodlines remain?"

Cui Wanqing was somewhat moved, whispered:

"Since they're the Imperial Clan of those days, why not fulfill their wish, grandfather? At most, it's an exchange of a cultivation technique… Our family may even gain something in return…"

Cui Changfu shook his head, speaking softly:

"I dare not…"

His face suddenly came alive, his eyes keen and piercing:

"Has it not been painful enough? When Eastern Qi replaced Wei, Li Xunquan rose in revolt, our ancestor sailed across the seas, bringing the Treasure Bead in assistance, and for nine years could not remove the head hung above Dianyang City."

"When Li Xuan restored the nation, our great-grandfather went to him, taking away the two brilliant and valiant grand-uncles. Thus the country was lost and slaughtered, three magic artifacts fell into enemy hands, and even the treasure ship was left in Xu Country."

"When Dongli Sect was founded, my great-grandfather was not yet Zifu, yet traveled on the wind to seek refuge, surrendering the entire Chongzhou Island to Dongli Sect. Dongli Perfected Person died a sudden death, the Sect was destroyed, great-grandfather fell in battle. Had it not been for Dongfang You's timely need for spiritual objects, we would have long since…"

He sighed, and quietly said:

"After all that, we can endure no more upheaval!"