The Mirror Legacy

Chapter 1487: The Vanguard Pawn (II)

Li Zhouwei thought for a moment and asked, “I have heard that the spirit material for the [Qilin Radiance Illumination Pill] comes from a spirit flower said to bloom and wither every year, its fallen petals turning into tiny creatures… It was obtained from the Eastern Fire Grotto Heaven in the past. My family is somewhat interested in exchanging for it.”

A treasure that bloomed and withered every year would surely yield at least one portion of spirit material annually. Its value far surpassed ordinary items. Li Zhouwei deliberately set the bar high, speaking only of exchange.

When he asked this, Tianhuo shook his head with a smile and said, “Although this item was obtained by our Golden Feather Sect, it lies outside my elder cousin Qiushui’s cave dwelling and belongs to her. Taking a bit of spirit material in ordinary times is fine, but she has entered the stage of mercury transformation to preserve her nature and cannot be disturbed.

“Even if it were possible, I would find it difficult to ask her. However, I obtained the [Qilin Radiance Refining Method] for the [Qilin Radiance Illumination Pill] long ago, and today I will present it to you, Fellow Daoist.”

Li Zhouwei had expected he might bring out this technique. He frowned slightly and asked, “Please go on, senior.”

Tianhuo’s expression turned serious as he said, “This technique has a long history and deep origins. It was originally used within the imperial court and official residences of the Wei State. It is also supported by multiple secret arts. Several Dao lineages could not unlock it, but our Golden Feather Sect ancestors inherited a portion of the legacy and are able to open it.

“But with the fall of the Wei State, Bright Yang underwent many changes, and this technique became largely unusable. This particular version was later modified by a Daoist Master of the Cui Family, allowing it to be used once more!”

“So it is a unique version.” Li Zhouwei said softly, “Without the required spirit material, even if my family obtained the alchemy technique, we would not be able to use it.”

Tianhuo smiled in reply. “Just as I told you, the produced spirit material has always been stored within the Golden Feather Sect. You need only send someone to exchange for it.”

With that, he extended a hand and took out a golden scroll from the jade box, saying with a solemn expression, “Since we have obtained an ancient technique from your esteemed family, we now return one in kind. This is the original [Qilin Radiance Refining Method] from the Eastern Fire Grotto Heaven, named the [Qilin Light Yang Pill Scroll]!”

The golden scroll was patterned on all four corners. It felt delicate and soft to the touch, like woven gold. With such consideration and a fitting pretext, Li Zhouwei found it difficult to refuse. He could only accept it with thanks, place it back into the jade box, and say, “My thanks, senior.”

Tianhuo smiled and replied, “I will not trouble you further… Distinguished guests will soon arrive at the sect, and several important matters must be discussed. I should return to receive them. It would not be proper to remain here for long.”

Li Zhouwei’s expression did not change. He raised his head slightly and gently closed the jade box with his left hand, leaving it on the table as he asked, “It seems the matters in Jiangbei are troublesome.”

Tianhuo’s smile remained unchanged as he replied, “I think it is more than that.”

Li Zhouwei’s expression remained unchanged.

What kind of distinguished guests would require multiple Purple Mansion Realm cultivators of the Golden Feather Sect to receive them, and even compel Tianhuo to return on time?

Li Zhouwei’s breakthrough had come suddenly, and for a time, the lakeside had remained calm. The north had also seemingly not reacted. Yet this visit from Daoist Master Tianhuo had faintly revealed a glimpse of something deeper.

It is not just Jiangbei, but Jiangnan as well.

Li Zhouwei escorted Tianhuo all the way out over the lake. The Golden Feather Sect Daoist Master’s smile gradually faded, and he remained silent. Only just before leaving did he suddenly say, “Minghuang made his breakthrough in the Eastern Sea, yet you were willing to return… I suppose you have no plans to leave now.”

Li Zhouwei looked at him quietly and smiled as he said, “I simply returned in time to save the disciples on the lake from Helian Wumeng.”

Tianhuo gave him a deep look before finally dispersing like smoke and vanishing from sight.

————

Poluoduo.

When Li Ximing arrived riding the wind, the Xipo Kingdom still appeared colorful and peaceful. Yet as soon as he landed in the pavilion, the demon king leaped to his feet to greet him, saying with delight, “Fellow Daoist, you arrived so quickly! Fellow Daoist Qingyan has not yet returned!”

Although Liu Changdie had guaranteed things, Li Ximing had already taken the Radiant Fire, which naturally caused concern. Now, as Fuxun approached cheerfully, Li Ximing did not say much. He simply explained his arrangements and his intention to retrieve the spirit items, asking as he did, “When will Fellow Daoist return?”

“I have already asked… He is in the Splitreed region searching for a spirit item on the island. He is easier to deal with… He is close with others and has some reputation, so he can assist you from the side. My identity is special, so it is not convenient for me to enter Huyi…”

Fuxun looked somewhat awkward and immediately glanced at Liu Changdie, clearly hoping he would go to Huyi as well. Liu Changdie, however, appeared relaxed and simply smiled as he said, “Then let us set off! There have been many troubles lately, and I happen to be heading to Splitreed Island. That vermilion bird is stirring again. Since I have already made an agreement with Huoyang, Fellow Daoist Fuxun should not leave Xipo Kingdom. You and I will go together and make haste, then wait for Fellow Daoist Qingyan in Fenkuai!”

Fuxun had no choice but to take out the two spirit items. He handed over a communication jade talisman and placed the items into two golden boxes that shimmered with spirit light. He also took out a storage pouch, clearly containing supplementary ingredients, and handed everything to Li Ximing, looking somewhat reluctant.

Li Ximing could not help but smile. He reached out to take them, but his arm immediately tensed, and a trace of surprise crossed his face, “Oh?”

Of the two golden boxes, one was as light as air, while the other was as heavy as a mountain. He had no choice but to use his divine ability and channel his mana, exerting force with all five fingers before he could lift them with ease and store them in his sleeve.

Fuxin exhaled. “I entrust this to you, Fellow Daoist!”

The two bid farewell to the demon king and rose into the air before traveling through the great void. Liu Changdie had already calmed down and, out of curiosity, asked about his descendants.

Li Ximing, however, took a moment and smiled as he said, “Earlier, I heard Senior say that certain wondrous methods can nurture spirit materials… I wonder, does the [Mansion Water] Dao conflict with yours, Fellow Daoist?”

Liu Changdie nodded and replied, “Before the [Unified-Stored Interlocking Seal], Stored Metal is simply accumulated metal. Aside from conflicting with certain Water and Fire Virtues, it harmonizes with most things. As for the various waters, aside from Valley, Converge and Pristine Waters, the rest are highly beneficial when encountering [Stored Metal].

“After the [Unified-Stored Interlocking Seal], many of its characteristics become less distinct. While the conflicts are no longer as intense as before, the harmony and benefits are also less pronounced… yet it still retains its own wondrous qualities.”

Li Ximing calculated briefly and saw that Mansion Water would also benefit. His mind settled on the matter. Liu Changdie, however, smiled and said, “Is there some treasure you wish me to look at?”

Li Ximing only smiled without speaking. Liu Changdie understood that there was no formation here and it was not convenient to speak further. The two then returned together. At the coast, Li Ximing parted ways with him and rushed straight to Huyi. Upon arriving and making inquiries, Houfu was indeed absent, but had left instructions that if Li Ximing came, he could proceed directly to the [Hall of Passing Guilt] to refine pills.

The [Hall of Passing Guilt] was located behind the main hall at the mountain peak. It was not particularly tall, and only a three-story pavilion. A disciple of the Xiukui Dao Gate led him there, where a five-legged spirit furnace stood properly at the center of the hall.

Below it flickered faint traces of purple dharma light, likely nourishing a spirit artifact. The Xiukui disciple bowed and withdrew, closing and sealing the hall doors behind him. Li Ximing then lightly turned his hand and took out a jade box from his storage pouch.

Inside the box, three pitch-black scales flickered faintly, releasing a dense aura of Pit Water. They were the [Cangzhou Serpent Scales].

First, I will start the furnace and refine pills, settling the fifteen for Master Dingyang. It will also serve to warm up the furnace and bring some good fortune. Then, once the others arrive, I will begin refining this great elixir!