"I gained many marvelous methods and refined several spell arts beyond my predecessors, yet none are of great use to the family. Only one spell remains of value. It is called the Merging and Dividing Art of Majestic Glows. It was an ancient art obtained together with the Glazed Pagoda of Unrestrained Boundary.
"After obtaining this art, I realized it was as profound as transforming separation into union. Yet its limitations were great. Over the years, I gradually improved it until it took its present form...
"This art... intends to refine light into Majestic Earth, descending from heaven to earth, turning glows into mountains.”
Li Ximing was faintly shaken and asked, "Does this offer a chance at liberation?”
Li Xizhi laughed softly and shook his head. He replied, "I do not possess that much ability. If I had that level of attainment, I would not be troubled here. This art, however, will be of use to you. It can transform glows into Majestic Earth. Heavenly Glow is abundant across the world. There are many spirit items of that type, yet their uses are limited. If you hold this art, you may attempt to convert them into Majestic Earth spirit items.”
Li Ximing showed little joy. Instead, his expression was complicated. His brother clearly harbored ambitions toward the Purple Mansion Realm. Being confined to Splitreed Island for so many years had bound him for far too long. They met each other's gaze.
After a moment of silence, Li Ximing lowered his head and asked, "If you go to Xia Mountain, do not act rashly. Without a cultivation technique... be cautious when attempting to break into the Purple Mansion Realm.”
"I understand.” Li Xizhi smiled and shook his head as he said, "There is one more matter... The Glazed Pagoda of Unrestrained Boundary that I obtained from various cultivators was not merely to add to the family's foundations. There is something even more important within...”
.bg-ssp-10081{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;display:flex;justify-content:center;} Li Ximing immediately cast him a questioning look. His brother continued, "Daoist Master Yuanxiu had seen this item. At that time, he already knew he would certainly die, and he no longer hoped you would join the Azure Pond Sect. He wished instead to accumulate merit. Unable to find your whereabouts, he secretly bestowed his favor upon me.
"He left one instruction. The Glazed Pagoda of Unrestrained Boundary itself is not important. The key lies in the spirit items within. On the surface, they appear to be only Foundation Establishment Realm objects, but at the very bottom, there is a Purple Mansion Realm spirit item!
"That spirit item is the Sky Unrestrained Boundary Stone. It has long since vanished from the world. If the family ever reaches dire straits, this dharma artifact can be shattered to extract that Purple Mansion Realm spirit item.”
Li Ximing suddenly understood. He let out a long sigh. "Brother...”
Li Xizhi shook his head and said softly, "Senior Yuanxiu hoped that... one day, if Si Yuanli were to break through and face hardship from someone, we might lend a hand.
"This matter left no written record, no oath, and no binding agreement. Purple Mansion Realm items are, after all, precious. I feared mishap along the way and did not lightly tell others. Daoist Master, you may simply hear it for yourself.”
Li Ximing nodded. Li Xizhi took a sip of tea and looked up. "The Yang Family's ambitions are vast, not confined to a single sect or gate... Who knows what the future will hold? Chenghuai and his mother are safest and most suited to remain at Splitreed. As for Zhouluo... he can serve as a minor pillar, but he is not one to shoulder the cauldron. Let him live his life in peace.”
He set down his teacup. Li Ximing hesitated, but he ultimately explained the matter of the dharma sword. Li Xizhi sighed and said, "These matters have burdened the family.”
He rose to his feet with a smile. "These cultivation techniques and spell arts that I have researched myself, I leave to the family as a safeguard. May our descendants no longer need to cultivate Heavenly Glow from this day forward.”
1. 梭摩 (Suō mó) A mythic ritual substance from ancient Indian Vedic tradition, regarded as a divine elixir associated with the moon, vitality, and sacred power. ☜
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