Chapter 1228: Old Tales Of The Peacock (II)

No wonder!

The Peacock Sea was clearly under the Nine Mounds Immortal Mountain's suppression, yet peacocks flew freely across its lands. Li Ximing had wondered why, since relations between the immortals and the Buddhist orders were seldom harmonious.

Lingdu continued, "So when the Merciful One fell, it was both proper and expected that our Grand Daoist Master should visit. The temple has four Merciful Ones in total: one has fallen, one must report to the Buddhist lands, and another must receive our Grand Daoist Master, leaving only one with free hands.

"The item I mentioned lies within the Peacock Sea, a legacy left behind by the Tantai ancestors and closely tied to the peacock clan. It has been known for many years, but we have refrained from acting, fearing the peacocks would claim a share if any commotion arose. Our Grand Daoist Master, bound by personal ties, cannot overtly support us; thus we have waited till now, the perfect opportunity."

Li Ximing had mostly pieced things together during the explanation. He rubbed his teacup for a while, then smiled without giving a reply. He then said, "Since it is a treasure of the Tantai Family, what use could you possibly have for me?"

Lingdu paused briefly before replying, "First, the formation is difficult to unravel. Second... that Merciful One may sense the disturbance. While we retrieve the item below, we would need Zhaojing to hold him off for a while."

Li Ximing now understood. The Nine Mounds Immortal Mountain clearly wished to avoid a direct conflict with the Great Boon Bronze-Color Temple, so they needed someone unconnected to take the blame. The price offered was one of the Purple Mansion Realm spiritual flames hidden within that legacy.

Most likely, they intended for Houfu to play the scapegoat before I arrived. They were still discussing it when I appeared. Since I'm from the Wei's Li lineage and they don’t wish to offend any Buddhist cultivators... they used the lure of a spiritual flame to push me forward instead...

Li Ximing truly could not be certain whether this so-called inheritance had really been left behind by the Tantai ancestors. Yet the two of them spoke of it with such familiarity, as if it were their own, that he could not help but waver.

Just as he hesitated, Houfu suddenly spoke up, "Zhaojing, once that Merciful One appears, Senior Lingdu will not be able to handle him. No matter whether you or I step forward, that Merciful One will insist on a contest. In the end, our identities will be exposed through combat. Why not stand together? Two Purple Mansion Realm cultivators would be enough to intimidate him into retreating. We wouldn't even have to strike, and this would cut down ninety percent of the risk of exposure."

Houfu carried the weight of the Great Xiukui Temple behind him, and his words held authority. That made the proposal much more palatable. Even if something went wrong, Houfu could bear responsibility.

Li Ximing felt somewhat moved and asked deliberately, "Is the Great Boon Bronze-Color Temple under the Way of Compassion or the Way of Emptiness?"

Houfu replied, "It belongs to the Way of Compassion."

Li Ximing breathed a quiet sigh of relief. His grand-uncle Li Xuanfeng had once slain eighteen Buddhist cultivators of the Way of Emptiness along the river, shattering that lineage's great karmic destiny. If this matter had even the slightest connection to the Way of Emptiness, Li Ximing would never have touched it.

After a moment's thought, he nodded. "It's worth a try."

"Good!" Lingdu smiled and said, "I must trouble Zhaojing to cultivate in the mountains for a while. Once we have everything in order and the time of revelation draws near, we'll invite you over. Afterward, you can meet the Grand Daoist Master and proceed to the cleansing."

𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

In the end, Li Ximing decided to undergo the cleansing to dispel his doubts. The three brewed tea, exchanged nods, and settled the matter.

————

Moongaze Lake.

The moon hung full above the lake, its light rippling across the shimmering surface. Streaks of white dharma light rose from the shore now and then, darting toward the island; first to the central hall, where they lingered briefly, then gliding onward to the rear sanctuary.

At the head of the great hall sat a man in black robes, pen in hand. Three years had passed, yet Li Zhouluo's features had hardly changed. Only his movements, swift and efficient as he reviewed the reports, showed growth, and the once-nervous tension on his face had long since vanished.

He soon set down the pen and glanced outside; it was only midnight. Li Zhouluo's workload had visibly decreased since Li Xuanxuan had announced the three-year inspection plan.

Some of the peak offices that used to report even trivial matters had finally grown some sense; they now included proposed solutions with their petitions. Several sluggish family lineages that had long relied on favors suddenly came to life, busily running about the island each day. The clan officials governing the outskirts became paragons of selflessness and integrity, while the main lineage members who had gone there to “vacation” abruptly became clever and righteous, exposing a web of corrupt officials in a fit of moral fury. It even resulted in the downfall of a Dou Family member.

How exceedingly diligent they've become...

Li Zhouluo soon realized he hardly needed to exert effort anymore. Even when it came to dealing with a few external families, there were always relatives rushing forth in zealous crusades. Everything seemed to go well, except that the cultivators of Qingdu remained cool toward him. Though still respectful, they showed little warmth.

He knew that his handling of the Li Chengpan affair three years ago had indeed been lacking. The Qingdu cultivators' authority rested on keeping the main lineage in check, and his obvious partiality had muddled the accounts. Later, when he himself initiated the shadow-protection system, it only made it harder for them to like him.

But... none of that matters anymore...

Li Zhouluo firmly remembered Li Xuanxuan's words: one should act only according to one's ability. His purpose here was simply to earn goodwill and then step down. With that in mind, he felt far more at ease.

After a moment of thought, he noticed a man in plain robes waiting quietly nearby. Li Zhouluo smiled and said, "Uncle Chengpan, how are matters progressing in the west?"

The man before him was none other than Li Chengpan. That blood-script incident years ago had nearly forced Li Zhouluo to imprison the entirety of Qingdu. Later, when the matter was investigated, only Li Hun was officially charged. Even so, Li Zhouluo could no longer employ Li Chengpan in any sensitive position and instead appointed him as an assistant within the hall.

Li Chengpan bowed. "All matters are in order. This year's yield from the mines has already been delivered to the family."

Li Zhouluo sighed softly. By his estimation, there were not many days left before the Shadow Examination.

The old master said to let the concealment take effect early and allow them some joy for a while, so that when Jiangqian emerges, he doesn't have to play the villain so blatantly...

The current spiritual aura was Dwelling Heart that Charges Profundity, which favored Fire Virtue. Li Jiangqian's seclusion would not last much longer, and thus, this matter could not be delayed.

As he pondered, a breeze seemed to sweep through the courtyard, and a figure slowly appeared. The middle-aged man’s black robes shimmered like feathers, and a piece of dark jade about two feet long hung from his waist. His brows arched slightly, and his eyes held a trace of a smile.

"Father!" Li Zhouluo snapped to attention, hurried down the steps, and said joyfully, "You've come out of seclusion!"

Li Chenghuai's cultivation had grown ever more stable over the years. A dense gray radiance flowed faintly through his hair. Though his appearance was plain, the Untraceable Presence, his Concealment-type Immortal Foundation, made him seem even more unremarkable.

He nodded lightly and replied, "The ancestral rites are drawing near, and someone must oversee the family's affairs. I judged that Jiangqian would soon emerge from seclusion, so I came out myself. I took a walk around the island and saw that our household is lively and bustling, with a good atmosphere... you've done well."

Li Zhouluo knew very well what lay behind that liveliness, and a hint of shame crossed his face as he said softly, "Father... you've misunderstood..."