Chapter 1266: Imperial Edict (I)

Li Zhouwei let out a heavy breath and replied, "I understand."

The Dragon Clan did not send him to the Lie Sea merely to reunite family. What Li Qinghong could say also implicitly carried the intent of the Dragon Clan. The importance of True Essence was so great that the Bei Sea Dragon King had repeatedly reminded her, and insisted that Li Qinghong explain it to him in person.

"One side is a Bright Yang gambit, and the other is a True Essence gambit. They likely fear that our Li Family might be drawn into it, causing the two lines of play to intersect and interfere with the Dragon Clan's pursuit of True Essence."

Li Zhouwei understood this clearly in his heart,

The matter of Bright Yang may involve some old sentiments, but more than anything it is about preventing Bright Yang from falling into Luoxia's hands. Yet all of it is secondary to the pursuit of the True Dragon. Once that matter is involved, let alone the descendants of Wei's Li, even dragon descendants would be killed without hesitation. This visit is a warning from the Bei Sea and Mu Sea lineages within the Dragon Clan.

Li Qinghong watched his expression, took a sip of tea, and said, "There is no need to touch True Essence. Just wait properly at home until you break through."

She seemed to recall something, hesitated with the words on her lips for a long while, then lowered her gaze and said, "It is a pity about Chenghui."

Li Zhouwei fell silent, unsure what to say. It was only after a long while that he spoke, "My uncle and I guarded the river for ten years, ever vigilant and on edge. I often felt that the road ahead was short. I was still better off, but my uncle slept with weapon in hand, fearing that his time would be up once the Mount Wu anomaly manifested. Those days have already passed, yet he ended up falling here."

Li Chenghui had been the closest to Li Qinghong among the Chengming generation. They had once been stationed together at Zongquan Island to cultivate, and because of matters of Dao lineage, Li Chenghui often sought her guidance. Li Qinghong was likely the one who grieved his sudden fall the most.

Li Qinghong fell silent for a moment, then said, "Back then, I believed he was the most promising of the Chengming generation. He was cautious in temperament and capable of bearing great responsibility. He truly did not disappoint."

The atmosphere between them immediately grew heavy. Li Zhouwei did not wish to dwell on it and shifted the topic, cupping his hands as he said, "Earlier, I passed through the Reef Sea and saw quite a commotion. Two groups of cultivators were fighting fiercely, with people from Thunder Island and Crimson Reef Island both present. I had heard that the Reef Sea usually does not have many cultivators. What is this about?"

Li Qinghong thought for a moment and replied, "It should be related to the Reef Sea Dragon King. He has broken through and emerged, becoming another late stage Purple Mansion Realm Dragon King. Perhaps he will build a dragon palace before long and hold a celebratory banquet. They may have come for this."

Li Zhouwei was somewhat puzzled, yet he still nodded and said, "But I only saw people from these two factions. Perhaps their information travels faster."

Li Qinghong considered it carefully and then said thoughtfully, "What you said reminds me of something. The Reef Sea Dragon King is the Black Dragon Succession, and Thunder Island once helped the Black Dragon Succession. If the Reef Sea Dragon King is celebrating his longevity, it would be reasonable for Thunder Island to come in force. As for Crimson Reef Island, that is harder to say."

Li Zhouwei immediately understood and said quietly, "In that case, since our family is on good terms with the White Dragon Succession, it is probably unwise for us to have much contact with the Reef Sea, lest we be deliberately troubled. After all, they are the Dragon Clan. If they truly take issue, our family would not be able to bear it."

Li Qinghong nodded. "That is true. However, the Dragon Clan have clear objectives and are united on this front. They will not make things too difficult for you at present. Just avoid the Reef Sea and do not put them in an awkward position."

Li Zhouwei responded, just as the white robed attendant quickly entered the pavilion and reported respectfully, "Pool master, the Yingshou of the seabed have examined the dharma artifact and sent their reply. This artifact can harmonize Mansion Water. By refining it with Harmonizing Abyss Spirit Water, the Pristine Water within can be transformed and unified. Adding another layer of Unified Metal harmonization with the mansion aspect, it can be refined into a blue metal gourd about two and a half centimeters larger than before. The method of wielding it will change from hand held to being cradled or worn at the waist. It will gain two additional wondrous functions and will be even better at summoning water to suppress enemies."

The seabed demonic creatures had given them a very detailed description. Li Qinghong listened half attentively, and only after the report was finished did she glance at Li Zhouwei and ask, "Minghuang, what do you think?"

Li Zhouwei briefly assessed the description. The green gourd had originally been inferior to the Deng Family's fan. There were gains and losses with these changes, yet it was somewhat improved.

Though it still could not compare to the fan, he said, "It is excellent."

Li Qinghong nodded, turned to look at Yuanzi, and asked, "How much time will it take?"

Yuanzi bowed and replied, "At least six months. It is expected to be between half a year and nine months."

Her gaze shifted back. Li Zhouwei had no particular arrangements, since cultivation could be done anywhere and he still had many secret techniques to practice, so he nodded and said, "That poses no problem. I happen to be looking for a place to enter seclusion. Would the Lie Sea be convenient?"

Li Qinghong thought for a while and replied, "The thunder within the pool is abundant and domineering, so it is naturally unsuitable for Minghuang's cultivation. The Lie Sea below also has no real places for cultivation, at most Sea Otter Mountain, whose spiritual energy is not even as good as that on the continent. It would be a hardship for you, Zhouwei."

The outer-sea were barren, inferior even to the Eastern Sea, let alone comparable to Jiangnan. Li Zhouwei naturally understood this and said a few polite words.

Li Qinghong then said, "I will have Yuanzi see you down."

Li Zhouwei returned the salute, let out a long breath, and replied, "Now that I have seen you, my lady, I can finally give an account to my family..."

Li Qinghong returned the gesture with a faint smile. He then followed the white robed attendant out, heading first toward the sea. The carriage that had brought him earlier was already parked by the pool. The surroundings were still empty, with no one in sight. Yuanzi respectfully invited him onto the carriage without any unnecessary words.

Li Qinghong's palace had very few attendants. It truly matched her temperament, simple and forthright. As the carriage sank into the sea, Sea Otter Mountain emerged just as plainly. Although there were temples and halls upon the mountain, the buildings were orderly and not all that tall. Several Daoists burned incense and prayed quietly in front courtyards and rear yards as they cultivated thunder arts.

Yet when the carriage burst through the clouds, the tranquility below was instantly shattered, and visible panic spread. A crowd of Daoists gathered beneath the dharma altar atop the mountain. From afar, one could see black cloth headwraps swaying across the ground.

Boom!

The carriage descended onto the dharma altar, releasing a thunderous roar as silver light rippled outward. One man below took the lead and called out, "Celestial Cloud Monastery, leading the fourteen Dao lineages of the Second Profound Celestial Thunder, respectfully welcomes the Celestial Thunder Envoy. We reverently receive the command of thunder and carry out the immortal decree."

All the Daoists bowed in unison. It seemed that dharma flutes and zithers were being played on both sides. In front, Yuanzi's voice rang out clear and crisp, "There is no formal edict. I only bear a verbal mandate. The White Qilin of the Bright Yang Dao has come to visit the Thunder Pool and will rest at Sea Otter Mountain. I have been ordered to accompany my lord in choosing a place for cultivation. There is no need for great ceremony, yet there must be no neglect."

"This humble cultivator receives the order.”