Chapter 1449: Greater Good (II)

Hengxing turned away. A few drops of tears fell and transformed into a gust of red wind. She picked up a black feather from the ground, passed through the formation, and drifted away, dissolving into a streak of red.

Houfu stood quietly on the steps, watching her depart. After an unknown amount of time, he let out a breath and asked, "How is Ning Wan?"

Tinglan lowered her gaze and replied, "She has returned to the Azure Pond Sect. There is no news for now."

Deep exhaustion appeared in the eyes of the brown-robed youth. Cultivators of the Great Xiukui Temple were mostly proud, and Houfu in particular was known for valuing his dignity. Yet after all that had happened, he was utterly worn out. Looking at Li Ximing, he said softly, "We have made a spectacle of ourselves before Zhaojing. You may take your people back as appropriate. We still have matters to handle. We will discuss things with you again later."

Although the matter had long been settled, Li Ximing still felt somewhat despondent.

Even the region of the Three Streams cannot be held. From now on, the land beyond the river will be the domain of Buddhist cultivators...

The withdrawal of the Supreme Yang Dao lineage from Jiangbei was truly bad news for Li Ximing. Once Buddhist cultivators and devil cultivators entered White River Stream, who knew how much trouble would follow!

"Alright..." Li Ximing responded softly.

Houfu reached into his sleeve and took out a jade box. He lifted the lid and revealed the item inside. It was a palm-sized, round black stone pillar, with its recessed parts gleaming brightly.

"Fellow Daoist, make use of this for now... As for your injuries... we feel quite apologetic. We do not have the Qilin Radiance Illumination Pill with us at the moment. We will arrange some for you later."

Li Ximing declined a couple of times and did not accept it. When he took his leave, Houfu shook his head silently and said, "Have someone deliver it to Moongaze Lake. Though nothing happened at the lake this time, they were still frightened. It would not be good to let them entertain other thoughts."

After all, Li Zhouwei had stopped Helian Wumeng. Otherwise, the lake would likely have been a scene of slaughter. The matter might seem minor, but in truth it was not. If one were to pursue it, it would become quite troublesome.

Tinglan watched him leave and said softly, "He has always lacked a Bright Truth Harmonizing Divine Pill. Bright Yang spiritual essence is indeed good, but each portion used is one less portion. It should not be used excessively. You must weigh things carefully..."

Houfu looked somewhat helpless and lowered his gaze as he said, "Of course I know. Things are no longer as they were. Now that Jiangbei is lost, we will face difficulties everywhere. We did not even secure the items from Mifan. It is uncertain whether anything will reach our hands next time. We must act with restraint and make long-term plans.

"But Li Ximing is not like the others. Martial Uncle kept him within the formation and gave explicit instructions. It is already very clear. Since spiritual essence was specifically mentioned, we cannot withhold it...

"And in the eyes of others, it is the same. Li Ximing was close to us and gave his all to hold back Helian Wujiang. If he cannot receive a fair share of the good items even then, others will not remain willing to serve us. Not to mention, there is also Li Zhouwei!"

Houfu rubbed the center of his brows. Now that he had taken charge, he was keenly feeling the burdens Kuiqi once carried. He said, "As for the Bright Truth Harmonizing Divine Pill you mentioned, since he needs it, keeping it on hand will allow us to act more calmly next time."

"

Mm.

" Tinglan responded softly, "Now that we have returned to Jiangnan, things should be easier going forward... Xiao Chuting's intervention this time was unexpected... I wonder what will happen next... We should thank him for this matter, but we should not place our hopes on him in the future."

Houfu showed a trace of regret as he replied, "He cultivated [Pit Water] early on and forced a path forward through sheer will. Though Pit Water has no master, the path remains extremely difficult. The reason he returned is solely because the arrangements at Mount Xianyou are not yet complete."

After Li Ximing left the hall and exited the inner formation, he saw a sword cultivator of the Jade True Dao sitting by a green stone, pouring himself a drink. Daoist Master Zhusheng asked, "How is Fellow Daoist Kuiqi?"

He quickly understood from Li Ximing's troubled expression that the news was not good. He brushed his sleeves and stood, mourning silently for a few breaths, then shook his head with his hands behind his back and said, "I saw Fellow Daoist Hengxing rush out in haste without even stopping. I knew then that things were not good."

Li Ximing exchanged a few pleasantries with him, then Zhusheng said, "I heard from Tinglan that the Aged Courtly Path Scripture is in your possession. When there is an opportunity, I would like to take a look as well. Mainly for the [Dust of the Court]. It is also mentioned within my Dao lineage. It would be best if I could examine it."

One portion of the [Dust of the Court] had already been used in advance. Who knew how long it would be before another could be obtained? Still, he had merely mentioned it in passing. Zhusheng could see that Li Ximing was distracted and thus saw him off. Li Ximing took his leave, his heart filled with worry.

When he returned to the main hall, Li Minggong was still waiting at the side and reported, "The matter concerning the Fei Family has been reported. The family's intention is to... consult Mount Tangdao."

How could Li Ximing not understand Li Jiangqian's intent? It was only that Li Minggong had not experienced the upheaval within the family and only knew of Fei Chingyi's rebellion, hence the question.

Li Ximing's expression turned cold as he waved his hand and said, "Go directly to Wun Wu and have him deal with it."

In this matter, Li Ximing clearly felt more lingering fear than Li Zhouwei and the others. Li Minggong's expression turned serious as she quickly withdrew, leaving Li Ximing sitting alone in the hall.

The Daoist Master poured himself a cup of tea, his gaze drifting to the distant night sky where waves of black surged and shifted. The evening sun was completely obscured, without a trace of red visible.

He sat in silent thought. After a long while, he rested his hand on the table and raised his cup.

Yehui... what choice will he make...

————

Mount Xiaoshi.

The setting sun was blood red as wreckage lay everywhere. A massive golden body stood among the clouds, radiating layers of light. Monks ran about below while Master Monks rode the wind in all directions, exuding a chilling killing intent.

Buddhist cultivators were unlike the Immortal Dao and did not establish many formations. After several Merciful Ones captured Mount Xiaoshi, they immediately prepared to head for Mount Tangdao, leaving no time to clean up the place. The three Buddhist cultivators who had gone north had yet to return and were stationed near Mount Tangdao's main peak, leaving the place sparse and empty.

It was only when a Merciful One passed through and brought Helian Wumeng back to station here that the scattered resistance gradually faded away.

The man with eighteen glass beads at his waist approached on baleful qi, holding a long-handled oar blade. His expression was calm, but when he saw the monks and Master Monks swarming densely across the ground like ants, a trace of disgust appeared in his eyes.

Spreading wherever they go like weeds...

At that moment, a nun flew over from the side, standing upon a lotus throne. With a hint of delight on her face, she smiled and said, "Greetings, General Helian! I am Nuxiao, under the seat of Great Desire..."

Helian Wumeng glanced at her. After all, the Buddhist cultivators had just sent someone to receive him. Though her cultivation was lacking, her status seemed far from low; she was clearly someone with backing. His expression softened slightly as he said casually, "So it is Merciful One Nuxiao."

As if recalling something, he let out a few cold laughs and said, "I suppose whatever I saw at the shore, Merciful One Nuxiao knows quite clearly as well. You have come eagerly to inquire about it, have you not?"

After all, the war that allowed the Helian Family to rise was when the Qi Emperor campaigned against the Crown Prince of Wei. As a Purple Mansion Realm cultivator of the Helian Family, Helian Wumeng naturally knew the entanglements between these Buddhist cultivators and the Wei's Li factions.

Unexpectedly, Merciful One Nuxiao revealed a somewhat wistful regret at his question and replied, "The General speaks rightly... but that person's life is too valuable. It is not something a minor figure like me can lay a hand on. Perhaps one day, in a great siege, I might linger at the side and snatch a bite or two. That would already be considered fortunate..."

Are you even worthy? The [Heaven-Venerating Gate] is already adept at killing Merciful Ones. Once he grows stronger, if you dare show your face before him, that alone would count as courage!

Helian Wumeng was proud by nature and held himself in high regard. In all his years of battle, only that one person had ever made him regard them as a lifelong enemy after a single clash. Deep down, he looked down on Buddhist cultivators, and he let out a couple of cold disdainful laughs.

Yet the nun before him maintained her bright smile, completely unbothered by his cold attitude, and replied, "I have obtained a treasure. Seeing that the General has returned, I came specially to ask, hoping you might honor me with a look!"