Li Jiangqian went to the river while looking up at the sky, the clear air transformed by Tian Zhongqing's fall was no longer visible, the scorching sun was scorching, and the lake was breathtakingly bright.
"Summer is getting drier and drier year by year."
Although he moved to Shanyue in the early years, his power fell, and it was affected by the dispute between the north and the south, which can be regarded as a bumpy road, but fortunately, Tian Zhongqing returned safely at that time, although the younger generation was gone, there are still some powerful favors left in the family, Li Jiangqian was delayed for a while, and now there are many people on the riverbank.
Although Chen Yuan left, the Chen family, as a big family alongside the An family, had many people who could support the scene, not to mention that now Chen Donghe came in person, Li Jiangqian looked around, except for Li Chenghuai and a few people in retreat, almost most of the real power figures on the lake came.
He was not surprised, it was not a secret that the surname Wang on the lake was intertwined, and the Li family had also been married to the foreign surnames below for many years, and they were integrated.
Tian Ling, the master of the Tian family, was dressed in white, waiting on the bank of the river, he was a special case, his father Tian Rong was stabbed to death by a maid, he grew up alone in Qingdu, and served in Yuting and Huzhou successively, but his cultivation was not high, and he was not an important role.
"I've seen the head of the family."
Li Jiangqian comforted him a few times, and when he fell by the river, Li Jiangqian glanced at the overlapping reeds and said a few polite words, which was quite revealing, which was considered to give face.
Retreating from the front of the stage, he went to find Li Xuanxuan, the old man was quite sad between his eyebrows, saw him at a glance, and replied:
"Qian'er is returning to the continent? Take me back and bring one or two things over."
He nodded, took the old man's hand, and flew to the lake with the fire, while asking:
"What is the old man taking, do you still need to go by yourself?"
Li Xuanxuan sighed:
"I think the juniors of the Tian family are really not doing well, they should help and have to help... The old man has saved some spiritual objects, and now he is taking them... If you see an excellent one, stuff some over."
Li Jiangqian nodded thoughtfully and replied:
"Just leave it to the junior."
Before Li Xuanxuan could answer, Li Jiang's pupil shift technique was running, he glanced at it slightly, and was slightly stunned:
"Huh?"
I saw a man and a woman standing in the clouds by the lake, although the woman was ordinary, she had a good temperament, holding a sword as cold as ice and snow in her arms, with a slight smile.
A young man stood beside him, extremely handsome, looking twenty-eight or nineteen years old, with a jade belt around his waist, dark green on his upper body, dark boots on his feet, and a short talisman sword around his waist.
Li Jiangqian greeted him with a smile, saluted the woman first, and said:
"I've seen Aunt Xinghan."
Li Xinghan replied, and hurriedly came to pay respects to Li Xuanxuan, and the young man also saluted in surprise, and there was a lot of excitement, Li Jiangqian turned to see the man, pretended not to know, and asked:
"This is..."
"In the lower valley tobacco dealer, Zhuang Pingye."
Zhuang Pingye replied with a smile, Li Jiangqian took a look, and sure enough, it was the famous descendant of the talisman sword in Gu Yan, and praised:
"Dao is friendly and handsome."
Zhuang Pingye's appearance is extremely handsome, his handsome is rich, noble, gorgeous and dashing, this face is open, the lips are red and the teeth are white, the chin is round, so luxurious that it is impossible to take your eyes off it, but it cannot be called graceful, better than Li Xizhi, but not as good-looking as Li Xizhi, and it is also completely different from Li Xijun's cold and handsome.
His appearance and temperament were first-class, and he naturally heard a lot of praise, so he politely saluted Li Jiangqian and replied:
"I've seen the head of the family!"
This voice is also very good, people can't help but believe it, just look at this one, Zhuang Pingye is really an impeccable husband, Li Xuanxuan looked at it with a smile and nodded slightly.
Li Jiangqian nodded, and the other party immediately said:
"I heard that Xinghan loves swordsmanship, so I just received a book on swordsmanship with a distinctive swordsmanship in the desert, so I brought it to study with her."
Li Jiangqian glanced at it, and saw Li Xinghan nodding lightly, saying a few polite words, and holding Zhuang Pingye a few words, although the young man laughed, he came back politely one by one, and Li Jiangqian didn't disturb him much, so he took his leave and left.
"This appearance and temperament are not wronged to my aunt, nor are I a brainless person... Although he is a few years older, he still has great hope for building a foundation...'
Li Jiangqian rode the wind back, and at the same time had some impressions of this person, Li Xuan preached:
"Seeing that Xinghan is not disgusted, he is magnanimous and generous, and when it comes to feelings, he often rises and falls like ups and downs like cups and bowls and tea, so inquire early - how many brothers are there in the family? The paternal line is highly cultivated, so what about the maternal line, but what are the bad deeds... Stop early, so as not to harm others and yourself."
Li Jiangqian said cautiously:
"Old man, I have already inquired clearly, he is Zhuang Cheng's legitimate son, the youngest, his mother died early, he is a small clan woman, and there is nothing to continue, so Zhuang Cheng has seven concubines... There are very few legitimate sons, he is very favored, and there are many maids and singers around him, and he has no children."
Li Jiangqian spoke only a few words, but his meaning was clear. Li Xuanxuan frowned, but his own son, also lingering on this topic, hesitated and did not respond. The two of them descended back to the island, having already reached Qingdu. The old man sighed, "It's inevitable... let's see."
Soon, they landed, and Li Jiangqian, alone, rode the fire back to the island's main hall and took a seat. A guard arrived to announce that Xia Shouyu was waiting outside.
After all, this person had been personally chosen by Li Ximing, and was a Foundation Establishment cultivator, Li Jiangqian showed her considerable respect and immediately invited her in. Xia Shouyu was ushered into the hall, bowed, and said, "Greetings, Master... I've been looking for Master Zhou Ming these past few days, but couldn't find him this morning. I heard someone say he went for an outing by the lake, but there's no sign of him. The weather isn't very pleasant, so I came to inquire..."
"Outing in the scorching sun... where else could he go... he's having a romantic outing." Li Zhouming had been quite honest recently, so much so that Li Xuanxuan almost thought he was turning over a new leaf. Perhaps he couldn't hide his true colors, and he was itching to meet another woman. Li Jiangqian, feeling embarrassed, smiled and said, "My uncle does have a habit of going outings, often riding his horse alone, where even the servants can't find him."
Xia Shouyu observed him briefly and understood a lot. However, since the engagement hadn't been finalized, how could someone as thoughtful as her carelessly consider this matter? After a moment's pause, she smiled and said, "I understand now. It was just a casual remark. The wedding is approaching, so I've come to see the head of the family to discuss the details."
She said sternly, "I originally wanted someone from my family to come, but I'm concerned about Master's affairs... Master had already instructed us not to reveal our whereabouts. I'm afraid that if one of my family's cultivators came, their whereabouts would be revealed along the way. Discussing matters alone would be inconsiderate, so I've come to ask the head of the family..."
Li Jiangqian pondered for a moment, also observing the other person's expression, calculating for a moment.
Xia Shouyu's engagement was arranged by Li Ximing himself, and his background was unknown. However, Li Jiangqian had no right to question it, and the other person was thorough and thorough, leaving nothing to chance.
With her words, even asking her elders to meet seemed unnecessary. It wasn't clear if she was trying to retreat or if she truly wanted to discuss things. With Li Ximing's reputation at stake, Li Jiangqian could only say:
"Senior, please be cautious. The engagement should proceed according to the rules. With the Immortal Master present, it doesn't matter when we meet on the other side..."
He put the letter down and smiled:
"However, Senior, you are a rare member of the 'Xianhuo' lineage. Everything is meticulous. Feel free to mention any good places on the lake for your cultivation. After all, you belong to this lineage, and now you can't communicate with them. You can also write down any spiritual objects you need to practice high-level techniques."
"Family The younger generation here is also very curious about the 'Fire' and wants to ask for advice."
Xia Shouyu's heart sank, but a smile played on his face.
"No need for spiritual objects; I brought enough with me when I left home. As for asking for advice... I wouldn't dare instruct the immortals. If the younger generation comes, I will definitely teach them what they need."
Li Jiangqian spoke, but then heard footsteps in front of the hall. Cui Jueyin appeared anxiously at the door, bowed, and swallowed his words. He listened, saying:
"Master... the people from the Jinyu Sect have arrived. They are the closest people to Master Qiushui. Master Zhang Duanyan of the Jinyu Sect... is already waiting outside the continent."
"Qiushui? Zhang Duanyan!"
If there were two people in Jiangnan who should not be provoked, it would be Master Yuan Xiu, the last remaining of the Three Yuans, and Master Qiushui. Both of them have reached the stage of reaching the Golden Core stage, and even the other Masters of Purple Mansions are intimidated by them.
True Man Qiushui is a Great True Man of the "Complete Dan" nature, and a member of the Jinyu Zhang family, his status is even higher than Yuan Xiu's. This Duan Inkstone holds as much influence within the Jinyu Sect as the Sect Master!
Li Jiangqian's pupils dilated slightly. He suddenly stood up and walked briskly back down the stage, offering a slight apology to Xia Shouyu. He replied, "Your distinguished guest has arrived. I will go out to greet you. I apologize for neglecting you, Senior."
Xia Shouyu didn't mind the slight; she was simply relieved. Li Jiangqian disappeared into the hall in a few steps, and she hurriedly retreated to her own cave.
Li Jiangqian, uneasy, left the hall and ascended on the wind. Sure enough, he saw a woman standing in the small pavilion at the edge of the island.
The tall woman, clad in golden clothing, wore a golden veil covering half her face. The exposed eyes were calm, and her skin was fair. Her hands were clasped behind her back. An elderly man, half-closed eyes and hunched back, stood beside her.
At that moment, the woman stood in the pavilion, gazing at the lakeside scenery with a smile, seemingly admiring it. However, her upright posture and the slight hesitation in her movements betrayed a sense of unrest within her.
Li Jiangqian hurriedly landed outside the pavilion on his fire, walked in, and bowed, saying, "Greetings, envoy from the Immortal Sect."
Zhang Duanyan turned, returned the greeting, glanced at him briefly, and said, "You are Li Jiangqian... Let's talk inside."
Li Jiangqian and Cui Jueyin led the two men inside, through the formation, and into the main hall. Zhang Duanyan took in the scenery and nodded, saying, "The Li family has made considerable achievements in lake management, surpassing even the Jiang family in the past."
Li Jiangqian bowed and said, "The Jiang family are descendants of the Yuan Mansion. We can't compare. It's just that thanks to the Immortal Master's blessing, they have prospered somewhat in recent years..."
Zhang Duanyan smiled faintly. Facing the envoy from the Golden Feather Sect, Li Jiangqian did not lead his men to the main hall, but instead headed to the back hall.
There was no other reason. There was only one main seat in the main hall, and there was a hierarchy of primary and secondary. Zhang Duanyan wasn't from the Purple Mansion, but she was its mouthpiece, and her background was distinguished. With her own master away, Li Jiangqian would have seemed overly attentive if he had allowed her to sit in the main seat, and he would have been too arrogant if he had sat in the main seat himself. So, he went to the back hall and sat down at the table. Cui Jueyin served her tea.
Li Jiangqian said respectfully:
"The Immortal Sect's envoy has visited my humble abode, brightening the lake. I wonder what advice he has for me..."
"I do have some arrangements. I wonder if there has been any news from the Immortal Sect in recent years? It would be best if he were here to handle the current situation."
Zhang Duanyan nodded gently, smiling at his politeness. He inquired about Li Ximing's whereabouts. Li Jiangqian replied:
"The Immortal Sect is traveling overseas and has not yet returned. If the Immortal Sect's envoy has any news for me to convey to him, I'm afraid it won't be possible."
Zhang Duanyan sighed softly and replied:
"The Patriarch has misunderstood. A few days ago, an envoy from the north arrived at the gate of Jinyu Mountain, bearing the Immortal Sect's orders. They negotiated with Jinyu and settled important matters, sending me south to deliver the message to the various sects."
"An envoy from the north?"
The Zhang family has always been hostile to Buddhist cultivators. The fact that Zhang Duanyan could call them envoys from the north, and even considered them inferior to him, made their origins quite clear.
"Luoxia Mountain!"
Li Jiangqian had just understood when Zhang Duanyan finished speaking. She had already risen from her seat, her veil gone, revealing a beautiful face with bright eyes, white teeth, and a beautiful complexion. She whispered,
"I should have received the imperial edict in the Tiantai Dharma Realm. Fortunately, I've already received it once in Jinyu. Now, I'm delivering the edict. Although I'm one level lower in immortal status, it's still not appropriate to deliver it in the palace. Without reaching the heavens, this palace will surely collapse. Before my feet reach the ground, the brick and stone pillars will shatter..."
Li Jiangqian merely asked her to move a step. Behind the rear hall was a courtyard facing the sky, and Zhang Duanyan estimated that it was spacious enough. Then he said, "Please bow first."
The old man who had come with him had already prostrated himself on the ground, his expression reverent to the point of fear. Li Jiangqian and Cui Jueyin followed suit. Zhang Duanyan, with a solemn expression, stepped back half a step, bowed, raised his hands above his head, and said respectfully, "The profound purple reflection, the Wu light, the rosy clouds, the golden one, this way, I beg you to grant me."
There was no trembling of the abyss, no flickering of magical light. Suddenly, her hand trembled slightly, and a scroll of immortal decree with a brown border and a white background appeared. It looked as ordinary as any mortal book, lying flat in her hand.
Li Jiangqian's heart trembled, but he didn't dare to ask any more questions. He only listened as all the birds in the garden disappeared, the wind died down, and the bright light in the sky dimmed.
Zhang Duanyan's expression was solemn, her once calm eyes now filled with a solemnity. Her voice was low and deep:
"On the 22nd day of the seventh month of the 22nd year of the Shenxuan era, Wu Guang received the rites of consecration. The Immortal Chariot will travel to the Three Rivers of Jiangbei to observe the mundane world and spread virtue and benevolence. He will then journey to Qi and Lu, returning in the sixth month of the sixth year. In all places he passes, families must burn incense and perform rituals, close their doors, and refrain from disturbing others. Wherever the Immortal Chariot passes, respect and yield first, avoiding any consequences."
Zhang Duanyan merely spoke, the scroll of the Immortal Order remaining unopened. Perhaps because the Li family was not qualified, or perhaps because opening it would lead to something terrible, the scroll lay flat in her hands.
But her voice still echoed. Silence fell all around. Li Jiangqian slowly lowered his head, his heart thundering.
"The [Immortal Chariot] of Luoxia Mountain will travel to Jiangbei to observe the mundane world..."
Who else could be the Immortal Chariot of Luoxia Mountain? Of course, it would be the True Lord! "Observing the mundane world..." This phrase is quite pleasant, conveying a superior aura, signifying the True Lord's imminent reincarnation!
"He traveled to Qi and Lu, returning after six years and six months..."
This True Lord will journey from Jiangbei all the way to Qi and Lu, returning to Luoxia Mountain after six years and six months, repeating Chu Yi's past deeds!
As for the words "respect and yield first" and "avoid creating karma," these are more like compassionate reminders than warnings. The True Lord will ascend to the fruition stage to observe the sufferings of the world. All aristocratic families and immortal sects standing in his way will dissipate like smoke and dust.
"Back then, Chu Yi suddenly rose to power and annihilated the aristocratic families of Yufu County. My family was completely unaware, only speculating. Now... having achieved the Purple Mansion, he is now qualified to obey Luoxia Mountain's orders..."
While Li Jiangqian was still pondering, Cui Jueyin, beside him, was frozen in place, as still as a statue, his legs trembling slightly. As a direct descendant of the Cui family, who had endured numerous tortures abroad, his fear of the True Lord far exceeded Li Jiangqian's—even Zhang Duanyan's.
Zhang Duanyan's expression was solemn, her eyes filled with infinite reverence and awe. She seemed to have lost her mind, yet also seemed to be herself. Only her hands, clutching the scroll, had turned slightly pale.
She was a Foundation Establishment cultivator, and her strength was enough to crush bricks and stone. Naturally, the immortal decree remained perfectly intact. Li Jiangqian, his eyes fixed firmly on the ground, said respectfully,
"I obey your command!"
The immortal decree in Zhang Duanyan's hand suddenly vanished, as if it had never appeared. The woman naturally stepped forward to help Li Jiangqian up, her voice a little hoarse as she said,
"Master, please rise quickly."
Li Jiangqian rose, his chest still heavy with breath. Beside him, Cui Jueyin was sweating profusely, his eyes lowered to a slit, his gaze fixed on the ground, unable to lift them.
The four of them entered in silence. Zhang Duanyan took his seat, silent.
Zhang Duanyan had left the Jinyu Sect and arrived here. Li Shi had no idea which stop she was on her itinerary, but judging by the terrain, it was probably either her first or second. This woman had clearly rarely experienced receiving immortal decrees. Not only were the Li family members shocked, but she herself paled slightly, appearing breathless.
Li Jiangqian quickly recovered, poured her tea, and said,
"Thank you so much for the immortal messenger making this trip to remind my family... Jiangqian thanks you on behalf of the Li family!"
Zhang Duanyan paused for a moment, took a sip, and a hint of fatigue crossed his eyes. However, he forced himself to maintain proper etiquette and replied,
"Master, you're too kind. It's within my duties..."
Li Jiangqian pondered for a moment and asked,
"It's July of the twenty-second year of Shenxuan, but my family doesn't know when it will be?"
Zhang Duanyan murmured,
"Shenxuan is a northern Taoist tradition that uses the spiritual energy calendar. It will be June two years from now." Li Jiangqian sighed softly, composing the time firmly in his mind. Then Zhang Duanyan spoke, her expression solemn:
"Since the Immortal Emperor is in Jiangbei, the feud between the nobles and the Baiye Duxiandao must be put aside for now. If we continue to dwell on it at this point, I'm afraid the end will be..."
She hesitated for a moment, and Li Jiangqian quickly nodded and replied:
"Rest assured, envoy. My family knows our limits and would never do such a thing. The affairs of the True Lord are not for us to intrude upon. We would not intentionally provoke the Duxiandao... but that's not always the case."
"Please rest assured."
Zhang Duanyan shook his head.
"The Duxian Dao will absolutely not touch us, nor will they use this as an excuse to commit any murderous acts... They won't even entertain the thought. This matter is beyond the control of the Purple Mansion. If they were to take action, it would likely destroy both sides, further offending the North. It would be a complete disaster."
Li Jiangqian felt relieved, and Zhang Duanyan then said:
"In about two days, the Duxian Dao's decree will be announced... Please consult with the Duxian Dao. While we still have more than two years, those who need to withdraw should withdraw quickly, and those families who need to be promoted should be promoted swiftly. Ensure the proper handover of territory so that we don't end up in a desperate struggle to survive."
"As for the burning of incense and the formalities, it would be best to complete them thoroughly. After all, no one knows what will happen. It would be best to build a high platform and perform all the necessary rituals."
"Junior, obey!"
Zhang Duanyan let out a soft breath, pondered for a long time, and then, as if resolved, spoke:
"Master Qiushui also met Senior Xuanfeng in the past. We had a good connection and had a good impression of him. My grandfather was also very close to the nobles. I would like to remind you... the nobles should stay put and not even think about contacting them. That would be a disaster."
Li Jiangqian, upon hearing this, felt a slight suspicion:
"What are you talking about?" I've already told you this before. It's not like my family hasn't seen Chu Yi before. How could they be so crazy as to contact a True Lord...?
He immediately replied:
"That's absolutely impossible... My family certainly wouldn't seek such hardship..."
Zhang Duanyan nodded slightly, glanced at Cui Jueyin, and this time spoke in a less polite tone, saying:
"And you."
Cui Jueyin was still sweating profusely at this point. He took a deep breath and bowed, saying:
"I swear on the Cui family of Chongzhou that I will never disobey the Immortal's will!"
Zhang Duanyan took a sip of tea and finally broached the subject, saying softly,
"After this matter is over, True Man Yuan Xiu and True Man Qiu Shui of my family will both attain Golden Elixir. It's rare for a True Man of our Zhang family to attain the Dao in the outside world, so we'll send invitations to the nobles. If a True Man returns from his travels and is still with the clan, you can attend the ceremony together."
The Zhang family is unlike the Chi family. They are legitimate descendants of True Lord Taiyuan and also descended from Golden Elixir immortals. The Jinyu Sect's cave heaven is different from Delushui, and it's likely that many direct descendants cultivate there.
Even if a True Man of the Zhang family were to die at the end of their lifespan, they would perish in that cave heaven, returning their spiritual energy to it after death rather than benefiting others. This is likely the case with Zhang Tianyuan, who hasn't been seen in years.
Zhang Duanyan's words were flattering, about the rarity of True Man attaining the Dao in the outside world. In reality, aside from the Jinde Yidao sect, none of the Purple Mansions of the Zhang family had achieved the ability to perfect the Five Paths of Divine Power. Now, they were relying on Qiu Shui.
The other party was a descendant of a Jindan immortal, so this was a sign of respect. Li Jiangqian quickly returned the greeting, replying:
"The Great Immortal is the foremost among all the alchemists in the world. His cultivation and techniques are earth-shattering. He will surely attain enlightenment. My family can only prepare gifts in anticipation of the time when heaven and earth will congratulate him!"