HBWnovel Chapter 575: Breakthrough
Chapter 575: Breakthrough
Chapter 575: Breakthrough
"This formation is the only thing that makes that demon wary... I truly have nowhere else to go," Zhong Qian said, glancing at Li Xuanfeng's expression as he subtly flattered him. He then removed a storage pouch from his waist and offered it with both hands. "This contains everything I took from the demon's cave dwelling. I am willing to give it all back to you, Senior."
Li Xuanfeng glanced at it, but since he had no way of knowing what arrangements Yuan Su might have made, he didn't open it. He waved his hand and said, "Keep it. Whatever you have obtained is yours."
Zhong Qian looked at him incredulously. Noticing the stern expression and fierce aura of Li Xuanfeng, he felt he was beginning to understand his character and respectfully replied, "As you command, Senior."
After a brief, uncomfortable pause, he lowered his voice further. "It is just... I would like to stay on this island for a while longer... If I were to leave now, I fear I would fall victim to that demon."
He quickly added, "I will not stay here for free. Whatever damage that demon has caused... I am willing to compensate fully."
"No need." Li Xuanfeng responded simply, causing Zhong Qian's face to flicker with surprise before Li Xuanfeng added, almost casually, "I will leave the island to kill it myself. You may go freely afterward."
"What?!" Zhong Qian looked at him, stunned. He took in the imposing figure clad in black-gold armor, the sharp, cold gaze, and the exaggerated longbow on his back, shaped almost like a pair of eagle wings. He murmured to himself, "Who... which killer from the devil gate is this...? How domineering..."
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Zongquan Island.
Over the years, Zongquan Island had flourished, with new palaces and formations built, and a growing number of cultivators. Thanks to the resources and inheritances Li Yuanjiao had left behind before going into seclusion, the island had accumulated wealth and was thriving.
Atop a high mountain on the island, a stone door remained tightly closed, while springs trickled gently. At dawn, a pale blue mist would rise from the mountain, drifting down in delicate showers. This phenomenon, caused by a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator's seclusion, had led the island residents to name the mountain Morning Mist Mountain.
Over the years, Kongheng had gained considerable respect on the island, tending to the sick and healing injuries. Many of the island's residents wanted to erect a golden statue of him and build a temple in his honor, but he refused each offer.
Observing Li Yuanjiao and his attendant discussing the matter, Kongheng murmured, "To build a grand statue gilded in gold is to instill fear in the people with an imposing image, and to construct large temples is to deceive the masses with rituals and incense offerings. These are things we of the Liao River Temple abstain from."
Li Yuanjiao pondered this and, glancing at Kongheng, asked, "Then how does the Master Monk pass down his teachings?"
Kongheng narrowed his eyes slightly. The past few years of performing good deeds on the island seemed to have furthered his cultivation. Pressing his palms together, he replied in a soft voice, "The Dharma of the Revered One requires no transmission, no form, no scripture. Those who observe me with wisdom will receive the teachings of my Liao River Temple. We of the Liao River do not bow to others; we cultivate our own nature."
Zong Yan, stroking his beard thoughtfully as he listened, murmured, "Master Monk... it is no wonder that the Liao River Dao lineage has gradually fallen out of favor. In these times... everyone seeks a quick and effective method to progress each day. The Liao River's teachings... alas!"
Zong Yan gave a wry smile. He had a foster son who admired Kongheng and had wanted to become his disciple, so Zong Yan had approached Kongheng several times to learn more. Shaking his head, he added, "The Liao River Dao lineage is truly too difficult... I have heard that cultivators of the Seven Worldly Ways need only chant the Maha incantation once to gain progress in their cultivation, while the Liao River requires one to fully experience the myriad forms of human nature just to begin. How can it compare?"
Kongheng remained silent, only smiling with lowered eyes. Li Yuanjiao was reminded of the northern Wang Family's sword immortals; he had heard that their Dao lineage was similarly demanding. Deciding not to dwell on it, he changed the subject and asked, "Has something happened? Why is the sky so dark and overcast, stretching for thousands of li?"
As far as he could see, the skies were filled with dense, dark clouds. Zong Yan shook his head and replied, "How could we know about such matters? Zongquan Island is in a remote area, and we rarely visit the market, so we are unlikely to hear any news."
Li Yuanjiao extended his spiritual sense, and two blue water dragons spiraled beneath his feet as he carefully sensed the environment. He noticed that the flow of his Immortal Foundation energy was slightly less smooth and efficient than it had been in previous years. Previously, cultivation here in the Eastern Sea was more than five percent faster than in Jiangnan... but now it is barely half that.
Riding the wind, he looked at the lightning flickering among the clouds. Zong Yan continued, "Huiyao, visited about half a year ago, claiming it came to gather information. We told it that you were in seclusion and sent it away."
"Not long ago, another cultivator arrived, claiming to be from the mainland... and delivered a letter." He took a letter from his sleeve, which Li Yuanjiao accepted with a nod. The creature had benefited from his favor and influence and even remembered to pay its respects. Li Yuanjiao used a secret technique to unlock the letter and began to read it closely.