The Mirror Legacy-Chapter 1422: Art And Will (I)

When Minghui arrived, he instead behaved like the host, waving his hand with a smile. "No need for him. Let him mind his own business. We are only borrowing the place for a while!"

The disciple did not dare say more and was dismissed with a wave. Minghui lowered his head, took out a set of tea utensils from a box beneath the jade table, and began to brew tea by directing water and fire.

As he worked, he smiled and said, "It must have been quite exhausting for you, Fellow Daoist. The Supreme Yang Dao lineage drags you around day after day for work, leaving you hardly any time for proper quiet cultivation. I imagine the days when you wandered freely outside were much more pleasant.

"That Supreme Yang lot are rather domineering... Any Purple Mansion Realm cultivator who shows the slightest sign of destiny, they want to pull every single one of them into their ranks. Take Chen Yin, the Kuangyu[1] back then. Over the years, only Xiao Chuting has managed to withdraw intact. Even Tulong Jian had to cut off a chunk of flesh and feed them well before he could free himself."

Li Ximing had not expected that this monk would speak with such hidden implications and begin criticizing the Supreme Yang Dao lineage outright. He glanced at him again, waited for the tea to be poured, and said softly, "We received their protection in earlier days. It is merely an alliance for offense and defense."

"Protection..." Minghui smiled and did not say anything harsher. Instead, he pondered inwardly, The moves this lord is making are difficult to place. Who knows which faction he truly belongs to? Since he is from the Bright Yang Wei's Li, he must certainly be at odds with Luoxia. But could his relations with the Supreme Yang Dao lineage really be any better?

He took a sip of tea, feeling somewhat apprehensive. Just then a Daoist Master wearing a white light-collared soft armor under a robe patterned with white feathers on dark fabric hurried into the hall. Li Ximing turned and cupped his hands in greeting.

Daoist Master Changyun returned the courtesy, took a seat in the hall, and said, "Zhaojing, it has been a long time."

Only then did he look at Minghui. He could not help but frown at his attire and said, "You have grown quite fond of this appearance these past few years. Anyone who saw you like this would think you were some Daoist Master!"

Minghui had long since transformed himself into the appearance of a Daoist. With the air of an immortal about him, he smiled and said, "I learned the Art of Divine Transformation and Splendid Change from my master. I must practice it a little."

As the two chatted, Li Ximing noticed that Changyun's expression was hurried and his divine ability flickered faintly. He even looked somewhat weary. Although his body bore no injuries and his face remained composed, the irregularity in his divine ability could not be concealed.

Daoist Master Changyun is also carrying injuries. It seems he has not had easy days during this period either.

Chengyun Gate was the northernmost Dao lineage in Jiangbei. In principle, the pressure on it should not have been great. It was widely known that Changyun maintained good relations with Lotus Temple. The Yue Cultivating Sect's mountain gate beside them had already closed, and the Gao Family of Jingbo had no intention of moving south. As long as Mount Tangdao did not fall, few people could threaten him.

Yet judging by his appearance, things had clearly not been easy for him either. Perhaps he had suffered a scheme from Buddhist cultivators while competing over the Wang Family members. Seeing Li Ximing, however, he remained courteous.

Minghui sat between the two of them without surprise and merely said, "Ah. Just have someone take a look at it."

Changyun himself was not worried. He waved his hand and sighed. "Zhaojing has had quite enough troubles lately. Once the north stirs, those of us near Jiangbei suffer for it. Chengyun Gate carries a great deal of my effort, and it cannot be moved. Otherwise I would have gone out wandering like Yehui. I heard Minghui speak of it. He still wants that kasaya and only asked me to serve as a witness."

Li Ximing was not Sumian and did not possess a divine ability for healing. Unless the other party explained the injury and asked him to refine pills, there was little he could do. Since the matter was not urgent, he paused slightly before speaking of something he had long considered, "This kasaya gathers dust in my hands. The north is vast. If it could be exchanged for some spirit material, that would naturally be best."

Minghui brought his palms together and said with a smile, "Of course. My master is somewhat older and has met many immortals and Daoists. He has studied the paths of Purple Mansion and Golden Core Daos and is among the foremost masters of arts and techniques within the Seven Dharma Forms. If Fellow Daoist has any need in that regard, you may speak freely."

What Li Ximing lacked least were cultivation techniques and spell arts. Why would he ask about that? The Glazed Radiance Kasaya was good, but it could not compare with items like Zhelu's Three Retributions World Entering Lotus. Exchanging it for a complete spirit item was unlikely.

Still holding a trace of hope, Li Ximing asked tentatively, "If there were Purple Mansion Realm spiritual flames... that would naturally be best."

As soon as he spoke, Changyun shook his head slightly. Minghui noticed his expression at once. After hesitating for a moment, he replied, "Purple Mansion Realm spiritual flames are rare and also treasured by us Buddhist cultivators. They are often collected by fellow practitioners and offered into the Buddhist land, where they are refined into arts or treasure artifacts. Even the few that remain outside are in the hands of Mahas. They are not easy to obtain."

Changyun added, "In truth, whether spirit items or spiritual flames, once they fall into the hands of the Merciful Ones they must all be handed upward. Private possession is impossible. Only spirit material, being of somewhat lesser value, can occasionally leave scraps in one's hands."

Tsk...

Li Ximing nodded and was about to change the subject when he saw Minghui slowly turning his teacup and say softly, "It is not entirely impossible... I know a few channels. It is just that one Glazed Radiance Kasaya is not enough."

Li Ximing nodded at once and replied, "That is no problem. As long as Fellow Daoist searches for a lead, if there is an opportunity for exchange, my Moongaze Lake will certainly not be stingy."

Minghui replied, "If there is a treasure on the level of the Kongsijiang Demon Bowl, I would be confident in obtaining it for you. If it could reach the level of the Three Retributions World Entering Lotus, I would instead need to compensate Fellow Daoist with additional items..."

"Good!"

Although Li Ximing felt pleased inside, he did not truly trust him and did not take out the Glazed Radiance Kasaya yet. He only settled the matter verbally, which left Minghui somewhat reluctant.

Changyun had been watching from the side for quite a while. After what seemed like considerable deliberation, he said, "As for the matter of Wang Quwan... Zhaojing was not present at the time. Everyone was scrambling for it. Fortunately it fell into my hands and was not seized by the north. Still, I owe you an apology, Zhaojing."

"What sort of matter is that?!" Li Ximing naturally appeared relaxed and magnanimous. Smiling, he said, "Everyone assumed I would go to the Wang Family. Fearing schemes from the north, I did the opposite and went to Master Baiyin instead. There is no question of offense or apology. I only congratulate you on your double fortune."

Changyun smiled slightly, though the smile did not reach his eyes. He seemed to be pondering something. He cupped his hands and said, "I already knew that Fellow Daoist was broad-minded. When I have the time, I will certainly visit your lake. As you have seen, I still carry injuries. We should really discuss the matter of medicinal pills."

At this point in the conversation, even though Minghui was on good terms with him, it was no longer appropriate for him to remain and listen. The monk saluted, smiled at Li Ximing, and took his leave.

Changyun escorted the monk out of the pavilion before returning to the table. His expression turned noticeably more serious as he said quietly, "Although I do have some injuries, I do not possess many pill formulas due to the nature of my Dao lineage. I hope Fellow Daoist can judge for yourself and refine a few medicinal pills to replenish my losses, strengthen me, and restore my divine ability."

Li Ximing nodded slightly. This was not a difficult task. Refining a batch of True Profound Heart-Cleansing Pills would suffice. It could hardly even be considered a transaction, at most a favor. The man's intention was clear. His divine ability likely prevented him from refining pills himself, which was why he had come to ask for help. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

Li Ximing straightened and said, "No problem. Mutual assistance is only proper. I will have time in the coming days and can refine something tailored for you. May I ask your Dao lineage..."

Changyun answered quietly, "Geng Metal."

Li Ximing smiled and nodded. Changyun also felt a quiet reassurance in his heart, Minghui provided a good excuse as well. Although the sect certainly supplies medicinal pills, that could easily raise suspicion in the eyes of the watchful. With Li Ximing here, many things can be explained away. Even if I recover faster after taking something good once or twice, it will not draw suspicion.

1. A Daoist Master that first appeared in Chapter 923. ☜