465 - A Sect Leader’s Ascension

Chapter 465: The Preservation of Memory In the Wake Lion Valley, there were moments of parting and death; at Black River Square, life and death struggles unfolded; outside Reflective Mountain, fierce battles raged; and beneath the Merit Stele, amidst the Pine Wave Sea... These tumultuous twenty years of suffocating struggle have become treasures and wealth in Qi Xiu’s life. At the age of 185, having reached the fourth layer of the Golden Core stage, he opened his eyes, once more showing the appearance of his middle years, his gaze carrying a treasured glow. An experience where the Azure Wood Dragon carried his consciousness into the sky, flying thousands of miles in an instant, prompted him to consider the relationship between the current omniscient path and the Dao of Fate and Yin-Yang from a different perspective. "The ultimate in the Dao of Omniscience now seems to overlap with the calculations of past and present in the Dao of Fate and Yin-Yang. This contemplation helped me to smoothly reach the mid-stage realm." He understood that although the Omniscient Eye allowed him to observe in minute detail, it was limited by his own cultivation level and spiritual power resources, preventing prolonged use. Even with the ability of a Golden Core cultivator, he couldn't remember every detail. For instance, during the pseudo-six paths space battle with Chu Hongshang, where he utilized the Omniscient Eye, he clearly remembered the scene of Nan Gongyan and Qin Siyao killing each other. However, the surrounding environment, the position of grass, trees, mountains, and stones, had become blurry over the years. "Selective memory can help save mental energy, but it may also discard useful things. If past events can't be entirely remembered, replacing the 'calculation of the past' from the Fate and Yin-Yang system becomes impossible." In the sea of consciousness, another brilliance was added to the exquisite heart. Following the [Omniscient Eye], [Illuminated Awareness], and [Phantom Soaring Flash], the fourth innate talent of the Golden Core level, [Illuminated Reflection], emerged, capable of preserving everything the Omniscient Eye saw for future review. "The Omniscient Eye is an auxiliary talent, and this Illuminated Reflection is like providing assistance for the auxiliary. Nonetheless, it's a step forward in exploring the great Dao. The path of the Dao is joyful in progress, but straying is dangerous. My focus is on Omniscience Now; I wonder if being entangled in remembering the past will hinder me..." He shook his head to dispel these ominous thoughts. Regardless, completing advancement and healing in three years was extremely smooth, and he couldn't ask for more. With a slight sense, he noticed over a hundred various message talismans and seals piled near the door, suggesting many things had happened within three years. With a wave of his hand, a spiritual wind lifted all the message talismans and seals, suspending them neatly in the air. He then closed his eyes to activate the [Omniscient Eye], briefly closing it moments later. "It's a good opportunity to test my Illuminated Reflection." Submerging his consciousness into the sea of knowledge, a shift in the exquisite heart illuminated a clear, self-contained scene of the cave abode moments ago — a hundred-odd message talismans and seals hanging in the air, each trace and nuance perfectly replicated. "This is quite convenient." He jested with himself and immediately focused attention on these letters. The first was from Gu Tan, describing the strength of the Long family: 'After the calamity, the Long family's strength was further damaged, with two mid-stage Golden Core cultivators, three early-stage Golden Core cultivators, and over 3,000 foundational and Qi refining practitioners. A family friend surnamed Zhu, in late Golden Core stage, participates in every battle, including the Reflective Mountain conflict.' 'Due to the plundering, the Long family high ranks ceased internal strife, now showing unity, discarding the aristocratic arrogance of Confucian families upon first arriving at the outer sea. They have humbly submitted to the Grand Flaming Isle's Nascent Soul master, Feng Xiang, becoming a vassal, while actively allying with surrounding islands, greatly improving the external environment. Those rogue cultivators involved in the looting didn't obtain the main treasury, suffered heavy losses during the mountain assault, and have since split due to uneven distribution, failing to re-form a coalition.' 'Calculating from intelligence reports, the Long family's annual spiritual stone income is only between two to three thousand Third Order stones, barely supporting array operations and daily expenses. Qi refining disciples endure the harshest roles, escorting mortal fishing boats at sea for half a year without any practice. Their earnings are half a Third Order foundational pill's worth of self-produced goods, far below the outer sea average. Despite this, few disciples, except for brides-to-be, leave to seek other paths, with foundational and Qi refining numbers steadily increasing, reflecting the Confucian family's adherence to tradition.' 'The Long family faces fundamental issues: limited resources and a sizable practitioner population, scant production with a heavy populace. Initially migrating about 180,000 people over several years to this island just met capacity, the Confucian focus on descendants means a rapid increase compared to Qi Yun, outer seas, and White Mountain. Twenty years later, many will have to relocate to surrounding uninhabited islands. Forced to build large fleets for distant marine fishing, they currently meet their needs but, if growth continues, will need to expand within fifty years, or they'll be unable to sustain.' "The Long family isn't as easy to swallow as expected!" After reading Gu Tan's letter series, Qi Xiu rubbed the injury on his neck, feeling troubled, "Few fools exist in this world. Underestimating the Long family's swift recovery and evolution post-disaster was a mistake. That Grand Flaming Isle's Nascent Soul is quite a thorn too..." After contemplating, he handwrites 'If swift obliteration is unattainable, seek other methods; your judgment is enough, always prioritize cultivation.' and sends it back to Gu Tan. Next is Chu Wuying's report on the Qi Yun situation, focusing chiefly on the Xi Meng sect’s conditions. A Teng family branch, citing misconduct of Xi Meng disciples in Qi Dong City, surrounded Xi Meng Mountain a year ago, capturing their mountain gate without injuring anyone – even smoother than when Flowing Flower Sect took over Old Chu Qin Mountain. "Clearly predetermined actions, yet the façade of a mountain gate battle was necessary. Xi Meng people, if they hold grudges, could only resent that Teng branch; after all, the hands of major figures must remain clean." With several cold laughs, the following is Mo Jianxin’s report on the White Mountain situation. In general, the three years passed without major battles. He Huan Sect chose caution, advancing steadily from the south of Li Huo Alliance and moving towards Li Huo City cautiously. "Surround Li Huo, rescue Dan Alliance, mobilize Ling Mu Li Huo allies, unleash decisive battles or force retreat for peace, wielding control. The smallest risk, indeed calculated plans, sure to have sly masterminds in the shadows!" Unable and unwilling to intervene in the White Mountain chaos, he simply returns instructions to Mo Jianxin to continue as usual. Continuing, he notices Lian Shui Gate hasn't migrated north yet... Chai Yi has caused quite a stir these three years, like inciting rogue cultivators with Heaven's Tongue Orders against Lian Shui, broadcasting Lian Shui’s doings unfit for righteous paths; confidential scandals of longtime allies airing was disgraceful indeed. Moreover, frantically contacting related families Teng, Gao, Pei, Wan, and Gan from Qi Yun for some profit exchange. Even attempts at differentiation, intimidation, and assassination of Shui Lingyi haven't succeeded, though Lian Shui remains unchanging, muddled, and trapped in White Mountain. The problem now is, neither Lian Shui Gate nor Chai Yi dares to expose the north migration; otherwise, rebellion and revenge from other Lian Shui Alliance members will ensue, utterly disrupting unity to fight He Huan Sect. "Chai Yi did well, but that's about it." Lian Shui Gate’s decision to head north is the entire sect’s direction; unless variables arise, they won't abandon it. The double-stranded blockade dampened the excitement from Qi Xiu’s successful progression. Having resolved pending matters, he chose not to exit seclusion but instead retrieved the Southern Palace family-gifted Fifth Order [Illuminated Sunlight Bird] inner core for research. (To be continued)