Chapter 604 454: Two Spiritual Treasures

"After several years apart, you have already broken through to Foundation Establishment—truly swift progress."

Zhong Qian slightly raised his head, glanced at the stern man clad in golden armor before him, and responded:

"Thanks to Senior's care, I was able to forge my Taoist Foundation in Heshui Sea when the occasion arose. Since then, I inquired about Senior's whereabouts and traveled here by degrees."

His implication was that breaking through to Foundation Establishment hardly requires three or four years; he had likely succeeded within a year or two, leaving him ample time to journey slowly and eventually arrive.

Such a cultivation speed was far from ordinary; Li Xuanfeng nodded slightly, waiting for him to continue. Zhong Qian paused a moment, then softly said:

"Senior's kindness is ever remembered in my heart, but I am long unable to repay it. I possess nothing of true value, save only news of a Cave Mansion, which I am willing to present to you!"

'More than likely the Qing Song Temple…'

Li Xuanfeng listened intently; he knew Zhong Qian bore a fated destiny. To say that he had nothing valuable was utterly unbelievable. Now that Zhong Qian said thus, Li Xuanfeng understood in his heart:

'He only reveals this Cave Mansion's information; it is impossible I would abandon him and venture there alone. Indeed, shrewd enough.'

Had Li Xuanfeng not already known of Zhong Qian's unique fortune, he might well have accepted this favor, sending Li Qinghong or Li Yuanjiao to accompany him. Thus, Zhong Qian would return the favor and also gain assistance—a plan killing two birds with one stone.

But Li Xuanfeng had already learned much from various quarters. He quietly inquired:

"What Cave Mansion do you speak of?"

"Upon Qing Song Island… the ruins of Qing Song Temple!"

Zhong Qian replied, as though fearing Li Xuanfeng did not grasp the import of that ruin, and with a smile added:

"This Qing Song Temple was an Ancient Immortal Sect. Its ruins are a Cave Heaven; I know the means to enter, and it only takes a few to join hands!"

"Qing Song Temple."

Li Xuanfeng revealed a trace of astonishment, feigning doubt as he said:

"That is a Cave Heaven! Several Immortal Sects have vied for it for years. As far as I know, Sword Sect, Pure Unity Taoism, and Red Reef Island wage battle over it every year. Yet you possess a means of entry? Can it truly be assured?"

Zhong Qian hesitated, as if only now realizing Qing Song Temple's renown, softly replying:

"I obtained it from a Devil Cultivator… recorded in great detail. I have studied it for quite some time—there should be no problem. There are requirements for those arranging the formation; one must practice Fourth Grade or Fifth Grade Cultivation Techniques… the profoundness required is sufficient…"

"I was born in the East Sea, only a loose cultivator, but was fortunate to befriend two Immortal Sect comrades, and we may enter together… one is from the Ziyan Sect, the other from Great Owl Sunflower View."

Zhong Qian expounded back and forth a while. Li Xuanfeng listened to the gist and inwardly sneered:

'The various Perfected Persons' arrangements are thorough indeed, fearing the fortune might be seized by others. Many barriers were set… the need for several people and graded cultivation techniques are likely mere diversions; a bearer of fated destiny can gain entry regardless… all so their own kin may benefit.'

At that, he nodded, still rather courteous as he responded:

"It is fortuitous indeed; I too seek out several cultivation techniques in the Cave Heaven. My thanks to you."

"I would not dare, not at all; it is we who benefit from Senior's favor."

Zhong Qian was overjoyed. With one as formidable as Li Xuanfeng to join them, their chances multiplied. At once, he reminded:

"It is said others also possess this method; there will surely be a fierce contest within the Cave Heaven. I must ask Senior to be on guard."

Such tidings likely came from certain folk of the Immortal Sect. Zhong Qian was taking pains to see they prepared thoroughly. Li Xuanfeng nodded faintly; then the youth spoke:

"I will seek Senior again in three months; then, several disciples from the Immortal Sects will also arrive. I request that Senior make ready."

Zhong Qian exchanged a few polite phrases and withdrew smartly. Li Yuanjiao promptly stepped forward, and Li Xuanfeng said:

"Three months remain; you may fetch the Magic Artifact and test it."

Li Yuanjiao nodded hesitantly, softly saying:

"The Cave Heaven is perilous—I fear we may enter and never return. If only the entrance can be found, it would be best; I do not think it fitting to take the mirror inside. Should some mishap arise therein, it would be troublesome indeed."

Li Xuanfeng nodded, speaking in a low voice:

"That is so. Still, bring it for a test—if only the entrance can be discerned, all the better."

Li Yuanjiao rode the wind away. Li Xuanfeng fell silent, lost in intricate thought:

'Yuansu Perfected Person… could it truly be a chance for me? Is Yu Muxian truly one I may slay…'

He recalled Yuansu Perfected Person's words that day, which seemed to hint that killing Yu Muxian would bear no consequence. Yet, what if the true meaning was a warning to him…

Li Xuanfeng gripped the Golden Bow; Yu Muxian had been cloistered in cultivation for days on end, never making a move, only deepening the difficulty in fathoming his strength.

Slowly closing his eyes, Li Xuanfeng immersed his thoughts within the Golden Bow. Within, a vast sea of golden radiance unleashed formidable arrow light, incomparably keen and profound, its might incalculable.

"This arrow's intent… cannot be spared lightly."

Li Xuanfeng had sealed an arrow intent inside the Golden Bow. Through countless days and nights over decades, he ceaselessly refined and tempered it; its present might was beyond even his own reckoning.

In his youth, upon forging this very Magic Artifact, he had spoken of it once to Li Tongya, and after that, to no one else. With Li Tongya's passing, this secret was long buried, known only to himself now.

He exhaled, then silently went down to cultivate.

...

Green Pond Mountain, Yuanwu Peak.

Yuanwu Peak towered aloft, shrouded in cloud and mist, fire veins gushed forth; it was Green Pond's Immortal Peak dedicated to Artifact Refining. Cultivators came and went, lively without pause.

Upon one summit of this peak stood a Jade Pavilion, constructed of white jade, drifting with haze, Spirit Mechanism abundant, and spring water resonating clearly. Atop a jade platform, a long-haired middle-aged man sat cross-legged in silent cultivation.