Chapter 1415
Sealing
Chapter 1415 Sealing
Shuzhong.
Shangguan Mi waited in the hall for a while, watching as the Zhaojing True Person left. One after another, cultivators entered the hall. After quite some time, someone finally came out to call him.
The old man beside him coughed twice, his face full of worry, but Shangguan Mi was very calm. He reassured his elders, and his purple boots, which seemed to tread on thunder, stepped onto the steps and pushed open the door to enter.
A dazzling light hung in the hall, where a man in black sat quietly. Because he held a scripture in one hand, he was not overly upright, but he still exuded an aura of power. The star Chongyang between his eyebrows appeared and disappeared, which was even more frightening.
Beside him stood two people: one was elegant and refined, with an ink brush hanging from his waist; the other had a slightly thinner face, thick eyebrows, and an even more imposing and powerful aura.
Seeing him enter, Li Zhouwei raised an eyebrow and said:
"Heng Hua is here."
Shangguan Mi naturally had a Taoist name, which was given to him by his elders. It was called Henghua, but since most of the nine surnames in Shu preferred to address each other by their given names, it was used less often.
He hurried over, and Li Zhouwei had already stood up and smiled:
"These two are your colleagues. This is Qingfeng, from the Cui family, and that is Kuang Hong, from the Yin family. Just now, the Three Doubts Master broke through the river defenses and stopped in eastern Shu. Please invite them over first."
Although all the surrendered officials in Shu now belong to Mingyang, there are probably very few whom Li Zhouwei would call colleagues. This meaning is quite clear. Shangguan Mi immediately nodded, and the three politely exchanged titles. Li Zhouwei did not mince words and went straight to the point:
"I called you three here because of the matter of dealing with the Shu region."
Upon hearing this, the three men reacted differently, with Shangguan Mi simply shaking his head and saying:
"My family, the Shangguan clan, has long resided in Shu (Sichuan), and we should therefore avoid suspicion..."
Li Zhouwei shook his head slightly, indicating that he didn't need to say such things, and said softly:
"I propose to establish four offices, which will govern Nanzheng, Shuzhong, Shudong, and Qize respectively. The remaining nine surnames will be granted titles of nobility. I propose to establish the system of my lake area to quell the chaos in Shu as soon as possible."
"The candidate to lead these four departments..."
He paused, then said:
"Qingfeng is more suitable."
Things are different now. Li Zhouwei has many subordinates, but only a few are truly his own. Li Zhouwei knows these few loyal subjects quite well and has considered their roles.
'Jueyin… his innate talent and Dao wisdom are still somewhat lacking.'
Back then, Cui Jueyin was absolutely first-rate on the lake, but once he left Wangyue Lake and was placed in the Purple Mansion of all the heroes under heaven, Cui Jueyin's talent and wisdom were far inferior.
Kuang Hong and he were originally of similar cultivation levels, but now Kuang Hong looks perfect and awe-inspiring, while Cui Jueyin's supernatural abilities are not bright and his breakthrough seems far away.
'Although both are capable of handling internal affairs, his wisdom is far inferior to Chengqian's…'
It should be noted that this True Person Chengqian appears to be quiet and unassuming, but he has actually cultivated to the Purple Mansion stage and is considered one of the most outstanding among True Persons of the Purple Mansion.
'Not to mention compared to Shangguan Mi, the number one genius in Shu. Back then, without us, it would have been extremely difficult for him to break through to the Purple Mansion realm...'
On the other hand, Cui Jueyin's cultivation is clearly of the Chen Mingyang lineage, and he is really not suited for fighting. After thinking it over, Li Zhouwei believes that his current position of governing Shu is the most suitable for him.
'Any other true master, faced with the immense temptation of the benefits offered by the entire Shu region, would not be trustworthy…'
The King of Wei waved his hand to interrupt Cui Jueyin, and said solemnly:
“Your path of enlightenment is different from mine. Governing Shu will greatly benefit you. You don’t need to do everything yourself; just focus on grasping the key points. All the spiritual resources of the entire Shu region can be used for your cultivation, and then the rest can be transported to the lake.”
He sighed softly and said:
"No matter what, you must overcome the hurdle of the mid-stage of the Purple Mansion realm as soon as possible, otherwise how will you go to the Central Plains with me in the future?"
Cui Jueyin fell silent. He knew, of course, that he had been left far behind by this King of Wei. Even though everyone respected him as a direct descendant of the Cui family, he had only ever served as a banner of the King of Wei's subjects, leading from the Jianghuai region to the Central Plains, and then from the Central Plains to Shu...
He could only bow deeply to accept the task. Li Zhouwei then turned to look at Kuang Hong and said directly:
What are the chances of a breakthrough?
Kuang Hong hesitated slightly, then whispered:
"This time... 90%!"
Li Zhouwei didn't show much approval; instead, he frowned slightly and said:
"What kind of medicinal pills can we prepare?"
In Li Zhouwei's opinion, Kuang Hong's cultivation speed was indeed a bit slow. In ancient times, whenever there was war, it would inevitably lead to the rise of cultivators who could surpass their level. Among the people who had fought in the south and north, Kuang Hong was the one who benefited the most!
If we really think about it, the fastest cultivator in the world right now is definitely Kuang Hong!
Now, in Li Zhouwei's eyes, the speed at which he was achieving supernatural powers was already being slowed down by his constant travel. Kuang Hong understood this as well, and gave a slight bow, saying:
"The medicinal herbs are already prepared on the mountain. The old master also mentioned that he asked me to go back when I have some free time..."
"Just right."
Li Zhouwei nodded and said:
"After pacifying Shu, I should recuperate for a while. You have benefited from the aura during these major upheavals, so you should return to the South China Sea for now, finish cultivating your supernatural powers, and then return to the lake."
He paused briefly before continuing:
“Back then… Master Di Yan mentioned Sheng Bai Dao and said that we had a good relationship. Now that I have destroyed Shu, Sheng Bai Dao is right in front of me, but we have never been close. I will have to rely on Master Di Yan for this matter.”
This was one of Li Zhouwei's goals, and also a major matter that he had been keeping in mind for a long time!
The Shengbai Dao should not be underestimated. Li Zhouwei cannot leave with peace of mind until he has figured out their attitude. He must meet with them before returning home.
Li Zhouwei also secretly wanted to have a fight with this Master Shengbai.
'There are very few people in the world who possess perfect supernatural powers, and only a handful of truly first-rate individuals. This one has fought against Zhang Yige, and even if he is not as powerful as Xue Yang, he has a good chance of matching him.'
Li Zhouwei had not forgotten the cultivators from Luoxia Mountain. He had already witnessed how a Golden Core direct descendant and a cultivator from a grotto-heaven background like Long Kangyao used the combination of supernatural powers and spiritual treasures to make himself almost invulnerable to all laws, but he had never seen the supernatural powers of such a Golden Core disciple.
Kuang Hong had the best grasp of the situation among them, so he naturally understood what he meant. He responded in a deep voice, then immediately left the main hall and headed south.
After settling Kuang Hong in, Shangguan Mi consciously looked up at Li Zhouwei. The Prince of Wei rolled up the scriptures in his hand, handed them to him, and quietly said:
"The old man's old injuries belong to the Lesser Yang category. This scroll contains the Azure Profound Method, which is used to resolve calamities. Make a copy for him, and let him use the resources from Shu until his injuries are completely healed."
His elders' injuries and illnesses had been a long-standing worry for him. Shangguan Mi was slightly taken aback, reached out and took the item. After reading it briefly, he knew it was something extraordinary. Without any hesitation, he bowed again and said in a firm and resonant voice:
"Your Majesty's kindness is immense! Lady Shangguan will remember it forever!"
If Qingfeng governs the world and Chengqian focuses on internal affairs, then Kuang Hong and Heng Hua can be said to be outstanding in strategy and bravery respectively. Li Zhouwei intends to take the two of them to the north, so he is naturally very generous!
"No need to thank me yet."
Li Zhouwei looked down at him, picked up the letter from the shore, and asked:
"The Li family of Tanshan has fallen into chaos since I left. It is said that several branches are fighting for power and have split apart. What do you think should be done about it?"
This was undoubtedly an extremely difficult problem. Shangguan Mi bowed slightly, knelt down, and replied:
"Your subordinate dares not..."
Li Zhouwei turned his gaze, and Cui Jueyin also bowed his head and knelt down, apologizing without saying a word.
The meaning of their words was quite clear.
Although the Li family of Tanshan had committed many crimes, they were still descendants of the Wei Li family. The two of them came from the six Guanzhong clans and had enjoyed a thousand years of glory thanks to the Wei emperor. Now they were promoted by Emperor Mingyang. No matter what, they dared not comment on the Wei Li family.
Even Wei Li, who made a mistake.
Li Zhouwei hesitated for a moment, then decided not to press them further, and casually said:
“There’s no need to make things difficult for us. We’ll take over Tanshan and govern it as a normal territory. It’s just that we’ll send someone from the lake to investigate these young people. We need to identify their lineage, register them, and record everything. We’ll need their help.”
Cui Jueyin raised an eyebrow, then immediately understood, and said:
"Zhentao Prefecture is short of people."
Li Zhouwei pondered for a moment, then also took notice of the matter and said:
"How is the island? They shouldn't be giving you any trouble."
Cui Jueyin replied:
"Your Majesty, the people of the Dragon Clan have already arrived. They have been quite polite to the cultivators surnamed Cui, but we are still short of manpower."
"Then let them pick some people to go."
Li Zhouwei, having finalized the matter, seemed to have a vague sense of unease; a slight smile played on his lips as he said:
"Come in!"
Only then did the palace door open, and the old man in red hurried in. Without the slightest hint of arrogance, he politely bowed and said:
"Greetings, Your Majesty! Qi Ze has been tested by the White Path, and that Master Xu has been urgently recalled, saying that he will return to pay his respects to King Wei after quelling the demonic chaos!"
It was Shan Yin!
This old master seemed timid and hesitant, but he was actually very cunning. He had subdued Li Zhouwei back then, but who knows how many schemes he had up his sleeve. Now he was completely obedient. However, seeing that they had been discussing inside for a long time and there was no part for him, he quickly found this little excuse to come in and pay his respects.
Such clever people are actually the easiest to deal with. Moreover, since entering the pass, the Sun family has neither suffered excessive casualties nor caused too much damage to the Li family. Half of the anger they felt in the desert was vented on the disaster, and the other half vanished with the destruction of Shu.
More importantly, his scene with Li Ximing in the desert not only intimidated the old man in front of him, but also allowed him to barely pass Li's test.
He was, after all, a Grand Master, and one with a clan at his disposal, making him relatively easier to control. Li Zhouwei didn't press him for the moment, and said softly:
"Master Sun, how are your injuries?"
"The King of Wei has successfully conquered Shu, and his subjects are overjoyed, having long forgotten about their injuries..."
This old man is the most shameless of all, happily agreeing, which secretly amazed Cui Jueyin. Shangguan Mi, however, had already seen it all before and was not surprised. Li Zhouwei paused slightly and said:
"It seems this won't be a matter of a short time. Then come back to Jianghuai with me and let Master Yu come and take your place."
Upon hearing this, Shan Yin's expression immediately changed. This old fox had been waiting and waiting, all for the power in Shu. In other words, it could even be considered an unspoken cooperation with the Li family. How could he possibly give up! He immediately said:
"Your Majesty, this is but a minor calamity. With my divine power, the 'Wangdan Forest,' it poses no threat whatsoever. Defending the Shu region is naturally my duty!"
He spoke urgently. Li Zhouwei, standing high above, had already scanned the other's body with his spiritual sense, taking a slight note in his mind, and thought to himself:
'This episode, while Mu isn't good at magical combat, actually has some clever moments.'
It should be noted that the Lesser Yang Calamity in Shan Yinzhong was only slightly worse than the Earth Calamity of Li Zhouwei back then. However, after the old man was suppressed by him and released, he went on campaigns in the east and west, was injured, and traveled around. At this time, although he was covered in Lesser Yang energy, he was still within a controllable range!
'Give him some time, and he really won't need any supernatural powers or magic to expel this calamity...'
Li Zhouwei suffered a calamity back then, and if it weren't for Cha You's help, he would be like a blind man, let alone able to fight.
After scanning the area, Li Zhouwei continued:
"I will stay in Shu for a while. I will return your Sun family's territory to you as it is. If you can handle everything in time, you will be in charge of Shu from now on."
Shan Yin suddenly looked up, while Li Zhouwei pointed at Cui Jueyin and said:
"This is Qingfeng, a member of the Cui family. He will come to govern the Shu region."
This old fellow was incredibly cunning; he immediately understood and said:
"This old minister will certainly devote all his energy and efforts to making Shu a stepping stone to Mingyang!"
"Go down."
Li Zhouwei raised an eyebrow, watching the old man turn around, and said coldly:
"Remember this: I, Li, dislike people who get into fights. If I find out, I will kill them."
Dan Yin shuddered coldly, meekly agreed, and retreated without daring to linger. Li Zhouwei slowly exhaled, picked up the imperial edicts recording the enfeoffment of various families, and said:
"Qingfeng".
Cui Jueyin immediately understood.
He attained enlightenment through the Changming Path, and the main purpose of the path was to establish officials through the Mingyang Path. This was a great benefit to him, so he gratefully accepted the decree, straightened his clothes, and respectfully went out to receive it.
With the main hall closed, the place finally fell silent. Shangguan Mi raised his eyebrows slightly and saw the King of Wei at the head of the table finally rise from his throne and walk down step by step.
He put his hands behind his back with great interest and asked:
"Henghua, in Shu... there is a place called [Xunyang Pool]?"
Upon hearing these three words, a complex emotion flashed in Shangguan Mi's eyes, and he replied:
"Indeed, it is located in the south."
He said:
"This place is not far from Tanshan Mountain, and it is a mysterious pool left by ancient cultivators."
Xunyang Pool.
Before any news from the South China Sea arrived, Li Zhouwei did not intend to wait idly here. The Li family had heard of this name long ago—it was said that Li Jiangqun had died, and that the immortal sword had drifted away, pursued all the way to Xunyang Pool by Guan Xue Zhenren, who killed the immortal on the spot!
Li Jiangqun has a close relationship with the heavens. He can be said to be one of the few traces of that celestial realm left on earth. The Li family had long ago intended to come to Shu to look for clues.
The King of Wei slowly took a step forward, listening to the thunderous shouts of gratitude outside, and finally stepped into the void, his figure disappearing like light and shadow.
'The Legend of Sword and Fairy...Xili...'
Legend has it that this sword disappeared at the bottom of this mysterious pool!