Chapter 1016: Entered into the Underworld Register (I)
The Azure Pond Sect.
Verdant peaks rose high, wreathed in drifting cloud smoke. Dharma light shone brightly in the great hall nearby. Crimson gates rose into the sky, corridors twisted back upon themselves, and triple eaves and layered rooftops stretched out, while curling incense wafted upward. It was a scene full of immortal grandeur.
A streak of clear light sped toward the hall, halting before the steps and transforming into a man in a splendid crown. He strode across the immortal threshold and hurried into the hall, where a middle-aged man sat at the head, brush in hand as he painted.
The crowned man looked somewhat anxious, but before he could speak, the middle-aged man cut him off with a gesture, pulling him over to look. The painting was of a lofty-crowned peach tree, upon which three serpent dragons coiled, each baring its claws and fangs.
The serpent dragon on the right was fat and bloated, its form ungainly, yet its tail hook gleamed with venomous luster. The left one was thin and frail, but its eyes were marked in gold and it was adorned by crimson clouds. In the center, the last serpent dragon was mighty and imposing, though showing clear signs of age.
The middle-aged man smiled and said, "Fellow Daoist Tantai[1], what do you think of this painting?"
The crowned man could only pause to glance at the painting. After a brief examination, he replied gently, "Sect Master, your brushwork is exquisite... marvelous indeed... though the space beneath the tree feels too empty. Adding a deep pond there would bring it more life."
"Hahaha!" Si Yuanli burst into hearty laughter, patted him on the shoulder and said, "Brother, what fine insight you have."
The crowned man returned the gesture of courtesy, then lowered his voice and said, "My spirit falcon has returned from the north. At midnight, dawn shone upon Mount Wu and over Moongaze Lake. Purple flames surged to the heavens and colorful clouds rolled across the sky, filled with the aura of Bright Yang. I fear it will spread further still. At the very least, it will shroud the entirety of Moongaze Lake."
"Ho!" Si Yuanli suddenly lifted his head, eyes blazing. After a glance, he shook his head and said with a sigh, "Alas! Li Ximing has perished!"