Chapter 1019: The Old Mans Words (II)
Li Ximing lifted the cup and drank the tea.
The flavor of the tea was mild and its spiritual qi merely ordinary. It hardly matched Xiao Chuting’s stature, and Li Ximing felt a trace of doubt, but the elder spoke, "Years ago, when Li Tongya came to Cloud Crowned Peak, I offered him this same Cup of Tongming Fruit-Leaf Tea. He thought it too precious and dared not drink much. Yet now this tea has become a common item even among your esteemed family."
Li Ximing naturally followed his train of thought and respectfully said, "My entire family remembers Senior’s great kindness. It will never be forgotten. Now that I was fortunate enough to succeed in breaking through, you were the very first person I came to seek. I had thought you were still at the Northern Sea, so this is most fortunate."
"Good. The matter at the Northern Sea has long since been settled." Xiao Chuting gave a word of praise, nodded, and said with a smile, "I accept your intentions. But it would be best for you to first visit Si Boxiu. He values rules and also his reputation. If you fail to show him respect, that old pedant may say nothing aloud, but he will be displeased in his heart."
Li Ximing had planned to meet Tu Longjian second and Changxi third, leaving Si Boxiu for last. Hearing this, his heart tightened, and he said softly, "Fortunately Senior pointed this out!"
Xiao Chuting replied warmly, "You managed to cross into the Purple Mansion Realm so swiftly, which only shows your state of mind is not lacking. But Si Boxiu’s lifespan is nearing its end and his situation is most precarious. He is the one you should first steady. If you ignore him and instead come to see me, an outsider, what will he think?
"Fortunately, you have not yet announced your breakthrough to the families, and your number is not counted among them. You even came here with your divine light suppressed. Si Boxiu is likely still weighing whether you have truly succeeded. Though he holds the Dongli Secret Register, since you took the Sky Stone and did not cultivate Bright Yang with his own eyes upon you, he cannot estimate it clearly."
Li Ximing nodded thoughtfully and asked in a low voice, "The Dongli Secret Register?"
"Correct." Xiao Chuting sipped his tea and said softly, "The Dongli Sect’s grotto heaven was divided among three sects, and its secret techniques as well. The Dongli Secret Register records all the peculiarities of the Bright Yang Daos. As early as when you were at Foundation Establishment Realm, Si Boxiu had already discerned your Dao foundation and cultivation method."
Li Ximing’s heart grew heavy. His impression of Si Boxiu’s stern and upright image shifted in many ways. After accepting his thanks, Xiao Chuting continued, "Your breakthrough cannot be hidden for long. It is only a matter of time before it is discovered. It is better to announce it early and rise to the rank of an immortal family.