Chapter 1022: The Congratulations of the Families (I)
Si Boxiu stood firm upon the clouds, and Li Ximing immediately cupped his hands in return and said softly, "My family has cultivated for a hundred years under the protection of the upper sect, with much aid from your esteemed family. The kindness still lingers, and my elder brother still serves within the sect. I must trouble Senior to look after me in the days to come."
Si Boxiu's gaze remained complicated, yet his expression had softened. Li Ximing's breakthrough to the Purple Mansion Realm was now already a foregone conclusion, so there was nothing left for him to say. He could only sigh and speak gently, "In the turmoil of the Chi Family years ago, you suffered much harsh treatment. For that, I offer you my apology."
Li Ximing did not comment either way, but his tone remained respectful as he replied, "Senior, there's no need for you to say such things. I am unworthy of it."
As their exchange ended, a scarlet rune of departing light shot forth from the great void, manifesting in the sky. Radiance pulsed as streaks of light condensed, and a man with thick brows appeared.
He wore a long robe adorned with countless tiny scarlet talismans. It had narrow sleeves whose hem was embroidered with runes of departing light. His face was open and hearty, his brows thick, and his eyes large. With fists slightly clasped, he spoke in a ringing voice, "I am Hengli of the Hengzhu Immortal Dao Gate, offering congratulations on behalf of my gate. I wish Fellow Daoist affinity with the five laws, the golden lotus with ease, success in comprehending the Purple Mansion Realm, and that all your endeavors may bear fruit."
This man was none other than Daoist Master Hengli of the Hengzhu Dao Gate, one of Jiangnan's foremost artifact smiths. Coming in person showed Hengzhu Dao Gate's sincerity. Li Ximing, long familiar with his reputation, did not dare show carelessness and returned the greeting, "I have long heard of Senior's great name. Today I see it is no empty reputation."
Hengli chuckled quietly and said with a nod, "The Nine-Colored Profound Mercury that Fellow Daoist entrusted to my sect has been well kept. Now that you have achieved the Purple Mansion Realm, we have already sent it over. It is on the way."
Li Ximing understood that the Nine-Colored Profound Mercury he spoke of was the Purple Mansion Realm spirit item once obtained from Wang Fu. He acknowledged the man amiably.
Just then, a golden light appeared from the west, revealing a broad-shouldered man. He glared coldly at Hengli before turning toward Li Ximing, "I am Tianque of the Golden Feather Immortal Sect, here on behalf of my sect to congratulate Daoist Master Zhaojing. May Fellow Daoist's divine abilities be tempered a hundred times over, your true arts remain unshaken, your brilliance illuminate the heavens, and may you grasp your true nature."
Both of these Daoist Masters were skilled in combat arts, yet they were far from harmonious. Li Ximing quickly shifted the conversation and replied softly, "The Immortal Sect has long been on good terms with my forebears. For Daoist Master to grace us with your presence brings radiance to this humble place."