Chapter 1034: Grand Assembly of the Purple Mansion (II)
Milin Mountain.
Milin Mountain was not tall, but it was vast in size, brimming everywhere with spiritual energy. After the downfall of the Yu Family, chaos had consumed the land. The once-grand palaces and terraces lay shattered and in disarray.
These palaces and terraces were no ordinary constructions. Built by cultivators, they could not be raised merely by manipulating earth and stone. They required engraved formation patterns and the infusion of spiritual materials and items. That was no simple task.
When the Li Family took over, they were beset by major events, followed by the great strife between North and South. They did not have the strength to restore the many pavilions and halls, and only repaired the spirit fields and herbal courtyards, using them for gathering resources and cultivation.
After the northern and southern conflict passed, the Li Family enjoyed ten years of rest and recovery. With resources to spare, they gradually rebuilt Milin Mountain. In the last three months, it had become a grand family-wide project, transforming the mountain range into something entirely new.
Terraces and towers were now constructed layer upon layer across Milin Mountain, standing amidst the clouds. Azure steps were everywhere, and spiritual qi drifted in the air. Five spirit springs gushed from the heights, their waters following patterned channels down the steps, winding through courtyards before reaching the foot of the mountain.
The paths were lined with lanterns, painted with Bright Yang and Li[1] Fire patterns. The steps were carved with sea and dragon motifs. Cultivators came and went, rising and descending among the courtyards.
Milin Mountain was not the location to be renovated. Around the lake, sixteen prefectures, two peaks, and one mountain were all entirely reconstructed. Six grand gate towers had been erected along the lakeshore, modeled after the Radiant Origin Pass.
These gate towers were built of white bricks, their corner towers adorned with intricate carvings. Each stood thirty-eight meters tall, with seventy-two clearly defined ridges. Though similar in structure, their placement followed the terrain and direction, and they bore the names, Sixiang[2], Xuanye[3], Tingyuan[4], Changxi[5], Chengqing[6], and Zhouwu[7].
The Sixiang Gate, located at Lijing Office on the southern shore, was the grandest, taller than the other five. The Changxi Gate stood at the foot of Milin Mountain, and was connected to the formations. All cultivators ascending or descending the mountain passed through it. Li Zhouluo descended with Kong Yu from this gate, while Li Zhoufang was stationed at its front.
The two brothers were older than Li Zhouwei, and their sons were already grown. Since they had low innate talent, they had begun cultivating late, appearing far more aged and ordinary, with nothing remarkable about them.
After a brief glance, Kong Guxi praised, "What a fine Changxi Gate..."