The man's surname was Li, given name Xuan. Though how many times he had reincarnated, no one knew, but that name remained unchanged!" The moment the Grand Master Xuandu spoke these words, Ye Wen nearly choked on his own saliva.

"Li Xuan?" Seeing Ye Wen's reaction, Grand Master Xuandu seemed to realize something and asked with surprise, "Oh? Could it be that Sect Leader Ye is acquainted with this person?" Hearing this, Ye Wen felt that nothing in the world was more unpredictable than this, for he absolutely could not connect Li Xuan with this old acquaintance of Grand Master Xuandu.

Cui Jun, however, didn't react as strongly; instead, he seemed to recall something suddenly and exclaimed, "Could the acquaintance you speak of, fellow Daoist, be that one?"

Grand Master Xuandu nodded. Cui Jun was even more astonished, "I initially thought that Sect Leader Li and that person merely shared the same name and surname... I didn't expect him to be the reincarnation of that person! Truly... surprising!"

Hearing Cui Jun say this, Ye Wen knew this Hulu Immortal also knew Li Xuan's previous incarnation's identity, deepening his curiosity: Just who was this Sect Leader Li Xuan reincarnated from? Judging by the situation, this person must have a significant background!

"May I ask... Grand Daoist Xuandu, who exactly is this acquaintance of yours...?" This question could be interpreted as Ye Wen inquiring about the identity of Xuandu's acquaintance, or perhaps the nature of their relationship. Grand Master Xuandu did not hide anything this time, smiling as he said, "When that acquaintance was cultivating the Dao, they once received guidance from my Master, making them a fellow disciple, in a sense. Although they cultivated independently later on, they frequently visited our Doushuai Palace!"

Upon hearing this, Ye Wen realized this person had an extraordinary background. He couldn't fathom what calamity had befallen them to cause a reincarnation and subsequent need to re-cultivate.

What was even harder for Ye Wen to comprehend was how someone reincarnating could end up within the Nine Tripod Cauldrons. Did this situation somehow involve the Nine Tripods?

The more he thought, the more questions arose, until he finally stopped pondering and instead focused on discussing the matter with Xuandu. After all, as long as they found Li Xuan and awakened his past memories, everything would naturally become clear.

What puzzled Ye Wen now was: if Grand Master Xuandu helped Li Xuan restore his past memories, would he retain his current personality, merely gaining some memories, like Hasna... or would his former self completely dominate, reverting entirely to the nature of Xuandu's acquaintance?

At the same time... who exactly was Li Xuan's predecessor?

After chatting for a while longer, Grand Master Xuandu learned that the acquaintance had reincarnated and was currently on a snowy peak north of Mount Shu. With their whereabouts known, there was less urgency, so he sat there reminiscing with Cui Jun, while also discussing various miscellaneous matters with Ye Wen, occasionally sharing interesting anecdotes about the customs and culture of that land of Dongying (Japan).

Among these stories were gossip items like how the native Dongying deity Tsukuyomi had perished during a conflict with Yamata no Orochi, leading Amaterasu to harbor deep hatred for the great serpent, and how Yamata no Orochi, despite causing Tsukuyomi's death, still harbored some lingering feelings for Amaterasu.

Although Ye Wen appeared unconcerned, he committed every word to memory. The discussion continued until after sunset, when Ye Wen finally inquired, "May I ask if the Daoist Master requires a meal?"

This question seemed somewhat abrupt, but for many immortals in the Celestial Realm, it was the most normal form of greeting.

Ye Wen himself hadn't adapted well initially, taking quite some time to get used to it. This was because most immortals in this world had already achieved bigu (abstaining from grains), and certainly someone like Grand Master Xuandu could live robustly without eating or drinking. Now, immortals drank and ate mostly to satisfy their appetites. Ye Wen maintained the habit of regular meals only to remain connected with his disciples.

He was unsure if Grand Master Xuandu, who cultivated in seclusion within Doushuai Palace year-round, retained this habit, so asking was the safest bet. If the Master did eat but Ye Wen failed to offer, it would seem like Mount Shu was being disrespectful. Conversely, if the Master did not eat, Ye Wen would feel awkward leaving alone to dine.

After his inquiry, he heard Grand Master Xuandu look out at the now-darkened area beyond the hall and smile, "There is no need for such trouble. This humble Daoist has already abstained from grains for several millennia and generally has no such inclination." Then, checking the time, he finally said to Cui Jun, "Since there is nothing else to do, I trouble fellow Daoist to accompany me. Let us go find that acquaintance now!"

"So rushed?" Ye Wen was surprised that this great master was actually impatient. Going to find someone in the middle of the night? Couldn't they wait until daylight tomorrow?

Grand Master Xuandu laughed, "It's always better to resolve matters sooner rather than later. And for beings like us, whether it's sooner or later makes little difference, so day or night is irrelevant! After all, this matter doesn't require selecting an auspicious day or a beautiful setting..."

Ye Wen smacked his lips. He had to admit that sounded reasonable. After thinking for a moment, he also rose, "If that is the case, I shall accompany you."

He had been away in the West for over ten years this time, and it had been quite a while since he last saw Li Xuan. He had been meaning to find time in the next couple of days to visit, but unexpectedly, this matter had cropped up.

Regardless, he had to go today, because who knew if he would ever see Sect Leader Li again? Once his past memories returned, would the Tianshan Sect even still be established?

As for Li Xuan's current situation, he had heard from his disciples and junior sister that the two Tianshan disciples Li Xuan brought to the Celestial Realm had already been directly accepted as his own disciples. If the Tianshan Sect were rebuilt in the Celestial Realm, these two would likely be the first generation, and Li Xuan? He would naturally become the founder of the Tianshan Sect.

Although the Tianshan Sect had a long heritage, it was not an immortal sect. Now, having effectively established a new sect from scratch, calling him the founder was certainly not wrong.

Ye Wen summoned Nangong Huang to guide them. The immortals each used their abilities to fly out from the mountain gate. After redeploying the Nine Tripods Great Formation, they could still only exit Mount Shu through the main gate. Grand Master Xuandu circled the formation on his cloud and praised the protective array of the Mount Shu Sect, saying that even he, encountering it, would likely be unable to break it and would have to retreat.

Leaving Mount Shu, they turned due north toward the towering peaks that pierced the clouds, a vast expanse of white that looked immensely imposing. Even the original Mount Tian, associated with the Wan Prefecture Cauldron, looked inferior compared to this cluster of peaks. It wasn't without reason that Li Xuan favored this location.

Of course, being close enough to Mount Shu was also a factor. There were indeed many peaks in the Celestial Realm; if they searched hard enough, they might find better ones. However, Li Xuan understood his own limited strength and lack of foundation in the Celestial Realm. Without the reliance of Mount Shu Sect, his reputation might be extinguished before it could even form.

Simultaneously, having no other established sects in this area would allow the Tianshan Sect to comfortably navigate the initial difficult stages. Considering all factors, there seemed little reason to choose another location.

Nangong Huang flew around in the sky for a moment, finally pointing to one of the peaks, "It is on that mountain peak!"

Ye Wen looked. The peak Nangong Huang pointed to was not the tallest one, which nearly scraped the edge of the heavens. This one was not far from the tallest peak, only slightly higher than the floating Mount Shu. While there was a lot of snow, the temperature was not unbearably cold for ordinary people.

He guessed that Li Xuan had considered the two disciples when choosing a residence, not selecting an overly dramatic location. However, seeing this choice, Ye Wen suspected this Tianshan Sect Leader already had his eye on that cloud-piercing peak, perhaps planning to move there once his two disciples reached higher cultivation?

Ye Wen descended along with Nangong Huang, looking back at the other two who drifted down on clouds and swayed down on their gourd. Ye Wen thought these two were being perhaps too leisurely.

But when he saw Li Xuan standing on the snow, clad in a fur coat, looking at him, he stopped paying attention to the other two and greeted the familiar figure.

Li Xuan at this moment had returned to the appearance of his prime. His tall, strong physique could not hide his striking presence even among these peaks. Moreover, compared to when he only wore tight martial clothing within the Nine Tripod Cauldrons, Li Xuan now—influenced by whom, Ye Wen couldn't tell—wore a long, black fur coat, resembling a triad boss standing in the wind. While Ye Wen found it slightly awkward, the bearing was undeniable.

"Sect Leader Ye!"

Li Xuan cupped his hands in greeting towards Ye Wen, quite curious why Ye Wen had come so late at night. In his memory, although Ye Wen could occasionally be unreliable, he generally did not do such reckless things unless something urgent was at hand. But if even Ye Wen couldn't handle the emergency, seeking out Li Xuan at this moment seemed pointless. For a moment, Li Xuan couldn't guess Ye Wen's purpose, so he first pointed toward a wooden cabin not far behind him: "Come in for a cup of hot tea!"

As for the two behind Ye Wen, Li Xuan already knew Cui Jun, so there was no need for excessive courtesy. As for the Daoist, he had never met him. Although he didn't understand the visitor's purpose, Li Xuan did not neglect etiquette. He wasn't a fool; anyone Ye Wen brought along couldn't be an insignificant nobody. Furthermore, at the founding of the Tianshan Sect, establishing connections was crucial, so his demeanor was quite warm.

It was just that Li Xuan seemed naturally unsuited for this kind of thing. Though his enthusiasm was sufficient, it couldn't quite mask the inherent arrogance etched into his very bones.

However, he noticed that the Daoist called Grand Master Xuandu seemed unbothered, instead examining him with great interest, which made Li Xuan puzzled: "Is this person here looking for me? But who in the Celestial Realm knows who I am?" After exchanging pleasantries, Ye Wen gave Li Xuan a subtle look, and Li Xuan waved his hand, dismissing his two disciples to rest. The two youngsters understood that the conversation to follow was not for them to hear, so they promptly withdrew.

At that moment, Ye Wen was still talking to Li Xuan: "Nie Bing and Xia Xue's cultivation has progressed quite fast. Judging by their appearance... they are about to break through, aren't they?"

Li Xuan smiled, "Their aptitude is average, but fortunately, they are quite diligent. Even if it takes a long time, achieving Earth Immortal realm is hopefully within reach!" This sounded like modesty, but it still carried a hint of pride.

By age, these two disciples were only in their early thirties. In the Celestial Realm, where time was measured in hundreds or thousands of years, to be on the verge of breaking through to Earth Immortal at around thirty years old was truly prodigious talent. Therefore, these two disciples made Li Xuan very satisfied!

Of course, Ye Wen knew that the unique cultivation methods of the Tianshan Sect played a part, but he was still happy that Li Xuan managed to find two good disciples.

After chatting and laughing for a while, estimating that the two disciples were far enough away, Ye Wen finally said, "My apologies for intruding today. It is actually Grand Master Xuandu here who wishes to see Sect Leader Li. This matter, perhaps the Grand Daoist Xuandu should explain it to you!" While the two were exchanging pleasantries, Xuandu had been watching from the side. Hearing Ye Wen say this, he knew it was time for him to speak. However, what he said first was not about those matters, but rather asking about Li Xuan's recent cultivation progress, even inquiring if Li Xuan had encountered any difficulties.

Although Li Xuan was puzzled, after talking with Grand Master Xuandu for a while, he seemed to have some premonition, asked no further questions, and laid out some of his own doubts one by one. Grand Master Xuandu held nothing back; for every question Li Xuan asked, he provided a detailed answer. As a result, most of the night was spent with Li Xuan asking and Xuandu answering—at a glance, it looked like a master passing knowledge to a disciple, resolving doubts.

Ye Wen listened to much of it from the side and benefited considerably. Although much of it might not be directly useful to him, many concepts he had only vaguely grasped in his mind, yet didn't know how to articulate, leading to potential issues when instructing his own disciples. Now, hearing Grand Master Xuandu's explanations, he understood how to pass on the teachings.

They spoke until dawn. Li Xuan sat quietly with his eyes closed in deep thought for a long time. Then he opened his eyes, rose, and cupped his hands toward Grand Master Xuandu in salute: "The kindness of the Daoist Master in imparting knowledge shall surely be repaid in the future!"

Grand Master Xuandu smiled, sitting at a distance to receive the bow. Only after Li Xuan completed the gesture did Xuandu say, "We are fundamentally from the same lineage; what great favor is it for us to share knowledge?"

Seeing Li Xuan's confusion, Xuandu continued, "Back when you descended to the mortal realm on business, you encountered an unforeseen change. Under duress, you used your powers to destroy your immortal body to preserve a wisp of your divine consciousness and entered the Six Paths of Reincarnation, hoping to cultivate anew. Unexpectedly, after several lives, you struggled to glimpse the path to immortality. Now, even that original sliver of divine consciousness is nearly lost. If not for a fortunate turn of events bringing you back to the Celestial Realm, my Master would likely not have found your whereabouts!" Li Xuan remained bewildered, but he sensed that what Xuandu said concerned something monumental, so he dared not interrupt, simply sitting back down to listen quietly.

Seeing Li Xuan's confusion, Grand Master Xuandu offered no immediate explanation, but continued speaking: "Fortunately, your divine consciousness survived, so my Master refined a Golden Elixir. As long as you swallow it, all matters can be recalled. As for that level of cultivation, while you might not fully recover it, with the memory of your past cultivation, regaining it will not be difficult!"

Saying this, he flipped his palm, and an elixir radiating brilliant golden light, illuminating the entire hall until it shone golden, appeared in Grand Master Xuandu's palm.

As this pill emerged, a rich fragrance filled the room. Ye Wen, merely inhaling the scent, felt a cool energy flow through his lungs, and his mind became significantly clearer. Though he hadn't sustained serious injury from his battle with Yamata no Orochi yesterday, he had felt some fatigue, which was now mostly dispelled instantly, demonstrating the miraculous nature of this Golden Elixir.

Li Xuan gazed at the Golden Elixir, silent. By now, he had guessed something. He wasn't dull; in fact, he was quite clever.

Clearly, this Grand Master Xuandu seemed to have a significant connection with his past life. From his words, they appeared to be fellow disciples. Now that he had come seeking him, it was to restore his past memories!

But did this mean he had to return to that former lineage? Or would he still be himself? Would he transform into someone else?

All these considerations flashed through his mind, but his hands remained still. His eyes stared at the Golden Elixir, yet it seemed as if he were gazing at something much farther away, as if trying to see through the future.

Seeing him like this, Ye Wen found it difficult to interject. Such matters were truly inappropriate for an outsider to influence. He simply sat there, watching quietly to see how Li Xuan would choose.

Grand Master Xuandu also remained silent, merely holding the Golden Elixir in his palm and smiling faintly at Li Xuan. The scene froze there for a moment. The few people in the hall remained utterly still; only the Golden Elixir continuously emitted its brilliant golden light, the radiance flowing as if the small pill were spinning.

After about the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, Li Xuan finally broke the silence. "If I eat this pill, will I still be me?" He then shook his head and bowed to Grand Master Xuandu, "I appreciate the Daoist Master's kindness, but I cannot accept this pill!"

With these words, Li Xuan effectively rejected this opportunity—a chance to recall his past life, gain a wealth of immortal cultivation experience freely, and almost certainly achieve the rank of Immortal in the shortest possible time.

Hearing his refusal, Ye Wen smiled slightly, as if this was exactly what he expected. Based on his understanding of Li Xuan, this person was not someone who would trade his self for any benefit. Moreover, if he accepted the pill, would Li Xuan still be Li Xuan? He raised his teacup and took a noisy sip, even though the tea inside had long gone cold, yet he drank it with relish.

This was because too many people in this world gave up their true selves for benefits. Seeing someone familiar who refused such a prize brought forth a proud thought: I haven't misjudged this person.

Cui Jun also secretly admired him, musing internally whether he could resist such a temptation if he were in Li Xuan's position. After careful thought, he concluded that perhaps he could now, but if he were in Li Xuan's exact predicament, it would be difficult.

Li Xuan currently lacked fame, cultivation, resources, or magical artifacts, and had no renowned master to guide him; everything was achieved through stumbling in the dark.

But if he accepted this Golden Elixir, everything would be provided!

A renowned master? Tai Shang Lao Jun would certainly not ignore this disciple, as evidenced by the fact that Lao Jun personally refined a Golden Elixir to help his reincarnated disciple recall his past.

Resources? Magical artifacts? Those things were so plentiful for Lao Jun that they were negligible!

Cultivation was even simpler. With a renowned master, magical artifacts, and the resources needed for cultivation, achieving high cultivation was just a matter of time. Furthermore, once he consumed the pill, Li Xuan would recover his past memories, and with that rich cultivation experience, even without those material aids, he could re-cultivate a powerful physique.

Therefore, this temptation was enough to drive eighty percent of the immortals in the Celestial Realm into a frenzy, yet Li Xuan was not among that eighty percent!

Just as he was admiring this, he saw Grand Master Xuandu smile and say, "I didn't expect that after several reincarnations, your Dao Heart has become much stronger!" With that, he casually shook his sleeve, and the elixir flew directly in front of Li Xuan, who caught it in one swift motion: "Don't worry. Even if you consume this Golden Elixir, you will still be you. You will not revert to my fellow disciple!"