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Novel: [The Primordial Law]
Volume 2: [Jiuli Insect Valley]
Chapter 56 (83): [Identity Exposed]
(56th of Volume 2)
Translator: Shadow Knight AK
Editor: Shadow Knight AK
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Li Qing watched Li Weiyi stroll toward him along the riverbank, a look of surprise on his face.
The combat prowess he had displayed earlier at the Psychic (Telekinetic) Stone Wall hadn't intimidated his opponent; instead, Li Weiyi had come seeking him out.
More importantly, Li Weiyi exuded an air of calm and casualness.
Where did this confidence come from?
Li Qing remained wary, forcing a smile.
"Alright, I'll finish my business first. The Eight Springs Pure Immortal Physique is not to be underestimated."
Li Weiyi stopped two meters away: "I suggest we talk first."
"So you really came to play the hero! Li Weiyi, the beauty of a Pure Immortal Physique woman does indeed stir compassion, but this is the Hidden Sect. If she survives, you and I will die."
A cunning glint flashed in Li Qing's eyes as he feigned a smile: "Since you're so tenderhearted, here's a deal: I'll let you enter the cave for one hour. After that hour, she must die. Then we can talk at our leisure."
He was adept at exploiting human weaknesses.
Once Li Weiyi fell for his trap, Li Qing would let him enter, seize the opportunity, and eliminate them both.
Li Weiyi shook his head: "You underestimate me. Also, you'd best put away your petty schemes. It's been a month. Have you found a way out yet?"
Li Qing said, "It's not that simple. It took us several days to reach this place from the Underground River, passing countless branching paths along the way. There's only one way to return to the surface: become a Hidden One. And to become a Hidden One, you must..."
"Whoosh!"
The longsword in his hand erupted in blinding light, like a bolt of lightning piercing Li Weiyi's heart.
The spiritual Qi was highly concentrated, with a foot-long, razor-sharp blade of light extending from the sword's tip.
"Kill all your competitors."
Li Qing didn't underestimate Li Weiyi, mobilizing all his Nine Springs spiritual power.
They both knew each other's secrets, so he had to silence Li Weiyi forever before the Hidden Sect arrived.
As for the rule against higher realms killing lower realms, he had already devised an explanation for the Hidden Sect.
That was the Six Desires Talisman.
He would simply tell the Hidden Sect that he discovered a Six Desires Talisman planted on Li Weiyi, planted by another faction's spy.
Since there would be no evidence to contradict him, he could easily get away with it.
Li Weiyi stood his ground, one hand behind his back, making no move to draw his sword.
He raised his right arm, activating the Eighth Spring within him. Spiritual power surged through his Silver Veins, converging in his palm.
The Heaven-Turning Palm Seal formed, distorting the air around his hand.
A palm struck out.
In front of his palm, spiritual Qi condensed into a three-foot-square phantom of a divine seal. It collided with Li Qing's war sword, showing no fear of suffering the same fate as Yaoyin.
"Boom!"
The phantom of the divine seal vanished in a flash, and a powerful palm force surged outward.
Li Weiyi remained standing in place, his feet not even shifting.
In contrast, Li Qing was forced to retreat repeatedly, leaving deep footprints in the ground before finally dissipating the overbearing palm force.
His sword-wielding hand trembled with unbearable pain, and his eyes were filled with astonishment.
The palm seal Li Weiyi had unleashed was too extraordinary. This was no longer the technique of a Spring Surge Realm Martial-Mystic Cultivator.
Hearing the commotion and realizing the two men outside had already engaged, Yaoyin immediately charged out of the side channel's cave entrance, clutching her spiritual artifact dagger. Stepping on spiritual Qi, she skimmed across the water's surface like a dragonfly, her slender figure soaring into the air like a celestial maiden: "I'll lend you a hand! If we join forces, we might still have a chance."
Li Qing was too powerful; he might already be a full Silver Meridian cultivator.
She knew the arrogant newcomer was no match for him.
But to Yaoyin's surprise, Li Qing, despite his immense spiritual power and ability to fight two opponents simultaneously, suddenly turned and fled.
"Trying to escape?"
Li Weiyi activated his Clear Void Cicada-Chasing Step.
Li Weiyi's body seemed to have lost all weight. His feet barely touched the ground as he stepped on the grass, leaving behind a trail of afterimages.
In an instant, he intercepted Li Qing's path.
The Yellow Dragon Sword had already been drawn, and with a domineering sweep, he unleashed a sword strike that could even split the sea.
"Sizzle!"
Bright yellow sword qi tore through the air, leaving behind a ten-foot-long trail of light.
Li Qing, fully aware of the sword's power, turned pale. He dared not hold back in the slightest, channeling the spiritual Qi from his Fengfu Acupoint to unleash a Heavenly Dao and Law Harmony-level sword technique to defend himself.
"Boom!"
The defense shattered instantly, sending Li Qing flying backward as his robes exploded.
Li Weiyi pursued, leaping dozens of feet into the air. With a thrust of his sword, a hundred sword shadows erupted like celestial maidens scattering flowers.
One sword became a hundred!
Li Qing roared, fighting with the desperation of a cornered beast. Ancestral Field spiritual Qi surged through his body like a raging torrent. Gripping his sword with both hands, he swung with all his power.
"Pfft!"
"Pfft!"
He couldn't completely defend against Li Weiyi's Ruyi Qiankun Sword Strike.
Two bloody holes appeared on his body, and the sound of bones cracking echoed in the air.
"You can't possibly be in the Spring Surge Realm... You're in the Five Seas Realm..."
Knowing he was no match for Li Weiyi, Li Qing unleashed his full movement technique to escape while shouting these words, hoping to attract the attention of the Hidden Sect.
"If we're going to die, we'll die together!"
Li Weiyi was slightly faster than Li Qing, catching up in just three breaths and delivering his third strike.
The fourth followed immediately.
Even with the massive amount of spiritual Qi he mobilized from his Ancestral Field, Li Qing struggled desperately to defend himself, finding this fight even more grueling than his battle against Yin Jiu.
Ultimately, while the Ancestral Field resembled a Qi Sea, capable of storing spiritual Qi, it wouldn't undergo a fundamental transformation until he reached the Five Seas Realm.
Each strike from Li Weiyi felt like a mountain crashing down, leaving Li Qing gasping for breath.
"Pfft!"
Finally, Li Weiyi broke through his defenses.
The fifth strike pierced Li Qing's forearm, the hand holding his sword.
Li Qing let out a low, pained scream as his spiritual artifact sword clattered to the ground.
Clutching his wound, he stumbled backward, leaving a trail of blood droplets on the riverside grass.
"Boom!"
Li Weiyi pursued him, delivering a solid palm strike to his back.
Li Qing vomited blood, completely losing his fighting ability and the ability to flee. He rolled and crashed to the ground.
By the time Li Qing tried to rise again, the tip of the Yellow Dragon Sword was already pressed against his throat.
"It took me six moves to completely defeat you. Among the Nine Springs Supreme, you're actually quite strong," Li Weiyi said, clearly dissatisfied with his performance, despite having fought with everything he had.
True, he had defeated Li Qing one move faster than Yin Jiu.
But Yin Jiu was merely a mural, possessing only combat techniques, combat awareness, and combat intelligence that couldn't compare to the real person.
Li Qing had been too focused on fleeing earlier, his fighting spirit was very weak and his condition was also nowhere near to what it had been when he fought Yin Jiu.
Yaoyin, watching from afar, was utterly stunned, unsure what to do with the dagger in her hand.
Seven Springs? Eighth Spring?
What realm was he truly in?
Yaoyin had always known Li Weiyi was strong, but she couldn't have imagined him surpassing Li Qing. Even a Nine Springs Pure Immortal Physique might not possess such power.
"Tell me, which tribe do you belong to?" Li Weiyi demanded, his tone interrogative.
The terror in Li Qing's eyes gradually faded, replaced by a mocking smile: "Whose side are you really on? If I refuse to reveal this secret, does that mean I might actually survive?"
"Don't be so clever."
"Slash!"
Li Weiyi raised his arm and severed Li Qing's left wrist, "You have two choices: die slowly or die quickly."
Li Qing gritted his teeth, glaring at Li Weiyi.
He finally understood the true horror of the man. Blood gushed from his severed wrist, and his entire arm grew increasingly cold.
Sensing something, Li Weiyi looked up to see Yin Jiu arriving.
Meanwhile, the usually silent Old Man of Medicinal Cuisine, clad in black robes, appeared before them, his feet treading on wisps of Spiritual Light. Each step covered over a dozen yards with astonishing speed.
"You won't get the answer by asking. You'll have to use Psychic (Telekinesis) Power to make him talk."
A spot of light appeared between the Old Man of Medicinal Cuisine's eyebrows, unleashing a surge of formidable Psychic (Telekinesis) Power.
Nine strands of Psychic (Telekinesis) Power, like streaks of light, shot forth from his Third Eye Spiritual Realm and pierced into Li Qing's skull through various acupoints.
His Psychic (Telekinesis) Power was incredibly potent, his body radiating light like a blinding miniature sun.
Li Weiyi hastily retreated, his mind reeling in shock as he warily eyed the Old Man of Medicinal Cuisine.
It was now undeniable: the Hidden Sect knew far more than they let on.
Li Qing, realizing he had been exposed and was doomed to die, attempted to drag Li Weiyi down with him: "He... he was sent by the Earthwolf King's Army. Shi Liuyu planted a Six Desires Talisman on him... Ah..."
"Boom!"
Amidst a piercing scream, Li Qing's forehead exploded.
A ball of intensely hot Spiritual Light Flame erupted from beneath his eyebrows, instantly incinerating his entire head into ashes.
His death was utterly gruesome.
The Old Man of Medicinal Cuisine's eyes narrowed as he retracted the nine strands of Psychic (Telekinesis) Power. He frowned deeply, muttering to himself, "As expected, he was implanted with Death Spirit Fire. Any attempt to use Psychic (Telekinesis) Power to manipulate his consciousness and force him to speak would trigger the spirit fire."
The Old Man of Medicinal Cuisine glared at Li Weiyi, his displeasure evident: "You've ruined our plans! Xiao Yin Ershi Si, take the body and come with me to see the Lord Yin."
Yin Ershi Si lifted Li Qing's headless corpse with one hand and turned to Li Weiyi, a mixture of confusion and curiosity in her eyes.
Clearly, Li Weiyi's display of combat prowess had stunned her, plunging her into self-doubt. After all, she had personally examined him when they boarded the ship, confirming his cultivation level was indeed Seven Springs.
Li Weiyi was even more puzzled and curious.
Watching the two figures grow distant, he couldn't help but ask, "What about me? Shouldn't I be going with you?"
There was no response.
They completely ignored him.
"The Hidden Sect must have known Li Qing was suspicious all along. The reason they didn't act was to lure out the bigger fish behind him. But if they knew Li Qing so well, how could they not know I'm suspicious too?"
"Even if they didn't know before, Li Qing just told them everything. Why aren't they even investigating?"
Li Weiyi grew increasingly anxious, debating whether to immediately produce Master Coffin's letter.
A faint fragrance drifted over.
Yaoyin appeared beside him, her almond eyes filled with complex emotions. In a soft, melodious voice, she asked, "Are you truly sent by the Earthwolf King's Army?"
"Are you asking if I've been implanted with the Six Desires Talisman?" Li Weiyi replied.
Yaoyin wasn't very familiar with the Six Desires Talisman, but even from its name, she could guess its nature. This immediately clarified Li Weiyi's previous actions.
After careful consideration, Yaoyin said, "You must have been forced into this. I believe the Hidden Sect hasn't punished you because they understand this too. In fact, as long as you demonstrate exceptional talent, you still have a chance to become a Hidden One."
Yaoyin wasn't foolish. She knew Li Weiyi had caught up to her at that critical moment to save her. That's why she spoke these words of comfort. Regardless of Li Weiyi's true identity, he had been genuinely kind to her.
Li Weiyi looked at her with a strange expression, realizing Yaoyin's words held some truth.
However, with Master Coffin's letter in hand, he didn't need to prove himself.
He decided to deliver the letter immediately.
...
Passing through the Mountain Gate marked the true entrance to the Jiu Li Hidden Sect.
Outside the Lord Yin's cultivation cave, a seventeen-story stone pagoda stood, built against the cliff face. Each level of the pagoda blazed with a radiant Spiritual Light Flame, casting vibrant colors across the dimly lit underground space.
The Lord Yin, wearing a mask, examined the headless corpse of Li Qing on the ground.
He shook his head: "That old fox was too cautious. He left no trace. Our leads have completely dried up! Which of the nine Clan Chiefs could it be?"
Old Man of Medicinal Cuisine asked, "Even Yin Wu doesn't know?"
"Yin Wu said that the Clan Chief has been closely associated with Coffin Mountain, concealing his identity all along. It's likely only Xu Fodu and An Xianjing know who he is."
The Yin Jun (Hidden Lord) continued, "He must have been subdued by the Forbidden One of Coffin Mountain. Otherwise, how could a Clan Chief-level existence possibly betray us?"
Old Man of Medicinal Cuisine's eyes widened in shock: "Even such an ancient being has entered the fray?"
The Yin Jun replied, "The Lingxiao Palace's situation is dire. They're retreating step by step, gradually losing their authority over the world. The various demons, monsters, and ghosts who previously dared not act are naturally starting to have their own ideas. Fortunately, the upheaval in Burial Immortal Town bought us valuable time to prepare. Otherwise, the war that would have engulfed all of Li Province would have already erupted."
The Old Man of Medicinal Cuisine said, "This battle is inevitable, but before it begins, we must purge our internal threats. Should we inform the Dao Academy and the Divine Temple; let them investigate."
"No, that's too likely to alert our enemies and could expose Yin Wu. They want to understand the Jiu Li Hidden Sect, don't they still have a chess piece?"
Yin Jun suddenly asked, "That boy, defeated Li Qing in six moves? Has he broken through to the Five Seas Realm?"
"That's precisely what's so strange! He's clearly not in the Five Seas Realm, yet his combat strength seems to rival Yin Jiu's," the Old Man of Medicinal Cuisine replied.
"If he truly is an extraordinary genius, then we must give him a chance. This game still hinges on him. Yin Wu said that he helped the Jiu Li Clan greatly and has good relations with the Cangli Tribe. He's just an innocent victim caught in the crossfire."
After a moment of thought, Yin Jun continued, "Since he's so powerful, immediately arrange a second trial for him. At the same time, we'll test his choices. Yin Ershi Si, this task falls to you!"
...
Li Weiyi arrived at the Mountain Gate and informed the elderly gatekeeper of his desire to meet the Yin Jun.
"The Yin Jun isn't someone you can just see whenever you please," the gatekeeper said, "Even I find it difficult to meet him."
"I have something extremely important to discuss. Please, Elder, help me announce my arrival."
Li Weiyi dared not reveal the secret of the Chief's impending return to the Full Hidden Sect. The more people who knew, the more eyes would be on him, and the more easily his secrets would be exposed.
It was enough for a few high-ranking members of the Hidden Sect to know.
Old Man of Medicinal Cuisine and Yin Ershi Si descended the mountain, one after the other.
"Little one," Old Man of Medicinal Cuisine said, "don't be so flustered. We know all about your background. The Six Desires Talisman and the Earth Wolf Army King Army aren't important matters. What truly matters are your choices and your talent. Twelfth (Shi Er), come, let's play a game of chess."
Old Man of Medicinal Cuisine pulled the gatekeeper away.
Li Weiyi turned his gaze to the upright and elegant Yin Ershi Si: "I must see the Yin Jun!"
Yin Ershi Si replied, "The Yin Jun has arranged a second trial for you. Once you complete it, you'll naturally be qualified to meet him."
"My matter is important," Li Weiyi insisted.
Yin Ershi Si replied, "Nothing the Yin Jun deals with is unimportant. Besides, you know the Hidden Sect knows everything. What you know, the Hidden Sect knows. What you don't know, the Hidden Sect knows too. Do you understand? To us, you're completely transparent."
Li Weiyi suppressed his frustration: "Why is it so hard to communicate with you? Never mind... If you're not in a hurry, neither am I. The second trial? Isn't that too soon?"
Trials were dangerous, and no one wanted to participate more than necessary.
Yaoyin had been so eager to attack Li Qing precisely to become a Hidden One as quickly as possible and avoid further trials.
Yin Ershi Si said, "Eliminate all Changlin Gang leaders at Seven Springs and above."
Li Weiyi froze.
Yin Ershi Si was pleased by his expression.
"Now do you believe we know everything about you?"
"I thought all trials took place underground. The Changlin Gang is far away in Jiu Li City," Li Weiyi said.
"Far?"
Yin Ershi Si smiled: "You've caught the Yin Jun's eye. This is a special test he's prepared just for you. If you pass, you'll likely become Yin Ershi Liu (Twenty-Sixth Hidden One)!"
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END OF CHAPTER
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