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Novel: [The Primordial Law]
Volume 3: [Qiu Prefecture Lantern Festival]
Chapter 16 (160): [Yin Jiu, Yin Shi, Yin Shi Yi]
(16th of Volume 3)
Translator: Shadow Knight AK
Editor: Shadow Knight AK
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Li Weiyi erased all traces of his presence, stowing the Ghost Banner and Nightwalker's Garment in his Boundary Pouch.
He wouldn't use them again anytime soon.
The situation at the Mirror Moon Pavilion was far more serious than he'd initially realized.
Even the two servants could casually berate the top young talents of Li Prefecture.
Their reference to the "Young Venerable" suggested someone truly terrifying.
Anyone who crossed such a powerful force would live in constant fear, feeling like a thorn in their side.
Li Weiyi had to be cautious. He'd used the Disguise Technique and altered his voice, so he shouldn't have been exposed.
"I'll keep this up as long as I can! Given enough time, I'll expose those Left and Right Attendants and that Young Venerable for who they really are."
Zuoqiu Ting had clearly seen through his disguise.
But Li Weiyi had intentionally used the Azure Yin Banner at the Heavenly Pavilion to draw out members of the Zuoqiu Clan.
According to the Hidden Lord, he had negotiated the alliance between the Jiu Li Hidden Sect and the Zuoqiu Clan, making them allies.
The Jiu Li Hidden Sect was practically transparent to the Zuoqiu Clan, allowing them to approach them as Hidden Ones.
At Thirty-Three Li Mountain, Li Weiyi had done nothing to harm the Zuoqiu Clan; in fact, he had even saved Zuoqiu Baiming and Zuoqiu Lanlan.
It was already late at night.
Though the Heavenly Pavilion remained brightly lit, the earlier bustle had faded, and the voices of the crowd had gradually died down.
Li Weiyi adjusted his breathing, redressed in his formal robes, and headed straight for Cloud Pavilion.
"Brother Chi is back!"
The young talents of Zhi Prefecture rushed forward to greet him.
Qi Wangshu said, "That Chen Lian was incredibly stubborn. We tried everything - all eighteen methods - but couldn't get a single word out of him. Miss Ling'er used her Mental Power to forcibly extract his soul memories, but his battle intent fiercely resisted. In the end, Death Spirit Fire erupted from his body, leaving him in this state!"
Inside the room, where a Formations had been set up, Chen Lian's head lay on the floor, a charred skull. His neck and chest were also blackened.
The crowd wore varied expressions - some worried, others silent. After all, this was a young Heavenly Pride at the Fourth Stage of the Five Seas Realm, a valuable asset to any sect or clan.
He was highly likely to reach the Dao Seed Realm in the future.
Li Weiyi's expression was solemn: "As you can see, tonight's events are far more complex than they appear. Therefore, I ask you to keep my earlier departure from the Heavenly Pavilion a secret. Tell everyone I was injured by Chen Wenwu's sword qi and spent two hours recovering."
Li Weiyi knew the people of Mirror Moon Pavilion would likely suspect something, but they were unlikely to investigate him and Li Ling deeply.
After all, they were both too young and their cultivation wasn't strong enough.
Even if they investigate thoroughly, they'll only focus on Yin Jiu and Zuoqiu Ting.
Li Weiyi continued, "Ling'er and I will take responsibility for Chen Lian's death. It has nothing to do with any of you. If the San Chen Palace retaliates against you, I, Chi, will not stand idly by. The entire Jiu Li Tribe will bear the brunt of their wrath."
Qi Wangshu laughed heartily: "Is the San Chen Palace truly that arrogant? Must we fear being implicated and retaliated against just for making friends? In the Southern Territory, the San Chen Palace's ambition to dominate us single-handedly is far beyond their capabilities. No matter how strong Chen Wenwu may be, my elder brother can easily defeat him. Brother Chi, don't underestimate us!"
True friendship is forged in adversity.
Qi Wangshu found Li Weiyi to be quite remarkable and decided to extend a gesture of goodwill.
A talented young man from Zhi Prefecture spoke up: "Among the major powers in the Seven Prefectures of the Southern Border, the Zuoqiu Clan, the Southern Territory's leading authority, ranks first. Second is Heavenly Cliff Ridge, home to the cave of the Ten Thousand Demons . Third is Guan Shan, the leader of the Three Great Barbarian Bandits.Even Sui Sect struggles to break into the top five, while the San Chen Palace can only compete for a spot in the top ten. They're still far from achieving single-handed dominance."
Someone disagreed: "Guan Shan's foundation is far weaker than the Jiu Li Tribe's. They only have two Immortal Realm giants: Xu Fodu and An Xianjing. I believe the Jiu Li Tribe is the true third-largest power in the Southern Territory!"
The Zhi Prefecture prodigy forced a bitter smile: "In terms of overall strength, the Jiu Li Nine Tribes are definitely in the top three. But who can deny that the Forbidden One of Guan Shan is a being beyond the Immortal Realm? One person alone can elevate Guan Shan to the ranks of lingxiao's top-tier powers. Moreover, Xu Fodu and An Xianjing, one having lived for four centuries and the other for three hundred and sixty years, are no ordinary Immortal Realm giants."
The Zhi Prefecture prodigies immediately began arguing over the ranking of the Southern Territory's major powers.
Li Weiyi placed Chen Lian's corpse into his Boundary Pouch, pondering how to dismiss the people inside the room before turning his attention to the black metal iron chest.
A young female attendant from the Heavenly Pavilion approached the door, holding a white jade tray.
Her voice was clear and melodious as she asked, "May I ask which of you is Young Master Chi?"
Li Weiyi stepped out and inquired, "What Young Master Chi?"
"My mistress, Miss Li, the Immortal Official of the Immortal Grove, wishes to meet Young Master Chi of the Cloud Pavilion," the attendant replied.
Li Weiyi looked puzzled: "I don't know your Miss Li. Perhaps you've mistaken me for someone else? Think carefully - could she be looking for Young Master Qi or Young Master Liu?"
The attendant, quick-witted and clever, chuckled: "There's no mistake. My mistress is looking for Young Master Chi of the Jiu Li Tribe. She said she's long admired Young Master Chi's reputation and has long wished to make his acquaintance. Their meeting today in Giant Marsh (Juze) City is truly a fated encounter."
The talented young men of Zhi Prefecture couldn't help but envy Chi Yongsheng, and they began to stir.
"Good heavens, this is what true power looks like! Who says mortals can't match the charm of a Pure Immortal Physique? From now on, I'll be the first to disagree."
"Miss Qin Li of the Immortal Grove is renowned as the Dual Sword Prodigy, with exceptional Martial-Mystic Cultivation far beyond the mortal realm. Among all the Immortal Officials in the Immortal Grove, her talent and beauty ranks among the top five. To invite her to perform, you'd need to offer a million silver coins just for a chance."
"Brother Chi, such a perfect romantic and beutiful event is something Old Qi could only dream of. What are you hesitating for?"
Li Weiyi was naturally wary.
He had never crossed paths with this Miss Qin Li. Why would she suddenly request his presence the moment he returned to the Heavenly Pavilion?
What did this mean?
It was highly likely that Li Weiyi's departure and return to the Heavenly Pavilion had been under her surveillance the entire time.
Most importantly, the name Chi Yongsheng was completely fake.
The maidservant said, "My mistress has prepared a letter for Young Master Chi. She believes that after reading it, you will naturally honor her with your presence."
"Oh? Then I shall see whether this letter contains a moving love poem or a mind-altering potion."
Li Weiyi smiled and picked up the letter from the white jade tray.
He opened it, then immediately closed it and tucked it into his chest.
The tension in his face eased, and he smiled, "A Dual Sword Prodigy, you say? I'm rather looking forward to it!"
"With such a beautiful whether - Snowy Wind and Moonlit Night - it seems tonight is destined to be a sleepless night."
Li Ling, standing nearby, frowned and transmitted a cold message: "Are you really drugged? Why would anyone be interested in you? Watch out for a honey trap."
"Who would refuse a honey trap? Stay put in the Cloud Pavilion and don't wander off."
Li Weiyi followed the female attendant a few steps, then suddenly stopped and said seriously to Li Ling, "Find a way to contact your brother. It's best if you can get him to come to Giant Marsh (Juze) City."
Miss Qin Li resided in the Immortal Pavilion, one of the Twenty-Eight Pavilions of the Heavenly Pavilion.
Li Weiyi entered her room, leaving the female attendant outside.
The room was dimly lit by candlelight, with a silk curtain and a famous painting hanging on the wall.
The first person he saw was Yin Jiu, already waiting inside, seated by the window. A giant axe, as large as a door panel, leaned casually against the wall.
For the first time, Li Weiyi took a serious look at this man, hailed as the most gifted Hidden One of the past sixty years - a mortal at the peak of his cultivation, with Hundred Silver Meridian Veins.
Yin Jiu had a rugged face, a high-bridged nose, and a sculpted, muscular physique.
Sitting there, he radiated an aura that seemed to alter everything around him.
Li Weiyi remained unfazed by this imposing presence. He showed no sign of unease, his mind calm and steady as he closed the door with a casual air.
"Whoosh!"
A Hundred-Pattern Formation rose from the floor, enveloping the entire room.
The pearl curtain swayed, its tinkling sound echoing softly.
Qin Li gracefully emerged, her figure as elegant as a dancer's. Renowned as the Dual Sword Prodigy, she possessed long legs, slender arms, a supple physique, and skin as flawless as white jade wax. Her face was veiled, and she held a four-foot Starlight Sword, meticulously wiping it with a pristine white silk cloth.
It was she who had performed the dance on the Jade Terrace in the lake's center earlier.
But now, she was in a completely different state than when she had been dancing. Her eyes were as sharp as the sword in her hand.
"He is Yin Jiu! And who are you?"
Li Weiyi retrieved a paper note from his pocket, still faintly fragrant. It bore a special emblem marking from the Jiu Li Hidden Sect.
Qin Li's phoenix eyes smoldered with mist.
Her plain gauze robes billowed like mist around her. Her lips parted slightly, and she spoke in a voice like celestial music: "Yin Shi!"
"Divine Hidden One, Li Weiyi."
Li Weiyi announced his identity and sat down opposite Yin Jiu, radiating the confidence and aura befitting a Divine Hidden One.
Qin Li frowned, turning to Yin Jiu: "Has he been crowned as the Divine Hidden One?"
Li Weiyi replied, "It's only a matter of time. If I'm not a Divine Hidden One, am I supposed to be Yin Ershi Liu?"
"What about Yaoyin?"
"With her innate talent, she'll achieve Hundred Silver Meridians sooner or later. I can't kill her just to take Yin Ershi Liu's position."
"Yaoyin came to Qiu Prefecture with you. Where is she now?"
The final sentence was directed at Yin Jiu.
"Yin Shi Wu and Yin Shi Liu escorted her and Yin Ershi Si to Martyr's Valley to pay respects to her mother!"
Yin Jiu's tone remained calm as he continued, "You need to reach at least the Fifth-Stage of the Five Seas Realm to officially become a Divine Hidden One. Trying to become our leader at this stage... you have enough confidence and ambition, but your strength isn't sufficient. I don't accept it!"
"I don't accept it either! To earn the respect of the Hidden Ones, you must either possess extraordinary wisdom and cunning or be strong enough to subdue everyone through force."
Qin Li's eyes blazed with intensity as she raised her Starfall Sword above her head.
Without a single swing, a sword formation woven from sword qi automatically materialized within the room, spreading like a spiderweb.
Li Weiyi released his Spiritual Qi to sense the location of the sword qi, only to find his body completely immobilized.
Even the slightest movement of a finger would trigger the formation.
He was utterly trapped within the sword qi net.
"I half-submit!"
A third voice echoed through the room.
Li Weiyi was astonished.
There was someone else here?
When he had entered the room, he had carefully scanned the area, yet he hadn't detected a trace of this person.
This person's ability to conceal himself was simply extraordinary.
Following the sound, Li Weiyi spotted the third figure. The person was coiled around a beam, with a human upper body and a serpentine lower half, pointed ears, and a forked tongue flicking in and out.
Li Weiyi asked, "How should I address you, Brother Banfu?"
"Yin Shi Yi."
He continued, "Yaoyin's Innate Talent is already astonishing, but Hidden Lord said Li Weiyi surpasses her, possessing the strength to effortlessly defeat three Psychic Murals. Moreover, his cultivation speed is terrifyingly fast. It won't be long before he catches up to us. If we don't submit now, won't it be even more humiliating later?"
Li Weiyi replied, "It doesn't matter! I understand why you're reluctant to submit. Any person with a modicum of ability wouldn't willingly take orders from a junior whose cultivation is far inferior to their own, especially when there's a lack of mutual understanding."
"Now that's more like it!"
Qin Li retracted his sword formation with a graceful sweep of his arm, throwing the Starlight Sword into the air. It vanished in an instant, returning to its sheath on the table behind the curtain.
"But those who refuse to submit won't benefit anything!"
Li Weiyi produced a Crimson Haze Herb, a rare medicine that aids in opening the Qi Sea, and tossed it toward the rafters.
Yin Shi Yi immediately reached out to catch it, his eyes gleaming with excitement: "Is it still possible for me to submit now?"
"Submission must come from the heart, not through coercion or bribery."
Li Weiyi truly understood Yin Jiu and Yin Shi.
At their level of cultivation, how could they easily take orders from a junior whose cultivation was far inferior to their own, especially when they lacked mutual understanding?
If Li Weiyi were in their position, he would have been completely incapable of doing the same.
Yin Jiu asked, "Did the tracking yield any results?"
Li Weiyi straightened up, his expression serious as he recounted the entire tracking process in detail.
"Young Venerable!"
Yin Jiu, Yin Shi, and Yin Shi Yi were all stunned by the mysterious figure Li Weiyi had mentioned.
They had never heard of this person before.
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END OF CHAPTER
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