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Novel: [The Primordial Law]
Volume 2: [Jiuli Insect Valley]
Chapter 48 (75): [The Stream Flow]
(48th of Volume 2)
Translator: Shadow Knight AK
Editor: Shadow Knight AK
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Yaoguan City, Zaomei Manor.
As dawn approached, the sky was still dim, and manypeople hadn't slept.
Inside the manor, the candles had been replaced once, leaving a pile of wax drippings.
Nearly a hundred figures gathered in the front courtyard, surrounding the silver corpse cleaved in two that had just been brought back.
Half of those present were young Martial-Mystic Cultivators of the Jiu Li Tribe, all battle-hardened and unafraid of the corpse.
Instead, they marveled at it.
"This is Xue Zheng!"
"Even before Xue Zheng underwent his Pure Immortal Physique Transformation, he ranked fourth in Seven Springs Hall."
"For days ago, the Xue Clan and Sui Sect have been hyping him up, claiming he's destined to break through the Nine Springs Ancestral Field. A Nine Springs Pure Immortal Physique is incredibly rare in any province, capable of becoming the heir of Ancient Myriad Sects. It's clear they're grooming him to compete with our Jiu Li Tribe."
"If this is the work of an elder or a sinister plot from someone below the Five Seas Realm, this would be a major crisis! The Xue Clan and Sui Sect would never let this go!"
....
Cang Li knelt down and carefully touched the spot where Xue Zheng had been split in two by a single sword strike, using his battle-law consciousness to perceive the scene.
In his mind, two figures materialized, and a faint image of Li Weiyi executing his final sword move flickered, as if he had witnessed it firsthand.
His deep eyes widened with disbelief as he stood up and declared, "It was his sword! And he used the Heavenly Dao Harmony ultimate technique he cultivated - the aura at the point where Yao ZhengSheng's head was cleaved in two is identical."
The light of Li Ling's third eye, the Spiritual Realm between her eyebrows, flickered like a star.
"It is his aura all along; I could sense it. I told you he wouldn't fear Xue Zheng, but none of you believed me."
The younger generation of Cultivators from the Jiu Li Tribe around them were stunned, murmuring in disbelief.
"Could he have broken through to the Five Seas Realm?" Li Qing'er asked.
Cang Li shook his head: "The same sword technique executed by someone in the Five Seas Realm and someone in the Surging Spring Realm would have vastly different power and aura. If he had truly broken through to the Five Seas Realm, this strike would have been far more domineering."
Li Songlin's expression was grim and cold.
"Then there's only one explanation: Weiyi has broken through to the Nine Springs Ancestral Sea. He is now a Nine Springs Supreme Martial-Mystic Being."
"Boom!"
His words struck the crowd like thunder, exploding in their minds.
A Nine Springs Supreme Martial-Mystic Cultivator was even rarer than a Pure Immortal Physique.
In Li Prefecture, they were even scarcer.
Even the most powerful ancient myriad clans, who ruled like emperors, often took a decade or even several decades to cultivate a single Nine Springs Supreme Martial-Mystic Cultivator.
Li Qing'er's face froze.
Recalling yesterday's events, she found it impossible to connect the utterly destitute and introverted figure she had seen with a Nine Springs Supreme Martial-Mystic Cultivator.
A Nine Springs Supreme Martial-Mystic Cultivator radiates such brilliance that any faction would treat them as a prized asset and cultivate them as their top candidate.
"A perfectly good Nine Springs Supreme Martial-Mystic Being, not even twenty years old, driven away by a bunch of petty, self-serving scoundrels. No wonder the Jiu Li Tribe has fallen into decline - we deserve it," Li Songlin vented his pent-up anger.
Now, where could they find a successor with both impeccable character and exceptional talent?
.....
Dawn broke, casting a faint glow over the mountains.
The four men pressed on through the wilderness.
Shi Liuyu, his body as gaunt as firewood, wore his robes so loosely they hung like rags.
He turned to Shi Jiuzhai, who walked beside him, and said, "Old Nine, I heard a rumor yesterday. The Clan Head of the Cangli Tribe's Direct Lineage opened an Otherworldly Coffin at Zaomei Manor and unearthed something extraordinary."
"What was it?" Shi Jiuzhai asked, his eyes widening with the avarice of a born pauper.
He was instantly captivated by the prospect of treasure.
Shi Liuyu continued, "The coffin wasn't opened... See? You're already getting impatient. Let me finish. This Otherworldly Coffin is said to have come from Kunlun. Just the coffin itself is worth a thousand years of Essence Medicine. Not just one dose, but a pound of coffin is worth a pound of Millennial Essence Medicine."
Shi Jiuzhai's pupils dilated, and he held his breath, immediately stopping in his tracks.
"Is this rumor reliable? Hmm... You're not trying to trick me into risking my life so you can steal Li Songgu's wife for yourself, are you? I heard she has a Pure Immortal Physique, looks young and beautiful, and possesses a unique allure."
"Bah! Bah... We're brothers! Why would I betray you? What happened at the coffin opening yesterday has already spread throughout Yaoguan City. You can verify it by asking anyone you meet," Shi Liuyu retorted.
Shi Jiuzhai's breathing quickened, his heart truly unable to contain its excitement. He turned to Li Weiyi: "You were at Zaomei Manor yesterday. You must know all about the Otherworldly Coffin, right?"
Li Weiyi's mind raced, instantly realizing who Li Songgu was trying to bait. Who else could it be but the notoriously greedy Shi Jiuzhai Dharma King?
Yet he was also deeply worried that Shi Liuyu might be plotting something sinister.
After all, the Shi Jiuzhai Dharma King was known for his obsession with beauty, and his reputation in the Southern Territory was utterly atrocious - he was practically reviled by everyone.
Li Weiyi said, "The Otherworldly Coffin is real, there's nothing more to say about it. But I must warn the Six Desires Dharma King: it's best not to touch anyone at Zaomei Manor. Otherwise, even if I obtain information about the Jiu Li Hidden Sect, I will never share it with you."
"You're barely able to save yourself, and you dare threaten me?" Shi Liuyu sneered, baring his teeth. He channeled his spiritual power, lifting his sleeve as if to teach Li Weiyi a lesson.
Shi Shishi stopped him: "Sixth Brother, he's just worried you'll harm his beloved. Who could bear that? He'd fight you to the death. Why don't you go after Yang Qingxi instead? Didn't you say you've long wanted to make her stream flow? I've been waiting to see that!"
"Get lost, you little brat! Don't let that slut Qi Qing corrupt you. What 'Stream Flow'? I never said anything like that."
Seeing no fear in Li Weiyi's eyes, only coldness, Shi Liuyu withdrew his Spiritual Power and soothed, "Rest assured, I, Shi Liuyu, am a thief with a rule. I wouldn't scheme against my own people. If I did, I'd be abandoned by all and wouldn't have survived until now. As long as you serve us wholeheartedly, not only we will arrange everything for you, but even your sweetheart..."
Shi Jiuzhai, knowing he was about to utter some unrestrained nonsense that could backfire, quickly coughed to interrupt.
Shi Liuyu narrowed his eyes and chuckled, "Even if you want to personally experience the stream flow, the long flowing river, the sweet water... I'll arrange it for you."
"I only seek peace of mind, nothing more," Li Weiyi thought.
Since Li Songgu knew the Earth Wolf King's Army had sent three Great Dharma Kings to Li Prefecture and still dared to fish, he must have made thorough preparations, easing his worry slightly.
Shi Liuyu took out three bean-sized pills and handed them over: "The Six Desires Talisman in your body will flare up once a month. Each time it does, you can take one of these pills to suppress it. Therefore, you have at most four months before you must leave for the Jiu Li Hidden Sect."
"I heard you have a grudge against Yang Qingxi. If you complete your mission in the first month, I'll arrange for you to have her."
"What if he finish in the second month?" Shi Shishi asked, his eyes bright with interest.
Shi Liuyu replied, "Then he'll have to take second place, becoming Yang Qingxi's second man."
"And the third month?" Shi Shishi pressed.
Shi Liuyu said, "Then he'll have to settle for being her third man."
"What about the fourth month?" Shi Shishi asked.
Shi Liuyu laughed: "There are only four of us here. What do you think? Would Sixth Brother ever shortchange you?"
"Forget it, forget it. I'm more interested in food and drink," Shi Shishi said, shaking his head repeatedly.
Shi Liuyu said, "Fine, I'll let you eat and drink your fill later."
Li Weiyi didn't believe Shi Liuyu's empty promises, nor was he interested in them. His mind was already consumed by worry. After accepting the three pills, he asked, "What if I still can't leave the Hidden Sect after four months, and the pills are all gone? What will happen when the Six Desires Talisman activates?"
"When the Six Desires Talisman activates, you'll need six women every day just to suppress the flames of desire. Scared now?" Shi Liuyu said.
Li Weiyi visibly relaxed: "I thought it would kill me instantly."
"Look, this young man has no idea how serious the situation is," Shi Liuyu said, pointing at himself, "I used to be even fatter than Lao Shi, and after just two months of being tormented by the Six Desires Talisman, the damage to my body was irreparable."
Shi Liuyu patted Li Weiyi on the shoulder.
"You'd better complete your mission within four months. Then, go to the Love Painting Boat in the underground underworld market of Jiu Li City and find a woman named Bai Shu. She'll bring you to me."
Shi Liuyu continued leading the way.
Shi Shishi suddenly realized something and exclaimed in shock, "Sixth Brother, did you really take hundreds of women during those two months? My God!"
Shi Jiuzhai smirked, as if deliberately speaking for Li Weiyi to hear: "Your Sixth Brother was punished with the Six Desires Talisman for failing to complete the Heavenly King's mission. He was locked in the Wolf Den for those two months."
"Shut up, Jiuzhai!"
Shi Liuyu wanted to kill Shi Jiuzhai. Not only were his eyes and hair green, but his face had turned a sickly, vegetable-like green.
Shi Shishi had never heard such a shocking secret before. He shuddered and said, "Weiyi, the Earth Wolf King's Army is generous in rewarding those who perform meritorious service, but its punishments for those who fail their missions are equally brutal."
At that moment, Li Weiyi felt a chill run down his spine and was gripped by a sense of panic at the thought of the Six Desires Talisman's side effects.
.....
The Mysterious Black-Robed Elder of the Li Clan sat inside a horse-drawn carriage, his gaze sweeping over the four figures approaching him: Shi Liuyu, Shi Jiuzhai, and Shi Shishi.
His voice was hoarse, masking his true tone: "You should trust me as you would Guan Shan. Sending others in will only increase the Hidden Sect's suspicion."
"Don't worry," Shi Jiuzhai said with a smile, "This young man has a close relationship with your Jiu Li Tribe. The Hidden Sect will never suspect a thing."
"If you insist, then I have no choice but to take him with me."
The Mysterious Black-Robed Elder continued, "But every year, the Jiu Li Tribe sends at least one young man to the Hidden Sect, and only one will survive. If he dies at the hands of Li Qing within the Hidden Sect, it will simply be the Hidden Sect's rules at play."
Shi Liuyu chuckled: "If he dies within the Hidden Sect, we have nothing to say. But... I've planted a Six Desires Talisman within him. If he dies, I'll feel a subtle shift. If he dies on the way to the Hidden Sect, well, we'll have plenty to discuss."
"Still doubting me! The Earth Wolf King's Army's lack of trust in its allies will hinder its growth," the Mysterious Black-Robed Elder said.
Shi Jiuzhai didn't seem to care at all. He turned to Li Weiyi and said, "Go! Don't worry. This Senior is one of the nine Clan Chiefs of the Jiu Li Tribe. He will safely escort you to the Hidden Sect's reception point."
The conversation Li Weiyi had just overheard had stirred up a tempestuous storm within his heart, leaving him unable to calm down.
How could Guan Shan be involved?
Hadn't the Earth Wolf King's Army framed Guan Shan?
And why would a Clan Chief-level figure collude with the Barbarian Bandits? What were they trying to learn about the Hidden Sect?
What terrifying storm was brewing behind all this?
He dared not delve too deep, for the more he thought, the more uneasy he became. He worried not only for the safety of the Cangli Tribe but also for Zhao Meng, Cai Yutong, and the others who were cultivating at the Cangli Clan Academy.
Li Weiyi forced himself to calm down and walked towards the carriage, his gaze subtly observing the mysterious Elder inside.
But the carriage interior was like a black hole, swallowing all light and warmth. He could only make out a shadowy, ancient figure.
And when that figure turned to look at him, he unleashed a terrifying aura.
Li Weiyi's mind reeled, and he nearly collapsed to the ground.
This Elder was far more formidable than Shi Jiuzhai or Li Songlin undoubtedly one of the elite few at the pinnacle of power in Li Prefecture.
The Mysterious Black-Robed Elder of the Li Clan sneered and tossed a black cloth bag out of the carriage.
"Get into the carriage behind. Put this Spiritual Power bag over your head. It will seal off all your senses. That's the Hidden Sect's rule!"
Li Weiyi went to the rear carriage and climbed in. Inside, a tall, slender figure in black robes sat upright, their entire head covered by a black cloth bag, their back perfectly straight.
This must be the Nine Springs Supreme Martial-Mystic Cultivator, Li Qing!
Li Weiyi sat down in the carriage, carefully observing and memorizing Li Qing's build and aura.
A voice from the front carriage urged, "Hurry up and put it on!"
Daring not disobey, he reluctantly pulled the cloth bag over his head.
"Whoosh!"
The bottom edge of the black cloth bag flashed with spiritual light, instantly tightening.
Li Weiyi panicked slightly, realizing his entire world had fallen silent. He could hear no sound, see no light, smell no scent - only feel the carriage moving forward beneath him.
Fortunately, the bag was well-ventilated.
He wasn't interested in the route to the Hidden Sect, so he didn't make any rash moves. Instead, he lay down in the carriage and fell asleep. After all, Master Coffin knew where the Hidden Sect was and surely knew how to enter and exit.
Besides, his life was no longer his own.
Worrying was pointless; he might as well use this opportunity to rest and conserve his energy.
In the front carriage, Mysterious Elder Li sensed Li Weiyi asleep in the rear. His lips curled into a sneer.
"The Three Great Dharma Kings of the Earth Wolf King's Army mobilized for this? Truly a band of roughnecks, destined never to amount to anything."
...
Li Weiyi was exhausted. He had been utterly worn out lately, and he hoped to get a good night's sleep in Yaoguan City.
But one thing after another had happened, and instead of sleeping, he had been forced into a fierce battle, leaving him even more exhausted.
Being covered by the black cloth bag, he slept soundly, as if trying to make up for an entire month's worth of missed sleep.
He even dreamed of returning to Earth, playing baseball with his classmates and friends.
The baseball bat was long and smooth, but people kept trying to steal it. Fortunately, he was strong enough to grip it firmly, and no one could pry it from his grasp.
....
When he woke up, he felt something pressing against his chest.
Still half-asleep, he quickly groped at it, trying to discern its texture and material properties.
But what he found was an incredibly slender leg.
In his final pinch, his fingers brushed against someone's thigh, and his thumb lightly touched their abdomen.
It wasn't Li Qing.
Because there was no...
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END OF CHAPTER
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