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Novel: [The Primordial Law]
Volume 2: [Jiuli Insect Valley]
Chapter 25 (52): [The First Commander of Cang Li]
(25th of Volume 2)
Translator: Shadow Knight AK
Editor: Shadow Knight AK
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Warm, gentle sunlight filtered through the tender green leaves of the poplars, casting dappled shadows on the ground.
Li Weiyi sat on a stone bench opposite Li Songlin, not daring to act presumptuous. He asked humbly, "Senior, haven't all the spots at the Jiu Li Dao Academy already been filled?"
Li Songlin smiled and explained slowly, "The Jiu Li Dao Academy is the highest martial arts institution of the Jiu Li Clan. It only accepts the most talented young disciples from each tribe, with a maximum age limit of twenty upon entry. The older you are, the higher the bar to clear."
"Although Gao Huan is over the age limit, he's small in stature and has just undergone his Pure Immortal Physique transformation. His old skin has shed, leaving him looking completely renewed. No one can tell he's actually older. Cang Li reported his age as sixteen."
"In previous years, each tribe had twenty spots, totaling one hundred and eighty disciples. More than half of these were selected early on from the tribal academies of the Nine Great Tribes."
"This year, it's the Mangshan Grand Festival, held every four years. Each tribe has been granted an additional ten spots. In other words, the Cangli Tribe has thirty spots this year, and all the major families are vying for them."
He narrowed his eyes, their inner light hidden, and stared at Li Weiyi: "I can help you secure a chance to challenge for a spot. If you're strong enough, why not take one? Everyone will have to accept it."
"To take down two Seven Springs Martial-Mystic Cultivators and an Insect Tamer on your own... I think you'll have no problem getting into the Jiu Li Dao Academy."
"To be frank, I came here for two reasons. First, to express my gratitude. Second, your strength is already enough to warrant the Cangli Tribe's attention. How many Springs have you opened?"
"Seven Springs," Li Weiyi replied, figuring that since Li Songlin had asked, he wouldn't try to probe.
With his current cultivation at Five Springs, he could indeed hold his own against Seven Springs Martial-Mystic Cultivators without using spiritual artifacts.
Li Songlin's expression tightened, a cold glint flashing in his eyes: "Last night must have been incredibly dangerous. Fortunately, you had your spiritual artifact. A nineteen-year-old at Seven Springs is a completely different concept than a fifty-year-old at the same level. Considering your age and current cultivation, your talent has a chance to rank in the middle tier among this year's thirty candidates."
"Join the Dao Academy. That's where you'll have the best chance of breaking through to the Eighth Spring, the Fengfu (Wind Palace). It will also make it easier to reach the Five Seas Realm in the future."
"You should know that in Jiu Li City, the Suburban Domain, City Domain, and Dao Domain represent three distinct cultivation environments. The Jiu Li Dao Academy is located in the heart of the Dao Domain. Those who gain admission to the academy are destined to become influential figures within their tribes."
Li Weiyi could sense Li Songlin's sincerity, but he carried too many secrets. Entering the Jiu Li Dao Academy would mean complete exposure, and whether that would be a blessing or a curse remained uncertain.
After all, the academy belonged to the Nine Great Tribes, not just the Cangli Tribe.
He decided to consult Senior Coffin first.
"Thank you for your consideration, First Commander," Li Weiyi said, "but I'd like to think it over."
Li Songlin, understanding the young man's cautious nature, didn't press him: "No rush. Come see me anytime you've made up your mind... or find Fourth Girl. She knows how to reach me. Keep cultivating diligently. Break through to the Five Seas Realm within five years, and I'll speak to my Second Brother about your relationship with her. I have no prejudice against social status, and besides, I still owe you a life-saving debt."
Given Li Songlin's status and position, he wouldn't make a promise lightly. Once he did, it was as good as set in stone.
Li Weiyi forced a smile: "What exactly did she say to you?"
"Don't call me Senior. Just call me Fourth Uncle," Li Songlin said.
There's no way I can talk to him anymore!
Li Songlin retracted the spiritual Qi cloud into his body and stood up: "As for the Changlin Gang, don't worry. I'll go pay them a visit myself later. But the Yang Clan and the Cangli Tribe have been allies for generations, and Yang Qingxi has already come to apologize in person. I can't be too harsh on them. I can only issue a warning."
"Thank you, Fourth Uncle."
Li Weiyi accepted the favor. After the Changlin Gang suffered such a heavy loss last night, they wouldn't let it go easily. It was like a sword constantly hanging over his head.
With Li Songlin's personal intervention, even if he didn't say a single harsh word, would ensure the Changlin Gang wouldn't dare to cause trouble again, at least openly.
"Why are you calling him Fourth Uncle too?" Li Ling sneered.
Li Weiyi couldn't be bothered to respond.
Li Songlin suddenly remembered something: "By the way, are you planning to stay here or move to the City Domain? The City Domain has denser Law energy, but the Cangli Tribe has many powerful families within it, and they're all entangled in countless messy affairs."
"Also, there are external rivals... In the past decade or so, the influx of powerful figures into Li Province due to the wars outside has been overwhelming. Jiu Li City is no longer the Jiu Li City of the Jiu Li Clan. Moving into the city without joining the Dao Academy will stir up quite a storm. Weigh the pros and cons carefully!"
"Fourth Girl, I'll leave this matter to you. Make sure they're settled in."
"I'll go check on the Changlin Gang first!"
Li Songlin walked out of the courtyard gate, waved to the coachman who had driven up, and strolled away alone, as if he were lazily window-shopping.
After watching Li Songlin leave, Li Ling said, "That's just how my Fourth Uncle is. Except for martial arts cultivation, he finds everything else troublesome. Actually, living in the city is quite nice. Even if you can't get into the Jiu Li Dao Academy, you can still attend the Cangli Tribe Academy."
"Uncle Qi, where's the gift I prepared for Senior Brother?"
Li Qi entered the courtyard, carrying a massive wooden chest in his arms.
Behind him followed a middle-aged male and female servant, each holding a tailor's measuring tape.
The chest opened to reveal a folded, oversized robe.
Li Ling enthusiastically fussed over the arrangements: "Knowing Senior Brother's physique is extraordinary and that you've never had proper clothes, I had these made overnight. They probably won't fit perfectly, but I've brought the tailors with me. They can take your measurements properly, and I'll have several more sets made later, all on my account."
Zhao Meng glanced at Li Weiyi.
Li Weiyi sighed inwardly.
Here it comes again.
And there was no way to refuse.
He worried about Li Ling's inexplicable enthusiasm, her groundless kindness toward him and those around him. Details he hadn't even considered, Li Ling remembered and took care of.
"Fourth Miss, your kindness is deeply appreciated by us brothers," Li Weiyi said.
Li Ling beamed: "Finally, a warm word! I'll have two sets made for you as well later."
Cai Yutong recalled the first time she'd seen Li Ling in the Death Mist Domain. Back then, Li Ling had been a mysterious and cold Netherlight Guide. Nothing like the radiant, girlish spirit she showed now.
Cai Yutong asked, "How did you two become so close?"
"It's a long story," Li Weiyi said with a wry smile, unsure where to begin. He changed the subject, "Qi Shanshan... that White Bone Demon. What exactly is she up to?"
"Hard to say!"
Cai Yutong said, "I suspect she's deeply infatuated with the Young Clan Leader. She's probably aiming to become his wife."
Li Weiyi was stunned, thinking he'd misheard.
This was Chan Hai Guanwu, the most powerful being on this land a thousand years ago.
Could she truly have fallen for a young man?
And she was even making the first move?
He had to admit Cang Li was extraordinary.
With his noble lineage, flawless Pure Immortal Physique, once-in-a-millennium talent, and generous nature, there was hardly a flaw to be found. Any woman in the world would be captivated by him.
But this was Chan Hai Guanwu...
Cai Yutong continued, "Qi Shanshan doesn't seem to be possessed. I tested her, and she retains her own independent consciousness. At this stage, the White Bone Demon appears unable to leave her body and has fallen into a deep slumber. Qi Shanshan herself is currently in control."
"That makes much more sense!"
Li Weiyi's heart stirred. If Chan Hai Guanwu was truly dormant, could he seize this opportunity to eliminate her and eliminate the threat once and for all?
He had a nagging feeling she would return for him. His blood and soul seemed to hold some special significance to her.
Moreover, he desperately wanted to learn the truth about his origins from Chan Hai Guanwu. Li Weiyi had asked the three Senior Remnant Souls about this, but they had never heard of the Ancient Clan she mentioned, nor the concept of a Guardian Wife.
Li Ling walked over with a smile: "What secret are you two whispering about? Li Weiyi, I was just about to talk to you about Yutong."
"She has a Pure Immortal Physique. Logically, she should be able to enter the Jiu Li Dao Academy for cultivation. But Gao Huan is already inside. Adding another untrained Pure Immortal Physique would inevitably arouse suspicion among the other eight tribes, and that might not be a good thing."
"I've spoken with her and suggested she study at the Cangli Tribe Academy, but she seems more eager to stay with you. Why don't you try to persuade her?"
Li Weiyi chuckled: "Of course, I respect her wishes."
Li Ling said, "Are you sure you can protect a Pure Immortal Physique? You've seen the dangers and ruthlessness of Jiu Li City. Having her by your side will only attract more covetous gazes. Possessing a Pure Immortal Physique is a blessing, but without sufficient strength, it becomes a curse."
Li Weiyi looked at Cai Yutong's peerless beauty, which remained captivating even behind her veil. He fell into deep thought.
"Senior Sister, I think Li Ling has a point. Are you facing any trouble or have any concerns?"
Cai Yutong spoke with her usual bluntness, like a stubborn old scholar: "I don't trust strangers. I only trust you."
This simple truth held unparalleled power over any man.
Li Ling immediately turned to look at Cai Yutong, her gaze instantly shifting from its previous warmth, as if to say, "So there's more to your relationship than meets the eye?"
Li Weiyi recalled Cai Yutong feeding him fish soup while he lay in the Bronze Ship's sickbed.
A surge of inexplicable passion flooded his head: "Alright, Senior Sister, stay. No matter what we face, I'll give everything I have to protect you."
His words rang with unwavering conviction, each syllable resonating with unyielding determination.
Li Weiyi's decision to keep Cai Yutong wasn't driven solely by youthful passion.
He knew that where people gather, conflict inevitably arises. Li Songlin had made it clear that the Cangli Tribe had a complex power structure. Without any cultivation foundation, would Senior Sister Cai truly be safe entering the Cangli Tribe Academy alone?
A Pure Immortal Physique would be highly valued, but it would also attract envy and covetousness.
Li Ling rubbed her fingers together in her sleeve: "Why don't you two enter the Cangli Tribe Academy together?"
If they were going to join any academy, it would be the Jiu Li Dao Academy.
Li Weiyi had little interest in a tribe's academy.
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END OF CHAPTER
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