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Novel: [The Primordial Law]
Volume 3: [Qiu Prefecture Lantern Festival]
Chapter 33 (177): [If You're Not the Divine Hidden One, Who Is?]
(33rd of Volume 3)
Translator: Shadow Knight AK
Editor: Shadow Knight AK
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Yaoyin was only at the Spring Surge Realm, her spiritual Qi thin. After absorbing the Jiu Li God's Battle Technique Intent, she couldn't materialize it.
The aura surrounding her was too powerful, beyond her current cultivation level to control.
After all, Martial-Mystic Cultivators only cultivated Battle Technique Intent after reaching the Five Seas Realm.
With each step she took, an invisible yet tangible force accompanied her, its pressure intense.
A flick of her sleeve could whip up a hurricane. It was nothing like a Spring Surge Realm Martial-Mystic Cultivator; she was utterly on par with a top-tier Five Seas Realm expert.
Li Weiyi seemed oblivious to the three Hidden Ones' fervent, excited gazes.
He instructed, "Your cultivation is too low, and you haven't yet grasped Battle Technique Intent, so you can't control it freely. Go into closed-door cultivation for a while. Once you break through to the Five Seas Realm, you'll naturally be able to gradually master it."
Yaoyin nodded lightly.
"How could it possibly be the Jiu Li God's Battle Technique Intent?" Yin Ershi San muttered in disbelief.
If it wasn't the Jiu Li Gods' technique, there was no other explanation for Yaoyin's aura and power fluctuations, which were far stronger than those of the three Five Seas Realm Martial-Mystic Cultivators present.
Yin Ershi Wu held his breath, his lips trembling slightly: "Divine Hidden One... Is the truly the Battle Technique Intent of the Jiu Li God... How did you obtain it?"
Li Weiyi recalled his encounter at Thirty-Three Li Mountain.
Even though the Jiu Li Gods had passed away, their cultivation during their lifetime must have been incredibly powerful. It wouldn't be surprising for them to have left behind a few immortal Battle Technique Intents at their burial site.
Li Weiyi was about to speak when Yaoyin interjected: "The Divine Hidden One risked his life to bring back the Jiu Li Gods' Battle Technique Intent."
"Are you questioning him?"
"Divine Hidden One, since they don't believe you, I think we shouldn't bother giving them this opportunity!"
"There's still an opportunity? Didn't you already take it?"
Yin Ershi Wu's eyes widened, a mixture of longing and trepidation in his gaze.
Yin Ershi San said, "We would never dare question the Divine Hidden One. We're just curious, purely curious. We won't ask anymore... we won't ask again..."
Yin Ershi Si, unable to maintain her icy demeanor, lost her composure and spoke urgently: "How many Battle Technique Intents of the Jiu Li Gods are there? Can everyone obtain one?"
The more anxious they became, the more unhurried Li Weiyi remained: "Didn't you just say I was being deliberately mysterious? And you were quite dismissive about it. I thought you didn't care!"
Yin Ershi Si clenched her jaw, her ten fingers in her sleeves forming fists. Though she was furious, she dared not explode. She felt powerless, as if her life had been seized, and a sense of humiliation at having to compromise against her will.
She turned to Yaoyin and asked, "How much silver coin did he ask for? I'll pay it!"
Yaoyin forced a bitter smile: "This is the Battle Technique Intent of the Jiu Li Gods. How can it be measured in silver coin? If he truly charged money, who among us could afford it?"
Yin Ershi Si was stunned.
Yin Ershi San and Yin Ershi Wu's expressions turned solemn. When they looked at Li Weiyi again, their eyes were filled with respect and admiration.
He had risked his life to bring back this opportunity, yet he was offering it to them without charge. What magnanimity and character!
What Divine Hidden One wouldn't die for such a man?
Li Weiyi said, "The Battle Technique Intent of the Jiu Li Gods can only be forcibly comprehended in the Jiu Li Insect Valley - a vague and ethereal process. Here, you can directly inherit and absorb it, but it won't be easy. It demands exceptional talent and mental fortitude. You must be prepared."
How could the three of them not understand this?
"To have a mediocre person inherit the Battle Technique Intent of the Jiu Li Gods is to insult the brilliance of our ancestors," Yin Ershi San said.
All three were brimming with confidence.
After all, they were Nine Springs Supremes, one in ten thousand.
Li Weiyi said, "Keep today's events strictly confidential. Do not leak any information."
"That's the most basic rule! Anyone who leaks it will be killed. We understand the rules," Yin Ershi Wu replied.
"I don't know exactly how many strands of the Jiu Li Gods' Battle Technique Intent there are. All I can say for sure is that there are at least two."
In the Blood Mud Space, two strands of the Jiu Li Gods' Battle Technique Intent had surged out one after another before the coffin lid was sealed.
Li Weiyi truly didn't know how many strands of intent were attached to the Silver-Boned Celestial Clan skeleton.
As soon as he spoke, the three Hidden Ones bristled, nearly coming to blows.
If there were only two strands, and Yaoyin had already taken one, wouldn't that leave only one remaining?
Whoever entered first would undoubtedly have a greater chance of obtaining it.
Li Weiyi watched the three Hidden Ones bickering: "Who goes in first isn't up to you, it's up to me. Yin Ershi Wu, you go first. You have one hour. If you fail to gain the Jiu Li Gods' approval, come out on your own."
"Thank you, Divine Hidden One."
Yin Ershi Wu struggled to control his excitement as he entered the courtyard and stepped into the shimmering light of the green banner.
Li Weiyi closed his eyes, continuing to absorb the Blood Qi from the Blood Crystal.
Yin Ershi Si and Yin Ershi San, waiting outside, felt the time drag on like an eternity.
They paced back and forth, glancing anxiously at the courtyard entrance.
An hour later, Yin Ershi Wu emerged from the courtyard, his expression crestfallen.
Seeing his demeanor, the other two Hidden Ones were overjoyed.
Yin Ershi Wu said bitterly, "I could sense the presence of the Jiu Li Gods' Battle Technique Intent. I demonstrated all my most prized Martial-Mystic Techniques, but... the old man clearly wasn't impressed..."
Li Weiyi's gaze swept over Yin Ershi San and Yin Ershi Si, pointing at the former.
"You're next!"
"Thank you, Divine Hidden One."
Yin Ershi San bowed quickly and strode into the courtyard.
"Why?"
Yin Ershi Si felt targeted.
Her almond eyes widened, her chest heaving, barely containing her anger.
Li Weiyi said, "With that attitude, do I even need to say more? As the Divine Hidden One, the Leader of the Hidden Ones, if i can't command their respect and absolute obedience, shouldn't I at least give you a warning?"
"How dare you be so insolent in front of the Divine Hidden One?"
"But you're not the Divine Hidden One yet," Yin Ershi Si retorted.
Li Weiyi replied, "If I'm not the Divine Hidden One, there's no need to cultivate you. As for this opportunity to compete for a chance..."
"Greetings, Divine Hidden One!"
Yin Ershi Si hastily bowed, but her tone was perfunctory.
In her eyes, her bond with this guy was the closest. Not only had she received no special treatment, but she was also being targeted. It was infuriating.
An hour later.
Yin Ershi San emerged with a dejected expression, just like Yin Ershi Wu before him, and shook his head at the crowd.
Yin Ershi Si breathed a silent sigh of relief and hurried into the courtyard.
Li Weiyi glanced at her retreating figure and shook his head slightly.
Yaoyin whispered, "Why are you targeting her? You know her personality. She never meant to deliberately antagonize you."
"I want to temper her character. As a Hidden One, if you can't even conceal your personality, it's too dangerous! Everyone has weaknesses in their character, but we must strive to overcome them, not let them fester."
In Li Weiyi's mind, Zuoqiu Baiming surfaced.
Despite his exceptional talent and intellect, his excessive arrogance nearly cost everyone their lives.
An hour later, Yin Ershi Si emerged, utterly dejected and shaken by the crushing blow, spiraling into self-doubt.
Unsurprisingly, she met the same fate as Yin Ershi San and Yin Ershi Wu.
Li Weiyi said, "See? What difference does it make whether you go in early or late? That's enough for today. We'll look for other opportunities later."
In the afternoon, Yin Shi San returned to Diligent Garden with the Qi-Enhancing Pill.
Upon learning of the Jiu Li God Battle Technique's Battle Technique Intent, he naturally gave it a try, but it ended in failure.
He quickly recovered from his disappointment, forcing a wry smile: "Among the Hidden Ones, my cultivation talent is among the worst. I'll be content if I reach the Dao Seed Realm in this lifetime. Yin Jiu and Yin Shi have high talent. Should we notify them?"
Li Weiyi replied, "All Hidden Ones can try. If they grow stronger, we'll be safer when we face danger."
Yin Jiu and Yin Shi, though exceedingly proud, bore the responsibility of Hidden One masters. Whenever danger struck, they were always the first to step forward.
In Qiu Prefecture City, they had even sent the younger Hidden Ones into seclusion to avoid participating in dangerous missions.
"The Divine Hidden One's perspective is truly different."
Yin Shi San pondered for a moment before adding, "Actually, we could use this opportunity to subdue them. After years of navigating the treacherous court, I've learned one thing: in any system, the Leader's will and orders must be obeyed. If multiple voices emerge, whose voice should we Hidden Ones ultimately heed when making critical decisions?"
"You're thinking far ahead!"
Despite Li Weiyi's grandstanding before the younger Hidden Ones, projecting an air of leadership, he was actually quite self-aware.
He chuckled, "We must settle our own affairs ourselves. With my current cultivation and experience, I still have a long way to go before reaching the level of a Divine Hidden One. Why force the issue? Why strain myself? When my cultivation is strong enough, everything will fall into place naturally."
"We still need to establish our stance beforehand. Though my cultivation may not yet surpass yours, I am more qualified to lead. This way, even if they don't respect your cultivation, they'll respect your character. A Leader without means is no Leader at all!"
Yin Shi San continued, "This matter is of great importance. I believe we should inform the higher authorities. The Hidden Lord might also be in Qiu Prefecture."
Li Weiyi replied, "With the younger generation's elite gathered here, the Jiu Li Clan is certain to send a top-tier figure. Many matters can only be finalized by their high-level officials. As for reporting, let's wait a little longer. First, let's give our Hidden Ones of this Sixty-Year Cycle a chance to prove themselves. We shouldn't let outsiders reap the benefits."
Yin Shi San chuckled: "With that attitude, if you're not meant to be a Divine Hidden One, who is?"
Night fell.
Yin Ershi Si stood alone outside the courtyard of Li Weiyi's small residence. Her tall figure stood straight before the gate, not forcing her way through the Formation, as silent as a blooming orchid.
Li Weiyi had been cultivating Immortal Soil and nourishing his lungs until late at night, when he sensed her presence outside the Formation.
Surprised, he opened the door and stepped out.
Outside, in the silent night, snow fell softly and silently.
Without lamplight, the snow-covered ground glowed white, reflecting the moonlight.
A layer of snow had already accumulated on her head and shoulders, with crystalline flakes clinging to her eyelashes and cheeks.
Her feet were completely buried.
Li Weiyi wrapped himself in a thick outer robe, opened the Formation and courtyard gate, and surveyed her.
"Are you mute?"
"Couldn't you have called out?"
"You're dressed so thinly... Just because your Martial Dao cultivation is high doesn't mean you can't feel cold! You're being reckless!"
"I'm not being reckless!"
Yin Ershi Si kept her voice neutral, her delicate, pale face composed.
"I came to tell you that I can control my emotions and personality. I'm a very calm person. The reason you always manage to provoke me is because you deliberately try to anger me. Can you honestly say you haven't been deliberately targeting me?"
Li Weiyi laughed: "At this hour, instead of sleeping or cultivating, you're still pondering this?"
Yin Ershi Si's gaze was steady and direct, yet softened with a hint of gentleness.
"I didn't treat you with the same reverence as a Divine Hidden One because I thought we could remain friends or senior-junior siblings for a while longer before you became one. Perhaps in the future, as you said, we'll be confined to the relationship of Leader and Hidden Servant, unable to cross that boundary again."
Li Weiyi's smile faded as he pondered this seriously.
He waved his hand: "Come in! Since you've put it that way, how could I deny you some special treatment? Are you cold?"
"No," Yin Ershi Si replied, following him inside.
Li Weiyi continued, "Yin Shi San will report this matter in a few days. I expect the Hidden Sect's higher-ups will arrive soon, possibly even taking the Silver Coffin away directly. Until then, stay here and contemplate the Silver-Boned Celestial Clan's skeletal remains. It'll be far more beneficial than contemplating the words 'Jiu Li Insect Valley.'"
Yin Ershi Si's ruby-red lips curved into a captivating smile, radiating youthful pride and satisfaction.
Without turning around, Li Weiyi said, "You're playing on my emotions, don't think I don't know. But what can I do? I'm susceptible to this tactic. Those two lack your sensitivity; otherwise, I'd have let them contemplate the remains as well."
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END OF CHAPTER
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