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Novel: [The Primordial Law]
Volume 4: [Shuangsheng Dao Sect (Twin Rice Sect)]
Chapter 106 (361): [The Tai Shi Clan's Night Banquet]
(106th of Volume 4)
Translator: Shadow Knight AK
Editor: Shadow Knight AK
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The moment the Formation opened, Li Weiyi swiftly retreated, taking a roundabout route to avoid being followed back to the Cloud Pavilion District.
Publicly using the Myriad Manifestations Staff-Spear wasn't a big deal. He'd only used it once, and it was obscured by the Ghost Mist and Scorching Gaze Radiance.
Even if anyone had noticed, Li Weiyi wasn't afraid - he'd considered all possible consequences.
News of the afternoon's events at Pale Moon Square spread quickly, causing a stir throughout Lingxiao City.
But the main topic of conversation remained Song Qingli.
That evening, Tai Shi Cheng Dao, the current Clan Head of the Tai Shi Clan, hosted a grand welcoming banquet at the Ancestral Manor for the retainers and Spiritual Masters who had arrived from South Yan Pass.
Hundreds of servants and maids bustled about, swiftly presenting dishes, Precious Herbs, spirit fruits, and thousand-year-old wines.
There were even soups made from millennial Essence Berbs and dishes prepared with meat from Immortal Realm demonic beasts.
For a clan that had existed for a thousand years, only the descendants of Immortal Realm Giants were considered the main branch; the rest were side branches.
As for the Transcendent descendants... the entire clan was considered Transcendent.
Currently, the Tai Shi Clan has only two main branches: Tai Shi Qingcang's and Tai Shi Qingshi's, both holding the position of Clan Head.
However, Tai Shi Qingcang is stationed at South Yan Pass, and his direct descendants within three generations are few.
Consequently, most of the Ancestral Manor's residents belong to Tai Shi Qingshi's branch.
As for the thousand-year-old Ancestor, Duke Tai Shi, he spends most of his time in Yong Province, the Tai Shi Clan's ancestral homeland and foundation, located in the Eastern Territory.
As a result, almost all officials in Yong and Liang Provinces are affiliated with the Tai Shi Clan, much like the Jiang Clan in Fu Prefecture and the Chen Clan in You Prefecture.
The only Transcendent figures who permanently reside in Lingxiao City, aside from the three reclusive Palace Masters, are the Embroidered Robe Divine Guard's Blood-Clad Chief, Ye Xuanming, and the Ministry of Works' Cao Caishen.
Tai Shi Cheng dao, now seventy-two years old, should have retired long ago to focus on cultivating Immortal Realm, passing the Clan Head position to the current First Commander.
However, Tai Shi Yu, known for his frivolous and carefree nature, shows no interest in clan affairs and refuses to take over.
At the banquet, Li Weiyi was granted the highest honor of sitting at the head table with Tai Shi Cheng dao, Tai Shi Bai, and Long Xiangcen.
This was because he had blocked Tai Shi Yu's Psychic power shout, leaving everyone in awe.
Recognized for his talent and strength, Li Weiyi was granted the right to sit at the same table as the Clan Heads of the world's most prestigious clans, surpassing all other retainers.
Tai Shi Cheng dao sighed deeply: "Xiao Bai, you must cultivate diligently and form your Dao Fruit as soon as possible. Only then can I pass on my burdens to you. If you delay any longer, the urgency to break through to the Immortal Realm will only grow more pressing after eighty. This isn't like the old days; Lingxiao Palace no longer has Immortality Pills, and Calamity Crossing Temple has sent them all to the Zuoqiu Clan."
Tai Shi Bai asked anxiously, "Has Second Uncle still not returned?"
"The Second Palace Master summoned him personally, likely to question him about the Mother-Child Spring. I heard that all the Immortal Realm Giants from various clans have been summoned to Phoenix Terrace," Tai Shi Cheng dao said, his face etched with worry.
Murmurs arose among the retainers, discussing the events that had unfolded that afternoon in Pale Moon Square.
Li Weiyi frowned: "So the news has spread so widely? The incident has had such a significant impact?"
The others present were unaware that the other protagonist of the incident was sitting right beside them.
An elderly retainer with white hair spoke solemnly: "The Ghost Infant Incident reportedly began two months ago, but it was dismissed as mere rumors. This time, however, it happened in Pale Moon Square, right before everyone's eyes. How can they possibly cover this up?"
Someone else added, "Moreover, the one involved is the top young master of the West Sea Royal Manor, King of the Western Sea's favorite fifth-generation granddaughter, and a disciple of the Third Palace Master. The impact will likely spread throughout the Eight Prefectures of the world very quickly."
Tai Shi Bai said gravely, "Song Yulou's sixtieth birthday is in two days. He's the leader of Lingxiao City's Ten Young Masters and the strongest cultivator below the Immortal Realm listed in the Jiazi Register. The West Sea Royal Manor was sure to be packed with guests, and every family in Lingxiao City would have attended to pay their respects. Now that this scandal has erupted, should the birthday celebration even proceed?"
Li Weiyi had underestimated the impact of this incident, realizing that his identity would likely be exposed soon.
Outside the hall where the banquet was being held, a hearty laugh rang out: "The Sixtieth birthday celebration has been in preparation for months. How can we just call it off? I just visited the West Sea Royal Manor. Miss Song has regained partial consciousness. Once she's fully awake and appears at the birthday banquet, the rumors will be dispelled. Who can prove that the person seen at Pale Moon Square wasn't someone else in disguise?"
Tai Shi Yu entered, smiling: "Esteemed guests, I'm speaking frankly because I consider you all family. If any of you spread this, you'll no longer be considered part of the Tai Shi Clan's inner circle."
Tai Shi Yu scanned the crowd, meticulously noting every subtle shift in their expressions.
He continued, "After the Ghost Infant Incident, Song Qingli was confined to her home. The reason she appeared at Pale Moon Square today was due to internal manipulation within the West Sea Royal Manor, leading to an unforeseen incident on the way. When I arrived, the courtyard was littered with over a dozen severed heads. The West Sea Royal Manor had purged many within its ranks."
Everyone present sensed the underlying tension in Tai Shi Yu's words, as if he were hinting at something.
A strange atmosphere settled over the banquet.
Tai Shi Bai's face stiffened: "Tai Shi Yu, are you implying that someone among the retainers I brought here is suspicious?"
"I said no such thing." Tai Shi Yu chuckled, then walked to the main table.
He tapped the head of an elderly retainer seated beside Li Weiyi, signaling him to rise.
The Elder, unwilling to offend him, stood up and left.
Tai Shi Yu sat down and continued, "But the Demon Clan is rising again, massing troops in the Western Territory. Heretical Sects have cultivated grave mounds and tombstones across several prefectures using Demonic Techniques. The Zuoqiu Clan, backed by the Calamity Crossing Temple, harbors ambitious designs. The Snow Sword Tang Court, commanding the armies of the five prefectures in the Northern Territory, stands poised to strike south at any moment."
"The Tai Shi Clan controls half of the defensive Formations of Lingxiao City and the Four Great Passes, and also governs Yong and Liang Provinces. With such immense power, it's only natural that some individuals with ulterior motives have infiltrated our ranks."
Tai Shi Bai said, "Are you targeting me, or the people I brought?"
Tai Shi Yu shook his head and chuckled.
"Brother Bai, it's not me targeting you. Someone is targeting the Tai Shi Clan. Why did the Grand Temple of Eternal Harmony have an incident? To tie down Father and leave him overwhelmed."
"Why was Liang Prefecture's Provincial City attacked by a Transcendent Demon Clan force? To keep Ancestor from returning to Lingxiao City."
"Let me be clear: if anyone you brought mysteriously disappears or dies, don't get angry. If we two were to fight, it would be considered internal strife, and countless people would secretly rejoice."
Li Weiyi was secretly surprised.
The First Commander of the Tai Shi Clan didn't seem as frivolous as he appeared. But why would he suddenly make such a blunt statement in front of everyone?
Had he already seen through something and was trying to lure out his enemies?
Clan Head Tai Shi Cheng dao quickly stood up to smooth things over and ease the tension. He ordered the servants to present the welcome gifts prepared for all the Spiritual Masters and retainers.
Each Spiritual Master received a Star Spiritual Pill worth 100,000 Yongquan Coins.
Each retainer received a Millennial Essence Herbs, also worth 100,000 Yongquan Coins.
The soil of Lingxiao City was extraordinary, causing medicinal herbs to grow far faster than elsewhere.
Transcendent clans like the Tai Shi Clan received a share of Immortal Soil from the Lingxiao Palace each year. This Immortal Soil accelerated the growth of medicinal herbs tenfold.
Clans with a thousand-year heritage maintained their own medicinal fields, planting numerous new herbs annually.
Modern people consumed ancient herbs.
A thousand years from now, their descendants would consume the new herbs planted today.
How could they ever lack Millennial Essence Herbs?
The welcoming banquet, disrupted by Tai Shi Yu, naturally ended in an unpleasant atmosphere.
"The Imperial Court's Star Spiritual Pills are likely refined by the Tai Shi Clan. As retainers, we should be able to obtain them at a discounted price. The Tai Shi Clan's Spiritual Talismans and Formation manuals are also worth studying. We might find a battle talisman or formation to refine for future use."
Li Weiyi returned to the Wei Yi Residence with the Star Day Pills.
The Star Spiritual Pill was a high-grade spiritual pill, several to ten times more potent than the Xihe Pill he had refined.
To quickly reach the peak of Five-Star Spiritual Master cultivation, he needed to consume the former.
Entering the Blood Mud Space, Li Weiyi instinctively activated the Dao Ancestor Tai Chi Fish to form a Cocoon of Time, forgetting that Tang Wanzhou had already awakened.
Li Weiyi, seated cross-legged within the Cocoon of Time, carefully laid out the various top-grade talisman-making materials he had purchased before him.
He mixed the talisman ink using blood from an Ancient Immortal Giant Beast, Immortal Soil, and other rare ingredients.
Suddenly, the Cocoon of Time trembled, and a slender, snow-white arm reached inside.
"Whoosh!"
Tang Wanzhou entered, one hand behind her back, her eyes filled with curiosity. She then extended the other hand, carefully sensing the profound mysteries of Time power.
Li Weiyi's gaze sharpened, and he quickly concealed the Dao Ancestor Tai Chi Fish within his robes.
"The time difference between the inside and outside is about fivefold. So that's it. I've always wondered why your cultivation speed surpasses even mine, despite my already unparalleled progress. Now I understand."
Tang Wanzhou smiled knowingly and sat down opposite Li Weiyi, saying, "I'll cultivate here too..."
"Boom!"
The Cocoon of Time shattered like a bursting bubble.
Li Weiyi closed his eyes and sighed: "Young Lord, your cultivation is too advanced. With my current Psychic Power, I can't sustain the Cocoon of Time long enough for you to cultivate inside."
Tang Wanzhou made her own assessment: "Since the strength of the Cocoon of Time is directly linked to your Psychic Power, and you, as a Five-Star Spiritual Master, can already sustain it for a moment, once you reach Six-Star, you should be able to support both of us cultivating within it. How long until you break through?"
"I just broke through!" Li Weiyi said with a wry smile, "Cultivating as a Spiritual Master isn't that easy."
Tang Wanzhou frowned in thought, her slender neck held straight, her hands resting on her knees as she sat upright with the imposing bearing of a true powerhouse.
"I don't know much about Psychic Power, so I can't help you... Wait, I remember seeing some Extreme Spiritual Light Dew floating high above the sea near the Fusang Divine Tree. Isn't that a crucial resource for Spiritual Master cultivation?"
"Why didn't you say so sooner?" Li Weiyi exclaimed, leaping to his feet. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her toward the Tanggu Sea.
He felt no reverence for the renowned Young Lord Tang Wanzhou, unlike the Martial-Mystic Cultivators of the Northern Territory.
He saw no reason to be intimidated.
He found her personality refreshing - open-minded, generous, and unburdened by trivialities.
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END OF CHAPTER
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