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Novel: [The Primordial Law]
Volume 3: [Qiu Prefecture Lantern Festival]
Chapter 30 (174): [This Isn't a Grand Gathering]
(30th of Volume 3)
Translator: Shadow Knight AK
Editor: Shadow Knight AK
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Yin Shi asked, "So, you want to participate?"
"With my cultivation, I can't compete for the Immortality Pill. But I should have no problem vying for a Dragon Seed, right? Even if I don't get a Dragon Seed, maybe I can snag a Dragon Bone. Who knows, I might even transform into a dragon or a Dragon someday," Yin Shi Yi replied.
Yin Shi, having spent time in the Immortal Grove, seemed to know some insider information: "The arena competition only selects the Martial-Mystic Cultivator with the highest current combat strength. It has nothing to do with the term 'Hidden Dragon.'"
"The current top Martial-Mystic Cultivator among the younger generation doesn't guarantee they'll still be the best a hundred years from now, or even still be alive."
"Therefore, a true Hidden Dragon needs not only Martial-Mystic Cultivation and combat prowess to lead their peers but also the support of wisdom and temperament."
"Wisdom and temperament increase their chances of staying ahead of their peers forever. They also make it more likely they'll survive to the end, becoming a millennium-long Transcendent on this land, or even the Emperor."
"In short, talent, martial arts, and wisdom are all indispensable."
Yin Shi Yi asked, "How do you define wisdom and temperament? Surely we won't be asked to solve riddles like a bunch of Martial-Mystic Cultivators at a lantern festival?"
Li Weiyi chuckled, but he was equally curious.
Yin Shi explained, "From what I've gathered, to participate in this Hidden Dragon Competition, you must first obtain an invitation from the Immortal Master of the Calamity Crossing Temple before New Year's Eve."
"We're distributing a total of two hundred invitations: fifty each for Martial-Mystic Cultivators from the Eastern, Southern, Western, and Northern Territories."
"The Martial-Mystic Cultivators from the twenty-eight prefectures across the four territories have already been divided among the four cities - East, South, West, and North."
Li Weiyi suddenly understood. No wonder he was told upon entering the city that Martial-Mystic Cultivators from the Seven Prefectures of the Southern Border could only reside in the southern district: "I see! Young Martial-Mystic Cultivators from the Seven Prefectures who've come to Qiu Prefecture City are grouped into a single competitive unit, all vying for fifty invitation slots. If they fail to secure an invitation before New Year's Eve, they'll likely be stuck watching the lantern festival from the sidelines, without even the chance to participate."
Li Weiyi's mood instantly darkened.
Tens of thousands of young Martial-Mystic Cultivators from the Seven Prefectures had gathered in Qiu Prefecture City, all competing for just fifty slots.
It was brutal!
Yin Shi Yi asked, "So, if you can rank in the top ten within your prefecture, you're basically guaranteed an invitation?"
"Probably top five to be safe," Li Weiyi replied, "For example, in the Southern Territory, the Zuoqiu Clan and the Jiu Li Tribe will likely claim a significant number of slots. And the Heaven's Chosen secretly cultivated by various major clans and sects will likely join the Hidden Dragon Competition for the sake of the generous rewards."
Yin Shi said, "It's not just possible, it's inevitable."
"The significance of a single Immortality Pill is enough to drive any faction mad. A Dragon Seed represents the ultimate Dao Seed, guaranteeing rapid progress through the Dao Seed Realm. Which Five Seas Realm Martial-Mystic Cultivator wouldn't risk their life to compete for it?"
"If one could simultaneously obtain a Dragon Seed and a Immortality Pill... Hmph, then today you might still have a chance to compete with me, and we could still call each other brothers. But in just five or ten years, when you see me again, you'll have to kneel and kowtow, addressing me as a Immortal Overlord, watching me live for centuries, like a celestial being. Meanwhile, you'll still be struggling under the shackles of a hundred-year lifespan, and I could crush you with a single finger."
"Sixty-Year Cycle to Forge Immortality is already considered an unparalleled feat."
"But a supreme Heavenly Pride blessed by both a Dragon Seed and a Immortality Pill truly has a chance to achieve Eternal Life within a decade."
Not only was Yin Shi Yi thrilled, but Yin Shi Wu and Yin Shi Liu outside the room also took deep breaths, gazing at the vast sky, lost in the dream of forging Eternal Life within a decade that Yin Shi had painted.
Only Yin Shi San and Li Weiyi grew increasingly uncomfortable as they listened.
With only twenty days left until New Year's Eve, it was utterly impossible to raise their cultivation enough to rank among the top fifty in the Southern Territory.
Yin Shi Yi asked, "How exactly does the Immortal Master of the Calamity Crossing Temple issue invitations? Wouldn't those of us from the Hidden Sects, with our obscure reputations, simply be overlooked?"
Yin Shi replied, "The Successors of the Ten Thousand Sects certainly won't have trouble getting invitations. I overheard a group of Martial-Mystic Cultivators in the Immortal Grove discussing how those with the strength but lacking sufficient fame will launch a series of challenges against stronger opponents to boost their records and visibility."
"While we can't directly contact the Immortal Master, he must be in the city. This is the only way to ensure our names and achievements reach his ears."
Yin Jiu, who had remained silent until now, spoke, "The higher-ups have decided that only Yin Shi and I are permitted to compete for the rewards at the Hidden Dragon Lantern Festival. The rest of you are forbidden from participating."
"Boom!"
Yin Shi Yi crashed down from the beam, his emotions erupting: "What does that mean? After all this talk, are you telling us that only the two of you are allowed to vie for the Calamity Crossing Temple's generous rewards, while we can only watch? Who are you looking down on? Even if I can't defeat you, I can still break into the top fifty in the Southern Territory!"
"That's true, it doesn't make sense!" Yin Shi Wu's voice echoed from the courtyard, "Our chances might be slim, but they're not entirely hopeless."
Yin Shi Liu asked, "Is this the higher-ups' decision, or just yours and Yin Shi's?"
These Hidden Ones were all ruthless survivors, each the last one standing from their respective batches. Yin Jiu, though powerful, wasn't a Divine Hidden One and couldn't command their absolute obedience.
Yin Jiu stood up and walked outside. His imposing figure stood proudly beneath the bone lantern.
"I knew you wouldn't accept this. So let's fight. Whoever defeats me gets to participate. I won't use my battleaxe."
Instantly, three powerful battle intents surged through the courtyard.
The three Hidden Ones stepped forward.
"I'll go first!"
Yin Shi Yi was incredibly strong, a Aberrant Humanoid at the Seventh Sea of the Five Seas Realm.
He cultivated fundamental Martial-Mystic Techniques and had consumed the Hidden Sect's prized Dragon Blood, forging a formidable physical body.
"Enough!" Yin Shi shouted, "The higher-ups don't want you participating because they don't want you to die. This isn't a grand gathering, it's a slaughterhouse!"
"Didn't you say Calamity Crossing Temple should set up a arena for everyone to fight?"
"It's all set. The entire Qiu Prefecture City has become a battleground! Beneath this city, laid out like an eight-diagram, Formation Scriptures crisscrosses every inch. Three months ago, the Zuoqiu Clan and the Calamity Crossing Temple reinforced every street and building with new defensive formations."
"On New Year's Eve, the Zuoqiu Clan will issue two edicts."
"The first, the Limited Killing Edict, allows Martial-Mystic Cultivators below the Dao Seed Realm to engage in combat within the city before the Shangyuan Festival, provided they compensate for all damages and provide compensation for accidental injuries. However, killing is strictly limited. Indiscriminate slaughter of innocents will result in immediate execution. While the Zuoqiu Clan calls it a 'Limited Killing Edict,' those in the know understand it's actually a 'Killing Edict.'"
"The second, the Martial Ban Edict, prohibits Martial-Mystic Cultivators at or above the Dao Seed Realm from engaging in combat within the city before the Shangyuan Festival."
"With the Martial Ban Edict in effect, even elder cultivators will be stripped of the right to intervene and offer assistance."
"Now, the entire Qiu Prefecture City has become a miniature chessboard reflecting the world's power dynamics. The Calamity Crossing Temple seeks to observe the struggle between various factions, to witness the raw brutality of the battlefield. Elder cultivators can only watch from the sidelines, mere spectators of the game."
"Initially, the young Martial-Mystic Cultivators from the major factions wouldn't have aimed for outright killing, even in their conflicts. After all, killing a thousand enemies while suffering eight hundred casualties yourself is hardly a victory. They were fighting for rich rewards and to secure the Calamity Crossing Temple's support for their respective righteous armies."
"But a disruptor has appeared!"
"The Far Western Ashlands have arrived, the Four Great Demon Kings are entering the fray, and the imperial court intends to unleash a bloodbath."
Yin Shi Yi, Yin Shi Wu, and Yin Shi Liu all calmed down, their eyes heavy with concern.
Once the Limited Killing Edict and Martial Ban Edict were issued, Qiu Prefecture City would become a playground for top-tier experts from across the Five Seas Realm.
They would wield the power of life and death, even setting their own rules.
This was far too dangerous!
Li Weiyi asked, "Shouldn't the people from the Far Western Ashlands be considered part of the Western Territory? They can't just be dumped in our Southern District."
Yin Shi shook her head gently: "That's hard to say. The group led by the Young Venerable is terrifying. Some of them take pleasure in consuming the flesh and blood of Pure Immortal Physiques, while others collect beautiful human skins. Of course, they'll also be after Dragon Bones, Dragon Seeds, and Immortality Pills. But their methods are completely unpredictable - they're the biggest variable."
"The major powers of the Lingxiao Realm might clash over old grudges, engaging in full-scale battles, just like our Jiu Li Tribe and the Three Great Sects. But would we, without provocation, attack other forces and make enemies for no reason?"
"The Young Venerable's group might."
"The Zuoqiu Clan's leadership is likely deeply worried, which is why they're trying to eliminate any potential threats before the New Year."
Yin Shi Wu asked, "Does this mean the higher-ups want us to fully support you two in securing the Fruit at the Shangyuan Festival?"
"It's too early to discuss that. We haven't even received the invitation yet, and we don't know what the situation will be like then."
Yin Jiu said, "First, complete the mission: track down the Ember Spirit. But if you encounter the Young Venerable or the Four Great Experts of Qi Mingcang under his command, do not act rashly."
Yin Shi San distributed the list of suspicious Martial-Mystic Cultivators.
Li Weiyi was, of course, excluded. Yin Jiu told him to stay in the Diligent Garden and focus on his cultivation.
A fragrant breeze brushed Li Weiyi's face.
Yin Shi's gaze was sharp as she warned, "You seem to be the most obedient, but in reality, you're the least compliant. Although the Limited Killing Edict won't be issued until New Year's Eve, Qiu Prefecture City is already very unsafe. Every day, there are fights, killings, and deaths."
Li Weiyi chuckled. "I value my life!"
Yin Shi asked, "Did you use the Disguise Technique to transform into Huo Qiankun?"
Li Weiyi didn't hide the truth, surprised. "How did you know?"
"Since Huo Qiankun and Yuwen Chao went after you, they haven't been seen again. Twenty days later, you reappeared, so naturally, they must be dead. That's one reason."
Yin Shi continued, "A Martial-Mystic Cultivator in the Immortal Grove was talking about an interesting rumor. They said Qi Jin, the Young Venerable's disciple, has already killed over a dozen people named Huo Qiankun in Qiu Prefecture City. Everyone's speculating about the reason. I figure it must have something to do with you."
Li Weiyi was both speechless and deeply puzzled: "That shouldn't be possible. As Huo Qiankun, I got along well with her and repeatedly complimented her beauty. Could it be..."
Li Weiyi suspected that his transformation into Cang Li and his act of lending the Ghost Banner to Jiang Ning had left some trace that Qi Jin had somehow detected.
Could it have been the Silver Spear?
"Ah, it's all my fault! I only killed one Huo Qiankun, but I've indirectly caused the deaths of over a dozen others," Li Weiyi sighed deeply.
Yin Shi snorted coldly: "Now that you know, don't show yourself so easily. Hide well in the Diligent Garden. If Qi Jin finds you, even Yin Jiu and I might not be able to save you."
Throughout their conversation, Yin Shi never asked Li Weiyi who had killed Huo Qiankun and Yuwen Chao. It seemed Yin Jiu already knew something about the matter.
When they discussed it together, Yin Jiu had muttered meaningfully, "If Li Ling was with him, everything makes sense!"
Yin Shi added, "Oh, and there's one more thing! Zuoqiu Ting has come to the Immortal Grove twice already, asking for news of you. Should I tell him you're in the Provincial City?"
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END OF CHAPTER
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