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Novel: [The Primordial Law]
Volume 3: [Qiu Prefecture Lantern Festival]
Chapter 37 (181): [The Embarrassment of the Sui Sect]
(37th of Volume 3)
Translator: Shadow Knight AK
Editor: Shadow Knight AK
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Li Weiyi sat between two cultivators at the Seventh Sea Realm, Nine Springs Pure Immortal Physiques, like a lone figure at the confluence of two turbulent rivers.
He felt buffeted by the fierce winds and waves surging from both sides, as if he were about to be swept away by the storm.
Especially Yang Qingxi on his right.
Though her battle intent wasn't visible, Li Weiyi was close enough to hear the roaring of a great river echoing in his ears.
This wasn't the gentle murmur of a stream.
It was like a Heavenly River cascading past, her battle intent undoubtedly extraordinary.
Someone who could contend for second place in Li Prefecture was naturally no ordinary individual.
At the same time, Li Weiyi clearly saw wisps of Spiritual Qi escaping from Yang Qingxi's slender, snow-white fingers.
The Qi climbed up his arms, shoulders, waist, abdomen, and legs - her control over the Spiritual Qi was exquisite, bordering on perfection.
He could imagine that with a mere thought, she could instantly retract the Qi, transforming it into deadly chains to ensnare him.
Zuoqiu Ting, seated to Li Weiyi's left, lightly patted the back of his hand, effortlessly shattering all the Spiritual Qi Yang Qingxi had released.
He chuckled, "Miss Yang should be in the Seventh Pavilion, not sitting here with us small fry. Could it be... you're afraid to go to the Seventh Pavilion?"
Yang Qingxi let out a soft gasp, realizing she had encountered an expert of at least her own level.
She retracted her battle intent, her eyes deepening into pools of obsidian as she stared intently at Zuoqiu Ting, trying to pierce through his Disguise Technique and discern his true appearance.
Li Weiyi carefully considered Zuoqiu Ting's words: "That's odd! Miss Yang must have been invited by Dragon Sect as a distinguished guest. Why would she hesitate to ascend to the Seventh Pavilion?"
Zuoqiu Ting chuckled: "Brother, haven't you figured it out yet? Miss Yang, like us, is aligned with the imperial court. Her current situation is precarious. She dares not choose either side, yet she can't afford to offend either. So, she's forced to sit in the Fourth Pavilion to weather the storm, afraid to venture any higher."
Accompanying Yang Qingxi were Sheng Qingyan, Yang Yue, and Yang Zhiyong - two young masters renowned throughout Li Prefecture, their cultivation unfathomable, ranking second and third in the Sui Sect.
The three had already taken their seats opposite Zuoqiu Ting, their gazes fixed on him like hungry tigers.
This only confirmed that Zuoqiu Ting's words weren't mere speculation but a sharp spear that had struck their most vulnerable spot.
"Then you'll have to explain it all to me in detail. I've been in closed-door Cultivation recently."
Li Weiyi wasn't very familiar with the current political situation. He was curious: How could the once-glorious Sui Sect and Yang Qingxi have fallen into such a desperate position, forced to lie low?
Zuoqiu Ting said, "Cang Li has his eye on Miss Yang! If she refuses to choose either side, do you think she'll even make it out of Qiu Prefecture City alive? And whether she chooses, and how she chooses, often isn't up to her at all - it's the Sui Sect's higher-ups who decide. But those higher-ups are in the same predicament as her: in this murky situation, one wrong step could lead to utter ruin."
Li Weiyi turned to Yang Qingxi, who, despite her masculine attire, still possessed a captivating feminine charm: "Why doesn't Miss Yang fight back?"
Yang Qingxi's expression softened from sharp to melancholy: "In this chaotic era, various factions are vying for power. The number of players at the table - those who can truly call themselves chess masters - can be counted on one hand. If you're not a chess master, you're left with only one choice: to choose a side. But no matter how you choose, there's never a guaranteed victory. Li Weiyi, do you think the Jiu Li Tribe's choice to side with the Zuoqiu Clan guarantees their victory? One wrong move, and it's eternal damnation."
Li Weiyi was about to ask why the Sui Sect still had the option of siding with the imperial court.
Zuoqiu Baiyuan approached, glanced at the four members of the Sui Sect who had suddenly appeared out of thin air without much concern, and turned his gaze to Li Weiyi and Zuoqiu Ting.
In a voice as gentle as he could manage, he said, "The Imperial Pavilion is ready. It's in the best location, offering a perfect view of the Bing Juze. Please, follow me to move there."
The Zuoqiu Baiyuan of this moment was utterly different from the arrogant and aloof figure he had been before.
He no longer carried the air of a direct-lineage disciple from one of the Ancient Myriad Sects.
Seeing no one respond, Li Weiyi rose from his seat first, forcing a smile: "Then let's move. Brother Baiyuan, you've been inconvenienced. Please lead the way."
Zuoqiu Baiyuan quickly replied, "Not at all, Brother Li. It's you who truly hides your true nature."
Qi Wangshu and Qian Yanzhen saw through the charade at once. They knew the "Second Miss" beside Li Weiyi was no ordinary person, and Zuoqiu Baiyuan was likely just following orders.
Who could be the one daring to challenge Yang Qingxi?
Qi Wangshu's mind flashed to a figure known for their love of disguise and the ability to make Zuoqiu Baiyuan kneel with a single word.
But he immediately dismissed the thought.
There was no way that person would be here, pretending to be the sister of a Martial-Mystic Cultivator at the Fourth Stage of the Five Seas Realm.
Li Weiyi glanced at Yang Qingxi, who was still seated: "Miss Yang, would you like to join us?"
"I'd be honored."
Yang Qingxi rose gracefully, a warm smile gracing her lips. With elegant composure, she walked over, the two appearing like genuine close friends.
Li Weiyi's expression froze.
He regretted asking.
"Thump! Thump!"
Disorderly footsteps echoed from the staircase.
Among the group of Martial-Mystic Path masters ascending the stairs, a chubby young man suddenly leaped forward, shouting, "Brother Wei! I've been looking for you for days! Where were you hiding? We agreed to capture Yang Qingxi together, but there was no... follow-up..."
Shi Shishi's voice abruptly cut off, as if he'd seen a ghost. His eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Yang Qingxi, who had emerged from behind Li Weiyi. He scratched his head in confusion.
The members of the Sui Sect all wore cold, piercing gazes.
Even the air seemed to chill.
Yang Qingxi lowered her gaze, deep in thought. Her mind was filled with bewilderment. It was simply too incredible that two mortals, whose cultivation levels were far below hers, would dare to be so audacious.
After a brief silence, Li Weiyi forced himself to remain calm: "We're sharing a table with Miss Yang. Dharma King Shishi, would you care to join us?"
Shi Shishi was completely baffled by the situation. He cautiously retreated three steps and secretly transmitted with Spiritual Qi: "Brother Wei, if she's already captured and restrained you, blink your eyes. Don't trick me; I can still go get reinforcements."
Li Weiyi couldn't help but laugh and shake his head: "If you're scared, don't follow me."
Fourth Pavilion, South Gate Hall...
The hall was large enough to accommodate ten tables, but only one was set up near the window, laden with fine food and wine. A Fourth Stage Eunuch Official of the Five Seas Realm stood respectfully nearby, like an old servant.
Four female attendants in talisman robes stood ready to serve.
After Li Weiyi, Zuoqiu Ting, Qi Wangshu, Zuoqiu Baiyuan, Qian Yanzhen, and Sui Zong were seated, Shi Shishi slipped in and squeezed himself between Qian Yanzhen and Sheng Qingyan.
Li Weiyi chuckled: "Why are you daring to come in again?"
Shi Shishi was already picking up his chopsticks: "I've suddenly figured it out! Even with Miss Yang's Seventh Sea Realm cultivation, the Ten Absolute Sword Technique, and the Long River Intent, she wouldn't dare kill anyone today. Being a disruptive guest is like slapping the imperial court in the face. We can't beat her, but she can't beat Immortal Ge Xiantong."
Yang Qingxi narrowed her eyes, a chilling aura radiating from her.
Li Weiyi turned slightly to face her, smiling as he asked, "I've been wondering, Miss Yang, why aren't you sitting with the Dragon Sect?"
Shi Shishi, still eating, quickly answered, "Two reasons! First, the Sui Sect has been consorting with Ember Spirits and demonic beasts from the Far Western Ashlands, which displeases the Dragon-Exiled Immortal greatly. The Eastern Territory Dragon Sect and the Far Western Ashlands have been at odds for thousands of years."
Sheng Qingyan retorted coldly, "It was their Dragon Sect Successor who first allied with the Far Western Ashlands. We were merely caught up in the pursuit of Jiang Ning. What benefit would offending the imperial court bring to the Sui Sect?"
Shi Shishi glanced at her, saw she wasn't a Pure Immortal Physique, and lost interest.
He continued, "Second, First Commander Yao Qian of the Sui Sect recently paid a visit to the Second Palace Master of Lingxiao Palace."
"Rumor has it that Yao Qian has long caught the Second Palace Master's eye but has hesitated to take sides. His recent visit undoubtedly signals the Sui Sect's shift toward the imperial court."
"Miss Yang is in a tight spot! Some of the young Martial-Mystic Cultivators she leads within the Sui Sect participated in the pursuit of Phoenix Terrace Envoy Jiang Ning."
"Now that the Sui Sect's upper echelon has sided with the imperial court, she's effectively become Jiang Ning's subordinate. How could she escape retribution?"
Yang Qingxi hadn't participated in the pursuit of Jiang Ning, but as Shi Shishi had pointed out, young Martial-Mystic Cultivators from the Sui Sect had been involved. She couldn't simply wash her hands of it.
Zuoqiu Ting said, "Truly worthy of the Dharma King title. At such a young age, you already possess such insight, but you haven't told the whole story. The Sui Sect's biggest problem was that their ambition far exceeded their capabilities. They were like a snake trying to swallow an elephant."
"Initially, the Sui Sect envisioned themselves as the Great Dragon Head, seeking to unite the San Chen Palace, Tianyi Sect, and Coffin Sea Pavilion into a Four Great Sects alliance to wipe out the Jiu Li Tribe and seize all of Li Prefecture."
"Fearing their strength wasn't sufficient, the Sui Sect secretly colluded with the Dragon Sect and the Earth Wolf King's Army, both desperately in need of resources and provisions."
"Unfortunately, their plans went awry at every turn. First, Guan Shan forcefully intervened, followed by Heavenly Cliff Ridge, each vying for a piece of the pie - forces the Sui Sect couldn't possibly withstand. When they finally struck, they were stunned to discover that their little brother, the Coffin Sea Pavilion, had long been controlled by the Jiu Li Tribe. Then, the Earth Wolf King's Army betrayed them."
"But the most interesting part is this: the Sam Chen Palace, which had always followed the Sui Sect's lead, was secretly backed by Night City and the Far Western Ashlands - a fact the Sui Sect remained completely oblivious to."
"The Sui Sect suddenly found itself in an awkward position. It had thought it was the Great Dragon Head, only to discover it couldn't defeat anyone."
"It had believed it was the puppet master, but realized it was merely a pawn in the Far Western Ashlands, an insignificant piece meant to be exploited."
"In terms of strength, the Sui Sect couldn't compare to Guan Shan. In terms of trust from the Far Western Ashlands, it couldn't rival Night City and the San Chen Palace."
"If the Sui Sect continued to be manipulated like this, its fate is certain: annihilation. Joining the imperial court now offers a slim chance of survival. But with the court's defeat imminent, could such a move truly offer any hope?"
Yangxi felt a humiliation akin to being stripped naked and displayed on a table for mockery.
The sharp glint in her eyes was almost tangible.
Controlling her emotions, she met Zuoqiu Ting's gaze: "The situation is ever-changing and unpredictable. As juniors, we have no right to choose sides. We can only do our best in our own positions. At least we didn't choose the Far Western Ashlands, which proves we stand with humanity. We are fundamentally different from those Barbarian Bandits who only care about short-term gains and lack long-term vision. Ending the chaos and restoring peace to the realm - isn't that a noble ideal?"
"Tell Jiang Ning that ideal and see if she believes you. If she does, she might just give you a way out," Zuoqiu Ting replied.
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END OF CHAPTER
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