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Novel: [The Primordial Law]
Volume 3: [Qiu Prefecture Lantern Festival]
Chapter 51 (195): [A High-Stakes Gamble]
(51st of Volume 3)
Translator: Shadow Knight AK
Editor: Shadow Knight AK
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The Thunder Method was profound and immensely powerful.
Legend had it that it transcended the Martial-Mystic Path, evolving into a form of immortal technique.
This vast territory was once known as the Thundercloud Realm.
In that era, those with innate talent for the Thunder Method held positions far above other Martial-Mystic Cultivators, even capable of trampling Pure Immortal Physiques underfoot.
It was only after the Zen Hai Guanwu rose to prominence that the Thundercloud Sect was dethroned from its position as ruler.
The name "Lingxiao" represented the power that had surpassed the former Thundercloud Sect.
While the Thundercloud Sect remained the sole sect with over ten million disciples in the Lingxiao Realm, dominating the Eastern Territory with its disciples spread across all provinces and wielding immense influence, its current state was a shadow of its former glory. It was arguably the weakest and most decadent it had ever been.
This was precisely why the Thundercloud Sect harbored ambitious plans to conquer the world.
In their eyes, they weren't rebelling but rather rising again, seeking revenge, striving to break free from the Eastern Territory, and restoring the glory of their Founding Ancestor.
Thundercloud Sect disciples who mastered the Thunder Method naturally ranked among the top-tier combatants within their cultivation realm.
"Boom!"
Thunderous roars echoed through the district.
Brilliant arcs of lightning danced and flowed, unleashing devastating energy.
Young Martial-Mystic Cultivators from various states, gathered below the arena to watch, were awestruck. They clustered in small groups, whispering and discussing.
Many had never witnessed a genuine Thundercloud Sect disciple before, and they now truly understood the power of the Thunder Method, admitting that Luo Zhan would be nearly impossible to defeat at the same cultivation level.
"At the same cultivation level, ordinary protective Spiritual Qi can't withstand the Thunder Method. You'd need a spiritual artifact battle armor of sufficiently high grade."
"Metal armor won't work. It has to be specially crafted to insulate and block lightning."
"Using bows, hidden weapons, or Mental Power for long-range attacks might be effective, but the speed of such attacks would be far slower than the lightning, which can strike at will. You'd be at a disadvantage."
.....
Li Weiyi's movements were light and agile, like a phantom, unpredictable and swift. He darted through the lightning, constantly evading danger.
"Boom!"
Seizing an opening while Luo Zhan was casting his Thunder Method, Li Weiyi shattered his protective lightning barrier with a single finger.
Immediately afterward, a palm strike like a tidal wave crashed down, the palm wind roaring like a wall of wind, sending Luo Zhan tumbling off the stage.
"Luo Zhan of the Thunderclap Sect defeated in seven moves."
Luo Zhan landed safely below the stage, his expression shifting between dark and stormy.
He knew Li Weiyi was strong and had adopted a calm mindset, not even aiming for victory. But as a disciple of the Thundercloud Sect, failing to withstand even ten moves was utterly humiliating!
Li Weiyi, with the profound demeanor of a Grandmaster, naturally offered some guidance: "The Thundercloud Sect truly deserves its title as the number one sect in the world. The profound mysteries and overwhelming power of your Thunder Method are unmatched in this world. Luo Zhan, do you know where you went wrong?"
Luo Zhan was already replaying the battle in his mind: "The stage you built was too small! I couldn't fully unleash my Thunder Method. If the arena had been large enough, you wouldn't have defeated me in ten moves, or even a hundred!"
Luo Zhan claimed to be calm and rational, but many present could hear the resentment in his voice.
Li Weiyi shook his head and sighed: "The strong examine themselves; the weak blame others. You haven't even recognized your own flaws. You rely too heavily on your Thunder Method, leaving you defenseless once an opponent closes in."
"Moreover, your Thunder Method has a fatal weakness. After unleashing the sixth strike, there's a noticeable pause where your Spiritual Qi falters. If you don't address this flaw, your enemies will exploit the opening and take your life."
"Today, it wasn't the Thundercloud (Leixiao) Sect that was defeated, only you, Luo Zhan."
Having often listened to Master Guan and Master Coffin's teachings on the Martial-Mystic Path, Li Weiyi spoke with conviction and authority. He could explain how Spiritual Qi circulation affects techniques, or how one's state of mind influences their strength.
He could also guide these Martial-Mystic Cultivators from various perspectives, analyzing their weaknesses and strengths, their Intent and spirit.
Ultimately, he needed to provide a convincing explanation for how a mortal like himself could possess such overwhelming combat power.
For example:
'Unparalleled mastery of Martial-Mystic principles.'
Luo Zhan stared blankly, his expression changing drastically. He felt as though every word Li Weiyi spoke was absolute truth, as if he had been completely seen through.
"Thank you for your guidance, Young Master Li. Luo Zhan accepts his defeat wholeheartedly. But I will return to challenge you again..."
Luo Zhan bowed, secretly pondering how to remedy his flaws.
Li Weiyi's voice rang out, each word sharp as a nail: "Which of you Thundercloud Sect disciples in the Fourth Stage of the Five Seas Realm is the strongest? Bring him forth!"
"Young Master Li, Lu Wensheng is here."
A melodious voice echoed through the arena.
Lu Wensheng, enveloped in crackling lightning, shot across the ten-meter distance like a serpentine beam of light, landing on the stage.
"Hiss!"
Countless lightning worms immediately erupted from the ground, writhing across the arena's surface.
"Heavens! Lu Wensheng has been roused!"
"That's the elder brother of the Thundercloud Sect's Successor, the Nine Springs Pure Immortal Physique!"
"The Nine Springs Pure Immortal Physique is merely a foundation. Lu Wensheng's true strength lies in his Thunder Method. Rumor has it he has cultivated the Eighteen Thunder Annihilation Formation, allowing him to overcome adversity and defeat Fifth-Stage Five Seas Realm experts multiple times."
"Even the Successor might not be able to defeat him in the same realm."
The young disciples of the Thundercloud Sect stepped forward in unison, their figures radiating vigor and an air of superiority.
Li Weiyi focused intently, scrutinizing Lu Wensheng, who stood three yards away: "My opponent has finally appeared!"
Lu Wensheng maintained his composure: "You've fought many matches in a row. Why don't you rest? I'll wait until you're at your peak condition."
"No need. I'm already at my peak."
Li Weiyi's Jade Void Breathing Technique was exceptionally powerful. Even when his Qi Sea's Spiritual Qi was depleted, it recovered at an astonishing rate.
Moreover, he hadn't even tapped into his Third Qi Sea's Spiritual Qi throughout the tournament, as he didn't want to disrupt his Qi accumulation progress.
Sensing the fierce energy radiating from his opponent, Lu Wensheng glanced at the cloth banners hanging on either side of the arena: "How about we raise the stakes? If you lose to me, you must hang these two banners on the stone pillars at the entrance of Taoli (Peach and Plum) Mountain for three days."
Taoli (Peach and Plum) Mountain was the ancestral mountain at the heart of Qiu Prefecture City, home to the Zuoqiu Clan.
Li Weiyi replied, "That's beyond my authority... Brother Lu, you seem to have come with ill intentions."
"Zuoqiu Ting dared to write such arrogant words, he should pay the price," Lu Wensheng said, "If you truly can't do it, then let's change the terms. If you lose, you'll take these two Cloth Banners and eat them in front of the Zuoqiu Clan's gate on Taoli (Peach and Plum) Mountain."
The Thundercloud Sect, Dragon Sect, and other rising righteous armies had come to the Hidden Dragon Lantern Festival not to support the Zuoqiu Clan. Instead, they aimed to use this opportunity to suppress the Zuoqiu Clan and persuade the Calamity Crossing Temple to switch their allegiance to them.
Even though Lu Wensheng knew Li Weiyi's strength was comparable to his own, he still treated him as a mere lackey, his mind consumed with how to use this chance to crush the Zuoqiu Clan's reputation.
Li Weiyi asked, "Brother Lu, what if you lose?"
"Then I'll eat these two Cloth Banners in front of all the Martial-Mystic Cultivators in the world. Fair enough?"
Lu Wensheng had his own calculations, of course.
On the surface, he had to defeat Li Weiyi to win.
But in reality, all he needed to do was withstand Li Weiyi's attacks for ten moves.
That would shatter the Cloth Banner's boast of "Defeating All Foes in Ten Moves."
After that, would Li Weiyi have the face to make him eat those arrogant words?
As long as he wagered on the Cloth Banner, he was guaranteed victory.
"No way," Li Weiyi said, his voice tinged with emotion, "If you eat it, wouldn't I have to go back to Zuoqiu Ting and have him rewrite it?"
"If I lose," he continued, "I'll lose not just my dignity, but also all the Yongquan Coins and Blood Crystals here. I don't care about Brother Lu's dignity. I just want an equal amount of money."
"Young Master Li..." Qi Wangshu felt Li Weiyi was losing control. Letting his emotions cloud his judgment, he shouldn't agree to such an unreasonable wager.
Lu Wensheng was essentially challenging the First Inheritor and the Zuoqiu Clan.
"Leave me alone! He was the one who tried to trample on my dignity. This fight is unavoidable," Li Weiyi insisted.
Sitting in his chair, Qi Xiao frowned, warning, "Li Weiyi, Lu Wensheng is a formidable opponent even when crossing cultivation realms. Don't let your emotions cloud your judgment. If you lose, the Zuoqiu Clan will lose face along with you."
Lu Wensheng glanced at the three large chests and one small box - over 200,000 Yongquan Coins, a truly staggering sum. He didn't possess such wealth himself, nor did he want to fight a battle he wasn't sure he could win.
He hesitated...
"Ten moves. I'll take down Lu Wensheng in ten moves, and I won't let Young Master Zuoqiu down," Li Weiyi gritted his teeth, his eyes burning with unwavering determination.
"Excellent! What spirit! The bet is settled!"
Lu Wensheng immediately agreed, fearing Qi Xiao would interfere and ruin the match.
Qi Xiao's face darkened.
He rose angrily, unwilling to associate with someone who had lost their mind.
Qi Wangshu desperately pulled him back, begging him to stay. Only then did he reluctantly sit down again.
On the stage, the two combatants had already taken their stances.
One surged with Spiritual Qi, his fighting spirit soaring. The other unleashed lightning, summoning a towering battle intent form.
Lu Wensheng knew Li Weiyi's speed was exceptional. He struck first, his five fingers weaving through the air to conjure five Flood Dragons of lightning, each several dozen feet long, which shot toward Li Weiyi.
Li Weiyi, well aware of his opponent's strength, was more focused than ever before.
Concealing his true power while pretending to give his all to defeat such a formidable opponent was no easy feat.
He unleashed the Clear Void Cicada Chase Step, revealing his peerless agility as he darted between the five lightning Dragons, closing in on Lu Wensheng.
"This is your true mastery of movement!"
Lu Wensheng, though confident he had forced his opponent's true strength to the surface, remained calm and composed. He unleashed a palm strike charged with lightning, meeting Li Weiyi's close-range attack head-on.
"Boom!"
The two figures clashed, then separated, each retreating three steps.
Lu Wensheng was secretly astonished by Li Weiyi's terrifying power, but he maintained his composure: "I am not Luo Zhan! My Spiritual Qi and physical body are both cultivated to perfection, with no weaknesses. You are indeed strong. Few in the Fourth Stage of the Five Seas Realm can match me in raw strength."
"But if this is all you have, you will inevitably lose within ten moves."
"Thunder Annihilation Formation!"
Lu Wensheng pointed his finger toward the heavens.
"Cihang Enlightenment!"
Li Weiyi countered with a finger strike, unleashing a beam of potent light.
Forced to abandon his Thunder Annihilation Formation, Lu Wensheng waved his hand, sending a bolt of lightning to intercept the incoming beam. The two forces collided, annihilating each other.
"Bang! Bang..."
The finger strike and lightning clashed fiercely, neither side gaining the upper hand.
But the finger strike was a single beam, while the lightning came in multiple bolts. Lu Wensheng maintained a clear advantage throughout the exchange.
Qi Xiao stared intently at the arena: "If he can keep up this lightning-fast pace and prevent Lu Wensheng from unleashing the Eighteen Thunder Annihilation Formation, he still has a chance to win. But that won't be until after a hundred moves!"
Qi Wangshu and Zuoqiu Baiyuan were even more nervous than anyone else, constantly counting the number of moves exchanged.
"Seven moves... eight moves... nine moves..."
"Nine moves!" someone shouted.
At the same moment, Li Weiyi, his body charred black from the lightning strikes on the arena, roared and pressed his hands to his temples.
He then quickly formed a hand seal and chanted an incantation no one could understand: "Cihang's Universal Salvation, freedom in heaven and earth, causality reversed, Dao gives birth to chaos..."
"Whoosh!"
It was still Cihang Enlightenment, but the force of the finger strike had increased dramatically.
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END OF CHAPTER
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