Subscribe to the MTL WORLD (@mtlworld1) YouTube Channel.
***********************************
Novel: [The Primordial Law]
Volume 4: [Shuangsheng Dao Sect (Twin Rice Sect)]
Chapter 117 (372): [The Six Contemplation Zen Temple]
(117th of Volume 4)
Translator: Shadow Knight AK
Editor: Shadow Knight AK
***********************************
Xie Chucai stood at the edge of the Ninefold Dao Image Diagram, his eyes focused with intense concentration.
He had been watching the battle within the diagram more closely than anyone else. The moment the Fusang Divine Tree Spiritual Light's Radiant Shadow appeared, he had already regretted his actions, realizing the danger he was in.
Zuo Ning's Spiritual Light resembled the legendary beings of the Ancient Immortal Giant Beast era.
Zuo Ning was not an ordinary person. He possessed both a treasure for spatial teleportation and extraordinary Psychic Power.
Xie Chucai had underestimated him earlier, and now it was too late to regret it.
How could someone like Zuo Ning truly be devoted to Jiang Ning's maid?
It was clearly a case of ulterior motives.
Tai Shi Yu, having consumed a Millennium Essence Herb and some healing spring water, had recovered significantly.
He commented, "Zuo Ning's Immobilization Talisman is quite remarkable. The runes are profound, and it incorporates a secret incantation character I've never seen before."
"Even a Seventh Heaven Martial-Mystic Cultivator in the Dao Seed Realm would be in dire straits if their Protective Spiritual Qi were broken and the talisman landed on them. With this talisman in his grasp, Zuo Ning has already taken one step into the ranks of top-tier experts. Xie Chucai's defeat is far from unjust; it's entirely deserved."
When the Tai Shi Clan's retainer emerged victorious, shattering the previously impenetrable Dao Image Diagram, Tai Shi Bai couldn't resist boasting before the crowd: "The flames within Zuo Ning's Psychic Power possess the power of a Perfection Second-Layer Great Technique. On this alone, he's already a match for any Inheritor."
"With the enhancement of his spiritual staff, the flames' power surged even further, surpassing even Qin Qiu's Third-Layer Great Technique at the Beginner level. This was the key to his victory."
"Fair and square, a clean victory achieved through sheer strength. From now on, who dares claim that Spiritual Masters are inferior to Martial-Mystic Cultivators?"
Tai Shi Yu followed up with: "His Psychic Power techniques are too limited, undoubtedly due to his divided focus on cultivating the Martial-Mystic Dao. If he had prepared some Formations beforehand or crafted Formation-based artifacts, his victory would have been even easier."
This was undoubtedly a cause for celebration!
Just days ago, the Demon Child had defeated five of the Ten Young Heroes of Lingxiao in succession, forcing even the strongest warriors listed in the Jiazi Register to bow their heads.
The Dao Image Diagram he brought with him remained unbroken, leaving everyone present feeling deeply humiliated.
From top to bottom, everyone in the West Sea Palace breathed a long sigh of relief.
At least their reputation had been salvaged.
The younger generation, who hadn't known who Zuo Ning was before, only knew he was no older than forty.
In terms of cultivation speed, he was already a peerless prodigy among his contemporaries, unmatched by most.
After tonight, his name would surely resound throughout the world.
On the Jade Steps, Martial-Mystic Cultivators in the Lingxiao Realm buzzed with excited discussion.
Someone congratulated Tai Shi Bai, pointing out that Zuo Ning's breaking of the Dao Image Diagram and victory over Xie Chucai had brought great honor to the Tai Shi Clan.
Many of the Transcendent Disciples and Heaven's Chosen Daughters from Great Clans present had previously attempted to challenge the diagram, so they understood its true depth.
Such a remarkable talent was destined for greatness. Reaching the level of a Holy Spiritual Master and becoming a Great Power was only a matter of time.
As everyone prepared to invite "Zuo Ning" back to the banquet to make his acquaintance, they realized that in their excitement, the peerless Spiritual Master Heavenly Pride who had broken the Dao Image Diagram tonight had already departed.
"Where's Zuo Ning?"
"After defeating Qin Qiu, Zuo Ning left the diagram and has already left the palace."
"He wanted to hide his brilliance, keep a low profile, and protect himself, but he was thrust into the spotlight. He must be planning to retire while he's still on top. I'm going to find him. I'll take my leave now!"
Tai Shi Bai quickly chased after Zuo Ning, fearing he might use the Transformation Technique to conceal himself, making it nearly impossible to find him again.
In Tai Shi Bai's eyes, Zuo Ning had revealed his true strength to confront Xie Chucai and become embroiled in the Dao Image Diagram dispute solely to save him.
He deeply appreciated this act of loyalty.
Even more worried than Tai Shi Bai was Song Lin. He followed Tai Shi Bai out of the palace, releasing his Willpower to search for Zuo Ning.
When he realized Li Weiyi had vanished without a trace, Song Lin's anxiety flared: "Lao Bai, you absolutely must find him! Tell my sister... tell him that no matter his background, the West Sea Palace in Lingxiao City will protect him. He mustn't disappear like this. He promised me!"
"Don't worry. Knowing Zuo Ning, if he made a promise, he'll keep it."
Tai Shi Bai also harbored some concerns.
He had a premonition that Zuo Ning was far more than just Shi Liuyu's advisor.
Such a formidable figure, with such a promising future, was unlikely to be tamed by Shi Liuyu.
Outside the West Sea Palace, the entire Azure Cloud Quarter was packed.
Martial-Mystic Cultivators from surrounding City Domains had flocked here, both to join the excitement and to catch a glimpse of legendary figures like Song Yulou, the Demon Child, Chen Huang, Cao Shisan, Xie Chucai, Ge Xiantong, and Jiang Ning.
As far as the eye could see, exotic beast carriages, lanterns, and shadows filled the streets.
Li Weiyi moved quickly through the crowd, acutely aware that he had revealed too much tonight.
The mere appearance of the Fusang Divine Tree's radiant shadow was enough for Yao Qian and the Twin Rice Sect's high-ranking figures in Lingxiao City to conclude that Zuo Ning was none other than Li Weiyi.
Remaining in the open would be extremely dangerous.
He didn't know yet whether Tuoba Butuo had delivered the Blood Letter to the Main Hall, nor whether the Twin Rice Sect's Hall Masters would believe the Sui Sect's defection.
Currently, the Twin Rice Sect's forces in Lingxiao City were undoubtedly more inclined to trust Yao Qian.
At Yao Qian's word, the sect's most extreme members would stop at nothing to assassinate Zuo Ning.
Meanwhile, Luan Sheng Lin You had already launched his attack, spreading the secret that Li Weiyi was the Heretical Sect's Fourth Divine Son throughout Lingxiao City.
The news that Zuo Ning was the Heretical Sect's Fourth Divine Son might also spread.
When it came to that point, even if the Imperial Court only pursued him to verify the rumors, they would inevitably hunt him down.
Li Weiyi had approached the situation with utmost goodwill, believing Song Lin and Song Yulou's promises.
However, the West Sea Palace was teeming with experts, and the Imperial Court was vast and powerful.
In this contest of factions, extreme caution was paramount.
Yao Qian and Luan Sheng Lin You, these two rivals - one in the open, the other in the shadows - both commanded armies of formidable experts and were equally difficult to deal with.
Li Weiyi removed his outer robe and transformed his appearance and physique.
News of his breaking the Ninefold Dao Image Diagram had already spread through the crowd.
The streets, alleys, and lanes of Lingxiao City were abuzz with excitement, like a festive New Year celebration among the Lingxiao Cultivators.
"The Fifth Heaven Dao Image Diagram has been broken by a Spiritual Master! It seems even the Calamity Crossing Temple's strongest aren't invincible."
"I heard that Spiritual Master, Zuo Ning, broke two Dao Image Diagrams - one with Martial-Mystic Power, the other with psychic power."
"He's a Spiritual Master comparable to the legendary figures of history! Reliable sources say he even defeated Xie Chucai, severely injuring him and breaking one of his legs. From now on, Xie Chucai will be known as Xie Lincai."
The Azure Cloud Quarter was bustling with activity.
No one knew that the "legendary Psychic Power master" they were discussing was quietly passing by nearby.
Xie Chucai's delay had prevented Second Phoenix from tracking Long Xiangcen's Qi.
Fortunately, Li Weiyi had a backup plan. His gaze scanned the crowd until he spotted an Exotic Beast Carriage bearing the Jiu Li Hidden Sect's emblem parked by the roadside.
He approached the carriage.
Li Weiyi glanced at the burly man in plain clothes sitting in the driver's seat and asked in a low voice, "Are you heading to the Jiu Li Insect Valley?"
The man, holding a long whip made of black gold silk, had been leaning against the carriage door, feigning sleep.
At the sound of Li Weiyi's voice, he immediately opened his eyes, sizing him up.
"What number are you in your family?" he asked.
It was Shi Jiuzhai's voice, disguised by the Transformation Technique to sound gruff.
Li Weiyi climbed directly into the carriage, speaking in his true voice: "Fifth Brother, it's me. Did you see Long Xiangcen come out?"
The plain-clothed burly man's eyes lit up. He immediately turned his carriage around and whipped the horses toward the exit of the Azure Cloud Quarter.
"She left half an hour ago in the Tai Shi Clan's carriage. The driver is one of Tai Shi Bai's retainers, a highly skilled cultivator. Shi Liuyu has already followed them, saying he wants to taste her and see if every inch of her body truly smells fragrant."
After listening to Shi Jiuzhai's description of the retainer's appearance, Li Weiyi recalled having seen the man before.
He was an elder cultivator at the Fifth Heaven of the Dao Seed Realm, named Lin An.
He had come to Lingxiao City from the General's Mansion at Southern Yan Pass.
Li Weiyi asked, "Sixth Brother isn't as simple-minded as he seems. Doesn't he suspect you?"
Shi Jiuzhai, while driving and identifying the traces Shi Liuyu had left behind, chuckled.
"As long as the Earthwolf King's Army remains under the Hidden Sect's control, his suspicions won't matter."
"If the Stone Heavenly King were to leak the secret of the Immortal Star, Qilin Zhuang, the Second Palace Master, the Rice Ancestor, the strongest cultivators from the Zuoqiu Sect and the Snow Sword Tang Court would be drawn to it immediately, leaving the Earthwolf King's Army annihilated."
....
The Demon Child left the West Sea Prince's Estate carrying the Ninefold Dao Image Diagram. His body was enveloped in a thick Demonic Cloud as he walked out of the bustling marketplace and onto a desolate, wide boulevard.
Only then did his expression turn grim as he glanced at Xie Chucai, whose leg was broken: "Tonight's defeat was a complete disaster. You bear the primary responsibility. Damaging the Calamity Crossing Temple's reputation is minor; failing to accomplish our grand scheme is something neither of us can afford."
Xie Chucai dared not argue. His eyes were sharp, devoid of the pallid despair of defeat.
"Eldest Brother, rest assured. Once my injuries heal, I will restore our honor and kill Zuo Ning."
"Didn't you say he's skilled in the Transformation Technique and adept at hiding?" the Demon Child asked.
Xie Chucai replied with absolute confidence, "He has a close relationship with Tai Shi Bai and is infatuated with a female official at Phoenix Terrace. These are his weaknesses. I have plenty of ways to force him into a duel."
The Demon Child's expression softened slightly: "This Zuo Ning's Martial-Mystic Dao is far from simple; he must have a remarkable background. Next, I must consume the Immortality Pill and break through to Immortal Realm as quickly as possible. Zuoqiu Ling must be eliminated."
Beside them, Li Shentong pondered aloud, "If this Zuo Ning truly defeated the Young Celestial Emperors in a single move while at the Second Heaven of the Dao Seed Realm, then he must be the one who was crippled two years ago."
"Who?" Xie Chucai asked.
Li Shentong replied, "Zuoqiu Hongting's fiancee. However, after being crippled, he even attempted suicide, his mental state shattered. Logically, he shouldn't possess such a level of Psychic Power cultivation. So, it's likely I'm overthinking this!"
...
Shi Jiuzhai drove the carriage at breakneck speed away from the Azure Cloud Quarter.
The Demonic Cloud dispersed, revealing a starry sky.
The buildings on either side of the street grew progressively shorter and sparser.
The quarter vanished, replaced by wild, refreshing breezes, the gentle murmur of a spirit creek, and a majestic mountain range looming ahead.
In the night, the mountains stood dark and imposing, a stark contrast to the flat terrain and brightly lit quarters of Lingxiao City.
A towering ancient tree stood out prominently among the mountains, resembling a Silverleaf Pine. Its silver branches spread like a vast umbrella, completely enveloping the mountain and scattering droplets of light like rain.
It was colossal, reaching a height of ten thousand meters - a scale that seemed impossible for the mortal realm.
The air around them was filled with the scent of pine, carrying the ancient, primordial aura of the wilderness.
Shi Jiuzhai glanced at the mountains ahead, his expression solemn.
He transmitted his thoughts: "Divine Hidden One, have you heard of the Six Thoughts Heart Demon?"
"The Ancient Heavenly Emperor who used the Six Desires Talisman to control the world?" Li Weiyi replied from within the carriage.
The Six Desires Talisman was one of the few runes he had mastered.
Shi Jiuzhai nodded: "The six Demon Mountains ahead are the original site of the Six Thoughts Heart Demon's Prefecture. Legend has it that they contain vast quantities of Immortal Soil and Supreme Artifacts left behind by the Ancient Heavenly Emperor."
"That Earth Demon Pine was planted during the Six Thoughts Heart Demon's era and has been growing for countless years. It's one of the Ten Great Plants of the Lingxiao Realm, ranking alongside the Peach Tree of the Taoli (Peach and Plum) Mountain and Demon King Xia Jin."
"The pine nuts from the Earth Demon Pine are treasures for cultivating Psychic Power and comprehending the Dao Seed, even more precious than a Millennium Essence Herb."
"Clang!"
A melodious Temple Bell echoed through the mountains.
Looking towards the sound, one saw silver rain shimmering, countless scriptures and cloud mist surging through the air like waves.
Shi Jiuzhai explained, "That place is now called the Six Thoughts Zen Temple, one of the six ancient Heavenly Emperor Mansion in Lingxiao City. It's bustling with pilgrims during the day and home to many skilled monks and nuns."
With a flash, Shi Liuyu leaped into the carriage and sat opposite Li Weiyi.
His head was covered in green hair, his robes hung loosely, and he asked curiously, "What's your name, brother?"
Li Weiyi revealed his true appearance: "Sixth Brother, where's the woman?"
"So it really is you, kid! You truly are a scourge that lasts for a thousand years. Even the Underground Immortal Mansion couldn't kill you."
Shi Liuyu chuckled and continued, "She went into the Six Thoughts Zen Temple! That Long Xiangcen woman is definitely up to something. Coming to a place full of monks and nuns so late at night? She's definitely here to steal a man. What, are you interested in her again?"
"Have you slept with her yet? No matter. She's still quite alluring - a perfect figure, both pure and seductive. She's in her prime, so why not take a taste? But don't get emotionally involved. With my vast experience with women, you're no match for her."
Shi Jiuzhai added with a smile, "I agree. A fleeting taste is best - like dew on a leaf, or a stream that never runs dry. The meaning of life is to live freely and without restraint."
_______________________
END OF CHAPTER
Subscribe to the MTL WORLD (@mtlworld1) YouTube Channel.
*************************************