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Novel: [The Primordial Law]
Volume 5: [Seeking Immortality in the Eastern Sea]
Volume 5 (Pinyin): [Dong Hai xun xian]
Chapter 79 (516): [Sowing Discord]
(79th of Volume 5)
Translator: Shadow Knight AK
Editor: Shadow Knight AK
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Sheng Wulian's crushing defeat sent shockwaves through the Martial-Mystic Cultivator community, leaving many speechless for a long time.
He was, after all, a True Disciple of the Ancient Sect, a figure of radiant glory and profound Dao Techniques, blessed with immense spiritual power and dozens of Heavenly Emperor Bones.
He seemed destined to ascend to the ranks of the Transcendents. Yet he had been utterly humiliated by a young man from the Lingxiao Realm, a Martial-Mystic Cultivator whose cultivation was considered half-crippled.
For the young cultivators of the Rice Palace and Rice Sect, this defeat dealt a severe blow to their morale, leaving them demoralized and dispirited.
'When the leader is disgraced, all are disgraced.'
"Can a Wind Mansion Dao Seed truly be this powerful?"
At the Calamity Crossing Temple's encampment, located on a spiritual artifact warship anchored in the wilderness, a Chief-level young expert voiced his disbelief.
"You didn't witness his prowess in the Five Seas Realm. It's a pity he revealed his heaven-defying talent too early to help Zuoqiu Sect win the Hidden Dragon Lantern Festival, inviting a fatal calamity. Ultimately, his Ancestral Field was shattered. Though later repaired, it can no longer cultivate the Dao."
These words came from a Daoist-robed woman with a refined countenance.
She was one of the twelve Patrolling Immortal Envoys at the Hidden Dragon Lantern Festival, tasked with tracking Li Weiyi and recording his achievements.
Even back when he was still in the Five Seas Realm, Li Weiyi had left a profound impression on her, filling her with deep emotion.
Chang Yujian, his sword gleaming with graceful poise, prepared to compete for Immortal Herb.
"Fortune and misfortune are two sides of the same coin. Though it's regrettable, his Psychic Power talent remains extraordinary, promising future greatness. However, after today's humiliating defeat - his reputation and dignity utterly shattered - he'll likely never become a True Disciple!"
The position of True Disciple in the Dao Seed Realm was inherently precarious.
True Disciples could suffer defeat, but a defeat of this magnitude was unacceptable to the Rice Palace's upper echelons.
Beneath the Thundercloud Sect Great Elder's calm facade, a tempest of emotions raged.
The young man's figure on the plains shone like a brilliant star, instilling even this Immortal Realm Martial-Mystic Cultivator with trepidation and a desire to retreat.
"Fortunately... perhaps the Wind Mansion Dao Seed's inherent weakness will halt his momentum. Perhaps..." Many Martial-Mystic Cultivators, including the Great Elder, no longer confidently believed Li Weiyi could overcome the Immortal Realm.
Lu Cangsheng held his breath for a long moment, harboring the same hope that Li Weiyi would be stopped by the Immortal Realm.
He had lost all confidence in catching up.
Though he had never directly clashed with Li Weiyi, he felt as if he had already been defeated countless times, his spirit utterly crushed.
The crowd hadn't yet recovered from the shock of Sheng Wulian's crushing defeat when Li Weiyi's subsequent actions and words left them stunned.
'Giving Sheng Wulian's diagrams and Dao to Wu Hongling?'
Anyone with eyes could see this was a blatant attempt to sow discord and use others as pawns.
Some older, more experienced cultivators scoffed, dismissing Li Weiyi's actions as foolish arrogance, a path to certain death.
The Purple-Robed Woman beneath the golden parasol was no ordinary figure; her methods were ruthless. Trying to outmaneuver her would only backfire spectacularly.
Elder Qin, the Ancient Hidden Lord, and many Immortal Realm Great Powers from the Lingxiao Realm Human Race all paled, realizing Li Weiyi had miscalculated badly this time.
Openly trying to divide the Rice Palace disciples would only invite fatal consequences.
"Still too young, lacking experience," Elder Qin sighed, hurrying after Li Weiyi, ready to help him escape if necessary.
The Ancient Hidden Lord followed closely behind.
The Hidden Lord turned and rushed into the camp, appearing beside the Stone Coffin.
Their seasoned instincts told them the storm was coming.
The Purple-Robed Woman from the Rice Palace would seize this opportunity to strike, now that she had ample justification.
While the older generation trembled with apprehension, Li Weiyi seemed utterly oblivious.
After storing the seven Phoenix-Winged Moth Emperors in his Insect Pouch, he approached within ten miles of the golden imperial umbrella and continued forward, saying, "Hong Ling, to become a True Disciple, one needs not only wisdom and temperament but also decisiveness and courage. Sheng Wulian lacks both - I've always looked down on him. He has bravery without strategy, unlike you, who possess both."
Standing beside the imperial umbrella, Wu Hongling radiated dignified beauty.
A cyan sash cinched her slender waist, and beneath her serene, sweet demeanor, her fingernails were digging into her palms.
She cursed her past life's sins for leading her astray to the East Sea, where she had encountered Thief Li.
She also resented the Feathered Glory Abyss's perilous nature; otherwise, she would have plunged into it without hesitation.
'Traps, all traps.'
She felt Li Weiyi was trying to trap her to death. How could he openly claim the North Sea Life Map in front of everyone?
He was trying to cripple Sheng Wulian while shifting the blame onto her.
Wu Hongling quickly bowed to the Purple-Robed Woman, explaining, "Martial Uncle, my relationship with this man..."
"Hong Ling and he are merely allies, not close in that way," the Purple Robe (Zi Pao) interjected, bowing and speaking before Wu Hongling could finish.
Wu Hongling's Phoenix Eyes, shimmering with watery light, turned toward the Purple-Clad Woman, puzzled by her sister's words.
'Wouldn't this fall right into Li Weiyi's trap?'
But her sister's mind was always deep and calculating, leaving no room for error.
So Wu Hongling remained silent.
The Purple Robe (Zi Pao) feared that if Wu Hongling refused to take the bait, Li Weiyi would expose the Six Desires Talisman, which would be disastrous for them.
Secondly, Sheng Wulian had suffered a crushing defeat, nearly losing his position as True Disciple.
As Li Weiyi had said, to become True Disciple, one must be decisive and patient, yet bold when the moment demanded it.
Otherwise, it was best to abandon all thoughts of the position and accept one's fate.
Thirdly, the North Sea Life Map and Death's Southern Mountain Sutra could indeed elevate their innate talents to new heights. If they could also seize Immortal Herb and cultivate a Immortal Body, their chances of becoming True Disciple would greatly improve.
Fourthly, and most critically, after today's events, if Sheng Wulian regained the North Sea Life Map and restored his cultivation, he would undoubtedly seek Wu Hongling's death, regardless of whether the rumors were true or false.
The reward was too tempting, and the price too small.
In an instant, the Purple Robe (Zi Pao) had calculated all the advantages and disadvantages.
The Purple-Robed Woman's voice echoed, "Form an alliance? What kind of alliance? Hong Ling, what are you planning?"
Wu Hongling couldn't see the Purple-Robed Woman's expression or discern the emotion in her tone, but the Purple Robe (Zi Pao) gave her an encouraging nod.
Emboldened, Wu Hongling said, "Martial Uncle, Hongling refuses to accept this! If Sheng Wulian and Si Wuyan don't refine the Heavenly Emperor Bone, they're no stronger than us sisters."
The Purple-Robed Woman countered, "A difference is still a difference! Without Young Celestial Emperor-level combat prowess, you're destined to never become True Disciples. Your discontent changes nothing."
Wu Hongling forced a bitter smile.
The Purple Robe (Zi Pao), sensing the unspoken meaning, mustered her courage and said, "Young Celestial Emperors aren't born, they're forged through constant struggle. If we absorb the North Sea Life Map and the Death's Southern Mountain Sutra, then cultivate the Primordial Chaos Life-Death Qi, our combat strength in the same realm will surpass Sheng Wulian and Si Wuyan's. Like nutrients in a rice paddy, whoever absorbs them best will grow stronger."
After a long silence, the Purple-Robed Woman finally spoke, "To dare voice such ambition... it seems your discontent is genuine, and your resolve is truly unwavering."
"During the previous generation's True Disciple competition, if I had been even slightly more determined, that position could have been mine. Shen Yi Mountain has already suffered one regret. Since you two dare to accept this challenge, how could I deny you the opportunity?"
"Once you obtain the North Sea Life Map, there's no turning back."
The Purple-Robed Woman, Yu Zhenyan, had possessed even greater natural talent than Wu Hongling and the Purple Robe (Zi Pao) in her youth, making her a Young Celestial Emperor in the Dao Seed Realm.
However, her failure to secure the True Disciple position meant that she could never again wield the combat prowess of a Young Celestial Emperor in the Immortal Realm, widening the gap between her and the Rice Palace True Disciple of her era.
This regret had haunted her throughout her life.
She had spent her days lamenting her lack of the "I am the only one worthy" spirit and fighting will, regretting her failure to fight tooth and nail for the position.
Wu Hongling now fully understood that her Martial Uncle was testing their resolve.
She declared, "Sheng Wulian is already crippled. How could a mere Si Wuyan possibly stand against us?"
The Purple-Clad Woman added, "The True Disciple competition in any Ancient Sect has always been a bloody affair. Doesn't the sect itself desire the most capable candidate to rise to the top - someone with both extraordinary combat prowess and exceptional methods?"
Elder Qin appeared beside Li Weiyi like a gust of wind, seizing his wrist.
"You've stirred up trouble! The Rice Palace Matriarch will never let herself be manipulated. She's a terrifying existence and will seize this opportunity to kill you. Come with me!"
"Wait a moment," Li Weiyi countered, "If she intended to strike, she would have done so already!"
He added, "With Master Coffin here, there's no need to panic. I have another trump card!"
The four-hundred-year-old Ancient Hidden Lord materialized a hundred zhang away, communicating telepathically with the Purple-Robed Woman.
Even he had no confidence in facing Yu Zhenyan.
Yu Zhenyan's voice echoed, "If we interfere too much in the affairs of the young, they'll never truly grow."
The Ancient Hidden Lord and Elder Qin froze, stunned.
Was she truly going to stand aside?
Such profound detachment, such serene composure?
The Purple Robe (Zi Pao) and Wu Hongling transformed into two graceful streaks of light, reappearing in the wilderness several miles away, standing a mere zhang apart from Li Weiyi.
Wu Hongling unleashed her Dao Heart Manifestation, her jade-like face glowing with an intoxicating smile.
She transmitted her voice telepathically: "Your attempt to sow discord is rather clumsy. If I hadn't accepted the North Sea Life Map, wouldn't you have lost all face, perhaps even your life?"
"But you came, didn't you?" Li Weiyi countered.
"Coming doesn't mean accepting the chart," Wu Hongling replied, "It could just as easily mean killing you."
"If you intend to kill me, why bother with such a charming smile?" Li Weiyi asked, "This pretense is exhausting. Let's get down to business."
Wu Hongling fell silent for a moment, her smile widening, radiant as jade. She genuinely wanted to strike him.
The Purple Robe (Zi Pao) spoke up: "We thank Li Shenyin (Divine Hidden One) for helping Hong Ling compete for the True Disciple position. The world has witnessed your generosity! If you carry this act through to the end, it will become a legendary tale."
"Eldest Sister-in-Law always has the sweetest words," Li Weiyi remarked, turning to look at her, "What kind of performance do you have in mind?"
With their current cultivation levels and the protection of their Dao Heart Manifestations, even Great Powers of the Immortal Realm couldn't eavesdrop on their telepathic exchange.
They could only see the group smiling and conversing harmoniously, their expressions suggesting both a reunion and a secret discussion about how to capture Si Wuyan.
Elder Qin and the Ancient Hidden Lord retreated to a distance, both lost in thought, considering various possibilities.
They ultimately concluded that Li Weiyi had indeed been involved with the Rice Palace's Heaven's Chosen Daughter all along.
Otherwise, why would he be so certain that the two Demonesses would accept this malicious gift?
A cold glint flashed in Si Wuyan's eyes, his expression a mirthless smile.
He was certain that he was their next target.
Zhenxin, standing beside him, remarked, "Li Weiyi and Wu Hongling must have been intimate during their disappearance. The rumors were true after all. We underestimated their ambitions."
Yao Qian brought Sheng Wulian back to Si Wuyan, leaving with the parting words, "Li Weiyi's victory was dishonorable."
Si Wuyan replied, "As long as we remain in the East Sea, the final victor remains to be seen."
.....
The Purple Robe Woman, her face veiled, her white hair shimmering like moonlight, and her eyes as clear as water, spoke: "If Li Shenyin is truly so deeply devoted, why won't he help us seize Immortal Herb? This whole act feels utterly fake!"
"What's in it for me?" Li Weiyi asked.
"We'll eliminate Sheng Wulian and Si Wuyan," the Purple Robe Woman replied, "freeing you from any lingering threats. Otherwise, even if you fear no retaliation from these True Disciples, none of your close associates will be safe. Think of Zuoqiu Hongting, Yaoyin, Cang Li, Li Jiufu..."
This was precisely why Li Weiyi needed to kill Sheng Wulian and Si Wuyan.
He had already deeply offended them, and their status as True Disciples granted them access to immense power. Yet, he couldn't kill them himself.
His only option was to exploit Wu Hongling and the Purple Robe Woman's ambitions to eliminate them.
The Purple Robe Woman had seen through this and was now using it as leverage.
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END OF CHAPTER
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