Chapter 136: Capturing Shi Liuyu

Li Weiyi knew that every member of the Hidden Gate was a Nine Springs Supreme Being. Yin Er, a Hidden Person from twenty-four years ago, must possess an exceptionally high cultivation level. His powerful aura was comparable to that of some top-ranking generals.

The Hidden Lord said, "Weiyi, your exceptional talent allowed you to pass all three trials of the Psychic Mural and become a Divine Hidden Person through special admission. However, your current cultivation isn't strong enough. You must reach at least the fifth realm of the Five Seas Stage before you can officially emerge. Only then can I confidently entrust all Hidden Persons and the Hidden Gate's resources and industries to you."

"For the Hidden Persons of your current cycle, Yin Er is responsible for matters related to the Dao Seed Stage, while Yin Thirteen oversees the Five Seas Stage."

Li Weiyi asked, "And Yin Nine?"

Yin Thirteen chuckled, "Within the Five Seas Stage, Yin Nine's combat prowess is undoubtedly superior. However, individuals with high martial arts talent naturally dedicate more energy to cultivation. I, on the other hand, am quite adept at handling these administrative tasks."

Li Weiyi asked, "Senior Brother Yin Thirteen, if I may ask, which government office do you serve in?"

Yin Thirteen glanced down, noticing a corner of his official robe was visible. He quickly adjusted it and smiled, saying, "There's nothing to hide! Currently, I work in the Attendant Hall of the Lizhou Prefectural Governor's Office. This allows me to obtain first-hand intelligence on the entire Lizhou from the imperial court system. Weiyi, you can no longer use the identity of Sima Tan; Jiang Ning has already instructed the Attendant Hall to investigate you."

The Attendant Halls in each prefecture assist the Prefectural Governor's Office in monitoring major sects and powerful families, and they also report directly to the Luan Terrace. Yin Thirteen had already been in contact with Jiang Ning.

"She won't be staying in Lizhou for long anyway, so let her investigate."

Li Weiyi smiled and turned his gaze to Yin Er, asking, "Is Senior Brother Yin Er's public identity with the Coffin Sea Merchant Guild?"

A flicker of surprise appeared in Yin Er's deep, calm eyes. "How did you deduce that?"

Li Weiyi explained, "Since the Coffin Sea Pavilion is secretly controlled by the Hidden Gate, it's inconceivable that the Coffin Sea Merchant Guild, with its vast profits, wouldn't have a formidable Hidden Person at its helm."

"While Senior Brother Yin Er stated he is responsible for Dao Seed Stage matters, in reality, he oversees all the Hidden Gate's secular affairs, wielding the greatest decision-making power."

"The Hidden Gate's influence in the mundane world, its external communication, and its acquisition of outside information must necessarily be channeled through the Coffin Sea Pavilion and the Coffin Sea Merchant Guild."

"The Coffin Sea Pavilion operates on a higher level. I presume its head is a Hidden Person from the previous cycle, which naturally leaves the Coffin Sea Merchant Guild under Senior Brother Yin Er's purview."

A rare smile touched Yin Er's typically unsmiling face:

"I have no objection to the allocation of the Divine Hidden Person for this cycle!"

To pass all three trials of the Psychic Mural, one's martial arts talent must naturally be unparalleled.

However, one's mental fortitude must also be up to par; otherwise, it would be a disaster for the Hidden Gate.

Li Weiyi asked, "Hidden Lord, since the Nine Li Tribe and the Four Great Sects have already openly severed ties, have hostilities broken out outside yet?"

"At the higher levels, several skirmishes have already occurred near Yaoguan, with casualties on both sides."

"Both the Ancestral Realm and the Nine Li Daoist Academy have dispatched mysterious masters to probe the situation."

"The armies trained by the Lei Xiao Sect and San Chen Palace are primarily entrenched in Jiuli City and Cangli Ancestral Mountain. They clearly believe that capturing Jiuli City and crushing the Cangli Tribe will dismantle the entire Nine Li Tribe's will to resist."

"The Buddhist Army from Coffin Mountain has already captured Shenlao City on the northeastern frontier of Lizhou and is advancing southward along the Mang Mountain range."

"The Snow Wolf Cavalry of the Earth Wolf King's Army departed from Shuzhou, traversed Hanzhou via the underground Blood River, and is now massing troops at Xihai Plain, the westernmost part of Lizhou. At the speed of the Snow Wolves, they could cross two thousand six hundred li over mountains in just one day and one night, reaching Jiuli City directly. Alternatively, they could assault Yaoguan and besiege Burial Immortal Town."

"Additionally, several factions in Zhizhou to the north are stirring. They have likely received invitations from the Lei Xiao Sect and San Chen Palace to assist and secure a share of the profits."

"There is currently no trace of the demon soldiers and generals from Tianya Ridge, which is precisely the most concerning aspect. We have no idea where they might emerge. When demons cross into a region, they leave behind a thousand li of white bones. They truly devour people, much like a plague of locusts."

Li Weiyi furrowed his brow in confusion, asking, "With the situation so critical, why have you come to the Immortal Realm space, Hidden Lord? What if a major war suddenly erupts outside? Wouldn't the Hidden Gate be left without a leader?"

The Hidden Lord burst into laughter. "You underestimate the Hidden Gate too much, young man! There's more than one Hidden Lord. As far as I know, the Hidden Lord from two cycles ago is still alive."

"And the Hidden Lord from three cycles ago?" Li Weiyi inquired.

The Hidden Lord shook his head, indicating he didn't know. "Each generation's Divine Hidden Person is taught and guided by the preceding Hidden Lord. As for the Hidden Lords and Hidden Persons from even older times, they no longer involve themselves in worldly affairs. Most have passed away; those who remain alive are almost entirely cultivating for immortality. To be frank, even I don't know how many Longevity Realm masters are truly hidden within the Nine Li Hidden Gate."

Li Weiyi pondered, realizing why the Hidden Lord exuded such confidence. The Nine Li Hidden Gate, having followed an elite path for multiple cycles, had amassed a truly formidable amount of power.

This is what true foundational strength looks like, the profound strength of ancient clans stretching back millennia.

The Hidden Lord stated, "I came to the Immortal Realm space primarily for two reasons. One of them is to help you resolve the hidden danger of the Six Desires Talisman on you. Please remove your night-traveling clothes and lure Shi Liuyu here."

Li Weiyi complied, taking off his clothes, and then asked, puzzled, "Has the plan changed?"

The Hidden Lord nodded. "A major war is imminent. The opponent is a cunning and formidable individual who won't reveal all their strength. Coffin Mountain, Tianya Ridge, and even the Lei Xiao Sect and Dragon Gate are massive variables; no one knows how much power they will commit."

"Furthermore, there are deeply hidden traitors within the Nine Li Tribe. Therefore, even I cannot foresee the outcome of this battle."

"The Hidden Persons of your cycle are too young; there's no need for you to participate in this war! You are the Hidden Gate's vital sparks. Before the unrest concludes, you must disperse, either by going into hiding or by leaving Lizhou."

"My greatest concern is you, the future Divine Hidden Person. So, which of the two paths I've prepared for you will you choose?"

The Hidden Lord gestured towards Yin Er and Yin Thirteen.

Li Weiyi said, "Hide within the Coffin Sea Merchant Guild, or join the imperial court?"

Yin Er clarified, "It's not hiding within the Coffin Sea Merchant Guild, but rather departing Lizhou along the Tan River, accompanying the fleet prepared by the Coffin Sea Merchant Guild. Along the way, we have a mission: to seize this opportunity to dismantle the branches and sub-branches in various prefectures. The Lei Xiao Sect's true foundation lies in the Caves, not in Lizhou."

Yin Thirteen added, "Most of the imperial court's officials and military will be withdrawing from Lizhou soon to preserve their forces. If you come with me, I surmise you'll most likely head to Lingxiao City, or perhaps the Fuzhou Grand Camp. Rest assured, with me as your senior brother, you won't be sent to the front lines."

Li Weiyi pondered for a moment. "I'd like to return to Yaoguan first, then make my decision."

"Are you going to see Cai Yutong, or Li Ling, or Yao Yin?"

The Hidden Lord chuckled, then added, "All young martial cultivators of the Spring Realm who survived the Dragon Mountain Grand Sacrifice have already been escorted by tribal masters to the Nine Li Divine Temple. It's unlikely you'll be able to see Cai Yutong for now!"

Li Weiyi asked, "What is the other reason for your presence here, Hidden Lord?"

"To kill Yao Qian."

The Hidden Lord's gaze instantly sharpened.

Shi Liuyu flew swiftly across the grasslands, occasionally pausing to ascertain his direction and observe his surroundings. As a top general of the Earth Wolf King's Army, his cultivation was naturally unfathomable.

A few days prior, he had ventured deep into the Immortal Realm space to try his luck. However, he had personally witnessed an old Longevity Realm cultivator bleed profusely across the desolate plains, a horrific sight that immediately terrified him into fleeing.

He had never believed in his own luck!

Just as he was about to leave Burial Immortal Town, he suddenly detected fluctuations from the Six Desires Talisman. Both startled and pleased, he tracked the energy all the way to this dark green grassland dotted with small hills.

Before long, atop one of the hills, he saw Li Weiyi tending a fire and roasting meat beneath three massive black trees.

The rich aroma of sizzling meat wafted through the air.

"Haha!"

Shi Liuyu let out a peculiar chuckle, then swiftly moved to sit on a stone stool already positioned beside Li Weiyi. He draped an arm around Li Weiyi's neck and laughed, "Well, well, you're actually still alive, young man! How did you manage to endure until now?"

Li Weiyi continued roasting his meat. "What do you think? How else could I have endured after being afflicted by the Six Desires Talisman?"

Shi Liuyu's expression instantly shifted. He thoroughly examined the vibrant Li Weiyi. "Impossible! It's been over two months, with six occurrences every day... Are you trying to fool me?"

Li Weiyi chuckled, "Just because you can't, doesn't mean I can't."

Shi Liuyu observed that Li Weiyi was completely composed and showed no fear of him, even appearing as if he had deliberately been waiting.

A sudden sense of foreboding seized him. He immediately extended a claw and gripped Li Weiyi's neck. "What tricks are you playing, kid? Don't try to bluff Old Six here."

Li Weiyi's face instantly turned pale with fright. He hissed, "If... this were a bluff... why would I have prepared that stone stool for you in advance?"

"Could it be...?"

Shi Liuyu's expression shifted once more. He suddenly felt layers of invisible power descending upon him, as if nine heavens were pressing down. The stone stool beneath him exploded with a muffled bang under the immense pressure.

Realizing he had fallen into a trap, he tightened his grip on Li Weiyi's neck while attempting to stand and flee.

Suddenly.

His shoulder sank as a hand, seemingly from nowhere, rested upon it.

His body was pressed down, unable to rise.

He found himself unable to exert any strength in his arm, forced to watch helplessly as Li Weiyi escaped.

Shi Liuyu was drenched in cold sweat from fright. With a stiff smile, he managed, "May I ask if a senior from the Hidden Gate has graced us with their presence?"

The Hidden Lord stood ramrod straight behind Shi Liuyu, his palm resting lightly on his shoulder, and spoke in a deep, resonant voice, "Why must I necessarily be from the Hidden Gate?"

Shi Liuyu cautiously replied, "I observed that young man has already broken through to the Five Seas realm and possesses extraordinary talent. I imagine he has caught the Hidden Gate's attention. Furthermore, senior, you led me here, presumably to remove the Six Desires Talisman from him, right? This demonstrates just how highly the Hidden Gate values him!"

Seeing the terrifying presence behind him remain silent, Shi Liuyu knew he had guessed correctly. He instantly rebounded from his despair, stating, "In that case, I've actually rendered a service!"

"You've rendered a service?" the Hidden Lord echoed.

"The service of unearthing talent for the Hidden Gate."

Knowing that the other party wouldn't kill him for the time being, Shi Liuyu's courage surged. Enduring the pain in his shoulder, he abruptly circulated the spiritual energy within his body.

"Boom!"

A cloud of green fire, hot enough to melt steel, surged from his body, engulfing the entire hill. His physical form then rapidly shrunk, slipping free from the Hidden Lord's grasp, as he activated an earth-escape technique and burrowed into the ground.

"Quite capable! No wonder a lecherous fiend like you has managed to survive until now."

The Hidden Lord smiled, extending his five fingers through the air, and a powerful gust of wind swept across the grassland. Instantly, dozens of rivers of spiritual energy burst forth from underground, completely overturning the geological layers of the hill a hundred zhang away.