Chapter 177: You’re Not Doing Kamikakushi, Who Else Will?

Yao Yin, being only at the Spring Realm of cultivation, possessed thin spirit energy. After absorbing the Nine Li God's combat intent, she was unable to materialize it.

The aura enveloping her was too potent, exceeding her cultivation's control. After all, martial artists can only truly cultivate combat intent once they reach the Five Seas Realm.

With every step she took, an invisible yet palpable aura of power accompanied her, exuding immense pressure. A mere flick of her sleeve could conjure a hurricane. She seemed less like a Spring Realm cultivator and more like a top-tier Five Seas Realm master.

Li Weiyi, seemingly oblivious to the Hidden Ones' fervent gazes, instructed, "Your cultivation is too low, and you haven't yet encountered combat intent, so you can't control it freely. Go into secluded cultivation for a while; once you break through to the Five Seas Realm, you'll naturally be able to control it gradually."

Yao Yin nodded slightly.

"How could it be the Nine Li God's combat intent?" Hidden Twenty-Three murmured to himself in disbelief.

If it weren't the Nine Li God's intent, there would be no explanation for the immense pressure and power fluctuations emanating from Yao Yin, which far surpassed those of the Five Seas Realm martial artists present.

Hidden Twenty-Five held his breath, his lips trembling slightly. "Divine Hidden One… is that truly the Nine Li God's combat intent? How did you obtain it?"

Li Weiyi recalled his encounter at Thirty-Three Mile Mountain.

Although the Nine Li God had passed away, his cultivation during his lifetime must have been exceptionally powerful. It was not surprising that several immortal combat intents were left behind at his burial site.

Just as Li Weiyi was about to speak,

Yao Yin interjected, "The Divine Hidden One risked his life to bring back the Nine Li God's combat intent. Are you questioning him? Divine Hidden One, since they don't believe it, I suggest we don't offer them this opportunity!"

"There's still an opportunity? Didn't you already take it?"

Hidden Twenty-Five's eyes widened, a mix of eagerness and trepidation in his gaze.

Hidden Twenty-Three quickly added, "We would never dare to question the Divine Hidden One. We are merely curious, just curious, nothing more. We won't ask again…"

Hidden Twenty-Four could no longer maintain her calm. Her 'ice beauty' facade crumbled as she asked eagerly, "Just how many of the Nine Li God's combat intents are there? Can everyone acquire one?"

The more anxious they became, the calmer Li Weiyi appeared. "Didn't you just accuse me of being overly mysterious and act utterly dismissive? I thought you didn't care at all!"

Hidden Twenty-Four clenched her teeth, her fingers curled into fists inside her sleeves. Though she was seething, she dared not lash out, feeling a profound helplessness as if her critical weakness had been exploited, combined with the humiliation of being unwilling but forced to concede.

She turned to Yao Yin and asked, "How much money did he ask for? I'll pay it!"

Yao Yin gave a wry smile. "This is the Nine Li God's combat intent. How could it possibly be measured in money? If he were to truly charge for it, who here could afford it?"

Hidden Twenty-Four froze.

Hidden Twenty-Three and Hidden Twenty-Five's expressions grew solemn. When they looked at Li Weiyi again, their faces were filled with reverence and admiration.

To risk his life for such an opportunity and then allow them to attempt to acquire it freely—what incredible magnanimity and character!

Who wouldn't pledge their utmost loyalty to a Divine Hidden One like him?

Li Weiyi explained, "The Nine Li God's combat intent within the Nine Li Worm Valley can only be forcefully comprehended, making it ethereal and elusive. While you can directly inherit and absorb it here with me, it's by no means an easy feat. It requires exceptionally high talent and mental fortitude, so you must be prepared."

Of course, the three of them understood this principle.

"For a mediocre individual to inherit the Nine Li God's combat intent would be an insult to our ancestors' wisdom," Hidden Twenty-Three stated.

All three were confident in their abilities.

After all, they were all Nine Springs Supremes, truly one in ten thousand.

Li Weiyi instructed, "Keep today's events confidential for now. Do not disclose them externally."

"That's standard procedure! Anyone who leaks this will certainly be executed; we understand the rules," Hidden Twenty-Five assured him.

"I'm not entirely certain how many of the Nine Li God's combat intents there are. I can only confirm there are two that I am sure of."

In the blood-mud space, two of the Nine Li God's combat intents surged out consecutively before the coffin lid closed. So Li Weiyi genuinely didn't know how many intents were attached to the silver skeleton of the Heavenly Clan. The moment he uttered these words, the three Hidden Ones immediately became tense, almost on the verge of fighting.

If there were only two, and Yao Yin had already taken one, wouldn't that leave just one?

Whoever entered first would undoubtedly have the best chance of acquiring it.

Watching the three argue, Li Weiyi declared, "Who goes in first is not for you to decide, it's for me to decide. Hidden Twenty-Five, you go first. You have one hour; if you don't gain the Nine Li God's approval, come out."

"Thank you, Divine Hidden One."

Hidden Twenty-Five strove to compose himself, then walked into the courtyard and stepped into the shimmering light of the green banner.

Li Weiyi closed his eyes, resuming the absorption of blood energy from the blood crystal.

Hidden Twenty-Four and Hidden Twenty-Three, waiting outside, found time dragging. They paced back and forth, occasionally peeking towards the courtyard entrance.

An hour later, Hidden Twenty-Five emerged from the courtyard, looking dejected.

Seeing his expression, both Hidden Ones were delighted.

Hidden Twenty-Five said bitterly, "I could sense the presence of the Nine Li God's combat intent. I demonstrated all the martial arts I'm most proud of, but... the revered one clearly wasn't impressed with me…"

Li Weiyi's gaze swept over Hidden Twenty-Three and Hidden Twenty-Four, then he pointed to the former. "You may enter!"

"Thank you, Divine Hidden One."

Hidden Twenty-Three quickly bowed and hurried into the courtyard.

"Why him?"

Hidden Twenty-Four felt singled out. Her almond eyes wide and her chest heaving, she was barely able to contain her emotions.

Li Weiyi responded, "Given your attitude, do I need to say more? A Divine Hidden One, as the leader of the Hidden Ones, yet unable to command their respect and absolute obedience, shouldn't he be able to discipline them? Would you dare to be so insolent in front of the Hidden Lord?"

"But you're not yet the Divine Hidden One," Hidden Twenty-Four retorted.

Li Weiyi replied, "Since I'm not the Divine Hidden One, there's no need for me to cultivate you. This opportunity to gain insight, I think…"

"My respects, Divine Hidden One!"

Hidden Twenty-Four quickly bowed with clasped hands, though her tone was rather perfunctory.

In her opinion, her bond with him was the strongest. Not only was she not receiving special treatment, but she was also being targeted, which utterly infuriated her.

An hour later,

Hidden Twenty-Three emerged, his face as disheartened as Hidden Twenty-Five's had been, shaking his head at the others.

Hidden Twenty-Four secretly breathed a sigh of relief and quickly entered the courtyard.

Li Weiyi cast a glance at her retreating figure and subtly shook his head.

Yao Yin quietly asked, "Why are you singling her out? You know her personality; she doesn't intend to deliberately cross you."

"I want to temper her character. As a Hidden One, it's too dangerous if you can't even conceal your true nature! Everyone has personality flaws, but one must strive to overcome them rather than allowing such traits to grow unchecked."

In Li Weiyi's mind, he thought of Zuoqiu Baiming—someone with top-tier talent and intelligence who nearly caused everyone's demise due to an overly arrogant personality.

An hour later, Hidden Twenty-Four slowly emerged, crestfallen and visibly shaken, having suffered a severe blow that plunged her into self-doubt.

As expected, the result was the same as for Hidden Twenty-Three and Hidden Twenty-Five.

Li Weiyi said, "See? What difference does it make whether you go in early or late? Alright, that's enough for today. I'll find you again if other opportunities arise."

That afternoon, Hidden Thirteen returned to Qin Garden with Qi-Boosting Pills. Upon hearing about the Nine Li God's combat intent, he naturally attempted to acquire it himself, but also failed.

He quickly adjusted his mood, recovering from his disappointment, and offered a wry smile. "Among the Hidden Ones, my cultivation talent is inherently low. I'd be content if I could just reach the Dao Seed Realm in this life. Hidden Nine and Hidden Ten possess high aptitude; they might stand a chance. Should we inform them?"

Li Weiyi replied, "All Hidden Ones can attempt it. If their strength increases, we'll all be safer when we encounter danger."

Hidden Nine and Hidden Ten, though extremely proud, also embody the responsibility of Hidden One masters. Whenever danger arises, they are always the first to step forward. In Qiuzhou State City, they also ensure younger Hidden Ones remain in secluded cultivation, sparing them from dangerous missions.

"The Divine Hidden One's vision truly is extraordinary."

Hidden Thirteen pondered for a moment, then added, "Actually, we could use this opportunity to win them over. Having navigated the imperial court for years, I've come to understand one truth: within any system, the leader's will and commands must be obeyed by subordinates. If multiple voices emerge, who are we Hidden Ones to listen to when making crucial decisions?"

"You certainly think far ahead!"

While Li Weiyi might appear authoritative and leader-like when guiding the younger Hidden Ones, he possessed great self-awareness. He smiled and said, "I know my own limitations. With my current cultivation and experience, I am indeed still far from being a true Divine Hidden One. Why force things upon others, or upon myself? When my cultivation is strong enough, everything will naturally fall into place."

"You still need to assert yourself beforehand. Tell them, 'Although my cultivation isn't as strong as yours yet, I am more qualified than you.' That way, even if they don't respect your cultivation, they'll respect your character. Someone without the right methods cannot be a leader!"

Hidden Thirteen added, "This matter is significant. I believe it's necessary to inform our superiors. The Hidden Lord might also have arrived in Qiuzhou."

Li Weiyi said, "The elite of the younger generation are all gathered here, so prominent figures from the Nine Li clan will undoubtedly arrive. Many matters can only be finalized by those at the highest levels. As for reporting it, let's wait a little longer. First, let all the Hidden Ones of our current cycle have a try, lest outsiders gain an advantage."

Hidden Thirteen laughed. "Just for that statement, if you don't become the Divine Hidden One, who will?"

Night fell.

Hidden Twenty-Four arrived alone outside the courtyard of Li Weiyi's small dwelling. She stood tall and straight before the door, not forcing her way through the formation, as silent and serene as a secluded orchid.

Li Weiyi had been refining immortal soil and nourishing his lungs, only sensing her presence outside the formation late into the night. Surprised, he pushed the door open and stepped out.

Outside, in the quiet of the night, snowflakes drifted down silently.

Without any artificial light, the ground glowed a luminous white.

A layer of snow had accumulated on her head and shoulders, crystalline flakes clung to her eyelashes and cheeks, and her feet were long since buried.

Li Weiyi put on a thick outer garment, then opened the formation and the courtyard gate. He looked at her and said, "Are you mute? Couldn't you have called out? Dressed so lightly… does high martial cultivation mean you're not cold at all? How willful!"

"I am not being willful!"

Hidden Twenty-Four tried to keep her voice devoid of emotion, her cool, serene face remaining calm. "I came to tell you that I can control my emotions and character; I am a very calm person. The reason you manage to anger me every time is that you deliberately provoke me. Do you dare to claim you haven't intentionally singled me out?"

Li Weiyi chuckled, "Late at night, instead of sleeping or cultivating, you're pondering this?"

Hidden Twenty-Four's gaze was direct, firm yet tinged with softness. "I haven't shown you the same respect as a Divine Hidden One because I believe that before you actually become one, we can still be friends for a while, or perhaps like a senior and junior. In the future, it might truly be as you said, and our relationship will be strictly that of leader and Hidden servant, with no further transgression possible."

Li Weiyi's smile faded as he considered her words seriously. He then gestured her inside. "Come in! Since you've put it that way, how can I not give you some special consideration? Are you cold?"

"No, I'm not," Hidden Twenty-Four replied, following him inside.

Li Weiyi explained, "Hidden Thirteen will report this matter in a few days. I believe it won't be long before the Hidden Gate's high-ranking officials arrive, and it's possible they'll take the silver coffin directly. Until then, you can stay here with me and observe that silver skeleton of the Heavenly Clan. It will certainly be more beneficial than merely contemplating the words 'Nine Li Worm Valley'."

A captivating smile bloomed on Hidden Twenty-Four's lips, rosy like gemstones, radiating triumphant youthfulness.

Without turning back, Li Weiyi said, "You're playing the emotional card, don't think I don't notice. But what can I do? I'm a sucker for it. Those two don't possess your insight, otherwise, I would certainly have allowed them to observe as well."