Provocation

In the darkness, snowflakes fell silently, like glistening white petals.

Jiang Ning accepted the challenge and looked at Li Weiyi's tall and straight figure and his extremely firm eyes, which were like a sharp sword being drawn from its sheath, ready to cut through all difficulties and dangers.

Taishi Yu lowered his head in thought, and after a moment, clapped his hands and exclaimed, "I feel it's feasible! The battle between Xie Chucai and Li Weiyi is quite sensational. It's a duel between the top geniuses of Lingxiao City's spiritual realm and Du'e Temple, a peak contest between mind masters and martial artists, and even a life-or-death duel between rivals in love, involving our number one beauty, Fairy Yu."

"As long as we create a large enough stir and draw all the martial artists in the city to the Six Thoughts Zen Temple to watch the battle, the secrets of the Six Thoughts Zen Temple will be impossible to keep hidden."

"Where the powerful dare not enter, all people under heaven may."

"The dangers of Six Thoughts Zen Temple must not be publicized in advance, otherwise many people will be scared away, and its influence will be greatly diminished."

"By fanning the flames and creating an overwhelming momentum, we can compel the Imperial Court to take action. I will create that momentum..."

Jiang Ning frowned, feeling it was too dangerous. "What's the point of creating momentum? This is a life-or-death battle. Doesn't Chief Imperial Court know the gap between Li Weiyi 'Imperial Court current cultivation and combat strength and Xie Chucai's?"

Ge Xiantong immediately volunteered, raising his hand and saying, "I'll do it! The Mother-Child Spring was brought back by my master. As his disciple, it's my responsibility to make amends for the mistake and not let Li Weiyi look down on all of us in the Imperial Court!"

Taishi Yu shook his head. "You're still only at the fifth realm, right? If you challenge him, Xie Chucai won't accept the challenge at all; instead, he'll ridicule you for overestimating yourself. Besides, you'll definitely be taken into custody by the Imperial Court officials beforehand, and they won't let you go to the Six Thoughts Zen Temple."

"No need to argue anymore! The decisive battle will take place at Six Thoughts Zen Temple. Xie Chucai knows our intentions perfectly well. Only I can prevent him from fighting. As long as we all share the same goal, we can work hard in different directions." Li Weiyi knew, of course, that there was an insurmountable gap between his current combat strength and Xie Chucai's.

The opponent could severely injure Dao Seed Realm expert at the Seventh Heaven in three moves.

Li Weiyi, however, only possessed the strength to fight against a martial artist at the Seventh Heaven the Dao Seed Realm by forming Combined Attack Formation with the Seven Phoenix Wing Moth Emperors.

The Combined Attack Formation has many weaknesses, and its movement speed is greatly restricted. If it is attacked by the opponent's heavy weapons, the consequences will be unimaginable.

Moreover, Xie Chucai was by no means a fool; how could he possibly agree to him using the Zerg swarm?

In a life-or-death struggle, everyone is certainly extremely cautious.

Jiang Ning's eyes were filled with worry as she looked at Li Weiyi: "He will never give you another chance to use the Immobilization Talisman, nor will he agree to let you buy the formation and talismans. This is a life-or-death battle, not child's play."

"What we're doing is not child's play."

Li Weiyi looked at her apologetically and said softly, "Jiang Ning, I had my own reasons for asking you to deliver this challenge. This action will surely leave a mark of defeat on him deep in his heart, making it impossible for him to avoid battle."

Seeing that she couldn't persuade him otherwise, Jiang Ning said, "Give me an address where you plan to hide for the next few days, and I'll come find you."

"No need! I'm going into seclusion before New Year's Eve."

Li Weiyi was preparing to activate the Time Cocoon to try and break through his mental power realm; there was no spare time.

Jiang Ning's eyes were deep. "Perhaps I can lend you a hand in cultivation."

"Stop hesitating and get moving. He specializes in telekinesis; I'll set up a couple of formations and runes for him. Escaping won't be a problem at all."

Taishi Yu, the most accomplished and oldest among those present, spoke with remarkable rationality, "You really think he's going to duel? He has no chance of winning! Our goal is to lure everyone to the Six Thoughts Zen Temple, not to fight for victory or death."

After discussing some details, the four of them left the Taichang Temple one after another.

A moment later.

Taishi Qingshi emerged from the darkness with his hands behind his back, his eyes flickering with uncertainty. "A bunch of juniors trying to achieve something? Wishful thinking."

Behind them, Eunuch Chen's voice rang out. "Why don't you stop them from making such a ruckus? If something really happens, no one can afford to take the blame."

Taishi Qingshi remained silent for a long time before saying, "Perhaps living too long does indeed cause one to lose their edge, losing their former vigor and fighting spirit. It may have been a bit reckless, but given the current situation, if we continue to prioritize stability, we will surely lose everything. This time, I will lend them a hand!"

Li Weiyi and Taishi Yu rode in the same carriage.

Taishi Yu took out three talismans and handed them over. "Protective Talisman, Lightning Escape Talisman, and Divine Speed Talisman. These were all personally crafted by me and are priceless. There's no need to really fight him to the death. You're just a five-star Mind Master, fighting against a top expert at the Sixth Heaven level of the Dao Seed Realm. If you can't win, just run away. There's no shame in that."

"I will gather a group of people and take this opportunity to investigate the entire Six Desires Zen Temple. Are there any resources lacking in terms of cultivation?"

Li Weiyi said, "Those twenty Star Day Pill..."

"No need to say more, I've already prepared it for you."

Taishi Yu took out the box containing the Star Day Pill from his bag and handed it over.

Li Weiyi opened it, glanced at it, and immediately closed it, secretly marveling at how Taishi Yu could casually produce treasures worth millions of Spring Coin.

The Nine-Star Mind Master and the head of the Taishi Family are both synonymous with immense wealth.

If we could rob him, the rewards would be unimaginably enormous.

Thinking of this, Li Weiyi didn't stand on ceremony with him. "Could you pass on to me those two formations that Chief Jia used in the West Sea Royal Mansion, which could be prepared in advance?"

The Mirroring Heaven and Earth and Earth Grand Array and the Morning Sun True Spirit Formation.

Such a formation is naturally priceless, a closely guarded secret of the Taishi Family.

Taishi Yu waved his hand. "It's not that I don't want to teach you, but with your current cultivation level, it's simply impossible for you to set it up. You need at least a seven-star Mind Master. Moreover, there's not enough time. Even with my Nine-Star Mind Master's Psychic Power Attainment, it would take me several days to draw it in the spirit realm ahead of schedule."

"Pass one down to me, I want to try it out, I promise it won't be leaked." After the Spirit Tablet Master left, Li Weiyi had no access to top-tier runes and formations.

Immobilization Talisman and Divine Speed Talisman are merely auxiliary runes and lack offensive capabilities.

Taishi Yu was quite generous; he pulled out a thick book and tossed it to him, saying, "Consider this a friendship between the Taishi Family and the Jiu Li Hidden Person."

The book cover reads "The Morning Sun True Spirit Formation".

Li Weiyi then asked Taishi Yu for some Thousand-Year Elixir, talisman-making materials, and High-grade Blood Crystal before disguising himself, getting out of the carriage, and quickly disappearing into the snowy night.

Over the next few days, he had to hide, otherwise he might be targeted by some powerful figures in the Imperial Court who dared not provoke the Demon Kingdom, and there was a possibility that they would kill him or expel him from Lingxiao City.

Taishi Yu lifted the carriage curtain, watching his lonely departing figure, secretly wondering how amazing it would have been if his ancestral field hadn't been destroyed.

Tonight, the Heavenly Pavilion in Danyue Ward is exceptionally lively, having been entirely booked by Song Lin of the West Sea Royal Mansion for a grand banquet.

Not only were young disciples from all clans in Lingxiao City invited, but even Dao Seed Realm Martial Cultivator who were not acquainted with each other were also welcome to attend the banquet.

Towering buildings and pavilions, some seven or eight stories high, were ornately decorated, with celestial beings dancing up and down, lights glittering, and musical instruments playing in harmony—a scene of grandeur and prosperity.

Now that Song Qingli has recovered, Song Lin wants to take this opportunity to tell the people of the city that all the rumors about her were completely unfounded, in order to salvage the image of the West Sea Royal Mansion.

A group of martial arts practitioners, more than ten in total, from Li City of Zhizhou, arrived carrying three boxes of gifts.

The leader was the young city lord of Licheng. He was very young, dressed in bright and neat clothes. Upon entering, he politely cupped his hands and said loudly with a laugh, "Congratulations, congratulations, congratulations on Miss Song's recovery! I have specially prepared several boxes of Zhizhou specialty tonics to send over. Please do not find them offensive and accept them."

Li City of Zhizhou has been one of the hottest topics among martial arts practitioners in Lingxiao City for the past month.

Because all parties have received news that the transcendent Old Ancestor of the Li Tribe who was cultivating in the Demon Kingdom has returned to the Lingxiao Shengjing. In addition, the Li Tribe martial artists have been extremely active in Lingxiao City recently, leading many to speculate that the transcendent ancestor is likely in the city.

This is no small matter!

Rumor has it that the Old Ancestor of the Li Tribe were all important figures in the Demon Kingdom, possessing unparalleled cultivation.

Song Lin felt somewhat embarrassed, but fearing the power behind the other party, he had no choice but to step forward and say, "Qingli is unharmed, thank you for your concern, Young City Lord."

"How could she be unharmed? A month ago, everyone saw her transform into the Ghost Mother and wreak havoc in Danyue Ward. If it weren't for Zuo Ning ... no... it wasn't for Li Weiyi from our Southern Territory, if it weren't for his righteous intervention, who knows how much trouble she would have caused." said the young city lord of Licheng.

Song Qingli gracefully leaped down from upstairs.

Today she was dressed in magnificent attire, adorned with brocade robes and colorful ribbons, her features exquisitely beautiful. She spoke softly, "Does the young city lord think I resemble the Ghost Mother?"

The young city lord of Licheng hurriedly bowed and said with a smile, "Miss Qingli doesn't look like she is today, which proves the rumors are true. Li Weiyi is indeed a genius of our Lingxiao Shengjing, with extraordinary skills, and has already cured the young lady. I heard that Miss Qingli drank from the Mother-Child Spring, which is why she has transformed into a ghost. Is that true?"

All the buildings in the Heavenly Pavilion fell silent, realizing that the guests were unwelcome.

I just don't know what their intentions are.

Song Lin's eyes turned icy cold, and he circulated his internal energy. This junior was utterly audacious. Such provocation—if he didn't retaliate, wouldn't the whole world think that the Li Tribe could suppress the West Sea Royal Mansion's Mansion?

Footsteps sounded at the outer gate.

Xie Chucai, dressed in a bright red robe, and Li Shentong, dressed in black robes, were both tall and imposing, outstanding individuals, and walked side by side into the Heavenly Pavilion.

Countless eyes were drawn to it.

In terms of appearance, Xie Chucai was indeed unmatched by most men. He had broad shoulders and a sturdy build, neither too gentle nor too strong, and possessed an extraordinary air about him. The immortals in the Heavenly Pavilion were all immediately intrigued by this remarkable man.

Li Shentong coldly rebuked, "Xiao Qi, you mustn't be so presumptuous in front of the West Sea Royal Mansion. Miss Qingli, Young Master Song, you have a deep friendship with Li Weiyi. Could you please convey to him that Senior Brother Xie of Du'e Temple Zhen Xin wants to spar with him again, and has no intention of seeking revenge?"

"Li Weiyi is hiding, clearly afraid of Senior Brother Xie, so he dares not show himself. We had no other choice but to come here."

Song Qingli stopped the enraged Song Lin and spoke gently, "I heard that a month ago at the West Sea Royal Mansion's Mansion, Young Master Xie was defeated by Zuo Ning. Zuo Ning is the Li Weiyi you mentioned, right? What is there for him to fear in the face of a loser? Perhaps his refusal to accept the challenge is out of disdain."

Xie Chucai sat on a chair three zhang away, exuding great composure, and laughed, "That's right, I was indeed defeated at the West Sea Royal Mansion, having committed the cardinal sin of underestimating my opponent. I initially thought Zuo Ning was just an unknown figure, only to later discover that he is the number one New Generation in the Lingxiao Shengjing. If such a person cannot be fought fairly and squarely again, it will surely be a lifelong regret."

Li Shentong, "Brother Xie was fighting three against one, simultaneously facing Fairy Yu, Taishi Second Seat, and the number one expert in Lingxiao. He thought it would be a fair and square sparring match, a friendly exchange of martial arts, but he didn't expect his opponents to be so treacherous and cunning, which is why he was ambushed."

"What 'Number One in Lingxiao'? He's completely disgraced the Lingxiao Shengjing!"

The young city lord of Licheng sneered and said, "Obviously, he knows very well that he will be defeated if he fights again, so he can only cower like a tortoise. Everyone says that Fairy Yu is his confidante, but does he deserve that? He's just a man without any courage, a coward who wallows in self-pity and even tries to commit suicide because his cultivation was destroyed."