The next day. After breakfast, Li Weiyi stayed alone in his room, counting the silver coins he had looted from the corpses and received as gifts from the Changlin Gang. The coins filled an entire chest.
Zhao Meng had been practicing his breathing technique since last night. Every time, it was his junior brother who stood at the forefront, forced to kill and fight fiercely, while he, as the senior brother, could only hide behind.
Originally, it was their master who had tasked him with taking care of his junior brother, but now it seemed like his junior brother was the one taking care of him. Naturally, he had to work even harder. More importantly, the current peace was only temporary, not permanent.
He had to become stronger to reduce the risk of exposing his true abilities.
"So, a hundred thousand silver coins are this much. It seems necessary to exchange them all for Spring Surge coins. A thousand Spring Surge coins would be much easier to carry and hide," Li Weiyi thought to himself.
Just then, Old Liu's voice came from outside: "Young Li, come out quickly. Someone is here to visit... I can't understand what they're saying..."
Li Weiyi closed the chest, stored it in the Evil Camel Bell, and stepped out to the front yard. Old Liu and Old Guan were busy repairing the courtyard wall. Outside the gate stood a well-dressed noblewoman in her fifties, accompanied by three young and beautiful girls.
The three girls were only sixteen or seventeen years old, dressed in simple yet elegant robes. One was delicate and serene, another had lively eyes, and the third held a fan to cover her face, appearing slightly shy.
After some questioning, Li Weiyi learned that they were the "madam" and three of the most popular "daughters" from the neighboring Baoyue Pavilion. They had come to visit and bring housewarming gifts, hoping for some future "consideration."
As for what this "consideration" entailed—whether it meant patronizing their business or helping them out if they ran into trouble at Baoyue Pavilion—Li Weiyi didn't press further. He initially wanted to refuse, but after the three "daughters" left the gifts, they quickly departed with the "madam" without lingering.
After walking a few dozen steps, they dropped their reserved demeanor and began chattering excitedly.
"Last night, I saw him kill someone on the street from afar. I was a bit scared to visit today, but he actually blushed just now. How awkward, hehe."
"He's so skilled, and he killed those bad guys from the Changlin Gang. I didn't expect him to be so young and handsome. Too bad he's not a Pure Immortal Body."
"Do you think he's even slept with a woman before? He looks like a virgin." ...
Li Weiyi overheard their conversation clearly and couldn't help but smile wryly, feeling a sense of helplessness. If he had a choice, he wouldn't want to kill anyone. The feeling wasn't pleasant.
Old Liu and Old Guan watched the swaying figures of the Baoyue Pavilion women as they left, their eyes gleaming as they approached Li Weiyi. Old Liu sighed, "The quality of brothels in this world is really high. There's no trace of vulgarity.
Young Li, after your display of power last night, you've made a name for yourself in this part of the city. Did they say anything about you visiting for free?"
"If you two want to go and have some fun, you can ask me for silver coins. Just don't use my name to rack up debts or dine and dash. I can't afford that kind of embarrassment," Li Weiyi joked.
Everyone has desires, and he understood that. In this world, where he had no roots, he had to be ruthless with his enemies. But with his friends and companions, he was utterly sincere.
Since Old Liu and Old Guan had been helping with all the hard work, he would never abandon them.
"Haha, Young Li, you're truly noble!" ...
In the distance, Qin Ke, who was cleaning up bloodstains, snorted coldly, clearly displeased with the three men laughing heartily. The sound of a carriage approached and stopped outside the courtyard gate. The three immediately stopped laughing and looked over.
The driver was a familiar face—an old servant named Li Qi who followed Cang Li. Li Qi put down the whip and stepped down first, his gaze landing on Li Weiyi. There was no trace of the previous disdain in his eyes; instead, there was a hint of respect.
Li Ling, dressed in a white silk dress, looked like a blooming crabapple flower as she lifted the carriage curtain. Her beauty rivaled that of a Pure Immortal Body woman. Her skin glowed, her waist was slender, and her accessories were exquisite.
Her ruby-like lips glistened as she stepped down and walked over with a smile.
"I heard all about it in the city. Someone single-handedly subdued the Changlin Gang last night, leaving the streets running with blood. I wanted to rush over last night, but the city gates were closed... So, the damsel-saving-the-hero scene didn't happen."
She stopped just a step away from Li Weiyi. Her almond-shaped eyes scanned him gently and with concern.
"Well, you reckless man, are you hurt?"
Li Weiyi caught a whiff of her delicate fragrance and found it hard to guard himself against her. He shook his head with a smile.
"Just a few minor injuries."
Li Ling didn't quite believe him. She pinched his arm and lightly punched his chest, confirming that he was indeed sturdy and not seriously injured. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity.
"How did you do it? I heard the other side had a Seven Springs Martial Arts Practitioner and a bug controller, and the Changlin Gang's leader and deputy leader were both at the Five Seas Realm."
"What you heard must have been exaggerated!"
Li Weiyi replied.
"It was Old Zhao who mentioned the Young Clan Leader's name, and that's why the Changlin Gang backed down. I don't have that kind of power."
"Kang Shaomin from the City Defense did come to see my brother last night," Li Ling said, half-believing him.
"Anyway, you're too good at hiding things. I won't ask anymore. Hmm, these gifts on the ground smell heavily of makeup, and they're from more than one woman. Which seductress sent them?"
Li Weiyi glanced toward the Baoyue Pavilion across the street. Li Ling's eyes immediately filled with anger.
"Li Qi, send someone to tear down that brothel."
Li Qi looked troubled.
"That's the Yang family's property."
"Perfect. Yang Qingxi went to apologize to my brother this morning, pleading for the Changlin Gang. That brothel is the price she has to pay," Li Ling said.
Li Weiyi quickly interjected, "Miss Li, please don't trouble those women. They're just unfortunate souls. Why don't you go after the Changlin Gang instead?"
Li Ling called out, "Gao Huan, Yutong, come and see your companion. He's getting cozy with a bunch of brothel women. Was he like this before?"
There wasn't just one carriage outside; it was an entire convoy. Gao Huan and Cai Yutong stepped into the courtyard, followed by several servants and maids from the Cang Li tribe. Seeing them, Li Weiyi was overjoyed and embraced Gao Huan.
Qin Ke also gathered around, wiping away tears, feeling the deep emotion of meeting old friends in a foreign land. Cai Yutong wore a white veil and was dressed in the intricate attire of this world.
Even though her Pure Immortal Body's stunning beauty was hidden, her tall, graceful figure and cold demeanor made her seem like a celestial being descended to earth. She was usually indifferent to everything, but now her eyes glistened with emotion as she held Qin Ke's hand, sharing their recent experiences.
"You two seem to have already learned the language of this world?"
Li Weiyi was surprised, not understanding how they could communicate with Li Ling so fluently and seemed to be on good terms. Gao Huan explained, "Miss Li awakened our language abilities. It only took a day or two, and now we can communicate without any issues."
Li Weiyi looked at Li Ling, not expecting her to have such a skill. He immediately wanted to ask her to help Old Liu, Old Guan, and Qin Ke awaken their language abilities. In the past, he wouldn't have naturally thought of this.
This thought was too dangerous! It meant that, subconsciously, he was beginning to accept Li Ling's kindness and even getting used to it. Li Ling said, "For a Mourning Lantern Guide, awakening language abilities is no big deal.
Do you know why I only came to see you today? Because I was busy breaking through to the Earth Fire Realm these past two days. Now, I'm a Spirit Sense Master at the Earth Fire Realm, capable of competing with weaker Five Seas Realm Martial Arts Practitioners."
Zhao Meng, hearing the commotion, crawled out of the main building. Seeing Gao Huan and Cai Yutong, he was ecstatic.
"First Mate... you've grown so tall... Can you share some of that height with me?"
Gao Huan walked over, his head only reaching Zhao Meng's knee. Zhao Meng said, "Everyone has their own path and their own shortcomings. It's just how things are.
Dr. Cai, why is it just you and Gao Huan? Where's Dr. Qi?" Li Weiyi had also been wanting to ask this question.
Where was Chanhai Guanwu? Cai Yutong replied, "She... has important matters to attend to now. She probably won't have time to see you old friends."
Li Weiyi wasn't concerned about what Chanhai Guanwu was busy with. As long as his cultivation continued to advance rapidly, he wasn't afraid of her coming after him. After all, Senior Cai had returned safely, and that was what mattered most.
Li Ling said, "After my brother heard about last night's events, he wanted to come personally, but Yang Qingxi stopped him. He has more urgent matters to deal with and might meet you a bit later. However, Fourth Uncle came with me."
Suddenly, Li Weiyi heard Li Ling's voice in his ear: "My fourth uncle is the top expert of the Cang Li tribe in this Great Era, also known as the Cang Li First. That's how much we value you. Don't be rude."
Li Ling was standing several steps away, but her voice sounded as if she were whispering right next to him. No one else heard it, which was quite strange.
"Fourth Girl, what are you whispering about?"
The Cang Li First, Li Songlin, was fifty-two years old, but due to his immense spiritual power, he looked like he was in his thirties. He wore a green robe and gray cloth shoes, resembling a down-and-out scholar with no imposing aura. He exuded a natural sense of ease.
Li Weiyi knew the Cang Li tribe would react, but he hadn't expected such a big shot to come. He quickly stepped forward and bowed.
"Greetings, Cang Li First."
The others in the courtyard also bowed.
"No need for formalities. Let's all relax," Li Songlin said.
His gaze fell on Li Weiyi, scrutinizing him carefully.
"Young man, shall we talk alone?"
Without entering the house, Li Songlin sat on a stone bench under the old poplar tree. He released a cloud of spiritual energy to envelop the two of them, ensuring their conversation wouldn't be overheard. Seeing Li Weiyi still standing, he motioned for him to sit down.
"Fourth Girl has told me about the battle at Burial Immortal Town. The Cang Li tribe owes you a great debt. Later, at Burial Immortal Town, you saved her and helped her expose the Earth Wolf King Army's conspiracy."
"You're afraid of the Earth Wolf King Army's retaliation and don't want to get involved with us. I understand. I shouldn't have disturbed your peace."
"But last night, you used the Cang Li name and identified yourself with the Cang Li tribe. I think we can now interact with you normally. Because, whether you like it or not, we're tied together now."
"What do you think? Would you like to join the Nine Li Academy to cultivate?"
(End of Chapter)