The warm and gentle sunlight of March filtered through the tender green leaves of the poplar trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Li Weiyi sat on a stone bench opposite Li Songlin, not daring to be presumptuous. He spoke humbly, "Senior, hasn't the Nine Li Academy already filled its quota?"
Li Songlin smiled and spoke unhurriedly, "The Nine Li Academy is the highest martial arts institution of the Nine Li Tribe. It only accepts the most talented young members from each clan, and the maximum age for entry is twenty. The older you are, the higher the threshold for entry."
"Although Gao Huan is over the age limit, he looks young and has just undergone a transformation into a Pure Immortal Body. His old skin has shed, and no one can tell his true age. Cang Li reported his age as sixteen."
"In previous years, each clan had twenty spots, totaling one hundred and eighty students. More than half of them were selected early from the clan schools of the nine major tribes."
"This year, however, is the once-every-four-years Mang Mountain Grand Sacrifice. Each clan has been given an additional ten spots. In other words, the Cang Li Tribe has thirty spots this year, and every major family is vying for them."
He narrowed his eyes, which seemed to contain a hidden brilliance, and stared at Li Weiyi.
"I can help you secure a challenge opportunity. As long as you're strong enough, why not take one of those spots? Everyone will have to accept it."
"With your ability to handle two Seven Springs martial artists and an insect controller on your own, I think you have a good chance of entering the Nine Li Academy."
"To be honest with you, I came here for two reasons. First, to express my gratitude. Second, your strength is impressive and has already caught the attention of the Cang Li Tribe. How many Springs have you opened?"
"Seven Springs," Li Weiyi replied, knowing that Li Songlin wouldn't probe further since he had asked directly.
With his current cultivation at Five Springs, Li Weiyi indeed possessed combat strength comparable to a Seven Springs martial artist without relying on magical tools. Li Songlin's expression turned serious, and a cold glint flashed in his eyes.
"Last night must have been extremely dangerous. Fortunately, you had a magical tool. A nineteen-year-old Seven Springs cultivator and a fifty-year-old Seven Springs cultivator are entirely different concepts. Based on your age and current cultivation, among this year's thirty candidates, your talent could rank in the middle."
"Enter the academy. There, you'll have a chance to break through to the Eighth Spring, the Wind Mansion. It will also make it easier for you to reach the Five Seas Realm in the future."
"You should know that in Nine Li City, the outskirts, the city proper, and the Dao Domain are three distinct cultivation environments. The Nine Li Academy is located at the core of the Dao Domain. Anyone who can enter and study there will undoubtedly become a significant figure in the tribe in the future."
Li Weiyi could sense Li Songlin's sincerity, but he had too many secrets. Entering the Nine Li Academy would mean exposing himself completely, and whether that would be a blessing or a curse was uncertain. After all, the Nine Li Academy belonged to the nine major tribes, not just the Cang Li Tribe.
He planned to discuss this with the Coffin Elder first.
"Thank you, Armor Leader, for your guidance. But I need some time to think about it," Li Weiyi said.
Li Songlin, understanding the young man's cautious nature, didn't press further.
"No rush. Whenever you make up your mind, come find me... or find Fourth Girl. She can locate me. Keep cultivating. If you can break through to the Five Seas Realm within five years, I'll speak to Second Brother about you and her. I don't care about social status, and I still owe you a life-saving debt."
Given Li Songlin's status, he wouldn't make promises lightly. Once he did, his word was as good as gold. Li Weiyi awkwardly smiled.
"What exactly did she tell you?"
"Don't call me 'senior' anymore. Call me Fourth Uncle," Li Songlin said.
This conversation was getting awkward! Li Songlin retracted the cloud of magical energy into his body and stood up.
"As for the Long Lin Gang, don't worry. I'll personally pay them a visit later. However, the Yang Clan and the Cang Li Tribe have been on good terms for generations, and Yang Qingxi has already come to apologize. I can't be too harsh, but I'll give them a warning."
"Thank you, Fourth Uncle."
Li Weiyi accepted the favor. After all, the Long Lin Gang had suffered a significant loss last night and wouldn't let it go easily. This was like a sword hanging over his head.
With Li Songlin personally making a visit, even if he didn't say anything harsh, the Long Lin Gang wouldn't dare to cause trouble openly in the future.
"Why are you calling him Fourth Uncle now?"
Li Ling teased. Li Weiyi ignored her. Li Songlin seemed to remember something and asked, "By the way, are you planning to continue staying here, or will you move to the city proper?
The city has a denser concentration of natural energy, but the Cang Li Tribe has many internal families and a lot of complicated affairs."
"Also, there are external enemies... Over the past decade, due to the wars outside, many powerful figures have flooded into Li Prefecture. Nine Li City is no longer just the city of the Nine Li Tribe. Moving into the city without entering the academy will bring significant challenges. Weigh the pros and cons carefully!"
"Fourth Girl, I'll leave this matter to you. Make sure they're settled properly."
"I'll go visit the Long Lin Gang now!"
Li Songlin walked out of the courtyard gate, waved to the approaching carriage driver, and strolled away leisurely, as if he were just taking a casual walk. Li Ling watched Li Songlin leave and said, "That's just how my Fourth Uncle is. Aside from martial arts, he finds everything else troublesome.
Actually, living in the city is quite nice. Even if you can't enter the Nine Li Academy, you can still join the Cang Li Clan School. Uncle Qi, where's the gift I prepared for my senior brother?"
Qi Shanshan entered the courtyard carrying a large wooden box, followed by a middle-aged man and woman holding measuring tapes. The box was opened to reveal neatly folded giant robes. Li Ling enthusiastically explained, "I know your physique is extraordinary, and you've never had suitable clothes.
I had these made overnight. They might not fit perfectly, but I brought the tailors with me. They'll take your measurements and make a few more sets.
It's on me." Zhao Meng glanced at Li Weiyi. Li Weiyi felt a headache coming on.
Here we go again, and there was no way to refuse. He was wary of Li Ling's inexplicable enthusiasm and her tendency to be overly kind to him and those around him for no apparent reason. She remembered details he hadn't even considered.
"Fourth Miss, your kindness is greatly appreciated by us, your junior brothers," Li Weiyi said.
Li Ling beamed.
"Finally, some warm words. I'll have a couple of sets made for you too."
Cai Yutong recalled the first time she had seen Li Ling in the Departing Spirit Fog Domain. Back then, she had been a mysterious and cold Mourning Lantern Guide, nothing like the warm and enthusiastic young girl before her now. Cai Yutong asked, "How did you two develop such a deep friendship with Fourth Miss?"
"It's a long story."
Li Weiyi smiled wryly, unsure where to begin. He asked, "Qi Shanshan... what is that Bone Demon busy with?"
"Hard to say!"
Cai Yutong replied, "I feel like she's very interested in that Young Clan Leader. She probably wants to become his wife." Li Weiyi was stunned, thinking he had misheard.
That was Chanhai Guanwu, the strongest figure on this land a thousand years ago. How could she have developed feelings for a young man? And she seemed to be taking the initiative.
He had to admit that Cang Li was exceptional—noble lineage, the appearance of a Pure Immortal Body, once-in-a-millennium talent, and a generous, righteous character. There were almost no flaws to be found. It wouldn't be strange for any woman in the world to be captivated by him.
But this was Chanhai Guanwu... Cai Yutong added, "Qi Shanshan doesn't seem to be possessed. I tested her, and she has her own independent consciousness.
At this stage, the Bone Demon seems unable to leave her body and has fallen into a deep sleep. The one currently controlling the body is Qi Shanshan herself."
"That makes much more sense!"
Li Weiyi's heart stirred. Since Chanhai Guanwu was asleep, could he take this opportunity to eliminate her and remove the threat? He always felt that Chanhai Guanwu would come for him again.
His blood and soul must have some special significance to her. At the same time, he wanted to learn more about his origins from Chanhai Guanwu. He had asked the three remnant soul elders, but they had never heard of the ancient clan she mentioned, nor the term "Protector's Wife."
Li Ling walked over with a smile.
"What are you two whispering about? Li Weiyi, I wanted to talk to you about Yutong."
"She has a Pure Immortal Body, so she should be able to enter the Nine Li Academy. But since Gao Huan has already entered, adding another Pure Immortal Body with no cultivation background would surely provoke the other eight major tribes to dig into the secrets behind it. That might not be a good thing."
"I've talked to her and suggested she join the Cang Li Clan School, but she seems to prefer staying with you. Can you talk to her?"
Li Weiyi smiled.
"Of course, I respect her wishes."
Li Ling said, "Are you sure you can protect a Pure Immortal Body woman? You've seen how dangerous and brutal Nine Li City can be. With her by your side, how many people will covet her?
Having a Pure Immortal Body is a blessing, but without sufficient strength, it's a curse." Li Weiyi looked at Cai Yutong, whose stunning beauty was still evident even behind her veil. He thought carefully and said, "Senior Sister, I think Li Ling has a point.
Have you encountered any trouble or have any concerns?" Cai Yutong, always straightforward like a stubborn scholar, said, "I don't trust strangers. I only trust you."
This simple statement carried an unparalleled impact for any man. Upon hearing this, Li Ling immediately glanced over, her gaze toward Cai Yutong no longer as friendly as before, as if saying, "So you two have that kind of relationship?"
Li Weiyi recalled the time on the bronze ship when Cai Yutong had fed him fish soup while he lay in the sickbed. A surge of inexplicable passion rose within him.
"Alright, Senior Sister, you can stay. No matter what happens, I'll do everything in my power to protect you."
His words were firm and resolute, each syllable filled with unwavering determination. Li Weiyi's decision to let Cai Yutong stay wasn't just driven by passion. He was well aware that wherever there were people, there would be conflicts.
As Li Songlin had made clear, the Cang Li Tribe had a complex internal power structure. With no cultivation foundation, would Senior Sister Cai truly be safe in the Cang Li Clan School? A Pure Immortal Body would attract attention, but it would also invite envy and jealousy.
Li Ling rubbed her fingers inside her sleeve.
"How about you both join the Cang Li Clan School?"
If they were to join anything, it would be the Nine Li Academy. Li Weiyi had little interest in a clan school.
(End of Chapter)