Chapter Seventy-Two: The Tribe of Power
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Heaven Sect
Li Yu leisurely read a book in the Purple Gold Pavilion, supplementing his knowledge gaps. When encountering something unclear, he would directly go ask Beimingzi, who patiently explained everything without complaint. Meanwhile, Xiaomeng sat meditating in the forest, contemplating her understanding of the Dao.
Beimingzi said, “Xiaomeng is exceptionally talented; whatever she studies, she can infer and deduce beyond what is taught. Truly a born Dao body.”
Li Yu looked at Xiaomeng immersed in nature with great satisfaction.
Beimingzi then turned to Li Yu. “The Nine Yang Pulse of the Marquis of Guannei, the self-created Yin-Yang Taiji method—perfectly suited. Moreover, the Twelve Palaces of the Marquis of Guannei’s Yellow Emperor were not created by Emperor Xuanyuan himself. As for their origin, it is lost to history, but I suspect it comes from above!”
“From above?” Li Yu curiously gazed skyward.
Regarding astronomy, Li Yu had some knowledge: above was nothing but a vast pitch-black universe.
“Emperor Xuanyuan’s ascension was actually to a higher realm—the legendary Heavenly Realm,” Beimingzi explained, anticipating Li Yu’s thoughts.
“Oh! Interesting! Do you think I could ascend as well?” Li Yu asked with curiosity.
Beimingzi shook his head. “The Yin-Yang school seeks the Seven Mansions of the Azure Dragon to open the ascension path, but it has been completely sealed.”
Li Yu’s interest piqued instantly. “Why was it sealed?”
“Because if we can ascend, they can descend. That might not be good for the world,” Beimingzi explained.
“Oh! So the legendary dragon, phoenix, and qilin truly exist?”
Beimingzi shook his head. “Unknown, but recently someone came down once.”
Li Yu immediately thought of someone. “Li Er?”
Beimingzi smiled and nodded. “A great power incarnate, reincarnated into this realm only to spread the Dao and prevent its loss.”
Li Yu smiled. “Is he really that great?”
Beimingzi stroked his beard. “The Marquis of Guannei is undoubtedly the smartest man alive. The Dao Ancestor’s teaching also served another purpose—to gain the power of faith.”
Li Yu suddenly understood. No wonder those Daoist halls only asked for incense money; it was for that.
He had some thoughts about this. These great masters certainly cared about it.
Li Yu felt it must be a treasure.
“To give, one must first receive.”
Li Yu learned a lot today and bowed deeply to Beimingzi.
“Brother! Why are you bowing to this old man?” Xiaomeng, holding a wooden sword, swiftly jumped over.
“You must not be rude—he is your master! Many want to apprentice but have no chance; you must cherish this!” Li Yu instructed.
“Got it, brother! Today I had some insight into the ‘Looking Through the Endless Waters’ technique; I should be able to enter the school soon,” Xiaomeng said, eager for Li Yu’s praise.
“Good! Keep it up. After you master it, I’ll take you down the mountain!” Li Yu smiled, gently stroking Xiaomeng’s hair.
“All right!” Xiaomeng nodded in agreement.
“Brother! I want to eat that Beggar’s Chicken you made last time! It was delicious!”
“Okay! I’ll catch a chicken for you right now!” Li Yu gazed at Xiaomeng with doting affection and agreed without hesitation.
Great Zheng Palace
Li Yu pressed his ear against Zhao Ji’s belly, listening to the gurgling inside.
“Mother, he kicked me!” Li Yu looked excitedly at the small bump on the belly, a sign of the baby’s health.
Zhao Ji looked at Li Yu’s excited expression with satisfaction. This boy, a generation younger, had never ceased to adore her.
“Yu’er, if you have things to do, go ahead. Mother is fine!” Zhao Ji kindly considered Li Yu’s needs.
“No worries! Mother is the most important!” Saying this, he kissed Zhao Ji.
Xianyang City
Li Yu brought his many wives to a countryside villa.
This was a vacation area he designed himself.
Thirty villas were constructed of concrete, arranged according to the Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams, with a central plaza for group gatherings.
At Li Yu’s command, a humming sound arose.
To the ladies’ surprise, the interior suddenly lit up.
Little Red Lotus jumped onto Li Yu’s side. “Prince Consort! What is that glowing thing above?”
Li Yu gently stroked Little Red Lotus’s thick hair. “I call it a lamp.”
“A lamp? Husband, did you invent this?” Purple Lady approached.
“Of course!” Li Yu admitted without blushing or hesitation, as no one could contest him.
“Husband, can Purple Orchid Pavilion promote it?” Purple Lady thought of her enterprise.
“I’ll try. It’s a bit difficult. Do you know how it glows?” Li Yu began to educate the wives on the science.
“How?” Nong Yu asked curiously, looking at the lamp hanging high above.
Li Yu pointed upward. “Electricity.”
“Electricity?” Bai Yan spoke this time.
Li Yu nodded. “The very electricity you first think of in your mind.”
“How is that possible? This is the power of Heaven’s might, not controllable by humans,” Yan Fei, from the Yin-Yang school of Eastern Commandery, showed reverence for nature.
“But your husband can control it,” Li Yu said proudly.
At this moment, Tide Moon came to Li Yu’s side, lifted his chin, and asked, “Yu Lang! Is my room like this too?”
Li Yu caressed Tide Moon’s delicate hand and said, “All your rooms are the same. I like fairness above all.”
Little Fairy Flame Spirit Princess sneered, “Not necessarily. The sisters have children, but I don’t.”
Li Yu smiled awkwardly.
As the senior wife, Yan Fei said, “Husband visits your room most often, then Tide Moon’s. But you two are to blame for your own lack of effort.”
Li Yu quickly smoothed things over. “That’s because you’re all pregnant and not comfortable.”
Luckily, Jing Ni was good and never quarrels.
Little clever Red Lotus suddenly had a thought. “Prince Consort! You have so many houses—who will you assign them to? Our chamber isn’t that big.”
Mischievous Flame Spirit Princess chimed in, “Yeah! There’s still a big empty space nearby. Husband should plan ahead, right?”
Li Yu suddenly broke out in cold sweat. These two little sweethearts never teamed up against him, but now they were united.
Tide Moon smiled at Li Yu. “Yu Lang! Where will you put Lady Hu, my mother-in-law?”
Li Yu: “If Mother-in-law wishes, she can naturally move in too.”
Thus began Li Yu’s bittersweet and decadent days.
Moon Palace
Li Yu held the Moon Goddess’s enchanting waist.
“I built a house for you in the suburbs. Visit when you have time.”
“If Senior Sister isn’t around, I shall go.”
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“You can’t just live without contact forever!”
“Aren’t you afraid we’ll fight?”
“No! You can’t beat me now anyway!”
“You heartless man!” The Moon Goddess bit Li Yu’s neck.
The war at the Zhao border had already sounded.
Originally weaker than the Qin army, Yan Ju’s forces under Guo Kai’s care were swiftly defeated, losing three cities in a day—faster than even the fastest riders. Nobody knew what Yan Ju was doing.
By the time King Yan received the news, more than ten cities had fallen.
King Yan angrily threw the battle report at Guo Kai’s head, while Lord Chunping smirked nearby.
Guo Kai did not dodge, letting the king vent.
“The Qin army has reached Pingyang. Our casualties number a hundred thousand. Guo Kai, what do you have to say?”
Guo Kai bowed politely. “I have contacted the Qin envoy. They agreed to withdraw if the crown prince is sent to Qin as a hostage.”
“Hmm?” King Yan was stunned.
He naturally cared for his son deeply, especially Prince Jia, in whom he had high hopes.
His younger son was good at poetry and law but still lagged behind the crown prince, whom he had focused on since youth.
King Yan was well aware of this.
Guo Kai continued, “As crown prince, one should step forward in national crises. If this war can be avoided because of him, the people of Zhao will remember the prince’s kindness and it will improve his reputation.”
Prince Zhao Jia stepped forward with righteous determination. “I am willing to go to Qin as a hostage to ease the burden on the king.”
Guo Kai smiled inwardly and said to King Yan, “The prince’s willingness is a blessing for the people of Zhao.”
Many officials following Guo Kai congratulated, “Blessings to the king and great Zhao!”
Seeing his son and ministers agree, King Yan nodded weakly.
At this moment, Li Yu looked at the bedraggled Jing Ke with concern.
His face was bruised and bloodied, covered in wounds. Except for his sharp gaze, he looked exhausted.
Li Yu had exerted some effort on this matter. To clean things up, he had burned the person who invited Jing Ke for drinks, leaving no evidence for suspicion.
Knowing Jing Ke’s impulsive nature, it was common for him to act recklessly—otherwise, who would dare to assassinate the Qin king alone?
Jing Ke bowed deeply to Li Yu, guilt-ridden. “I heard from Junior Sister that Brother Li gave Guo Kai a priceless gift to save me?”
Li Yu waved his hand nonchalantly. “Just a blood coral about a person’s height. Wealth is external and insignificant. As long as Brother Jing is safe, that’s all that matters.”
Jing Ke bowed deeply again. “If you need me, just say the word.”
Li Yu helped Jing Ke up. “I have a favor to ask.”
Jing Ke’s spirits lifted. “Speak freely.”
“I have privately promised Junior Sister. I want Jing Ke’s blessing.” Li Yu took Gongsun Liji’s hand.
Jing Ke looked at his junior sister, eyes full of tenderness, but felt a sudden tightness in his chest as if losing something. He nodded desolately. “Brother Li is more suitable for Junior Sister. Unlike me, who only causes trouble.”
Li Yu shook his head. “Brother Jing is a rare true hero. I admire him greatly. But today, the world is chaotic. I worry for Liji’s safety and ask you to escort her to Xianyang, where someone will receive her.”
Jing Ke asked curiously, “Why don’t you go yourself?”
Li Yu smiled. “I have matters to settle in Handan. You know, to save you, I took a position as Junior Tutor to the king. I must see it through.”
“I have troubled Brother Li.” Jing Ke felt more ashamed.
“Yu, if you won’t go, I won’t either!” Gongsun Liji held Li Yu’s hand tightly.
“Dear, it won’t be peaceful for long. I’ll be back soon. You’ll see me in Xianyang, trust me.” Li Yu patiently comforted her.
“Junior Sister, you know Brother Li’s abilities; don’t worry too much.” Jing Ke advised Liji.
Li Yu continued, “Liji should cover her face throughout the journey and avoid officials. Outside Xianyang, southwest, there’s a cluster of distinctive houses. I’ll give you a map.” He handed the map to Jing Ke.
Outside the courtyard, Li Yu met the alluring Great Fate.
Her cold, beautiful face stared at Li Yu. “I will escort them to Qin.”
Li Yu stepped forward, wrapped his arms around Great Fate’s waist, letting her struggle. He pressed a finger to her forehead. “Qian.”
They vanished on the spot.
In a small forest three miles away,
The one ahead bowed and leaned on a tree. Li Yu moved back and forth.
“Your dress is quite convenient,” Li Yu teased while playing the symphony of life.
“You bastard!” Great Fate gritted her teeth, enduring the impact.
“You only know that insult. Can’t you use other words?” Li Yu teased playfully.
“Get lost!” Great Fate, enduring the strange sensations, didn’t want to say more.
“Fine.” Li Yu said, then hugged Great Fate and rolled onto the nearby lawn.
Great Fate felt her life plunge into darkness.
In this vast world, where could she go?
The worst was that she inexplicably felt pleasure.
Her hairs stood on end as she gasped, “Impossible! Could it be, as Li Yu said, that I like this?”
She must be crazy.
No, here it comes again.
Thinking this, Great Fate tightly hugged Li Yu, trembling with clenched teeth.
...
Sunset Forest
Entering the forest, Xiaowu felt at home.
She ran happily at the front, like a naturally born elf.
“We should find a plant-type soul beast around four hundred years old,” Li Yu said.
“Follow your lead.” Tang Yuehua held Li Yu’s hand and nodded.
“Long’er, this forest is full of danger. I’m counting on you,” Li Yu said to Liu Erlong ahead.
“Hmph!” With a toss of his long hair, he proudly and arrogantly headed toward Xiaowu.
Li Yu’s eyes rolled, and he smiled ambiguously.
Four-hundred-year-old plant-type soul beasts were common in the forest, but suitable ones for Tang Yuehua were rare.
Purifying soul beasts were especially rare.
At night, Li Yu found a clearing to camp.
“Brother! It’s really hard to find a suitable soul beast,” Xiaowu said, resting her chin on her hands and swaying her little feet on the soft ground.
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“No rush! Think of it as a vacation, a date. Just go with the flow,” Li Yu smiled.
“Brother! Why don’t you need to kill soul beasts?” Xiaowu had followed Li Yu for some time but never seen him need spirit rings. Curious, she asked.
“I only need my beloved by my side,” he said, gently rubbing Xiaowu’s cute rabbit ears.
“Brother!” Xiaowu’s ears were sensitive; as Li Yu stroked them, her whole body relaxed.
“Xiaowu, your ear accessories, like soul rings, are sources of energy, right?” Li Yu analyzed.
“You already figured that out!” Xiaowu’s eyes grew dreamy as Li Yu continued caressing.
“Guessing!” Li Yu smiled, reaching to touch Xiaowu’s delicate face.
House of Strength
Outside the gate stood Li Yu, accompanied by a woman in a short, puffy skirt, shapely and graceful, with short brown hair and a serious expression.
“Teacher? What are you doing here?” Tailong, a student of Blue Tyrant Academy, recognized Li Yu.
“I’m here to discuss cooperation with your House of Strength,” Li Yu stated directly.
“Cooperation? Teacher, are you here to forge?” Tailong thought of his family’s specialty.
“Yes. I have blueprints but fear you might not be able to make them,” Li Yu smiled confidently.
“Oh? Is there anything we House of Strength can’t make? Teacher, you’re underestimating us.” Tailong was incredulous.
Li Yu said, “This order is worth millions. You’re not the decision-maker. Let your grandfather speak to me.”
Tailong knew Li Yu’s strength; his academy head often lost to Li Yu. No need to toy with a rookie like himself.
Tailong motioned for the elder to come.
Li Yu stepped aside, inviting the woman to go first.
The House of Strength was worthy of a forging family.
Their architecture was bold and majestic.
Soon, an elder emerged, with a commanding presence, vigorous despite his age.
“You want something from me?” the elder asked Li Yu immediately.
Li Yu smiled. “I have a weapon with power comparable to a Soul Saint’s full strike. Are you interested?”
“Oh? An offensive soul conduit device?” The elder was intrigued.
“No. Just a weapon anyone can operate.” Li Yu shook his finger.
Everyone was shocked.
Tailong blurted, “Impossible!”
Li Yu smiled. “No need to lie. I have many interesting inventions.”
The elder Titan narrowed his eyes. “What do you want from us?”
Li Yu stepped forward. “I want an alliance. I take only half the weapon profits, but I need your cooperation. Besides me, no one else can make this weapon. We’re unique, and the profits are clear.”
Tailong asked, “How to form an alliance?”
Li Yu said, “Simple: submit to the Martial Soul Hall.”
Everyone was stunned again.
Tailong blurted, “You’re from the Martial Soul Hall?”
Li Yu didn’t deny, nodding. “I am the Holy Son of the Martial Soul Hall, the new disciple of the Pope.”
Titan’s eyes flashed. “Do you know our House of Strength does not get along with the Martial Soul Hall?”
Li Yu smiled. “You mean Tang Hao’s rebellion against the Hall, which implicated you?”
Li Yu’s gaze fixed on Titan. “What kind of man is worth following if he has no responsibility?”
Titan was furious. “Shut up! Who are you to speak of him?”
Li Yu sneered. “Ignoring your sect’s safety and attacking the Hall was unwise. Hiding and licking wounds after your wife’s death was weak. Severing ties with former subordinates was unjust. Such foolishness, weakness, and injustice—I can say whatever I want.”
Titan was speechless. Tang Hao’s riot and abandonment of responsibilities were indeed widely criticized.
Li Yu continued, “Rumor has it your House of Strength values power above all. I’m unworthy but willing to learn.”
Tailong stepped forward. “Teacher, you may surpass others, but in strength, our House of Strength is peerless.”
Li Yu smiled. “House leader, are you willing?”
Titan looked at Li Yu’s well-proportioned figure and compared him to the visibly powerful strength clan members.
“Tailong, you try first.”
Tailong nodded at his grandfather and walked seriously to the hall’s center.
Li Yu shook his head. “No, I challenge the old leader. Don’t worry, I only compare pure strength—no soul powers.”
Titan laughed contemptuously. “You want to challenge me?”
Li Yu nodded.
The woman beside him looked worried. “Young master!”
Li Yu waved it off. “No problem!”
He pointed at Titan. “Here’s the deal: If you can push me back one step, I lose, hand over the blueprints, and leave.”
“And if you lose, you must ally with the Martial Soul Hall, advancing or retreating together.”
Tailong was dissatisfied and stood before Li Yu, pressing his hand on Li Yu’s chest.
Li Yu’s body slightly sank, emitting a faint white mist.
Tailong’s muscles bulged, veins protruding.
“Hmph!” Tailong grunted, eyes bulging, sweat dripping.
Titan stepped forward. “Tailong, step back. Let me try.”
He raised his palm and suddenly pushed Li Yu, a muffled sound followed, and a shockwave spread around Li Yu’s body.
At this moment, the small tree inside Li Yu emitted golden light, the roots channeling energy into the earth, the surrounding space absorbing it, creating a mysterious world.
As Titan’s strength increased, the energy circulation inside Li Yu accelerated.
Li Yu smiled, his face reddening as he faced Titan. “Do you find this satisfactory, Clan Leader?”
Titan withdrew his palm, his gaze strange. “Young master, how did you train this? It’s amazing!”
Li Yu smiled. “I can teach you. It’s simple.”
Tailong stepped forward. “Teacher, this should be Taiji. I’m a beginner, but if Grandpa wants to learn, I can teach.”
Li Yu smiled. “That’s just basic. To reach my level, there’s a long way to go.”
Tailong muttered, “Teacher isn’t that old either!”
Titan smacked his grandson’s forehead. “Young master isn’t someone you can compare to!”
Li Yu introduced the woman beside him. “This is my secretary, Ellie. She will discuss the details with you.”
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