Chapter 123: Jiang Ning And Zuoqiu Ting
Li Weiyi felt surprised. During the previous contact on the ship, he always felt that Zhuang Yue was arrogant and quite disdainful of others. Only this time did he realize she was just straightforward, not one to play at false pretenses or hide daggers behind smiles.
People like this see good and evil very clearly, with distinct loves and hates, no gray areas.
Fortunately, they were in Luan Tai. If it were in the chaotic mortal world, she absolutely wouldn’t have survived to now.
He put away the Insect Tube.
After escaping a distance, Li Weiyi shouted from afar: “Don’t just keep fighting desperately. If you can’t beat him, let’s escape together.”
“Such a stubborn one!”
Muttering to himself, he fled while opening the Insect Tube.
Inside the Insect Tube was a multicolored haze of rosy clouds, extremely brilliant.
Seven Phoenix Wing Moth Emperors were eating the leaves of a Dyeing Cloud Exotic Medicine plant.
Upon discovering the Insect Tube opened, seven pairs of eyes all looked toward Li Weiyi outside, chittered for a moment, then they continued eating on their own.
Li Weiyi’s face instantly darkened. In your eyes, is there only food? The master returns, and you show no excitement at all. No wonder you were easily lured away.
However, Jiang Ning and Zhuang Yue were indeed domineering.
A rare treasure like Dyeing Cloud Exotic Medicine, Li Weiyi could sell for one hundred million copper coins, and Yin Twenty-Five bought it readily. One could imagine that in places outside Li Zhou, at a higher price, someone would certainly buy it.
Yet they used it to feed insects.
What was worth rejoicing was that the body lengths of the seven Phoenix Wing Moth Emperors had already reached two inches.
“Truly strange. Why didn’t Zhuang Yue release them to deal with Shi Shishi together? Could it be… she simply didn’t know that the combat power of the seven Phoenix Wing Moth Emperors had already reached the Five Seas Realm level, thinking they couldn’t help?”
Li Weiyi felt this possibility was very high.
No matter the level, swarming was always useful.
If those six Buddha Bandits earlier had teamed up with better coordination, it would absolutely have been enough to give Li Weiyi a hard time.
The seven Phoenix Wing Moth Emperors were absolutely incomparable to those six Buddha Bandits.
The six Buddha Bandits were mostly at Seven Springs Breaking Five Seas.
While the seven Emperor-level Strange Insects, in terms of combat power at the same realm, could fully compare to Hundred Veins All Silver Successor Seeds. They might fall short in battle techniques, Magic Tools, and wisdom compared to Successor Seeds, but they could make up for it with heaven-defying defense and speed.
A piercing breaking wind sound rang out from behind.
Li Weiyi’s expression changed slightly, and he hurriedly looked back.
Zhuang Yue stepped on Magic Energy streams of light, her speed like a white streak, constantly closing the distance with him. Further away, Shi Shishi used a bouncing movement technique, each leap like a cannonball flying out, covering dozens of zhang each time.
His body was like a spring.
“What do you mean by this?” Li Weiyi asked nervously.
Zhuang Yue caught up within ten zhang behind him, her injuries not light, her aura disordered, biting her silver teeth as she countered: “Didn’t you tell me, if I can’t beat him, to escape with you?”
“I didn’t tell you to escape toward me.” Li Weiyi said dejectedly.
Zhuang Yue was even more depressed than him, saying: “You didn’t make it clear! I thought you meant for me to follow you, the two of us escaping together.”
In Zhuang Yue’s view, “Sima Tan” was a heroic figure with a strong sense of responsibility, unafraid of sacrifice, so she thought his shout meant “die together, escape together.”
Whoosh!
Shi Shishi, like a big fat bird, flew over their heads, crashing down in front of them, kicking up dust.
Li Weiyi slid forward two zhang before barely stopping.
Zhuang Yue stopped a bit behind him, knowing escape was impossible today, her body overflowing with Magic Energy Clouds, ready for battle.
Shi Shishi chuckled: “Brother Sima, you’re also from the Jiu Li Hidden Sect?”
“I can’t understand what you’re saying, but be careful, Ten-Meal Law King. My cultivation might not match yours, Sima Tan, but I have another identity.”
Li Weiyi opened the Insect Tube, and one Phoenix Wing Moth Emperor flew out with flapping wings.
“Insect Tamer!”
Hiss!
The two-inch long body of the Phoenix Wing Moth Emperor rapidly grew, its wings and membrane wings reaching three chi long, transforming into a giant moth emitting five-colored lapis lazuli light.
Its six claws were like metal-forged, hooks sharp as spears.
This Phoenix Wing Moth Emperor was the eldest of the little seven, skilled at bluffing.
In the Cang Wang Tomb, when Li Weiyi first faced it, it appeared in this massive form, releasing an aura like a Longevity Realm Martial Cultivator, nearly fooling even his three masters.
Earlier, Li Weiyi had communicated with it via Mind Power, no need to release Longevity Realm level aura—that was too fake, easy to suspect. Five Seas Realm Fifth Realm was enough.
The three-chi long body, full of metallic and lapis lazuli texture, slowly crawled toward Shi Shishi, emitting loud “cheep cheep” calls that echoed across the wilderness.
Shi Shishi’s face changed instantly, quickly retreating to open distance.
Zhuang Yue sensed the terrifying aura of the Phoenix Wing Moth Emperor, shocked: “This is its true strength?”
“Naturally.”
Li Weiyi clasped his hands behind his back, exuding confident pride.
Zhuang Yue held her breath, asking: “What about the other six in the tube?”
“To deal with a heavily injured kid, why use all seven Strange Insects?” Li Weiyi said indifferently.
The other six couldn’t bluff, unable to release strong practitioner auras.
“Strange Insects? And six more?”
Shi Shishi instinctively felt something fishy, but the approaching giant moth insect’s aura was thick and extremely dangerous. As he considered retreating, he saw white feathers surging from afar, an immortal figure with wings approaching, his face changing again.
“Brother Sima, an Insect Tamer as skilled as you, if you joined our Earth Wolf King Army, it’d be great. See you later.”
Shi Shishi jumped, burrowing into the ground, vanishing.
Li Weiyi secretly sighed in relief, quickly recalling the Phoenix Wing Moth Emperor into the Insect Tube, walking to where Shi Shishi disappeared. The ground was solid, not hollowed.
“This Earth Escape Technique is truly powerful.” He said.
Zhuang Yue snorted: “Hmph, they’re just a bunch of underground rats, or they’d have been wiped out by the Imperial Court army long ago.”
White Magic Energy feathers drifted down, Jiang Ning landing lightly, her back’s white Light Wings dissipating as she walked toward them.
Her figure tall and graceful, in Biyi Yunshang, full and alluring chest curves, rosy clouds flowing on her body, with the flawless beauty unique to Pure Immortal Body women, every inch of skin crystalline and jade-like.
Even among Pure Immortal Bodies, temperament and beauty varied greatly.
Even veiled, Jiang Ning would stand out among Pure Immortal Body women, like a true divine daughter or fairy in the mortal world.
“Young Lady, it was Shi Na’er’s adopted son, Shi Shishi.”
Zhuang Yue stepped forward to salute and report.
Jiang Ning nodded lightly, her immortal eyes like Bibo gazing at Li Weiyi, deep and piercing all worldly mysteries: “He saved you?”
Zhuang Yue affirmed, stepping forward to thank Li Weiyi.
Li Weiyi was surprised inwardly. Luan Tai Martial Cultivators called themselves heavenly beings, yet she lowered her proud head to thank a mortal Martial Cultivator like him—truly rare.
But it was only verbal thanks, no substantial gesture, not matching Li Weiyi’s expectations.
“No need for thanks. I mainly wanted to retrieve these seven little ones.” Li Weiyi didn’t want deep ties with them, preparing to leave.
The Insect Tube on his back was burst open.
The seven Phoenix Wing Moth Emperors flew toward Jiang Ning, some landing on her shoulder, some on her hair tips, some circling her affectionately and joyfully.
Jiang Ning’s eyes rarely showed doting smile, taking out a Dyeing Cloud Exotic Medicine from her sleeve to feed them.
“You all…”
Li Weiyi maintained composure, not immediately forcing the seven Phoenix Wing Moth Emperors back.
Zhuang Yue looked oddly, using Magic Energy to transmit sound about the earlier Phoenix Wing Moth Emperor’s performance to Jiang Ning.
Jiang Ning was secretly shocked. These seven little ones were more extraordinary than she estimated. Back in Lingxiao City, she needed to check the classics and 《Strange Insect List》 thoroughly.
With her proud nature, she wouldn’t kill to seize insects, but her desire to recruit Sima Tan grew stronger.
She tried to sound friendly: “I’ve read extensively since childhood, quite knowledgeable, yet I know little about these seven. What Strange Insects are they?”
“Five-Colored Spirit Moths.”
Li Weiyi gave the name his Spirit Tablet Master had prepared for a Commander Level Strange Insect.
Jiang Ning said: “Five-Colored Spirit Moths, ranked fifth on the 《Strange Insect List》 for Commander Level Strange Insects. When mature, seven together can battle Longevity Realm Martial Cultivators. Crucially, they can somewhat summon Underground Insect Swarms. Sima Tan, with your talent, cultivating in Lingxiao City would get key training. Interested in working for the Imperial Court?”
On Jiang Ning, Li Weiyi truly felt the unmatched peak charm and presence of a Pure Immortal Body, making him think she shouldn’t be burdened by the mundane, but escape to cultivate immortality.
For her to converse amiably with a low-realm cultivator, not commandingly, showed ample sincerity.
Li Weiyi smiled: “Thanks for the Envoy’s appreciation, but I don’t know Imperial Court rules, dislike constraints—afraid I’ll be an ungrateful fool. But I guarantee, I won’t join rebels or oppose the Imperial Court.”
Staying away from the Imperial Court was key.
Stabilizing Jiang Ning, avoiding being seen as a threat and slain in the cradle, was also vital.
Rejection unsurprising, Jiang Ning understood. But Sima Tan’s same-realm combat power was extraordinary, comparable to the young Ancient Heavenly Emperor, plus mastering seven Five-Colored Spirit Moths.
Plus, his mind and resilience shown in the Five Seas Realm Boundary.
If he survived, within ten years he’d rise swiftly, a shining new star in the Southern Territory.
She tried again: “You’re not Sima Tan, right? Your Disguise Art has many flaws.”
“Envoy’s insight is remarkable. Impressed!”
Li Weiyi smiled awkwardly, soon realizing something, Zuo Qiu Ting’s figure flashing in his mind.
Suddenly, it all made sense.
So that’s it.
Zuo Qiu Ting must have used Disguise Art too, hence his face identical to the Dragon Gate Successor, with strong disharmony.
Using Disguise Art to change into another person was extremely hard, requiring high cultivation, observation, and art mastery—at least Li Weiyi couldn’t yet.
Even Zuo Qiu Ting could only manage a half-baked disguise.
Jiang Ning continued: “You’re not from the Far West Ash Region as guessed. You’re a true Jiu Li Hidden Sect member!”
In the Five Seas Realm Boundary, Li Weiyi risked life guarding young Jiu Li Martial Cultivators. To her, only Jiu Li tribe members had such responsibility and responsibility. Ash Region people wouldn’t sacrifice like that?
If not open Jiu Li cultivators, then from the Hidden Sect.
Luan Tai monitored the world, with Jiu Li Hidden Sect records, so Jiang Ning knew it existed.
Li Weiyi thought Jiang Ning was bluffing him, denying vehemently.
Jiang Ning was firm: “Deny if you want! I value your talent, potential, mind, and character. Yes, Great Palace Mistress was wrong back then, Small Field Edict hurt you deeply, your grudge against the Imperial Court is understandable.”
“But there were many hidden circumstances. I believe the once diligent, people-loving, kind, pure, radiant Great Palace Mistress will return. Darkness and obsession are temporary; she can correct mistakes.”
“Haha!”
A familiar hearty laugh rang out.
Zuo Qiu Ting and Li Ling walked up a nearby small hill, appearing before the three below.
Giant Dragonfly appeared with them.
Zuo Qiu Ting lightly shook his folding fan, dashing elegantly, laughing loudly: “Jiang Ning, such nerve, daring to criticize Great Palace Mistress. How many heads do you have to chop?”
Jiang Ning observed Zuo Qiu Ting, recognizing him, her voice like heavenly music: “Wrong is wrong; what’s hard to say? But my respect and admiration for Great Palace Mistress never changes. She just temporarily lost herself, trapped in inner turmoil, leading to grave errors.”
“But don’t forget, a thousand years ago, in the Nether Realm’s death calamity, who carved a bright sky for under heaven?”
“Then, Lingxiao Three Hundred Prefectures retreated steadily, millions dying daily, all armies and Martial Cultivators powerless. Departed Spirits’ soul clouds swept, turning a prefecture into darkness and silence.”
“At the world’s most critical, most despairing moment, Great Palace Mistress alone with one sword stood foremost, repelling Departed Spirit Army dozens of times.”
“One day battling ninety thousand li, carving a circle in endless Departed Spirit soul clouds and Nether Realm night, birthing today’s Lingxiao Twenty-Eight Prefectures.”
“But all forgot, forgot the past thousand years under Great Palace Mistress’s lead, Lingxiao Life Realm prospered anew. Forgot her presence deterred four directions’ Nether Realm and Departed Spirit Fiend Demons. Forgot without her, no Lingxiao Life Realm today.”
“Without Great Palace Mistress, your Zuo Qiu Gatehouse would’ve ended a thousand years ago! Admit it?”
Zuo Qiu Ting solemn, nodding sigh: “Great Palace Mistress’s merits, I acknowledge. But thousand-year merits ruined by three years of Small Field Edict, how many died, how much blood, tears, humiliation? I always think, unbound Number One Person is under heaven’s top scourge.”
Jiang Ning said: “What about this decade’s warfare? More deaths than those three years? One hero rebels, ten years’ calamity for the people.”
“How many true heroes, truly for under heaven’s people? Mostly for selfish ambition and benefit, like Li Zhou’s brewing crisis.”
Zuo Qiu Ting: “Great Palace Mistress won’t admit wrong, so someone must correct it.”
Jiang Ning: “We should give her time.”
“Three years given—world’s people generous enough!” Zuo Qiu Ting said.
Jiang Ning: “Your Zuo Qiu Gatehouse finally entering under heaven’s chessboard?”
Zuo Qiu Ting stared into her eyes awhile, smiled: “Not telling! At least so far, Zuo Qiu Gatehouse to Great Palace Mistress, to Lingxiao Palace, utterly benevolent and righteous.”
With Jiang Ning’s confirmation, Zuo Qiu Ting was undoubtedly Zuo Qiu Gatehouse Successor, easing Li Weiyi’s worries.
But their debate was fierce, sharp words, seeming about to fight.
Successor Level clashes were terrifying.
Fearing involvement, Li Weiyi forcibly recalled the seven Phoenix Wing Moth Emperors, retreating aside to Li Ling, asking: “Weren’t you going to Thirty-three Mile Mountain?”
Li Ling, interested in the distant debate, smiled: “Came back for you.”
“Again for me?” Li Weiyi stunned.
Li Ling: “Latest news, a Longevity Realm old monster found a special method to send Five Seas Realm First Realm, Second Realm Martial Cultivators into Thirty-three Mile Mountain. Zuo Qiu Gongzi thinks you should act.”
“With Zuo Qiu Gatehouse’s power, finding Five Seas Realm Second Realm Pure Immortal Body experts isn’t hard. Why fixate on me, a novice Five Seas Realm mortal Martial Cultivator?” Li Weiyi said.
Zuo Qiu Ting overheard afar: “Five Seas Realm Second Realm entry very hard, Zuo Qiu Gatehouse can send at most one. You’re novice Five Seas Realm, but Second Realm combat power top-tier, naturally my key target.”
Li Weiyi didn’t flatly refuse like before. Using Zuo Qiu Gatehouse’s might, going to Thirty-three Mile Mountain was safer than alone.
Jiang Ning had no intent to fight Zuo Qiu Ting, departing, looking at Li Weiyi last: “Change mind, come find me anytime. Imperial Court still under heaven’s strongest.”
Zhuang Yue cupped fists farewell, vanishing with Jiang Ning at grassland’s end.
Whoosh!
Zuo Qiu Ting snapped shut his folding fan, tsking regret: “Jiang Ning’s a Luan Tai Angel, disciple of Palace Master level, Hundred Veins All Silver Successor Level expert, boundless future.”
“And I hear she’s one of Immortal Forest’s evaluated young generation Three Immortals, titled Yu Xianzi, veil hiding peerless beauty. Brother Sima, you rejected her?”
“You know how many heroes crave to follow her, yet she won’t glance?”
Li Weiyi smiled: “Brother Zuo Qiu seems interested in Jiang Ning?”
Zuo Qiu Ting fanned lightly, gazing her direction: “Graceful fairy, who doesn’t love? Pity the fairy has thorns—not anyone can stand beside her. Thinking this, I pity Brother Sima.”
Li Weiyi sobered, serious: “Jiang Ning proud and thorny, hard to approach, but upright and open.”
“She didn’t kill you, seize Strange Insects—that’s upright? Naive! In the Imperial Court’s mixed stew, without extraordinary means, forget Luan Tai Angel—standing firm is sky-high.”
Zuo Qiu Ting leaped onto Giant Dragonfly’s back, laughed: “Let’s go. I’m no upright person, Zuo Qiu Ting, but guarantee, help me this trip, benefits aplenty.”
Giant Dragonfly carried three, rising dozens zhang, flying toward Thirty-three Mile Mountain.
Li Weiyi told Li Ling of Spring Gushing Realm Martial Cultivators’ plight, asking: “What’s the situation on your Five Seas Realm battlefield?”
Li Ling: “With mysterious Martial Cultivators’ help, my brother they broke out Five Seas Realm path. From Five Seas Realm Boundary to Yaoguan City, should open soon.”
Zuo Qiu Ting exuded high-gate scion confidence: “Li Zhou’s Southern Territory rear base, Zuo Qiu Gatehouse’s backyard—rest assured, won’t let Li Zhou chaos, will aid.”
Li Weiyi scoffed: “If Zuo Qiu Gatehouse truly helped Jiu Li, acted fourteen years ago! You need strife-torn but not collapsed Li Zhou, not strong stable Jiu Li. Guess even if acting, after Jiu Li gravely wounded. If Jiu Li can’t withstand this turmoil, collapse, you’d back Sui Sect, San Chen Palace.”
Zuo Qiu Ting upfront, erecting Magic Energy Cloud enveloping three, odd glint in eyes, sighed: “Li Ling, quick get your dad summon him as Li Family son-in-law, lest Jiang Ning steals, Jiu Li big loss!”
Li Ling sourly: “Can’t steal, some care for Yao Yin. Medicine Li Tribe son-in-law might be sweeter.”
Li Weiyi smiled helplessly, suddenly felt strong and oppressive, like heart and lung leaves gripped, hard to breathe.
Looked up.
A terrifying black demonic shadow with red giant wings, dragon head snake tail, flew from Sky Dome’s Immortal Mist, casting huge ground shadow enough for several small hills.
Zuo Qiu Ting calm: “A Longevity Realm Demonic Cultivator passing, normal—Zangxian Town’s Immortal Realm Space opportunities too great, drawing many old monsters.”
“I hear Four Extremes Ape King came!” Li Weiyi worried.
Zuo Qiu Ting: “No issue, just slew a sixth-generation grandson. My Zuo Qiu Gatehouse Old Ancestor came, can check it.”
Half-day later, grassland end.
Horizon, Thirty-three Mile Mountain in sight, cloud-mist shrouded, majestic grand.
Li Weiyi eyes surged surprise.
…
Happy New Year to all!
