Li Zhouwei fell into thought. The two emissaries of the Underworld's judiciary did not seem to have much time. Wang Long nodded repeatedly and moved straight to the main matter, cupping his hands in greeting. "Though we are already familiar with your great name, the formalities must still be observed..."
He straightened his posture and asked with a solemn air, "What is your name?"
Li Zhouwei nodded and replied, "I am Zhouwei of the Li Family. Zhou as in renewal, Wei as in towering."
As his words rang out, ink began to gather in the large brush in Wang Long's hand. Zhang Gui, standing to the side, said, "Do we still need to look it up?"
His pink lips moved as he started flipping through the thick book in his hands. Wang Long urged him impatiently, "What's there to look for? Just write it!"
Clearly, not only Li Ximing, but even Li Zhouwei would likely not have their names recorded in the book. Wang Long had served in the mortal branch of the Underworld's judiciary for years. How could he not know this?
He grumbled inwardly, No wonder he's been an errand-runner longer than I have. With such poor judgment, how could he ever be promoted? Li Ximing's name can't even be found anymore. Who knows whose doing that is. Li Zhouwei is clearly even more important, a major piece in the world's shifting game. It would be strange if his name were recorded at all!
The two fussed about for quite a while before finally putting brush to paper. After listening, Li Zhouwei brushed his hand over the storage pouch at his waist and took out a jade box, only to see Wang Long smile and say, "That won't do, that won't do!"
Ordinary gifts could be accepted, but this one he could not. He pushed the jade box back, still wearing an awkward smile, and said, "How could we possibly take something from you, Fellow Daoist? If not for the rules, the two of us should be the ones offering you gifts. After all, matters of great figures are not for us to discuss. In the future, when you have the chance to break through to the Golden Core Realm, if it does not interfere with greater affairs, you may choose any place in this region as you wish... perhaps consider selecting somewhere closer to the area under our jurisdiction..."
So they are after Metallic Essence...
Li Zhouwei understood and gave a slight nod. Wang Long waved his hands repeatedly, disclaiming responsibility as he said, "Do not let this delay the matters above! If it is inconvenient, that is fine. We will have many chances to meet in the future. If we could just have the chance to witness your divine ability and see your future achievements... that would be more than enough!"
Even the slow-moving Zhang Gui put on a flattering smile. He set down the large book and said respectfully, "This can certainly be discussed... we only fear we may be too presumptuous. For now, we still have matters to handle in the north, so we will not trouble you further."
The two exchanged a few more words with smiles, then transformed into two gusts of Yin wind and dispersed.
It seems the methods of the Underworld's judiciary are no less formidable...
Yang Tianya[1] achieved divine ability even earlier than Houfu, yet no one knows his current cultivation. He had stayed hidden behind the scenes... the north and south have fought to such a state, and yet the entire Yang Family appears harmless, without a single move from him.
Compared to the faintly domineering force in the north, with its iron control over the entire world's situation, the methods of the Underworld's judiciary were far more subtle, working unseen like moisture soaking into things. If the Li Family had not been informed early about Yang Tianya, they might still regard the Yang Family as nothing more than a group of fallen royals secluded in the mountains.
But on closer thought, the key connection between the Yang Family and the Li Family lay in the marriage of Li Xizhi. Could it be seen as the Yang Family placing an early bet on the Li Family? If so, what other arrangements had Yang Tianya made?
As a mixed bloodline of the Yang and Li Families... what role does Zhouluo's lineage play under the Azure Pond Sect...?𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞
Li Zhouwei pondered for quite some time, then shook his head and stopped thinking about it. After confirming the two had truly left, his figure transformed into light and vanished. There was no time to visit anyone. He stepped through the great void and descended toward the lake.
He flew into the grand formation, passed through rows of towering profound pillars, and entered the inner hall. There, in the dim hall, stood a single pagoda.
It was the [Glazed Pagoda Of Unrestrained Boundary].
He stepped onto the top of the pagoda, sat cross-legged, and closed his eyes as he silently recited an incantation, I, Zhouwei of the Li Family, ascend through divine ability, seeking perfection in virtue... I pray to rise within the Mandate of Heaven, to be inscribed upon the profound register... to open the profound clarity and continue the Dao!
Dong!
A faint sense of weightlessness came at once. He felt the white orb within his Shenyang Mansion tremble, and his body seemed to shrink instantly. Before his eyes, a misty, cloud-filled world appeared, and a chill spread across the back of his head.
1. Also known as Daoist Master Guanxuan. First appeared in Chapter 44 ☜