A leisurely life in the world of cultivation

Chapter 152 People from the Spirit Realm
In September, frost has already begun to fall in the north.

Moreover, the cold rain poured down, hitting the withered grass and causing translucent ice crystals to condense on the tips of the leaves.

Most of the people in Qingzhou City stayed indoors to avoid the rain, and those who were better off even lit fire baskets.

In the past two years, more and more business people and martial arts practitioners have come and gone from Qingzhou City, and the people have benefited greatly as a result.

However, despite the weather, many people were scattered around the Lingquan Mountain ridge, two hundred miles away from Qingzhou City.

The Imperial Punishment Bureau, the Mountain Forest Guard, Yuanjian Mountain, Shangqing Palace, Leiyin Temple, Taisu Palace, Tianji Boat, Hanshan Pavilion, Biyue Pavilion, and six royal mansions headed by the Qi Prince's Mansion, as well as the Snow Mountain Great Wheel Temple, the Donghu Shaman Temple, and other top-tier martial forces in the world are all gathered here.

Who would willingly miss the Ascension Ceremony in the Jiazi year?
Even if they cannot participate, it can still broaden the horizons of the direct disciples.

Among all the forces, one group stands out as the most unique and attracts the most attention.

In the center of the eastern mountain ridge, there is a very impressive tent. The autumn rain falls and patters loudly, and the mountain wind howls. A large flag with the character "Li" on the top of the tent flutters in the wind.

Apart from this tent, the other experts could only rely on their internal energy for protection...

The experts come from all over the world, even thousands of miles away. Who has the time to carry a tent around everywhere?

In fact, if no one has it, then it doesn't exist.

The mere presence of this oddball made the crowd outside, soaked in the rain, seem somewhat pathetic...

Inside the account.

Situ Qingyue sat cross-legged on a soft couch on the west side of the tent, her hands caressing her sword, nurturing and nourishing it.

Among the Li family, she possessed the highest talent in swordsmanship and was also the most disciplined in her training.

After two years of training, no one knew the true extent of her swordsmanship, and no one ever saw her make a move again...

His extraordinary, aloof and independent spirit has become increasingly outstanding.

Zhou Yueniang stood in the middle of the tent, a copper coin twirling between her fingers, its golden light shimmering faintly.

Over the past two years, the amount of refined steel she absorbs daily has increased from 20 tons to 60 tons, and she has absorbed tens of thousands of tons of various alloys.

Because there was no reference standard, no one knew whether she had mastered the basics of cultivation, but the effects of the Indestructible Golden Body had already begun to appear.

At least, when she fought against her father, Zhou Zhixian, she was able to hold her own.

If the Golden Rainbow Technique were to be used again, Zhou Zhixian would have to avoid its sharp edge.

Zhou Zhixian, on the other hand, has already reached the Martial God realm.

Both Feng Biwu and Qi Erniang achieved their own successes.

As for Li Weizhou...

Even he himself didn't know how much refined steel he had absorbed in the past two years.

America's tank graveyards, aircraft graveyards, and warship graveyards; Russia's tank graveyards; India's steel mills...

Hundreds of millions of tons of steel were absorbed into the Zang Shen Palace.

Besides these, there is endless blood, endless life force of wood, endless wind, fire, and lightning...

Ah.

In short, the highest level of attainment is not necessarily the strongest.

So, I set up a tent on the ridge of Lingquan Mountain... So what if I set it up? What can they do to me?
Although none of those who came today were weak.

To participate in the Ascension Ceremony, not just anyone can participate. One must rush from outside the Spirit Circle all the way to the vicinity of the Spirit Circle's core altar to be qualified.

You will have to go through nine checkpoints blocked by spirit beasts. If you can't even get past these nine checkpoints, how can you talk about ascending to heaven?
But this also dashed the hopes of the vast majority of warriors below the ninth level...

Anyone below the Martial God level who wants to enter will only be courting death unless at least one Martial God is willing to sacrifice their life to protect them.

Back then, Li Weizhou couldn't even withstand a single blow from the black serpent that day.

Although the black cat Xuanmeng was very friendly to the Li family, he still had to abide by the rules and only made one exception, which was for Ximei.

Xi Mei was someone Li Weizhou specifically designated to bring up using his identity from the Hidden God Palace. Furthermore, Xi Mei and Xuan Meng were best friends, so the black cat had introduced Xi Mei to some spirit beasts before…

Items with mystical aura, such as sachets, have been taken back. With spirit realm inspectors watching, cheating is not allowed…

Regardless of the method used, the Li family has no worries about the future.

Li Weizhou calmly brewed a pot of brown sugar tea for Ximei and instructed her, "I'll lead the way in a bit. Stay close to your sister-in-law and be alert. Keep the Xuanmeng photo I gave you safe. If you encounter any danger, take it out and use it. Survival is the most important thing."

Xi Mei nodded vigorously and said, "Brother, I'll remember."

Seeing that she still looked somewhat listless, Li Weizhou knew it was because of the separation.

Let alone a young girl like her, her uncle Li Delong has been secretly crying every night for the past few days, which is unbearable.

Xi Mei and Xiao Dong, along with the other girls, cried their eyes out.

Although Li Weizhou had cancelled their indentures and given them money, ensuring they could rely on the Duke of Huguo's mansion for survival, this master-servant relationship could be considered to have come to an end.

Li Weizhou didn't offer Ximei much comfort, because this was an inevitable part of growing up...

"Zi~"

He took a sip of the brown sugar tea and thought it tasted good.

Situ Qingyue reminded the self-satisfied poet: "Before each Jiazi Ascension Ceremony, personal grudges are settled. Some say it's for the sake of sacrifice, and others say it's to show the beings in the spirit realm that humans don't just kill spirit beasts, they also kill each other. If we're so conspicuous, we might attract an attack."

Li Weizhou said with a smile, "With your reputation in our family, I don't think any old codger would want to experience the power of the lightning tribulation ahead of time. However, if someone insists on coming to their death, I can grant their wish. There's only one day left anyway, so we might as well do something else."

He thought no one would be that foolish, but as soon as he finished speaking, he heard a familiar voice coming from outside the tent: "Duke Protector of the Nation, an old friend has arrived, why not come out and greet him?"

Li Weizhou looked at everyone with "surprise" and said, "Ah Kun, Ah Kun is here!"

Situ Qingyue: "..."

Zhou Yueniang and the others also burst into laughter.

After Li Weizhou sipped his brown sugar tea with a "slurp" and quickly left the tent, Qi Erniang, who loved watching a spectacle, eagerly wanted to follow him. They were probably the only people in the world who knew of Li Weizhou's strength, so what was there to fear?

Zhou Yueniang reminded her, "This tent has a window, and it's sheltered from the wind. Just open the window."

Qi Erniang thought it was a good idea and quickly unzipped the zipper. There were three layers inside and out, sealing it tightly. After opening the window, she saw Li Weizhou enthusiastically hugging Qi Zhenkun: "Kun, I heard you were harmed by Hei Zi. I was so worried. I even specially stewed chicken soup for you and made you overalls..."

Not only was Qi Zhenkun bewildered, but everyone watching from afar found it astonishing.

What kind of arrogance would someone have to be to laugh, rave, and curse so recklessly in a place like this?

Those who knew about the feud between Yuan Jianshan and Li Weizhou were almost shocked.

Anyway, if it were them, they would have already made their move. This guy had his arms outstretched, completely unprepared, and a sword pierced his heart directly. He would definitely be dead.

In truth, Qi Zhenkun also wanted to take action.

But when he saw the incredibly expectant look in Li Weizhou's eyes, as if he was hoping that he would make a move soon, the strange look in his eyes made him feel uneasy, so he suppressed the urge to draw his sword.

Li Weizhou felt a little disappointed; this guy was still so spineless...

After a tight hug, he patted Qi Zhenkun's severed arm and said, "The Shangqing Palace is despicable. Sending some old bastard to hunt you down is just because they're envious and jealous of your exceptional swordsmanship. But don't be sad, I've already killed that old devil for you and avenged you. My wife also killed another old devil from the Shangqing Palace and even got the interest back for you."

Ah Kun, how's your Heart Sword training going lately? You look like you've lost a lot of weight. Is Heart Sword training that demanding?

Qi Zhenkun felt a sweet taste in his throat, and his vision blurred. He realized that people could be this wicked...

After comforting Qi Zhenkun, Li Weizhou looked into the distance.

They are all highly skilled individuals, each radiating their powerful energy to shield others from the wind and rain.

So many old ghosts with white hair, who knows how many years they have been hiding, have now all come out into the world.

Tsk tsk, aren't they afraid of getting struck by lightning?

He bowed respectfully to the Grand Master in the center from afar, and the Grand Master nodded slightly, his gaze calm and undisturbed.

The Grand Master looked at Li Weizhou, whose aura was perfectly integrated, and was also extremely shocked.

He knew that Li Weizhou's family was stuck at the Breaking Seven Martial Sect Realm and unwilling to take a step forward. If he had opened the Hidden God Palace, he would have made the same choice.

But can a Martial Grandmaster really reach this level?

His body was spotless, a body without blemish.

Innate supernatural power, so incredibly strong...

He turned his gaze away and looked up at the sky.

Is this perhaps Heaven telling all living beings that favoring a frivolous brat is better than the lifelong achievements of millions of heroes?
Ugh.

With a sigh in his heart, the Grand Master became even more determined to overcome the heavens!

Li Weizhou, unaware that the Grand Master had seen through him, continued to greet the familiar faces with a smile: "Isn't this Lord Wen Zaixing? Lord Wen, may I ask, is that Yuan dog beside you perhaps your son? Otherwise, why do you keep such a good-for-nothing by your side everywhere?"

The white-haired Wen Zaixing stared intently at Li Weizhou, while Yuan Yunnian beside him cursed, "Bullshit! How dare you! Li Weizhou, you are no longer the Duke of Protectorate, and Situ Qingyue is no longer the Chief Justice of the Imperial Punishment Bureau. Do you think you can still act like a fox borrowing the tiger's power?"

Li Weizhou chuckled and said, "Yuan Gou... and that other one, Shang Jimao, come on, according to the old custom, today is also a day to settle old scores. Come on, you two bastards, come at me together. Ah Kun and I will fight you two-on-two, it's all about skill. A bet is a bet, and whoever dies admits their lack of skill. If Lord Wen also wants to get involved, he can come at me too. My brother Ah Kun's Heart Sword is the best in the world, I'm not afraid of you!"

Shang Jimao, Shang Donghai, the Chief Justice of the Imperial Punishment Bureau, once sat with Wen Zaixing and Yuan Yunnian at the Mountain God Temple fifteen miles outside Qingzhou City, watching as the Demonic Sect leader Xia Shijie forced him and Situ Qingyue to commit suicide. After Xia Shijie's death, however, he began to pursue the two of them.

They have ulterior motives!

For the past two years, Shang Donghai has been hiding outside, afraid to return to the capital, lest Situ Qingyue come after him.

I never expected them to come here.

By the way, the other person who was with them that day was Qi Zhenkun.

What a coincidence...

The head of Yuanjian Mountain, Master Tianxuan, suddenly shouted, "Kun'er, since the Duke of Protectorate has old grudges with someone, you can reminisce with him later."

Qi Zhenkun's face stiffened, and then he heard Li Weizhou say with a smile, "Alright, Kun'er, listen to your master, you should step back first. This kind of struggle is no longer something you can interfere with."

Before Qi Zhenkun had even made a move, his heart was already shattered. It hadn't even been four years since they first met, and this person had already become so monstrous?
You beast, a complete beast!

He was tempted to draw his sword and fight, but he understood his master's gaze, which told him to play it safe...

In other words, even his master, Master Tianxuan, felt that something was off about this boy.

Thinking of this, Qi Zhenkun remained silent and turned back to his master's side.

Since losing his left arm, his primary belief has been to save his life.

Li Weizhou ignored Yuan Jianshan. He made a chest-expanding motion, looked at Yuan Yunnian, Shang Donghai, and Wen Zaixing, and said, "I never make enemies, but I never forget those who have bullied me."

On the day I slew the Demonic Sect Leader, you took advantage of my weakened state to come and seek revenge, intending to kill me and my wife. If I hadn't been prepared beforehand, we'd probably be reduced to dust by now.

The mortal realm has the law to protect you, which is why I have refrained from taking action.

Now that we're in the spirit world, it's a good time to settle things.

"The time for the challenge hasn't come yet, let's fight to the death and cheer for all the heroes of the world." Not everyone has the discernment of the Grand Master and Tianxuan. In the eyes of most people, Li Weizhou was as arrogant as a madman.

He even went so far as to claim credit for killing the leader of the demonic sect.

What else could this be but a clown?
Shang Donghai stared coldly at Li Weizhou and asked, "Was it you, or was it Situ who made the move?"

If it's Situ Qingyue who makes the move, then he'll play dead for the rest of the day.

He couldn't beat Situ Qingyue, and he accepted that.

With the Grand Master present, as long as he doesn't accept the challenge, he's not afraid of Situ Qingyue taking action.

But if it were Li Weizhou himself...

He's going to beat this rampant thief to death today!

Looking at this burly man, Li Weizhou couldn't tell from his appearance that he was a despicable and vile person, but this guy was just so lowly.

He chuckled and said, "Of course I'll take action myself. With the Grand Commandant and all the heroes of the world in front of me, how could I let my wife do it? I'm a man of steel; I won't be a kept man."

Many people familiar with his style tried to hold back their laughter, but most couldn't.

With such an unusual figure emerging in Qingzhou City, how could the major powers not investigate his origins?
It can be said that from the day Li Weizhou transmigrated and stepped into Zuixianglou, his many deeds were clearly laid out on the desks of various major powers.

It's one thing to talk about other things, but the phrase "won't live off a woman" is just too funny.

Most people here are about to witness the most unforgettable scene of their lives, while others are about to experience the most important moment of their lives.

The drizzling cold rain added to the somber and heavy atmosphere.

However, Li Weizhou alone managed to ruin the seriousness of the event, turning it into something absurd and laughable.

Shang Donghai didn't want to become a laughing stock, so he asked Yuan Yunnian to step in.

Yuan Yunnian cursed the son of a bitch's ancestors in his heart, but he didn't dare disobey orders.

Fortunately, Li Weizhou said cheerfully, "One is definitely not enough. The three of you should come together and solve the problem at once, so as not to drag it out."

Before Shang Donghai could say anything more, the shrewd and calculating Wen Zaixing said in a deep voice, "Shang Sili, since the Duke of Protectorate is so confident, we might as well grant his wish. This is the Spirit Circle, not the Jianghu. Here, only life and death are decided."

Shang Donghai suddenly realized what was happening, but he still remained calm and looked at the Grand Master of Justice, asking, "Grand Master of Justice, is the competition orderly, or can one seek revenge at will?"

He worried that Situ Qingyue would go mad after he killed Li Weizhou.

After a moment of silence, the Grand Master said calmly, "In order."

With various forces mixed together, the lack of order would lead to a loss of decorum.

To interfere with the grand undertaking of forcibly opening the Heavenly Gate is a taboo that everyone must take.

If Situ Qingyue doesn't step in to stop her now, she won't have a chance to lash out in a moment.

Since Shang Donghai and his group couldn't withstand the provocation and were willing to take the stage at this moment, their fate was left to destiny.

The Grand Master also wanted to see if there really was a Martial Grandmaster in this world who could overwhelm a Martial God Realm expert.

Shang Donghai has already entered the ninth level and become a Martial God Realm expert.

Everyone turned their attention to them. Martial artists above the Martial Grandmaster level have eyesight and hearing far exceeding those of ordinary people.

Even if they stand far away, it doesn't stop them from paying attention to this side.

Seeing Wen Zaixing, Shang Donghai, and Yuan Yunnian standing together, Li Weizhou twisted his neck. If these scoundrels weren't eliminated, they might bring trouble to the Li family in the future.

Although he had a lot of confidence in Li Changning, he would feel good if he could get rid of him easily.

Once you're in the spirit world, you can't do whatever you want anymore, at least not for a short time.

Therefore, cherish these few moments of joy and vengeance...

Without any hesitation, Li Weizhou pounced on the three of them like a tiger descending a mountain.

Which of Shang Donghai's three wasn't a seasoned veteran of the martial arts world?
Despite starting later, the three of them, without having practiced together, were able to spontaneously form a Three Talents Sword Formation.

Three swords, each strike aimed at a vital point.

Even the weakest of them, Yuan Yunnian, possessed the strength of a Martial Saint.

Wen Zaixing was even more ruthless than Shang Donghai, using a thin sword to silently attack from the lower body.

Many people on the mountain ridge frowned. With their martial arts skills, if they were in Li Weizhou's position, they would all find it difficult to deal with.

Li Weizhou was simply too reckless and impulsive, with absolutely no combat experience.

No one would be so arrogant as to provoke three people with higher cultivation levels than them at once. Even when the Grand Master was at the Martial Grandmaster level, he wouldn't have been so arrogant.

However, just when everyone thought that Li Weizhou would be at a complete disadvantage, or even seriously injured or killed, the Grand Master, the distant Great Shaman, and the Snow Mountain Great Lama all changed their expressions drastically.

Because Li Weizhou suddenly disappeared from their sight. This sight was not only what their eyes could see, but also what they could perceive through the Xuan Guan acupoint.

How can it be? !
However, they soon saw Li Weizhou again, not in the same spot, but... behind Wen Zaixing.

"Eight Heavenly Dragons!!"

A heavy punch landed on Wen Zaixing's back. The fist was encased in a fine steel knuckle duster, and a golden rainbow technique flashed on the knuckle duster... Breaking the Qi!
"puff!!"

After spitting out a mouthful of black blood mixed with fragments of internal organs, Wen Zaixing slumped down. He never expected that Li Weizhou would choose him as the first target, let alone that Li Weizhou could break the deadlock in this way.

He knew that opening the Hidden Divine Palace would grant innate supernatural powers, but as far as everyone knew, Li Weizhou's spatial supernatural power should be the Mustard Seed Supernatural Power, so why...?

Unfortunately, he didn't have much time to regret or bewilderment, because Li Weizhou not only threw one punch, but three in a row, and then reappeared behind Shang Donghai, repeating the same move...

"what!!"

Shang Donghai's eyes were bloodshot, as if he had seen a ghost. He did not want to die, he wanted to save himself. He gathered his strength in his back, but Li Weizhou punched him in the waist with both fists.

"Pfft! Pfft!"

Everyone seemed to hear two sounds of kidneys bursting. The tall and imposing Shang Donghai instantly became a man without kidneys, his body hunched over. But his powerful life force still enabled him to cry out for help: "Grand Master, save me!!"

Li Weizhou kicked him in the spine, sending him flying towards the Imperial Execution Department. He laughed and cursed, "You can't take a joke. You even asked the Grand Master of Justice about this." Shang Donghai died at the feet of the Imperial Execution Department. Li Weizhou glanced at the indifferent Grand Master of Justice.

Yuan Yunnian trembled violently, his face deathly pale. What humiliated him most was that Li Weizhou didn't even glance at him. His gaze swept over the various forces, and he declared loudly, "By the grace of Heaven, I opened the Hidden Divine Palace and gained innate supernatural powers. This is not of my own ability, but a blessing from Heaven. Therefore, I have never committed any wrongdoing, nor have I established a sect or dared to dream of dominating the martial world. All I seek is to remain unperturbed unless attacked. These three have been abusing their power, and I deeply resent them."

He glanced at Yuan Yunnian and continued, "Don't even think about taking revenge on the Li family of Qingzhou after I ascend to the Spirit Realm. Let me tell you clearly, if I had obtained other supernatural powers, the Spirit Realm would be completely isolated from the other world. But what I possess is spatial supernatural power, so I will return in the future. I have no intention of fighting for supremacy in the martial world, nor do I intend to disrupt its order. However, anyone who dares to disturb the Li family of Qingzhou will be killed without mercy!"

Yuan Yunnian felt a chill run down his spine and was about to beg for mercy, but before he could utter a word, he felt the head leave his neck and fly into the air...

Li Weizhou looked towards Yuanjian Mountain again, smiled brightly, waved, and returned to his tent.

Everyone fell silent upon seeing the tent.

Supernatural powers, is this what supernatural powers are...?

This is no longer the way of the human world.

As expected, it lives up to the title of "god".

Is there a way to control it?
I don't know, but perhaps there are high-ranking officials, great shamans, great lamas, and even the Heavenly Mystery True Man of Yuanjian Mountain who might be able to handle it.

However, it's not certain that they can kill him.

And such people, once they grow to the level of the Grand Master of Ceremonies...

That would make one truly invincible.

Fortunately, this monster is leaving; otherwise, the martial world would live under his tyranny for the next two hundred years.

……

After the curtains and windows were drawn, Situ Qingyue asked Li Weizhou, "You have such skills?"

Li Weizhou chuckled dryly and said, "An unexpected gain, a sudden awakening... By the way, aren't you going to show up and say hello to the Grand Master?"

Situ Qingyue shook her head and said, "There's no need. The Grand Master is a truly ruthless person. If he were born in the Spirit Realm, he would definitely be a powerful figure. But such a person has no human feelings to speak of."

Zhou Yueniang smiled and said, "Sister Situ, if it weren't for your husband, would you have become like him?"

Situ Qingyue actually thought about it seriously for a moment, then shook her head and said, "Their natures are ultimately different."

Li Weizhou said to Zhou Yueniang, "If destroying the world could allow the Grand Master of Justice to successfully open the Heavenly Gate, then he would most likely destroy the world, even if it meant widespread suffering. Situ is different; she has to confront the good and evil within her heart and would not do that."

Feng Biwu asked Li Weizhou, "Will you really be able to come back in the future?"

Li Weizhou chuckled, "Let them brag! Bragging isn't illegal. Let's see if they dare to gamble!"

The whole family laughed.

"Boom!!"

A tremendous clap of thunder suddenly exploded in the sky, as if someone in the clouds had swung a massive hammer and slammed it down on a giant bronze drum.

The roar, accompanied by a sharp sound that tore through the air, made the tent canvas tremble. Xi Mei, who had never heard such a noise before, rushed to her brother's side and clutched the hem of his clothes tightly.

The people inside the tent exchanged glances, and they all saw surprise and doubt in each other's eyes.

They immediately lifted the tent flap and went out. The moment they stood firm and their eyes swept towards the center of the spiritual circle, everyone felt as if their breath had been gripped by an invisible hand, and their faces suddenly tightened. What a magnificent spectacle it was!

The sky, which had been heavy with dark clouds, suddenly appeared as if a giant hand had torn open a black hole. Instead of the expected wind and rain, countless golden rays flowed down like a river.

Immediately afterwards, a gnarled and vigorous root descended from the cave entrance. It was as thick as a ten-foot-tall tree, and its bark was covered with grooves, as if it were engraved with the marks of countless ages.

Countless fine branches extend from the main root, some like silver dragons reaching out their claws, others like jade snakes coiling around, each branch gleaming with a warm, lustrous light, turning the surrounding dark clouds a pale gold.

Its descent was extremely slow, yet it carried an irresistible majesty. Where the main root swept across, the dark clouds automatically retreated to both sides, and even the thunder that had just exploded fell silent.

As the roots drooped into the air, glistening dewdrops dripped from between them, landing on the earth of the spirit circle and instantly sprouting tender green shoots.

The whole world seemed to quiet down, with only the humming sound of the roots hanging down, like an ancient ballad. Even the wind and rain became its background, making the roots of the Jianmu tree that fell from the sky look like a bridge of life connecting heaven and earth, so magnificent that people forgot to breathe.

However, the illusory Jianmu tree within Li Weizhou's Hidden Divine Palace, imprinted with the power of wood-type supernatural abilities, suddenly stirred a strong sense of longing and greed...

It wanted to swallow it!
Li Weizhou felt a little heavy-hearted. Son, you think too highly of your father...

With a thought, the illusory image of the Jianmu tree dissipated.

It's best to avoid such a disgraceful and unfilial son for now.

He continued to look up at this wonder of nature. It turned out that a fully grown Jianmu tree, with just its roots, was already so magnificent.

I hope that my good-for-nothing "son" will be able to do better in the future.

At this moment, it's estimated that only Li Weizhou could be lost in thought; everyone else was completely awestruck by the miraculous sight before them.

Even more shocking, however, was the sight of seven figures slowly descending from the entrance of the Sky Cave.

People have come from the spirit world...

……

(End of this chapter)