The warm sunshine spilled through the window onto the ground, bringing a touch of warmth to this autumn morning. The young boy, who was meditating cross-legged, seemed to sense this ray of sunlight, as he slowly exhaled and opened his eyes slightly. A night's cultivation had replenished the Dou Qi he had depleted the night before. This sense of fulfillment left Li Yi feeling refreshed and clear-headed. Now, all he needed to do was wait for his shoulder injury to heal, and then he could ask the Snake Venerable for some higher-level martial arts to practice, in preparation for the God Sacrifice Festival in two months. However, today was also an extremely important day, as it was the annual opening of the family's Martial Arts Pavilion. He couldn't miss the opportunity to witness most of the martial arts and techniques. Thinking of this, Li Yi got up, changed into a decent outfit, stretched his waist lightly, and thoughtfully pressed his hand against his chest. The Counter Chaos inside him was quiet for the time being, and he wondered how long it would last. Regardless, he knew he didn't have much time left.
"Kid, with me here, why bother going to the Martial Arts Pavilion? I naturally have high-level martial arts that will make you drool," the voice of the Snake Venerable suddenly echoed faintly in Li Yi's mind. Li Yi shook his head slightly in response, "I have to visit the Martial Arts Pavilion anyway, it's greatly beneficial for me."
"What do you mean?" asked the Snake Venerable. Li Yi smiled faintly and said, "Although I know you, Old Coot, must have some high-level martial arts, you definitely don't have the low-level ones. But this time, I want to look through the low-level martial arts to see if I can find a way to complement my own set of skills. Otherwise, if I only rely on physical strength, I'll be helpless against someone using high-tier martial arts, which is quite frustrating."
"Is that the only reason?" the Snake Venerable asked indifferently. "If so, why don't you tell me your set of martial arts, and I can help you deduce something from it?"
Li Yi shook his head, "That won't do. My martial arts were tailor-made for myself. If someone else deduces it for me, it would lose my personal style, which isn't beneficial to me... Besides, I have other things to do in the Martial Arts Pavilion."
The Snake Venerable seemed taken aback, then said, "Kid, you're not planning to practice those low-level martial arts, are you?"
"Why not?" Li Yi replied with a light smile. "Practicing a bunch of low-level martial arts might not be very useful, but it's good for misleading others. Otherwise, constantly relying on the Returning Wind Palm in fights is not only boring for others, but even I find it tiresome."
Li Yi's reasoning left the Snake Venerable somewhat speechless. Just then, a gentle knock on the door was heard. Following which, a faint voice entered, "Brother Li Yi, are you there?" Hearing this voice, Li Yi's eyes twitched, and he almost wanted to escape through the window. However, the teasing voice of the Snake Venerable had already resounded in his mind: "Kid, it seems that your actions yesterday have already won that little girl's heart!"
Li Yi responded with a bitter smile, "This little girl is too much trouble. I have no interest in her at all. I don't want to end up like Li Qiao, that scoundrel..."
"Is that really the case?" the Snake Venerable chuckled, his voice fading away. The knocking sounded again, and Li Yi had no choice but to slowly walk over and open the door. Standing outside, Li Nana stood prettily, her face adorned with a light smile, her beautiful eyes squinting slightly like crescent moons in the sunlight. She was dressed in a light blue dress, which perfectly showcased her delicate figure, with a casual white ribbon tied around her slender waist, fluttering gently in the breeze. Despite her flat chest, which Li Yi internally lamented as a scarce resource, Li Nana still looked extremely beautiful. No wonder the young men in the family treated her like a princess. Looking at the youthful girl in front of him, Li Yi couldn't help but sigh inwardly about the joys of youth, forgetting that to others, he was just a fifteen or sixteen-year-old boy himself.
Seeing Li Yi standing there in a daze, Li Nana seemed very happy. She blinked and grabbed Li Yi's hand, gently saying, "Brother Li Yi, come with Nana to the Martial Arts Pavilion today." The warmth of the girl's tender and delicate palm made Li Yi's heart skip a beat. This kind of warm feeling was not good, definitely not good. By now, Li Yi understood Li Nana quite well. This seemingly gentle girl was actually very sensitive at heart. What she sought was probably the so-called perfect love. Therefore, when she learned of Li Qiao's betrayal, her reaction was so despairing. Li Yi knew well that with such a woman, unless you truly liked her, it was better not to provoke her. After all, it's easy to return stolen goods, but how do you compensate for a stolen heart?
With these thoughts in mind, Li Yi discreetly withdrew his hand. He touched his nose and said indifferently, "I'm definitely going to the Martial Arts Pavilion, but it's not me accompanying you, it's you joining me... After all, that place is a sacred site for our Li family."
"Well then, let's go."
Standing in a clearing within the dense forest, Li Yi looked around and couldn't help but smile faintly. He could feel that the surrounding dense forest was hiding many defenders. Judging by their auras, they were probably above the level of Fighters.
On this clearing, the young members of the Li family who had won at the family clan meeting the day before stood together, each one brimming with excitement. Since gathering in the front hall in the morning, they had been brought to this place. Although everyone was somewhat baffled, no one voiced their confusion, instead excitedly discussing which techniques or martial arts they wished to select. During their chatter, their gazes occasionally fell on Li Yi, who was in a corner, helplessly entangled by several young girls. Although members of the Li family referred to each other as cousins, the blood relations had become extremely diluted over many generations. Now, these outstanding young ladies of the Li family were very interested in Li Yi, the future young master of the family. Despite knowing his frivolous nature, the position of the family master's wife was still very appealing. Li Nana, like a little cat guarding her food, was fending off the girls approaching Li Yi with claws bared. The scene was quite lively with their chirping and chattering.
Those of the younger generation who had witnessed Li Yi's outburst the night before had knowing looks on their faces, while many others were confused, even envious... especially considering Li Nana, who was usually seen around Li Qiao, was now showing such affection towards Li Yi. The sight drove many to envy. Finally, after a long wait, strong auras suddenly appeared in the sky. Moments later, the high-ranking members of the family, led by Li Han, landed before the crowd like lightning. The first to appear was Li Han, followed by three elders. As for the eldest elder, who was usually the leader, he had already been executed.
Li Han's gaze swept over the crowd, and when his eyes fell on Li Yi at the back, he showed a trace of relief. However, seeing the girls around Li Yi, he could only smile wryly as a father. The appearance of Li Han immediately quieted everyone, and all eyes turned to him, curious about being summoned to this place. Li Han cleared his throat and spoke loudly, "Fellow clansmen, I believe those of you here today are the new generation of elites of the Li family. Perhaps many of you will become powerful figures in the future. But remember, you bear the Li family's blood, and your ancestors shone across the entire Tianfeng Empire as Emperor-level fighters! Remember your roots, for the family can grant you powerful techniques and martial arts, and can also take them all back! Do you understand?" The best way to take back techniques and martial arts was naturally to kill the person, a fact everyone understood. However, the younger members of the Li family were more excited about the Martial Arts Pavilion, and without thinking, they all responded, "Yes!"
"Very well," Li Han nodded, "Before entering the Martial Arts Pavilion, we have one more thing to do..." Saying this, Li Han stepped back, looked at the three elders with a half-smile, and said lightly, "Elders, don't you have something to announce?" The three elders exchanged glances, and after a moment, the third elder stepped forward, his voice grave, "Last night, the eldest elder's line attempted a rebellion. The eldest elder has been executed on the spot. Anyone of his line should share the same fate! Everyone, witness the consequences of betraying the family!" With a wave of his hand, a group of Li family guards pushed out dozens of Li family members bound with ox tendons from the bushes. These people knelt down facing the younger generation, with Li Qiao at the forefront, his face ashen.
Many gasped at this sight, and those who knew about last night's events looked at the three elders with disdain. To preserve their status, they had betrayed their allies, exchanging everything for their survival – shameless Old Coots! Those unaware of last night's events were already inquiring about it, and soon the story had spread. The looks occasionally cast at Li Yi were filled with respect. In the land of Martial Deity, power is respected. With Li Yi's strength in defeating a Warrior, no one doubted his abilities.
Li Nana, now with a subdued expression, looked ahead, her gaze falling on Li Qiao, lost in thought. Seeing her expression, Li Yi smiled faintly and said, "It seems the elders want to execute the entire line of the eldest elder to stabilize their position, so Father won't pursue further... Li Qiao... will naturally be the first to go... If you're reluctant, I could say something, maybe save his life." Li Nana hesitated, then shook her head slightly, "No need. I was blind to have liked such a person... Now that I see his true face, why should I pity him? Brother Li Yi, thank you. If it weren't for you last night, I might not have had the will to live today." Li Yi touched his nose, his smile bitter. Li Nana, oh Li Nana, you can be grateful to me, but please don't fall for me... your Brother Li Yi, I'm not a good person!