Chapter Thirty-Four: The Gate of Myriad Laws

Four days after they set out, they were met by disciples from the Ten Thousand Laws Sect who had come to escort them. These disciples were led by Qin Xiaotian’s senior brother, Ouyang Hao, who was not only the chief disciple of the sect leader but also the most accomplished among the second-generation disciples—he was already said to have one foot across the threshold into the Innate Realm.

Upon meeting the trio, Ouyang Hao first asked Qin Xiaotian to recount the events. When he learned from Qin’s account that Li Xingyu was an innate expert, he attempted to probe Li Xingyu's cultivation by releasing his own aura. To his surprise, Li Xingyu showed no reaction at all, merely smiling as he watched Chen Jingrou, who was curiously observing the Ten Thousand Laws disciples nearby.

“He truly is an innate master, and at least at the mid-stage of the Innate Realm. But he looks so young—perhaps more than ten years younger than myself. I’ve never heard of an innate master this young,” Ouyang Hao mused after his subtle test. He then approached Li Xingyu, his demeanor respectful yet guarded, and said, “Thank you, sir, for your righteous assistance. Without you, my junior brother might not have survived this ordeal. If anything had happened to Miss Chen on our grounds, we would not have been able to answer to her father. On behalf of my master and the Ten Thousand Laws Sect, I express our deepest gratitude. If you have no pressing matters, I would like to invite you to stay with us for a few days. I am sure my master would be delighted to meet you.”

Ouyang Hao was indeed worthy of being named a candidate for the next sect leader—not only was he highly cultivated, but he was also shrewd in his conduct and words. This invitation was likely another way to test Li Xingyu. Li Xingyu, having sized up Ouyang Hao, feigned consideration before replying, “I happen to be free at the moment. Originally, I intended to accompany them for a while and leave after meeting someone from your sect, but since you’ve said so, I too wish to witness the elegance of your sect leader.”

“It is our honor to have you as our guest. Let us return together then. Miss Chen, I suggest you accompany us as well, and wait until your father sends someone to fetch you before leaving.” Without waiting for Chen Jingrou’s reply, Ouyang Hao commanded the other disciples, “Let us go back.” Though he found Li Xingyu’s appearance and actions somewhat unusual, since Li Xingyu had saved his junior brother and shown no malice, he felt it inappropriate to press him about his identity. He was not worried about any mishaps after returning to the sect, for the sect leader was already a mid-stage innate master, with several elders also at the Innate Realm, not to mention the reclusive grand elder.

Li Xingyu understood Ouyang Hao likely remained wary of him, but he did not mind. He was confident in his abilities and, more importantly, harbored no ill intentions toward the Ten Thousand Laws Sect. As they set out once more, he mounted one of the horses provided by the sect.

Though Chen Jingrou felt somewhat slighted by Ouyang Hao, she was aware of his renowned standing in the martial world. Slightly disgruntled, she nonetheless obediently followed along, with Qin Xiaotian always at her side—a sight that made Ouyang Hao shake his head and sigh inwardly.

Perhaps it was because Qin Xiaotian and his companions had joined up with sect experts, or perhaps the Phoenix Martial Group had yet to pinpoint their whereabouts, but they encountered no more danger on the road, safely arriving at the foot of Ten Thousand Laws Mountain. At last, everyone breathed a sigh of relief, savoring the joy of safety. The sect’s headquarters was located atop this mountain, and now they were finally secure. Li Xingyu, however, did not share their sense of security; instead, he was observing the mountain itself, which, though not tall, was steep.

At the mountain’s base stood a row of houses, likely used for guest reception. At the entrance to the mountain path was a massive gate, carved entirely from stone, its craftsmanship and design revealing the sect’s advanced skill and technology.

The stairway ascending the mountain was constructed in a spiraling manner—this design, though lengthening the journey, reduced the slope and conserved energy. Moreover, the winding path provided numerous defensible positions, advantageous for defense. If enemies attacked en masse, they could neither reach the summit swiftly nor employ long-range weapons against the defenders. The traces of rock-cutting along the stairs and mountain walls evidenced their mastery of mechanical processing techniques.

As they ascended, Li Xingyu observed more and more signs of mechanical civilization—features he had not seen elsewhere. With each new discovery, he became increasingly certain that his earlier assessment was correct: the Ten Thousand Laws Sect possessed a technological level above the societal average. Of course, in Li Xingyu’s eyes, these techniques were still at the nascent stage of mechanical civilization, relying on manpower and animal labor.

Upon reaching the main hall of the sect, Li Xingyu saw the sect leader seated at the center. It was worth noting that the sect leader’s surname was not actually “Wan,” but by tradition, all who succeed to the position are addressed as “Master Wan.” He appeared to be about sixty, though Li Xingyu knew from his sources that his true age was closer to seventy, proof of his profound cultivation. Judging by the aura and pressure released when probing Li Xingyu, he was at the mid-stage of the Innate Realm. Several others sat in the hall; even the weakest among them was on par with Ouyang Hao, marking them as the sect’s senior members.

While Li Xingyu appraised them, they too scrutinized him. They had already received reports about him, but upon seeing him in person, realized their disciples had vastly underestimated his strength—he had reached the peak of the late Innate Realm, perhaps even rivaling the elders or higher. For such a young and accomplished expert to visit their sect, it was only natural for them to feel suspicious, tense, and uncertain.

“Tian’er, take Miss Chen to rest. I’ve already learned of your situation. All other disciples except Hao’er may withdraw,” the sect leader said, having assessed Li Xingyu’s cultivation. Li Xingyu was neither surprised nor objected, continuing to smile as he stood in the hall. Once the others had departed, the sect leader spoke, “Young friend Li, thank you for rescuing Tian’er and Miss Chen. It is a great honor to have you here at the Ten Thousand Laws Sect. Since you have arrived and met our senior members, may I ask your purpose?”

With this, his aura surged, his gaze locking intensely onto Li Xingyu; the others watched him nervously.

The old fox truly lives up to his reputation, Li Xingyu thought. He had expected suspicion, but not such directness. After a brief pause, he answered slowly, “Saving them was merely a small effort. As for my purpose, it is indeed not as simple as it appears, but I bear no malice. I am deeply interested in some of the sect’s techniques and methods, and I have insights I wish to discuss with you.”

“Oh? So young friend Li is also proficient in some of our sect’s techniques? May I ask which areas you wish to explore?” The first to speak was a middle-aged man seated beside the sect leader, whose cultivation matched Ouyang Hao’s. That he spoke out so eagerly suggested he had deep expertise in the sect’s mechanisms and related technologies.

“May I ask your name? My first interest is in your smoke bombs, and secondly, in the tools you craft and the techniques you use to make them,” Li Xingyu replied, glancing at the man.

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