Chapter Sixty-Three Lady Liji of the Gongsun Family

Arriving with nothing, departing in grand style.

Li Yu gazed at the endless line of carriages, his heart swelling with pride.

Yan Lingji blinked her enchanting eyes, watching Li Yu’s foolish grin, the corner of her lips curling upward.

“Yu! Seeing so many girls accompanying you to Qin, aren’t you proud?”

As she spoke, she lifted her bare, snow-white jade leg and gently rubbed it against Li Yu’s calf, seductively alluring.

Li Yu stepped forward, gently grasped her delicate foot, caressing it tenderly, unable to let go.

“You are all my treasures~ I will cherish each and every one~”

Yan Lingji laughed, arching her supple waist.

“Don’t lick, it tickles~” she said, bending over and thrusting her other foot toward him.

Li Yu, now far more skilled than before, swiftly caught the second beautiful foot, placing them together, marveling at their beauty, and began to lavish his attention with his lips.

As he continued, he knelt down, advancing deeper—

…

Zhao State.

A small border town near Jinyang.

Mountains clustered together, and a family resided between the hills.

Li Yu gazed at the mountain courtyard.

Finally, he had reached his destination.

A girl in the prime of her youth came into view.

At first glance, Li Yu knew why Ying Zheng could not forget this woman.

A peerless beauty secluded in a tranquil valley.

Her hair was fresh, her face delicate, her eyes clear.

Li Yu had never seen such purity.

She was like a peaceful painting, making one reluctant to disturb.

As Li Yu admired the golden phoenix of the mountains,

A figure nearby was also sizing up this unexpected guest.

Cloaked in canvas, holding a three-foot sword,

His gaze fixed on the wooden staff in Li Yu’s hand.

As a swordsman, he instinctively sensed that the staff was dangerous.

Li Yu noticed the unusual gaze and looked over.

A young man, well-built, with a clean face and a touch of rebelliousness, appeared before him.

“May I ask who you are and what brings you here?” the young man approached and asked.

Li Yu glanced at the sword in his hand and smiled, “I heard there’s a skilled swordsman here and wished to meet him. I suppose that must be you~”

The young man, realizing Li Yu was from the martial world, grew interested, lifted his sword, and asked, “This sword was bestowed by my master. Where is your sword?”

Li Yu raised his staff to his chest and slowly drew out a blade: a jet-black sword with fish-scale patterns, cold and foreboding.

“This sword is forged from extraterrestrial meteorite, a bit heavier than usual,” he said, tossing it to the young man.

The young man felt its weight; it was indeed extraordinary.

“This sword is odd—only one edge.”

Li Yu smiled, “That’s related to my swordsmanship philosophy~”

The young man, impressed by Li Yu’s candor, wanted to befriend him, handed the sword back, and bowed, “I am Jing Ke. May I know your name?”

“I am Li Yu~” Li Yu smiled as he introduced himself.

“Hmm? Your name sounds familiar,” Jing Ke frowned in thought.

“My name is quite common; perhaps you’ve heard it elsewhere,” Li Yu replied with a smile.

“That’s true!~ Your sword is extraordinary—surely your skill matches it. Shall we spar?” Jing Ke asked eagerly.

Li Yu discarded the scabbard, raised his sword slowly, and lightly swept it across the ground: “I would love nothing more~”

Jing Ke drew his sword: “My swordsmanship—one kill every ten paces. Within ten paces, no one survives.”

Li Yu tapped his toe on the ground: “Taiji~”

The tension rose; Li Yu readied himself, not daring to underestimate a historical figure.

A gentle breeze swept by.

A Taiji Bagua pattern appeared beneath Li Yu’s feet.

Jing Ke lunged like a leopard, his whole body shooting forward, leaving only a blur, rushing toward Li Yu.

“Brother! Dinner’s ready!~” a clear voice rang from the foot of the mountain.

Li Yu sidestepped, narrowly avoiding Jing Ke’s strike.

Such speed!

Li Yu, confident in his reflexes, barely dodged.

He countered, sending a wave of sword energy that grazed Jing Ke’s hair, splitting a nearby boulder in two.

Jing Ke glanced back, breaking into a cold sweat.

He quickly jumped outside the ten-step range, waving his hand, “No more! What kind of swordsmanship is this, so powerful?”

Li Yu sheathed his sword and looked toward the mountain’s base, “Someone’s calling you for dinner~”

Jing Ke glanced at the girl beckoning below and smiled gently, “That’s my junior sister. Brother Li, join us for a meal. I’d like to learn more about your swordsmanship. May I?”

Li Yu laughed heartily, “Gladly~”

At the mountain’s base,

He admired the simple bamboo house, the yard filled with unknown herbs and vegetables, exuding warmth.

Li Yu’s gaze fell on the woman in front of the yard.

Her face was round, her brows like willow, her waist slender, gentle and lovely, radiating purity, like the girl next door.

Jing Ke saw Li Yu looking at his junior sister and introduced her, “This is my master’s daughter, my junior sister—her surname is Gongsun, her name is Liji.”

He then introduced Li Yu to her, “This is my new friend, Li Yu. Sister, do you have extra bowls and chopsticks? Meeting Brother Li calls for a celebration~”

He pulled Li Yu into the house.

Li Yu smiled at Jing Ke, “Your sister is like a phoenix in a mountain spring, Brother Jing, you are fortunate!”

Jing Ke blushed, “Brother Li, don’t tease. I only promised Master to care for her. As for her feelings, I can’t discern them. We grew up together—more like siblings than anything else.”

Li Yu nodded, smiling without comment.

Jing Ke took out a wine jug, “Meeting Brother Li today is cause for celebration~”

Li Yu shook his head, “I’m not good with alcohol~”

Gongsun Liji entered with dishes, overhearing, “Brother, guests should not be pressed to drink. Brother, you should drink less; it leads to trouble.”

Jing Ke scratched his head and smiled at his sister, “I didn’t know Brother Li doesn’t drink. I’ll put it away~”

Li Yu stopped him, “I’ll have tea, you have wine—it’s the atmosphere that matters~”

He then asked Gongsun Liji, “I am at the age of dancing elephants; may I ask your age?”

Gongsun Liji frowned and looked at her brother.

Jing Ke laughed, “My sister is in the age of peaches and plums—three years older than Brother Li.”

Li Yu quickly stood and bowed to Gongsun Liji, “Your little brother greets you, elder sister~”

Gongsun Liji hurried forward to help, “No need for formality~”

Li Yu savored the pure lotus fragrance from her, speaking gently, “Clear water emerges from the lotus, naturally unadorned. Sister, you are like the lotus in a spring—please accept my bow~” and bowed again.

Gongsun Liji, unable to pull him up, awkwardly returned the gesture.

…

Sitting at the head, Jing Ke narrowed his eyes, deep in thought.

After a satisfying meal,

Jing Ke impatiently dragged Li Yu back to the mountain.

“Brother Li, that sword move has haunted my dreams. How did you do it?” Jing Ke asked, itching for answers.

Li Yu smiled, “Sharpening the axe does not hinder the chopping. To master the sword, one must first train their qi. When your qi reaches a certain level, the sword technique will naturally follow.”

Jing Ke: “Brother Li, you know Daoist qi cultivation?”

Li Yu laughed, “It’s not difficult; I can teach you. I’ve also created a Taiji sword technique—I’ll teach you both, to repay today’s meal.”

Jing Ke was shocked and tried to refuse, “How can I accept such generosity?”

Li Yu smiled, “I envy your Ten Steps One Kill technique; you can teach me in exchange. That way, neither of us loses out~”

Jing Ke, increasingly impressed by Li Yu’s boldness, agreed.

…

Jinyang.

Li Yu contacted Qin’s liaison in Zhao, arranging some affairs.

The next day,

Li Yu walked briskly to the mountain courtyard, familiar now.

“Sister~ these are some vegetables and good wine I bought at the market.” Li Yu placed the items on the table.

Gongsun Liji peeked out, seeing the gifts, “Why do you bring things?”

Li Yu laughed, “I always eat at your place; it’s only right~”

Jing Ke entered, seeing the wine and meat, “Brother Li, you’re too generous~”

Li Yu replied, “No matter~ today, let me show you my cooking skills~” and took the ingredients to the kitchen.

Leaving Jing Ke and his sister exchanging glances.

On the third day,

Li Yu arrived early, this time bringing not only food but also silk fabrics.

“Sister, I’ve noticed you wear the same clothes—your brother must honor you. These fabrics are for you to make new clothes; girls should look beautiful~”

Gongsun Liji touched the silk, recognizing its value, and hurriedly pushed it back, “These are too precious, I can’t accept~”

Li Yu smiled, “Money is but a worldly thing; as long as you’re happy~”

What woman doesn’t love to dress up?

Gongsun Liji was tempted by the luxurious cloth.

Jing Ke also smiled, “Sister, it’s Brother Li’s goodwill. Accept it~”

On the mountain,

Jing Ke felt the qi flowing through him,

His face grew excited.

“Brother Li’s method is unique—I feel my physical strength has increased!”

Li Yu marveled at Jing Ke’s aptitude; those who make history are never simple.

Li Yu held a tree branch, “My Taiji sword technique differs from all others. Watch closely, Jing Ke~”

He moved his sword, his qi circulating, the sword fast then slow, dazzling, the branch multiplying or vanishing, mysterious.

Jing Ke watched, entranced, mimicking the moves.

A week passed quickly.

When Li Yu presented a delicate jade hairpin to Liji, pinning it in her hair,

Her entire demeanor transformed—no longer the simple mountain woman, but adorned in silk, with rouge lips and subtle eye shadow, topped by a phoenix hair ornament—truly the golden phoenix!

Ying Zheng’s insight was indeed extraordinary.

“Now I can’t do any chores,” Gongsun Liji said helplessly, looking at her dress.

“Never mind~ whatever you need, just tell your little brother~” Li Yu, no longer hiding his feelings, gazed fervently at her.

After these days together, Liji understood Li Yu’s intentions.

Her cheeks flushed as she turned away.

“Brother wasn’t home last night~”

Li Yu’s eyes twitched, “Maybe he went to visit friends~”

Liji: “I just fear he’ll cause trouble.”

Li Yu: “No worries~ I’ll take the blame if needed~”

Liji: “…”

For several days,

Li Yu saw no sign of Jing Ke.

Liji sensed something was wrong.

She and Li Yu went to search for Jing Ke.

“Usually, brother tells us when he travels. Why not this time? I fear he’s in trouble~”

Li Yu gently put his arm around Liji’s shoulder, speaking softly, “Don’t worry, I’ll handle it. You go home; I’ll look for him~”

Liji relaxed, nodding. Li Yu always gave her peace of mind, so different from her brother.

The next day,

Li Yu returned to the courtyard, seeing Liji looking haggard.

He quickly took her soft hand, squatted down, “Sister, I found out—Jing Ke killed someone in Handan—a son of Zhang Er’s family~”

Liji’s body went limp; Li Yu hurriedly supported her to prevent her from falling.

Embracing her fragrant, soft form, Li Yu’s heart surged, but he restrained himself, putting on a look of grief, “I heard the young man abducted women; Jing Ke couldn’t stand it and intervened. Leave it to me, I’ll find a way to get Jing Ke out of prison~”

Liji, grief-stricken, clutched Li Yu’s sleeve, “Yu~ you must help my brother~”

Li Yu stroked her gentle face.

“Rest assured~”

…

Qin State.

From afar, Li Yu saw a convoy of carriages waiting on the main road.

“Report~ Lord Changping, by the king’s order, is here to welcome the Grand Architect~” the scout replied.

“Oh? Ten miles from Xianyang, isn’t this too grand?” Li Yu mused aloud behind the curtain.

“Master~ you’re so impressive!~” The little enchantress Yan Lingji spun her perfect curves, sitting on Li Yu’s lap, making him very excited.

“Vixen, wait till we get home and see how I deal with you~”

As he spoke, he caressed her soft peaks.

Lately, Li Yu had explored every inch of Yan Lingji, except for the final step.

The most delicious is saved for last—to savor the ceremony.

This made Yan Lingji itch with anticipation. So whenever she could, she teased Li Yu—it wouldn’t do to suffer alone.

Li Yu could barely withstand such temptation, wiping away a trace of blood from his nose.

…

Nodding City.

On the plaza of Nodding Academy,

Li Yu methodically taught students the Taiji palm technique and methods of cultivating qi.

His unique childhood philosophy made his teaching difficult,

He had to explain from the basics of acupoints.

His own sister learned the fastest—already able to spar with him evenly.

“Xiao Wu, your Eight Segment Throw is good, but girls suffer too much—easy for others to take advantage. From now on, use it only on me, not others~” Li Yu said gently, stroking the waist of Xiao Wu, who clung to him.

“Brother, you’re so lecherous~” Xiao Wu, unable to bear the touch, slipped out of the sparring circle.

“This move is bound to make me jealous~” Li Yu smiled, stroking his hand—so smooth~

“Watch this~ Bow Waist~” Xiao Wu leapt, locking her hips around Li Yu’s shoulder, trying to throw him down.

Li Yu inhaled her maiden scent, his mind racing.

This must be a charm technique!

He forgot Xiao Wu was an animal—less guarded.

Li Yu took a horse stance, followed her momentum, leaned back at an incredible angle, and hugged Xiao Wu in his arms.

“Xiao Wu, this move is forbidden too—only use it on me~” Looking at the blushing, adorable bunny, he felt his restraint slipping—were it not for the crowd, he’d have kissed her.

“Brother~ with all these restrictions, how will I fight?” Xiao Wu complained.

“I’ll protect you from now on; you don’t need to fight. Besides, Taiji Bagua is enough for you. Girls should be reserved~” Li Yu stroked her braid, speaking softly.

“Brother~ put me down~ so many people~” Xiao Wu was actually shy.

Li Yu laughed, gently setting the little bunny down.

“Boss~ teacher is amazing, twisting like that and still fine~”

“Boss, why are you blushing?”

“Boss~ teacher plays favorites, always giving you special treatment~”

“Yeah! Even a private dorm for you~”

“Boss, how does teacher raise his qi? I can’t feel it—teach me!”

Surrounded, Xiao Wu couldn’t take it, shouting,

“Stand in line~ I’ll teach you how to raise qi~” Xiao Wu, acting like a little adult, looked at her peers with pride.

When Tang San returned to Nodding Academy after weeks absorbing his second soul ring,

He found everything changed.

His bed had been reassigned,

Xiao Wu’s blanket was gone.

“Xiao Wu?~” Tang San guessed and headed to the plaza.

He saw Xiao Wu teaching roommates strange moves.

“Xiao Wu~” Tang San breathed a sigh of relief and greeted her.

“Third Brother, you’re back!” Xiao Wu greeted him warmly.

“Xiao Wu, why is the dorm different?” Tang San asked.

“Third Brother, teacher says boys and girls shouldn’t live together~” Xiao Wu replied shyly.

Tang San was stunned—Xiao Wu, shy?

“Teacher? Which teacher?” Tang San sensed the issue.

“It’s me!~” Li Yu stepped forward, smiling at the kid.

“Who are you?” Tang San instinctively felt threatened—not just by power, but also by Li Yu’s aura, refined by Taiji and the Twelve Skills, giving him an ethereal quality.

If he had to describe it, it was very celestial.

“I’m the new teacher at the academy,” Li Yu said gently.

“I don’t accept you as my teacher,” Tang San blurted.

Li Yu wasn’t offended, smiling, “I don’t ask you to accept me. Isn’t your teacher someone else? That so-called Grandmaster—receiving school stipends, yet privately tutoring students. Students eat and live at school, yet never follow school rules. You two make quite the pair!”

Tang San erupted, “Don’t insult my teacher! He’s beyond your comparison!”

Li Yu smiled, “I hear the Grandmaster has ten core theories—did he really invent those?”

He looked intently at Tang San, “He claims there are no useless martial souls, only useless soul masters. Nonsense. Tell me—do you only have Blue Silver Grass?”

Tang San was shocked, blurting out, “You’ve investigated me?”

Li Yu continued, “Xiao Wu is my sister. Anyone interested in her, I investigate. A Blue Silver Grass martial soul with innate full soul power—do you think people are fools? Twin martial souls are easy to guess, and yours is very powerful. Am I right?”

Tang San stumbled, nearly falling. He had apprenticed to the Grandmaster because the Grandmaster recognized his twin martial soul at first sight, making Tang San believe the theories were profound.

Was this common knowledge?

No, he’s bluffing~

Tang San turned to Xiao Wu, “You said, she’s your sister?”

Li Yu smiled, “Xiao Wu and I hit it off; not long ago, we became sworn siblings~” He stepped forward and took Xiao Wu’s little hand.

Tang San exploded, “Let go of her!”

He released his soul rings—two yellow rings.

Li Yu pulled Xiao Wu aside, smiling at Tang San, “You’re a bit domineering. Xiao Wu’s choice of brother is her freedom. Why shout?”

His expression grew serious.

Tang San aimed at Li Yu, “Blue Silver Bind~”

Li Yu didn’t bother to move, tapping his toe lightly—a Taiji Bagua appeared on the ground.

“Azure Dragon~”

As spoken, so done.

A giant azure dragon emerged from the Bagua, soaring toward Tang San.

Tang San was stunned, blurting out, “Azure Dragon?”

Li Yu smiled, “You recognize it? Then you know what it means. Go~”

Without suspense,

The dragon struck, sending Tang San flying.

Tang San lay on the ground, staring at the sky, pointing at the dragon, and fainted.