Long Aotian Pays a Visit

"Mastered it?" The Snake Venerable couldn't help but shake his head. "Kid, you've barely scratched the surface. How can you say you've mastered it? Let me test how far you've actually come."

"How will we test?" Li Yi asked, sensing the Snake Venerable's ill intentions. The Snake Venerable smiled and said lightly, "What do you think? Be aware, this time I won't hold back!" With that, the Snake Venerable's ethereal right hand waved slightly, sending a whip-like red Dou Qi lash towards Li Yi.

Li Yi waved his hands lightly, his right palm striking the Dou Qi whip. With a "ding" sound, Li Yi felt his body tremble, but he didn't sustain much damage. It seemed that his hands had indeed become as tough as weapons. "Good! Again!" he shouted, swinging his hands again, creating a wave-like motion towards the Snake Venerable.

"Arrogant kid," sighed the Snake Venerable, a red Dou Qi flash forming a shield in front of him. Li Yi struck the red Qi shield with his hands. The shield trembled slightly before dissolving into the air. The Snake Venerable nodded, "Not bad, kid. You've achieved something. But remember, even if you've grasped a Dou Skill, you need constant practice to be able to use it effectively when needed. You may know this move now, but it's still not enough... However, the next steps can't be rushed; you should keep practicing."

Understanding, Li Yi nodded and finally relaxed, feeling the strain of the intense training. He hadn't felt it during the session, but now that he relaxed, his whole body ached. He moved weakly to his bed, intending to lie down, but the Snake Venerable spoke, "This is the best time for cultivation, you should keep pushing yourself."

Li Yi paused, then with a wry smile, he nodded and sat down cross-legged. Changing his finger positions, an unusual seal appeared in front of him. As he breathed, the elemental energy of heaven and earth around him surged, and he entered a state of cultivation once more.

After a day and night of deep breathing, Li Yi opened his eyes, feeling his Dou Qi brimming, refreshing his spirit. The flow of Dou Qi formed another rotating sphere, indicating his breakthrough to two crystals wasn't far off. This realization uplifted his mood. He glanced at the ever-watchful Snake Venerable and said softly, "Thank you, Old Coot."

"As your master, it's my duty to take good care of you," the Snake Venerable replied with a slight smile, then vanished, "Kid, someone's here to see you, you might want to check it out."

Soon after, there was a gentle knock at the door. Li Yi walked over and opened it, finding a family guard standing respectfully outside. The guard said in a low voice, "Young Master, today Young Master Long Aotian from the Long family has come to visit, saying he wishes to see you."

"Long Aotian?" Li Yi frowned slightly. He had no particular feelings towards Long Aotian, having had only superficial interactions with him. Why would he come to visit? Did he recognize him that night at the Mo family? The thought troubled Li Yi; although he had disguised himself well, anyone who had seen his skills and had decent eyesight could infer something.

Deciding to find out Long Aotian's intentions, Li Yi nodded, "Alright, tell Young Master Long that I'll be there shortly." After watching the guard leave, Li Yi shook his head, changed into a set of white clothes, and, after freshening up, went to the Li family hall in high spirits.

In the hall, Long Aotian sat in a guest seat, smiling warmly. Given his status, only the Li family elders could properly receive him. Despite the underlying tensions among the three major families of Wan Chao City, they maintained excellent surface relations. The second elder, who rarely appeared in public, was chatting with Long Aotian about trivial matters. Suddenly, he caught sight of Li Yi entering the hall and quickly stood up, bowing slightly, "Greetings, Young Master."

Li Yi, who had no ill feelings towards this elder, smiled and said, "I'm sorry to trouble you with my guest, Elder. Since I'm here, you can attend to other matters; I'll take care of Young Master Long."

The elder didn't waste words, smiling briefly before quickly leaving. Li Yi casually took a seat and, after signaling the waiting maids to leave, turned his gaze to Long Aotian, asking indifferently, "What brings Young Master Long to visit? If I'm not mistaken, our acquaintance is quite superficial, isn't it?"

Long Aotian's smile remained unchanged, sensing Li Yi's confusion. He shook his head slightly and said, "You're right, Young Master Li. Our acquaintance is indeed superficial... However, that day at the Mo family, your unparalleled bravery and spirit truly astonished everyone. I consider myself quite a figure, but compared to you, I am nothing. Your boldness is truly admirable, Young Master Li. My visit today has no other purpose than to make your acquaintance as a friend."

Make a friend? Li Yi's eyes flashed. The relationship between the Li and Long families was anything but good. Making an enemy was easy, but befriending, especially in this case, was a much more complicated matter. Was Long Aotian knowingly challenging him, or was he genuinely playing the fool?

"You need not be puzzled," Long Aotian said with a wry smile. "To be honest, I am indeed intimidated by someone like you. However, there is someone who, no matter what, wishes to meet you. I had no choice but to act as the intermediary. I hope you won't make this too difficult for me."

"Someone wants to meet me?" Li Yi frowned slightly. Considering the Li family's influence in Wan Chao City, meeting him wouldn't be difficult, but it wouldn't be easy either. The fact that someone like Long Aotian was sent as an envoy suggested that the person wanting to meet him had no ordinary status. Li Yi was aware that his actions at the Mo family couldn't have escaped the notice of many, so it was likely that the nearby powers were paying attention to him. Some major forces might even want to court the Li family after seeing his potential, but who exactly it was remained unknown.

Realizing this, Li Yi understood that such a polite invitation couldn't be easily refused. If the other party could make Long Aotian willingly play the mediator, they must possess considerable power. After pondering for a moment, Li Yi smiled slightly and said, "Since Young Master Long puts it that way, I won't be coy."

"That's great," Long Aotian laughed heartily. "The carriage is ready outside, Young Master Li, please."

A luxurious carriage slowly traversed the streets of Wan Chao City. Passersby, recognizing the family crest on the carriage, instinctively stepped aside. Two sword-bearing guards closely followed on each side, their vigilant eyes scanning the surroundings. Inside the carriage, Li Yi leaned boredly against one side, his gaze drifting through the bead curtains to the outside world, lost in thought. Long Aotian, on the other hand, was all smiles. Seeing Li Yi's demeanor, he couldn't help but laugh, "Why so sullen, Young Master Li? Are you not pleased with my arrangements?"

Li Yi shook his head, "I've just been reminded that I haven't been out for leisure in months due to continuous cultivation. It's a bit melancholy." This response was fitting for Li Yi's current status, and Long Aotian did not question it, only replying with a light smile, "With Young Master Li's diligence, you're bound to become an unparalleled powerhouse. I am truly envious... And there's something else I wanted to discuss with you."

Li Yi thought for a moment and said with a smile, "Please speak, Young Master Long."

"Well then," Long Aotian smiled faintly, "I must thank you, Young Master Li, for sparing my life..."

Li Yi's heart skipped a beat – Long Aotian had realized it! But recognizing it was one thing; admitting it was another. Maintaining his composure, Li Yi replied lightly, "You jest, Young Master Long. There's no such thing between us."

Long Aotian responded with a hint of irony, "Is that so? It seems I have mistaken someone else. Please don't mind me, Young Master Li... Hehe..." The two exchanged glances, each trying to read the other's mind, but quickly looked away, as if nothing had happened.

Just as the carriage fell into an awkward silence, it came to a gentle stop. A guard opened the door respectfully, saying, "Young Masters, we have arrived." As the door opened, a waft of fragrance entered, tickling the nostrils, accompanied by a chorus of giggling voices that would make any man's heart flutter.

What is this place...? Li Yi had a good idea, but seeing Long Aotian's smirk, he couldn't help but cough and say, "Quite the arrangement, Young Master Long!"

Long Aotian replied with a light smile, "You're too kind, Young Master Li... Isn't this the kind of place you like? So please, go ahead..."

At this point, Li Yi had little choice but to follow suit. He shook his head slightly and stepped out of the carriage. The first thing he saw was a vast square filled with various carriages. In front of the square stood an opulently decorated building with its grand doors wide open, a crimson carpet leading the way. Several scantily clad women stood at the entrance, waving their sheer scarves lightly.

"Come back and play again soon, sir!" "I've missed you so much, sir!" "Oh my, you're so naughty, sir—"

Hearing these voices, Li Yi shivered. This was a bit too garish, wasn't it?