The Transmigrator’s Cultivation

Arc 26: Chongming Domain Li Family | Chapter 473: Traitor Interrogation

Among those who returned this time, the foremost was a tall and sturdy middle-aged man. His features bore a striking resemblance to Li Qingyuan’s, but lacked his aristocratic aura, instead exuding a sense of authority. His cultivation was at the Transforming Tribulation Realm.

He was none other than the most powerful figure within the Li family’s direct lineage in the Chongming Domain, known as the branch clan leader internally, but in the family, he was referred to as the master of the Chongming Domain.

Following behind Li Xiuhe were dozens of clan elders.

These elders came either from the branch families or the direct lineage. They had made significant contributions to the family or possessed the same True God Body and had reached the upper stages of the Transforming Tribulation Realm. Others held important positions in the branches for various reasons or were respected figures with high moral standing.

Together, they formed the core power of the Li family’s branch in the Chongming Domain and were the most influential voices within the clan.

For any significant matters, they had to be convened and discussed through a clan meeting.

These individuals scattered to take their seats, occupying the two rows of black-backed chairs beneath the red-backed chairs, while Li Xiuhe strode to the statue at the forefront and took a seat in the most important spot in the ancestral hall.

At this moment, Xu Ziqing and the others felt a peculiar atmosphere permeating the ancestral hall, as if all present were coalescing into a form of “momentum,” carrying an implicit pressure that seemed to expel any force that did not belong within the hall.

Not only did Xu Ziqing feel as if he were being crushed under a massive stone, but the other sword cultivators also noticed their true essence was not flowing as smoothly as before.

This was the effect of a family that cultivated shen paths, influenced by shared bloodlines, connecting and forming a unique domain. It wasn’t that they were unwelcome; it was simply the natural result of their collective aura leaking outward.

This realization made these cultivators understand just how formidable the Li family was, a giant entrenched in the realm of Nine Void, accumulated over countless years and generations of bloodline heritage to achieve such an effect. If the mere gathering of one branch could produce this, what would happen if the entire Li family were to come together? That was probably something they couldn’t even begin to imagine. This was a glimpse into the depth of the family’s foundation.

Li Xiuhe scanned the surroundings, nodding slightly to the newly arrived lower realm cultivators. Then, his voice took on a hint of anger. “Bring Li Chengming, Li Chenghui, and Li Chengai here!”

Li Qingyuan’s expression turned cold in an instant, and the elders beside him emanated a sense of fury. Some among them displayed rather unpleasant expressions.

At that moment, two distinct attitudes emerged.

Xu Ziqing observed this and pondered.

Earlier, he had heard that the elders from the branch families were unwilling to believe… but now it seemed they might not disbelieve at all; they simply did not want to believe. However, the members of the direct lineage were clear on the matter.

Once Li Xiuhe’s words fell, two incredibly robust shen cultivators soon entered, escorting three younger-looking shen cultivators. These three had an imposing aura, with the strongest among them at the Entering Tribulation Lower Realm and the other two at the Gathering Origin Upper Realm.

Their cultivation was indeed impressive… and they all came from the branch families, likely destined for great futures if nothing unexpected occurred. It was no wonder the elders from the branch families were reluctant to let them go.

Xu Ziqing observed the expressions of the three shen cultivators; they seemed somewhat dejected, yet there was a trace of pride in their eyes. They clearly had been nurtured as exceptional talents. It was unclear why they suddenly developed malicious intent and chose to act against Li Qingyuan.

At that moment, Li Qingyuan’s face was filled with unmistakable disgust. “I have treated you all well in daily life, yet you dare to ambush me in the Tempest Field Realm. If it weren’t for my good fortune, I would have perished by now. According to clan rules, if a clan member kills another, if a descendant from the direct lineage harbors malicious intent towards a descendant from the branch family, the penalty is one hundred strikes if unsuccessful, and death if successful. Conversely, if a descendant from the branch family harbors malicious intent towards a descendant from the direct lineage, whether successful or not, they must pay with their life. I, Li Qingyuan, am the heir to the family business. Since you dare to entertain ill thoughts against me, you must be punished according to clan rules, and your lives will be forfeit!”

The young man named Li Chengming, who had already advanced to the Entering Tribulation Realm, changed his expression and shook his head. “What crime can’t be fabricated? We encountered a storm in the Desolate Realm, became separated by accident, and the three of us barely escaped. We returned as soon as we could. Although we bear some responsibility, we absolutely did not conspire against you. I don’t understand why the eldest son would make such accusations. We are wronged!”

Li Chenghui chimed in, “We are wronged! We hope the family head and the elders will investigate the truth and clear our names!”

Li Chengai added, “Eldest son, even if you are unhappy that Brother Chengming’s talents surpass yours, you shouldn’t unjustly accuse us like this!”

The three spoke with conviction, their expressions earnest, as if their words were all true. Yet in reality, they were reversing the truth, their shamelessness truly appalling.

Xu Ziqing was dumbfounded. Such individuals were indeed rare. Had he not heard Li Qingyuan’s angry words directed at them beforehand, seen them caught in a beast swarm, and personally rescued them, as well as interacted with Li Qingyuan and believed in his character… he might have been swayed at this moment.

Li Qingyuan’s face turned red with anger, his knuckles cracking as he clenched his fists. Although he envied the talents of exceptional family members, it was the True God Body he admired. While Li Chengming’s talents were indeed impressive, his Yang Spirit was not a True God Body; what was there to envy?

They had been exposed yet dared to spout lies here. Did they really think they could escape unscathed?

Even though the direct lineage trusted Li Qingyuan, many elders from the branch families wanted to protect the three young men, leading to secret discussions among the clan members. Some believed him, while others claimed disbelief, resulting in some arguments.

Thus, even for a colossal family like the Li family, entrenched in the Nine Void Realm, with strict management and stringent clan rules, there still arose entanglements that ignited anger. If a uniquely gifted shen cultivator were caught in such a predicament, their future calamities would be dire and hard to overcome.

At that moment, among the onlooking cultivators, Tu Jin suddenly chuckled coldly. “Shameless.”

Instantly, many elder’s gazes in the ancestral hall turned towards him.

Tu Jin continued, “Despicable and shameless, truly nauseating.”

The Taishang¹Title of respect for Daoists Elders and the family head heard him loud and clear.

Li Xiuhe raised his hand, and the atmosphere grew heavy, causing the three to dare not speak again. The elders had varying thoughts, but with the family head intervening, they could not concoct any rumors.

Li Xingba snorted heavily, “My grandson was saved by someone, and there are witnesses to attest to that.”

Then, Li Qingyuan cast his gaze toward the cultivators, his expression somewhat pleading.

Tu Jin remarked, “These three speak nothing but lies and have poor character.”

Xun Liang added, “Indeed, when we encountered Li Qingyuan, we were surrounded by the wind beasts; the situation was extremely perilous.”

Yin Xiu said, “The number of wind beasts was indeed unusual.”

Yun Lie also nodded slightly, “That’s right.”

The four sword cultivators had personalities that were either straightforward, righteous, or fiercely resentful of evil, yet all wore clear, open expressions.

Xu Ziqing sighed slightly, speaking in a calm tone as he recounted how Xun Liang had keenly heard fragmented conversations in the wind, how Tu Jin had loathed the act of betrayal and gone to investigate, and how the five of them had saved Li Qingyuan and the others, eliminating numerous wind beasts in the process. His account was far more detailed than the words of the four sword cultivators; every detail matched perfectly, grounded in reason, and clearly not fabricated.

As a result, the elders from the direct lineage and the Taishang Elders were more inclined to believe him. Even the branch elders, who wished to protect Li Chengming and the others, seemed momentarily unable to produce any arguments.

However, Li Chengming’s resolve remained firm. A trace of indignation flashed across his face as he declared, “You are friends with the eldest son, so naturally, you speak for him. I… I won’t say more; I can only endure this!”

He still refused to admit fault, instead portraying himself as a victim of unfounded grievances, as if he were being persecuted to death. This left the onlookers feeling frustrated. Li Qingyuan’s anger was further stoked, wanting nothing more than to unleash his Yang Spirit and stomp him to death, but he could not act on it, which was maddening.

After enduring, Li Qingyuan finally took a deep breath and spoke quickly, “I am acquainted with several benefactors who saved my life, which led to our friendship afterward.” After saying this, he closed his eyes. He had thought that upon returning to the clan, he could easily bring these traitors to justice, but he had not anticipated Li Chengming’s shamelessness in refusing to acknowledge any wrongdoing. Nevertheless, branch families were still branch families, and direct lineages were direct lineages. Even though they were supposed to be like brothers under clan rules, the direct lineage controlled the True God Body, possessing many secrets unknown to the branch members.

Li Qingyuan then turned to Li Xingba and said, “Grandfather, please let the True God restore my innocence and punish the traitors!”

Li Xingba also expressed his disgust towards the branch descendants, saying with conviction, “As your grandfather, I will not allow my good grandson to be wronged.” As soon as he finished speaking, all the Taishang Elders displayed approving expressions, and the direct lineage elders looked somewhat dazed.

Xu Ziqing and the other cultivators were unaware of the background but could see the confidence in Li Xingba and the others, which piqued their interest.

On one hand, Li Chengming’s behavior was so repulsive that they wanted to kill him quickly; on the other hand, it was clear that the shen cultivators were about to reveal some techniques they had never seen before, providing an excellent opportunity for them to broaden their horizons.

Soon after, Li Xingba took action. He suddenly shouted loudly, and a massive sun appeared behind him, so large it almost broke through the roof.

From within this sun, a strangely shaped giant rushed out—this was the unique True God Body of the Li family.

Inside the ancestral hall, this giant matched the size and appearance of the True God Body statue behind him.

But Li Xingba did not stop there; he solemnly bowed several times to the statue, murmuring what seemed to be an ancient incantation. Although the words were unclear, they carried a hint of extraordinary power.

This power resonated with the statue, and almost immediately, an illusory, towering True God Body emerged from the statue. It then quickly approached, attaching itself to Li Xingba’s True God Body!

Translator: Lynn

Translations are not 100% correct. Please let me know if there are typos/mistakes in the chapter.

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• 1Title of respect for Daoists