Born as an ant, I was summoned to ascend to immortality.

Chapter 79 Three Sounds of the Kui Drum

Yang Liuqing had come to the Situ family to discuss the cultivation of spiritual plants, and was about to leave when she happened to meet Zhou Li and his group at the valley entrance.

She recognized Zhou Li, not only because he was the top scorer in the major examination, but also because she had heard that he had comprehended sword intent at the Dharma assembly. With this connection, she, as a sword cultivator, couldn't help but pay more attention to him.

When her gaze fell upon Zhou Li, she saw him riding in a fiery cloud sedan chair, a small rope hanging from his chest, and a spirit pet hidden in his collar...

With her keen eyesight, she could immediately tell that the servant beside him had already reached the Foundation Establishment stage, while Zhou Li was only at the Minor Completion stage of Qi Refining. Her eyebrows furrowed almost imperceptibly.

In her view, how was this behavior any different from that of those spoiled brats from wealthy families who relied on external resources? Compared to her disciples who diligently cultivated themselves, the difference was stark.

Then she felt relieved. The people on Ziyun Peak where Zhou Li lived were lazy and lacked any ambition. She had thought that someone with the talent of a double-grade expert would be different, but now it seemed that he was not much different from ordinary people.

A wave of disappointment washed over Yang Liuqing. She had always been most averse to her disciples being greedy for worldly things and straying from the right path. Although Zhou Li was not her disciple, she regarded him as a junior sword cultivator because of their shared passion for swordsmanship.

She stepped forward slowly, her words calm yet carrying a hint of admonition: "The path of cultivation emphasizes transcending worldly concerns. I observe that you possess all the treasures, mounts, and servants you need, but I wonder what your views are on the 'elixirs, artifacts, runes, and arrays' of this cultivation path?"

Her original intention was to use this to enlighten Zhou Li, to tell him that these external things were all inferior, and that excessive indulgence would only waste his own cultivation.

Upon hearing this question, Zhou Li frankly replied, "Uncle Yang, I believe that pills can aid cultivation, artifacts can protect one's path, talismans can connect one to the mysteries of the universe, and formations can control the heavens. All four can serve as bridges."

He paused slightly, sensing Yang Liuqing's hint, but he had his own reasoning, so he continued:

"However, while the bridge may be convenient, one still needs to take the first step. The essence of cultivation lies within oneself; pursuing external things is like a tree without roots, making it difficult to attain the Great Way."

His words were his true thoughts, but Yang Liuqing interpreted them differently.

Seeing that Zhou Li listed the benefits of alchemical artifacts and talismans at the beginning, but then talked at length about his own strength, she felt that this boy was cunning and smooth-talking. He had clearly seen through her intentions and was deliberately saying high-sounding words to flatter her.

If he truly thought that way, why would he need to have such a grand display around him? In her view, his words before and after were utterly hypocritical.

The concern that arose in her heart due to the sword intent instantly turned into displeasure. She was straightforward by nature and disdained such hypocritical behavior.

Yang Liuqing's face immediately turned cold. She gave Zhou Li a deep look, said nothing more, and simply said, "You'd better watch yourself."

Having said that, he flicked his sleeve, transforming into a streak of emerald light that shot into the sky and vanished in an instant beyond the misty valley.

"Huh? Why did Uncle Yang leave so soon?" Yangyang blinked, somewhat puzzled. She was quick-witted, but she couldn't quite figure out the reason.

Zhou Li had already guessed that his words had probably displeased the other party, but he was open-minded and had no intention of explaining, so he put the matter out of his mind.

"It's alright." Zhou Li withdrew his gaze and looked at Yang Yang, saying, "Let's go, let's pay our respects to the Situ family head first."

The group passed through a pair of stone carvings of ghost dogs and followed the winding bluestone path deeper into the area, arriving at a tall lintel.

Taihe Courtyard, this is the core of the Situ family.

After announcing the arrival, Yangyang smiled and said, "Senior Brother Zhou, Grandpa might be somewhere right now. Let's go to the main room first."

Zhou Li nodded, and after walking a short distance, he saw a huge black jade screen wall.

The screen wall has a smooth, mirror-like surface with hidden runes, so it must be more than just a barrier to gather energy and hide the wind. I wonder what other function it has.

Passing the screen wall, rows of houses built of sacred wood are arranged in a well-organized manner, with flying eaves, brackets, and wood carvings, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship.

Unlike the celestial abodes Zhou Li had imagined, it was not filled with ethereal beauty, but the exquisite wood carvings and mysterious talismans, lying quietly in the secluded valley with a profound and restrained air, gave him a unique feeling.

Just as they could vaguely see the main hall ahead, a deep, muffled drumbeat, as if it came from ancient times, suddenly exploded in the air without warning!

"Thump—!"

The sound of the drum was no ordinary sound; it was concentrated and persistent, causing ripples to spread through the surrounding air, rustling down leaves from the trees, and making the ground tremble slightly.

"Kui Niu Drum!" Yangyang exclaimed in surprise, her pretty face filled with disbelief.

Upon hearing the drumbeat, Zhou Li felt his blood and energy surge, and he also felt a sense of peace and tranquility. It was quite mysterious. Just as he was about to ask, the soul-stirring drumbeat sounded again.

"Thump—!"

The second note was more powerful than the first, carrying a sense of declaration that resounded throughout the valley.

The mist that filled the valley was stirred up by the sound waves, and a series of whimpering sounds arose, like the low growls of a sleeping beast that had been disturbed.

Liu Zhaohan's face paled slightly. She came from the Netherworld Realm, and had never experienced such a powerful sound from a ritual artifact.

"Senior Brother Zhou, this Kui Niu Drum is a sacred artifact of our clan. It is said to be made from the ancient mythical beast Kui. The drumhead is covered with Kui skin and the drumstick is carved from Kui bone. It is not easy to make a sound when it is struck."

"If the drums are sounded, one sound is for celebration, two sounds are for warning, and three sounds..."

"Thump—!"

Before she could finish speaking, a third drumbeat followed, the deafening sound carrying for hundreds of miles beyond the valley.

The three drumbeats, each louder than the last, eventually merged into a mighty torrent, echoing endlessly through the valley.

"It's the three-beat ceremony!" Situ Yangyang excitedly grabbed Zhou Li's sleeve, her words flying out in a string, "Senior Brother Zhou, the three drumbeats are for welcoming guests, announcing to the entire clan that we will greet our guests with the ancient ritual of 'Three Courses of Tea'! This drumbeat is for you!"

As she spoke, she seemed to remember something, her cheeks flushing slightly, and her voice unconsciously lowering: "These three teas are usually... usually only reserved for the most distinguished allies recognized by the family, or... um..." She said somewhat shyly, her words muffled, "In short, it signifies that you are regarded as a distinguished guest of the Situ family, and it holds extraordinary significance!"

As if to prove her words, the once tranquil valley suddenly became lively.

One after another, streaks of light rose up and converged towards the central courtyard. The Situ clan members, disciples, and retainers in the valley also emerged from their houses and rushed in the same direction.

Whispers spread like a tide:

"I remember hearing about the three beats of the Kui Niu drum a few years ago..."

"That's right, last time it was to welcome the eldest son of the Fang family."

"Young Master Fang Lan was also exceptionally talented at the time, and the family head had high hopes for him, which is why he was welcomed with this courtesy."

"Could it be that another important figure has arrived today?"

"Look, Miss Yangyang is leading someone, could it be him?"

"Judging from his aura, he seems to be... merely at the Qi Refining stage. How can this withstand three strikes of the Kui Niu Drum? Isn't the Patriarch going too far...?"

"How could you possibly fathom the patriarch's concerns! These three cups of tea following the three clap are the threshold for the future son-in-law's advancement; who knows how far this man can go?"

A cacophony of opinions and whispers of doubt mingled around the Zhou rituals.