But Hidden Bow’s effect is doubled, and the chance of activation is a hundred percent.
However, this is only one percent, pitifully small.
But that phrase “fatal effect” seems to let one’s imagination wander.
Does it mean that, regardless of realm and defense, once hit, there is a one percent chance of instant kill?
If that’s the case, then the effect of this famous painting is a bit terrifying.
However, after giving it some thought, Li Hao felt that something was amiss; the effect seemed somewhat unimpressive.
Against those of a lower realm, they could be easily killed with a flick of the hand, without needing its fatal effect.
If facing those of a higher realm, they could easily see through his attack, making it hard to conceal.
Unless it was during an intense battle where they failed to notice him and he was able to launch a surprise attack.
But such opportunities for a sneak attack were rare, and even if one did occur, the 1% chance was too slim, and to actually strike would consume an outrageous amount of luck—so much so that he would need to be extra careful when walking around, lest he accidentally trip and kill himself.
Nevertheless, no matter what, having an additional attribute was certainly better than none.
This extra power did not require his cultivation; it was as if he had picked it up for free.
When Song Qiumo saw Li Hao’s excited demeanor, she smiled and shared more good news:
“Besides these, I have also learned about the whereabouts of another famous painting. It is said to be in the hands of a Grandmaster.”
“Oh?”
On hearing this, Li Hao’s eyes immediately lit up, “Can it be purchased? What are their demands?”
“It’s just hearsay for now, I haven’t made contact with that Grandmaster yet. However, I’ve managed to track their movements; they should be heading to Dayue City in Liangzhou soon,” Song Qiumo said. “I heard that there was a grand event there recently. Hermit Tianji invited masters from all over the Great Yu Dynasty to discuss the Dao, and that Grandmaster is likely heading there for the event.”
“Grandmasters discussing the Dao?”
Li Hao was slightly surprised.
According to the interesting tales recorded in Listening Rain Tower, this was a grand event that occurred once every sixty years.
They invited Grandmasters from all over the world to corroborate Martial Arts.
These Grandmasters would also take their juniors along. Even if they merely listened in from outside, it greatly benefited their martial studies.
Most Grandmasters would seclude themselves in the mountains, focusing solely on cultivation and studying their own grand martial arts. It was only during these grand occasions that they would descend and exchange ideas in Martial Arts.
It is said that during the grand events of previous years, some extraordinary juniors, upon listening, would break open the Heavenly Gate on the spot and leap from the Fifteen Li Realm to becoming Grandmasters of the Tianren Sect, their fame spreading far and wide!
Each event never lacked one or two such juniors.
Therefore, in addition to the Grandmasters, those genius-level talents from the Fifteen Li Realm would also rush to the event after hearing the news.
“Dayue City is quite a distance from here. Even if we were to rush at full speed, it would take a day to go there and back…” Li Hao mused.
Song Qiumo said, “That Dayue City has city formations. Although I have a pass issued by the Great Yu Dynasty, it only applies within Qingzhou. I can move among the cities of Qingzhou freely, but for Liangzhou, I need to register and undergo verification at the provincial office, and I’ll need Song Yufeng to vouch for me.”
Li Hao knew that Song Qiumo couldn’t handle this herself.
Registration and verification were quite time-consuming processes.
Especially for a Four Stands Realm Great Demon King, the states were exceedingly cautious.
After all, once a pass was issued and they were allowed into the city, if the Great Demon King suddenly went on a killing spree, it would swiftly destroy the city.
The news of the city’s destruction might not even be reported before the Great Demon King could rampage elsewhere, causing consecutive destructions, inflicting great damage on the entire province.
Moreover, the nobility within the city were extremely averse to such matters.
A Great Demon King was like a tiger let out of its cage; even if you’re told it won’t hurt people, no one would be willing to take the risk.
Li Hao looked at Li Hongzhuang and asked, “Elder Hongzhuang, could you make a trip to Dayue City for me?”
Li Hongzhuang hadn’t expected Li Hao to be so obsessed over a famous painting. But having watched him paint over the past few days, she could somewhat understand; her nephew seemed to have put all his thoughts into these unconventional practices, and he wasn’t particularly enthusiastic about cultivating.
Apart from that night, she hadn’t seen Li Hao cultivate since.
Despite possessing a terrifyingly fast cultivation speed, he had no interest in cultivation, yet his realm was still the highest among his peers; Li Hongzhuang could only say that it was as if the heavens were spoon-feeding Li Hao, forcibly stuffing the food into his mouth!
“I’m too lazy to make the trip. If you want it, why don’t you go yourself?” Li Hongzhuang said.
She had no interest in these famous paintings. During her childhood, she did enjoy them, even embroidering and copying them onto handkerchiefs.
But once she took up the sword, she never touched a needle again.
The only images in her eyes were the snowstorms beyond the Frontier Pass and the countless Demons she needed to slay.
Li Hao felt somewhat helpless, but after giving it some thought, he found the idea feasible.
In recent days, all the Demons within three hundred Li of the Frontier Pass had been annihilated by him.
Even the Demons further away seemed to be fleeing and hiding, with him catching only a few on each hunt.
Leaving this place for a few days wouldn’t make much difference.
“If you decide to go, I’ll look after this place for a few days,” Song Qiumo, lounging lazily on the plush fur-covered chair, said as she noticed Li Hao’s intentions.
Li Hao smiled, “Then I thank you in advance, Elder.”
Song Qiumo cast him a slight glare, seemingly dissatisfied with the term “Elder,” but she didn’t say anything.
With Song Qiumo looking after things, Li Hao felt at ease.
His effectiveness in this area was far less than hers.
He reasoned that these days’ lack of Demons was most likely due to the news of Song Qiumo’s battle with the Dragon Lord spreading among the Demons outside the pass, making them all aware that, although Heavenly Gate Pass was seemingly deserted with the old army gone, it was now more formidable than if an army had been stationed.
Without a Demon King personally taking the risk of a warrant to breach the pass, this place would remain unshakeable!
“Since that’s the case, Qianqian, prepare yourself, and accompany me to Dayue City. It seems there’s a Martial Temple there, and you can undergo Soul Succession as well,” Li Hao said as he stood up.
Ren Qianqian’s eyes sparkled as she quickly voiced her agreement.
Li Hao ruffled the little white fox’s head: “Now that you’ve also entered the Soul Succession Realm, I wonder where you should go for Soul Succession.”
The little white fox lifted its head and licked the edge of Li Hao’s palm, looking up at him with a pitiable expression.
Li Hao smiled softly. The little white fox definitely could not go to the Martial Temple; otherwise, it would be slain as soon as it stepped inside.
The path of soul succession for demons is almost the same as that for the Human Race.
Those with a legacy continue the souls of their demonic ancestors.
Those without a legacy can only seek to worship under other Great Demons to receive their heritage.
Thus, demons also have their own forces and circles.
If they were still living in the Divine General Mansion, Li Hao could have helped the little white fox by sending it to Qingqiu Mountain, where the Fox Clan resides.
Qingqiu Mountain is also one of the forces affiliated with the Li Family.
The Qingqiu Mountain elder who measured bones was actually a Great Demon Fox.
However, a great war had broken out on Qingqiu Mountain a thousand years ago, where the Fox Lord perished, and for many years, no Demon King of the Four Stands Realm had been born, so they could only submit and affiliate with the Dayu Divine Dynasty.
“Hang on a little longer. When I return, I’ll look for an opportunity to see if there are any wild tombs of Demon Kings outside the frontier,” Li Hao said as he caressed the little white fox, “If it really doesn’t work out, give me some time, and I’ll slay a Demon King for you in the future so you can succeed its soul.”
The Soul Succession Realm is very crucial. He himself could fight beyond his realm largely because of the soul succession from heaven and earth, allowing him to condense the soul 360 times, far exceeding others in the same realm by four to five times, or even ten times.
With the subsequent enhancements at each realm, when taken cumulatively, they granted him this strength.
The little white fox nodded obediently and flashed a fox-like smile upon hearing Li Hao’s words.
Li Hao borrowed a bag of Silver Coins from Song Qiumo and set off with Ren Qianqian.
The little white fox was left behind at the camp, entrusted to Song Qiumo for care.
Ren Qianqian helped Li Hao carry his sword, while Li Hao … carried Ren Qianqian.
However, this “carrying” involved using the power of object manipulation to lift her up. The two of them, one after the other, flew out of the camp.
Feng’s figure followed from a distance, stepping silently in the snow and wind.
Li He still chose to secretly follow behind Li Hao, continuing his duty as a protector.
Although he now knew that this young master’s combat strength was second to none compared to his own, it was an order from the military.
…
…
Dayue City is located at the central-northwestern part of Liangzhou.
This place has thoroughfares in all directions, and outside the city, there are neither mountains nor forests, just a vast plain, serving as the northwest axis of Liangzhou.
Every month, countless escort and merchant caravans come here.
The winter snow blankets the land, creating a monochrome world, but the wheels of the carriages create dark streaks on the earth, like deep black tears.
On the main road outside the city, carriages gallop from all directions, forming a continuous stream on the wide imperial road and entering the majestic city walls.
“Miss, Dayue City is ahead of us,” said a plainly dressed maid in simple clothes and soft armor to the young girl beside her.
The girl, with a sword at her waist and dressed in white, looks out of the carriage, taking in the sight of the towering walls, as imposing as a mountain range at the horizon.
“This Dayue City’s momentum is not inferior to Qingzhou City,” the girl murmured as she gazed intently.
She was none other than Li Wushuang, who accompanied her father to Liangzhou.
Having arrived at the military camp and not staying for long, she heard about the Grandmaster’s gathering hosted by the Hermit Tianji and immediately disguised herself. Taking the two female guards her father, Li Xuanli, had arranged for her from the army, she rushed over overnight.
“This city houses one of the seven major families of Liangzhou and is also where the third wealthiest person in Liangzhou resides, hence its grandeur,” explained the maid.
Li Wushuang nodded slightly, appearing unconcerned.
Any family or noble house paled in comparison to the prestigious Divine General Mansion.
Her gaze swept over the official road and the snowy plains around it, as well as the distant mountains only visible at the edge of the horizon, she muttered to herself:
“If this place were to engage with Demons in battle, a sizable army could be gathered. It’s a central area, making it difficult for the Demons to hide their tracks.”
The maid smiled faintly upon hearing this; indeed, she was a general’s daughter, with a focus entirely different from that of the usual noble young ladies.
“Coming here to learn the Dao could lay a foundation for my entry into the Heavenly Human Realm in the future, and it would also be beneficial for my breakthrough into the Fifteen Li Realm. There’s even the possibility to advance further on the Qian Dragon List!” Li Wushuang’s eyes sparkled.
The Qiankun List is divided into two lists. Those over 18 years of age are not allowed to be recorded in the Qian Phoenix List.
Those over 22 years of age are not allowed to be recorded in the Qian Dragon List.
The Qiankun List is primarily for the young.
Those prodigies from noble families mainly vie for a spot in the Qian Phoenix List. While those who qualify for the Qian Dragon List are mostly scions of the Divine General Mansion or top forces, such as disciples from Gan Tao Palace and Mount Wuliang, or direct heirs from other first-rate sects.
To be listed in the Qiankun List means to be recognized as the most outstanding youth in the Dayu Divine Dynasty.
The only criteria for being listed are the evaluation of one’s cultivation realm and actual combat achievements!
Hence, many noble offspring enter Jianghu, showcase valor and righteousness, slay Demons and monsters, and make a name for themselves, hoping to attract attention and be included in the Qiankun List.
Once listed, they receive invitations from various powers and aid from numerous resources. The path of cultivation becomes smooth, and there’s no longer any need to worry about the lack of cultivation techniques, resources, or weapons. One only needs to focus on cultivation.
Li Wushuang is currently ranked just outside the top thirty on the Qian Dragon List.
Those ahead of her, all the way up to the 28th place, are geniuses of the Fifteen Li Realm.
They come from various forces, or are the direct heirs of supreme warriors like Sword Saints or Blade Saints.
Among these, Li Wushuang recognizes many by name, some she is even well-acquainted with, such as the two from the Divine Travel Realm among those who precede her. Ranked at 28th is Li Hao’s betrothed, Bian Ruxue.
Both are in the Divine Travel Realm, but she ranks slightly higher than Wushuang.
The reason for his rise in the rankings was that three months ago he descended from the Sword Cottage, entered the world, destroyed a Mo River, and with a single sword slashed two Great Demons of the Divine Travel Realm who had crossed their boundaries. His combat achievements were outstanding, so he was placed ahead of her.
Joining the Qian Dragon List at the age of fourteen was nothing short of sensational.
Even with a named mentor, there would still be many forces willing to reach out and win him over; even if it was just for a favor or acquaintance, it would be worthwhile.
The Qiankun List was updated monthly, and Li Wushuang thought about the latest changes, her mood inevitably complex.
When the newest rankings were announced, the young martial artists of the nineteen states were all shaken.
Even though the Divine General Mansion deliberately concealed the grand battle of Qingzhou, there were too many witnesses, and the news could not be hidden. Moreover, Tianji Tower, the establishment responsible for the Qiankun List rankings, claimed to grasp the heavenly secrets and see through all things in the world.
They might even know if a certain youngster in the borderlands were to disturb a bird’s nest, let alone such a significant battle.
With the update of the Qiankun List, that name naturally made it onto the roster.
Ranked fifth.
Fourteen years old and fifth on the Qian Dragon List.
Li Hao.
Seeing this message and ranking, all the forces paying attention to the Qiankun List were shocked, especially when they saw the description of that young man’s realm, having reached the Heavenly Human Realm!
A fourteen-year-old in the Heavenly Human Realm shook the world to its core.
No wonder he was ranked fifth on the Qian Dragon List.
It should be known that historically, only those in the Heavenly Human Realm were qualified to contend for the top ten positions on the Qian Dragon List.
For example, the disciples under the True Person of Gan Tao Palace, the cherished successors of that Buddha figure, or the newly taken pupils by a certain wandering beggar, and other young True Dragons from the Divine General Mansion…
Too many exceptional talents, too few spots available.
This was, after all, a selection of just ten from the countless martial artists of the Dayu Divine Dynasty.
As the ranking was released, some in the Rivers and Lakes Misty Rain Tower predicted that within two years, this youth would climb to the top of the Qian Dragon List and remain seated there until the age of 22 when he would leave the rankings.
Suppression of the Qian Dragon List for six years!
This prediction, though audacious, didn’t seem so far-fetched in light of his record-breaking cultivation speed.
Li Wushuang had come to Dayue City primarily to catch up to that silhouette.
…
…
At another gate of Dayue City, a caravan approached.
“Look, we’re almost there!”
The curtain of the carriage was lifted, and out from the caravans peeked young faces, full of lively vitality.
“Yue Yao, this Dayue City is quite impressive indeed.”
Inside the carriage, Lin Feifei, dressed in green, had sparkling eyes full of surprise, as this was her first visit to Liangzhou. Due to the geographical environment of Liangzhou, which is not suitable for agricultural farming, the state often imported food from other states. In her mind… this was a poor area.
Indeed, in terms of fiscal revenues amongst the nineteen states, Liangzhou was among those at the bottom.
“Yes.”
Song Yueyao, who was traveling with her, nodded slightly, her eyes gleaming with a trace of longing for the upcoming grand event.
“Yue Yao, did you hear that Heavenly Gate Pass, where Master Li sits, is in Liangzhou?”
Lin Feifei suddenly thought of something and curiously asked, uncertain about her geography.
Song Yueyao’s gaze sharpened, the light in her eyes seemed to retract, and she grew somewhat silent, “That’s right.”
“Then, should we go and see him after this event is over?” Lin Feifei blurted out with her thoughts.
Song Yueyao shook her head, well-aware of her friend’s nature, saying:
“Heavenly Gate Pass is unpredictable and perilous, our presence would only cause him trouble. Grandfather said that Aunt Qiumo has gone to see him, he should be fine.”
“Oh.”
Seeing this, Lin Feifei could only give up with regret, muttering a few words in defense of Li Hao softly, barely above a whisper, and did not dare to continue.
These words were only murmured in secrecy, for slandering the Divine General presiding over a state was no trivial matter, and even if unheard, it made her somewhat uneasy.
“We’re here to cultivate and improve ourselves this time, we need to stay focused. After we reach the Fifteen Li Realm, it won’t be too late to look for him.”
Song Yueyao said.
Without attaining the Fifteen Li Realm, one couldn’t even fly, and if faced with powerful demons, escape wouldn’t be an option.
Lin Feifei nodded slightly, understanding the profound significance of the grand assembly of Grandmasters for them, it could lay a foundation for their eventual stepping into the Heavenly Human Realm.
After all, overcoming the threshold to the Heavenly Human Realm must be achieved on their own; no matter how plentiful the resources, building up to the Fifteen Li Realm is where it ends.
The carriage curtain fell, and the carriage swayed toward the massive bronze city gates.
…
…
Outside Dayue City, high in the sky a hundred li away.
Several figures rushed through the air, landing on the desolate ground, a good distance from the official road, unnoticed by anyone.
Leading them was a young man dressed in a purple-golden robe, with a stalwart build, handsome features, but a long, dense beard on his lower jaw, and eyes flashing a compelling purple-gold light.
“Young master, that’s Dayue City ahead.”
A gray-robed elder respectfully said.
He had dragon horns coiling atop his head and gray scales at his neck, his cheeks were pointed and carried a hint of chilliness.
“It looks to be a fine platter indeed.”
The purple-golden robed youth’s eyes shimmered with a violet hue, and he licked his lips slightly as he focused his gaze, “Once we take down this city, we can join forces with my father inside and outside the northwest, directly tearing through. Together with those people, the garrison troops of Liangzhou won’t have time to react!”
The gray-robed elder smiled, “I heard they are holding a grand event here, with masters from all states rushing here. These will be sumptuous meals for you, young master, to enjoy at your leisure.”
“`
“These reptiles, after cultivating for just dozens of years, can reach the Heavenly Human Realm, and their breeding capacity is rapid, they are truly disgusting!”
“`
The purple-gold robed youth spoke coldly, a trace of cruelty crossing his face.
The few people beside him all wore faint smiles, not speaking.
“Let’s go, let’s have some fun in that city first. Have the army standby, ready to act on our signal. Once we break the city’s formation, we can take it down in one fell swoop and minimize casualties.”
The purple-gold robed youth said, walking towards the city.
“Young master, if you are going into the city, you need to change your clothes, and your divine eyes…”
The gray-robed elder hastily interjected.
The horns of the dragon above his head also retracted into his hair, while the gray scales around his neck also disappeared, making him look just like a normal elderly man.
“What a hassle.”
The purple-gold robed youth frowned, clearly displeased.
“The purple-gold garb is exclusively used by the royalty of the Human Race, drawing too much attention.”
The gray-robed elder respectfully advised.
“Hmph, damn reptiles!”
The purple-gold robed youth’s face was full of dissatisfaction, but the color of his clothes still changed slightly, turning into a simple yellow robe, and the purple in his eyes also disappeared, replaced with black.
“Let’s go.”
“Young master, here is your command token.”
The gray-robed elder handed over a token.
The token was stained with some blood.
…
…
Two figures flew swiftly, landing on the official road outside Dayue City, then paced towards the city.
Li Hao casually plucked a blade of grass from the roadside, twirling it idly in his hand. He occasionally hopped over the uneven snow and slush that marked the rutted road, to keep his boots clean.
Ren Qianqian hugged her sword, following steadily in his steps. The two occasionally stepped wide or leaped to avoid mud puddles, finally arriving at the city gate.
After paying the silver for the entrance fee, they entered the cobblestone streets of the city.
“There sure are a lot of martial artists.”
Li Hao scanned his surroundings, noting many martial artists along the way, mostly of the Divine Travel Realm with a few from the Soul Succession Realm, probably here for the excitement.
The shops and taverns in the city were bustling with crowds, extremely prosperous.
As they passed by, Li Hao listened to various conversations and exchanges. Some discussed the Grandmaster’s convention, some gossiped about certain Grandmasters, and in those conversations, Li Hao even heard his own name mentioned.
“Did you hear about the fifth ranked on the Qian Dragon List? The youngest Grandmaster in history!”
“I heard from my father that this record was broken by a prodigy of the Li Family over a decade ago, and now it has been refreshed by someone from the Li Family again.”
“The Li Family should be the first among the five Divine General Mansions, right?”
“Shh, keep your voice down. Let me tell you a secret, my friend told me that the least known of the five Divine General Mansions, the Wang Family, is actually the most fearsome…”
…
The topic gradually veered off course.
Li Hao was slightly surprised; he was aware of the Qian Dragon List, updated monthly by Tianji Tower.
The Hermit Tianji, who had issued a broad invitation for Grandmasters to seek the Dao, was one of the masterminds behind Tianji Tower.
Tianji Tower was said to know everything, as Li Hao had seen in Listening Rain Tower, where the vast majority of strange and interesting stories from the Jianghu were the work of Tianji Tower, even recounting the details of a Grandmaster taking revenge and annihilating a family as if they were present at the scene.
There were even accounts of a Grandmaster keeping a beautiful young lady, included in the Chronicle of Romantic Affairs.
However, Li Hao had heard from his Second Uncle that the reason Tianji Tower was so well-informed was not due to fabrications, but rather because it was backed by the Royal Family.
Tianji Tower had high prestige in Jianghu, and it was one of the methods the imperial court used to infiltrate Jianghu from the temples.
This showed how terrifying the power that the Dayu Dynasty actually held.
Was it because of that battle… Li Hao’s lips twitched slightly, not expecting to end up on the Qian Dragon List because of it.
As for the list itself, he didn’t care much.
Most people fought for a spot on the list for fame and fortune; with fame came wealth.
There were also a minority who simply yearned for fame, aiming to be remembered by the world, recognized wherever they went, and mourned after their deaths.
But Li Hao had little interest in either fame or fortune.
He just wanted to live longer, more leisurely, to be an ordinary guest, wandering through the world.
Perhaps the most precious thing in life is to live freely.
“Let’s go, I’ll take you to the Soul Succession in the Martial Temple first.”
Li Hao said to Ren Qianqian.
Ren Qianqian’s eyes lit up, and she immediately nodded in agreement.
Li Hao casually asked someone for directions, learning there were three Martial Temples in Dayue City; the largest was on City God Street in the city center.
Immediately, Li Hao took Ren Qianqian there.
Along the streets, they encountered many martial artists from various provinces, mostly in small groups led by an elder.
City God Street was extremely lively, with temples where many came to burn incense and pray.
This temple was also under Mount Wuliang’s jurisdiction, belonging to one of Mount Wuliang’s subordinate forces.
Li Hao glanced at it without any intention of praying, leading Ren Qianqian straight to the central Martial Temple of the street.
At the Martial Temple, there were also sacrificial altars, but surprisingly fewer people burning incense than at the temple.
Li Hao watched with a frown, then he and Ren Qianqian each bought some incense with a few silvers, lit them, and paid their respects to the heroic spirits in the temple.
Once done, Li Hao brought Ren Qianqian to the front of the Martial Temple and found the temple’s keeper.
The keeper, an old man, upon seeing Ren Qianqian’s identity, learning her father’s status, and verifying her initial entry into the Soul Succession Realm, accepted their silver, recorded her name in the register, and granted Ren Qianqian entrance into the Martial Temple.
The heroic spirits inside the Martial Temple were in a semi-somnolent state; whether one could move them or not depended on personal skill.
With nothing better to do, Li Hao strolled around the temple, noticing two temple keepers playing chess behind the temple. He squatted down to watch.
A pair of stinking chess baskets.
After watching for a moment, Li Hao could not bear to look any longer, shook his head, and left disinterestedly.
The two young keepers just glanced at each other and smiled, treating Li Hao as a youth who didn’t understand the intricacies of chess, lacking the patience to play.
