“What does it mean to promote one’s hobbies and interests?”
Little Li leaned back in tactical awe.
A slight ripple came from the seed of the world.
The Panjie Meteor Hammer was protesting.
Recently, Li Mo had been so busy practicing swordplay that he neglected it. The Hammer Treasure felt very aggrieved, its sharp energy clamoring for attention.
“Wait for the next hammer-testing event, ‘Test the World with Hammers,’ and I’ll make sure you shine bright!” Li Mo promised seriously.
So, the Hammer Treasure ceased its complaints and happily accepted the empty check.
His conscience twinged.
Things that come too easily often aren’t cherished—it’s human nature…
As Little Li pondered this, he changed clothes—the ones made by Chu Long for him. The craftsmanship was a bit childish, but full of heart, and the fabric was top-notch.
“Let’s be real; if I say I’m a swordsman, who would oppose me?”
Li Mo admired himself in the mirror and pushed the door open.
Upon stepping out, he saw Jiang Chulong squatting in the courtyard, hugging her knees, surrounded by a few scruffy wild cats munching on leftovers she had left behind.
Hearing footsteps behind her, she turned her head, momentarily stunned.
“Li Li Li… Brother Li… you’re wearing…”
“Good-looking, right?”
Li Mo asked with a smile as he stood before her.
“Is… is… like the sun above.”
Through the fabric, Jiang Chulong’s dreamy eyes reflected the spirited youth.
“Haha, where’d you learn that kind of adjective?”
“I heard them praising… Father Emperor… that’s how they praised him…”
Jiang Chulong sneakily assessed him, ultimately unable to hold back and reached out to smooth the wrinkles on Li Mo’s robe.
“Thank you.”
Li Mo affectionately rubbed her head.
“Uh…”
Jiang Chulong opened her mouth but suddenly found herself struggling for breath.
Just the thought of Brother Li sporting this outfit and gaining fame made her head spin.
Is this how the customers feel after drinking too much at the shop?
But she clearly hadn’t had any alcohol…
“We ought to get you some new clothes, too.”
Li Mo, noticing that Little Princess Jiang was still wearing the outfit from when he ran that hot pot restaurant, suggested.
“No… no need… I’m… very happy wearing this.”
Jiang Chulong hastily shook her head while clutching her hem.
“When we get the chance, we can walk around together. Yunzhou City is so bustling; maybe there are clothes you’ll like.”
“Walk around with Brother Li…?”
Jiang Chulong murmured, seemingly imagining the scene.
Li Mo couldn’t help but grin.
Before long, the senior brothers and sisters woke up, and Ouyang Sai handed Li Mo a stack of silver notes, saying these were the earnings from the painting booklet.
Li Mo glanced at it and was surprised to discover every note was a thousand taels!
“‘The Overbearing Empress Fell for Me’ makes this much?”
“This is just the fee for the first issue,” Ouyang puffed out his chest, a smug grin plastered across his face as he spoke louder.
“Li Shidi, you and Ying Bing Shimei are my bread and butter!”
“…..”
Li Mo suddenly remembered that he had been seeing feedback on an investment called ‘Facial Rejuvenation’—turns out it was all thanks to Senior Brother Ouyang’s big mouth.
No wonder.
At that moment, a room opened.
The rented courtyard instantly fell silent.
Ice Chunk stepped out wielding her sword, the dark feathered cloak she wore enhancing her air of mystery.
What a grand entrance!
Everyone was already dignified folks, but standing next to her made them resemble bodyguards.
If we were judging by presence and looks, there’d be no need for a summit at Jiuzhou—the title of Sword Hero could just be handed to her!
“Aren’t you all leaving?”
Ying Bing poked her head out the door, puzzled.
Little Li, dazed, replied, “Ice Chunk, I have a question.”
“Isn’t it hot wearing mink in summer?”
“…..”
Ying Bing’s gaze swept over someone’s backside before she moved directly to the carriage.
Meanwhile, Jiang Chulong quietly murmured, “Brother Li… that’s not… not mink…”
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…
In the bustling streets where carriages swarmed like dragons and voices poured like rain.
The Qingyuan Sect’s procession was hardly eye-catching amid the crowd.
Not only was the ground lively, but the skies weren’t peaceful either.
Some were riding on giant eagle beasts soaring through the air, while others, who had practiced a specific type of aerial martial arts, stood on their swords, gliding with casual flair.
Their entrances could be described as ‘eight immortals crossing the sea, revealing their skills.’
“Wasn’t that just the guy who arrived on a sword, one of the Hengyun Trio, Wu Chushu?”
“Must be.”
“No, wait, doesn’t he live in Hengyun Sword City? Why’s he riding back from outside?”
“He’s the real deal, a swordsman of the hero kind; let’s not question him.”
“If you can stand on a sword, so can you.”
…
The crowd buzzed with discussions, filled with strong admiration and jealousy.
“If it weren’t for me needing to churn out text…”
Li Mo sighed, his Destiny Eye reflecting Wu Chushu soaring on his sword.
He bowed his head and started jotting it down in his little notebook.
【Name: Wu Chushu】
【Age: 25】
【Root Bone: Wansheng Sword Bone】
【Realm: Six Apertures of Guan Shen】
【Fate: Blue with a hint of purple】
【Rating: Ranked fifth in Hengyun Sword City, lightly secured the 74th spot on the Qianlong List, known as Wansheng Gentleman.】
【Recent Encounter: Preparing to challenge Ying Bing, looking for a stage at Hengyun Sword City, his heart and mind in turmoil.】
“…….”
Li Mo paused upon writing this.
Suddenly, he didn’t feel so envious of the guy anymore.
In fact, he felt a bit sympathetic.
Even if his Dugu Nine Swords were minorly successful, he lacked confidence in beating Ice Chunk—the only time he managed to win with a sword was by exploiting her minor… flaws, after which he never saw her make a mistake again.
Shaking his head, he continued documenting.
He’d recorded all the chivalrous figures worth investing in from the martial world.
Among them were already famous names like Wu Chushu and also included others who were nameless and yet possessed great strength.
Suddenly—
Li Mo’s eyes shifted slightly.
That was an ordinary-looking green young man casually sitting on a bizarre beast, emanating an unremarkable presence.
But in his Destiny Eye, this fellow was far from ordinary.
【Name: Huang Donglai】
【Age: 25】
【Root Bone: None】
【Realm: Five Apertures of Guan Shen】
【Fate: Blue with a hint of purple】
【Rating: Acquired a peculiar treasure that can break down various martial arts, temperament calm and low-profile; practiced tirelessly for ten years in his small hometown before gaining confidence to venture out.】
【Recent Encounter: On his first battle since leaving home, he bumped into Jiang Chulong and felt like a total noob, so he scuttled back to his little town to practice harder…】
Li Mo: “…..”
What a ten-year sword god!
If you’re so steady, why not train a bit more with others before you dive into the arena?
He continued recording until he unconsciously murmured:
“Seems like we have quite a few geniuses in the Eastern Wilderness.”
“Indeed, there are quite a few.”
Ying Bing gently replied while leaning on Tian Shuang.
“That’s rather strange.”
“After all, it used to be the capital of Da Shang.”
“That makes sense.”
Li Mo pondered deeply.
A place once prosperous like an emperor’s capital is understandable to have still a few outstanding talents lying around.
Before long, they reached the mountain gate of Hengyun Sword City.
This area, nestled amidst the mountains and rivers, boasted ten arenas.
An old man with a sword bowed to everyone first before saying:
“Once you step onto the arena, you’ll become the arena master. Anyone can challenge you for a spar, and the victor will take the title.”
“After three days, whoever remains on the stage can be considered to have passed the sword test.”