Things that are delightful and entertaining tend to spread like wildfire through word of mouth. This is the simplest and most efficient way of sharing news. The latest Qianlong List was swiftly making its rounds throughout every nook and cranny of the streets.
Inside the Green Wood Camp.
“We’re well stocked with food supplies, so our soldiers can enjoy a hearty meal,” Qu Sheng announced to a group of generals as they tallied up their military provisions, discussing rewards for the troops and compensations for the fallen.
Just then, a messenger burst into the tent, breathless:
“The Qianlong List just released! Young Hero Li and the Cold Fairy have both made the top ranks!”
The central tent fell silent for a moment.
Wu Lang, showcasing a grin that could rival a jack-o’-lantern’s, quickly asked, “What rank?”
“The Cold Fairy is first, and Young Hero Li is fourth. He even earned the nickname God Hammer Little Overlord! His name is echoing across the realm!” the messenger emphasized triumphantly.
“Not in the top three, though,” Wu Lang said, looking a tad disappointed as if the Yantian Sect were underestimating Li Mo and Ying Bing.
A guard chuckled, “Old Wu, the top ranks of the Qianlong List are filled with exceptional talents. They’re the kind of fellows who could stomp their feet and make the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths tremble! Just because Young Hero Li shared a meal of dumplings with us, don’t go thinking he’s just an average joe.”
The prince, when he was young, was once fourth on the Qianlong List too.
Thinking of it like this, it seemed surreal that such top-tier figures could casually help out making dumplings and fry skewers with them on the ground.
“I dunno, I still think anyone who ends up on the Qianlong List in Qingmu City couldn’t possibly be one who fights a hundred alone,” Wu Lang shook his head.
“Every rising talent has their day; there’s always someone at the top in the world,” Qu Sheng mused, coming back to reality as he pulled out a fresh piece of stationery to start writing.
“They might be lighthearted now, but everyone on the Qianlong List is at least three years older, if not more, than them.”
The generals nodded in agreement, a look of aspiration on their faces.
Who knows, maybe soon enough, Young Hero Li or the Cold Fairy would occupy the first or second spot on the list?
Even scarier, could it be that these two are actually a pair?
This could be the start of something unprecedented.
“This report needs to be sent to the Imperial Capital,” Qu Sheng said, drying the ink.
“What are you thinking?” someone asked.
“After our great victory in Qingmu, it’s only right we invite awards for our meritorious service!”
…….
At the Tavern.
“I just came back from the city gate after checking the rankings. Guess what I saw?”
“Stop teasing! What rank did Young Hero Li get?”
“What Young Hero Li? It’s God Hammer Little Overlord!”
“Wait, he’s fourth on the Qianlong List and is right here?”
“Uh, he seems to have already left.”
“Then I’m leaving too. I’ve got to go boast about my next meal.”
“Not even getting some barbecue? The sauce here is a secret recipe!”
“Waiter, take it to go!”
The news had quickly sparked widespread discussion across all social circles in Qingmu City, even boosting business at the Tavern.
The owner advertised that his barbecue sauce was personally taught by Young Hero Li—a secret recipe that had even confused tens of thousands of enemy troops during the battle, making it a crucial part of his famous barbecue strategy!
People were lining up from the street corner to the end of the road.
Second floor.
The Cold Fairy, dressed in a flowing black dress, absentmindedly twirled a strand of hair while staring off in the direction someone had departed.
He had made it onto the Qianlong List before her.
Even though she had topped the rankings last time, that was when Li Mo was injured and couldn’t partake at all.
Ying Bing felt a swirl of complex emotions; while she was thrilled that he was getting more impressive, a part of her was conflicted. Ever since she had secured the top spot on the Qianlong List, no one had come close to taking it away, until she entered the inner sanctum and made it onto the human list.
She picked up a large-headed doll tied to her waist.
With her eyes half-closed, she poked the doll on its forehead.
Will there ever be a day when he can shield her from the storm?
No one had ever sheltered her before, and no one had ever been worthy enough to rely on…
If that was the case, how could she continue to confidently call him a “stinky little brother”?
As those thoughts floated through her mind, she felt less and less like herself.
“That extra divine form of his seems impossible to reach perfection just by observation.”
“I should be advancing quicker in the Observation Realm…”
Ying Bing loosened her grip on the large-headed doll, her expression sharpening with focus.
She had sensed this during their dual cultivation—it was clear that they both possessed a part of the Taiyin divine intention, alongside another divine form’s conscious meaning. She was the Phoenix Goddess, while Li Mo manifested the golden-armored figure on the battlefield, ready to battle heaven and earth.
It seemed like that divine form could only be perfected through constant combat.
…….
Meanwhile, on the other side.
A white cloud was drifting away from Qingmu City toward the South Border, which was previously seldom touched by the Monster Clan and mostly influenced by Disaster Beasts, particularly with their respect for shamanic spirits and winds.
Although the somersault cloud could lift people, it could not carry others with it across vast distances.
Li Mo sat upon the cloud, wearing a serious expression akin to a frigid iceberg.
Wu Qing, Guo Chuan, and Ling Yuan were among a group of swordsmen skilled in form-based martial arts, their expressions unwavering, seeming poised for some grand mission.
Shang Qin Qing crossed her arms, shielding her mouth, her dress billowing in the wind.
Li Mo took a deep breath and said, “Everyone, this divine role is a serious one, and this performance is a solemn affair.”
“All of you are distinguished figures of great repute in the South Border. Regardless of what happens, no one should be laughing and joking around…”
“Pfft…”
Ling Yuan couldn’t hold back; he bit his lip, trying to suppress his laughter and tears.
“Uh, Big Brother Mo, your cloud… is really white, hahah—cough cough!”
“…..”
Li Mo fell silent for a moment, scanning the crowd of beings, ultimately sighing:
“Forget it, if you want to laugh, laugh! It’s better than holding it in until the plan kicks in….”
Just as he finished speaking…
“Baaa~~ Hahahaha, God Hammer~ Little Overlord~~~ Hahaha!”
“Ku ku ku…..”
“Hahaha, well then… I won’t hold back either.”
Shang Qin Qing put her hands down from her mouth, bursting into laughter and rolling around on the cloud.
“You’ve been laughing this whole time without stopping!”
“Elder Guo, if you want to laugh, just let it out! Don’t stomp your feet or we’ll shake the cloud and crash together!”
The scene descended into delightful chaos.
Hearing the raucous laughter, Li Mo was a bundle of black lines, utterly exasperated.
He intended to clear his name, exclaiming, “Actually, I’m a swordsman…”
“Hahahahaha!”
The laughter grew even more cheerful.
Even the Crimson Sky Sword seemed to shake, as if protesting against him.
God Hammer Little Overlord Li, with a poker face, was clenching his grinding teeth in exasperation.
Tian Miao!
Yantian Sect!
We’re dealing with a fair and square authority figure here! We need to be responsible, uphold good conscience, and most importantly, speak reason!
He invested so much into understanding martial arts and achieved such impressive results at Hengyun Sword City. Even if he came across a straight stick, he couldn’t help but cherish it…
Was it still too much to ask to be called a swordsman?!
What a slander! Didn’t these Yantian Sect folks have any conscience?
Li Mo resolved that one day, he would take his beautiful Master for a friendly visit and set the record straight.
Before long.
The silhouettes of several grand mountains, along with a village, materialized on the distant horizon.
The first stop for making a spectacle arrived.
Three Mountain Town.
