The emperor stood up, so how could the accompanying officials remain seated?
The few close ministers immediately stood up as well, exchanging glances with each other, seeing the same thoughts in each other’s eyes.
“Prince Regent is the son of His Majesty, representing the imperial family and all the noble families, symbolizing the face of the court. In the past, he has always been invincible among his peers.”
“Now that His Highness has lost, anyone can tell that His Majesty isn’t pleased.”
And Li Mo…
If I had raised my successor for many years only to suffer a crushing defeat, wouldn’t that show my incompetence? It would drive me mad!
You, Li Mo, came from a sect that guarded the imperial tombs of the previous dynasty. What level are you at to dare win against His Highness?
“This Li Mo…”
“He’s truly a reckless rogue, lawless!”
“He must have used some improper means!”
“Where did those swords come from? They don’t meet the conference rules. We must investigate thoroughly! All results should be invalidated!”
“Why does the Qianlong List have so many geniuses recognizing him? I suspect he harbors ill intentions and is forming cliques!”
“I looked at his face… well, he is quite handsome. But when I looked at his character… never mind, how could someone who practices hammer techniques be good?”
“My intuition has always been accurate. This kid is not right.”
“I watched the blacksmith competition. Did you see his arm suddenly become thicker just now? I suspect he has something to do with the divine power powder!”
The ministers rarely discussed the emperor’s thoughts together like this.
They ran out of words and started throwing mud, especially anything related to the divine power powder. The official himself even doubted if he was being too outrageous, and several colleagues looked at him in surprise.
What did Li Mo have to do with the divine power powder? It was a bit awkward.
But it didn’t matter.
What mattered was to express their stance and align with the emperor’s heart.
After everyone expressed their stance, Emperor Jingtai continued:
“It turns out that heroes emerge in youth. As for Jiang Yu, no one has a smooth journey. Losing a little face now is better than becoming arrogant and ruining the country.”
“…”
The scene fell silent, with the sound of slapping faces echoing.
But the ministers who had reached their current positions had thick skins long ago.
“I heard he is known for his generosity and extensive social circles. Indeed, meeting him is better than just hearing about him.”
“Our Qianlong Conference has always been fair, open, and just!”
“Hammers represent honesty and straightforwardness. How could someone using hammers be bad?”
“The emperor is wise!”
The close ministers complained inwardly, wondering if Li Mo might be the emperor’s illegitimate son, while praising him outwardly.
The top spot on the Qianlong List changed hands, even before the final round.
The imperial capital was in chaos for a while. This news was truly shocking.
The spectacle at Wumen needed no further elaboration.
“God Hammer Little Overlord! I’m your fan!”
“I love Little Overlord, I love Little Overlord!”
“They’re all fake fans, what about God Hammer? Divine Sword!”
“I suggest God Hammer Little Overlord change his name to Divine Sword Little Gentleman.”
“Oh? Where’s our village’s best sword?”
There were stunned ones, excited ones, and even some bending down to look for the village’s best sword… The entire arena was in complete chaos.
Li Mo, who actually got to experience being a swordsman, walked off the stage before the purple-robed eunuch announced the results.
Enjoying the applause from all directions, he felt no joy as he imagined.
Was it the loneliness of being undefeated, like the lone hero with an empty longsword, where all the heroes submit?
Don’t be ridiculous, he was only at the third realm.
“Isn’t my dream to be a hero in front of everyone?”
Li Mo couldn’t understand what he was being sentimental about.
“Brother Li!” Xiao Qian, who wasn’t good with words, looked at him excitedly.
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Setting
Traditional Simplified
“Old Li, you really won. Here, I still have some Face-Disfiguring Powder left. Use it to heal your wounds,” said Huang Donglai warmly.
“We are the champions!” shouted Murong Xiao loudly.
The monks from the nearby Dragon Temple were confused; their brother Guan Kong hadn’t even started yet, so when did the match end?
The scene was chaotic earlier, and they almost forgot that the Qianlong Conference hadn’t ended yet.
“Li Mo still has a match with Cold Fairy.”
“I’ll always support Ying Bing.” This was from an Ice Fan.
“If even the Crown Prince lost, Cold Fairy may not have a chance to win.” This was from a Champion Fan.
“Does it matter who wins? Either way, there will be arguments!” This was from Shang Qin Qing.
Shang Qin Qing looked over to a distance, narrowing her eyes slightly.
She felt relieved.
She saw that Li Mo did not accept the post-match interview or give any remarks, seemingly not caring much. He walked straight through the crowd and smiled in relief when he saw Ying Bing.
Not far away, Ying Bing also seemed less aloof, her expression melting like snow, clean and gentle, her steps lightened.
So, who wins or loses doesn’t matter at all, right?
CP fans are always invincible!
“Why didn’t you say two?” Ying Bing turned her face, as if just realizing he had come down.
“It wasn’t just me winning, it was exhausting,” Li Mo shook his head.
“I didn’t.”
Ying Bing shook her head.
Indeed, she had allowed Li Mo to temporarily merge with the Divine Sword of the Celestials during the connection with the Taiyin Consciousness Soul, but after that, it had nothing to do with him.
The sword spirit would open its doors to him because he held the sword, not herself.
“Are you not happy about doing what you’ve always wanted to do?”
“I didn’t expect to be so excited.”
Her delicate hand curled up in his large one, and Ying Bing suddenly lifted her head, looking at him seriously.
He still had the face of a young man, with unchanged features.
But his eyes were deeper…
She had to admit it.
Sometimes, returning, with the experiences of the past life, after being an empress and the mistress of the Moon Palace for so long, she often unconsciously placed herself in the position of her teacher.
Even though she rarely won in rankings…
She still subconsciously taught this exceptionally talented, yet childish ghost…
Vaguely, he had already lost the top spot on the Qianlong List, becoming the first among the Dragon Gate, admired by all the young elites across the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths.
Just as she was lost in thought, she heard Li Mo whisper into her ear:
“Ice Chunk, we agreed not to distinguish between us, right?”
“Why bring this up now?”
“What I mean is, since things are like this, it doesn’t matter who wins. Let’s not fight later, just go through the motions, and I’ll step down.”
“Why?” Ying Bing frowned slightly.
Winning again would basically lock him in as the top of the Qianlong List. How many people dream of such opportunities?
And she was curious.
Who would win in the rankings this time…
“I want to leave early. You know, I’ve always been very curious. Is the feel of pearl white lotus silk better, or is the black cloud gauze superior? I’ve always been curious.”
“…”
Ying Bing’s breath caught, and she pinched him on the waist.
Pinching his waist, Ying Bing paused, then said:
“No, we have to compete.”
“Alright…”
