Cultivation Begins from Infancy - Chapter 467

Volume 3 - Chapter 142: The Supreme Saint's Influence - Part 1

"Is this his swordsmanship?"

On the other side of the battle platform, Chiguang, the Yunshang Woman, and the purple-robed youth who had previously been defeated in the Imperial Hall were all observing Li Hao's current duel.

The fight ended almost instantly, without any flashy exchanges. The opponent was too weak and hadn't even forced Li Hao to use his full strength.

Even so, they could sense the terrifying power of the profound Dao Rhythms contained within Li Hao's sword energy.

"Not bad," Chiguang remarked, narrowing his eyes with a cold smirk.

The Yunshang Woman's gaze grew serious. The Emperor of Canghai Divine Dynasty had gifted this person ten cities' incense offerings and allowed him to select three top-tier techniques. Now, it seemed this rival was indeed a formidable force.

This was the Hundred Strong Battle, and Luo Jia's Prince, who had performed impressively earlier, was defeated in an instant. This drew even more attention to Li Hao.

When word spread that Li Hao was a newly invited retainer of the Canghai Divine Dynasty, many factions sighed inwardly. The ever-shrewd Emperor of Canghai had acted with his usual swiftness.

After the duel, Li Hao stepped off the platform and continued pondering matters related to the Dao Domain.

Currently, what he lacked were techniques. Several factions had extended olive branches to him, and Li Hao was considering whether to accept some of them gradually.

However, opportunities came with obligations. These offers not only provided him with convenience but also required him to offer assistance and bolster the factions’ reputations in return.

With just one tie to the Canghai Divine Dynasty, he could manage, but if there were too many, it would feel overwhelming.

The hardest thing to repay in this world is a favor.

"Apologies for disturbing you, Young Master Qingfeng. May I approach for a conversation?"

While Li Hao was lost in thought, a graceful and elegantly dressed woman approached his solitary seat in the participant area. Her voice was as clear and pleasant as the ringing of silver bells.

Li Hao snapped out of his thoughts and looked at her curiously. "And you are?"

"I heard of Young Master Qingfeng's exceptional painting skills. Have you heard of the Huayou Association?" the woman, dressed in a luxurious yellow robe, asked with a smile through a sound transmission.

Li Hao’s expression remained calm as he transmitted back, "Where did you hear about this?"

"Naturally, from your display in the Imperial Hall," Gui Qinshuang replied, her smile deepening as she noticed Li Hao trying to probe her identity. She made no effort to conceal it, instead revealing through sound transmission:

"My father is the Emperor of Canghai Divine Dynasty. However, my purpose here is unrelated to the dynasty. I heard of your extraordinary paintings and thought you might also be a connoisseur of life’s finer pleasures. I came to ask if you might be interested in joining the Huayou Association."

Li Hao was slightly surprised; she was a royal princess.

While this was indeed an offer of goodwill, it was the first time someone had invited him based on a skill other than martial arts.

"The Huayou Association?"

Li Hao relaxed his restrictions, allowing her to come closer to speak. Casually, he set up a soundproof barrier around them.

"Indeed. The Huayou Association was founded by two Supreme Saints. Though they have since retired, it is now managed by several Semi-Saints. The association is extremely relaxed—there are no requirements to earn merit or perform tasks. It’s primarily a place for like-minded individuals to discuss poetry, painting, chess, and other arts," Gui Qinshuang explained softly.

Li Hao paused, genuinely astonished. An organization like this existed?

Moreover, it was founded by two Supreme Saints?

He was taken aback. In the Land of Saints, Supreme Saints were revered above all. It was said they solely focused on cultivating and spreading their teachings. That they would create such a leisurely group was surprising.

However, recalling how the Sword Lord fished alone in solitude, Li Hao found it somewhat understandable.

"So, you're saying this association is made up of people who enjoy such pastimes?"

Li Hao couldn’t help but ask.

If this was just a group of frivolous nobles, he wouldn’t be surprised. But an association managed by Semi-Saints and founded by Supreme Saints was certainly intriguing.

Gui Qinshuang anticipated Li Hao’s doubts and chuckled. "Young Master Qingfeng, with your unmatched skill in painting, aren’t you also someone who appreciates the arts? In this world, beyond cultivation, there should be other joys. Otherwise, wouldn't we martial artists become mere puppets of our training?

"The Huayou Association doesn’t pursue fame or incense offerings. However, if it truly faces trouble, it is a force no other faction would dare provoke."

She continued, "There are two requirements to join the Huayou Association. First, your cultivation must be at least in the Dao Seeker Realm. Second, you must possess expertise in at least one artistic skill—be it painting, chess, or calligraphy—of a recognized standard."

"Few have the leisure or spare time to cultivate such interests. As a result, many members of the association are exceptional talents within their realms, having reached the pinnacle of their cultivation. With the long passage of time and the slow progression of cultivation, they’ve turned to these other pursuits."

She smiled at Li Hao. "Does this not describe you as well, Young Master Qingfeng?"

Li Hao felt a sense of kinship. It was no wonder the Huayou Association had been created by Supreme Saints. Even though it revolved around artistic exchanges, the minimum requirement for membership was the Dao Seeker Realm.

Still, given the cultivation requirement, the association likely wasn’t as simple as it appeared.

"If it’s just about discussing poetry and art, I might be interested," Li Hao said.

He had been lacking skilled opponents to play chess with. If he could find a few top-tier players within the association, his Chess Dao might advance to the ninth tier, further enhancing his mastery of Dao and his divine abilities. Perhaps he might even glimpse the pinnacle of the Dao Seeker Realm.

Gui Qinshuang laughed. "There’s no need to worry, Young Master Qingfeng. The Huayou Association doesn’t measure seniority by cultivation level but by artistic skill. With your painting talents, you’ll undoubtedly be admired by many."

"Are there any chess experts?" Li Hao inquired.

Gui Qinshuang paused, then smiled. "There are. Does Young Master Qingfeng also dabble in Chess Dao?"

"Just a little," Li Hao replied.

Her eyes gleamed. "If you’re willing, I’ll report this to the Vice President immediately."

"Alright."

Li Hao nodded. It didn’t sound as simple as she described, but there was no harm in learning more.

Gui Qinshuang bowed and gracefully departed.

In the crowd, a few princes from other dynasties recognized her, their expressions shifting dramatically.

"That’s the Seventh Princess of the Canghai Divine Dynasty. I’ve heard she serves a Supreme Saint and holds an exceptional position among the royal daughters."

"Indeed. Although her cultivation level is average, her expertise in painting, chess, and embroidery is unparalleled. None of the other princesses dare provoke her."

"Who was she speaking with?"

"Don’t you recognize him? That’s the new retainer of the Canghai Divine Dynasty, one of the favorites to win this tournament."

Li Hao watched Gui Qinshuang leave and intended to close his eyes for some quiet meditation. However, he suddenly noticed a blazing light illuminating the venue.

Looking toward another battle platform, he saw Chiguang unleash a fire-based divine ability with a casual wave of his hand, incinerating his opponent into defeat.

It was Heart Fire, a nearly unbeatable power for anyone below the Dao Seeker Realm.

Li Hao glanced briefly at the scene before withdrawing his gaze to resume his meditation.

As the first matches concluded, three more battles followed. Among them, one involved the purple-robed youth.

Li Hao hadn’t expected to encounter him again during the Hundred Strong Battle. At this moment, the youth appeared far more composed, having shed the arrogance he displayed in the Imperial Hall.

Previously, he had looked down on opponents of similar cultivation, but his humiliating defeat at Chiguang's hands had left him shaken, nearly shattering his Dao Heart. The experience had forced him to temper his pride.

When the time came for their duel, the purple-robed youth looked at Li Hao with a deep, solemn gaze. He cupped his hands respectfully. "Please!"

Li Hao did not stand on ceremony, allowing the youth to make the first move.

The youth unleashed the full extent of his power, once again summoning the shadowy figure of a Great Emperor—a manifestation of the ancient bloodline flowing through his veins. It was one of the reasons he had achieved the status of a prodigy.

Seeing the Emperor’s Phantom materialize, Li Hao decided not to use Lin Qingying's Supreme Soft Sword Dao. Instead, he switched to the Sun and Moon Sword Dao, an ability belonging to Haoyue Holy Son.

Brilliant sword light burst forth, radiant and dazzling like a blazing sun crashing down from the heavens.

With a resounding boom, the Emperor’s Phantom behind the youth wavered and dissolved into nothingness. The youth was flung backward into the protective formation surrounding the platform, his face pale.

He fell to the ground, sitting dazedly. Looking up at Li Hao, who had executed the technique with a mere flick of his sleeve, he first appeared stunned, but his expression soon turned bitter.

This genius, who had earned the incense offerings of ten cities, was no less terrifying than Chiguang. The purple-robed youth had felt the overwhelming power of Li Hao’s swordsmanship.

Moreover, it wasn’t the same swordsmanship Li Hao had displayed previously. This was a completely different, domineering, and ferocious style!

"A second swordsmanship style?"

Li Hao’s display made many observers in the crowd focus intently, their eyes filled with astonishment.

"He actually mastered two distinct Sword Daos?!"

...

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