Chapter 137: Recommendation

"Ultimately, he's still just a young man."

"Men chase fame and fortune—how refined we are, compared to them."

Two youthful Temple Keepers chuckled softly, their voices drifting through the quiet temple hall.

Li Hao, who had already begun to move away, paused mid-step. Turning back, he reached into the white stone box, plucked several Go stones, and swiftly placed them onto five key points on the Go board. With a light, satisfied hum, he strode off, his sleeves fluttering like the breeze.

"Rudely insolent youth!" The Temple Keeper playing white flared with anger, about to shout—only to see the young man vanish into the distance. Fuming, he turned to tidy the disrupted stones, but froze when he noticed his companion staring, utterly transfixed, at the board.

His heart jolted. Then he saw it—his previously hopeless position had been completely reversed. The five stones had carved out a new, unassailable territory. What chilled him more was that, missing even one stone, the formation would collapse into scattered, meaningless pieces—undetectable at a glance.

"This... impossible..."

...

After wandering the vicinity for a while, Li Hao grew slightly bored. Spotting that Ren Qianqian’s Soul Inheritance ceremony was still ongoing, he quickly located an elderly Temple Keeper and instructed him to tell the girl, once she emerged, to wait for him right here—no wandering off.

He handed over two silver coins. The old man grinned widely, gladly accepting, and promised to pass the message.

With that settled, Li Hao swept his sleeves open like a gust of wind, sauntered out of the martial temple, and entered the bustling city. He found a lively Alcohol Pavilion, eager to learn more about the famed Master Bai Chunhai.

The hall was packed with guests, roaring with laughter and chatter. On the spiral staircase, a candle flickered, its flame dancing in the air. Suspended half a meter above the flame, a rope held a dagger adorned with a dazzling amber jade pommel. Below, the crowd roared with excitement.

Li Hao glanced over. It was a contest—anyone who could pluck the dagger from the candle’s flame without shaking the flame would win it outright.

The gem alone was worth a fortune. No wonder so many were eager.

But Li Hao wasn’t interested in the dagger. He took the stairs to the upper level and settled into a quiet corner by the railing, his gaze sweeping the room. He filtered out the noise, honing in on whispers—fragments of conversation floating from the street, from nearby tea stalls, even from hidden corners.

His hearing was sharp. He caught every hushed word.

From a table behind him, a group of women murmured softly:

"That young man at the railing… so handsome."

A smile tugged at Li Hao’s lips.

Then, a familiar name cut through the air—Bai Chunhai—spoken by a trio seated near the window. Two women, one man, discussing in hushed tones.

"Master has challenged Bai Chunhai. Once the assembly ends, they’ll spar at Heavenly Sword Peak."

"They say his palm technique is divine—can strike a snow-laden tree, shatter it without a single snowflake trembling. But is it true?"

"Probably just his disciple exaggerating..."

Li Hao’s eyes sparkled. Without hesitation, he stood and walked over to their table.

"Forgive my intrusion," he said, voice calm. "Do you know Master Bai Chunhai?"

The conversation stopped instantly. Their expressions flickered—surprised, then wary. They hadn’t expected to be overheard.

"You’re his disciple?" One of them asked, eyes narrowing.

Li Hao shook his head. "No. I just want to meet him."

They exchanged glances, visibly relieved at his youth. If he were truly a disciple, they’d have been in trouble. But a young man with no backing? No threat.

"Are you here to apprentice?" The woman in the pale white dress, soft-voiced and gentle, asked.

Li Hao raised an eyebrow, then realized—this Master Assembly wasn’t just attracting masters. It was drawing countless young warriors from distant families, eager to learn under a renowned master. From fallen clans to rising noble houses, they came from afar, hoping to catch even a glimpse of true cultivation.

Li Hao smiled, not explaining. "So, do you know where he is?"

"Know? What’s it to you?" The woman in the orange gown, sharp-eyed and fiery, shot him a glare. She clearly resented being eavesdropped on.

The man in the center didn’t stop her. He simply said, "If you wish to apprentice, wait outside after the assembly ends. You’ll have your chance then."

The pale-clad woman watched silently, her expression apologetic. She didn’t speak again.

Li Hao didn’t rise to the bait. Instead, he pulled out half a bag of silver coins. "Please, just help me get directions."

"Ha! Who needs this?" The orange-clad girl scoffed, glancing at the coins. Then her eyes landed on the dagger hanging above the staircase. She pointed casually. "If you’re serious, bring me that dagger. Then I’ll tell you."

The man nodded slightly—knowing his sister was testing the young man. He’d tried himself. Failed.

"Zhou Ling'er," the pale woman murmured gently. "I’m sorry, but we can’t reveal Bai Chunhai’s whereabouts. If we’re caught, the consequences…”

Li Hao smiled. "The dagger, then. Easy."

He quickly tucked the silver back into his pocket—no need to waste it. Though the dagger was priceless, to him, money and treasures were merely tools. What mattered was convenience.

With his current strength, earning wealth was effortless. A few Demon Beasts slain, and he’d be a rich man, free to live as he pleased.

As Li Hao turned toward the stairs, the three stared, stunned.

"Is he serious?" Zhou Ling'er muttered, blinking. "Does he even understand the rules?"

"Probably thinks he can leap three zhang high," the man said, shaking his head with a smirk.

Still, they rose and walked to the railing, peering down.

At the ground floor, a crowd surged with eager challengers. To try, one had to order a Jinyu Man Tang Set—payment for the challenge ticket.

The ritual felt familiar. Li Hao paid ten silver coins, never waiting for the meal to arrive. He stepped onto the challenge stage.

Instantly, every eye turned. When they saw his age, the crowd erupted—mocking laughter, cheers, speculation. Another rich heir showing off.

Beside him, an elderly innkeeper, clearly the manager, began explaining the rules with theatrical flair, feeding the crowd’s excitement.

But Li Hao didn’t wait. With a single, fluid motion, he leapt—light as a breeze, rising effortlessly. In the eyes of the entire hall, he hovered above the candle, plucked the dagger from the flame, and landed with perfect grace.

The rules forbade spiritual manipulation. Only raw martial foundation was allowed. Even a Cultivation Level in the Divine Travel Realm would struggle if their martial arts weren’t precise.

And yet—when Li Hao landed, the candle’s flame remained perfectly still, its tip upright.

He offered a small, polite smile to the dazed innkeeper, then turned and climbed back up.

Silence. Then chaos.

The entire hall erupted. Gasps. Shouts. Hundreds of eyes followed him as he walked back to the upper level.

He handed the dagger to Zhou Ling'er, who stood frozen at the railing.

"Help me find him."

She snapped out of it, staring at the dagger in her hand. The flame hadn’t trembled. Not a whisper of wind had stirred.

"How... how did you do that?" she stammered, eyes wide.

The man beside her gaped, studying Li Hao like a rare beast. He was a Kunfeng Ranking prodigy—yet even he couldn’t do it.

This young man… could he be a Kun ranking master?

Li Hao felt the growing attention. He simply repeated, "Help me find him."

They snapped back. The man studied him, then nodded. "Follow us. Bai Chunhai is likely with our master. But I can’t guarantee we’ll find him."

"Fine." Li Hao agreed.

The man led the way, and they left the Alcohol Pavilion.

The innkeeper watched, then bit back the urge to stop them. In recent days, Dayue City had seen too many young masters—best left unprovoked. Some were ironclad.

Zhou Ling'er kept glancing at Li Hao, her earlier temper gone. She admired strength, especially when it was rare. She peppered him with questions.

"How did you do it?"

"What’s your name?"

"Where are you from?"

Li Hao didn’t answer. Instead, he felt a faint buzzing in his ears—like a bee circling his mind.

The pale-clad woman watched too, curiosity in her eyes. Among her peers, she’d never seen someone so… formidable.

Not long after, they reached the Master Discourse Platform. The crowd was immense. Inns were overflowing. A stage had been erected in a nearby Alcohol Pavilion.

The man found his master—Zhou Haitang, a short, middle-aged man with a calm demeanor. He introduced Li Hao, whispering the details of the incident at the lower hall.

Zhou Haitang, mid-performance, paused, looked up, and smiled.

"May I ask, young master, your name and origin?"

"Ji Hao." Li Hao replied.

Zhou Haitang frowned slightly. Ji Hao. No record in the Heaven and Earth Ranking List. Likely a new name—perhaps a young master just entering the world. His age fit.

"Curious," Zhou Haitang mused. "You’re nearly a match for the Qianlong Ranking prodigy—just one surname off."

He chuckled. "You seek Bai Chunhai? I’m no expert, but I do know a thing or two about martial arts. Interested?"

Zhou Ling'er and the others exchanged stunned glances. Their master—just like that—was considering accepting this young man?

But Li Hao’s skill was undeniable. If he truly was a beginner, he might surpass them in no time.

The thought stirred unease—and a flicker of anticipation.

Li Hao shook his head slightly. "I’m not here to apprentice."

He paused, then added, "I want to buy a painting from him."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end