Chapter 138: Ren Qianqian's Transcendent Step

“Oh?” Zhou Haitang blinked, surprised.

He was the Master of the Celestial Human Sect—someone of such stature, personally extending an invitation—only to be turned down?

But then he remembered his disciple’s earlier words: the young man had managed to approach the candlelight without even disturbing its flame. That alone proved extraordinary martial prowess. In the future, once he reached the Fifteen Li Stage and ascended into the Human-Heaven Stage, his potential far surpassed that of so-called cultivation prodigies.

Such talent—either a true exceptional genius, or one nurtured under the wing of a powerful sect.

“Buying a painting?” Zhou Haitang arched a brow, voice light.

Li Hao shook his head slightly. “The painting is in Bai Chunhai’s possession. I’d be grateful if you could recommend me to him.”

“You’re not here to apprentice… just to request a painting?”

“Mm.”

Zhou Haitang studied Li Hao closely, his disciples—Zhou Ling’er and the others—staring in equal astonishment.

A master’s invitation was a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

“Well, then you’ll just have to wait,” Zhou Haitang said calmly, lifting his teacup and taking a slow sip. “That old man hasn’t arrived yet. He’s likely still on his way. Come back three days from now, during the Master Assembly. He’ll be there.”

Sipping tea was a subtle signal to leave.

Since Li Hao had no interest in joining the sect, Zhou Haitang saw no point in pressing further.

After all, a thousand-mile horse was common—but a true connoisseur of talent, rare.

Li Hao, having secured Bai Chunhai’s whereabouts, didn’t linger. He took the inn’s contact address and departed from the Alcohol Pavilion.

His three disciples hurried after him.

Zhou Ling’er panted, “Father rarely takes disciples. How could you be so rude? Do you already have a master?”

“What?” Li Hao turned, puzzled.

“Ling’er!” The young man quickly pulled her back, apologetic. “She’s blunt—don’t take it personally.”

Li Hao didn’t bother responding. The dagger he’d given had already settled the debt. They were even.

Without another word, he turned and walked toward the Martial Temple. He didn’t know if Ren Qianqian’s Soul Inheritance had concluded yet.

“That young man’s martial foundation is incredibly deep,” the pale-clad girl murmured, watching Li Hao’s retreating back. “He must come from a renowned lineage.”

Zhou Ling’er bristled. “Are you saying my father isn’t a famous sect? What kind of insult is that?”

The girl snapped back, startled. “I didn’t mean—”

“Hmph!”

…

When Li Hao returned to the front of the Martial Temple, he saw Ren Qianqian standing beneath a eaves, sword in hand, scanning the surroundings with eager eyes.

Li Hao waved.

She spotted him instantly, her face lighting up as she dashed over.

“Well?” she asked, breathless. “A Four Foundations Realm elder saw my sword art and said I have potential.”

Her face was radiant with joy. Among all the disciples in the Martial Temple, she was the only one to have reached the Four Foundations Realm—yet now, even a legendary Heroic Soul had chosen her.

Though her father was a master, attaining Soul Inheritance at the Four Foundations Realm was no small feat. It was one of the highest tiers of soul succession, second only to the Imperial Court.

She’d joined the Tan Palace Academy hoping to inherit there—but that path came with restrictions.

But here, in the Martial Temple, the conditions were the most lenient.

Most Heroic Soul requirements were simple: when the Great Yu Divine Dynasty faced peril, one must stand forth.

But for over three thousand years, the Dynasty had endured. Even in times of crisis, they were always handled by the Divine General’s Residence garrisons on the frontier. The call to action was practically nonexistent.

Unless one joined the military and carved a name on the battlefield.

“Four Foundations Realm?” Li Hao smiled. “Not bad.”

“Thanks to your teaching of the Sword Intent,” Ren Qianqian said, her eyes shining. “Otherwise, I never would’ve passed through his Divine Eyes.”

Li Hao chuckled. “You did the work. I just gave you the direction.”

She shook her head, not convinced—but didn’t argue. She simply filed it away in her heart.

“So… where to next?”

“Just wander around. Eat, play, and wait for the Master Assembly in three days.” Li Hao said. “We’ll listen in on the gathering. See how these masters walk their martial paths. It’ll help you when you step into the Human-Heaven Stage.”

“Great!” Ren Qianqian beamed.

Li Hao led her out of the Martial Temple. The two strolled slowly through the streets, soaking in the sights and sounds of Liang Prefecture’s vibrant life.

That evening, a grand event unfolded in the city’s heart: the Rank Competition and Fame Contest.

In the Arena Sparring Matches, rankings determined rewards from the City Governor’s Mansion.

With masters and prodigies from across the realms converging, the crowd was denser than when the Tan Palace Academy had first opened its gates. The entire city buzzed with energy.

Countless prodigies met face to face—yet with no real outlet, they could only discuss strategies on paper. The Governor’s Mansion seized the moment, launching this event as a warm-up for the upcoming Master Assembly.

The ranking arena was limited to three realms: Continuation of Soul, up to the Fifteen Li Stage.

Those below Continuation of Soul weren’t worth showcasing—just spectators, munching on sunflower seeds from the sidelines.

Li Hao had no interest in such spectacle. If he stepped in, he’d crush a Fifteen Li Stage cultivator with a single finger—mere child’s play.

But Ren Qianqian had just completed her Soul Inheritance. Her spirit was alight, her enthusiasm uncontainable. Li Hao wouldn’t ruin it. So he stayed, walking beside her until they reached the Continuation of Soul Realm’s arena.

“Him?” Li Hao froze.

Of all the places, he ran into Zhou Ling’er—just as he arrived.

She stood beside the pale-clad Xu Wan’er, both of them at the Continuation of Soul Realm. They’d rushed here after dinner, eager to test themselves.

Their senior brother had already gone to the Divine Travel Realm’s stage, hoping to spar with prodigies from other provinces.

“You know them?” Ren Qianqian tilted her head, peering up.

“Just met.”

“You’re here?” Zhou Ling’er narrowed her eyes. “You’re only at Continuation of Soul Realm, aren’t you?”

Her tone was laced with mockery.

Xu Wan’er, however, studied Li Hao with curiosity. The way he’d casually gifted a famed dagger to Ren Qianqian earlier—only to ask for a painting—made him seem like a carefree nobleman, indulging in whims.

“Hmm?” Ren Qianqian sensed the hostility. She stepped forward, voice icy. “You’ll show respect.”

Zhou Ling’er blinked. She sensed the aura—another Continuation of Soul Realm cultivator. Her face darkened. “Who are you? Her servant?”

Ren Qianqian simply stared, silent.

Zhou Ling’er grew frustrated—then realized: Li Hao wasn’t just some ordinary youth. If he’d casually given such a famed dagger to a girl just to guide him to Bai Chunhai, and yet wasn’t seeking discipleship or knowledge—only a painting—then he must be someone of hidden depth.

“Hmph.”

Xu Wan’er tugged her arm. She bit back her temper, only managing a cold hiss.

Suddenly, cheers erupted from the stage.

A fierce match had ended—winner and loser both stepped down.

“Let’s go,” Zhou Ling’er declared, turning to Xu Wan’er. Then she glared at Li Hao. “You used that dagger technique earlier. Want to spar? Win and I’ll admit you’re worthy.”

Li Hao glanced at her, bored. This girl had never faced true hardship—she’d been spoiled rotten.

“You’re not worthy to challenge my Young Master,” Ren Qianqian snapped, frowning.

Zhou Ling’er’s face flushed. “Your master’s so strong? Why aren’t you on the Fifteen Li Stage? Why are you hiding here? If you’re brave, fight on the stage—let your hands prove it!”

“I’ll fight,” Ren Qianqian said.

“You?” Zhou Ling’er laughed. “You just inherited your soul. Don’t say I’m bullying you.”

She leapt onto the stage.

Ren Qianqian turned to Li Hao. “Young Master, I’ll face her.”

“Be careful,” Li Hao said. “She’s at the fourth level of Continuation of Soul. You’ve just inherited your soul—don’t push too hard. Don’t hurt her.”

Xu Wan’er, standing nearby, froze.

What? She’d just heard correctly—this man, knowing Zhou Ling’er’s realm, was warning a newly inherited cultivator not to hurt her?

“I’ll be careful,” Ren Qianqian said.

She leapt onto the stage.

The previous victor had already stepped down. As Zhou Ling’er and Ren Qianqian took their positions, the crowd roared.

Zhou Ling’er activated her Soul Form—fourth-level, radiating fierce aura.

Ren Qianqian summoned her own, blocking the pressure. Then she drew her sword and charged—using her own blade, Longxiao, temporarily returned to Li Hao before the match.

Swordlight flashed—thousands of sword blossoms spun like raindrops, swirling toward Zhou Ling’er.

Zhou Ling’er flinched, dodging frantically. Steel clashed against steel—ping, ping, ping—but within moments, a single sword strike sliced through the flurry, landing at her throat.

The match was over.

Xu Wan’er stared, stunned. She actually won?

The girl was barely at Continuation of Soul Realm—how? And what was that sword art? Too complex to comprehend!

On stage, Zhou Ling’er stood frozen, staring at the blade’s gleaming edge—her own reflection mirrored in the snow-white steel.

Ren Qianqian glanced at her, then swiftly retracted her sword with a soft shink. She turned to the crowd.

“Please, honor me with your challenge.”

She wanted more.

The earlier fight had only been a warm-up.

Though she was four levels below Zhou Ling’er—and still fresh from her inheritance, without time to consolidate her cultivation—her sword art was leagues ahead.

The clash had seemed fierce, but in truth, she hadn’t fought head-on. She’d redirected force with flawless technique, then struck with precision.

Hearing her words, Zhou Ling’er snapped back to reality. A wave of red heat surged across her face—shame, humiliation. Tears welled in her eyes. She bit her lip and fled the stage.

“Ling’er!” Xu Wan’er abandoned her own ambition, chasing after her.

On stage, Ren Qianqian’s challenge drew another challenger.

Soon, battle erupted again.

Ren Qianqian defeated four opponents in succession—until she was finally bested by a woman at the eighth level of Continuation of Soul.

As she stepped down, her expression carried a hint of disappointment.

Li Hao smiled. “Once you’ve consolidated your cultivation, and truly grasped the essence of your Thousand Feather Sword Art—you’ll win that match.”

“The true essence… it’s too hard.” Ren Qianqian sighed, smiling bitterly.

Li Hao sighed too. She’d only lost by eight levels—she was still a prodigy. Why did she feel so defeated?

“Young Master,” Ren Qianqian suddenly looked at him, eyes bright with curiosity. “If you fought at just the first level of Continuation of Soul—how many moves would it take to defeat her?”

She knew he was an exceptional talent, his cultivation speed terrifying.

She couldn’t catch up to him in realm—but she wanted to follow in his shadow.

“What?”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end