Everlasting Renown Chapter 335: Supreme Sage Factions - Novel Cool

Chapter 335: Supreme Sage Factions

Chapter 335: Supreme Sage Factions

"Is this his Sword Art?"

On the other side of the battle platform, Chiguang, Yunshang Woman, and the purple-shirted youth who had been defeated earlier in the Imperial Hall, were also watching Li Hao’s confrontation.

There was no grand battle; the fight ended in a blink. The opponent was too weak, not even forcing Li Hao to use his full strength.

However, they still noticed that Li Hao’s Sword Qi contained an extremely powerful Dao Resonance, which was quite terrifying.

"Seems like he has some substance."

Chiguang’s eyes narrowed, and a cold smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

Yunshang Woman’s eyes were grave. Emperor Canghai had given the opponent the incense of ten cities and allowed him to choose three supreme cultivation techniques. Now, it was clear that he was indeed a formidable opponent.

This was the Top 100 Battle. Luojia Prince had been a notable figure in the previous rounds, and now he was defeated in an instant. Li Hao immediately caught the attention of more people.

Upon learning that Li Hao was a newly invited Elder of the Canghai Divine Dynasty, many factions sighed inwardly. That crafty old fox Emperor Canghai had moved as quickly as ever.

After the battle, Li Hao descended from the arena and continued to ponder the matter of his Dao Domain.

Currently, he lacked cultivation techniques. Many factions were extending olive branches to him, and Li Hao was considering whether to gradually accept some of them.

There were always give and take. These olive branches could provide him with convenience, but he would also need to offer corresponding assistance and build his reputation.

With one connection to the Canghai Divine Dynasty, Li Hao could manage, but if there were too many, he felt it would be a heavy burden.

The hardest thing to repay is a favor.

"May I be so bold as to disturb you, Qingfeng? Could I have a word with you?"

While Li Hao was in deep thought, a graceful and elegant woman approached his solitary seat in the competition area. Her voice was as clear and pleasant as a silver bell.

Li Hao snapped back to reality and looked at her with a puzzled expression. "Who are you?"

"Earlier, I heard that Qingfeng’s painting skills are unparalleled. Have you heard of the Flower Touring Society?"

The woman was dressed in a bright yellow, luxurious gown and smiled as she spoke telepathically.

Li Hao remained composed and replied telepathically, "How did you come by this information?"

"From Qingfeng’s performance at the Imperial Hall’s painting exhibition."

Gui Qinshuang saw Li Hao probing her identity and smiled, not hiding anything. She continued telepathically:

"My father is Emperor Canghai, but my visit today is not related to the Canghai Divine Dynasty. I heard that Qingfeng’s paintings are exceptional, and I thought you might be a fellow wanderer in the mortal world, enjoying the spring colors. Therefore, I wondered if Qingfeng might be interested in joining the Flower Touring Society."

Li Hao was somewhat surprised. The person before him was an imperial princess.

This was an olive branch being extended, but it was the first time someone had invited him for his artistic skills rather than his martial prowess.

"Flower Touring Society?"

Li Hao released the restriction, allowing her to come closer, and casually set up a soundproof barrier around them.

"Indeed, the Flower Touring Society was initially founded by two Supreme Sages. Now, it is managed by various Semi-Saints, but the society is extremely laid-back. It does not require accumulating achievements or performing tasks. It is mainly about cultivating leisurely interests, where like-minded individuals gather to discuss poetry, literature, and enjoy flowers and chess", Gui Qinshuang said softly.

Li Hao was taken aback, surprised by the existence of such a faction.

Moreover, it was founded by two Supreme Sages?

Li Hao was shocked. In the Land of Sages, Supreme Sages were the pinnacle of existence, said to spread the Dao to thousands and focus solely on cultivation. Yet, they had such leisurely pursuits?

However, thinking about the Sword Master who often sat alone fishing, Li Hao felt more at ease.

"Do you mean that everyone inside enjoys leisure and shared interests?"

Li Hao couldn’t help but ask.

If it were a group of wealthy young men from the mortal world, Li Hao wouldn’t be surprised, but for it to be managed by Semi-Saints and founded by Supreme Sages, this was quite astonishing.

Gui Qinshuang seemed to anticipate Li Hao's doubts and chuckled lightly. "Qingfeng, your Art Dao is unparalleled, and you must be a connoisseur of the arts. This world has more to offer beyond cultivation. Otherwise, wouldn't we martial artists be mere puppets of our cultivation? The Flower Touring Society may not vie for fame and profit like other forces, but if there's a real issue, it's an entity no one dares to provoke."

"To join the Flower Touring Society, there are two requirements: first, one's cultivation must be at least at the Enlightened Realm; second, one must excel in at least one of the arts, such as music, chess, calligraphy, or painting, to the level of a masterpiece."

She whispered, "Most people are busy striving for advancement, leaving little time for leisurely pursuits. Thus, many members of the Flower Touring Society are already at the pinnacle of their cultivation, having reached a bottleneck. With the long years ahead, cultivation is not something achieved overnight, so they indulge in other pleasures to pass the time."

She looked at Li Hao and smiled, "Qingfeng, isn't that also the case for you?"

Li Hao was pleasantly surprised to find a kindred spirit and felt a sense of admiration. No wonder a force founded by a Supreme Sage would have such high standards. Even for mere exchanges in the arts, the minimum requirement was the Enlightened Realm.

However, since there were cultivation requirements, it probably wasn't as simple as she made it sound.

"If it's just about chatting about poetry and paintings, I'm interested", Li Hao said.

He was in need of a worthy opponent in chess. If he could find a few high-caliber Go players there, he could elevate his Chess Dao to the Ninth Rank, which would also boost his Yudao to the Ninth Rank. Then, he would master Dao Arts and Divine Powers, and perhaps even glimpse the limits of the Enlightened Realm.

Gui Qinshuang laughed, "Qingfeng, you needn't worry. The Flower Touring Society doesn't compete for achievements or incense. Within the society, seniority is not determined by realm or cultivation but by skill in the arts. With Qingfeng's painting skills, many will likely appreciate them."

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

Gui Qinshuang was taken aback for a moment before smiling, "Yes, of course. Qingfeng, you have an interest in Chess Dao as well?"

"Somewhat", Li Hao nodded.

Gui Qinshuang's eyes gleamed, "If Qingfeng is willing, I will report to the vice president."

"Alright."

Li Hao nodded. While it might not be as simple as she described, there was no harm in finding out more.

Gui Qinshuang bowed and bid Li Hao farewell, then gracefully departed.

Outside the crowd, a prince from the Dynasty recognized Gui Qinshuang and his eyes widened.

"That's the seventh Imperial Princess of Emperor Canghai. I heard she serves a Sage and holds a distinguished position among the Imperial Princesses."

"That's right. Although her cultivation realm is average, she excels in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, and embroidery. The other Imperial Princesses don't dare provoke her."

"Who was she talking to?"

"Don't you know? That's one of the newly recruited Elders of the Canghai Divine Dynasty, one of the favorites to win this time."

People in the crowd whispered among themselves.

Li Hao waited for Gui Qinshuang to leave and then planned to close his eyes and meditate. However, he suddenly felt a fierce blaze of firelight from outside the arena.

He looked over and saw Chiguang raise his hand, unleashing a Fire Elemental Skill that incinerated his opponent, leaving him defeated.

This was Heart Fire, virtually unsolvable for those below the Entering the Dao realm.

Li Hao glanced a couple of times before turning his attention back to his meditation.

With the first match concluded, three more battles followed, one of which involved the purple-shirted youth.

Li Hao hadn't expected to encounter the Purple-shirted Youth in the Top 100 Battle. At the time, the Purple-shirted Youth no longer exuded the arrogance he had in the Imperial Hall. Once, he had looked down upon his peers, but he had been thoroughly defeated by Chiguang, nearly shattering his Dao Heart. Since then, he had reined in his pride and now appeared much more composed.

He gazed deeply at Li Hao and clasped his hands. "Please!"

Li Hao didn't hesitate, allowing the other to make the first move.

The Purple-shirted Youth once again erupted with the Ultimate Realm Power of the Imperial Hall, along with the vague silhouette of an emperor.

He possessed a trace of ancient blood, which was one of the reasons he was a prodigy.

Seeing the silhouette, Li Hao didn't use Lin Qingying's Supreme Soft Sword Technique but instead switched to Hao Yue Scion's Sun and Moon Sword Technique.

A brilliant sword light suddenly shot out, like a dazzling divine sun descending.

With a loud thud, amidst the immense momentum, the emperor's silhouette behind the Purple-shirted Youth wavered and faded, his body colliding with the array, his face pale.

"..."

He fell to the ground, looking up at Li Hao, who had merely flicked his sleeve. Shock was evident in his eyes, quickly turning to bitterness.

This monster, who had received incense from ten cities, was no less formidable than Chiguang. He deeply felt the terrifying power of the Sword Dao.

Moreover, this was a different, more domineering and fierce Sword Dao compared to Li Hao's previous one.

"A second Sword Dao?"

Li Hao's move caught the attention of many in the crowd, their eyes widening in surprise.

"He actually masters two Sword Dao?!"

In the audience, Li Qingyi and others were equally astonished. Li Hao's previous Sword Dao had been gentle and intangible, impossible to touch, while this one was domineering and fierce, two completely different powers. The fact that he could master two different Sword Dao was astounding.

Although the two Sword Dao couldn't be combined to increase their lethality, having two different Sword Dao meant that facing Li Hao in battle would be much harder to defend against and counter.

Li Hao retracted his hand, glanced at the defeated Purple-shirted Youth, and gave a slight bow before stepping down from the stage.

The Sun and Moon Sword Dao was just one of the many Sword Dao he had condensed into his Unique Self Sword Technique.

"That guy."

Chiguang had been watching the battle, his expression becoming more serious, but he soon shook his head.

"Quality over quantity. Focusing on the Art Dao was a waste of talent; he took the wrong path."

Pity was evident in his eyes. Although Li Hao's talent was remarkable and he might not be inferior to Chiguang, his greed was a flaw. Chiguang had encountered many prodigies with good talent, but their excessive pride and arrogance often led to their downfall.

As the battles continued, the final ten spots were determined.

Li Hao advanced smoothly, along with Chiguang and Yunshang Woman. The Purple-shirted Youth, despite losing to Li Hao, won his other battles and also secured a spot in the top ten.

Besides these four, the other six were also formidable.

During the rest period, Li Hao continued to refine his Dao Domain in the small courtyard.

He had finally completed all the cultivation techniques recorded in the Vast Sea Tower, bringing his Dao Domain to 220 layers.

Li Hao stretched, hearing someone visiting outside the courtyard. He used his Divine Sense to probe and saw it was the same woman from before. He telepathically instructed the royal guard watching over him to let her in.

"Qingfeng, the vice president has reviewed your artwork and agrees to let you join."

Gui Qinshuang bowed respectfully before Li Hao.

Now that Li Hao had joined the Flower Touring Society, his status was higher than hers.

Otherwise, as just an elder, even a prodigy, she would have treated him with mere courtesy and not fear.

"Here is your Flower Touring Token."

Gui Qinshuang extended her hand, offering a crimson token to Li Hao.

Li Hao accepted it and immediately felt that it was a treasure. When his Divine Sense touched it, numerous Dao Sounds imprinted within it resonated.

These Dao Sounds narrate the history and rules of the Flower Touring Society.

In Li Hao's mind, a series of scenes unfolded. In ancient times, two towering figures, shrouded in mist and clouds, overlooked everything. They were the original founders of the Flower Touring Society, the two Supreme Sages.

Their true identities remain unknown, and they are known by the pseudonyms Flower Fairy and Wandering in Freedom.

After they retreated and disappeared, the Flower Touring Society was taken over by a Semi-Saint.

The rules of the Flower Touring Society are simple: members must not kill each other, nor can they oppress others with their Martial Dao cultivation. Instead, they must compete through their skills. Apart from these, there are not many other rules.

The members of the Flower Touring Society are spread across the Thirty-Three Realms, but their total number is not large, only 97 in total. With Li Hao's addition, the number is now 98, which means there are only two or three members per realm.

Through the Flower Touring Token, members can communicate and sense each other. Additionally, the token contains Semi-Saint laws, allowing members to escape when in danger. Unless the opponent is also a Semi-Saint and extremely powerful, it serves as an excellent life-saving treasure.

Li Hao came back to his senses. After absorbing all the information within the Flower Touring Token, he understood that the Flower Touring Society is somewhat like a place initiated by the two Supreme Sages, where a group of pleasure-seekers gather.

Li Hao also learned about the Imperial Princess's identity. Although the Flower Touring Society does not compete for fame and profit and is relatively relaxed, most of its members have very strong backgrounds. As Gui Qinshuang mentioned, they are all the top-notch geniuses in their realms, equivalent to Holy Sons from a thousand or even several thousand years ago.

Such figures are already famous and have deep connections and influence. Therefore, the Flower Touring Society has a good number of service personnel, and Gui Qinshuang is one of them.

People like her are called "Butterflies" in the Flower Touring Society. They are responsible for finding and inviting eligible candidates to join.

"If Qingfeng has any other requests, just call me. Here is my Command Token. As long as you are within the Canglan World, I will receive your message", Gui Qinshuang said, her cheeks slightly flushed as she handed another fragrant token to Li Hao.

Li Hao knew that the duty of the Flower Touring Society's Butterfly members was to meet all the needs of the Flower Touring Society members.

"Alright, you may go", Li Hao said, taking the Command Token.

Gui Qinshuang bowed to Li Hao and, before leaving, stole a glance at him, thinking to herself that such a handsome man, even if he had some improper requests, wouldn't be too bad.

After Gui Qinshuang left, Li Hao extended his Divine Sense into the Flower Touring Token.

Inside, there was a space shrouded in chaos, where he could see several shadowy figures standing.

Li Hao was somewhat surprised and was just examining them when he heard someone call out, "We have a newcomer! Quickly introduce yourself and greet all the seniors."

"Go away, don't bully the newcomer. Newcomer, what is your name, and what are you good at? Would you like to play a game of chess with me?"

Li Hao saw two shadowy figures speaking, their faces indistinct. He was a bit taken aback and asked, "Where am I?"

"This is the Intent Realm Space created by the Supreme Sages. With the Flower Touring Token, you can enter this place from anywhere, of course, except for certain ancient Forbidden Areas. Those places are filled with terrifying laws that defy all common sense", another woman's voice said, sounding regal and elegant, like an empress ruling the world.

Li Hao's gaze swept over the area, and he saw a graceful female silhouette. Even just the outline made him imagine her as a divine maiden standing above the mundane world.

Intent Realm Space? This was the first time Li Hao had encountered the means of the Supreme Sage, and it was astounding to see how a tiny token could enable communication across the Thirty-Three Realms. The Thirty-Three Realms were vast and boundless, yet this Flower Touring Token could facilitate synchronous communication. If used on a battlefield in the Mortal World, it would be a national treasure.

The Dayu Divine Dynasty faced the Demon Plague, and while they had the Eight Directions Decree, a valuable artifact, it was scarce and a one-time consumable. Moreover, its speed of transmission, though fast, could not match the direct mental communication at this moment.

"I am Clear Wind, and I have a basic understanding of Music, Chess, Calligraphy, and Painting."

Li Hao chose to introduce himself first, but he used his current alias.

"Wow, what a bold claim! Proficient in Music, Chess, Calligraphy, and Painting? I'll have to test your Chess Dao."

The elderly voice then said.

"Ancestor Night, don't be so quick to challenge. You just want someone to play chess with you", the young voice sneered.

The elderly Ancestor Night retorted angrily, "It's all because Ancestor Green is too incompetent. Last month, I won three consecutive games against him. Initially, it was supposed to be a single game to decide the winner, but he dragged it to a best-of-three, and then to a best-of-five. Hmph, he hasn't had the face to see me since."

"Don't talk nonsense. I had just slain a Demon Ancestor, and my state wasn't good, so I accidentally lost to you", a sudden angry voice said.

Ancestor Night chuckled, "You finally came out because there's a new person here?"

"I've been recuperating these past few days. Do you think I was avoiding you? Hmph, once my injuries heal in a few days, we'll battle again, at the usual place!" Ancestor Green's voice was loud and filled with wrath.

Ancestor Night laughed, "Alright, I'll go there first. The one who doesn't show up is a dog."

"..."

Li Hao listened to their exchange, somewhat speechless. Those who were called "ancestors" were all Semi-Saints.

The normally dignified and composed Semi-Saints were surprisingly so childish in private.

However, what surprised Li Hao was that they seemed to know each other's real identities and had no intention of hiding them.

Given the strength of the Flower Touring Society's members, there was indeed no need to hide. Few people would dare to trouble them, and even if they did, the things revealed in the Flower Touring Society were mostly just leisurely pursuits, not enough to incite greed.

After some thought, Li Hao asked:

"Everyone, if we exchange skills in Music, Chess, Calligraphy, and Painting, why doesn't the Flower Touring Society attract people who don't cultivate Martial Dao but have profound skills in these arts?"

"Ha ha, I've heard this question thirty times!"

"You've only heard it thirty times? I've heard it over fifty times!"

Ancestor Night and the young man laughed heartily.

Li Hao was taken aback, then realized that others who had entered must have had the same doubt.

"Every time a new person comes in, they ask this question. It can't be helped, even though we've explained it many times, one more time won't hurt."

The young man chuckled, "The reason is indeed a bit complicated. First, mortals have limited lifespans. Even if they master other skills without cultivating Martial Dao, they will quickly age and die, making it hard to achieve perfection."

"Second, if mortals also cultivate Martial Dao, their realms are too low, and they will be in awe of our status, making the exchanges less enjoyable. Lastly, and most importantly, although we enjoy these arts, we haven't completely abandoned our cultivation of Martial Dao. We can occasionally exchange insights on cultivating the Martial Heart."

He continued, "You might also be wondering why an existence like the Supreme Sage would have such leisurely pursuits?"

At this, his laughter subsided, and he said:

"Because when the Supreme Sage retreated, he said, 'The Heavenly Path is sealed, so why not indulge in the Mortal World.' This is the origin of our Flower Touring Society."

(End of Chapter)

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