Chapter 42: A Sword Falls Like Snow
Chapter 42: A Sword Falls Like Snow
At the edge of the cliff, apart from Li Hao and his group, many others had gathered, occasionally glancing around.
Clearly, a fall from the cliff would mean certain death, and the sheer danger made many people hesitate.
However, on the Iron Chain, there were currently seven or eight figures, each displaying their unique skills as they cautiously moved forward.
Some walked with ease on the Iron Chain, the swaying chain like waves in the sea, yet it had no effect on them, their feet seemingly glued to the chain.
Others extended their arms to maintain balance, slowly and carefully testing each step.
Still, some chose a less graceful but extremely steady method—hugging the chain and inching forward like caterpillars.
If it were just a matter of crawling across the chain, most of those present could manage it. However, this challenge undoubtedly tested one's courage.
Who wouldn't tremble at such a height?
"Without this much courage, how can you face the Demons?"
Among the seven who had just passed the test, a young man in elaborate attire had a cold expression as he leaped forward, landing steadily on the chain.
Clearly, he chose an elegant posture, walking directly across with his hands behind his back, exuding a calm and composed demeanor.
This young man's actions immediately drew the attention of many onlookers, and soon, some recognized his identity.
"The cloud patterns on his sleeves, he's from the Yunzhou Su Family!"
"Su Family? I've heard they are one of the three major families in Yunzhou, with a deep and rich heritage."
"No wonder this kid is so bold. The border of Yunzhou is often plagued by monsters, so he must have trained his courage long ago."
Many people chattered, and those who were hesitant showed signs of struggle in their eyes.
"Brother Hao, let's go."
Seeing someone lead the way, Li Yuanzhao felt a bit uneasy and said to Li Hao.
Li Hao looked around the cliff edge but saw no one from the Tan Palace Academy, feeling slightly puzzled.
Logically, the Tan Palace Academy should have sent someone to meet them here; otherwise, what was the point of the Invitation?
"Alright."
With no one showing up, Li Hao could only agree with Li Yuanzhao.
"Hmph, there's no shortcut for this challenge."
Si Xiaolan gave Li Hao a slight sneer, clearly still angry about how he had passed the first test by relying on his background, finding it unfair.
"Really?"
Li Hao looked at the little girl in surprise. She dared to mock him, not knowing his true identity? However, he didn't take her seriously.
"What do they say?"
Li Hao thought for a moment and responded, "Little girl, when you're out in the world, you don't rely on just your fists or the people behind you."
"Huh?"
Si Xiaolan frowned, finding his words strangely familiar to her own.
"Because just having people behind you isn't enough; you need someone in front of you as well!"
Li Hao smiled lightly at the little girl, then lifted his head, his eyes revealing a calm detachment. He softly said:
"Brother, come!"
"Brother Hao, you want me to carry you?"
Li Yuanzhao understood perfectly. He had heard from the elders in the courtyard that Li Hao's aptitude was poor, only suitable for Body Cultivation, and he rarely saw Brother Hao in action. He had already thought of this method to avoid embarrassing him.
Li Hao smiled and patted his shoulder.
Li Yuanzhao got the hint and bent down.
Li Hao didn't hesitate, jumping onto his back, then waved to the stunned young woman beside him:
"See you on the other side."
As soon as he finished speaking, Li Yuanzhao dashed forward, leaping several dozen meters to land directly on the chain.
The chain shook violently, but Li Yuanzhao, carrying Li Hao, moved with the chain's sway, his feet sticking firmly to it.
Without waiting for the chain to stabilize, Li Yuanzhao sprinted forward as if walking on flat ground.
With his Complete Circulation Realm and years of training in the Training Grounds, this challenge was a piece of cake for him.
Seeing the rapid figure on the chain, everyone on the shore, except Si Xiaolan, gaped in astonishment. They had seen people show off, but never like this. It was as if he was running on solid ground!
And he was even carrying someone!
When they recognized the clothing of the two, someone with keen eyes identified them as being from Qingzhou's first family, instantly understanding and feeling a bit stunned. Rumors were one thing, but seeing it in person was even more impressive.
Soon, the elegantly dressed young man who had been the first to step onto the chain was overtaken by the sprinting Li Yuanzhao.
The latter walked with his hands behind his back, looking calm, and only showed a hint of surprise when a gust of wind blew past him...
Before long, Li Yuanzhao reached the other side.
The chain stretched a thousand feet, spanning the sky and weaving through the misty mountains.
Li Yuanzhao's sprinting figure dispersed much of the mist, and as he landed on the other side, he immediately drew the attention of many nearby.
Li Hao patted his shoulder and hopped off, looking around.
Clearly, they weren't the first to arrive; there were already many others who had passed the previous challenges waiting here.
In front of these "candidates" stood young disciples of the Tan Palace Academy, all around seventeen or eighteen years old, wearing black and white academy uniforms that gave them a graceful and ethereal appearance.
Of course, this was true for those who looked good in the uniforms; for those with stocky builds or ordinary appearances, they stood out a bit more...
"Who is that guy, so impressive?"
"Ran over here? And carrying someone?"
"One dares to carry, the other dares to be carried!"
"Shh, be careful, they might be from the Divine General Manor Li Family..."
Dozens of people standing around murmured among themselves.
Li Yuanzhao stepped forward and approached a young man from Tan Palace Academy, saying, "Is there still a checkpoint here?"
"Indeed, this is the final checkpoint."
The young man clearly recognized Li Yuanzhao's identity. After all, he had been practicing in Qingzhou City for several years, not far from the Divine General Manor; it would be hard not to know him.
"To pass this checkpoint, you need to last a round against us."
If the first checkpoint tested basic skills and the second tested courage, the third checkpoint seemed to be designed to humble newcomers.
Upon hearing this, Li Yuanzhao's small eyes immediately sparkled with the eagerness for a fight. "Please instruct me!"
With that, he saluted with a military gesture, then stepped back a few paces to assume a fighting stance.
"You can choose a weapon", the young man reminded him with a smile.
"Just one round, no need", Li Yuanzhao replied.
The young man's eyes flickered, feeling slightly disrespected, but remembering that Li Family members were all geniuses, he didn't take it too seriously. He was also curious and wanted to test him.
He immediately put away his sword and raised his fist, charging forward.
His punches were fierce, like a tiger pouncing or a wolf biting.
However, Li Yuanzhao's feet shifted, and he moved like a slippery eel, fluidly dodging. Then, he suddenly turned and countered with a powerful punch.
With a loud thud, the two fists collided. The young man was forced back three steps, while Li Yuanzhao simply planted his feet firmly on the ground.
The young man's face showed surprise. Although he hadn't used his full strength, that punch had still packed over ten thousand pounds of force!
Equivalent to the strength of a typical Zhou Tian Realm third-level practitioner!
This far exceeded the standard for the entrance test, which was only at the Force Mastery Perfection level.
He almost lost face because of a moment's carelessness?
"At least Zhou Tian Realm fifth level, or even seventh or eighth, or he must have practiced a top-tier Qi Circulation Technique or Meridian Opening Technique!"
The young man's eyes narrowed, confirming the rumors. Li Family members were indeed monsters, their countless resources far surpassing those of their peers.
Seeing the young man fall at a disadvantage, the others were taken aback, looking at Li Yuanzhao as if he were a monster. Was this the prodigy from the Divine General Manor?
At that moment, the chains swung, and several figures leapt down, including the young man from Yunzhou Su Family and Si Xiaolan, among others.
The other Tan Palace Academy students immediately explained the rules to them. Upon hearing the requirements, their expressions turned serious.
After all, to enter Tan Palace Academy, one had to at least be considered a genius. The opponent had been practicing for several years, and this move would not be easy to counter.
Si Xiaolan's heart stirred as she glanced at Li Hao, who was still there. A hint of annoyance flashed in her eyes. She knew he had an Invitation, which would likely allow him to bypass this checkpoint.
Compared to those who had overcome numerous obstacles to pass, he was practically taking it easy. This was the difference in their backgrounds.
"It's your turn."
At that moment, a burly young man beside him said to Li Hao.
Li Hao smiled slightly. In Si Xiaolan's "I knew it" expression, he pulled out the Invitation. "I have an Invitation."
He had no intention of wasting his energy like Li Yuanzhao, bullying others.
"Invitation?"
The crowd's eyes widened in surprise and envy.
The burly young man was taken aback. He had clearly heard some rumors and frowned slightly as he took the Invitation and examined it for a moment before returning it to Li Hao.
"Even with an Invitation, you still need to go through the basic test. I can hold back a bit."
Li Hao was momentarily stunned.
The young man who had tested Li Yuanzhao and the other Tan Palace Academy students who were responsible for the tests all facepalmed inwardly. Oh no, here we go again with this stubborn one.
"Come on", the burly young man said, his aura flowing, ready to attack at any moment.
Li Hao couldn't help but ask, "Do you know what an Invitation means?"
"I said I'll hold back. You need to show some effort, or people might think we're favoring the powerful and giving special treatment at Tan Palace Academy", the burly young man replied earnestly, his attitude unwavering.
Li Hao was speechless.
They say people come in all sorts, and this burly young man was clearly one of those straightforward and stubborn types.
"Ha..." Si Xiaolan couldn't help but laugh, her bright eyes gleaming with schadenfreude as she watched Li Hao.
She had thought he would breeze through this, but he had encountered a unique character. She even found the burly young man's rugged appearance somewhat more handsome.
"You can use any weapon you like."
The burly young man's expression was serious as he pointed to the weapon rack.
Li Hao felt a bit helpless but wasn't angry with the young man. After all, being serious wasn't a bad thing.
He walked over to the weapon rack, drew a sword, and returned to face the burly young man.
"Using a sword, huh?" The burly young man's eyes flickered, and he nodded. "You go first."
He drew his own sword, his eyes filled with the focus of a swordsman.
"Or you can go first", Li Hao said.
"If I go first, you might not get a chance", the burly young man said, word by word.
"…Alright."
Li Hao sighed and casually traced a sword pattern in the air.
Sword technique… Snowfall.
"Huh?" Si Xiaolan suddenly felt as if snowflakes were drifting past her, a chill running through her body. She couldn't help but look up.
"It's only autumn, why is it snowing?"
(End of Chapter)
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