As Huang Xiaolong took his seat, the gazes directed at him from the surrounding geniuses were filled with complicated feelings. Those that mocked and ridiculed Huang Xiaolong earlier had clamped their mouths shut. Their eyes occasionally glanced at Huang Xiaolong with reverence, and hidden deep within them were faint traces of regret and trepidation.
The instant Huang Xiaolong sat down, Cui Li moved so close to Huang Xiaolong that she appeared to be draping her entire being over his arm. Her breathy voice gasped, "Xiaolong, you were so powerful just now!"
So powerful just now!
These words sounded so ambiguous.
Some nearby geniuses felt a warm sensation in their nostrils hearing this sentence. Touching their nose, red warm sticky liquid stained their fingers—they all had nose bleeds!
Huang Xiaolong looked over at Cui Li and discovered that her breasts were nearly resting on his arms.
Before the match started she referred to him as 'Little brother Xiaolong', and now she dismissed the words 'Little brother', moving directly to calling him Xiaolong!
Huang Xiaolong looked away after staring at Cui Li for a second, not speaking one word.
"Xiaolong, if you meet me later on the stage, you cannot bully me!" Cui Li insisted in a spoiled little girl manner as she moved closer. That soft, coquettish voice made male hearts itch to agree with whatever she asked or demanded.
At the same time, Huang Xiaolong felt something soft brush against his arm.
Something very, very soft.
Not needing to look, he already knew what that 'something' was.
Even for someone like Huang Xiaolong, he could not stop a tinge of red creeping up his face. After all, this was a public place.
From her outside appearance Cui Li seemed sweet and innocent, he really did not expect her nature to be so… ?!
Just when Huang Xiaolong was considering whether he should change his seating, Cui Li suddenly straightened her body. Flashing Huang Xiaolong a sweet smile she said, "I was just joking with you just now." Her giggle, along with every other little gesture screamed purity and innocence.
On the stage, the seventh round battles had begun.
Surprisingly, Yanggang was placed into the seventh round battles. His token number was seventy-two, thus he walked towards the same battle stage as Huang Xiaolong, battle stage number two.
Seeing Yanggang going up the stage, the crowds discussions about Huang Xiaolong quieted down, diverting their focus to watch Yanggang's battle.
Yanggang's opponent was also a Xiantian First Order expert named Chen Chaoguang, and this person had the same martial spirit as Fei Hou, a Silver River!
When Chen Chaoguang summoned his martial spirit, Huang Xiaolong was stunned for a second.
However, on closer observation, Chen Chaoguang's Silver River was much weaker compared to Fei Hou's, reaching a strengthening ability of only up to five times.
Chen Chaoguang wasted no time in activating the five times martial spirit strengthening after summoning his Silver River martial spirit, increasing his momentum to the limit and launching an attack on Yanggang.
Chen Chaoguang's weapon of choice was a long whip, reaching thirty to forty meters in length as it shot out, sharp bone spurs trailed along the whip's spine. In Chen Chaoguang's hands, the long whip turned into a poisonous snake, winding around Yanggang. The bone spurs enlarged akin to the poisonous teeth of a giant snake with its jaw opened wide.
Watching as the long whip shot towards him, Yanggang snickered condescendingly as he lifted one of his hands and slammed it down above the whip. Before the spectators stunned eyes, the long whip was frozen into solid ice. In an instant, it cracked and lumps of ice fell onto the stage floor!
The crowd was in awe.
Huang Xiaolong nodded appreciatively internally to himself.
Turning everything to ice with a single wave, the power of this Yanggang's ice-frost was indeed notable.
Without further suspense, the result of that battle was announced moments later. Chen Chaoguang was sent flying with an effortless palm strike from Yanggang, falling out of the battle stage area. When Chen Chaoguang landed on the ground, his body was enclosed within a thin layer of ice, having turned green and was constantly shivering from the cold.
From beginning to end, Yanggang did not summon his martial spirit.
While the crowd was in the throes of excitement, Yanggang walked down from the stage and went back to his seat. On the way back he shot a provocative look in Huang Xiaolong's direction.
Huang Xiaolong gave no reaction.
Next, it was token number eighty-one to ninety. Two more rounds of battles and the first tier of battle would end.
A short while later, all one thousand three hundred and sixty-two geniuses completed their first round of battles with half of them eliminated, hence only six hundred eighty-one were left.
The remaining three people that possessed superb talent martial spirit, Cui Li, Pang Yu, and Dai Shanni all displayed incredible strength and power, defeating their opponents with ease and progressing into the next round.
Just as before, half of the people drew lots. With one odd person out in six hundred and eighty-one people, the person who drew a blank lot got to move onto the next round without participating in the current rounds battles.
Whether it was a coincidence or deliberate arrangement by Duanren Empire's people, the person who drew the blank lot was Xie Puti. Therefore, without needing to battle anyone, Xie Puti gained the qualification to enter the third round.
Huang Xiaolong drew number eighty-six, but the opponent this time was not a Xiantian realm expert. Instead, it was peak late-Tenth Order warrior, a young man from White Deer Kingdom called Deng Tang.
When Deng Tang discovered his opponent was Huang Xiaolong, he turned deathly pale. After summoning his martial spirit the moment he got onto the stage, he soul transformed and launched his strongest skill at Huang Xiaolong.
His plan was to catch Huang Xiaolong unprepared, taking the initiative and striking first. His idea was a good one, but Deng Tang forgot one crucial point—as fast as his attack was, and as strong as his attack power might be, would there be any use to his efforts if he failed to break through Huang Xiaolong's defenses?
Almost within one breath's time, he was sent flying off the stage with a single punch from Huang Xiaolong.
Rounds progressed quickly and soon the second round was concluded.
With another half eliminated, three hundred forty people remained, adding Xie Puti, it was a total of three hundred forty-one people.
Still, with one odd man out, the same rule applied… and the person who drew the blank lot was Xie Puti once again.
At this point, everyone understood that this was Duanren Empire's arrangement. Even so, no one complained.
After all, Xie Puti's talent and strength were obvious to see.
As time passed, group after group went up and round after round of competition continued as the sun that was high in the sky slowly moved westward. The high heat of midday turned milder, dispersing slowly.
At sunset, the names of the top 100 participants were finally announced.
All six participants possessing superb talent martial spirit—Huang Xiaolong, Xie Puti, Yanggang, Cui Li, Pang Yu, and Dai Shanni were listed among the top one hundred names.
On this first day of competition, these six people did not come across each other on the stage. This was very likely another one of Duanren Empire's arrangements. The announcement marked the end of first day's competition.
The Imperial City Battle took place over three consecutive days: the first day determined the top 100 places. The second day was a fight for the top ten. Lastly, the third day decided who would be number one!
The many spectating forces and commoners made their way out of Duanren Square after hearing the first one hundred places results announced.
Though the first day's competition may have ended, the atmosphere was still sizzling with excited discussions, but the main character discussed was neither Xie Puti nor Yanggang, it was Huang Xiaolong!
In the morning before the competition started, Huang Xiaolong was deemed as the one with the most unfavorable odds amongst the six people with superb talent martial spirit. But now, every little detail related to Huang Xiaolong turned into a big topic.
For example: Huang Xiaolong was only seventeen. Huang Xiaolong's martial spirit was a Primordial Divine Black Dragon. What was Huang Xiaolong's real strength? Some even went as far as comparing Huang Xiaolong with Xie Puti and Yanggang.
Although no one was certain as to the extent of Huang Xiaolong's real strength, nearly everyone agreed that Huang Xiaolong could definitely achieve a spot in the top ten.
Leaving Duanren Square, Huang Xiaolong returned to Solitary Longing Inn with Zhao Shu, Yu Ming, and Fei Hou.
Darkness filled the night sky, yet Huang Xiaolong had no chance to rest. Not long after returning to the inn, an uninvited guest appeared at his door.
It was Cui Li!
Cui Li arrived wearing an elaborate and formal looking outfit. It had a very wide and open collar, making her deep gorge hard to miss. Her small delicate face was pure, yet there was an inexplicable charm.
However, Cui Li did not come alone. Another woman of about twenty-four to twenty-five years old came along with her, whose appearance was absolutely stunning.
Similar to Cui Li, this woman was also wearing a wide-collared dress that was fuchsia in color, complimenting her fair skin. Her beauty was different from Cui Li's. The kind of charm this woman emanated was bone deep and like that of a flaming rose.
When this two woman arrived, Huang Xiaolong, Zhao Shu, Yu Ming, and Fei Hou were discussing the relocation of Nine Tripod Commerce over to Duanren Empire.
The moment they entered, Cui Li stuck herself onto Huang Xiaolong in the blink of an eye, flashing a bright smile, "Xiaolong, come, let me introduce you. This is Sis Zhao Wuji, isn't she beautiful? She is one of the famous four beauties in our Duanren Empire."
The person who arrived with Cui Li was precisely Zhao Wuji, the same woman who was with Heartless Young Noble Yao Fei in the private room next to Huang Xiaolong when he was at Unforgettable Intoxication Restaurant.
In that moment, Zhao Wuji approached him with a faint smile on her lips as she amicably said to Huang Xiaolong, "Young Noble Huang, you won't mind if I call you Xiaolong like Young Sis Cui Li does, will you?" When Zhao Wuji smiled, she raised her hand up, causing the deep gorge in between her cleavage to show more prominently, making one's blood boil.
"I'd like to know what the purpose of your visit is?" Huang Xiaolong asked with his usual unhurried tone.
Cui Li did not take it to heart hearing Huang Xiaolong's less than warm welcoming attitude, maintaining her smile she said sweetly: "Of course it is to bring good news."
Zhao Wuji took out a golden-colored invitation and handed it to Huang Xiaolong with a smile, "Xiaolong, you suppressed everyone today on the stage. Heartless Young Noble is holding a banquet in Unforgettable Restaurant to celebrate your accomplishment and hopes that you will come for a drink."
Huang Xiaolong took the golden-colored invitation, opened it and casually closed it back again. Shaking his head, he said: "Not happening."
Both Cui Li and Zhao Wuji were shocked, for neither of them expected Huang Xiaolong would decline.
Cui Li hastened to persuade, "Xiaolong, Heartless Young Noble, like His Imperial Highness Second Prince, is one of the five most influential Young Nobles in Duanren Empire. People that are honored enough to receive an invitation from him are scarce in number." A trace of anxiety seeped into Cui Li's voice.
"I heard the Huang and Guo Family's set a wedding engagement not too long ago." At this time, Zhao Wuji suddenly spoke, "Even if we were talking about Guo Family's Old Man Guo, he would need to give some face to Heartless Young Noble."
When Zhao Wuji mentioned the Guo Family, she was undoubtedly referring to Guo Shiyuan and Guo Tai's family. Huang Min and Guo Tai's engagement was no secret, thus it was easy for Zhao Wuji to find out about it.
Zhao Wuji might have said these things in a docile tone while smiling, but every word spoken contained an easily discernible flavor of threat that did not escape anyone present.
Since Guo Family's Patriarch must even give Heartless Young Noble face, she didn't believe that after Huang Xiaolong understood the enormity of Heartless Young Noble's identity, he would still dare to refuse!
Cui Li opened her mouth wanting to speak, but in the end, said nothing. After all, she felt Huang Xiaolong should not offend Heartless Young Noble for such a small matter. Which Duanren Institute student didn't want to climb up the social ladder and build relations with Heartless Young Noble? Yet lady luck never had the time for their requests.
Huang Xiaolong faced Zhao Wuji with the same insouciance, "Really?" Then, he turned towards Fei Hou and said, "See the guests out!"
Both Cui Li and Zhao Wuji were astounded.
See the guests out?!
They had clearly explained Heartless Young Noble's identity just now. A character that someone like Old Man Guo must give face and be courteous to was still rejected by Huang Xiaolong?!
Zhao Wuji had a strange expression on her face. She tried again, "Young Noble Huang, do you want to think it over one more time?"
Prior to this, she referred to him as Xiaolong, but now, even the salutation had changed to Young Noble Huang.
Cui Li's heart lurched for a moment. Because she was familiar with Zhao Wuji's character, Cui Li knew she was upset.
"Xiaolong, you!" Cui Li tried to salvage the situation.
"Send the guests out!" Huang Xiaolong repeated.
"Two Miss's, please." Fei Hou approached, indicating to Cui Li and Zhao Wuji. Zhao Wuji stared at Huang Xiaolong before shaking her head, laughing as she voiced her opinion, "Young Noble Huang, you will regret your actions today!" Leaving such a sentence, she turned around with Cui Li, preparing to leave.
"Wait!" Suddenly, Huang Xiaolong's voice sounded.
Zhao Wuji looked over, a friendlier smile appeared on her face, "Did Young Noble Huang change his mind? You are a smart man."
But, just as her words ended, Huang Xiaolong threw the golden-colored invitation in his hand back to her, "This, take it with you."
Catching the invitation in her hand, Zhao Wuji's expression sank. In the end, she held herself back from saying anything else.
Fei Hou escorted the two ladies out and returned a brief moment later, reporting to Huang Xiaolong of their departure.
"Sovereign, that Heartless Young Noble, would he…?" Fei Hou hesitated.
Huang Xiaolong shook his head, "No need to bother."
Not to mention what's-his-name Heartless Young Noble, even if it was Duan Wuhen who were holding a banquet for Huang Xiaolong, he would not go if he did not want to.
Pandering or ingratiating others was something he would not do. Huang Xiaolong was qualified to refuse an invitation from this Heartless Young Noble.
Zhao Shu interjected, "I can only hope Heartless Young Noble has good enough insight. Otherwise, I don't mind crushing his 'eggs' to give him his lifetime's most memorable lesson!"
Crush his 'eggs'?
Huang Xiaolong, Yu Ming, and Fei Hou sweated at the thought.
"Fei Hou, investigate details about Heartless Young Noble's background within the next few days." Huang Xiaolong's solemn voice instructed.
"Yes Sovereign!"
At this time, Cui Li and Zhao Wuji arrived at the Unforgettable Intoxication Restaurant, entering private room number two.
Inside private room number two, other than Heartless Young Noble Yao Fei, Yanggang, Pang Yu, and Dai Shanni were seated at the table. Adding Cui Li into the mix, four of the six young geniuses that possessed superb talent martial spirits were gathered together.
When Heartless Young Noble noticed Cui Li and Zhao Wuji return without Huang Xiaolong, his face darkened slightly, "Where's Huang Xiaolong?" A terrifying pressure enveloped the area, almost solidifying the atmosphere in the room. Yanggang, Pang Yu, and Dai Shanni felt immense pressure, making it hard to breathe.
Cui Li was startled.
But Zhao Wuji ignored the pressure emanated from Heartless Young Noble, letting out a coquettish giggle as she walked to the empty seat next to him and sat down. "That fella surnamed Huang stole everyone's thunder and doesn't put you, the famous Heartless Young Noble, in his eyes."
The underlying meaning was obvious, Huang Xiaolong did not accept his invitation.
A frosty chill spread from Yao Fei, and the temperature in the entire room dropped drastically.
"Did you clearly explain my identity to him?" Yao Fei's expression seemed unperturbed but his voice was icy.
Zhao Wuji snickered, "I've already informed him thoroughly. I even said Old Man Guo must also give you some face, but Huang Xiaolong was not moved at all hearing that. He directly 'sent' us off. Before I left, he told me not to forget to take back the invitation!" She took out the golden-colored invitation as if to prove her words.
Yao Fei took the invitation, a spark of gloomy light shone in his eyes as a blue flame suddenly rose from his palm and engulfed the invitation in his hand. The invitation was instantly incinerated into nothingness, not even ashes remained as a clue to its existence.
"This is the first time someone dared to decline my invitation!" Yao Fei remarked coldly.
This time, he had sent out invitations to Yanggang, Pang Yu, Dai Shanni, Cui Li, and Huang Xiaolong. A total of five people. Huang Xiaolong was the only one to refuse. This caused him to lose a lot of face in front of Yanggang, Pang Yu, and the rest.
Xie Puti was a member of Duanren Imperial City's Xie Family, and like the Yao Family, the Xie Family was one of Duanren Empire's super families.
Therefore, Yao Fei did not invite Xie Puti.
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