"What do you mean by turning a hobby into a grand pursuit?"
Li Mo leaned back in a tactical retreat.
A faint ripple emanated from the World Seed.
The Pangu Starfall Hammer protested.
Lately, Li Mo had been focusing solely on sword practice, neglecting the hammer. The weapon's killing edge resonated with grievance—its sharp aura humming in discontent.
"Once there's a hammer trial event, I’ll let you shine and dominate the world!"
Li Mo made a solemn promise.
The hammer immediately settled down, happily accepting this empty promise.
A pang of guilt struck him.
While lost in thought, Li Mo changed into the robe Jiang Chulong had made for him. The stitching was clumsy but earnest, and the fabric was of the finest quality.
"Let’s be honest—if I call myself a swordsman, who would dare object?"
Satisfied with his reflection, Li Mo pushed the door open and stepped outside.
The moment he exited, he saw Jiang Chulong crouched at the courtyard entrance, surrounded by a few scruffy stray cats nibbling at the leftovers she had set out.
Hearing footsteps behind her, she turned—and froze.
"L-L-Li... Li Dage... You’re... wearing..."
Li Mo stood before her, grinning.
"Y-yes... like the sun itself."
Through the cloth wrappings around her eyes, her dazed gaze reflected the young man’s radiant confidence.
"Hah, where’d you learn such fancy words?"
"I heard people... praising my father... the same way..."
Jiang Chulong stole glances at him, then finally couldn’t resist reaching out to smooth the wrinkles on his robe.
Li Mo ruffled her hair.
Jiang Chulong’s lips parted, but she found herself breathless.
The thought of Li Dage making a name for himself in this outfit made her head spin.
Was this how drunk patrons at the tavern felt?
But she hadn’t touched a drop...
"You should get some new clothes too."
Li Mo noticed Jiang Chulong was still wearing the plain outfit from when they ran the hotpot stall.
"N-no need... I’m happy... with this."
She clutched the hem of her garment, shaking her head hurriedly.
"We’ll go shopping when we have time. Yunzhou City is bustling—you might find something you like."
Jiang Chulong murmured, already envisioning the scene.
Li Mo couldn’t help but chuckle.
Soon, his senior brothers and sisters were up as well. Ouyang shoved a stack of silver notes into Li Mo’s hands—royalties from the illustrated book.
A quick glance revealed each note was worth a thousand taels.
"‘The Domineering Empress Falls for Me’ makes this much money?"
"This is just the first installment!"
Ouyang puffed out his chest, his grin wider than an AK’s recoil, his voice booming with pride.
"Junior Brother Li, you and Junior Sister Ying Bing are my benefactors!"
Li Mo suddenly remembered the recent influx of "Beauty Preservation Pills" from investment returns—all courtesy of Ouyang.
Just then, a door creaked open.
The rented courtyard fell silent.
Ying Bing stepped out, her sword in hand, draped in an obsidian-feathered cloak that deepened her aura of icy nobility.
They were all respectable cultivators, but standing beside her, they looked like bodyguards.
If the Nine Provinces Summit judged by presence alone, the title of "Sword Prodigy" might as well be handed to her outright...
"Aren’t you all coming?"
Ying Bing turned at the gate, puzzled.
Li Mo blinked. "Ice Block, I’ve got a question."
"Aren’t you boiling in that fur in summer?"
Ying Bing’s gaze flicked to a certain part of his anatomy, then she wordlessly boarded the carriage.
Jiang Chulong whispered, "Li Dage... that’s... not fur..."
The streets teemed with carriages and chatter, a roaring river of life.
The Qingyuan Sect’s procession barely stood out.
And the skies were no quieter.
Giant eagles and exotic beasts carried riders across the heavens, while swordmasters who had mastered aerial techniques trod upon their blades—sheer, unbridled flair.
When it came to grand entrances, every genius had their own signature move.
"Was that Wu Chushu of the Three Heroes of Hengyun, riding his sword just now?"
"Wait, doesn’t he live in Sword City? Why’s he arriving from outside?"
"He’s a true swordsman. A hero’s business is none of yours."
"If you could ride a sword, you’d do the same."
Murmurs of admiration and envy swirled through the crowd.
"If only I didn’t have to write..."
Li Mo sighed. His Celestial Eye reflected Wu Chushu’s retreating figure as he jotted notes in his booklet.
[Bone Structure: Ten Thousand Blossoms Sword Bone]
[Realm: Six-Aperture Insight]
[Fate: Blue tinged with Purple]
[Evaluation: Second Seat of Hengyun Sword City in Langya Province. Ranked 74th on the Hidden Dragon Ranking at a young age, titled "Gentleman of Ten Thousand Blossoms."]
[Recent Events: Intended to challenge Ying Bing to reclaim Hengyun Sword City’s honor, but suffered a shattered sword heart and demonic doubts.]
Li Mo paused mid-writing.
Suddenly, he wasn’t so envious anymore.
If anything, he pitied the guy.
Even if his Nine Swords of Dugu reached minor or major mastery, he wouldn’t dare claim victory over Ice Block. The only time he’d won with a sword was because of her... weakness. And he’d never seen her expose it since.
Shaking his head, he continued recording.
Every promising warrior—whether renowned like Wu Chushu or obscure but formidable—was cataloged for potential investment.
Li Mo’s eyes sharpened.
A plain-looking young man rode past on a strange beast, his aura utterly unremarkable.
But to the Celestial Eye, he was anything but ordinary.
[Name: Huang Donglai]
[Bone Structure: None]
[Realm: Five-Aperture Insight]
[Fate: Blue tinged with Purple]
[Evaluation: Possesses a mystical pearl that deconstructs martial techniques. Low-key and diligent, he trained in obscurity for ten years in his hometown before venturing out.]
[Recent Events: First duel outside ended in defeat against Jiang Chulong, convincing him he was still trash, so he retreated to train harder...]
What a "Sword God of Ten-Mile Slope."
If you’re this cautious, at least spar a few more times before giving up!
After more note-taking, Li Mo mused aloud,
"Our Eastern Wasteland Domain has no shortage of geniuses, huh?"
"Quite a few," Ying Bing agreed, resting a hand on Frost Sky.
"It was once the capital of Great Shang."
Li Mo nodded. A fallen dynasty’s heartland, now faded—yet still fertile ground for talent.
Before long, they arrived at Hengyun Sword City’s gates.
The venue nestled between mountain and water, with ten dueling platforms awaiting.
An elder with a sword strapped to his back clasped his hands in greeting.
"Step onto the stage as a challenger. The victor claims the platform."
"Three days later, those who still stand upon the stage as champions shall be deemed to have passed the Trial of Blades."