Taihua raised an eyebrow. "Do they resemble me or not? That's something you can confirm at a glance."
Speaking of this, one has to critique the President's criteria for judging geniuses.
Like her—that's a genius.
Unlike her—that's a mediocrity.
How exceptional someone is depends entirely on how much they resemble her.
This sounds utterly unreasonable and domineering.
Yet no one in this world can refute her words.
If you're fortunate enough to step into the President's realm—also known as the legendary Tian Ding Temple—you'll see a towering stone stele piercing the heavens, standing at 8,900 zhang tall, inscribed with enormous Ancient God Clan characters.
Only those with outstanding talent can comprehend its meaning.
"—Unequaled achievements, daring to move even Heaven itself!"
If not for the President, this world would've been destroyed two hundred years ago.
After the previous President's fall and the life-or-death struggles between the Catastrophes, the Ancient God Clan launched a massive invasion of the Real World.
This seemingly unremarkable woman emerged out of nowhere, displaying unimaginable Rank and combat prowess. With the Human World's supreme artifact—the Heavenly Person's Wedge—she established a domain encompassing half the Earth and turned the tide.
Since her ascension to the presidency two hundred years ago, the Human World has not suffered a single defeat.
Even when the Fusang Divine Palace emerged and the Vermilion Bird Venerate attempted to return to the Real World, she successfully thwarted them.
The Ancient Supreme was ultimately swept away into interdimensional chaos, their whereabouts still unknown to this day.
No matter whether ancient or future generations, one thing must be acknowledged.
This is an accomplishment unparalleled in history.
"So, Master, are you saying Ling'er's talent surpasses Qing You's?"
The Silver King asked calmly.
Taihua retorted, "What else?"
Tang Ling remained silent; even she felt enormous pressure when faced with these two women of overwhelming strength.
"There's only one thing."
Taihua gazed at the young girl, speaking calmly. "Your heart is not here."
The Silver King's eyes narrowed, a peculiar light flashing within her pupils.
Tang Ling's hands were stuffed into the pockets of her wool coat, her bangs fluttering before her eyes. Her face was expressionless as she spoke coldly, "I was sold here as an ascetic when I was eight years old. I've said countless times that I dislike life here. Sword Tomb restricts my freedom, deprives me of all my hobbies and interests, as well as basic human needs."
She paused. "It even explicitly forbids me to marry or have children. It's sick."
The Silver King stared at the chessboard but said nothing.
Such were the rules of Sword Tomb.
"So you're saving up money to escape?"
Taihua commented indifferently. "How much do you have so far?"
Tang Ling answered candidly, "Six million. Once I've paid off the Tang Family's debts, I'll leave this place."
"Is that why your cultivation has been so negligent lately?"
Taihua observed dispassionately. "Extreme Thunder might hinder you, but not to this extent. Clearly, you've held yourself back. Otherwise, you would've already reached Sixth Rank."
The Silver King chuckled lightly. "More than that—the Holy Land is within reach!"
Tang Ling was silent for a moment. "Then I assume you'd go to great lengths to extend your own lifespan and force me to take up your mantle?"
She was twenty-two this year.
Awakened at the age of eight.
With her talent and the resources of Sword Tomb, it truly wouldn't be difficult to reach the Holy Land.
Taihua sighed. "What a pity."
The Silver King remarked, "If the child's aspirations lie elsewhere, what can be done?"
Tang Ling didn't waste time on this matter and calmly said, "I came here today to report something. I suspect that Tang Zijing's past madness was manipulated by someone."
Deliberately, she enunciated every word. "Debts have their creditors, grievances their perpetrators. You should seek out those behind the scenes to settle accounts. My years of service to Sword Tomb and the Ether Association should be reduced by five."
Taihua said nothing, placing a black chess piece with deliberate focus.
The Silver King frowned, sensing the unfavorable situation on the board.
She asked. "Evidence."
Tang Ling suddenly fell into silence.
Taihua and the Silver King continued their game without another word exchanged between them.
Tang Ling stood aside for a long while, then left in a fit of pique, turning away stubbornly.
Just then, her phone suddenly vibrated.
[Recommendation Ticket]