Volume 3 - Chapter 401: Defeating All in the Same Realm
"Haotian Painter, were the letters I sent to the Su Clan over the past few years intercepted? Why have you refused to see me?"
Jiang Huanhuan didn’t bother exchanging pleasantries with Su Muqing or the others. Instead, she rose onto her tiptoes and approached Li Hao, lifting her delicate, lively face to look up at him.
A sweet fragrance drifted from the girl’s body, mingling with the scent of her breath—it was like orchids in the spring breeze, soft and alluring.
Before Li Hao could respond, Su Muqing's expression chilled.
"My Su Clan would never do such a thing. I was hoping he'd leave. His presence here is an eyesore."
"Muqing."
Su Wanqing’s expression shifted slightly as she tugged lightly on Su Muqing’s sleeve. With so many young elites present, such harsh words would only make things more awkward for Li Hao.
Lin Jinrou and Jiang Huanhuan exchanged glances, then looked at Li Hao, only to see he remained calm, showing no hint of anger.
“I’ve been tied up with things over the years. Couldn’t get away. I’m sorry.”
Li Hao said to Jiang Huanhuan, ignoring Su Muqing’s cutting words completely.
Jiang Huanhuan’s eyes dimmed with a trace of disappointment. “Haotian Painter, it’s a pity to see you diminish yourself like this. Wanqing told me your soul lifespan is only about a hundred years. Why not come to my Jiang Clan? I’ll personally recommend you to my father and see to it you receive the best cultivation resources we have. What do you say?”
At her words, those around them looked visibly surprised. No one had expected Jiang Huanhuan to offer Li Hao such an incredible opportunity.
For a moment, all eyes were on him. With the Jiang Clan's top-tier resources, even an average prodigy could break into the highest ranks.
Su Muqing raised an eyebrow, secretly relieved—only to be followed by a surge of inexplicable frustration. Her gaze toward Li Hao turned cold again.
Li Hao remained composed. He cupped his fists and said, “Miss Jiang, I appreciate your kindness. But I came here for her alone.”
As he spoke, his eyes fell upon Su Muqing.
The crowd froze.
Even Su Muqing was momentarily stunned. She hadn’t expected Li Hao to reject the Jiang Clan so decisively. Although slightly inferior to the Su Clan, the Jiang Clan was still among the top, and being nurtured as one of their core members would all but guarantee future greatness.
“Haotian Painter,” Lin Jinrou said softly, fixing her gaze on Li Hao. “As far as I know, Muqing is already betrothed to someone from my clan. If you continue to chase this fantasy, I fear it will end in vain. Why not…”
Jiang Huanhuan was stunned as well. She hadn’t expected Li Hao to refuse so swiftly after she had steeled herself to make the offer.
Had she extended such an invitation to any of the other elites present, chaos would’ve broken out with everyone vying for the chance.
Su Wanqing looked at Li Hao for a long moment, then sighed inwardly, her understanding of his resolve deepening once more.
Su Wanxue stared at him with a thoughtful look but said nothing.
“It doesn’t matter. All my life, I’ve only ever followed my heart, regardless of the outcome.”
Li Hao replied calmly to Lin Jinrou.
She looked at him again, saying no more—but something in her expression shifted. Unlike the many others who pursued Su Muqing, this young man’s determination didn’t feel hollow. Could it be that genuine emotion still existed in this world? Something that could transcend cultivation, even outlast the pursuit of immortality?
After all, with the Jiang Clan’s backing, the path to the immortal realm would be clear and brilliant. Who would lack for a Dao companion?
“Hmph. Do you really think saying such things will move me? Dream on.”
Su Muqing sneered. “While Huanhuan’s offer still stands, you should accept it. Don’t miss your only great chance in this life.”
Jiang Huanhuan quickly added, “That’s right, Haotian Painter. Even Muqing is telling you this. She’ll never accept you. She already has the Lin Clan’s imperial scion—there’s no one in the world who can surpass him. You don’t stand a chance.”
Li Hao gently shook his head and didn’t argue.
Seeing his unwavering stance, Jiang Huanhuan was visibly disappointed. Behind her, a few elites from the Jiang Clan glanced at Li Hao with strange expressions. When Jiang Huanhuan made that offer, they’d been secretly worried—investing resources in some unknown nobody would’ve been a colossal waste.
But the fact that he dared reject it had them shocked. To turn down such temptation—was he mad?
“Let’s go.”
Su Wanqing sighed.
Jiang Huanhuan and Lin Jinrou said no more either, though their eyes showed disappointment as they looked at Li Hao one last time.
The Su, Jiang, and Lin Clans were the three great families of Gusu Empire Star, and their seats were naturally arranged closest to the Sword Pool.
Following Su Wanqing’s instructions, a cushion was prepared for Li Hao as well.
The moment he sat down, a fierce sword intent surged from the Sword Pool ahead, like a storm tide layered with countless threads of Dao Rhythms. These rhythms carried not only the essence of the Dao of Water but also the sharpness of the Dao of Metal, the explosiveness of the Dao of Fire, and even the intangible flow of the Dao of Time.
As everyone settled in, more prodigies from various prestigious clans arrived outside Sword God Peak.
Some rode in on flying rainbow fans. Others descended in chariots pulled by nine dragons. There were even celestial maidens riding multicolored clouds. Each was dazzling—true dragons among men, talents the world saw only once in a millennium.
As more people arrived, the clamor grew louder. The Su, Jiang, and Lin Clans naturally drew everyone’s attention like blazing stars among the crowd.
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