69: The Great Xia Martial Arts Selection: An Invitation from the City Lord!
In the City Lord's heart, the monstrous killing intent born from the Qiujiang Massacre quietly receded like the tide at this moment.
In its place was an even greater calculation.
Kill him?
Did a monster with such talent have an even more terrifying existence backing him?
Even if he didn't, would it be too much of a pity to stifle such a Genius?
He thought of the Water Ghost Team that had been completely wiped out.
He thought of that mysterious and terrifying Spirit Turtle.
None of that mattered anymore.
He saw a long-term, viable investment.
An opportunity that could allow Jinling City, and even the City Lord himself, to reach the heavens in a single bound!
“Zhang Long.”
The City Lord finally spoke; his voice was calm yet unquestionable.
His voice wasn't loud, but it carried an indisputable majesty.
“Stand down.”
Those two words seemed to contain a certain magic, making the shaken Zhang Long feel as if he had been granted a great pardon.
He didn't even have time to think about his arm as he scrambled back behind the Guards.
He no longer dared to cast even a single glance at Li Qing.
Only the City Lord and Li Qing remained in the field, facing each other from a distance.
But that pressure, like a collapsing mountain or a tsunami, had already vanished.
In its place was a sense of prudence, and even a hint of equality.
“Boy, you are quite good. I am the City Lord, the City Lord of Jinling City.”
The City Lord first introduced himself.
Then, ignoring the shock of the onlookers, he looked at Li Qing with burning eyes.
“I have come today to tell you something.”
“Something that is enough to change your fate.”
“The triennial Great Xia Martial Selection is about to begin.”
The Great Xia Martial Selection!
As soon as those four words were spoken, even Li Qing's eyebrows twitched slightly.
Although he didn't know much about the various power divisions of this world, he still knew the words “Great Xia.”
The supreme authority of this world.
And the “Martial Selection,” as the name implied, was for selecting Martial Artists.
The City Lord took in Li Qing's reaction, the corners of his mouth curling into a meaningful arc as he spoke slowly.
His voice carried a power that could bewitch the Soul.
“This is the grandest event of our Great Xia Dynasty, aimed at selecting the most brilliant martial arts geniuses under the age of twenty from the thousands of cities in the Dynasty.”
“Anyone who is selected can be listed on the ‘heavenly prodigy rankings’ and receive a tilt in resources that you simply cannot imagine.”
“Cultivation Techniques, Medicinal Pills, Spirit Stones, Divine Weapons... even reaching the heavens in a single bound, being titled a Marquis or General, and bringing honor to your ancestors!”
The City Lord's voice carried a hint of undisguised longing.
“Do you know that my Jinling City is tucked away in a corner with a dearth of talent? For several consecutive sessions, we have merely been a backdrop.”
“In every Martial Selection, the participants from Jinling City have become stepping stones for the geniuses of the large cities, turning into laughingstocks for others.”
“I feel ashamed of this!”
At this point, the City Lord changed his tone, and his gaze became sharper than ever before.
He stared straight at Li Qing, as if trying to see right through him.
“However, your appearance has given me hope.”
“You possess Innate Divine Strength. Such talent, even looking across the entire Great Xia Dynasty, I won't say it's as rare as a phoenix feather!”
“But it is still rare.”
“As long as you are nurtured, in time, you will surely become a powerhouse that shakes the region!”
“Perhaps even surpassing me!”
These words made Zhang Long, who was behind him, feel his heart skip a beat.
Was the City Lord trying to kill him with praise?
To actually raise a youth in the Body Refining Realm to such a height!
Li Qing's eyes remained calm.
He was not lightheaded from the City Lord's compliments.
He knew that what the City Lord valued was his talent and the benefits that talent could bring.
“Li Qing.”
For the first time, the City Lord solemnly called out Li Qing's name.
His voice was no longer cold, but instead carried a sense of gentleness.
“In my capacity as the City Lord of Jinling, I officially invite you.”
“To represent my Jinling City in the Great Xia Martial Selection!”
“As long as you nod your head, from this day forward, the entire City Lord's Estate will be your backing!”
“I will provide a Cultivation Technique that matches your Innate Divine Strength. I will provide you with Spirit Stones and Medicinal Pills! I can even personally guide your cultivation!”
Boom!
These words were like a clap of thunder, exploding in the hearts of Xiao Chen, Zhang Long, and the others!
Zhang Long was completely stunned.
This... wasn't how the script was supposed to go!
Then what was the point of him shouting for blood just now?
As the City Lord's confidant, instead of getting revenge, was he going to see the other treated as an honored guest?
This world was too crazy!
He even began to wonder if he was dreaming.
He looked at Li Qing, his eyes filled with jealousy and resentment.
What right did this kid have?
How could a nobody receive such favor from the City Lord?
Xiao Chen, on the other hand, felt completely different.
He was so excited that his whole body trembled.
As the highest authority in Jinling City, the City Lord's Estate possessed resources far beyond what a small place like the Iron Bone Martial Arts School could ever imagine.
If Li Qing truly received the full support of the City Lord's Estate, his future would be absolutely limitless!
Li Qing's heart, however, remained calm.
He had not the slightest interest in making a name for himself or being titled a Marquis or General.
His only goal was to become stronger.
And the fastest way to become stronger was to evolve his Earth Spirit Turtle Clone.
Of course, his own Realm also needed to be raised.
Only by attaining a higher Realm could he obtain information and resources that were inaccessible to others!
This deal... seemed doable.
Li Qing's gaze fell calmly on the City Lord's face.
He knew that the City Lord couldn't possibly show him such goodwill for no reason.
There were bound to be calculations and exploitation involved.
But he was not afraid.
He had trump cards.
He had enough strength to deal with any risks that might arise.
He weighed the pros and cons.
If he accepted, he would obtain unimaginable cultivation resources, which would greatly accelerate his main body's cultivation.
At the same time, he could use this opportunity to learn more about the secrets of this world and lay the groundwork for future development.
If he refused, the City Lord might not act openly, but the petty tricks in the shadows would definitely be an endless nuisance.
He was not someone who liked trouble.
Rather than passive defense, it was better to take the initiative and turn the trouble into his own resources.
Seeing Li Qing's thoughtful expression, the City Lord felt even more certain.
This boy's mind was meticulous, far exceeding those of his peers.
He wasn't dazed by the sudden windfall, which was good.
Such a person was worth the City Lord's investment.
He also knew that his conditions were enough to tempt any Martial Artist.
Especially for a youth like Li Qing, who had no background but possessed extraordinary talent.
He needed a springboard, an opportunity that would allow him to soar to the sky.
And he was the one providing that springboard.
“You can take your time to consider this matter.”
The City Lord gave Li Qing a deep look, as if trying to carve his appearance into the depths of his Soul.
He believed that Li Qing would make the most “wise” choice.
“The gates of Jinling City are always open to you.”
Having said that, he turned around abruptly.
“Let's go!” Zhang Long quickly called out from behind and followed the City Lord.
Without the slightest hesitation, the City Lord left decisively with his group of subordinates, who had arrived aggressively but were now leaving with mixed emotions.
Before leaving, Zhang Long looked back at Li Qing.
His eyes were filled with fear, jealousy, and a hint of awe.
From today on, the sky over Jinling City was likely to change.