242: Invitation to fight the second rank!

Li Shengyuan and Luo Yuzhu had met a few times in the capital. At that time, both were at the Fourth Rank. Although they didn't have a deep relationship and even had some minor friction, they were acquainted.

Luo Yuzhu's movements paused slightly, then returned to normal. She responded softly,

"Thank you for your concern, Lord Li. Everything is well."

Her voice was calm, but her heart was far from as tranquil as it appeared.

She clearly remembered that the last time they met, although he had already started to show his talent, his cultivation realm was similar to hers.

However, now, despite her diligent cultivation, she had only just barely broken through to the Third Rank, while he was already a renowned, genuinely top-tier Second Rank expert, and a powerful close minister to the Empress, on equal footing with her own master.

This huge disparity caused an indescribable mix of complex emotions to well up in the proud Luo Yuzhu's heart: admiration, shock, and perhaps even a hint of dejection and discouragement that she herself was unwilling to admit.

After finishing the tea, she silently retreated to stand behind Luo Qingwan, eyes downcast, no longer speaking. Only her slightly tightened knuckles revealed her inner turmoil.

Luo Qingwan observed her disciple's subtle reaction and sighed inwardly. She knew a thing or two about the friction between the two of them back then, and her disciple's current behavior was only human nature.

She turned to Li Shengyuan, her tone gentle: "Lord Shengyuan, is your journey south this time to admire the beauty of Jiangnan in our Great Qian?"

Li Shengyuan nodded: "Precisely. I am traveling with my family and also taking the opportunity to visit old acquaintances."

Luo Qingwan smiled: "Jiangnan is picturesque and a land of outstanding people, truly a wonderful place. However, it seems not entirely peaceful recently, so Lord, you must be more careful."

Her words seemed to carry a deeper meaning, but she stopped short of elaborating.

The complexities of Jiangnan were not only internal affairs of the Great Qian but also somewhat related to various island nations overseas.

Upon hearing this, Li Shengyuan's expression remained unchanged. He simply picked up his teacup and took a light sip. After setting it down, he suddenly looked up at Luo Qingwan, his gaze clear and frank:

"Thank you for the reminder, Sect Leader Luo. Along my journey, I have observed that your sect's Dao rhyme is profound and enduring, and Sect Leader Luo's cultivation is even more profound, truly admirable."

His tone shifted. Although he wore a slight smile, there was an earnestness and peacefulness that was hard to refuse, along with a calm confidence:

"Recently, I have gained some insights in my cultivation but also have some unclear points. I have long heard of the profound mystery of Sect Leader Luo's 'Clear Heart Asked Dao Art.' I wonder if I might be so fortunate as to ask the Sect Leader for some guidance and a sparring match?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the hall instantly fell silent.

Li Mu and Wenren Qingxuan exchanged glances but did not speak to stop him. Parents know their children best, and they understood that Shengyuan's action must have a deeper meaning.

The several elders on Luo Qingwan's other side looked surprised.

Although sparring and seeking guidance were common among cultivators, for Li Shengyuan, with his current status and cultivation, to actively propose "guidance" to a sect leader, the implication was quite intriguing.

Moreover, although his tone was respectful, the content directly pointed to a sparring match.

Luo Yuzhu even looked up sharply at Li Shengyuan, her beautiful eyes filled with astonishment. She couldn't help but recall what Li Shengyuan had said to her in the capital back then:

"If there's an opportunity in the future, I will definitely seek guidance from your master!"

His first order of business upon arriving at Questioning Dao Sect was actually to challenge her master!

Although he was already a Second Rank, he hadn't been at this cultivation for long, while her master had broken through to the Second Rank many years ago and was already at the peak of the Second Rank. How could he be so... confident?

However, thinking about his achievement of personally slaying the Second Rank Six Demon Lords of the Demonic Cult at Shanhai Pass in the Northern Border, Luo Yuzhu understood...

Luo Qingwan herself was slightly startled. Her deep gaze fell upon Li Shengyuan's calm, unruffled face, as if trying to discern something from it.

After a moment, a faint but genuine smile reappeared on her lips. That smile carried a hint of appreciation, a touch of curiosity, and the composure of a strong expert.

"Oh?" She gently set down her teacup, her voice still clear and cool as jade, "Since Lord Li has such an elegant interest, if this Seat were to decline again, it would seem petty."

"Very well. Since breaking through to the Second Rank, I haven't made a move in a long time. If this continues, my body will get rusty. I shall spar with you and we can verify each other's abilities."

The atmosphere in the hall, due to this sudden challenge and acceptance, instantly became subtle and tense.

But everyone present was also incredibly expectant and excited. This was a rare and unmissable battle between top-tier Second Rank experts!

A sparring match at the peak of a Central Plains' top sect was about to begin...