42. A Sword of Falling Snow
Chapter 42: A Sword of Falling Snow
By the cliff, besides Li Hao and his group, there were many others who stood hesitating, occasionally glancing around.
Obviously, falling off the cliff would mean certain death, and such danger made many hesitate.
On the iron chains, there were seven or eight figures showcasing their abilities, cautiously moving forward.
Some walked gracefully, as if glued to the chains, unaffected by the swaying chains, which moved like waves in the sea.
Others spread their arms, trying hard to maintain balance as they moved slowly.
Some chose a rather unseemly but stable method: hugging the chains and crawling inch by inch...
While crossing the chains was something most present could do, this test clearly was about courage.
Who wouldn't tremble at such heights?
"Without courage, how can you face demons and monsters?"
Among the seven who had just passed the test, a young man in luxurious clothing spoke coldly, leaping onto the chain with ease.
He chose an elegant manner, walking directly across the chain, his hands clasped behind his back, showing calm confidence.
His actions drew attention, causing whispers among the onlookers, many of whom recognized him.
"That cloud pattern on the sleeve, he's from the Su family in Yunzhou!"
"The Su family? I heard they are one of the three great families in Yunzhou, with deep roots."
"No wonder he is so bold. With all the monsters near the Yunzhou border, he must have trained his courage."
Many murmured among themselves, and those hesitating showed signs of struggle.
"Brother Hao, shall we go too?"
Seeing someone take the lead, Li Yuanzhao felt a bit uncomfortable and spoke to Li Hao.
Li Hao looked around the cliffside but saw no one from Tan Palace Academy, feeling slightly puzzled.
Logically, Tan Palace Academy should have sent someone to meet them here; otherwise, what was the point of sending invitations?
"Alright."
With no one showing up, Li Hao had to agree with Li Yuanzhao.
"Hmph, there's no way to cheat through this test."
Si Xiaolan sneered slightly at Li Hao, evidently still upset that Li Hao had coasted through the first test on his background alone, feeling it was unfair.
"Really?"
Li Hao looked at this little girl in surprise. She dared to mock him, not knowing who he was? However, he didn't take it to heart.
"You know, there's a saying."
Li Hao thought for a moment and replied, "Little sister, when you're out and about, it's not just about having someone behind you."
"Hmm?"
Si Xiaolan frowned. His words sounded oddly familiar to her.
"Because just having someone behind you isn't enough; you need someone in front of you too!"
Li Hao chuckled lightly at the girl, then lifted his head, his eyes revealing a worldly detachment, and softly called out: "Brother, come!"
"Brother Hao, should I carry you?"
Li Yuanzhao caught on immediately. He had heard from the adults in the courtyard that Li Hao's talent was poor, capable only of body training. Having rarely seen Brother Hao in action, he had long considered this option, never letting Brother Hao be embarrassed.
Li Hao smiled faintly, patting him on the shoulder.
Li Yuanzhao understood and bent over.
Li Hao didn't hesitate, jumping onto his back. He waved to the wide-eyed girl beside him: "See you on the other side."
As soon as he finished speaking, Li Yuanzhao couldn't wait and leapt dozens of meters ahead, landing directly on the chain.
The chain swayed violently, but with Li Hao on his back, Li Yuanzhao moved with the chain, his feet seeming glued to it, staying firmly attached.
Without waiting for the chain to stabilize, Li Yuanzhao sprinted off, running as if on solid ground.
With his mastery of the Zhou Tian Realm and years of training in martial arts and stances, this test was a breeze for him.
Seeing the figure speeding across the chains, everyone but Si Xiaolan widened their eyes. They had seen show-offs, but never so brazenly; this was like walking on land!
They doubted they could run that fast even on flat ground!
And he was carrying someone!
Recognizing the two's attire, some sharp-eyed individuals identified them as members of Qingzhou's top family. They finally understood, still feeling a sense of shock. The rumors didn't do justice to seeing it in person; reality surpassed them.
Soon, the luxuriously dressed young man who had taken the lead was overtaken by the rapidly running Li Yuanzhao.
His hands behind his back, the youth walked leisurely, expression calm. But when the gale swept past him, a look of surprise flashed across his face...
Before long, Li Yuanzhao reached the other side.
The chain stretched a thousand feet, spanning the sky, threading through the mountain mist.
Li Yuanzhao's running figure dispersed much of the fog. Landing on the other side drew the attention of many nearby.
Li Hao patted his shoulder, hopping off his back, and surveyed the area.
Clearly, they weren't early. Quite a few people who had passed earlier stages were gathered here.
Before these "candidates" stood youths in the academy's uniform, around seventeen or eighteen, dressed in black and white, looking elegant and ethereal.
Of course, that elegance depended on who wore it; those with a more solid build or less refined appearance stood out in a different way...
"Who is that, so impressive?"
"Running across? While carrying someone?"
"One dares to carry, the other to be carried!"
"Shush, be careful. They seem to be from the God General's Mansion, the Li family..."
The gathered crowd buzzed with conversation.
Li Yuanzhao stepped forward to a Tan Palace Academy youth, asking, "Is there another test here?"
"Yes, this is the final one."
The youth evidently recognized Li Yuanzhao's identity. Having studied in Qingzhou for several years, not far from the God General's Mansion, it was hard not to know.
"To pass, you must withstand one round with us."
If the first test assessed basic skills, and the second tested courage, the third seemed a bit of a hazing for newcomers.
Hearing this, Li Yuanzhao's small eyes gleamed with eager battle spirit: "Please enlighten me!"
With that, he cupped his fists in a military salute, then stepped back several paces, setting his stance.
"You may choose a weapon," the youth reminded with a smile.
"For just one round, there's no need." Li Yuanzhao replied.
The youth's eyes flickered, feeling slightly underestimated. But hearing that the Li family was full of geniuses, he didn't take it to heart. There was a hint of curiosity and a desire to probe.
He forwent his sword, raising a fist and advancing swiftly.
His fists created a gust like a pouncing tiger or wolf, the attack fierce.
Li Yuanzhao, however, sidestepped like a slippery eel, moving smoothly, then suddenly turned and punched back.
With a thud, the two fists collided, and the youth staggered back three steps. In contrast, Li Yuanzhao merely steadied his footing.
The youth's face showed astonishment. Although he hadn't used full strength, his punch still carried over ten thousand pounds of force! Equivalent to the usual third level of the Zhou Tian Realm!
This was well above the entry-level standard, the minimum being merely the pinnacle of the Tongli Realm.
But a slight misstep and he almost embarrassed himself? "At least the fifth, maybe even the seventh or eighth level of the Zhou Tian Realm, or perhaps he's mastered a top-tier energy technique or meridian-opening method!"
The youth's eyes filled with respect. Rumors were true; the Li family offspring were monstrous, piled with resources far beyond their peers.
Seeing the youth pushed back, those around were stunned, looking at Li Yuanzhao as if he were a monster. So this is the God General's Mansion's prodigy? At that moment, the chain swayed, and several figures leapt down, including the young man from the Su family in Yunzhou and Si Xiaolan.
Other academy students quickly explained the rules to them. Hearing the requirements, their expressions turned serious.
After all, qualifying for Tan Palace Academy meant they at least met the threshold for a prodigy. These students had trained hard for years, and taking on a move from them wasn't easy.
Si Xiaolan felt a stir, looking at Li Hao beside her. Seeing him still there, she couldn't help feeling a bit annoyed. She knew he had an invitation, likely allowing him to pass without effort.
Compared to those who endured challenges to make it here, he seemed to glide through, illustrating the disparity brought by birth.
"Your turn."
A burly youth said to Li Hao.
Li Hao smiled lightly, and under Si Xiaolan's "as expected" gaze, pulled out the invitation: "I have an invitation."
He had no intention of following Li Yuanzhao's example and wasting energy here, bullying others.
"Invitation?"
The crowd looked over, curious yet envious.
The burly youth hesitated, evidently having heard some rumors. He frowned slightly, took the invitation to examine it, then returned it to Li Hao: "Even with an invitation, you still have to undergo basic testing. I can hold back a bit."
Li Hao was momentarily taken aback.
The youth who tested Li Yuanzhao and the other academy students all facepalmed inwardly. This stubborn one was at it again.
"Come on." The burly youth readied himself, his energy circulating, poised to act.
Li Hao couldn't help asking, "Do you know what an invitation means?"
"I said I'd hold back. You need to show some skill, or else people might think Tan Palace Academy is currying favor with nobles and giving backdoor access." The youth's eyes were earnest, his attitude determined.
Li Hao was at a loss.
People come in all types, and clearly, this youth was the straightforward, stubborn type.
"Pfft..." Si Xiaolan couldn't help but laugh, her bright eyes gleaming with schadenfreude as she watched Li Hao.
Thinking he would just slide through easily, yet he met an interesting character. She even found the burly youth's rugged appearance somewhat appealing now.
"You can use any weapon you like."
The youth's expression was serious, pointing to a rack of weapons nearby.
Li Hao felt a bit helpless but didn't get angry with this lad. Being earnest wasn't a bad trait.
He walked to the weapon rack, drew a sword, and returned to the burly youth.
"A sword, huh?" The youth's eyes moved slightly, nodding: "You can strike first."
He drew the sword from his back, his gaze showing the earnestness of a swordsman.
"Why don't you go first," Li Hao suggested.
"If I strike first, you might not have a chance." The youth stated each word deliberately.
"...Alright."
Li Hao sighed, casually twirling his sword.
The swordsmanship… Falling Snow.
"Hmm?" Si Xiaolan suddenly felt as if snowflakes drifted by, a chill enveloping her. She couldn't help looking up: "It's only autumn, why is it snowing?"