78. The Great Demon King

Chapter 78: The Great Demon King

Tangong Academy attracts geniuses from nineteen states not just because of the outstanding teaching, but also because of a unique ultimate skill.

This skill is the academy's treasure, rarely shared, but anyone who tops the Tangong White Hall is qualified to learn it.

"If I can learn this sword technique along the way, that would be great," Li Hao admitted with a smile.

Indeed, he had come for this ultimate skill, but not for the reason everyone thought.

After all, if he really needed it urgently, he could ask Grandpa Feng to secretly steal a copy.

Hearing Li Hao's admission, Huang Licai's lips curved into a knowing smile. He thought to himself that this kid could really put on a show; he almost believed him.

Song Yufeng and the others exchanged glances and relaxed smiles.

After Li Hao left the Tangong Hall, Song Yufeng looked at the others and asked, "Since he came for the Taiji Qiankun Sword, what do you all think?"

"The Li family is true to their word," Shen Yunqing said, stroking his beard with a smile. "Back then, Li Sanlang took a copy of the Taiji Qiankun Sword from us and promised not to pass it on to a second person. It seems they really kept their promise."

"Indeed, it's no wonder this young man came to us," another elder nodded, clearly having a good impression of Li Sanlang's actions.

Although Li Sanlang's actions had angered the entire Tangong Academy back then, time had passed. Now, Li Sanlang had long since died in battle, and they had already let go of their grudges.

Moreover, it was said that before Li Sanlang died, he used the Taiji Qiankun Sword to pierce through seventeen demon kings, intimidating the demonic horde. This had showcased the brilliance of the ultimate skill to the world, bringing some honor to Tangong.

"He just joined the academy; we can't just give it to him so easily, right?" someone asked, looking at Song Yufeng.

Song Yufeng was silent for a moment.

"What do you propose? He's already at the fifteen-mile realm. If he stays in the White Hall, he could easily dominate everyone. We can't have us old folks stepping in, right?" Zhao Zongyuan said irritably.

"Don't forget, we have a rule that one must be enrolled for three years. Otherwise, the true dragons from the Godly General's Mansion could come and take it whenever they want," another elder pointed out.

"That's true, but keeping him here for three years would be a waste of his talent. We wouldn't have much to teach him, and it would only delay him," Shen Yunqing frowned. Having played chess and drunk wine with Li Hao, and tasted his incredible barbecue, he was somewhat partial to him.

"The academy rules are the academy rules. We can't make exceptions for the Li family, can we?" said a stern-faced elder.

Huang Licai argued, "We've already made an exception. Let's not forget, we teach geniuses here, and geniuses break conventions. If we bind them with rigid rules, that's the real problem."

"But if we set this precedent, other geniuses from the Godly General's Mansion might come, and then it would lose its exclusivity."

Seeing the ongoing debate, Song Yufeng thought for a moment and then said, "Why don't we give him two options: either teach at Tangong for a year or serve as an honorary instructor at the Black and White Hall. This way, the sword manual isn't given away too easily."

The hall fell silent as everyone exchanged glances.

"Palace Master, your shrewdness never fails..."

...

Near the Thousand Cliff of Tangong, beside a deep pool.

Passing by this spot, Li Hao found the clear pool quite scenic. Inspired, he returned to the academy's dormitories to fetch his paper and brush, then came back to the pool to paint.

The experience system was quite user-friendly, with gains in painting experience depending on the depth or cultivation of the subject.

Depicting a great demon, for instance, yielded substantial experience.

The same applied to portraits of highly cultivated individuals.

However, repeatedly painting the same subject eventually diminished returns, requiring fresh subjects for continued growth.

Li Hao suspected that achieving a spiritual level in painting required setting aside thoughts of experience and focusing on perfecting the portrayal of certain elements.

Repeatedly painting a subject a hundred, a thousand, or ten thousand times might eventually imbue it with spiritual resonance.

For now, his painting experience was only at the fifth stage, not yet at the peak of the sixth. Better to max out the experience first.

In quick strokes, Li Hao sketched the majestic cliffs, then the pool's contours, bringing the scene to life on his paper.

After three paintings, his painting experience increased steadily.

+183, +145, +92...

Deep in the pool, a large shadow lay coiled around a rock.

Suddenly, it opened its eyes, sensing an uncomfortable feeling of being watched, disturbing its rest.

With a whoosh, it scanned the shore, spotting a young man.

Where did this brat come from... it snorted, rising from the rock and swiftly swimming to the surface, leaping out.

Splash! Water sprayed everywhere as a figure emerged on the shore.

In the middle of his fourth painting, planning to fully exploit the pool's scenery, Li Hao was startled by the sudden appearance of a cerulean Qilin.

A water Qilin? He stared in shock at the creature, and they locked eyes.

"Who allowed you to be here? Get lost!" the water Qilin shook the water from its head, its voice melodious yet commanding like the tinkling of a spring.

Li Hao had heard that Tangong Academy's first Palace Master had subdued a Qilin demon to guard the academy. He didn't expect to see it in person.

This was a great demon king at the four standing stages! Li Hao's eyes sparkled with excitement, stars gleaming.

"Senior!"

Li Hao quickly bowed respectfully, "May I have the honor of painting you?"

If he could capture the water Qilin in a painting, his experience would surely skyrocket.

He had already exhausted the experience gains from painting Second Grandpa, Wind Grandpa, and Fifth Grandpa. They had provided considerable painting experience.

"?"

The water Qilin tilted its head, a huge question mark forming in its mind.

Had this academy disciple lost his mind from too much training?

"What nonsense are you spouting?" the water Qilin snorted, and the surrounding water seemed to freeze, exuding a chilling aura, "Get lost, or I'll eat you!"

Li Hao knew it was a bluff. The water Qilin couldn't harm Tangong disciples unless severely provoked.

Still, its imposing presence was intimidating, making Li Hao's heart race. Summoning his courage, he said, "If you eat me, the taste might not be to your liking."

"The Li family?" the water Qilin's cold demeanor faltered slightly. Not only would the taste be bad, but it might also cause trouble.

"Hmph, even if I don't eat you, I can still give you a beating, and your Li family wouldn't dare retaliate," the water Qilin snorted. Despite its words, it didn't intend to harm Li Hao. If those old Li family members came questioning, it would be awkward.

It couldn't just say it beat the boy for disturbing its nap.

After all, it had to maintain some dignity.

Feeling frustrated, the water Qilin prepared to use the water to send Li Hao away, but then he shouted:

"Don't move!"

"Please, Senior, don't move!"

Li Hao pleaded, "Just a moment. Please stay still for a bit longer, Senior."

"?"

The water Qilin's large, pure blue eyes were filled with confusion.

Meanwhile, Li Hao had resumed painting with fervor.

The scene was perfect.

A water Qilin standing in the pool, surrounded by surging waters, with the towering cliffs beside it—this painting would be a masterpiece.

"You..."

"Please, Senior, don't move!"

The water Qilin was both embarrassed and curious. It had never encountered such a strange youngster in over a thousand years. What was he doing?

Seeing the Qilin remain still, Li Hao's eyes sharpened, focusing intently on the paper. He painted with dedication, completely absorbed.

Brush strokes flew, his movements fluid and precise, creating a layered and vibrant scene.

Half an incense stick later, as Li Hao was nearing completion, the water Qilin grew impatient and dispersed the water, "Hey, what are you doing?"

Fortunately, Li Hao had finished painting the swirling water. His face focused, he quickly completed the final touches, adding the grass by the pool, and finished the painting.

[Painting Experience +1986]

Seeing such a large amount of experience, Li Hao couldn't help but feel elated. This one painting was worth hundreds of his usual ones.

"Thank you, Senior!"

Li Hao returned to his senses, seeing the angry water Qilin. He quickly bowed deeply in gratitude.

Not only for the experience, but also for the cooperation that allowed him to create such a painting.

He had grown to love painting itself, not just the experience gains.

"Done?"

The water Qilin raised an eyebrow. Familiar with some human customs, it coldly ordered, "Let me see."

Li Hao nodded, turning the painting board around.

A stunning painting unfolded before the water Qilin.

Sharp cliffs, a deep and solitary pool, and a majestic cerulean Qilin standing proudly amidst the surging waves, exuding an aura of dominance.

Its eyes grew brighter.

Is that me in the painting? Am I... really this beautiful?!

With a sudden movement, the water Qilin stepped out of the pool, its form shrinking rapidly. In an instant, it transformed into a woman clad in a cerulean robe.

Her hair was blue, with a tear-like mark at the corner of her eye, her beauty unparalleled. Her pale, jade-like feet hovered as she gracefully moved to the painting