Chapter 150 - 148: Celestial List
In July, after repeatedly obstructing the advance of the Imperial Court’s army, Gu Wenhui seemed to feel fully prepared and that the timing was just right.
He finally chose to make a proclamation to the world, overthrowing the tyrannical rule of the Fifth Prince. In Nanyang County City, atop a tall building, he announced with a raised arm that he would become the new king of the Seven Prefectures.
This naturally caused a tremendous sensation.
From the Imperial Court and the other three kings down to the common people, everyone was dumbfounded by this news.
Nobody expected that the Fifth Prince, with the bloodline of emperors, would meet his end not by the conquest of the Imperial Court but due to internal strife, essentially engineering his own downfall.
And Gu Wenhui, who inherited all the Fifth Prince’s powers, became the first Foreign King in this chaotic world without possessing any emperor’s bloodline!
The significance of this was entirely different from the previous struggle of the Five Kings.
It was akin to a family embroiled in internal warfare, with several brothers fiercely fighting for their family assets, only to have a neighbor suddenly meddle, seemingly wanting to claim those assets too.
As a result, it was foreseeable that Gu Wenhui would undoubtedly face the strongest attacks from the Imperial Court.
Just like the previous two rebel armies, he would be pounded jointly by the full force of the Imperial Court.
However, unlike those rebel forces, Gu Wenhui had the stable foundation of the Seven Prefectures as his stronghold, with many hidden cards and secret plans.
Since he dared to proclaim himself king at this moment, he must have made thorough preparations, unafraid of the Imperial Court’s focused targeting!
In the blink of an eye, two more years passed.
During these two years, the Da Han Dynasty showed no signs of unification, and the incompetence of the court only exacerbated the chaos and unrest across the land, with the warfare becoming increasingly intense.
Moreover, with Gu Wenhui’s proclamation of himself as a Foreign King, more and more faction leaders hoarded power, broke away from the court’s control, and seized territories for themselves amid the chaos.
The original scenario of Five Kings contending evolved over these two years into a chaotic era where heroes emerged, formally ushering in an age of great disorder!
The great currents of the world were now barreling towards an unpredictable future.
Donglai County City, Martial Arts Assessment Platform.
A martial artist in his thirties was sent flying backward, tumbling down the stone steps, landing clumsily on the ground outside the crowd, a sorry sight.
"With only this little strength, you dare to boast?" On the Martial Arts Assessment Platform, another martial artist, seemingly in his twenties, sneered disdainfully.
"In this vast Southern Martial World, is there really no one who can fight? Coming here for training is truly disappointing..."
Upon hearing this, the martial artists surrounding the Martial Arts Assessment Platform felt nothing but indignation.
"What’s this person’s background, with such arrogance?" From within Zhuixian Tower, Song Changming looked at the young martial artist on the stage through the window, asking involuntarily.
"This person’s background is not insignificant." Liu Ziwen replied with a faint smile.
"Oh?" Song Changming was somewhat surprised as well.
If Liu Ziwen mentioned him in such terms, this young martial artist’s identity and background must indeed be extraordinary.
"Most people only know he comes from the North, but they do not know this individual is an unparalleled genius cultivated by the Hidden Major Sect, Fengxue Manor, up north, named Li Pu..." Liu Ziwen explained.
As Liu Dingsheng’s closest confidant, he had always assisted Liu Dingsheng in his affairs and naturally learned about many figures across the realm.
"Unbelievable?" Song Changming blinked, wondering about the peculiar name.
"It’s Li Pu." Liu Ziwen chuckled, smiling.
"In the Northern Jianghu, the Li surname is equally renowned, and his father is none other than the current Manor Master of Fengxue Manor, Li Baifeng, a top expert long dominating in the top ten of the Celestial List. Moreover, aside from Li Baifeng, Fengxue Manor also houses several other top Celestial List experts!
This cannot be compared with those small sects and factions."
"Wow." Hearing Liu Ziwen’s description, Song Changming instantly understood how extraordinary the background of this young man below was.
Though he did not understand Fengxue Manor or the Northern Li Baifeng, he knew the renowned Celestial List of the Jianghu.
Anyone able to enter the Celestial List must certainly be top-notch powerful figures in the Jianghu.
Let alone those in the top ten of the Celestial List, who are almost equivalent to the top ten in the world!
Such extraordinary figures would not be considered exaggerating when described as having heaven-reaching capabilities.
And with Fengxue Manor housing several Celestial List powerhouses, including Li Baifeng, it indeed commanded admiration and respect.
"How about it, would you like to go over and meet him? After all, this Young Master has fought his way from the North to the South, finding our Donglai County lacking in Martial Tao elites; why not approach and exchange a few moves, it’s a form of acquaintance." Liu Ziwen joked half-seriously and half-playfully.
Song Changming emptied his cup of wine, shaking his head: "I cannot afford to provoke such a deeply-backed Jianghu young master."
"Although this Young Master Li is proud and flamboyant, being Li Baifeng’s son, his character is probably not bad; I actually think that if there’s a chance, he’s worth befriending." Liu Ziwen continued.
"If so, why doesn’t Brother Liu go down?" Song Changming also laughed.
The two were well acquainted due to their many years of association through Liu Dingsheng, hence they were rather familiar with each other.
Their casual conversation, therefore, carried no reservations.
Liu Ziwen feigned a sigh: "I would love to, but alas, my skills are limited, and I couldn’t last a few moves with this Young Master Li, failing to catch his eye, how could we talk about acquaintance?"
Being Liu Dingsheng’s most capable and trusted aide, his personal strength was actually not weak.
Previously he was at Seventh Realm cultivation, having just broken through to Level eight last year, this was a prime martial artist in the eyes of the Jianghu.
But strength is feared only when compared.
Even Song Changming can see that the Young Master Li below is truly an Extreme Realm Martial Artist!
In comparison, even if Liu Ziwen’s strength has increased considerably, it’s still far behind.
To get acquainted with him, at least one must make a strong impression with their strength.
Otherwise, like that Martial Artist who just challenged and was simply knocked out, there won’t even be any extra scenes.
"I’m not up to it, but I know, you might be able to." Liu Ziwen returned the conversation to Song Changming.
"Brother Liu really overestimates me." Song Changming smiled faintly.
"It’s just the truth; you’ve defeated an Extreme Realm Martial Artist two years ago. I wasn’t exaggerating at all." Liu Ziwen claimed he was merely stating facts.
Song Changming shook his head, did not continue the topic, and switched to another.
"Since the Martial Arts Assessment Platform was established, there’s news every three days—who won yesterday, who lost today, who will challenge tomorrow..."
"This could be a good thing." Liu Ziwen laughed: "If someone is dissatisfied with another, they can just compete on stage, and it’s clear instantly. Anyway, fighting here doesn’t count as disrupting order; it’s government-certified."
Song Changming did not express an opinion.
This Martial Arts Assessment Platform is something Gu Wenhui has been promoting throughout his controlled Seven Prefectures for the past two years; each prefecture and city is equipped with such a large arena.
The main purpose is for Gu Wenhui to select martial artists with potential worth cultivating and developing.
Additionally, it helps the martial artists in the city resolve issues regarding their status in the Jianghu.
As Liu Ziwen said, if someone is dissatisfied with another, they send an invitation, and it’s clear who is stronger in front of everyone.
Moreover, if there are conflicts between individuals that require resolving, they can also come to this Martial Arts Assessment Platform, where the government does not intervene, to settle their grievances.
In short, this Martial Arts Assessment Platform is specifically established for martial artists.
Behind this platform is a series of policies introduced, allowing the martial spirit in Gu Wenhui’s Seven Prefectures to gradually flourish.
Many Jianghu martial artists are even drawn to this Southern Seven Prefectures just for this excitement, which is the outcome Gu Wenhui is pleased to see.
Only by attracting a large number of martial artists can his territory continually recruit martial officer talents for his use.
Over the past two years, some have gained fame through battles on the Martial Arts Assessment Platform, achieving great glory.
Others, already renowned, became stepping stones for others’ fame on the platform, catching everyone by surprise.
Song Changming, who has a nickname in Jianghu and is quite famous around Donglai Prefecture, has been frequently invited to the Martial Arts Assessment Platform over the past two years.
However, Song Changming has little interest in these challenge-type tournament battles; aside from competing for fame, there are no significant benefits, so he hasn’t accepted many challenges.
Most of the time, he responds when provoked excessively, choosing to accept fights out of necessity.
After delivering heavy blows and severely injuring several foolish martial artists, Song Changming finally gained some temporary peace.
Getting him to voluntarily step onto the Martial Arts Assessment Platform, without significant benefits, is almost impossible.
"I must say, the signature wine from this newly opened tavern is indeed good." Song Changming nodded after drinking a few cups.
"Yes, being able to open on Brocade Street surely means they have some skills." Liu Ziwen said, deciding to take a few jars back for Liu Dingsheng to try.
After a satisfying meal, Song Changming also carried a jar of Zhuixian wine, preparing to head home and let Father Song taste it.
As for that prominent family’s young master with deep connections, he didn’t pay much attention to him.
He thought the young master would probably stay in Donglai County City for just a few days before leaving.
A few more days passed.
On this day, at home,
With the help of another Hundred Years Old Ginseng, Song Changming finally filled his experience value again.
Information about this set of Body Refining Skill was changing on the panel.
[Great Strength Bull Demon Skill: Nine Bull Power (800/800), cannot be enhanced!]
Ultimately, it progressed from level eight to level nine!
At the same time, Song Changming felt his whole body’s bones beginning the final round of strengthening, undergoing the ultimate transformation amidst scorching heat!
This process was not easy for Song Changming.
Soreness, swelling, burning pain, like torture...
Song Changming remained expressionless, silently enduring the pain.
He has practiced martial arts for many years; if he couldn’t manage this hardship, he would have long given up martial arts.
The transformation process lasted for the entire duration of an incense stick, and then the pain originating from deep within the bones began to decrease.
It wasn’t until an hour passed that his final Bone Forging was complete.
He formally acquired the Nine Bull Power!