It could be said that killing Jiang He was the core of his beliefs. Now, it even had the potential to develop into a demonic obsession. That's why he was hosting this grand gathering at the late Tongxuan stage.

One reason was to befriend the geniuses from the surrounding prefectures, and the second was to remind himself not to forget his enemy, Jiang He.

After the gathering, he would begin preparing for the Golden Core formation. Once he formed the Golden Core and entered the Grandmaster realm, he would be one step closer to Jiang He.

More and more people gathered around, already numbering in the thousands. Nearly half of them were martial artists, eager to witness the brilliance of the many geniuses.

This was essentially a gathering of talents from Shu Prefecture and its vicinity.

Many geniuses from the Potential Dragon List were present, and Zhao Hao himself was a prodigy on the Potential Dragon List. Otherwise, so many people wouldn't have come to support him. However, his ranking wasn't as high as Chen Yuan's.

He ranked sixteenth, known as the Gentleman Sword!

He earned this title because Zhao Hao was polite to others, often helped people, and was known for his humility. This was widely recognized.

Scanning the crowd, Zhao Hao's gaze lingered on two people for a moment, and he nodded at them with a smile.

These two were no ordinary people; they were both peerless geniuses in the top ten of the Potential Dragon List.

One was Bai Changqing, the recognized senior disciple of the contemporary Shushan Sword Sect. The other was Shangguan Yu, a well-known young master of the Shangguan clan in the Jianghu.

Bai Changqing wore white robes and had handsome features. He carried a sword on his back, simple and unadorned. His appearance was undoubtedly striking, and he was surrounded by an aura of tranquility.

Several disciples of the Shushan Sword Sect also surrounded him.

Shangguan Yu was dressed in a black robe with gold patterns embroidered on the waist. His eyes were somewhat indifferent, and he was accompanied by several people.

These two, along with Zhao Hao, were considered the main characters of today's gathering, attracting much attention.

"It is truly my good fortune that everyone has come to support me. Without further ado, please, fellow Daoists," Zhao Hao said with a light smile, keeping his words concise.

As soon as he spoke, many polite voices echoed around him, saying things like, "Brother Zhao, you're too kind."

Shangguan Yu nodded and took the lead, stepping onto the deck of the giant ship and sitting cross-legged in a forward position.

As he moved, Bai Changqing glanced at him and streaked across the void like a phantom, arriving opposite Shangguan Yu. One was sixth on the Potential Dragon List, and the other was eighth.

The difference wasn't significant, and there was competition between them. Shangguan Yu looked at Bai Changqing, his eyes filled with a brewing battle intent. However, Bai Changqing did not respond.

With the movements of these two peerless geniuses from the top ten of the Potential Dragon List, the others dared to move, their figures soaring into the air, exuding powerful auras.

There were quite a few people, nearly twenty.

Besides the geniuses in the top fifty of the Potential Dragon List, there were also the sect leaders or family heads from various forces near Guangling Prefecture, all friends Zhao Hao had made over the years.

With nearly twenty people, plus some serving maids, the number was considerable. If the giant ship hadn't been built large, the deck wouldn't have been able to accommodate them.

As the initiator, Zhao Hao sat in the foremost position. He clapped his hands, and the courtesans from Guangling Prefecture and other prefectures, who had been waiting in the cabin, came before the crowd to pay their respects.

Then, they began to dance gracefully.

Music and dance filled the air, quickly setting the atmosphere.

Seeing the satisfied expressions on everyone's faces, a smile crept onto Zhao Hao's lips. He had been preparing for this gathering for nearly three months.

"Brother Zhao, where is the thing that Bai Mou desires?"

Bai Changqing didn't touch the spiritual wine in front of him, nor did he look at the graceful dances. In his eyes, these things were merely ephemeral pleasures.

The reason he had condescended to come this time was twofold: one was because the elder of the Shushan Sword Sect had some connection with Zhao Hao, and the other was that Zhao Hao had something he desired in his possession.

He had come specifically to trade for it.

"Brother Bai, don't be anxious. Zhao Mou will naturally bring it out later," Zhao Hao said with a warm expression.

The people he wanted to befriend today were only Shangguan Yu and Bai Changqing. Only they were worth his effort to cultivate a relationship with. Although the others were also quite strong,

They were still far behind the peerless geniuses in the top ten of the Potential Dragon List.

"Very well."

Bai Changqing nodded, as long as he confirmed that the item was still there.

"Brother Bai, I've heard that your strength has improved recently. I'd like to ask for some pointers later," Shangguan Yu interrupted the two, looking directly at Bai Changqing.

A large part of the reason he came this time was because he knew Bai Changqing would be there, and he wanted to fight him.

Bai Changqing stared at Shangguan Yu, his eyes showing some helplessness. This guy really was relentlessly trying to challenge him. He had fought him once before,

But had narrowly lost. However, Shangguan Yu didn't care and was now challenging him again. So, he shook his head:

"You are no match for Bai Mou. Why do you keep humiliating yourself?"

"Aren't you being a bit too arrogant?" Shangguan Yu snorted softly, feeling somewhat indignant.

"Bai Mou is merely stating a fact. If you want to challenge someone, find someone else. Bai Mou doesn't want these meaningless battles," Bai Changqing said indifferently.

He was naturally a tranquil person and never cared much about the desire for victory. Otherwise, he would surely have a place in the top five of the Potential Dragon List.

Shangguan Yu took a deep breath and said nonchalantly:

"If you don't agree, I'll just keep following you until you're willing to fight me."

Seeing the two arguing, Zhao Hao quickly said:

"Gentlemen, it's not appropriate to draw swords at today's gathering. How about fighting another day?"

"Since I've come today, I don't plan on going back empty-handed." Shangguan Yu didn't give him much face.

Although the Shangguan family wasn't as good as the Ten Immortal Sects, it was definitely a top-tier power. He didn't need to be too polite to Zhao Hao, who was weaker than him.

Zhao Hao didn't get angry or annoyed, but said with a smile:

"Brother Shangguan, according to the rules, even if you want to challenge someone, you should challenge the person ranked seventh on the Potential Dragon List. Why do you insist on pestering Brother Bai?"

Shangguan Yu's eyes narrowed, and he looked at Zhao Hao with a sneer:

"What's this? Do you have a grudge against the Demon Blade?"

Zhao Hao's opening remark was clearly intended to provoke a fight with Chen Yuan. Anyone could sense it.

Zhao Hao smiled and didn't deny it, but said indifferently:

"Zhao Mou doesn't know the Demon Blade, so how could I have a grudge? I just can't stand his behavior. He's a court hound, and relying on his backing, he actually massacred the Tangshan martial arts world. It's a disgrace to the Jianghu.

It's a pity that my brother Chen Yi was exterminated by the Demon Blade..."

The truth, of course, wasn't like that. He was simply venting his anger on Chen Yuan because of Jiang He, and he was also jealous, feeling that Chen Yuan didn't deserve such fame and talent. That's why he chimed in.

As soon as Zhao Hao spoke, several voices of agreement echoed nearby.

"Yes, Chen Yuan is truly evil. It's said that misfortune shouldn't extend to family, but he made enemies and exterminated their nine generations. He's just an executioner."

"That's right. It's a pity that Old Zhu is weak. Otherwise, how could he allow this court hound to run rampant?"

"He's a disgrace to our Jianghu."

People sighed constantly.

It was normal for them to have such a mentality. Chen Yuan's rise was too fast, so fast that they couldn't explain it. They harbored resentment, and coupled with his identity as a court hound, it made him even more criticized.

Not to mention him, even Jiang He would be talked about, saying that he, a court hound, didn't deserve the name of Sword God.

Shangguan Yu sneered, showing some disdain for the surrounding group of useless people, and said indifferently:

"With one man's strength, sweeping across a prefecture, fighting nine Tongxuan experts alone, and entering the top ten of the Potential Dragon List, what does it matter if he's a court hound if he can do that?

My Shangguan clan also has an official position in the court. What? In your eyes, am I also a court hound?"

"No... no... no... How can the Demon Blade be compared to Brother Shangguan?" Zhao Hao said with an obsequious smile.

"Yes, how can the Demon Blade be compared to Brother Shangguan? The Shangguan family serves the people as officials and is completely different from those court hounds."

"That's right, that's right."

The few people from before quickly echoed, afraid that Shangguan Yu would blame them.

Shangguan Yu continued:

"I haven't met Chen Yuan, but I've heard of his fame for a long time. I also want to fight him and see who's better, but I won't gossip here like a woman.

If you really can't stand him, just take up your swords and fight him. Then I'll respect you as a man, instead of just talking about it,

And not daring to say a word when you see Chen Yuan."

The crowd blushed with shame and quickly lowered their heads.

Shangguan Yu was right. They were just daring to talk about it, but they didn't have the courage to challenge Chen Yuan. That kind of killing god wasn't something they could compare to.

Bai Changqing said indifferently:

"Brother Shangguan seems to have admired the Demon Blade for a long time?"

"Not really. I've just heard that he's extremely strong in close combat, his saber techniques are unparalleled, and he's a formidable opponent. Now that he's ranked ahead of me, if there's a chance, I'll naturally invite him to a fight and see if he's worthy of the name,"

Shangguan Yu said indifferently.

He admired the strong and despised the weak.

Especially the weak who only talked tough.

He admired those who dared to risk their lives and fight.

"Aren't you afraid of losing to him?"

"It's his ability if he can beat me. Why should I be afraid? We martial artists aren't afraid of losing," Shangguan Yu said solemnly.

"Then why don't you go challenge him, and then come challenge me after you beat him?"

Bai Changqing really didn't want to fight and would be best if he could get rid of the other person.

"He's not here now. How can I fight him?" Shangguan Yu asked.

"Well... then you should go challenge Wei Wuya. I've heard that guy is also a martial arts fanatic and isn't far from Guangling. The two of you are well suited for sparring," Bai Changqing said with a faint smile.

Shangguan Yu curled his lip and whispered:

"You look calm and composed, but you're just trying to trick me. Wei Wuya is so strong. Wouldn't I be courting death if I went there?"

The top ten of the Potential Dragon List seemed to be close in ranking, but there were divisions. The publicly recognized top three had been challenged before, but their rankings had remained stable.

Challengers came and went, but Shangguan Yu's fighting spirit was strong, but he wasn't a fool. Besides, could anyone easily go to the Heavenly Demon Palace?

If it were that simple, wouldn't the imperial court have already recovered Xue Prefecture?

Zhao Hao watched the two completely ignore him, feeling some anger in his heart, feeling that they were upstaging him, but he didn't show it on his face. Instead, he found a suitable opportunity to say:

"Gentlemen, today is a Dao discussion, why bring up those unpleasant things?"

Shangguan Yu was expressionless, unwilling to say more in his heart. Discuss Dao with them? Were this group of mediocre people worthy?

Among the people present, the only one who caught his eye was Bai Changqing. The others were just accessories, worthless trash.

Bai Changqing didn't reply but smiled and took a sip of spiritual wine.

Zhao Hao's situation was somewhat awkward, and he squeezed out a smile.

The people below seemed to have noticed Zhao Hao's embarrassment and laughed loudly:

"Brother Zhao, since today is a grand gathering, why not start with a poetry competition? We can also show off our elegance."

Zhao Hao's eyes lit up, and he quickly said:

"Brother Liu's words are excellent. We can have a poetry competition first, then discuss Dao, and leave the exchange for the end, how about that?"

Although they were all martial artists, practicing martial arts didn't mean they didn't know poetry.

Scholars are poor, warriors are rich. Every martial artist who could embark on the path of martial arts wasn't poor. Naturally, they would study literature in their youth. Martial arts could also broaden the mind and increase wisdom. Poetry was a minor skill, and many people knew a little.

Most grand gatherings also included a poetry competition.

"What topic do you think we should use?" Zhao Hao looked at Bai Changqing and Shangguan Yu, his gaze mainly lingering on Bai Changqing because of that senior.

He had some relationship with Shushan.

Bai Changqing pondered for a moment and said, "Why not use lotus flowers and Guangling Prefecture as the topic?"

Using lotus as the topic was the simplest.

"Excellent. Zhao Mou is willing to offer a high-grade precious sword as a prize. Whoever writes the best poem today will receive the sword," Zhao Hao said with a smile.

The people below echoed in agreement.

Soon, someone took the lead and spoke.

......

......

On the bank of the Guangling River, the spectators also heard what the person had said earlier. Using lotus flowers and Guangling Prefecture as the topic attracted everyone's attention, making it very lively.

Yue Shan turned his gaze to Chen Yuan and asked casually:

"Why doesn't your excellency also improvise a poem?"

"Yes, with your excellency's literary talent, you'll surely overwhelm the crowd," Yan Qing echoed.

They all knew that Chen Yuan could talk, able to make white seem black. Subconsciously, they felt that improvising a poem wouldn't be a problem.

Only Mo Donghe, who was closest to Chen Yuan, frowned. He seemed to see a flash of cyan light in the Lord's eyes. Was it an illusion?

Of course not!

A smile crept onto Chen Yuan's lips. He had just completely confirmed that someone on the ship possessed destiny, and it was precisely his target.

Sure enough, in the dark, those connected by destiny were bound together.

This trip wasn't in vain!

Then, he looked at Yue Shan and the others and whispered:

"Prepare to attack."

"Yes."

The men immediately straightened their faces and gripped their saber hilts.

On the deck, Zhao Hao looked around. Several people had already recited poems, but they were all unsatisfactory. Then, he looked at Bai Changqing and said:

"Brother Bai, why don't you also write a poem so that Zhao Mou can listen?"

Bai Changqing lowered his eyes, just about to say something, when his eyes suddenly narrowed. He turned to the direction of the shore, feeling someone was watching him in the dark. Then, he said:

"Let's wait until everyone has finished reciting before Bai Mou embarrasses himself."

Zhao Hao nodded and looked at the crowd, asking:

"Does anyone else have a poem to recite?"

"Chen Mou has a limerick," suddenly, a faint voice echoed in the void.

Everyone on the ship was stunned and looked towards the river.

Chen Yuan stepped out of the crowd on the riverbank and walked in the air. He scanned a few people, focusing on Zhao Hao, the Child of Destiny, and Shangguan Yu and Bai Changqing for a moment, before retracting his gaze and reciting loudly:

"A lotus flower flips on both sides, an eel struggles through the swampy path."

"The lotus flower gets stuck on the black fish's head, clear river water flows outwards."

"When standing, the lotus flower seems tightly closed; when squatting, the petals are fully open."

"Although it is not the Guangling River, the tide comes every month!"

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