The Name of Eternals

Chapter 135: Fifth on the Qian-Kun Rankings

The little white fox looked up and licked the edge of Li Hao's hand, gazing at him pitifully.

Li Hao chuckled. "You definitely can't go to the martial temple, or you'd be killed the moment you step in."

For demons, soul fusion followed a similar path as for humans. Those with heritage could fuse with the souls of their ancestors. Those without had to seek out other powerful demons to gain a legacy.

If they were still living in the God General's mansion, Li Hao could help the little white fox by sending it to Qingqiu Mountain, home to many fox clans. Qingqiu Mountain was one of the forces affiliated with the Li family, and its elder, an old fox demon, was a respected figure.

"Be patient. When I return, I'll look for opportunities to find a demon king's grave out here. If that doesn't work, give me some time, and I'll slay a demon king for you to fuse with," Li Hao promised, stroking the little white fox.

Soul fusion was critical. Li Hao's ability to fight above his rank was mainly due to his ability to fuse with 360 souls, far surpassing his peers, making him significantly stronger. This accumulation of power from each stage allowed him to achieve his current strength.

The little white fox, understanding Li Hao's words, nodded obediently, showing a foxy smile.

Li Hao borrowed some silver from Song Qiumo and set out with Ren Qianqian, leaving the little white fox in the care of Song Qiumo.

Ren Qianqian carried Li Hao's sword, while Li Hao used his power to lift Ren Qianqian. The two flew out of the camp, with Feng Lao following silently in the distance, stepping on the wind and snow without making a sound. Li He also continued his protective duties, following Li Hao despite knowing that the young master was as strong as he was. Orders were orders.

Dà Yuè City

Dà Yuè City, located in the northwest center of Liangzhou, was a bustling hub with numerous trade caravans arriving monthly. Despite the pervasive winter snow, the road to the city was filled with travelers, and the city's tall walls loomed large in the distance.

Inside a modest carriage, a maid in civilian clothes but wearing soft armor spoke to the young woman beside her, "Miss, we're almost at Dà Yuè City."

The young woman, dressed in white and carrying a sword, lifted the curtain to see the hundred-foot-tall city walls standing like a dark mountain at the horizon. "This city's grandeur is comparable to Qingzhou City," she murmured.

She was Li Wushuang, who had recently arrived in Liangzhou with her father. Having heard about the master gathering hosted by the Tianji Hermit, she had quickly disguised herself and, with her father's arrangement, traveled here with two female guards.

"This place is home to one of Liangzhou's seven great families and the third wealthiest man in Liangzhou, which explains its grandeur," the maid explained.

Li Wushuang nodded absently, not overly impressed. Compared to the illustrious God General's mansion, any family would pale in comparison. Her gaze swept across the white plains and distant mountains. "This would be a good place to gather an army for battle against demons," she mused aloud.

The maid smiled, impressed by her mistress's strategic thinking.

"Attending this gathering will lay the foundation for my future breakthrough to the Heavenly Human Realm and further my potential on the Qian-Dragon Rankings," Li Wushuang's eyes sparkled with determination.

The Qian-Kun Rankings were split into two: the Kun-Phoenix Rankings for those under 18 and the Qian-Dragon Rankings for those under 22. These rankings highlighted the most exceptional young talents, with those listed receiving resources and recognition, paving their path to greatness.

Li Wushuang was currently ranked just outside the top 30 on the Qian-Dragon Rankings. Those ahead of her were mostly at the Fifteen-Mile Realm, many from prestigious backgrounds. Notably, ranked 28th was Li Hao's fiancée, Bian Ruxue, whose accomplishments had secured her place ahead of Li Wushuang. At only 14 years old, her feats were extraordinary, garnering attention and invitations from many factions.

Li Wushuang's goal at this gathering was to gain insights and close the gap between her and the top contenders.

Outside Dà Yuè City

A convoy approached the city gates, with excited faces peeking out of the carriages. "Look, we're almost there!"

In one carriage, Lin Feifei, dressed in green, marveled at the sight. "Yueyao, this city is quite impressive."

Sitting beside her, Song Yueyao nodded with a hint of anticipation. "It is," she agreed.

"Isn't the Tianmen Pass where Li Shi is stationed in Liangzhou?" Lin Feifei asked suddenly, her curiosity piqued.

Song Yueyao's expression grew somber. "Yes."

"Should we visit him after the event?" Lin Feifei suggested impulsively.

Shaking her head, Song Yueyao explained, "The Tianmen Pass is dangerous. We'd only be a burden. My grandfather said Aunt Qiumo is visiting him, so he should be fine."

Disappointed, Lin Feifei mumbled a few words in support of Li Hao before falling silent. Criticizing a revered general was nerve-wracking, even in private.

"We're here to learn and should focus on that. Once we reach the Fifteen-Mile Realm, we can visit him," Song Yueyao said.

Reaching that realm was crucial for survival and escape from powerful demons. Lin Feifei nodded, knowing this event was vital for their future progress.

Dà Yuè City - Another Approach

A group of figures descended from the sky, landing in a desolate area a hundred miles from Dà Yuè City. The leader, a tall, handsome youth with a purple-gold robe, licked his lips as he gazed at the distant city.

"Young Master, we're almost at Dà Yuè City," an old man in gray robes, sporting a dragon-like horn and gray scales, informed respectfully.

"It looks like a splendid feast," the youth mused, his purple-gold eyes glowing with malice. "Once we take this city, we'll tear through the northwest and aid our allies. The Liangzhou army won't know what hit them!"

The old man grinned. "The master gathering has drawn many experts here. They'll make a fine meal for you, Young Master."

"These humans, with their quick breeding and rapid advancement, are disgusting!" the youth snarled, his face twisting with cruelty.

His companions remained silent, smiling knowingly.

"Let's enter the city and prepare. Our forces will await our signal to minimize casualties," the youth ordered.

"Young Master, you'll need a disguise," the old man advised, retracting his dragon horn and scales to appear human.

Grumbling, the youth changed his appearance, his robe turning from purple-gold to a humble yellow, and his eyes shifting to a mundane black. "Let's go."

The old man handed him a blood-stained token. "Here's your pass."

Dà Yuè City - Arrival

Li Hao and Ren Qianqian descended near the city gates and walked towards the entrance. Li Hao idly twirled a piece of grass, hopping over muddy patches to avoid dirtying his boots. Ren Qianqian followed, carrying his sword.

After paying the entrance fee, they entered the bustling city, navigating through the crowded streets. Li Hao observed the numerous martial artists, many at the Soul Fusion Realm, likely here for the master gathering.

Conversations about the event and various martial gossip filled the air. Li Hao even overheard mentions of his name, surprised to learn he was ranked fifth on the Qian-Dragon Rankings.

"Did you hear? The youngest ever to make it to fifth on the Qian-Dragon Rankings!"

"My dad said the Li family has always produced prodigies. Another record broken!"

"The five great general families must be the strongest, right?"

"Shh, keep it down. My friend told me the least known Wang family is actually the scariest..."

Li Hao's ears perked up. The Qian-Kun Rankings were updated monthly by the Tianji Tower, which also hosted this gathering. Known for its omniscient reputation, the Tianji Tower often uncovered and publicized significant events and details about martial experts.

This inclusion on the rankings likely stemmed from his recent battle, a feat too notable to ignore. While he had little interest in fame, he understood the implications of his rank.

Leading Ren Qianqian to the martial temple for her soul fusion, Li Hao inquired about the largest temple in the city's central district. After lighting incense and praying at the temple, they found the temple's registrar.

The elderly registrar, verifying Ren Qianqian's credentials and her father's identity, accepted their offering and granted her entry for the soul fusion ritual. The temple's heroic spirits, in a semi-dormant state, would respond to her based on her merit.

With time to spare, Li Hao wandered the temple grounds, watching two young registrars play chess. Disinterested in their amateur play, he soon left.

The registrars merely smiled, assuming the young man had little patience or understanding of the game.