Volume 3 - Chapter 373: A Duel Set for a Hundred Years - Part 1
"You master has already agreed. Do you intend to go back on that?"
Li Hao halted mid-step, his gaze frosty as he looked at Mingyue. His voice was low and grim.
"The Southern Territory Tournament may not be over, but I can withdraw. Is even that not allowed?!"
He locked eyes with her and continued,
"If I wanted to hide my identity, why would I need to rely on Immortal Techniques? Why would I even show up to this battle?"
Mingyue was stunned by his question. Her expression flickered, then she sneered,
"You didn’t even know about your master’s decision earlier. And now you say you’re quitting? You’re qualified to compete for the championship and earn entry into the Primordial True Realm. You’re really going to give that up?"
Naturally, Li Hao was reluctant to let go of such an opportunity. Even the Great Dream Master had called it a rare chance. The Primordial True Realm was filled with fortune and serendipity. Though he could advance in his Dao through painting or chess, the Southern Territory Tournament had shown him that other resources held great value as well.
Besides, if the Primordial True Realm truly was a sacred land for enlightenment, wouldn’t painting and chess elevate him even faster there?
However, with everything happening now, it remained uncertain whether the opposing side would sit back and let him enter the realm and continue growing.
"There’s more than one way into the Primordial True Realm. If fate wills it, I’ll get there eventually. For now, I just want to leave."
That was Li Hao’s answer.
Compared to opportunity, preserving his own life came first.
Mingyue was incensed. He clearly had what it took to win the championship, yet he was choosing to back out. This youth’s actions left her utterly baffled.
Her master had offered him discipleship—he refused.
The opportunity to enter the Primordial True Realm was before him—he turned away.
Though she had some guesses as to his reasoning, if it were her, she'd fight for that opportunity no matter the risk, even if it meant staking her life!
Cultivators in this world were as countless as fish in the sea. If you don’t cross the river, how can you hope to soar?
"You… you’re too arrogant! You think these chances fall into your lap every day?" Mingyue gritted her teeth.
But deep down, she felt a stifling frustration. The boy in front of her really did have the right to be arrogant. Could she say the same?
He had defeated Jianxin—he already stood above countless prodigies of the Southern Territory. Even his arrogance left no room for rebuttal.
"Then spare yourself the concern!" Li Hao said as he resumed walking away.
Mingyue felt the pressure radiating from Li Hao's body. She was furious and agitated but couldn't find a way to stop him.
There was a fire burning in her chest, with no outlet, and no clear way to let it out.
"Do you dare make a duel pact with me?!"
Suddenly, an idea lit up in her mind. She fixed her gaze on Li Hao.
"A duel?"
Li Hao raised an eyebrow and looked at her coldly. "You want to fight too? Fine."
Mingyue blushed, flustered by the misunderstanding but persisted.
"Not now! You beat my senior brother and I admit your combat prowess is peerless among True Immortals. But I challenge you to a duel at the Immortal Lord Realm! With your talent, you’ll reach it fast, won’t you? I just want to prove you’ve made the wrong choice!"
If Li Hao left now, she'd be unable to catch up. With her master’s guidance and the opportunity of the Primordial True Realm, she still believed she could surpass him—even if his soul lifespan was a hundred years and even if he was some monstrous anomaly.
She had to chase him down. If he left now, the gap between them would only widen, and no amount of talent would bridge it.
"Hmm?"
Li Hao heard her words and immediately grasped the thoughts behind them. His eyes cooled slightly, and his heart filled with a quiet disdain—and detachment.
He wielded his sword in pursuit of renown only to sever worldly desires. Yet now, even a top disciple of a Supreme sought to cling to reputation.
What is renown?
Its essence lies in name.
And face—reputation—is but the surface of that name. Everyone protects it, everyone fights for it.
But only the name earned through one's own power is true. Chasing face just to salvage pride—what value is there in such an illusion?
"Fine."
Li Hao’s expression was icy as he gave his answer.
First, because he feared no one. He could use this duel to sever Mingyue’s delusions—and refine his own Sword Dao in the process.
Second, because he knew if he refused, she would keep pestering him, making things even more troublesome.
"Good!"
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