Chapter 464 - 269: The Malicious Eagle King Wang Xuan Shakes the Li Family! (Part 2)

Sss!

The white light pierced Su Mu’s fingertip, bringing a slight tingling sensation, and at the same time, a formidable presence from the spiritual power shook him. After carefully feeling the destructive power, Su Mu nodded silently.

"In terms of physical damage, each flying sword can deliver the full force of an Eighth-Grade Martial Artist’s strike. If spiritual interference is counted, it can momentarily daze an Eighth-Grade Martial Artist."

"With a mere thought, one strike is enough to kill a typical Eighth-Grade Martial Artist... The attack range is the coverage of spiritual power. Currently, my spiritual power’s limit is eight zhang and three chi."

Within eight zhang and three chi, Su Mu was confident to kill an Eighth-Grade Martial Artist instantly using only Vast Qi. Perhaps during combat, it could also provide unexpected advantages. The Vast Sword now showed some level of power.

"Not bad, not bad."

However, as it stood, Su Mu knew that opportunities to use such a Vast Sword were actually scarce. The greatest benefit of cultivating Vast Qi was still in the growth of spiritual power.

The surprise attack by the Blood Wolf Woman on the Black Whale demonstrated the importance of spiritual power. A momentary loss of focus due to a sudden spiritual attack can be fatal, as shown by the martial artists who died at the hands of the Blood Wolf Woman, while other cultivators with different Dharma Gates managed to survive.

Although the realms were equal, those with spiritual resistance methods could recover quickly and thus save their lives.

"Surely, a powerful physique is important... but spiritual power cannot be neglected. At the very least, one must have ways to resist spiritual power surprise attacks."

In addition, strong spiritual power and five senses can complement each other, enabling one to anticipate enemy moves and perceive the battlefield, which is undeniably useful in combat.

Thoughts returned.

Su Mu’s gaze fell thoughtfully on the newly-entry-level Le Yi.

"Le Yi, huh, rites, music, archery, charioteering, calligraphy, mathematics... these are the six arts of a gentleman. I see, music, as part of the arts, naturally belongs to the Confucian Skill."

Su Mu achieved enlightenment, instantly understanding why the two musical notes could invoke Vast Qi, even purify it, making it more refined.

No wonder after entry-level into music, tonight’s growth in Vast Qi surpassed previous advancements.

The long night passed without a word, and with dawn approaching, Su Mu resumed cultivation.

...

Meanwhile, two flowers blossom, each expressing a branch.

North of the county, Donglai Street, Li Mansion.

An unexpected guest silently arrived outside the Li Family altar. Inside, a figure sensed this and immediately walked out respectfully to greet them, Li Linfeng bowed deeply to the figure outside.

"Linfeng pays respect..."

"Among family, no need to bother with these formalities... You’ve worked hard during this time."

In the darkness, a figure in gray robes emerged. If this scene were seen by others, they would surely be shocked. Li Linfeng was no ordinary person; he was the current Patriarch of one of the Four Families of Donglai, the Li Family!

"Third Uncle, you flatter me... As the Patriarch, I should do my utmost."

A hint of softness flashed in the elder’s eyes, but it soon turned cold.

"Your temperament is still too gentle, and your methods not ruthless enough."

Li Linfeng’s steps halted, remaining silent.

"Have you selected the contestants for the fight?"

"The candidates for the small arena have been finalized. The younger generation of our Li Family is not inferior to other Four Families, except... the candidate for the large arena has not yet been determined. The White Whale Gang has sided with the Zhou Family, and the Pill Cauldron Pavilion and Cyan Fish Gang are unwilling to intervene."

"Large arena?"

The elder’s eyes slightly narrowed. It would be unfair to let cultivators with different cultivation times compete on the same stage. From the beginning, the Four Families’ competitions in Donglai County were divided into large and small arenas, a rule set even before the Li Family had settled there.

The so-called large and small arena, the small arena comprised cultivators under twenty-five years old from the Four Families, while the initial rule for the large arena restricted its competitors to those under fifty years and below the Upper Three Grades.

The rules were indeed like this. Fourth Grade stands as the pinnacle of Middle Third Grades. One step further and they could enter the Upper Three Grades, becoming known as Great Cultivators, even for the Four Families, every Fourth Grade cultivator is a pillar of their respective family, the future of their clan.

If they were to go on stage and battle, any loss or severe injury would be a significant detriment to the Four Families. Even a hundred Fifth-Grade cultivators couldn’t compare to the value of one Fourth-Grade.

Even if other forces provided Fourth-Grade cultivators as tributors to participate in the competition, these Fourth-Grade tributors would certainly not fully exert themselves, and the costs to enlist them are substantial.

People are cautious about their lives. The stronger the cultivator, the longer their lifespan tends to be, and most cultivators treasure their lives more than ordinary people.

Therefore, even in large arena competitions, the Four Families would not easily send Fourth-Grade Martial Artists.

Meanwhile, should Fourth-Grade Martial Artists utilize the Four Families’ foundation, employing Fourth-Grade Dharma Artifacts, or even Upper Three Grades Spirit Treasures, if things get heated, the situation would be hard to control.

The various factors limiting the arenas have evolved large arena fights into a stage dominated by Fifth-Grade cultivators.

"A candidate for the large arena... Old man, I do have one in mind."

"Hmm?"

A look of surprise appeared on the slightly haggard face of Li Linfeng, his eyes brightening. Recently, he had been worrying himself sick over the competition, with Cyan Fish Gang and Pill Cauldron Pavilion staying neutral already costing the Li Family considerably.

As for powerful Jianghu figures outside major powers, years ago, the other three families had already plotted to recruit them, and now their Li Family couldn’t recruit any.

Now, Third Uncle brought good news; Third Uncle had a candidate for the competition. Who could possibly be the person whom Third Uncle favored?!

"Third Uncle, are you serious?"

"Hmph, this old man does not stoop to lying."

Li Linfeng’s complexion changed; knowing he misspoke, he bowed to apologize. The elder supported Li Linfeng up with one hand, and the two continued to discuss the competition.