nashuaworldcup Chapter 427 I Only Listen to Zheng Qian
Chapter 427 I Only Listen to Zheng Qian
"Indeed, he deserves the title of the number one genius in the Southern Region."
Dongfang Honglei's words, like a thunderclap, exploded in the mausoleum. These words not only left Zheng Qian, who was present, completely bewildered, but also plunged the surrounding crowd into a brief silence.
Zheng Qian thought to himself, "Are you praising me or insulting me?"
The title of the number one genius in the Southern Region is not something to be accepted lightly; it represents endless challenges and responsibilities.
Seeing this, Dongfang Yifeng quickly stepped forward to smooth things over: "Zheng Qian, my uncle is just straightforward, don't mind him. He's a cultivation fanatic, and he really lacks talent in interpersonal relationships and conversation." Dongfang Yifeng's words carried a hint of apology, as well as a sense of understanding and helplessness regarding Dongfang Honglei's personality.
Upon hearing this, Zheng Qian laughed and said, "Thank you for the compliment. The title of the number one genius in the Southern Region belongs to you seven prodigies. I am only at the Dragon Transformation Realm, so I am not worthy of it. Let's forget about this title; it's too much trouble." Zheng Qian's words revealed a hint of humility and self-deprecation. He knew that although his strength was not bad, there was still a considerable gap between him and the title of the number one genius in the Southern Region.
There's no way around it; the Dragon Transformation Realm is simply too low a level for these prodigies.
However, Dongfang Honglei shook his head with a serious expression: "No, this title is yours. I don't respect anyone else but you. Unless someone can start a gate-blocking battle by themselves and block the gate for four days, then I will be convinced."
Many young people were also reading books in the tower. When they heard Dongfang Honglei and Zheng Qian talking, they all looked at them.
"That's Zheng Qian? It's outrageous! He's so strong, and he's so handsome too."
"Hehe, you don't know, I heard that a lot of beauties went to Dawn Fortress to find Zheng Qian, but he was always accompanied by a big shot, so the beauties didn't dare to approach him. Unexpectedly, he actually appeared in Mou Tower. Those beauties from Dawn Fortress are going to be disappointed again."
"Only someone as focused on cultivation as him, unmoved by women, could become so strong, right? By the way, how did you know that the beautiful woman went to see Zheng Qian?"
"Both of my younger sisters went."
Zheng Qian listened to the conversation beside him, smiling broadly and nonchalantly as if he hadn't heard a thing. But his heart ached terribly. He had thought those girls who said they'd bear him a son were just talking, without any real action. He hadn't realized that his constant following of Yun Youzi, Xiao Zhi, and Zhao Nuo had prevented the girls from contacting him, and thus, from having any opportunity to do so. These past few days, even when practicing swordsmanship and reading at night, he had been in the room Zhao Nuo had arranged, atop the Dawn Barrier. No wonder no one had come looking for him.
I regret it so much, and it breaks my heart.
"Zheng Qian, what's wrong? You look so pale. Is the title of the number one genius in the Southern Region putting too much pressure on you?" Dongfang Yifeng asked Zheng Qian with concern, and continued, "Don't worry, with your combat strength, no one in the same realm dares to challenge you, and no one in a lower realm dares to challenge you either. You can just refuse challenges from those in higher realms. There's no need to worry."
"You don't understand." Zheng Qian was heartbroken; he felt like he had missed out on a project worth hundreds of millions.
“I understand.” Dongfang Honglei’s expression was equally serious: “Glory and effort are directly proportional. The more effort you put in, the more glory you will receive in return. Zheng Qian is feeling lonely at the top and is thinking about the effort he has put in. No one can understand the world of prodigies.”
Zheng Qian: "???"
With the arrival of the Dongfang Family, the three major forces of Nanyeji Sect, Miannan Empire, and Yinhun Sect also arrived. Thus, all five major forces in the Southern Region had arrived, and the seven prodigies of the Southern Region also gathered at the Mou Tower to hold a meeting for the prodigies of the Southern Region.
Li Ming, the leader of the Seven Prodigies and a renowned figure in the Southern Region, sat at the head of the table, his gaze profound. He slowly surveyed the four hundred and thirty-seven geniuses from all over the Southern Region, each pair of eyes gleaming with a thirst for unknown challenges and an indomitable spirit. This was not merely a collection of numbers; they were the hope for the future of the Southern Region, the most dazzling spark on this land.
"Fellow Daoists," Li Ming's voice was steady and powerful, penetrating every corner of the room and striking straight to people's hearts: "Although the Southern Region is vast, in the eyes of outsiders, we are of one family, sharing both glory and shame. Today, we have gathered here by chance, with a clear purpose: to undergo trials."
His words revealed an undeniable firmness and determination, like an invisible force inspiring everyone present. "Trials are the bedrock for tempering will, the touchstone for testing strength. They are not only about personal honor and disgrace, but also about the glory and future of our Southern Region as a whole. Here, there are no sects, no distinctions of status, only the pursuit of power and the desire for victory."
Li Ming's words were like a clear stream, cleansing the hearts of everyone present and making them forget their past grievances and affections, leaving only their fervent hearts fighting for the glory of the Southern Region. At this moment, the boundaries between the five major forces of the Southern Region seemed to blur, replaced by an unprecedented unity and tacit understanding, a belief in fighting side by side for a common goal.
"Let us join hands and conquer the difficulties and challenges before us with wisdom and courage, so that the name of the Southern Region may resound throughout the heavens and the earth!" Li Ming's words were passionate and inspiring, like a lightning bolt that pierced the sky and illuminated the light of hope in everyone's hearts.
You Haoshen stroked his fiery red hair and said loudly, "What Li Ming said also reflects the sentiments of my Nan Yeji Sect. We in the Southern Region are one family, and we must help each other in times of difficulty."
Hu Dinghuan, the number one prodigy of the Miannan Empire, toyed with a crystal skull in his hand and said calmly, "Without unity, there is no power. Whether it is a political power or a sect, it needs a united team and a clear and reasonable organizational structure. Since we have gathered here to train, we should not be separate groups, but should form an alliance. Only in this way can we demonstrate the spirit of unity of our Southern Region."
"Oh, it's just forming an alliance, my Soul Guiding Sect has no objection." Li Miaoran's smooth, black hair cascaded down to her waist like a waterfall, with a few stray strands occasionally fluttering in the wind, adding to her unadorned natural beauty. Her skin was as white as snow, delicate with a healthy pink hue, like a newly blooming petal, making one feel tenderness and affection.
Zheng Qian couldn't help but look over. The only female among the seven prodigies was Li Miaoran. She wore an elegant blue dress that fluttered in the wind, which not only matched her gentle and graceful temperament but also subtly conveyed the profound meaning of manipulating souls and turning curves into blades in her "Soul Song of the Orchid".
A master, a master of hiding a knife behind a smile, or a deadly poisonous rose.
"Tsk tsk tsk." Zheng Qian clicked his tongue in amazement. Li Miaoran was a rare beauty. Compared to Ye Lanshuang, who had a graceful figure and eyes like cold stars, she possessed a more mature charm and a greater sense of confidence befitting someone in a position of power. She sat there quietly, and she and Ye Lanshuang had become the focus of attention for more than four hundred people.
Suddenly, Li Miaoran looked at Zheng Qian. Her eyes, like the brightest stars in the deep night sky, shone with wisdom and gentleness, capable of seeing through all things and gently smoothing the wrinkles in people's hearts. Zheng Qian's weariness vanished, his eyes filled only with the hope Li Miaoran had given him, and his heart was at peace.
Ripples of space spread across Zheng Qian's brow, the energy emanating from the Void Pearl he had obtained in the Twin Absolute Domains. At the same time, a chill ran down Zheng Qian's spine. He had only glanced at Li Miaoran a moment ago, yet he had unwittingly fallen into her gentle embrace.
"Hmph." Zheng Qian sneered inwardly, arrogantly turning his face away. Li Miaoran must have been working hard, otherwise why would his mindset suddenly change, and why would he only see Li Miaoran's good points? Not to brag, Zheng Qian could find a flaw in Li Miaoran's impeccable face, and even if there wasn't one, he could find one by force.
Li Miaoran chuckled softly. Although Zheng Qian's smacking of his lips was very light, it was exceptionally clear to her ears. Countless geniuses existed in the Southern Region, and many admired her, yet no one dared to flirt with her or provoke her like this to her face. She had only intended to teach Zheng Qian a lesson, but she hadn't expected him to break free of her soul control so quickly, which only piqued her interest in him more.
The junior master of the Heavenly Vein Sect launched a gate-blocking battle as soon as he arrived at the Ghost Wind Rift Valley, and successfully held out for four days, truly living up to his reputation.
Since arriving at Youfeng Rift Valley, Li Miaoran had been listening to Zheng Qian's legends. He was invincible among his peers, earned tremendous military merits in the gate-blocking battle, broke the eight-hundred-year record for gate-blocking battles, and was the first prodigy in thousands of years to upgrade from a novice to a level five general of the Hundred Victories in just four days.
There are too many legends about Zheng Qian. There's the story of Yun Youzi killing the Demon Saint General Lie Yuchen in a fit of rage for him, and countless maidens flocking to the Dawn Fortress, yet he remained unseen. The legends are truly numerous.
No one knew about Zheng Qian and Li Miaoran's little scheme, and Li Ming continued to chair the meeting with ease.
"Gentlemen, although the five major powers in our Southern Region each have their own characteristics, they all share a common goal: to strengthen the Southern Region and protect the human race. Therefore, I propose that we give our alliance a resounding name that reflects our determination and courage."
As soon as Li Ming finished speaking, he received nods of approval from everyone present. He continued, "I think the name 'Wind and Thunder Dawn Team' is good. Wind and thunder symbolize our strength and speed, while dawn signifies a new beginning and hope. What do you all think of this name?"
You Haoshen was the one among the five major forces who disliked Li Ming the most. After hearing Li Ming's suggestion, he had to find fault with it. In short, they couldn't follow Li Ming's ideas, otherwise Li Ming would take over the leadership of the alliance. Then he slowly spoke: "Li Ming, the name 'Wind and Thunder Dawn Team' is indeed very powerful, but it's too straightforward and lacks depth. Each of our five major forces has its own history and culture. Does this name fully reflect our characteristics?"
You Haoshen's words prompted deep thought among those present. Li Ming nodded, indicating his willingness to hear more opinions.
"Speak up if you have any ideas, don't keep them bottled up. We're a big family now. If you have any different opinions, bring them up and we'll deal with them together." Li Ming's words were full of tolerance towards You Haoshen. In short, the power is in my hands. If you want to seize the leadership of the alliance, I can also play the game and make you keep your ideas to yourself, so you won't be able to take it.
Hu Dinghuan played with the crystal skull in his hand, leaned back in his chair, and said calmly, "I think we can find inspiration from our traditions and history. The Southern Region is a land full of mystery and legend, and our ancestors left behind countless heroic deeds on this land. Therefore, we can name the alliance the Valley Cavalry. Valley represents the trial of the Wind Rift Valley, and can also represent the mystery and profundity of the Southern Region, while Cavalry symbolizes our bravery and fighting power."
"Okay, this is a good name."
"Yes, that's the name. It has a profound meaning and sounds nice."
Hu Dinghuan's proposal was approved by many people present, especially the geniuses and prodigies of the Miannan Empire, who kept praising him.
Li Miaoran, the only female representative among the five major forces, smiled slightly after hearing the previous suggestions: "We can name the alliance the Dragon Soaring Trial Alliance. The dragon is the mascot of the Southern Region, symbolizing strength and wisdom. Soaring represents flying and transcendence, meaning that we must constantly challenge and surpass ourselves. Trials represent the various difficulties and challenges we will face. This name not only embodies our spirit but is also full of hope and strength."
Li Miaoran's suggestion was appreciated by many people present. Everyone felt that the name not only fit the cultural characteristics of the Southern Region, but was also full of modernity and vitality.
“I, You Haoshen, have no objection to Miao Ran’s suggestion.” You Haoshen was the first to agree. Since it wasn’t Li Ming who came up with the name, he had no objection. And since it was Li Miao Ran who suggested it, he had even less objection.
Hu Dinghuan paused, holding the crystal skull in his hand, and looked at Li Miaoran with affection: "I, Hu Dinghuan, have no objection. I will listen to Junior Sister Miaoran."
Everyone stared at Li Ming; all seven prodigies from the five major powers were present. Li Miaoran was a prodigy from the Soul Guiding Sect, You Haoshen from the Southern Night Extreme Sect, Hu Dinghuan from the Miannan Empire, and Dongfang Honglei, as a prodigy of the Dongfang family, generally never uttered a word in such situations. Li Ming was from the Heavenly Vein Sect. The other two prodigies were Chen Tianrui, known as the Star of Wisdom from the Heavenly Vein Sect, and Wu Di, the youngest son of the Supreme Elder of the Southern Night Extreme Sect. Since someone from their sect had already spoken, they naturally remained silent as well.
Li Ming smiled, looking at Li Miaoran with equal affection: "I have no objection either!"
Li Miaoran was the most beautiful person of their time, not only in appearance but also in heart. They had spent a considerable amount of time together, and Li Miaoran's indomitable will to cultivate was an obsession that even these geniuses and prodigies admired. With her beauty and strength combined, and her personality that won everyone's approval, it was impossible not to like her.
Li Miaoran smiled at the group, determined to seize the initiative and gain leadership of the alliance. She said, "Since no one has any objections, I..."
However, just as everyone was about to reach a consensus, Dongfang Honglei suddenly stood up. His face was cold and stern as he directly interrupted Li Miaoran.
"Everyone, I respect your opinions, but on this matter, I will only listen to Zheng Qian. Because Zheng Qian is the number one genius in the Southern Region, his wisdom and insight far surpass ours. I believe that he will definitely be able to come up with the most perfect name for us."
Whoosh… Everyone's gaze turned to Zheng Qian, their eyes filled with surprise, doubt, and shock. Dongfang Honglei was known for his fiery temper and straightforward, outspoken nature; he never beat around the bush. He was even unconvinced by Li Ming, so why was he recommending Zheng Qian today?
Zheng Qian looked at Dongfang Honglei with the same confusion: Big brother, what are you doing?