"You mentioned something about the saber belonging to an emperor. How do you know about this?" Suddenly a melodious voice rang out, directed at Li Shenrong.
Bao Zhentian and Luo Shenghua turned to see a graceful figure approaching them.
"Oh? I didn't expect the proud genius of the Divine Wushuang Dynasty to take the initiative to speak to us lowly pheasants," Bao Zhentian joked.
Wushuang rolled her eyes at him, ignoring the comment. Her gaze remained fixed on Li Shenrong, cold and emotionless.
"Brother Li, I'm curious as well," Bao Zhentian said. "I didn't sense any emperor's aura from that saber."
"When the time is right, you'll naturally understand," Li Shenrong replied casually, offering no explanation.
Hearing this, Goddess Wushuang snorted coldly, clearly displeased.
"Hmph! A servant boasting shamelessly. It was an honor for you that Goddess Wushuang even spoke to you," a mocking voice interrupted, full of disdain.
A young man in a flamboyant pink robe stepped forward. His body was covered in several defensive treasures. He sneered at Li Shenrong before turning toward Wushuang.
"Greetings, Goddess Wushuang. Your grace and beauty remain unmatched," he said, cupping his fist respectfully. "I hail from the Ma Clan of the Middle Territory. You may call me Ma Qiang," he added proudly.
Wushuang gave him a brief glance and said nothing. A person of his caliber wasn't even worth a second look.
"Greetings, senior," Ma Qiang then turned to Bao Zhentian. "Forgive me, your servant was being disrespectful, so I had to correct him."
At first, Luo Shenghua thought he might be someone important, but after observing him for a few seconds, she nodded and muttered, "Ah… so he's just a fool."
Even if Li Shenrong is just a servant to Bao Zhentian, a demi god… where did this Ma Qiang find the guts to speak like that? He's only a Heaven Congregation realm cultivator. Either he's tired of living, or he's a blind fool who's never seen the real world.
Bao Zhentian couldn't even be bothered to respond.
Seeing that no one was paying him any attention, Ma Qiang's expression turned awkward. He had hoped to curry favor with the goddess but ended up making a fool of himself.
"PAA!"
A loud, crisp slap echoed through the air. An old palm smacked Ma Qiang's cheek, spinning him around three times before he collapsed on the ground.
"You insolent brat! How dare you act so rudely before His Excellency! Apologize at once!"
An old man appeared beside Ma Qiang, scolding him furiously while lifting him up. He slapped him a few more times, causing blood to spurt from Ma Qiang's mouth and several of his teeth to fall out..
"A-Ancestor… I know I was wrong…" Ma Qiang stammered, his cheeks swollen and deformed.
The crowd burst into laughter. Everyone in the Middle Territory knew that Ma Qiang, protected by his ancestors, had grown up into a fool.
"I apologise, forgive my disrespectful remarks your excellency." Ma Qiang quickly bowed his head toward Bao Zhentian.
Bao Zhentian didn't care but looked at Li Shenrong asking. "What do you think brother Li?"
Li Shenrong simply waved his hand. "Not worth bickering over," he said, dismissing the matter entirely.
Ma Qiang sighed in relief as he and his ancestor quickly retreated.
"Child, you're too ignorant," the elder said with a disappointed glance. "You nearly offended a demi god. If he had retaliated, our clan would be doomed."
"But grandfather," Ma Qiang said, confused, "doesn't our clan also have a demi god? Why should we be afraid?"
"You don't understand," the old man replied, voice low and serious. "That man's origins aren't simple. He likely belongs to one of the ancient giant lineages. Compared to their power, we're nothing. Never behave so recklessly again."
Ma Qiang nodded rapidly, like a chicken pecking at rice.
"Brother Li, would you like to try it?" Bao Zhentian asked eagerly.
Li Shenrong shook his head and looked at Luo Shenghua saying "you should go. I believe there will be a pleasant surprise."
"M..Me?!" Luo Shenghua took a few steps back, startled. "I ..I don't think I…"
Bao Zhentian's eyes sparkled. "Since Brother Li said so, there must be a reason. Go ahead. If anything goes wrong, I'll step in immediately."
Encouraged by his reassurance, Luo Shenghua hesitantly walked toward the statue. Her expression was full of uncertainty and nervousness.
A stern voice came from behind.
"Be brave and face whatever comes. You can't walk the path of the Dao with fear in your heart."
Startled by Li Shenrong's scolding, she took a deep breath and composed herself. Her expression grew steady and resolute as she moved forward.
She approached the statue step by step. Many onlookers dismissed her. A peak Physique Foundation cultivator? Even a demi god had failed. She was just courting death.
Some, however, felt pity.
Luo Shenghua's hand was close to the saber. Everyone was expecting a saber intent flashing and decapitate her but nothing happened. When she touched it there was still no reaction.
As she neared the saber, her fear began to fade. A strange sense of familiarity washed over her. Carefully, she placed her hand on the hilt.
No reaction.
Then, with a gentle pull, the saber came free effortlessly.
Silence.
The entire audience stood in stunned disbelief.
Suddenly there was a commotion in the crowd. The whole audience was speechless and thoroughly shocked. Strong characters tried and died but no one was able to pull that saber. But a physic foundation realm little girl managed to get this priceless treasure which is suspected to be a godking level item, it was totally baffling.
"A miracle… this is fate," an old man muttered, his voice trembling.
Greedy gazes fell on the saber, but no one dared make a move. She was under a demi god's protection.
With a heart full of excitement, she came to Li Shenrong and Bao zhentian. "Brother Li! Junior Brother Bao! Did you see that? It didn't resist at all!" she said, smiling brightly as she held the saber with both hands.
Bao Zhentian was speechless. He had expected something unusual, but not this.
"It's natural," Li Shenrong said calmly. "You possess the Nine Tribulation Sword Heart, an innate physique that appears once every era. That's why the saber accepted you."
"Is there such a thing? Why haven't i heard of it before brother Li?" Bao Zhentian asked in confusion. His knowledge could be said top notch but he had never heard of the nine tribulation sword heart. As a sword cultivator his curiosity was piqued.