Chapter 254: Kill with Flattery

Li Pin understood the meaning behind Mo Wangqing's words, but he found the latter’s words to be overreaching. His path did not need anyone’s approval. He only needed to follow the direction he had chosen.

If his journey proved to be remarkable, it would naturally draw countless people to his path. He didn’t need to market for it or even convince anyone. Followers would flock to him out of their own accord.

However, even if he succeeded in his path, and it turned out to be not even worth a smile... then let it quietly fade into the river of history, buried by wave after wave.

"You’ve already formed the Lifeform Force Field. Although it may take some time, I hope that you continue to practice it for the sake of the King of the Century Competition," Fu Qingtian said.

"I will," replied Li Pin.

Fu Qingtian continued, "You’re exceptionally talented. Once you decide to participate in the King of the Century Competition, word will undoubtedly spread. At that point, various individuals, factions, or organizations may target you for their interests. That’s why I’ll bring you and a select few others together for special training.

“This is not only to offer a better cultivation environment but also to ensure your safety."

Fu Qingtian, a Legendary Astra Cultivator and a top-notch expert, was actively showing concern for the safety of a Martial Saint.

Any Martial Saint would feel immensely flattered at that.

Li Pin remained calm. "As I have said, I have my own cultivation plan. Following my own path may not yield results any worse than your special training."

Fu Qingtian looked at Li Pin without saying a word. His expression was gradually becoming more stern.

A Legendary Astral Cultivator was staring down at a Martial Saint with a stern gaze. Even though this was just his avatar and not his true form, the pressure was still so overwhelming that it could make any Top-Tier Astral Cultivator tremble, even stifling their breath.

Nonetheless, there was only serenity in Li Pin's eyes. There was also... determination.

He had his own path and would not let anyone interfere with it! Not Legendary Astral Cultivators! Not Master Astral Cultivators! Not anyone!

"Li Pin, do you know what you are doing?" Mo Wangqing reprimanded coldly. "You are defying the will of a Supreme Expert!"

Li Pin smiled but did not back down.

"So, have you mentally prepared yourself to face everything that's coming?"

Li Pin replied, "A sharp sword is forged through honing. Every choice bears consequences. These consequences might mean withering in the cold and piercing wind, or proudly blooming amidst the cold snow."

"Alright, I will allow you to skip the special training." Fu Qingtian looked at Li Pin. "But for the King of the Century Competition..."

Li Pin didn’t shy away from Fu Qingtian’s gaze. "I believe that, in the next hundred years, everyone will remember this King of the Century grand battle and the name of the person who redefined the meaning of King of the Century. His name will be... Li Pin."

Mo Wangqing couldn't help but glance at Li Pin.

He truly didn’t know whether to call Li Pin confident or arrogant!

Perhaps, the latter was more fitting to describe him. He was way too arrogant! A mere Martial Saint had the audacity to speak like this to a supreme being who stood at the pinnacle of the world. If this wasn’t arrogance, then what was?

"Then, I will be waiting for your performance in five months," Fu Qingtian said.

The next moment, Fu Qingtian’s avatar disappeared.

Mo Wangqing put away the astral equipment that carried Fu Qingtian's avatar and glanced at Li Pin, unsure of what to say.

After a while, he said, "Ye Chengyuan is hiding in the training base, so it’s hard to act against him, but you’re not. You’ll be an easy target, so better not leave Dragon Gate Hall."

Mo Wangqing shook his head. "As you said, everyone needs to bear the consequences of their choices. Take care of yourself."

After saying this, Mo Wangqing left the courtyard.

Ran Dongsheng, Zhang Songbai, and the others had been waiting for the three to finish up elsewhere. When they saw Mo Wangqing come out of the courtyard, they went up to greet him.

Ran Dongsheng had a broad smile on his face. "Master Mo....”

"The Dragon Gate Hall will fully cooperate with Li Pin's training for the next five months," said Mo Wangqing. He pondered for a moment before adding, "but... don't interfere with his training method or plan."

Ran Dongsheng was astonished to hear that. "He... won’t be participating in the special training?”

Mo Wangqing shook his head, too lazy to explain further.

Li Pin! He’s arrogant, so arrogant he even dares to defy my master!

Mo Wangqing had lost all patience with Li Pin. Therefore, it was like Li Pin had said, "

everyone had to bear the consequences of their choices."

Since Li Pin made this choice, he would see if Li Pin could survive these five months and make a name for himself in the King of the Century Competition.

***

Watching Mo Wangqing leave in a bad mood, looking quite angry, Li Pin couldn't help but be reminded of his days with the Changfeng Martial Hall. Although it was a bit different from today, he remembered he had made a decision that was somewhat similar to today’s.

Back then, Fang Lingjue had asked him a question, and his answer was....

Li Pin smiled slightly and looked up at the sky. "I am not used to it...."

Weren’t they the same?

When Fang Lingjue asked Li Pin that question, Li Pin hadn’t yet reached the Core Formation stage. Back then, he still had the Core Formation to reach, the Aura Cultivation stage, and even the Martial Saint stage.

Now, he had grown.

Although he still couldn’t compare with High-Class Astral Cultivators, Top-Tier Astral Cultivators, Master Astral Cultivators, or Legendary Astral Cultivators... he wasn’t intimidated.

Li Pin smiled. "Finding problems and solving them.... This process is what’s truly interesting."

He then turned to enter the mansion.

***

A month and a half passed quickly.

During this time, most events within the Tianyuan Federation centered on various forces suppressing the Divine Adoration Sect, as well as the Human Alliance rallying the Six Extremities and over a hundred countries to form a Special United Squad, consisting of all Master and Legendary Astral Cultivators.

A task force composed of all the Master and Legendary Astral Cultivators practically represented the strongest power of the human race. This terrifying force of top human experts would, in a few months, launch a relentless cleansing operation across all high-level perilous regions around the globe.

With constant media coverage from various countries, humanity seemed to be welcoming the light of a massive counterattack to the zones that were occupied by ferocious beasts and demonic creatures.

The restoration of the world and humanity reigning supreme once more seemed imminent.

Amidst this grand atmosphere, news of the Special United Squad's commander also began to spread. The method to decide the supreme commander—the King of the Century Competition—also became widely known.

For many citizens, their nation's World's Top Martial Competition was the highest level of martial arts they could witness. However, beyond that was the King of the Century Competition....

Everyone had heard of it and knew it was the most glorious event in the entire martial arts world, but almost no one had the opportunity to witness it.

Even many Master Astral Cultivators had never witnessed a single King of the Century Competition. This was because Legendary Astral Cultivators personally oversaw and protected this competition.

They used their intelligence networks to invite all well-known Martial Saints from around the world.

Of course, receiving an invitation was one thing, but whether the invited people would attend was another matter.

Looking at the previous iterations of the competition, thousands of martial saints had been invited, but less than eleven were willing to bet their lives in the King of the Century Competition. This battle was savage, unregulated, and featured battles of life and death. This was all in order to attempt to seek spiritual transformation and self-ascension.

However, this season, not only did the number of participants exceed an astounding four hundred and eighty, but the competition was also held on a remote island, with numerous satellites broadcasting the century battle live to the world.

Suddenly, this legendary event, which had only been heard of but never seen, vividly appeared before everyone's eyes. People would now truly witness up close and observe this battle of the century, representing the pinnacle of martial arts.

At the same time, these people would in a way oversee the fairness of the battles.

When the news broke, it caused a global sensation.

Ever since the formation of the world's Six Extremities, relations between countries had long since ceased to be what they once were. The idea of a "Gaia Village" had been swept into the dustbin of history.

The Six Extremities were still somewhat known, but when it came to the second-tier nations, many people couldn't even name them, let alone know where they were located.

In fact, in the minds of many, the world only consisted of six countries.

Even for the Six Extremities, most people only knew their approximate locations and country names. As for the rest, they couldn't even name the emperor or president of those countries.

As for the second or third most important figures in those countries? Who cares? It wouldn't affect their daily lives.

The sudden decision to broadcast the King of the Century Competition live, under the fair and just supervision of the entire world, instantly captured everyone's attention. For a moment, the popularity of the King of the Century Competition within the Tianyuan Federation even surpassed that of the World's Top Martial Competition.

After all, the World's Top Martial Competition was limited to the martial arts community, and no matter how many people were interested, it could never be exposed to the general public.

But it wasn't just because this was the first time that the King of the Century Competition was being made known to the public, it was also because it concerned the selection of the supreme commander for the Special United Squad.

The position of the Special United Squad's supreme commander held a lot of weight. Even those who were unaware quickly understood the importance of the situation, thanks to some strategic explanations from those around them.

It was a matter of humanity's future.

This was an unprecedented great transformation in a century!

With the rising popularity of the King of the Century Competition, the list of Martial Saints from various countries most likely to seize the King of the Century title also entered the public eye.

Other countries were fine, but the people of the Tianyuan Federation were shocked to discover, according to an authoritative report from Tianyuan Society, that the person with the best chance of winning the Century King title within the Federation was a familiar face!

Li Pin! This was the very same Martial Saint who had taken the title of strongest martial artist in the intermediate category home!

When this news broke, it immediately caused an uproar.

Everyone thought that Tianyuan Society had to have made a mistake. How could they put the champion of the intermediate category as the top contender in the King of the Century Competition?

𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

However, when people saw Li Pin's profile and learned about his rapid growth over just two years, everyone and every faction was completely stirred.

Everyone and every faction were completely stirred.

Li Pin's name spread with incredible speed to every corner of the world. In just half a month, the whole world knew his name.