Zhao Rushen, The Great Dao Emperor Lord's Contest

Sunlight spilled through the gaps between the leaves, shining on the river's surface and raising a golden phosphorescent shimmer.

Emperor Tianhong was still kneeling by the river, his beard touching the ground, both knees sunk deep into the mud. His eyes were closed, his black hair hung loose, and he seemed to have fused with the forest, his aura natural.

Another ten thousand years had passed since Xiao Lan left. Emperor Tianhong had now been kneeling for more than twenty-one thousand years.

A burst of footsteps came from behind. A man in black walked over, handsome of face, his black hair bound beneath a crown. At his waist hung a sword and a gourd. He was like a treasured sword about to leave its sheath, its edge impossible to suppress.

"The legendary foremost prodigy, Emperor Tianhong, the Great Dao Emperor Lord the Dao Court wished to cultivate, is actually kneeling here and refusing to rise. It seems Sword Venerable Fudao has no regard for you. Have you ever regretted it?"

The man in black stopped and looked at Emperor Tianhong's back as he spoke coldly.

Emperor Tianhong did not open his eyes. He asked softly, "Who are you?"

His voice was somewhat hoarse, as if he had not spoken for a very long time.

"Zhao Rushen. I am also known as the foremost prodigy." The man in black answered coldly.

Emperor Tianhong fell silent.

Zhao Rushen continued, "You may not know me, but I have seen you. Back then, when I first entered the Dao Court, my talent had yet to show. I saw you return from slaying demons, and the disciples of the whole city were shouting your name. You were the person I, and every disciple, wanted to become."

Listening to his words, Emperor Tianhong still made no