The aroma of the Spirit Tea is so refreshing that it subconsciously captivates the senses.
Lu Li and Xiao Cha drink it every day, yet they remain calm and composed, showing no signs of losing their composure.
Seeing this, Xia Weijun Nan Jinping recalled that the intelligence report said the young man came from a wealthy overseas family, and it seemed that the report was true.
Nan Jinping poured tea for the two guests and said:
"Young friend, do you know that this public martial arts contest is a common tactic used by the People of Izumo?"
Besides Jinmen, similar events were held in major trading ports such as Huzhou, Guangzhou, and Guangzhou.
"The goal is to defeat the martial artists of the Divine Continent in public, to promote the 'theory of bloodline,' and to prove that the Izumo bloodline is superior, while ours is inferior."
Lu Li nodded and said, "It's nothing more than a battle of perception."
"Cognitive warfare...that's right," Nan Jinping sighed.
"It's a pity that we didn't realize this at first. By the time we came to our senses, quite a few people actually believed that Izumo's bloodline was superior, that it was destined by heaven, and that we shouldn't resist it."
"Izumo Emperor is quite the schemer. What seems like a casual move always turns out to be incredibly effective years later, catching us completely off guard."
Upon hearing this, Lu Li's expression shifted, and he said:
"President Nan, what kind of person do you think Izumo Emperor is?"
The old chairman is knowledgeable and experienced, and is well-suited to gather intelligence on future enemies.
"This person is extremely adept at using power and people!"
Nan Jinping's face showed deep apprehension:
"This person has an exceptional grasp of the overall situation, always managing to lead Izumo to the greatest advantage, as if he could foresee everything. He also employs a strategy of gradual encroachment towards the Divine Continent, steadily and surely conquering it step by step, making him a truly formidable threat!"
At this moment, Xia Weijun also said:
"This person's origins are mysterious. It is said that he was not originally Izumo royal family, but climbed the ranks step by step through his extraordinary strategies until he ascended the throne."
The two talked back and forth, while Lu Li listened quietly.
Xia Weijun looked at him and thought: This person comes from overseas, is knowledgeable and experienced, and should have some opinions on the current situation.
So the beautiful nun poured tea for Lu Li and sincerely asked for his guidance:
"The Divine Continent is in distress; I wonder what advice Young Master Lu may offer me?"
This is a question that tests one's knowledge. Normally, it should be analyzed and answered from multiple perspectives, such as politics, economics, and the international situation.
Everyone pricked up their ears, ready to hear some profound insights.
But Lu Li thought for a moment and said, "The great power belongs to oneself; kill the strong and exterminate their clans."
"..."
This means: Strive to become stronger through diligent training, and then destroy the enemy.
Such a simplistic and straightforward statement is somewhat speechless.
But that's exactly what Lu Li thought, and that's what she was working towards.
"Simple and straightforward... but also the simplest and most effective method."
At this moment, it was actually the oldest, Nan Jinping, who was the first to realize what was happening and sighed:
"It's a pity that the descendants are unfilial and have lost the good things of our Old Ancestor. If my Kunlun Sect still had any inheritance left, a single 'Yuan Magnetic Divine Thunder' would have been enough to blast that broken island of Izumo!"
Xia Weijun said helplessly, "Why is the power of your Yuan Magnetic Divine Thunder getting stronger and stronger? Last time it just leveled a mountain..."
Nan Jinping replied matter-of-factly, "The higher the cultivation level, the stronger the power."
The two chatted idly, seemingly bickering, and neither noticed the glint in Lu Li's eyes!
He forced a smile and casually asked, "President Nan, are you from the Kunlun Sect?"
These words made Nan Jinping's face light up as she said:
"When I was young, I served as a soldier under Governor Guan. Back then, he was guarding the fort and didn't have money to pay his soldiers, so he gave me a Kunlun Sect manual... After studying it, I benefited from it for the rest of my life. I can be considered half a member of the Kunlun Sect."
"I see." Lu Li nodded with a smile...
Xiao Cha whispered from the side, "Governor Guan, it's Guan Tianpei."
This is a national hero, and Lu Li was filled with awe and respect.
At the same time, a sense of unease pounded in my heart: Kunlun Sect, Kunlun Manual, Kunlun Mirror —are they connected?
Xia Weijun felt rather helpless about this topic.
She had already read that manual, but it was incomplete and only briefly described a few terrifying spells. It was more like an ancient myth or strange story and had nothing to do with what Old Master Nan had learned.
Xia Weijun secretly guessed: [The old man values this book perhaps only because of Governor Guan...]
At this moment, Nan Jinping poured more tea for Lu Li and instructed him:
"The force sent by Izumo this time must be highly skilled; young friend, you must be extra careful."
For some reason, he inexplicably felt a connection with this young man.
Lu Li said seriously, "Thank you for reminding me, I understand now."
As soon as she finished speaking, Xiao Cha gave her a wink.
Lu Li immediately knew it was time to leave, since the pot of Spirit Tea was already empty.
The two immediately took their leave, while Nan Jinping and Xia Weijun rose to see them off.
The conversation went fairly well, and after exchanging pleasantries, they went outside, where the line of people buying incense was still bustling about.
Xia Weijun, on a sudden inspiration, asked, "Young Master Lu, are you Spirit Refinement Thoughtless Meditation? Do you know how to make incense?"
"I don't know how to make incense."
Xia Weijun was somewhat disappointed upon hearing Lu Li's answer.
But Lu Li quickly added, "But I can help get it, it'll just take a few days."
Xia Weijun was overjoyed. "That's wonderful! Please, Young Master, purchase as much as you like!"
Lu Li nodded and left with Xiao Cha.
Xia Weijun breathed a long sigh of relief, "It must be through overseas channels; that should be able to solve our immediate problem."
Nan Jinping rubbed his aching back and said:
"Then calm down and prepare well for the duel. The People of Izumo will definitely have something to do when they know you're going to fight."
~~~~~~~~~
On the way home, Lu Li asked Xiao Cha, "Have you heard of the Kunlun Sect that President Nan mentioned?"
Xiao Cha shook her head. "Never heard of it. Perhaps it's some ancient sect? There were several great Great Tribulation during the Han and Tang dynasties, and many sects were wiped out."
Lu Li nodded and didn't say anything more, only thinking about borrowing books from Nan Jinping when he had the chance.
The "life-or-death duel" is the day after tomorrow.
But happy times are always fleeting.
Lu Li was enjoying pomelos and peaches, and before he knew it, the day of the martial arts competition had arrived.
February 15th, the day of Jingzhe (Awakening of Insects)
Xiao Cha left early in the morning, taking her men to East Horse Road to maintain order.
Wan Qing and Tong Shao got into the back of the Cadillac, ready to head to the stadium to watch the game.
Lu Li smoothed the little girl's pigtails and reminded her:
"The scene might be a bit gory, is it okay for her to go?"
Tong Shao immediately exclaimed, "I'm not afraid! I'm going to cheer you on! I want to go see you!"
Wan Qing said softly, "Let's go together. It won't hurt to see it sooner."
Lu Li had once made Jessica shoot someone, so he naturally didn't say anything more at this moment.
Let's go!
~~~~~~~~
East Horse Road is a bustling commercial street, and the martial arts competition held here would truly attract widespread attention.
When Lu Li arrived, he saw people everywhere he looked.
Not only were the streets packed with people, but the surrounding buildings and rooftops were also filled with them.
The Hai River to the east was also crowded with boats.
Even more outrageous, there were also many hot air balloons floating in the sky, with observation cabins hanging below.
"What a grand scene!"
Lu Li couldn't help but sigh, and then he saw his opponent enter the arena.
Three handsome and beautiful young men and women walked over, one man and two women.