Hearing this, a ripple passed through the heart of the Thunder Emperor. A sharp glint flashed in eyes, and still somewhat unruly, replied, "Ancestor Wang, the Thunder Emperor wishes to cross blades with you."
The Thunder Emperor did not like to beat around the bush; such was nature—straightforward, free-spirited, and unbridled.
"Oh? A battle with me?"
Su Li smiled, saying nothing.
Within the mansion, prodigies from all sides gathered around the Thunder Emperor and Su Li, deeply intrigued by the Thunder Emperor's challenge to the Ancestor Wang.
Ding!
Amidst the conversation, great beings discussed the Dao, their words flowing like a babbling brook, cleansing the hearts of those present as the scriptures of the Great Dao resonated melodiously.
Every word of the Great Dao scriptures was a pearl of wisdom, containing endless mysteries that made it easy for one to achieve sudden enlightenment and seize a stroke of fortune.
Immortal mist billowed, and the phantom of a Nine-Colored Divine Deer flickered in and out of existence, its antlers supporting jade platters and pots, shimmering with radiant light, a sight of breathtaking beauty.
Within the jade platters and pots, jade dew and nectar flowed; these immortal wines were like translucent, sparkling gems, exuding a captivating fragrance.
The Nine-Colored Divine Deer's antlers held the jade platters and pots, with jade dew, nectar, delicacies, and immortal fruits all within reach.
"Oh? A battle with me? Thunder Emperor, are you not being a bit too arrogant?"
A playful smirk tugged at the corner of Su Li's mouth, his eyes flashing with a provocative light.
"Even if your talent is peerless and you style yourself an Emperor, does that entitle you to challenge me?"
Hearing this, a flash of displeasure crossed the Thunder Emperor's eyes, but remained firm. "Regardless of what the Ancestor Wang thinks, the Thunder Emperor will surely give all. In three months, I shall request the Immortal King to descend the Prodigy Arena. The Thunder Emperor awaits your instruction."
Having said this, the Thunder Emperor vanished from Su Li's sight, heading off to parts unknown.
Yet, in his heart, Su Li felt a tinge of pity for the Thunder Emperor.
To be so haughty and unbridled before even fully maturing—it was no wonder that in the history of the true timeline, had died on the battlefield at a young age, blood staining the borderlands.
The Thunder Emperor was so persistent, insisting on a battle with him.
However, he felt no fear; instead, he felt a sense of eagerness.
Did the Thunder Emperor truly possess the ability to back up such arrogance?
Thus, Su Li smiled faintly and said, "Three months from now, I will see you at the Prodigy Arena."
Su Li accepted the Thunder Emperor's challenge, setting the time for three months later.
The news spread rapidly through the mansion, sparking heated discussions among the prodigies of all clans.
Inside a vast palace on the island, three Immortal Kings sat cross-legged, discussing the Dao. The laws of the world descended to shroud their faces, leaving them mysterious, hazy, and indistinct.
At this moment, the mistress of the mansion, a renowned female True Immortal, spoke calmly to the Immortal King Six Paths Reincarnation, "The Prodigy Arena three months from now will be the stage for Su Li and the Thunder Emperor."
"The duel between Su Li and the Thunder Emperor is far from a simple, ordinary skirmish."
"The two of them—one is the son of an Immortal King, a born supreme being possessing unparalleled resources and talent; the other is one of the Ten Fiends who emerged from the void, known for acting as the heavens' executioner, with strength that is unfathomable."
"This duel in three months will surely set off a wave of cultivation in the Ancient Realm, and our Ancient Realm will become all the more prosperous and flourishing."
Her tone was filled with anticipation and excitement.
The Immortal King Six Paths Reincarnation nodded, his gaze revealing a hint of reverence. "My son and the Thunder Emperor are both top-tier geniuses of the Ancient Realm. Regardless of who wins or loses, their collision will surely trigger an earth-shattering storm."
The Immortal King Wuzhong echoed, "Indeed. Their strength and talent are the cream of the crop in the Ancient Realm. Their duel will undoubtedly be an unprecedented and magnificent contest."
Whether they were Immortal Kings, True Immortals, or Quasi-Kings, all held great interest in this battle.
As the son of an Immortal King, Su Li possessed supreme talent and unparalleled strength.
There were even rumors that Su Li was the future leader of the Ancient Realm.
As for the Thunder Emperor, one of the Ten Fiends, mastery of lightning techniques was exquisite and peerless, having walked a path of thunder never before seen in history, with talent rarely matched in the world.
Looking across the entire Ancient Realm, only the Immortal King Son of the Wang Clan and Fairy Qingyue could contend with to some degree; they were the pinnacle experts of the Ancient Realm.
The duel between the two would undoubtedly be a fierce and spectacular contest.
In a corner of the mansion, the Thunder Emperor stood quietly, gaze firm and sharp.
(She) understood the importance of this battle; it was not only to prove strength and solidify an invincible Dao heart, but also to lay a solid foundation for pursuing even higher realms.
Su Li, on the other hand, appeared relaxed and at ease; he believed his strength was sufficient to suppress the Thunder Emperor with relative ease.
He wandered through the courtyard, admiring the surrounding scenery as if he were the architect of it all, his expression leisurely and self-satisfied.
Su Li strolled leisurely across the island, surrounded by lush trees and verdant, grassy meadows.
Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, warming him and putting him in a pleasant mood.
As he walked, he found himself in an unknown location.
Suddenly, he discovered a thatched cottage enclosed by a fence ahead.
This thatched cottage appeared completely out of place with the rest of the island's scenery, like a corner forgotten by time.
Su Li walked closer and found that the cottage looked rather dilapidated; the thatch on the roof was chaotic and unkempt, and the corners of the walls were covered in moss.
He could not help but feel surprised. How could such a humble thatched cottage exist on an island as beautiful as a work of divine craftsmanship?
Su Li crossed the fence with a touch of curiosity, walking straight toward the thatched cottage, interested in the figure residing within.
Beep!
Ripples of the Great Dao, carrying a divine charm, washed out from the house. Su Li's mind was drawn in, instantly emptying as he silently contemplated the fluctuations of this divine essence.
Half an hour later, Su Li slowly opened his eyes. They were clear and bright, like a pool of spring water, and his entire being seemed to have gained a touch of sanctity.
That half-hour of meditative realization had purified Su Li's soul like never before.
The divine ripples of the Great Dao, like a trickling stream, had gently washed over his heart, carrying away the noise and chaos of the mortal world.
At this moment, Su Li's eyes were clear and luminous, like pupils cut from water or a mirror of still, calm, and reflective water, mirroring the essence of all things in heaven and earth.
His features had also grown more sanctified, as if shrouded in a faint golden glow, making others hesitant to approach yet unable to resist the urge to explore his profound inner world.
His posture had become upright, like a pine tree standing atop a mountain peak—unyielding, proud, and independent.
That sense of composure and calm suggested he had transcended the shackles of the mundane and reached a higher realm.
In this moment, Su Li radiated a fresh aura, like dew in the morning light—crystalline, transparent, and shimmering with the brilliance of life.
His soul had been sublimated, as if he had merged into one with heaven and earth, reaching a state of selflessness and non-action.
This place is quite extraordinary.
Su Li thought to himself.