Half an hour later, Li Qing brought Wen Xiao and followed Marquis Golden Lion to the Zhendong Mansion in Ying Tian City.

“Sit here for a moment, and I’ll call my father over.” The Golden Lion Marquis instructed before leaving.

He waited for half a day. The two of them sat there boredom, and no one came out to entertain them, not even a cup of tea.

Wen Xiaoxian couldn’t help but laugh bitterly, “King Zhendong called the two of us over, but in the end, he stayed here and waited for so long without coming out to meet a guest. What exactly does that mean?”

“Perhaps he wants to give us a show of might, or maybe he doesn’t care about our identities at all. We can meet whenever we’re happy, and disappear whenever we’re unhappy.”

“The problem is that he called us here. It’s not like we came here on our own initiative. Even if our status is low, we shouldn’t be so negligent.” Wen Xiaoxian was rather dissatisfied.

“Of course not under normal circumstances, but what if there is another purpose?”

“Do you have another purpose?” Wen Xiao was stunned for a moment. He felt something in his heart and slowly said, “No matter what request King Zhendong makes, you must not compromise for me. Do you understand?”

Li Qing nodded, “Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing.”

Just at this moment, footsteps came from outside the door. A middle-aged man wearing python robes with a dignified expression took the lead and walked in.

Clearly, this was the legendary King Zhendong!

He didn’t even look at Li Qing and Wen Xiaoxian. He sat straight in the top seat and took a sip of tea before turning his head to look at them.

“You are Li Qing?” This person’s voice was extremely deep, as if it possessed powerful power, causing people to bow their heads and submit to it.

Li Qing remained unmoved and nodded, “That’s right! Could it be that His Highness didn’t see me in the World King Diagram?”

“Mm, I saw everything you did in the World King Diagram. At that time, I only thought that you were a talented genius with unparalleled combat strength, but I didn’t expect that you still have something to do with us, Zhendong Mansion.”

“May I ask why His Highness called us here this time?”

“Why else? Isn’t it just for the matter between Wen Xiao and Lingzhu?” King Zhendong’s face revealed an angry expression as he shouted, “I heard that the two of you are scheming against Lingzhu again?”

“Your Highness, please don’t get angry. We have something to discuss.” Li Qing’s expression remained normal as he faced the aura of King Zhendong.

“Good boy, your strength isn’t bad. Even you can remain so calm in the face of my oppressive aura.” Prince Zhendong’s face was filled with anger, and he instantly calmed down. Obviously, he was just pretending.

“May I know how His Highness will allow Eldest Senior Brother to stay with Princess Lingzhu?”

“Originally, based on Wen Xiao’s conditions, it was impossible to marry my Lingzhu, but now that you’ve appeared, things have changed a bit.” King Zhendong smiled.

“I would like to hear more about it.”

“I’ve already heard from my son that you want to get the top three, so that you can make a reasonable request to His Majesty.”

“That’s right. As long as I win the top three, I plan to beg for His Majesty on behalf of Eldest Senior Brother!”

“Your thoughts are good, but you may not be able to do it in reality.” King Zhendong shook his head and laughed.

“Could it be that you are unwilling to even speak to His Majesty?”

“Haha, if it were an ordinary person, they might not dare to resist His Majesty’s request. However, the problem is that I am the dignified Eastern King of Great Zhou Town, and I have a high status. Even His Majesty the Zhou Emperor will not force me.”

Li Qing wasn’t sure if what the Eastern Zhen King said was true or false. Perhaps it wasn’t as exaggerated as what he said, but there was also some credibility in it.

If King Zhendong really fought with all his might, His Majesty the Zhou Emperor might not force him.

“Your Highness is not saying so much to make us retreat despite the difficulties, is he? If you have any motive, just say it out loud. If I can do it, I will definitely not refuse.” Li Qing said slowly.

“Talking to smart people is different.” King Zhendong nodded calmly, “If you want Wen Xiao to marry my daughter first, how can you not pay a price?”

“What price?”

“I heard that you have several Dao Artifacts in your possession. I don’t need more. Just one will do! If you agree to this, I will agree to marry Lingzhu to Wen Xiao first!”

“What? Dao artifact?” Wen Xiaoxian cried out involuntarily.

‘”Your Highness, don’t you think this request is too excessive? A Dao Artifact is equivalent to a sect’s treasure. If you make such a request to another force, I’m afraid you will have to make a grudge.” Li Qing said coldly.

‘”Who told you not to have a backer? An ordinary man is innocent, and he has a guilty conscience. The Dao Artifact in your hand is destined to be unable to be preserved. Rather than being snatched away by someone else, why don’t you use it to make a deal with me? It’s not a loss at all.”

The Golden Lion Marquis hurriedly said, “Father, Li Qing is my good friend and I invited him over. If you use this method to obtain the Dao Artifact in his hand, where will you put me?”

King Zhendong’s eyes widened, “Is there anything you can say here? Get out of here!”

“I won’t scram!” The Golden Lion Marquis raised his neck.

“Pa!” King Zhendong slapped the Golden Lion Marquis out of the room and disappeared.

“Alright, it’s quiet now. Do you agree to my deal?” King Zhendong clapped his hands as if nothing had happened.

Li Qing shook his head, “It’s impossible for me to agree to an unreasonable request. Isn’t this a bit too ridiculous?”

“Haha, it seems that your relationship with Wen Xiaoxian isn’t that good. You’re not even willing to pay for a mere Dao Artifact. What kind of junior brother are you?”

“A mere Dao Artifact? When did the value of a Dao Artifact reach such a low level?” Li Qing was speechless.

King Zhendong sneered, “How can the value of a Dao Artifact be compared to love? You only lost a Dao Artifact, but what Wen Xiaoxian obtained first is a love!”

Li Qing was dumbfounded. What kind of way of thinking was this? How could he be so shameless?

“King Zhendong is joking. Dao artifacts are Dao artifacts and love is love. The two are not the same.”

“Hmph, forget it if you don’t want to. Don’t even think about me marrying Lingzhu to Wen Xiao first!” King Zhendong waved his hand.

“I still have quite a few spirit stones in my hands. I am willing to pay 300,000 spirit stones as betrothal gifts. I hope Your Highness can spare me and fulfill their good deeds.” Li Qing said.

“300,000? You’re pretty rich, kid.” King Zhendong was a little surprised, but he still shook his head. “It’s a pity that I don’t lack spirit stones. I only lack Dao Artifacts. Apart from that, there’s nothing else that can move me.”

One of the Four Great Outsider Kings of the Great Zhou Dynasty, with overwhelming power, naturally wouldn’t be moved by three hundred thousand spirit stones.

“How about 500,000 spirit stones?” Li Qing gave another number.

“Are you really a Xiantian expert? Where did you get so many spirit stones?” Zhendong Wang looked at Li Qing with shock. He probably didn’t have that many spirit stones in his hands.

Could this fellow have obtained a treasure trove from some major power?

“Your Highness, don’t worry about where I got these spirit stones. Just say yes or no. If you agree, these spirit stones will immediately belong to you!”

King Zhendong shook his head. “I already said that spirit stones are not attractive to me. It’s enough. Any more is just a bunch of numbers.”

“Since that’s the case, then I have nothing to say. A Dao Artifact is impossible. I believe you wouldn’t be so foolish as to think that I would agree, right?” Li Qing refused to budge an inch.

“Brat, are you sure you don’t want to consider it? If you trade for a Dao Artifact, not only will Wen Xiao marry Lingzhu first, you’ll also be able to obtain my friendship with Zhendong Mansion. In any case, the Dao Artifact in your hand can’t be preserved. Don’t be blinded by the treasure.”

“I’ll go back and think about it.” Li Qing said ambiguously.

“Don’t think too much about it. When the time comes, I’ll find some powerful young heroes at this Martial Arts Convention. Maybe I’ll marry Lingzhu directly. Time won’t wait for anyone!”

“Your Highness, you really won’t budge a single step. You are pressing forward step by step.” Li Qing smiled bitterly.

“Alright, that’s all. I’ll leave you here soon. Let’s go back first.” King Zhendong said stiffly.

“Then we’ll take our leave.” Li Qing and Wen Xiao stood up first and were about to leave.

Wen Xiao suddenly turned around and took a deep breath. He slowly said, “King Zhendong, I heard that Lingzhu has lost her memories of me. Is that really the case?”

“That’s right. I found a Soul Master and personally sealed the memories.” King Zhendong nodded.

Wen Xiaoxian closed his eyes painfully. Tears streaked across the corner of his eyes and he slowly said, “She still doesn’t remember me in the end … Perhaps this is a good thing for both of us. After so many years, it’s time to give up.”

“What do you mean?” King Zhendong’s expression froze.

Wen Xiao let out a miserable laugh, but his tone was much harder. He resolutely said, “For this relationship, I have wasted decades and lost too much! I gave up the path of martial arts, abandoned my parents’ master, abandoned my hometown, and suffered all the humiliation of Zhendong Mansion. Do you really think I have no resentment in my heart?”

“Today, you want to humiliate me again and use my feelings for Lingzhu to obtain Junior Brother’s Dao Artifact! This is unforgivable!”

“Since this relationship can’t be forced, let’s end it today. With my strength and status, I’m indeed not worthy of Lingzhu, and I don’t dare to climb any higher.”

“Therefore, there is no need to wait for an answer in the future. I will make my decision now.”

“I! Reject! Absolutely!” Wen Xiao said word by word.

King Zhendong stared at Wen Xiaoxian and smiled coldly, “You’ve been soft for so many years. Today, your bones are finally tough. It really makes me look at you differently.”

“Your Highness, please find a suitable man for Lingzhu. Don’t let her suffer any grievances. That way, I will be satisfied.”

“I won’t trouble you anymore. In the future, you will have nothing to do with Lingzhu. Do it yourself.”

“Li Qing, let’s go.” Wen Xiao was the first to lose his soul and leave this place.

Li Qing sighed and left.

After leaving Zhendong Mansion, Wen Xiao said apologetically, “I’m sorry, Li Qing, for bringing you so much trouble.”

“You are my Eldest Senior Brother. Why are you so outsider? It’s only natural for me to help you. You can’t blame me for not paying for a Dao Artifact, right?”

“If you say that, you really are breaking my heart. If you really trade for a Dao Artifact, then that would be the stupidest thing to do! Not to mention the Dao Artifact in your hand, even if I have a Dao Artifact, I’m not sure if I will trade it for it. An unreasonable request should be rejected decisively!”

“I didn’t expect King Zhendong to make such a request. If it was any other request, I might be able to think of a way. However, it is indeed impossible for me to agree to a Dao Artifact.” Li Qing sighed.

‘”Actually, I already know each other. In the end, my strength is too weak. If I cultivate to the Void Realm, I’m afraid I don’t need to ask him to do so. Unfortunately, I’ve wasted several decades in Jizhou City. I wonder if I’ll be able to reach that realm.”

Li Qing smiled and said, “What’s impossible? Don’t forget, you are already a high-grade Xiantian, surpassing most people in the world. Cultivating to the tenth level of Xiantian is a certainty. You only need to comprehend the unity of heaven and man!”

“Hearing you say that, I feel that life is full of hope again. I will completely let go of this relationship. Don’t worry about it anymore in the future.”

“If I win the top three, I can try to make this request to the Emperor of Zhou. Perhaps I really succeeded? I have to give it a try.”

“That’s good. If she fails, then that’s the end. Perhaps it’s because I have no destiny with Lingzhu. She has lost her memories and will be able to live a carefree life in the future.”

…

A month later, the second round of the Martial Arts Convention, which was the focus of everyone’s attention, finally began.

All of the 1,000 people who had advanced were gathered at Ying Tian Square. In the morning, after everyone had arrived, a figure flew out from the sky.

‘”Below is the second round of the Martial Arts Convention. There are a total of 1,000 participants. They are divided into 10 groups. Each group has 100 participants. Each group can fight their own battles. The last 10 survivors of each group can advance to the next round.”

The examiner was explaining the rules of the competition in detail. Even though everyone knew what was going on, they still had to explain it routinely.

“The rules have been explained. Is there anything you don’t understand?”

“Nothing!” Everyone shook their heads.

“Alright then, the competition is about to begin! Please welcome His Majesty’s Star Chessboard!” The examiner bowed in the direction of the hall.

A huge chessboard suddenly descended from the sky and put everyone inside the Great Zhou Imperial Palace.

Li Qing only felt that the scenery in front of him changed and appeared in a dark space. At a glance, it was as if he was in an icy cold and desolate universe, and there were many stones floating nearby.

In the distance, starlight flickered, barely illuminating the darkness, allowing one to clearly see the scene nearby.

“Is this the space inside the Star Chessboard?” Li Qing used his divine sense to scan and soon discovered several figures in the distance.

Obviously, it was the martial artists participating in the competition!

However, this space seemed to be very large. Li Qing’s divine sense only covered a few people.

Of course, compared to the world within the World King Diagram, it was much smaller.

After all, in this Star Chessboard, they had to fight each other. If they couldn’t see a single person for half a day, then it would be too strenuous.

This space was neither small nor large. A hundred people entering wouldn’t be too crowded. If they deliberately searched, they would soon find their opponent.

Li Qing flew towards the martial artist and soon saw him. In this place, all of the martial artists were enemies, basically fighting when they met.

That person also happened to turn his head. Seeing Li Qing’s appearance, his entire body couldn’t help but tremble, “It’s you!”

“You recognize me?”

“Nonsense, you are Li Qing, a famous figure. It’s strange that you don’t recognize him!” This person didn’t dare to stay, so he turned around and fled.

“Where can I escape?” Li Qing made a brazen move and grabbed it with one hand.

That person was shocked, “How could my luck be so bad? I just came in and met this fiend! This fellow is too strong, my life is over!”

Before he was hit, he suddenly shouted, “Li Qing is in this group! Everyone be careful! Unite and kill him!”

In the next moment, he was struck by this palm strike. Within the Star Chessboard, a surge of power immediately surged out and moved this person away.

“The Star Chessboard is truly amazing! In this place, there’s nothing you can do to kill!” Li Qing praised.

In this way, he would be able to attack without any scruples, and there was no need to worry that he would accidentally kill someone.

“This fellow’s voice has spread out. It will definitely attract the attention of some people. Perhaps they will join forces to deal with me first!” He thought to himself.

There was a possibility of this, but it wasn’t too big. First, there shouldn’t be many people who heard it. Second, Li Qing’s strength was so tyrannical. If they were full, they would have to go against him?

“Not to mention that it’s impossible for them to join forces, even if they really join forces, it’s impossible for them to eliminate me.” Li Qing didn’t care.

After a while, another martial artist heard the voice and came to this place. He looked at Li Qing from afar and said coldly, “It really is you!”

Li Qing raised his head and recognized that this person was a powerful martial artist from the Southern Domain.

“What, do you want to fight me?” Li Qing said.

“Don’t be too arrogant. I’m no match for you now, but I’ll find a way to deal with you sooner or later!” After that person finished speaking, he immediately left.

Two days later, Li Qing met dozens of martial artists, all of whom were defeated by him. There were many powerful figures among them, and they were all eliminated one by one. It could only be said that it was a matter of luck.

From time to time, he could feel that many people were peeping at him from afar, scouting his every move.

Because the distance was too far, Li Qing was too lazy to chase after them.

This space was boundless. Apart from the floating stones, there was practically nothing to hide. Tracking his tracks was simply too easy.

He could vaguely feel that many martial artists had secretly joined forces, wanting to take action against him.

This surprised him. He knew that he was so powerful, but he still dared to do so. It seemed that these people also had some sort of confidence.

“Then let me see what trump cards you have prepared.”