Chapter Ninety: Do Not Worry That No One Understands You on the Road Ahead; Once Again, the Golden Years Shine-Becoming a Saint by Cultivating the Fruits of Time(Li Hongtian)

The parrot cup bore the silver moon aloft, and the Immortal, enshrouded in mist, seemed poised to play his flute.

Tonight, the atmosphere in Lin'an Prefecture was not quite as usual. Countless spiritual forms hovered in the air, gazing from afar toward the city's grandest hall of fireworks. Yet the crowd's attention was not fixed upon any dazzling courtesan, but upon a fierce and exhilarating contest for the rankings on the Lesser Sage List.

An Le, newly ascended to sixteenth place, challenged Xi Men Qiu Hua, who held the fifteenth. This battle, whether witnessed by those of profound cultivation, peers of equal standing, or even the curious with lesser abilities, stirred every heart, each fluctuation of combat sending ripples through their souls.

In Lin'an, Xi Men Qiu Hua's reputation was quite respectable. Though he dwelled amid places of pleasure, he was like a pure white lotus—rising from the mud, yet untouched by it, cleansed in clear water but never gaudy. He maintained the unique elegance and demeanor of a scholar. Skilled in music and tea, even high officials and nobles found their hearts settled in his presence, savoring tea and listening to his melodies. He was a most singular figure within Flower Pavilion.

Despite humble origins and a turbulent fate, Xi Men Qiu Hua had cultivated a scholar's resilience—something unmatched by the scholars listed in the Academy's Literary Music rankings. Compared to those who wore their fame like a cloak, Xi Men Qiu Hua, living amidst earthly revelry yet untouched by its dust, appeared more genuine, more like a true scholar.

A chilly night breeze swept across the rooftop, stirring loose tiles beneath the feet of the two combatants. With Azure Mountain and Ink Pool at his waist, An Le achieved a resounding victory. The aura about him transformed, as if an invisible white python coiled behind his back, baring its fangs and roaring across Lin'an. This was the nascent invincible momentum he had just forged—a force that began with the defeat of Xi Men Qiu Hua.

Xi Men Qiu Hua was not weak—indeed, he proved an unexpectedly formidable opponent, far stronger than Wang Qin He. His mind merged with his music, each sound wave carrying deadly power. He did not at all resemble the gentle musician one might expect at a place of pleasure; his rendition of "Eighteen Verses of the Hu Jia" was astonishing, infused with immense spiritual strength. He ended by using his zither as a bow and his flute as an arrow, reminiscent of a legendary archer from the frontier lands, striking at An Le with a threat he keenly felt.

Therefore, An Le chose close-range sword techniques, breaking his opponent’s momentum with surprise and seizing the chance to counterattack.

"I have lost," said Xi Men Qiu Hua.

The silver moon hung high in the sky. The lethal wounds upon Xi Men Qiu Hua were healed by the unique energy contained within the Lesser Sage Token. He opened his eyes, sighed softly, and cupped his fists in salute. Gathering the pieces of his shattered ancient zither, his gaze was complex yet full of admiration, sensing the mighty spirit within An Le—the newly forged invincible momentum, faintly intimidating.

"Congratulations, Master An, on gathering your invincible momentum. The path ahead is arduous—may you walk it well," Xi Men Qiu Hua said earnestly.

An Le sheathed his sword and returned the salute. "Master Qiu Hua’s strength is remarkable. This battle was exhilarating and taught me much."

Xi Men Qiu Hua smiled. "I have no further prospects on the Lesser Sage List. If you truly forge your invincible momentum and retrace the legendary path of General Li You'an, then as your first adversary, I would be honored."

He sat upon the rooftop, gazing at the silver moon and stars, then at the vast expanse of Lin'an Prefecture, his expression complex.

"Master An," he said, "after this battle, I intend to leave Lin'an."

An Le, clad in white, sat beside him. "The Imperial Examination is about to begin. Why leave Lin'an?"

"I have little hope for the examination. I wish to go to the frontier, to the banks of the wild Canglang River," Xi Men Qiu Hua replied softly, gently stroking his broken ancient zither, his gaze tender.

"My mother always told me I am not fatherless, though many mocked me for it as a child. Even at the Academy, I was derided as the son of a dancer, an orphan. But my mother insisted my father was a hero who fought the barbarians on the frontier—a great hero."

An Le was momentarily stunned. Lady Hua’s information mentioned Xi Men Qiu Hua’s origins, that his mother was a dancer at Flower Pavilion, but never revealed who his father was.

"My mother said that when my father returned victorious from the Canglang River battlefield, he promised to redeem her and marry her. But she never saw him again, only receiving news of his death in battle."

Xi Men Qiu Hua looked at An Le, speaking earnestly. "I have always known I am not fatherless—my father is a hero."

An Le was moved. "So you wish to go to the banks of the Canglang River..."

"To follow in my father’s footsteps. Though I grew up in Flower Pavilion, I never succumbed. My mother struggled to raise me, her teachings still echo in my ears. She hopes I can become a hero like my father, so I have always tried."

Xi Men Qiu Hua smiled gently.

"Today’s battle, Master An, you won, and I accept defeat wholeheartedly. Now I can let go and pursue my father’s path—to fight the barbarians and become a hero like him."

An Le felt a surge of respect—not just for Xi Men Qiu Hua, but for his mother who, living in such a place of temptation, remained true to herself and raised a child with sincere ambitions. Truly rare.

Perhaps the powers behind Flower Pavilion supported Xi Men Qiu Hua because of these qualities. Though surrounded by darkness, his heart turned toward the sun.

An Le took up the wine jug, drinking a mouthful of old yellow wine, the aroma spreading above the rooftop, and handed the jug to Xi Men Qiu Hua.

Xi Men Qiu Hua’s eyes sparkled. He took the jug, pouring the wine like a waterfall into his mouth, letting it trickle down his chin and soak his clothes.

"Though not spiritual wine, drinking it is truly..."

"Exhilarating!"

Xi Men Qiu Hua laughed.

Thus, the two sat atop Flower Pavilion, taking turns with the wine, drinking heartily, speaking freely. Though just acquainted, their clash had forged a bond of mutual appreciation.

"My mother often said, scholars must possess pride and backbone. I studied at the Academy but never found it there. Yet I have seen it in Master An’s paintings."

"I have long heard of your skill with ink bamboo. Might I request a painting from you?" Xi Men Qiu Hua asked.

An Le smiled and nodded, happy to oblige. The two returned from the rooftop to the room.

Xi Men Qiu Hua called for Aunt Xuan to prepare brush, ink, paper, and inkstone.

With no audience, An Le and Xi Men Qiu Hua chatted and painted together. An Le painted ink bamboo and ghost orchid, their entanglement symbolizing Xi Men Qiu Hua’s serene character.

Reflecting, An Le inscribed upon the "Orchid and Bamboo Painting": "Fear not the road ahead lacks friends; who in the world does not know you," and presented it to Xi Men Qiu Hua.

When leaving Flower Pavilion, Xi Men Qiu Hua personally escorted him.

An Le gazed at this elegant musician and said sincerely, "Master Qiu Hua, take care."

Xi Men Qiu Hua’s broad sleeves swept up as he returned the salute.

...

The battle between An Le and Xi Men Qiu Hua had concluded.

Yet within Lin'an Prefecture, the many suspended spirits could not calm their minds.

With their insight, they clearly saw the invincible momentum An Le had forged upon defeating Xi Men Qiu Hua.

This youth has gathered invincible momentum—without a doubt, he intends to walk the legendary path of Li You'an! Fighting ever upward, each battle won, forging a spirit that towers above his peers!

"Too arrogant! So many wish to become Li You'an, but there has only ever been one. His legendary path is impossible to replicate!"

Some scoffed, recalling that all who tried to retrace Li You'an’s path met tragic ends. The path of invincible momentum leads only two ways—soaring to greatness or falling into the abyss.

Most fall, never to rise again, like Luo Qingchen, once dazzling, later imprisoned for over a decade.

An Le’s talent was indeed remarkable, reaching the fourth realm of spirit refinement in a short time. He need not risk such a perilous, uncertain path. Steady cultivation, leveraging his late-blooming talent, might let him soar.

Yet he chose the difficult road, making himself an enemy of all his peers in Lin'an. Gathering invincible momentum means to suppress all contemporaries, to battle them all.

Ye Wenxi, Sima Pudu, Qin Hua'an, and the Wang family’s prodigy—none would easily let An Le succeed. Those with ambition will not accept defeat.

Li You'an floated in the air, his gaze withdrawn, a faint smile on his lips. At his side was Elder Zhao Huangting, clad in plain robes.

"In this battle, both youngsters performed splendidly. Xi Men Qiu Hua truly surprised me—imbuing his music with deadly intent, using the five musical tones for five killing strikes. Though he only managed the 'Jiao' tone, it was impressive for his cultivation."

"His Hu Jia Eighteen Verses lacked some true battlefield vigor, yet displayed his own style. Using the zither as bow and flute as arrow was a powerful move. Had he truly unleashed it, the outcome might have been uncertain," Zhao Huangting praised.

"But what truly surprised me was An Le."

"This boy intends to replicate your legendary path... Gathering invincible momentum and marching ever upward!"

Zhao Huangting stroked his flowing brows, his eyes gleaming with appreciation.

Li You'an shook his head. "Different. His path is harder than mine. If he succeeds, perhaps he will be more legendary than I."

"In my generation, there were few true talents, so my path was flatter and less difficult. For I did not face Ye Wenxi, Qin Hua'an, Sima Pudu, nor the Wang family’s prodigy. Most importantly... there was no Zhao Xianyou."

Zhao Huangting rolled his eyes. "You were peerless, so you could look down on all your peers."

"Zhao Jiu is different. He may not wish to fight An Le," Zhao Huangting said.

"No, there will certainly be a battle," Li You'an replied with a smile, his eyes bright. "If it were me, I would surely fight!"

Zhao Huangting rolled his eyes again.

Li You'an chuckled. "Tomorrow, I will take him somewhere, to see what the Sage left behind. Hopefully, it will help him."

"Legends are meant to be broken. I truly hope someone can surpass the legend I created."

"That would mean there is hope yet for Great Zhao."

...

Lin Mansion, Skywave Pavilion.

Lady Hua and Fourth Master Lin’s spirits returned, a gentle breeze bringing a hint of midnight chill.

"The first battle is won, and beautifully so. From today, he will begin truly gathering invincible momentum to fight Lin'an," Lady Hua said.

"What the outcome will be, neither of us knows. If he falls, the impact will be immense."

She shook her head, feeling a bit lost.

Though youthful ambition burns like the blazing sun, melting a thousand snowy mountains, this path is truly arduous. To fail is to ruin a promising future.

"Since An Le has chosen this path, hoping to shine at the Imperial Examination and help us reclaim Dingfengbo, our Lin Mansion must support him with all our strength," Fourth Master Lin smiled. "So, sister-in-law, there’s no need to worry too much. Even if he fails, with Elder Zhao Huangting’s support, his future will not be bleak."

"Besides, An Le may not fail. A wild, untamed stallion, once unleashed, will only run faster and faster."

Lady Hua looked at Fourth Master Lin, surprised that he had more confidence in An Le than she did.

"Tonight, the Lesser Sage List will be busy again. I wonder how many places An Le will rise after this battle, but a reshuffling is inevitable," Lady Hua smiled, recalling something amusing.

...

An Le atop Flower Pavilion, victorious over Xi Men Qiu Hua and forging invincible momentum—this scene was witnessed by many formidable figures in Lin'an Prefecture.

Qin Prime Minister’s Mansion.

Waterside Pavilion.

Qin Qianqiu and Wang Qin He sat facing each other, both somewhat incredulous.

An Le’s victory over Xi Men Qiu Hua was expected, but what truly astonished them was his intent to follow Li You'an’s legendary path and forge invincible momentum.

"How dare he?!"

"On what grounds does he dare to cultivate invincibility?!"

Qin Qianqiu exclaimed in disbelief.

Wang Qin He was bewildered. Not long ago, An Le ranked below him, yet now he was audacious enough to pursue the path of invincible momentum.

How many proud talents had fallen on this path—did An Le not know?

It was like walking a tightrope across a bottomless abyss; one misstep and you fall, doomed forever!

"He’s too arrogant, far too arrogant..." Wang Qin He muttered.

"He’s only at the third tier of body refinement, fourth tier of spirit refinement, yet he wants to forge invincible momentum? Is he worthy?"

"Let alone my brother Qin Hua'an—even Ye Wenxi, Sima Pudu, and others are beyond his reach."

"Without dual fifth-tier cultivation, how dare he claim peerless status?"

Qin Qianqiu sneered, pacing the pavilion, his eyes growing excited. "He wants invincible momentum—this gives me a perfect opportunity to ruin him!"

Wang Qin He recovered, frowning at his friend. "What are you planning?"

"Since he wants invincible momentum, if you send higher-tier cultivators against him, Hua Jie Bing won’t allow it, not even the Sacred Mountain would interfere."

"This path is difficult, but many would welcome the birth of a new legend. Unnecessary interference won’t be tolerated—it would bring trouble to the Prime Minister’s Mansion," Wang Qin He said seriously, knowing the grudge between Qin Qianqiu and An Le, but offering necessary caution.

Qin Qianqiu waved his hand. "Of course, I won’t foolishly send those above fifth tier. But if I break his invincible momentum, his fate may be as tragic as Luo Qingchen, whose determination was shattered."

"The top Lesser Sage List contenders can’t challenge him, but I can invite talented demon slayers from outside Lin'an. Doesn’t he carry demonic aura? Demon slayers would be eager."

"If he wants invincible momentum, he must be able to defeat peers from outside!"

Qin Qianqiu said excitedly.

Wang Qin He’s expression changed. "Demon slayers?"

"I’ve researched demon slayers around Lin'an, contacted several. Among them is Monk Fa Kong, one of the five chief disciples of the Sea-crossing Holy Monk, journeying from Lianhua Temple. He slays demons to strengthen his cultivation, having killed countless, his murderous intent so intense he’s forbidden entry to Lin'an."

"Monk Fa Kong is at fifth tier body refinement, fourth tier spirit refinement, and his methods are ruthless, his killing aura no less than any Lesser Sage List top ten. If An Le wants invincible momentum, he must defeat such adversaries!"

Qin Qianqiu sneered, growing more excited. Once the battle begins, even Hua Jie Bing or Li You'an cannot interfere, lest they disrupt An Le’s momentum, achieving Qin Qianqiu’s aim.

Fa Kong is not above fifth tier, so he’s An Le’s peer. If An Le cannot win against someone stronger, how can he claim invincible momentum? Li You'an himself won every battle against stronger foes, thus forging his momentum.

If An Le is to walk the legendary path, he must possess such courage.

If An Le dares to accept, Qin Qianqiu, having witnessed those demon slayers’ ferocity, feels confident that An Le will meet a miserable end.

Qin Qianqiu grew ever more excited, sensing his chance to wash away the humiliation of losing his spirit refinement.

Wang Qin He took a deep breath. Allowing demon slayers into the city? If so, An Le might indeed face grave trouble.

Qin Qianqiu ignored Wang Qin He’s concerns, immediately summoning his retainer to arrange matters, contacting demon slayers outside the city at great expense—time was of the essence. If An Le truly gathers invincible momentum, Qin Qianqiu feared Fa Kong might be defeated.

Strike while An Le’s cultivation is weak, lest dreams linger too long!

The sooner his momentum is broken, the greater the impact on his spirit!

...

Moonlight deepened, casting its glow on half the homes; the Northern Dipper stood upright, the Southern Dipper slanted.

After the exhilarating battle, An Le, clad in white, walked the bluestone streets of Qingbo, heading toward his small courtyard.

Upon returning home, he did not seek more old yellow wine, nor slice beef.

He placed Ink Pool and Azure Mountain into the old locust tree’s hollow as usual.

Drawing a small bamboo chair beneath the tree, he let the cool moonlight bathe him. The tumult within his spirit began to subside.

He closed his eyes gently, his mind drifting, his spirit coiled within the sword furnace, sword energy crisscrossing.

He began to review and analyze his battle with Xi Men Qiu Hua, seeking deficiencies to remedy.

Before his eyes, a screen of light flashed by.

[Dauntless Heart (Dao Fruit): Dragon battles in the wild, surpasses realms, emboldens the dauntless, Dao fruit rewards itself.]

Azure words flickered across the screen.

A surge of pure energy began to flow throughout his body.

The enhancement from the Dauntless Heart Dao Fruit began to manifest, spreading after the battle ended.

The pure energy coursed through his skin, meridians, spiritual bones, blood elixir, and even the spirit in his brow, nourishing all like a clear spring, revitalizing body and mind, bringing extraordinary transformation.

To An Le’s surprise, the feedback from this battle was immense.

His blood surged, flooding into the elixir, faint ancient demon visions arising, roaring at the moon, his momentum ever rising, ever strengthening!

The elixir’s outflowing blood released heat and brilliance, purifying impurities in his flesh and meridians, perfecting his body, resonating subtly with the elixir.

The feedback from spirit refinement was less, perhaps because he had just broken through; compared to the third realm, the sensation was naturally diminished.

Yet his spirit was now completely stabilized and much strengthened.

Xi Men Qiu Hua was no weakling—the most evenly matched adversary An Le had faced. Because of his strength, the feedback from [Dauntless Heart] was even more abundant.

Opening his eyes, An Le’s momentum gathered, the newly forged invincible aura strengthening his resolve, merging with youthful ambition, like a brilliant pillar rising in the courtyard.

The wind stirred, old locust leaves shivering.

An Le rose, taking advantage of the pure energy from the Dauntless Heart Dao Fruit, mobilizing his blood to practice the ancient demon Five Beasts, refining his body.

With the spirit refinement now at the fourth tier, he must hurry to advance his body refinement. Once he mastered the profound intent, he would be more confident in dazzling at the Imperial Examination.

After training, his blood gradually calmed.

Sweat poured from An Le, steam rising from his body.

He sat cross-legged, calming his mind beneath the old locust tree.

With a thought, he sought to bestow the four strands of temporal energy gathered from Xi Men Qiu Hua upon the Dao Fruit [Innate Swordsman].

Since his talent Dao Fruit [Peerless Genius of Ages] had already evolved, requiring much more temporal energy, An Le had planned to allocate half of each day’s gathered energy to Peerless Genius of Ages, the other half to [Innate Swordsman].

The sword was now his main weapon—whether the mighty sword energy, close-range sword techniques, or the three poetic sword styles, all were related.

Today’s battle revealed his shortcomings; his combat skills had much room for improvement.

To fight across tiers, besides a solid foundation, he needed superior technique to offset gaps in cultivation.

For example, Xi Men Qiu Hua used music as a weapon; his final zither-bow technique nearly defeated An Le—an advantage conferred by skill.

If An Le wished to enhance his skills and strengthen himself, [Innate Swordsman] would require some temporal energy.

Four strands of temporal energy fluttered; three turned to mist, flickering before his eyes.

Suddenly, An Le was delighted.

For the fourth strand of temporal energy gleamed with gold—the rare golden temporal energy!

The golden energy coalesced into an incense stick, burning softly, its smoke drifting.

Images appeared, like stones cast upon a still lake, rippling endlessly.

ps: Seeking monthly and recommended votes to climb the new book rankings!

(End of chapter)