The Name of Eternity.

Chapter 596 Defeated by All in the Same Realm
"Painter Haotian, have the letters you sent to the Su family in recent years been intercepted? Why are you unwilling to see me?"

Instead of catching up with Su Muqing and the others, Jiang Huanhuan tiptoed to Li Hao, brought her delicate and lively face close to him, and looked up to ask him a question.

The girl's natural fragrance, along with her sweet breath, wafted towards us.

Before Li Hao could respond, Su Muqing's expression turned cold, and she said:
"My Su family would never do such a thing. I'd love for him to leave so he wouldn't be an eyesore in my Su family!"

"Mu Qing".

Su Wanqing's expression changed slightly, and she tugged at Su Muqing. After all, there were many geniuses present, and such harsh words would make Li Hao too embarrassed.

Lin Jinrou and Jiang Huanhuan both looked at Li Hao with slightly changed expressions, but saw that Li Hao showed no anger.

"I've been busy these past few years and haven't been able to get away. I'm sorry."

Li Hao spoke to Jiang Huanhuan, ignoring Su Muqing's words.

Seeing Li Hao's reaction, Jiang Huanhuan's eyes showed a hint of disappointment. She said, "It's a pity that Painter Haotian is putting himself through such hardship. I heard from Wanqing that you only have a short lifespan of a hundred years. Why don't you come to my Jiang family? I will definitely recommend you to my father and let you obtain the best cultivation resources in my Jiang family. What do you say?"

Upon hearing Jiang Huanhuan's words, the expressions of the people around her changed slightly. They hadn't expected Jiang Huanhuan to promise Li Hao such a great benefit.

For a moment, everyone's eyes fell on Li Hao. If he were to receive the top resources of the Jiang family, even an ordinary genius could enter the ranks of the elite.

Su Muqing raised an eyebrow, secretly relieved, but then felt a surge of anger. She glared coldly at Li Hao.

Li Hao remained calm and cupped his hands, saying, "I appreciate Miss Jiang's kindness, but I came here solely for her."

As he spoke, he looked at Su Muqing.

Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned and somewhat surprised.

Su Muqing was also taken aback, clearly not expecting Li Hao to refuse so decisively. Although the Jiang family was slightly inferior to the Su family, the difference was not significant. If she were to receive core training from the Jiang family, she would surely achieve great things in the future.

"Painter Haotian, as far as I know, Mu Qing is engaged to my clan. Your relentless pursuit will likely end in vain. It would be better to..."

Beside her, Lin Jinrou gazed at Li Hao and spoke softly.

Jiang Huanhuan was also stunned, not expecting that Li Hao would refuse her invitation so quickly, which she had made on her own initiative.

If she were to extend this invitation to the many talented individuals present, the scene would likely erupt in a frenzy, with everyone vying for the opportunity.

Su Wanqing looked at Li Hao deeply and couldn't help but sigh, gaining a new understanding of Li Hao's persistence.

Su Wanxue looked at Li Hao thoughtfully without saying a word.

"It doesn't matter. In my life, I have only followed my conscience and not cared about the outcome."

Li Hao said to Lin Jinrou.

Lin Jinrou glanced at Li Hao and said nothing more. But suddenly she felt that this young man's pursuit seemed different from the previous suitors of Su Muqing. Could there really be true love in this world? Could it transcend cultivation and immortality?

You should know that with such cultivation from the Jiang family, the path to immortality will surely be smooth and the future bright. Why worry about not having a Daoist partner?

"Hmph, you think your words can sway me? Wishful thinking!"

Su Muqing suddenly sneered and said, "Before Huanhuan changes her mind, I advise you to agree. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Jiang Huanhuan quickly said, "Yes, Haotian Painter, Mu Qing has already said so. It's impossible for her to accept you. She has that Lin family's imperial son, who is unmatched in the world. You have no chance."

Li Hao shook his head slightly and offered no further explanation.

Seeing Li Hao's persistence, Jiang Huanhuan felt disappointed. The other Jiang family prodigies behind her gave Li Hao strange looks. When Jiang Huanhuan made her promise, they were sweating bullets. If they really recruited this unknown guy, they would waste a lot of resources.

But they were surprised that the other party dared to refuse. How could such a temptation be resisted? Was this person not thinking straight?

"Let's go."

Su Wanqing sighed.

Jiang Huanhuan and Lin Jinrou said no more, and their eyes showed more disappointment when they looked at Li Hao.

As the three major families of Gusu Imperial Star, the Jiang family, the Lin family, and the Su family were all placed in the location closest to the Sword Pool.

At Su Wanqing's instruction, a futon was also added for Li Hao.

As soon as Li Hao sat down, he felt a fierce sword intent rushing towards him from the sword pool in front of him. It was like a raging torrent containing hundreds of layers of Dao rhyme. These Dao rhymes not only had the original characteristics of the water Dao, but also the sharpness of the metal Dao, the explosiveness of the fire Dao, and even the formless flow of the time Dao.

After everyone took their seats, more and more talented young masters from prominent families sped in from outside Sword God Peak.

Some arrived riding colorful fans, some princes descended in carriages pulled by nine dragons, and some fairies descended on seven-colored clouds. All of them displayed extraordinary demeanor, standing out from the crowd, like dragons and phoenixes among men, geniuses that are rare to find even once in a thousand years.

As more and more people arrived, the noise level rose, and the Su, Jiang, and Lin families naturally became the focus of everyone's attention.

Not long after, five whooshing sounds came rushing in.

Su Wanqing looked up, immediately stood up, and said, "Brother Su Qiyu."

The young man at the head of the group was tall and handsome, adorned with magical treasures, including nine dazzling precious pearls on his belt.

Each of these immortal beads can withstand a full-force killing move from a peak Immortal Lord realm cultivator once, without needing to be activated.

Su Wanxue and Su Muqing also stood up to greet him.

Su Qiyu glanced at the three women, his gaze immediately landing on Li Hao beside him. A look of surprise crossed his eyes as he said:

"Who is this?"

Su Muqing's expression turned slightly unpleasant. She said, "He's just an idle person. There's no need to pay him any mind."

"Could he be the guy everyone's been talking about, the one who wants to pursue Sister Mu Qing?"

Among the four members of the Su family behind Su Qiyu, one of them asked curiously.

Upon hearing this, the other three looked enlightened, and their gazes toward Li Hao immediately turned unfriendly, carrying a hint of contempt.

Su Qiyu has been in seclusion these days, trying to break through to the Immortal King realm. Hearing this, he asked in confusion, "Pursuing Mu Qing?"

He was surprised and astonished. Did Gusu Imperial Star still have such a bold and fearless guy?

Moreover, it's even stranger that the other party was able to sit next to Su Muqing and the others without being killed on the spot.

Worried that Li Hao would be embarrassed, Su Wanqing quickly relayed the matter to Su Qiyu via telepathy, informing him of the marriage certificate and her father's orders.

Su Qiyu was stunned, and then suddenly realized something. When he heard Su Wanqing mention that Li Hao only had a hundred years of lifespan, his eyes narrowed slightly, and he couldn't help but stare at Li Hao.

"really?"

Su Qiyu asked telepathically.

Su Wanqing nodded.

Su Qiyu stared intently at Li Hao, and upon hearing the mocking voices of the people behind him, immediately raised his hand to stop them from speaking.

He understood that his father was so lenient because the other party had an emperor backing them up. Otherwise, how could his father have backed down over a mere marriage contract, even at the risk of offending the Lin family?

With the demon race now eyeing them covetously and the border under immense pressure, the human race in the Northern Region cannot afford internal strife!
"Everyone, calm down. Since this is Mu Qing's matter, I believe she will know how to handle it."

Su Qiyu said something, and then led the others to sit down to the side.

The four were somewhat puzzled, wondering why Brother Qiyu was protecting this young man. However, as scions of powerful clans, they were all aware of their own intentions and quickly fell silent, secretly pondering Li Hao's background and identity. After they sat down, other young talents from various aristocratic families soon came to visit, offering only simple pleasantries to become acquainted.

Winning the Sword Pool Championship is not only an opportunity for the prodigies of various families to make a name for themselves, but also an opportunity to establish connections with the three major families.

The young talents from various aristocratic families moved about, greeting the young talents of the three major families and exchanging pleasantries with some friendly families. They formed partnerships, helping each other to gain a foothold in their respective families, thus achieving mutual benefit.

As the noise grew louder, several figures rushed over.

The leader was an elderly man with white hair and a youthful face. He looked kind and gentle, and although he didn't exude any aura, his eyes were captivating and made people afraid to look directly at him.

"King Tanxian has arrived."

Someone whispered something, and the room quickly quieted down. The young masters from prominent families who had been walking around, exchanging greetings and pleasantries, all returned to their places.

"Your Highnesses, Miss, the osmanthus blossoms are in full bloom again this year."

The old man smiled and said, "This time, not only will the Divine Spring Golden Osmanthus bloom with fourteen blossoms, but the Immortal Purple Osmanthus, which has been blooming for ten thousand years, will also bloom today. I have calculated the blooming period, and today I am holding the Sword Pool Osmanthus Martial Arts Competition. The Immortal Osmanthus is limited, so let's see who can win the first prize based on their own abilities!"

Upon hearing his words, everyone turned to look at the six ethereal purple osmanthus blossoms on the highest branch, their eyes shining.

"As you all know, in a sparring match among those of the same realm, the one who wins five matches will have the chance to win the Frosty Silver Osmanthus, and the one who wins ten matches will have the chance to win the Divine Spring Golden Osmanthus!"

Tan Xianwang said, "If one can be unparalleled in the same realm, never having been defeated, and no one dares to challenge him again, then one will have the opportunity to pluck the Immortal Purple Osmanthus."

Upon hearing this, everyone was in an uproar. To defeat someone of the same realm was simply too difficult.

"If there are fewer participants of the same realm, and one wins out of thin air, then the battle against my immortal puppet will bring the total to ten wins, which will also count as a victory."

"That's what the Immortal King Tan said."

Everyone was aware of this, but the difficulty of picking the Fairy Purple Osmanthus was beyond imagination.

"To defeat everyone in the same realm, that's just too difficult."

"I didn't expect such a rule. Is King Tan willing to let the Immortal Purple Osmanthus wither rather than let me wait for it? However, in this way, the scarcity of this item is also rare in the world. Although it can only be preserved for ten years, it makes it even more precious!"

Everyone started discussing it, their eyes shining. However, they were self-aware and glanced at the Su, Lin, and Jiang families. Only the geniuses of their three families could probably defeat their own kind.

"It's so difficult."

Su Wanqing and Su Wanxue both frowned. In this situation, they dared not say they were completely confident, after all, the Lin family and the Jiang family were also present.

"It seems this time it will be a head-on confrontation. In that case, Sister Su, please be lenient."

Lin Jinrou chuckled softly.

Su Wanxue said calmly, "I also really like that Fairy Tale Purple Osmanthus."

Su Wanqing pursed her lips slightly. Although she didn't speak, what woman wouldn't like it?

Su Muqing remained silent, her calm gaze revealing confidence. As the true phoenix of the Su family, she was at the sixth level of the Immortal Lord realm, and she was certain that she had never encountered an opponent at this level.

Hearing the noisy discussions at the scene, Li Hao couldn't help but feel curious. Although he could tell that the osmanthus tree by the waterfall was a spiritual object, he couldn't see how extraordinary it was. He couldn't help but ask Su Wanqing beside him:

"Is this cassia tree a rare and precious medicine? What are its effects?"

Su Wanqing shook her head slightly and said, "It's just a rare fairy flower. As for its effects... it doesn't really have any effects. It's not the kind of powerful medicine you're thinking of."

Li Hao asked in confusion, "Then why are we fighting over it?"

"Because it looks good."

Su Wanqing said softly, "It's beautiful, rare, and difficult to obtain, which is why everyone is vying for it. I heard that it was originally just used as a prize for a family exchange, but it gradually evolved into a symbol of nobility and genius. If it were just divine medicine and lingzhi, such mundane items, we wouldn't be here to compete for them. We would just give an order, and the family would prepare them."

Upon hearing this, Li Hao suddenly realized that emotions were a product of marketing, imbued with the meanings of "prodigy" and "precious," which is why they were sought after.

"Moreover, this immortal osmanthus can only be preserved for ten years before it withers. It is so rare, who wouldn't love it?"

Su Wanqing said.

Li Hao nodded.

At this moment, after Tan Xianwang finished announcing the rules, he raised his hand and set up a battle platform in front of the sword pool, setting up a sealing array barrier.

Then, the various families were allowed to freely take the stage to challenge and perform.

This was both a contest among the prodigies and a leisurely spectacle, with many celestial servants passing by, bringing them celestial fruits and delicacies, creating a rather relaxed atmosphere.

The three families of Su, Jiang, and Lin did not take any action. On the battle stage, the other aristocratic families' prodigies came up one after another, issued challenges, and clashed with their immortal techniques.

The three major families, along with other families slightly inferior to the three major families, chose to observe first, remaining calm and composed, and not rushing to show off, giving the other families a chance to demonstrate their abilities.

As a large family, it naturally possesses the grandeur of a large family.

"Lin Jinrou, why didn't your brother come?"

Jiang Huanhuan sat on the right side of the Su family's house and asked Lin Jinrou, who was on the left side of the Su family's house.

Lin Jinrou took a sip of the fine wine and said calmly, "If my brother comes, is there any need for anyone else to compete in this Sword Pool Gathering? I'm afraid all eyes will be on him."

Jiang Huanhuan slightly pursed her lips, but she had to admit that if the true dragon of the Lin family were to arrive, the scene would definitely be boiling and exciting, and everyone would crowd around.

Hearing their conversation, Su Wanqing glanced at Li Hao. Seeing that he seemed oblivious, she felt relieved, but then sighed inwardly.

Time passed slowly, and the immortal fruits were served one after another. Li Hao silently tasted them, while the others around him whispered among themselves. Apart from occasionally asking Su Wanqing about some things, he just poured himself a drink. His gaze mostly lingered on Su Muqing beside him, and his mind couldn't help but recall the various times he had met that girl in the past.

In that remote town on the other side of the world, at that tea stall…

After a long while, a burst of enthusiastic cheers interrupted Li Hao's thoughts.

"Wow, Bai Mocheng from the Bai family has improved so much! He's a third-level Immortal Lord with 10 wins out of 13 battles! He's too strong!"

"Fourteen golden osmanthus blossoms of the Divine Spring, one less."

"It seems that, in addition to the Four Little Phoenixes, Bai Mocheng will also follow suit and enter the ranks of top geniuses."

Everyone was talking about it.

On the battle platform, a graceful young man sheathed his sword, slowly walked down the platform, returned to his family, and sat down next to a sweet-smiling girl.

The girl hurriedly inquired about the injury, her eyes revealing concern, but the young man just smiled indifferently and said, "As long as you like it, that's fine. After I pick it, I want everyone to know that my sister will have what others have!"

The girl's eyes were filled with emotion.

Li Hao understood that the men who came here, besides competing with their own clansmen, were also there to win trophies for their sisters or for someone they admired.

"In recent years, the Bai family has gradually begun to show its strength."

Su Wanxue glanced at it and said calmly.

Su Wanqing nodded, then turned her gaze to Li Hao beside her and said, "Haotian, why don't you go up on stage and give it a try? With your strength, you have a great chance of winning ten victories, and you might even win a Divine Spring Golden Osmanthus!"

Upon hearing her words, Su Qiyu and the others couldn't help but look at Li Hao, their eyes showing surprise.

(End of this chapter)