A few days later, the trio arrived at Luoyang city, the nearest city from their base. Before them stood an imposing wall, making the city look like an impenetrable fortress. The city was built just beside the mighty Yangzi river which flowed elegantly to hide behind the huge mountains further down. Hordes of boats constantly buzzed above the river, to get refueled at the port. Due to its advantageous location, the city became an important trading hub in the region. However, with guards at the peak of Body Refinement frequently patrolling the city, it'd be difficult for any ill-intent person to sneak in. Fortunately, Li Tengfei's group had not come to sneak in.
Upon walking inside the city, our friends quickly realised that this place contained many experts at the peak of Body Refinement and even some experts of the Manifestation realm.
"Hey! Have you seen that?! It's a dark red quality weapon! I have only seen another one when I was at Yellow Mountain City! Such a rare piece of art! I wonder which Master Blacksmith forged it!" An Zihao pointed excitedly at a hammer on display in a weapon shop.
Indeed, Li Tengfei did not dilly-dally during these six months. He learnt from his ancestor that weapon were classified in different color grades, the same colours of a rainbow starting from the most common red quality to the never before seen violet grade. These could be determined by observing a slightly coloured hue around the weapon. These grades could be sub-divided into Pale, Normal or Dark grade depending on the darkness of the hue around the weapon. In fact, the highest grade that even Ancestor Li could admire in his life was only of Dark blue grade. However, there was a reason for the rarity of higher grade weapons. The World's Will did not support the idea of using external aid to get more power, so heavenly tribulations descended on exceptionally great weapon of yellow grade and beyond. The blacksmith would only risk his life in attempting to forge better weapons, so many opted to forge only low quality weapons. Only legendary Immortal Blacksmiths have what it takes to make superior grade weapons. Taking Brilliance, Li Tengfei's sword, for example, it was only a weapon which was considered Normal red at best. If Elder Zhou had top-grade materials with him, he could have created a pale yellow grade weapon with great effort and this would have been his best creation in his life.
"Hey! Li Tengfei! Are you still with us! Sometimes you can really be an airhead when people talk to you! At least act as if you are listening!" Lu Mengyu remarked. Suddenly, the duo heard An Zihao scream like an auntie in a clothing store with everything at 50% discount.
"Come see that! The Fu family is organising a martial arts contest! The prizes are shocking!"
Actually, despite leaving with a tremendous amount of resources, they were all nearly used up within the six months. The claim of 'a decade's worth of resources' that the Sect Master made did not hold up to its words.
Taking a look at the poster, the Fu Family was indeed organising a competition which they called the 'Genius Summit'. The Fu Family was basically the sole tyrant of Luoyang city. In this competition, teams of four youngsters aged no more than 18 would take part to try to fight for the title of Luoyang Dragons. Of course, the competition was reserved for those of the Body Refinement realm, but there had never been news of anyone reaching the Manifestation Realm before 18, it was therefore not mentioned in the poster.
The prizes were indeed attractive:-
First Place:4 strands of Spirit grass, a Normal Red Saber and 2 spirit stones
Second Place: a Pale Red Sword,a set of Pale Red Armor and 1 strand of spirit grass
Third Place: 10,000 bronze coins
Spirit grass was actually the less attractive one of the bunch, having only healing abilities but it was still pretty good and could save lives in dire times. However, the real prizes were the two spirit stones. How to put it? Spirit stones were those magical stones that contained the very essence of Qi itself. For those in Body Refinement realm, they would instantly skip two levels. Hell, it was even useful for those at the Manifestation Realm!
"Eh? What are spirit stones?" Lu Mengyu asked uncertainly.
"Well... actually I don't know either, I just assumed they were incredibly precious considering they were the first prize..." An Zihao spoke falteringly.
"..."
Fortunately, they had Li Tengfei who explained what spirit stones were.
"Two whole levels! Are you sure?"
"Damn... that's like.... two levels"
"..."
Did overcoming his shyness cost him his intelligence, no, capability to use his brain? Lu Mengyu was on the verge of hitting him.
"Well, let's register ourselves for this contest first, then talk later." Li Tengfei interjected at the right moment.
"But, who will be the fourth team member?" An Zihao asked worriedly.
"Well, at least you said something that makes sense!"
"Oh, hey there, let me introduce myself,I am Xiao Yu. I heard you wanted to participate in the Genius Summit but needed a fourth team mate. It just so happened that I intend to participate but I don't have any team mates. Why not team up?"
The group of three turned their attention towards the young lady that approached them. She had silver straight hair braided to reveal a thin, cheerful face. Her round amber eyes, concealed within their sockets, had incredible depth. With just one look, you could tell she was a woman with a story. The most important thing was the aura of a level 8 emitted by her despite the fact that she was only fourteen of age.
"Hello there, I am An Zihao, this is Li Tengfei and that is Lu Mengyu. You said you wished to join our team?"
If An Zihao was to return to the sect, they'd definitely believe he was possessed, afterall, it was rare for someone to overcome their shyness to such a point in a mere six months.
"Yeah. Is that possible?" Xiao Yu replied with dead-serious eyes.
"Of course. So what do you know of this competion?" Li Tengfei raised the question.
"Err... not much. There's usually three parts. Oh, actually, I've heard this time the Fu Family is sending many of its elites to participate."
"So that's why the prizes are so good!"
After speaking with An Zihao, Xiao Yu started chatting with Lu Mengyu. She quickly got accepted within the group.
"Why is it that you have to occupy the pretty girls huh? Why not let me befriend her?", An Zihao complained. Meanwhile, Xiao Yu became redder than a tomato because of An Zihao's comment.
"Hmph, we are both women, so we automatically feel closer." Lu Mengyu said as a matter of fact.
"I'm sure that if she saw you eating, she wouldn't think so..."
At that moment, Lu Mengyu shot An Zihao a glare full of daggers. He even started to fear for his life. He quickly approached Li Tengfei and said:
"Li Tengfei, bro, your friend is getting bullied. You need to do something."
"Hmm, you're right. I should help Mengyu."
"WHAT! I thought it was bros before hoes..."
"DID YOU JUST CALL ME A HOE!!!"
*Smack*
Lu Mengyu sent a fist towards An Zihao's... err... 'sensitive spot'.
At that point, it was unknown if An Zihao would have descendants.