Ling Feng was on his way to the royal capital to participate in the Seven Nations Tournament, he only informed Liu Rusi and the leader of White Cloud Sect before leaving.
With a flash of his figure, he departed from Misty Peak.
He moved like the wind, cutting through the clouds at a speed so fast that the clouds exploded around him, creating loud sonic booms.
It was like the sound of thunder!
As he passed by, some people couldn't help but look up at the sky.
"What's going on? Is it going to rain?"
"No, it seems fine; why would it rain?"
"If it's not raining, then why is there thunder?"
The crowd murmured, gazing at the ever-exploding clouds, seemingly catching a glimpse of a figure darting through them…
In just one day, Ling Feng traveled from the White Cloud Sect, from thousands of miles away, to the royal capital of Great Zhou.
The royal capital was bustling and lively, with people coming and going, and shops lining the streets.
However, Ling Feng was used to the hustle and bustle. This time, he landed directly at the entrance of the royal palace. Some guards were startled and quickly stepped forward.
"Who are you? How dare you trespass into the royal palace?"
"Bold! State your name!"
Ling Feng looked at the dutiful soldiers and smiled slightly, not making things difficult for them. He said calmly, "Please report to your superiors that Ling Feng has come for the Seven Nations Tournament and requests an audience with His Majesty."
The soldiers exchanged glances.
They had heard of the Seven Nations Tournament.
Understanding its significance, they didn't hesitate and immediately sent someone to report.
Suddenly, someone snapped back to reality. "Wait, did he just say his name? Ling Feng?! The one who ranks first on the Heavenly List!!"
"No way! The one hailed as the most astonishing genius in the history of Great Zhou, who, at a young age, ascended to the top of the Heavenly List!"
"I can't believe I'm seeing him in person!"
"He's even more handsome than the rumors say!"
The crowd buzzed as they looked at Ling Feng.
Before long, the soldier who went to report hurried back.
"Master Ling, His Majesty requests you to enter the great hall."
"Hmm, thank you."
Ling Feng smiled slightly.
Then, his figure vanished from the spot.
No one saw how he disappeared.
It was as if he had teleported.
"If he wanted to enter the royal palace, he wouldn't even need us to report. Yet he still follows the protocol; how polite of him."
"At such a young age, reaching the top of the Heavenly List, most people would be insufferably proud. Yet he is different, so humble and courteous. He's truly exceptional!"
"Ling Feng is indeed a dragon among men!"
Unknowingly, Ling Feng impressed another group of people.
Inside the palace.
King Zhou was discussing the Seven Nations Tournament with his civil and military ministers when he suddenly heard of Ling Feng's visit. His curiosity about this person was immense.
Whoosh!
Suddenly, a figure appeared in the great hall.
The elite guards inside the hall couldn't react at all; the speed was simply terrifying!
Ling Feng's display caught King Zhou's attention.
"Haha, I have long heard of Master Ling's extraordinary cultivation, a dragon among men. Today, seeing you in person, I realize you are even more impressive than the rumors!"
"I am immensely grateful that you will represent Great Zhou at the Seven Nations Tournament!"
King Zhou stood from his dragon throne, descended the steps, and approached Ling Feng.
In front of all the civil and military officials, he bowed in respect.
A king bowing!
This honor was nearly the pinnacle for a martial artist!
The faces of the ministers changed slightly.
Ling Feng was also a bit surprised; he didn't expect such a bow upon their first meeting. Had his charisma risen that much?
Ling Feng quickly helped King Zhou up. "Your Majesty is too kind."
King Zhou looked at Ling Feng and smiled slightly. In fact, his high regard for Ling Feng stemmed not only from his young age and first rank on the Heavenly List but also from a secret letter he received from Feng Zhengyang, the master of Hidden Sword Manor
The letter contained only one line:
"Whoever gains Ling Feng, gains the world!!"
King Zhou knew that Feng Zhengyang wouldn't say such things without reason; Ling Feng must possess an energy even more powerful than being the first on the Heavenly List!
This was another key reason for his respect toward Ling Feng.
"By the way, I'm curious—who else will participate in the Seven Nations Tournament besides myself?" Ling Feng asked.
"This time, all participants are Heavenly List experts. In addition to the Sword Saint of the Boundless Heaven, the Master of Hidden Sword Villa, and the Wine Saint, there are also two others: the Heartless Sword Saint and the Invincible Fist Saint, Li Xinshi. However, apart from the Sword Saint the Boundless Heaven and the Wine Saint, the others are still on their way here."
Ling Feng was slightly surprised.
He had arrived earlier than expected.
Then, King Zhou had people prepare accommodations for Ling Feng.
Ling Feng accepted without refusal and temporarily resided within the palace.
King Zhou also gave him a token that allowed him free access to the royal palace.
Ling Feng gladly accepted it and began to wander around the palace at his leisure.
One day later…
Ling Feng arrived at a royal flower garden, admiring the vibrant flowers and feeling quite pleased. Suddenly, a series of sharp sword sounds pierced the air from not far away.
In the garden, a woman in white was practicing her swordsmanship.
Her sword strokes were impressive, and her cultivation level was faintly reaching the Martial Sovereign realm.
In the martial world, she would definitely be considered a top-tier genius.
Noticing the sounds behind her, the woman's expression changed slightly. She turned and thrust her sword forward, saying, "Who dares to spy on my sword practice!"
She didn't intend to seriously injure anyone but merely wanted to teach the intruder a lesson.
However, upon seeing the person behind her, her eyes widened in surprise.
This person was extraordinarily handsome!
Oh no!
She quickly tried to retract her sword.
Fearing she might hurt Ling Feng, she hastily pulled back her technique. But as she did so, the sword's momentum caused her vital energy to become chaotic, and she was unexpectedly sent flying backward.
At that moment, Ling Feng swiftly moved, catching her in mid-air. Simultaneously, he channeled his vital energy into her body, helping her stabilize her internal energy.
"Are you alright, miss?" Ling Feng asked, looking at the woman.
The young woman seemed stunned, staring blankly at Ling Feng's face.
Oh dear.
She had just attempted to stab him without a second thought, and now she was suddenly caught off guard and speechless…
. . .
Hmm… poor girl.
Young and already not quite right in the head.
Ling Feng looked at her with a mix of sympathy and concern, then helped her steady herself and cupped his hands in apology. "I apologize for disturbing you. I will take my leave now."
"Wait, may I ask your name?" the woman said.
"I am Ling Feng."
"Ling Feng, Ling Feng… I will remember that!" the young woman repeated his name twice.
Ling Feng smiled slightly, not saying much more, and then he departed.
Not long after.
In the imperial study.
King Zhou, who was reviewing memorials, suddenly heard footsteps and then saw a bright and beautiful figure rush in.
The newcomer wore a white palace dress, her figure graceful and enchanting, with delicate features. Her skin was as white as snow, and her clear, bright eyes were full of life.
Without needing makeup, she was already stunning.
Looking at her, King Zhou smiled slightly. "Xiao Qi, at this hour, you should be practicing your sword in the flower garden. Why have you come to my study?"
"Father, I want to get married."
King Zhou, who had just taken a sip of tea, couldn't help but spray it out in shock, coughing and staring at the young girl before him. "What did you just say?!"