“How many?” Chu Li asked.

　　“Four.”

　　“That’s alright, as long as I can get into the top five. There are five places reserved for people to enter the mountain, anyway.”

　　“Having a different placing means having different ranks upon entering the mountain,” Li Ruolan said wryly. “Why else would everybody compete so fiercely with each other?”

　　Chu Li looked at her curiously. “What’s the difference?”

　　“The champion will live on the peak, much like the position you are in now,” Li Ruolan explained, “meanwhile, the fifth-place winner will live at the foot of the mountain.”

　　“And then?”

　　“After entering the mountain, the tasks assigned to everyone will be different, too. The champion will head to the Sutra Library, whereas the fifth-place winner will go to the Spirit Field.”

　　“The Spirit Field sounds good.”

　　“Tending to the Spirit Field is the most arduous task,” Li Ruolan shook her head. “The herbs in the field need to be counted every day. Should anything happen, you’ll be held responsible. Besides, most of the herbs are delicate and it’s easy for something to go wrong with them. You’ll often feel nervous.”

　　“I’m a gardening expert,” Chu Li asserted, “I planted flowers when I was in Peace Town.”

　　“Do you really think the flowers that you planted are the same as herbs?” Li Ruolan rolled her eyes. “It’s nothing. Herbs are much more sensitive and delicate than your flowers, and they are always problematic. In short, that experience of yours will be of no use. If anything, it might even worsen the situation.”

　　“Will the champion be allowed to read all the books in the Sutra Library then?” Chu Li enquired.

　　“Of course.” Li Ruolan nodded. “You’ll find records of the knowledge acquired from cultivation by our ancestors. These records will prove beneficial to you, and you can find lots of special techniques as well. As long as you aren’t worried about delays and distractions, you can cultivate to your heart’s content.”

　　An eager expression appeared on Chu Li’s face.

　　Li Ruolan said, “Without such benefits, why would everyone compete to be the champion? Also, some people purposely ensure that they’ll get the latter spots.”

　　Chu Li shifted his brows.

　　Li Ruolan continued. “Some individuals have cultivated for more than ten years as they aren’t experts in dealing with worldly matters. Meanwhile, some do so simply out of an urge to be champion. These people are diligent and persistent, and their cultivation levels are definitely higher than yours.”

　　Chu Li laughed. “I have the Light Blade.”

　　“The Light Blade isn’t invincible,” Li Ruolan replied, “What if you get hit before you can use your Light Blade? You’ll surely lose in no time, seeing as your cultivation level is no match for others.”

　　“Well…” Chu Li nodded slowly. “Fine, I’ll start cultivating in isolation today.”

　　“Isolating yourself again?” Li Ruolan chuckled.

　　Chu Li answered, “I want to be the champion too!”

　　“You still have unfinished business in Gale City,” Li Ruolan advised, “the Radiance Clan isn’t built yet. That task will be done once construction is complete and it is officially open. Only then are you allowed to return and cultivate in isolation.”

　　“What a pain.” Chu Li shook his head.

　　Li Ruolan said, “That’s the rule, otherwise the crowd won’t like it. It’ll be difficult to please the crowd if you don’t follow the rule.”

　　“Alright. Am I allowed to stay at the Small Light Peak for only three days?”

　　“Yes, only three days.”

　　“I’ll let you know again after I’ve meditated for three days.”

　　“I’ll come over to greet you.” Li Ruolan laughed. “Next time, you can only return once you have reopened the Radiance Clan. You can’t come back all the time.”

　　“I know.” Chu Li snorted and closed his eyes.

　　Li Ruolan retreated with a smile.

　　…

　　Chu Li cultivated in isolation after returning to Gale City. The menial tasks were handled by Kou Qiong and his men.

　　The construction of the Radiance Clan was carried out at an impressive rate. Another batch of workers was employed and they worked tirelessly for days and nights. Construction would be completed after a month.

　　Chu Li felt pressured to be the champion.

　　His opponents had at least ten years worth of cultivation with them, and they were also geniuses. Judging by his own cultivation speed, if he wanted to achieve the same state, he must cultivate in isolation with effort and diligence.

　　At the dawn of this one day, he woke up from meditation, stretched himself with a yawn and decided to go out for a walk.

　　His whole body had been stiff and this did not help with his cultivation. He would achieve better results if he took a break and then resumed meditating.

　　The Phoenix Goddess Brothel was supposed to be the best place to relax. However, it was still early in the morning, and the brothel was closed.

　　He headed alone to the city’s largest restaurant —— Nine Star Tower.

　　The Nine Star Tower was located in the middle of Gale City. It stood tall and high as if it went straight for the Outland.

　　The restaurant was very crowded in the mornings. Residents who had the time and money would often have their breakfast here. They ate and chatted, marking the start of a beautiful day.

　　The seat next to the window on the third floor was occupied, so Chu Li sat down on a random seat. Then, he eavesdropped on the people around him, trying to pick up the latest gossip in the city.

　　“If the Radiance Clan is built, the city will be divided into four.”

　　“What do you mean by ‘divided into four’? The Radiance Clan will surely monopolize the city. Zhao Dahe’s mighty presence has already pushed the other clans to their limits.”

　　“I’ve heard that Zhao Dahe is really ugly, isn’t he?”

　　“Yes, really ugly.”

　　“One can’t judge a book by its cover, indeed.”

　　“Not many people have met Zhao Dahe. He’s a mysterious man.”

　　“I’ve heard that he’s a lustful fellow despite his ugliness. He often hangs out with Miss Yue Ru in Phoenix Goddess Brothel.”

　　“Don’t you know that all men are lustful creatures? Especially a man like him.”

　　“With his kind of status, he would have no problem finding women!”

　　“Miss Yue Ru is no ordinary woman. She’s the brothel keeper of Phoenix Goddess Brothel and it isn’t easy for a man to court her. I heard that Miss Yue Ru fancies the vice clan leader of the Blazing Sun Clan.”

　　“He’s a mighty figure as well.”

　　Chu Li frowned as he listened and shook his head. He did not expect this piece of news to spread so quickly. As a result, he had become a laughing stock.

　　“The vice clan leader of the Blazing Sun Clan is Lu Xiaofeng. He’s a good-looking man and he’s a hundred times more handsome than Zhao Dahe. Plus, his martial arts skills are on a similar level as the latter. Of course, Miss Yue Ru would choose Lu Xiaofeng over the other.”

　　“Good looks will always give you an advantage.”

　　“If I had an attractive face, there’d be ladies coming to serve me as soon as I step into a brothel. I don’t even have to spend any money!”

　　“Maybe in your next lifetime, Old Sun. Haha…”

　　Chu Li listened contemplatively. He sensed that a conspiracy was going on.

　　Whoever spread this rumor did not harbor good intentions. They had plotted against all three of the clans. Could it be the White Tiger Sect?

　　He sipped his cup of liquor. Picking up a slice of beef with his chopsticks, he began to chew it.

　　“Who is Zhao Dahe!” Suddenly, a clear, crisp voice rang out across the restaurant.

　　Chu Li turned around and saw a slender and lovely teenage girl at the top of the third floor’s stairway. Clothed in an apricot gown, she possessed sharp features and a pair of enchanting doe eyes, a charming and delicate beauty.

　　She pointed at Chu Li and raised her voice. “Are you Zhao Dahe?”

　　Chu Li looked around.

　　Everyone else in the restaurant followed the direction of the girl’s finger and saw Chu Li.

　　“Who, who is Zhao Dahe?” Chu Li asked hastily.

　　The pretty girl walked swiftly towards him, bringing along with her a light, pleasant aroma. “You’re Zhao Dahe! Why don’t you admit it?”

　　A few people near Chu Li began shifting in their seats, looking rather very uncomfortable.

　　They just made negative remarks about Zhao Dahe. Now, he had certainly heard these remarks and the people feared that this would get them into trouble.

　　According to rumors, Zhao Dahe was an oppressive and tyrannical brute.

　　Chu Li asked, “Is there anything, Miss?”

　　“Hmph, I’m here to challenge you!” The pretty teenager held his gaze. “Do you dare to accept my challenge?”

　　Chu Li snorted and his expression grew serious. “If I have to accept every challenge that comes my way, I will die of exhaustion!”

　　“Which means you don’t dare to accept it!” The girl sneered. “My name is Yang Ying, an official disciple of the White Tiger Sect!”