Chapter 12: With a Single Thought, One Could Slaughter the Entire City

What Li Jian-san said was that he intended to defeat everyone and claim first place in the monthly trial!

This… how could that possibly be?

After hearing his words, everyone stood there, stunned as if they'd lost their wits.

“Tell me, what kind of blow did the young master suffer to make him want to take first place in the monthly trial?”

“Could it be that the Master himself beat him up for three days and nights?”

“Haha, even if that were true, he can’t just claim he’ll do something so impossible.”

“Well, who knows? What if the Master gave him some legendary divine weapon?”

“Heh, you should look at who our young master is. Even if you handed him a peerless sword, he couldn’t possibly take first place!”

“If he manages to come in first, then pigs could climb trees.”

After a fleeting moment of shock, the crowd erupted into endless chatter.

In their eyes, if someone else had said such a thing, perhaps there would be the faintest chance. But for Li Jian-san, it was nothing but a fantasy.

It was well known that Li Jian-san was infamous for his lack of learning and all manner of mischief. At fifteen, he hadn’t so much as reached the initial stage of cultivation—he was worse than a three-year-old child.

And it wasn’t because he was born with a constitution unfit for cultivation—he simply had no desire to train. All these years, he hadn’t practiced even once…

For someone like that to take the top spot in the monthly trial was nothing short of a madman’s dream.

“Heh, you all think I can’t come in first? Then just wait and see—I’ll prove you wrong.”

Li Jian-san ignored the mocking voices and headed straight back to his own quarters.

“I hear you intend to win first place in the monthly trial?”

As soon as he stepped into his room, he was greeted by a smiling middle-aged man.

Li Qing-ming, his nominal father, was already a master of the Golden Core stage, renowned in the Shengjing Sect and commanding the utmost respect.

He might be stern with others, but in front of Li Jian-san, he showed not a trace of authority. Though he was the Sect Master, Li Jian-san was his only son. Even though his son had no interest in cultivation, he was his sole offspring, and so Li Qing-ming had doted on him without restraint since childhood.

Even now, with nothing to show for it, he cared not in the least—so long as he lived, he would protect his son.

A fleeting smile crossed Li Qing-ming’s weathered face. He never expected Li Jian-san to achieve greatness; he only hoped the boy would grow up healthy, and that he might see his descendants thrive in his lifetime—that would be enough.

Fortunately, the rascal had made some effort, and over the years had managed to win the affections of quite a few young women.

Moreover, the brat even had a marriage contract. Li Qing-ming was confident that his wish for a house full of grandchildren would be fulfilled soon enough.

“Yes, Father. I am determined to claim first place in this monthly trial.”

Li Jian-san replied with a faint smile, noting how quickly word had spread.

Li Qing-ming was momentarily taken aback at his son’s response, then stared at him in disbelief—was this really his son, Li Jian-san?

His son was a master at every vice, but indifferent to cultivation—what had changed?

A look of satisfaction broke across Li Qing-ming’s face, and his voice grew louder, “Good, good! Now that’s my boy!”

“Mm, I believe you can do it. Though I never held much hope for you before, it seems that as long as you’re willing to work hard, anything is possible!”

Li Jian-san replied, “Thank you, Father. I’ll work hard and won’t let you down.”

“If you’re going to compete in the monthly trial, then as your father, I’ll give you a weapon. Go to the Treasure Hall and choose one for yourself.”

Li Jian-san bowed in gratitude. “Thank you, Father.”

“All right, I won’t disturb you further—prepare well.”

After Li Qing-ming left, Li Jian-san made his way straight to the Treasure Hall.

“Who goes there? How dare you trespass in the Treasure Hall!”

A wizened old man, clearly the gatekeeper, called out loudly when he spotted Li Jian-san approaching.

Before Li Jian-san could reply, the old man recognized him and broke into a smile.

“Ah, young master! The Sect Master gave strict orders for me to await your arrival here.”

“Very well, your job is done—I’ll go in and choose for myself,” Li Jian-san replied indifferently.

After all, the place housed many precious treasures and caution was warranted. The old man was only doing his duty, and Li Jian-san did not hold it against him.

Once inside, Li Jian-san sensed the air thick with spiritual energy; it was truly a place where extraordinary things were born—the old man’s eye for treasures was indeed sharp.

No sooner had he entered than he spotted a dazzling, radiant greatsword.

“Young master, so you’ve taken a liking to this one? You have a discerning eye indeed,” the gatekeeping elder flattered, noticing where Li Jian-san’s gaze had fallen.

Li Jian-san asked in all seriousness, “What sword is this?”

Seeing his earnest expression, the gatekeeper was puzzled. Was this truly the arrogant, self-important young master who had always relied on his status? He was finally showing interest in cultivation—perhaps the rumors weren’t so reliable after all.

Moved by Li Jian-san’s sincerity, the elder explained carefully, “Young master, this sword possesses terrifying power. Legend has it that ten thousand years ago, it was forged by a mysterious master craftsman on his deathbed.

“It’s said that with but a thought, this sword could lay waste to a thousand cities.”

At these words, Li Jian-san’s face changed dramatically. He had not expected the sword to possess such might.

With a single thought it could destroy a thousand cities—even his formidable father could not claim such power.

The sword’s strength was beyond belief.

Noting his reaction, the elder cautioned, “Though the sword is powerful, it demands much of its wielder. Even the Sect Master, strong as a mountain, failed to win its approval. But you, young master, may try your luck.”

Li Jian-san only remembered the sword’s immense power. Without hesitation, he rolled up his sleeves, ready for action.

He strode forward and grasped the hilt with both hands.

In that instant, a melodious voice echoed in his mind, “Senior brother, at last, you’ve returned.”

As the words sounded, a soft figure flung herself at him, arms thrown around his neck.

Of course, the elder at the door could not see this—this vision was in Li Jian-san’s mind.

But outwardly, the elder stared, dumbfounded. At the very moment Li Jian-san touched the sword, a surge of overwhelming power burst forth from the blade, accompanied by an intense, fiery radiance.

The sword showed no sign of backlash; this meant it had accepted its master. Yet the outpouring of power and light could only mean it was declaring absolute submission to Li Jian-san!

The elder had witnessed the sword’s pride before—even the Sect Master could not move it. Yet now Li Jian-san had tamed it!

What kind of terrifying strength did this young man possess, to command the sword’s obedience?

The elder stood there, stupefied, staring at Li Jian-san. Only after a long while did he come to his senses.

Watching his young master, the elder realized he was no ordinary youth. He quietly slipped out and gently shut the door, stationing himself at the entrance.

Meanwhile, Li Jian-san was dumbstruck. Where had this young lady come from? Had his luck with women soared since his reincarnation?

“Senior brother, you’re finally here,” the girl said, blushing as she hugged him.

Hearing her words, Li Jian-san was bewildered. “Take a good look—I’m not your senior brother. Miss, you’ve mistaken me for someone else. Where are you from?”

“Senior brother, look carefully. I’m Ling’er! We grew up together in the Spirit Sword Sect.” As she spoke, she puffed out her already ample chest and pouted, “You’re definitely my senior brother—you haven’t changed at all.”