Volume 2 - Chapter 17: Fatal Attribute - Part 2
Another famous painting embedded into the Dao of Royalty was the Huangque Capturing Insects, depicting the classic allegory of “the mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind.”
The attribute it bestowed was peculiar:
When an attack remains unrevealed, there is a 1% chance of triggering a fatal effect!
This effect seemed somewhat similar to that of Hidden Bow, where concealed killing moves could double one’s attack power before being exposed.
However, Hidden Bow guaranteed this doubling effect, while the painting’s attribute only offered a mere 1% chance—trivial and almost negligible.
Yet, those words "fatal effect" sparked some imaginative interpretations.
Could it mean ignoring cultivation levels and defenses, and having a 1% chance to deliver an instant kill upon a hit?
If that were the case, the painting’s effect would indeed be terrifying.
However, upon further thought, Li Hao found it unlikely. This effect seemed somewhat redundant.
Against weaker opponents, a casual strike would suffice to kill them; the fatal effect wouldn’t even come into play.
Against stronger foes, it would be nearly impossible to hide an attack from them, as they would easily detect it.
Unless it was amidst an intense battle where the enemy failed to notice him, giving him a chance to ambush.
Even then, such opportunities were rare. And with only a 1% chance of success, should it somehow succeed, the sheer amount of luck consumed would be unimaginable. One would have to tread carefully in everyday life to avoid tripping and dying by sheer misfortune!
Still, an additional attribute, no matter how minor, was better than nothing.
Such power, gained without the need for cultivation, felt almost like a free gift.
Seeing Li Hao’s delighted expression, Song Qiumo smiled and added another piece of good news:
“Besides these, I’ve also heard about the whereabouts of another famous painting. Apparently, it’s in the hands of a grandmaster.”
“Oh?”
Li Hao’s eyes lit up slightly. “Can it be purchased? What conditions does the owner have?”
“I’ve only heard about it; I haven’t contacted that grandmaster yet. However, I’ve tracked his movements. He should be heading to Dayue City in Liang Province soon.”
Song Qiumo explained, “I heard that recently in Dayue City, there was a grand event hosted by the Tianji Hermit, who invited grandmasters from across the world to discuss martial arts. That grandmaster seems to be attending the event.”
“Grandmasters discussing martial arts?”
Li Hao was a bit surprised.
The records of curiosities in Tingyu Pavilion also mentioned this event, which occurred once every sixty years.
It was an assembly where grandmasters from all over would exchange and verify their martial arts insights.
These grandmasters often brought their younger disciples to observe, and even listening from the sidelines could significantly enhance one’s martial arts understanding.
Most grandmasters lived in seclusion in remote mountains, focusing solely on perfecting their martial arts. Only such grand events could draw them out to exchange techniques and insights.
In past gatherings, there were always a few prodigious juniors who, upon listening to these discussions, broke through the Fifteen Li Realm on the spot and ascended to the Heaven and Man Realm, becoming renowned grandmasters themselves!
Each event featured one or two such remarkable talents.
As a result, besides grandmasters, many Fifteen Li Realm geniuses also flocked to these gatherings upon hearing of them.
“Dayue City is quite a distance from here. Traveling at full speed would take a day for a round trip…” Li Hao mused aloud.
Song Qiumo added, “Dayue City has city formations. Although I possess a travel token issued by the Great Yu Dynasty, it’s only valid within Qingzhou, allowing unrestricted passage between its cities. For Liang Province, however, I would need to first register and undergo verification at the provincial capital. I’d also require Song Yufeng to vouch for me.”
Li Hao knew this was something Song Qiumo couldn’t help him with.
The registration and verification process were both time-consuming.
This was especially true for a Fourth Pillar Realm Great Demon King, whom the provinces treated with extreme caution.
After all, if a travel token were issued and the demon king unleashed havoc within a city, it could devastate the entire city in an instant.
By the time news of the destruction reached authorities, the demon king could have fled to another location, causing widespread destruction and massive losses across the province.
Moreover, the nobles and royals within the city were extremely wary of such matters.
A Great Demon King was like a ferocious tiger released from its cage; even if assured it wouldn’t harm anyone, no one would take such a risk.
Li Hao glanced at Li Hongzhuang and asked, “Hongzhuang, senior, could you make a trip to Dayue City for me?”
Li Hongzhuang hadn’t expected Li Hao to be so fixated on acquiring a famous painting. Still, after observing his painting process in recent days, she understood somewhat. This nephew seemed to pour all his focus into what others might consider trivial pursuits, while showing little interest in cultivation.
Aside from that one night, she hadn’t seen him train again.
Despite possessing terrifying cultivation speed, he seemed entirely disinterested in training. Yet his realm far surpassed his peers.
Li Hongzhuang could only sigh inwardly. It was as if the heavens were spoon-feeding Li Hao, forcing him to eat!
“I don’t feel like going. If you want it so much, why not go yourself?” Li Hongzhuang replied.
She had no interest in these famous paintings. As a child, she had enjoyed them, even embroidering and replicating paintings onto handkerchiefs.
But after taking up the sword, she hadn’t touched a needle again.
The only paintings in her eyes were the snowy wilderness beyond the pass and the countless demons she needed to slay.
Li Hao sighed helplessly. After some thought, he decided it was feasible.
In recent days, all the demons within three hundred li outside the pass had been killed by him.
The more distant ones seemed to be fleeing, and the numbers he could hunt each time were dwindling.
Even if he left for a few days, it wouldn’t make much difference.
“If you’re going, I can guard this place for a few days,” Song Qiumo offered lazily, reclining on a cushioned chair.
Li Hao smiled. “Then I’ll have to trouble you, senior.”
Song Qiumo shot him a playful glare, seemingly displeased with the word “senior,” but said nothing.
With Song Qiumo watching over the area, Li Hao felt reassured.
Her presence here was far more effective than his.
In recent days, with no demons found nearby, Li Hao suspected the news of her clash with the Dragon Lord had spread among the demon circles outside the pass.
The demons seemed to realize that although Tianmen Pass was now deserted, with the army withdrawn, it had become even more dangerous.
Without a Demon King taking the lead and risking a bounty on their head, this place was untouchable!
“Since that’s settled, Qianqian, prepare to accompany me to Dayue City. There’s a Martial Temple there; you can complete your Soul Fusion while we’re at it,” Li Hao instructed as he stood up.
Ren Qianqian’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she quickly nodded in agreement.
Li Hao patted the little white fox on the head. “You’ve also reached the Soul Fusion Realm. It’s time to decide where to complete your Soul Fusion.”