Gao Wu insists on cultivating immortality.

Chapter 188 Making a Game
The alliance has only three Martial Saints. They do not hold any actual positions, but with these three as the center, three huge groups naturally form and thus control the alliance's power.

Due to their differences in personality, the three martial saints naturally fell into three different camps.

The Martial Saint holds a position and power ten or even a hundred times greater than the highest ruler. For such a powerful figure to select disciples through a competition is itself a highly unusual signal.

This is similar to the chairman of a large corporation holding a business competition within the company to select several potential successors.

It may seem fair in form, but in reality it simplifies complex issues and can easily lead to various problems.

Another crucial point is that Sword Saint Hai Wuji said he would select four disciples through a competition, not by directly choosing the top four!

99% of people misunderstood the Sword Saint's meaning, and even some martial arts masters failed to truly understand the Sword Saint's original intention.

It's not that these martial arts experts were overthinking things, but rather that they didn't hear the Sword Saint's original words.

When selecting four disciples for the Azure Dragon Cup, everyone would assume the four strongest would be chosen. The Sword Saint's actual intention, however, was to select four he found agreeable…

In some ways, this move is also in line with the aggressive and tough personality of Sword Saint Hai Wuji.

The martial kings, of course, understood the true meaning of the Sword Saint's words.

Therefore, Qi Tian asked whether Gao Wu could catch Hai Gong's eye, not whether Gao Wu could make it into the top four...

Tian Wuji was a little confused about Qi Tian's attitude. What exactly was Qi Tian testing? His relationship with Qi Tian was alright, but that was all.

Zhongzhou, as the center of the alliance, has always tried its best to squeeze resources from the other states. Dongzhou, with its developed economy, has been constantly drained by Zhongzhou and harbors considerable resentment towards it.

As a powerful figure in Dongzhou, Tian Wuji didn't want to get too close to Qi Tian. However, considering the recent accelerating spatial changes and even the Sword Saint's unpredictable behavior, it was understandable that Qi Tian might have some thoughts...

Qi Tian smiled when he saw that Tian Wuji remained silent. The fact that he hadn't explicitly refused meant that he had an idea.

He extended an invitation: "Let's have drinks tonight. I have two jars of medicinal wine infused with level seven Flame Dragon Gallbladder, which has been steeping for ten years. It's absolutely flavorful..."

Tian Wuji nodded. "Very well, let's try Qitian's wine..."

The two top-tier players' private conversation went unnoticed by anyone. Mainly because no one dared to keep a close eye on two top-tier players.

The competition on the stage was very lively. After six rounds of matches involving more than 600 people, ten winners were finally selected.

Gao Wu actually only participated in five rounds of the competition, having missed one round. He didn't encounter any particularly strong opponents in his matches; almost all of them were mid-level warriors.

Judging from the matchmaking, it seems that the organizers deliberately matched him with weaker opponents to give more opportunities to those players with certain strength.

Of the five rounds of competition, Gao Wu was most impressed by the first girl who made a move. She was only up to his chest, but she showed great fighting spirit and was much stronger than the other opponents.

Back at the hotel, Gao Wu video-called his grandfather, who was far away in Dongjiang. Tomorrow was Lunar New Year's Eve, and the grandfather was quite bored in Dongjiang. Shang Qingjun chatted with him for a long time.

Gao Wu had actually invited the old man to Zhongjing so that he could have some fun, but the old man didn't like going out and wasn't interested in Zhongjing.

The next day, there were far fewer pedestrians and vehicles on Zhongjing Street, and it even looked a bit deserted.

Gao Wu took Xiao Song, Shang Qingjun, and Zhou Hongying out for a trip. There were almost no tourists today, so it was quiet and convenient to go anywhere. However, most of the attractions were closed for the day.

The group strolled around the ancient city center of Zhongjing. Unlike the modern imitation ancient buildings in Anjing, most of the buildings here are hundreds of years old and have been restored using modern technology to preserve their historical charm to the greatest extent possible.

No matter how ancient buildings are repaired, their layout cannot be altered. Modern facilities must be hidden, such as electrical wires and internet cables, which should be buried underground to preserve the ancient style and charm as much as possible.

From a practical standpoint, such buildings would certainly be uncomfortable to live in. However, the massive ancient architectural complex with its unified style is fantastic from a sightseeing perspective.

Compared to paid tourist attractions, strolling through the hutongs is a unique and enjoyable experience.

After spending most of the day sightseeing, they returned to the hotel just in time for the hotel to prepare a sumptuous New Year's Eve banquet.

The delegation of over seventy people, along with some office staff, enjoyed a good meal and took photos. This time, Lu Yuan'an sat comfortably in the middle, flanked by Gao Wu and Song Mingyue on either side.

Most of the teenagers present were spending New Year's Eve away from home for the first time, and they all felt it was a very novel experience. They didn't miss home at all, and instead, they were all very excited and smiling brightly.

It was clear that the hotel had made meticulous preparations. Gao Wu figured it was because Lu Yuan had connections, after all, he was a martial arts master!
Even though it was Chinese New Year, Lu Yuan put aside his airs and played two small games with everyone.

Then, Lu Yuan personally gave everyone a red envelope containing a 50-gram square gold plaque carved with a dragon. On the back was written a line of small characters: "A New Year's Commemoration of Zhongjing in the 118th Year".

Actually, the boys and girls present all came from well-off families, but they were still very happy to receive the commemorative gold medal personally given by the grandmaster.

Gao Wu was also somewhat sentimental, realizing that another year had passed in the blink of an eye. Last Spring Festival, he was still fighting in the Xuetao Cup.

This year, we've already come to participate in the Azure Dragon Cup, the highest-level youth martial arts competition in the league!
In summary, he has made quite rapid progress. Overall, he is fairly satisfied.

After the banquet, the hotel opened its entertainment room, where guests could play cards, mahjong, and so on. A variety of fruits and snacks were also provided.

Gao Wu took Xiao Song, Zhou Hongying, and Shang Qingjun to a private mahjong room. They played eight rounds of mahjong, and all three beauties won a lot.

Song Mingyue didn't care much about winning or losing, and Shang Qingjun was just playing along. Only Zhou Hongying was particularly happy to win, smiling so broadly that her eyes disappeared...

At midnight, Gao Wu first wished the old man a Happy New Year, and then took Xiao Song to wish Lu Yuan and An Ziru a Happy New Year. After that, the two went to the hotel's underground martial arts training ground to spar and exchange techniques.

Compared to playing mahjong, Song Mingyue prefers practicing with a partner. She always feels particularly at ease and relaxed during these sessions.

Gao Wu and Song Mingyue sparred for half an hour, during which time Song's physical fitness was rapidly improving.

As a martial artist, the source energy forms a stable and continuous cycle, allowing it to permeate the body and strengthen every aspect of it. Therefore, martial artists can far exceed human limits at every level.

Song Mingyue's progress was particularly noticeable because of her weak constitution. With Lu Yuan's full support and the constant supply of valuable resources, Song's rapid advancement was possible.

Gao Wu knew Song Mingyue's condition all too well. In his opinion, Song's agility and spirit were even stronger than his own, while her strength and physique were only around fourteen points, leaving her with a great deal of room for improvement.

Even so, Xiao Song, as a novice martial artist, is already incredibly strong. Especially considering that she used her mental power to refine the Xuanming Seven Poison Sword, she is extremely powerful, comparable to, or even stronger than, advanced martial artists.

"You've improved so quickly, you're almost catching up to me!"

Gao Wu said with a smile, "I want to reward you!"

Song Mingyue looked at Gao Wu quietly, a questioning look in her bright eyes. Gao Wu lightly lifted Song's chin and chuckled, "I'll reward you with a slap."

As he spoke, he leaned closer. Although Xiao Song's fair skin and slightly flushed face did not dodge, she closed her eyes and her long eyelashes trembled gently, looking both gentle and innocent.

Gao Wu was just joking when he saw Xiao Song cooperating so well and was about to go up and take a bite when he heard footsteps outside the training ground.

To protect privacy, the training ground does not have cameras installed. However, it is an open training ground, and anyone can come and train there.

It's not normal for someone to practice martial arts on New Year's Eve instead of celebrating the New Year.

Gao Wu felt a bit resentful. He looked up and saw Bai Yushuang carrying a sword as she pushed open the door and came in.

Bai Yushuang wore her hair in braids, dressed in a gray martial arts uniform, and carried a sword with a heroic air. Her features were striking, giving her a somewhat androgynous appearance, yet she possessed a remarkable charisma.

However, she was only a novice samurai, and she was eliminated in the preliminary rounds. No matter how beautiful she was, she was just a nobody in the Azure Dragon Cup.

Having witnessed the prowess of the geniuses from various states, Bai Yushuang's fighting spirit was ignited. With nothing to do during the New Year holiday, she decided to practice her swordsmanship.

Unexpectedly, Bai Yushuang was startled to see Gao Wu and Song Mingyue there when she came in. It looked like the two of them were kissing. Why did this couple not get intimate in the room but run to the training ground? What kind of special fetish did they have?
Bai Yushuang was a little embarrassed and was wondering whether she should quietly slip away when Gao Wu called her back: "You've come at the right time."

"Huh?" Bai Yushuang panicked immediately. What did Gao Wu mean? Did he want to drag her into this? She wasn't that kind of person!
Gao Wu had no idea how filthy Bai Yushuang's little head was thinking. He stopped Bai Yushuang not to vent his anger, but because he remembered that Bai Yan had asked him to take care of Bai Yushuang.

He was very busy during this time and didn't have time to take care of Bai Yushuang.

"Uncle Bai said that I should spar with you more."

Gao Wu waved and said, "We've run into each other. Come on, let's have a go."

Bai Yushuang breathed a sigh of relief. It wasn't about playing some twisted game with her; that made things easier. She gave a slightly awkward, dry laugh: "You're a martial arts master; how could I possibly be qualified to spar with you?"

Gao Wu nodded and said, "How about this? I've been learning from Master Bai for a few days and have learned a little bit about the Mind Ape Sword."

Before Bai Yushuang could speak, Gao Wu pointed a finger at her brow. Bai Yushuang's vision went black, and then a sword intent that could annihilate everything appeared in her mental world.

Gao Wu, having become a martial arts master, dispelled the traces of sword intent left by Bai Yunfei. At this moment, he could still manage to simulate two or three parts of it with his own sword intent.

For Bai Yushuang, this sword intent was enough for her to practice for several years.

More than ten minutes later, Bai Yushuang opened her eyes and woke up. She looked at Gao Wu in front of her with a very complicated expression.

A year ago, she could still spar with Gao Wu on the stage. Now, Gao Wu can use his spiritual power to impart sword intent to her, and the sword intent is so profound and unparalleled.

The vast gap between the two sides left her with mixed feelings...

Gao Wu patted Bai Yushuang's shoulder like an elder: "Practice martial arts well, don't disappoint your father."

The old-fashioned words sounded so natural coming from Gao Wu's mouth that Bai Yushuang even nodded in agreement...

By 10 a.m. the next day, all 40,000 seats at the Zhongjing Martial Arts Hall were already full.

Watching martial arts competitions on the first day of the Lunar New Year is a traditional and very popular activity. There are even scalpers who specialize in selling tickets for profit.

Sixty-four names flashed on the big screen, gradually settling down to form thirty-two match lists.

When the tall and strong Wei Yue saw that his opponent was Gao Wu, his expression immediately turned very strange. He complained to his teacher Lei Ming with a bitter face, "Master, I must have been tricked by the organizing committee!"

Lei Ming glanced at Wei Yue with a deep expression: "Stop talking nonsense."

(Last day of the month, please vote for me!)

(End of this chapter)