Film and Television Daqing: Starting with the Heaven-Covering Technique and the Devouring Demon Art

"Let's go," Li Chengtian said calmly, then led his group away from the arena, leaving behind a group of shocked spectators and martial artists.

Emperor Tai'an watched Li Chengtian's departing figure, his eyes burning with rage, yet utterly helpless. He knew that today's humiliation would forever remain a wound in his heart.

……

Back at the Jixia Academy, Li Chengtian summoned Ye Dingzhi, Lei Mengsha, Baili Dongjun, and others to discuss their next steps.

"Your Excellency, how should we respond to the three-day agreement?" Ye Dingzhi asked first, his expression solemn.

Li Chengtian smiled slightly, his eyes flashing with a profound light: "If the Northern Li royal family does not surrender in three days, I will take action. However, before that, we have more important things to do."

"What is it?" Lei Mengsha asked curiously.

“Bai Xiaotang,” Li Chengtian said in a deep voice, “Bai Xiaotang possesses intelligence on the entire country, which is crucial to our next operation. We must win over Bai Xiaotang’s support.”

"But Baixiaotang has always been neutral. Would they be willing to stand on our side?" Baili Dongjun asked with some concern.

Li Chengtian shook his head, his eyes gleaming with wisdom: "Although Baixiaotang is neutral, Hall Master Ji Ruofeng is a man of great principle, and I believe he will make the right choice. Moreover, I have a way to persuade him."

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement. They knew that if Li Chengtian said this, he must be absolutely certain.

……

Meanwhile, inside the Hundred Knowledge Hall, Ji Ruofeng was sitting alone in his study, his brows furrowed, as if he were pondering something important.

At this moment, a subordinate hurriedly entered the study, bowed, and reported: "Master, urgent news has arrived. Li Chengtian has made a three-day agreement with Emperor Tai'an. If the Northern Li royal family does not surrender, he will raze Tianqi to the ground."

Upon hearing this, Ji Ruofeng frowned even more deeply. He was well aware of Li Chengtian's strength and ambition, and he also knew that the Northern Li royal family was currently facing an unprecedented crisis.

"Send the order to summon all core members for an emergency meeting," Ji Ruofeng said in a deep voice. "We must make a decision as soon as possible."

……

Inside the meeting room, the core members of Baixiaotang gathered, the atmosphere heavy and tense. Ji Ruofeng stood before them, his gaze sweeping over each person, and said in a deep voice, "I presume everyone already knows about Li Chengtian's affair with the Beili royal family. Now, we must make a choice—do we support the Beili royal family, or stand on Li Chengtian's side?"

Upon hearing this, the crowd began to discuss it, with differing opinions. Some advocated supporting the Northern Li royal family, believing it to be an act of upholding justice in the martial world; others believed they should follow the trend of the times and stand on the side of the stronger.

Ji Ruofeng listened quietly to the crowd's discussion, but a decision had already been made in his heart. He knew that in this chaotic world, only by choosing the right path could he preserve Bai Xiaotang and continue to provide valuable intelligence to the martial arts world...

“My mind is made up,” Ji Ruofeng said in a deep voice. “The Hundred Knowledge Hall will remain neutral, but we will provide Li Chengtian with the necessary intelligence support. At the same time, I will personally go to the Northern Li royal family to try to persuade them to surrender to Li Chengtian.”

Upon hearing this, everyone looked at Ji Ruofeng in shock. They knew what Ji Ruofeng's decision meant—Bai Xiaotang would no longer maintain absolute neutrality, but would begin to selectively take sides.

However, Ji Ruofeng's expression was firm, as if he was prepared to face all the consequences.

“I know this decision is hard to accept,” Ji Ruofeng said in a deep voice, “but in this chaotic world, we must make a choice. For the future of Baixiaotang, for the peace and stability of the martial world, I am willing to take on all the responsibilities.”

"Haha, interesting, interesting. Since that's the case, let's go outside and talk!"

As soon as Ji Ruofeng finished speaking, a cold and sharp voice came from behind.

Looking in the direction of the sound, he saw Li Changsheng standing outside, looking at him with a calm and collected expression.

Li Changsheng slowly walked into the Baixiaotang conference room, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"Mr. Li, what do you mean by this?"

Ji Ruofeng asked in a deep voice, secretly on guard.

Although he knew that Li Changsheng was exceptionally strong, Baixiaotang was, after all, the culmination of his many years of hard work, and he could not afford to lose it.

Li Changsheng smiled slightly, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "Please don't take offense, Hall Master Ji. I have no ill intentions in coming here. I have only heard that the Hundred Knowledge Hall is facing a decision, so I have come to lend you a hand."

Ji Ruofeng frowned slightly. He naturally knew that the power behind Li Changsheng was not to be underestimated, but the neutral stance of Baixiaotang was a principle he had adhered to for many years. How could he change it so easily?

“Mr. Li, Baixiaotang has always been neutral and does not participate in any power struggles. I appreciate your good intentions, but this matter still needs to be discussed by us.” Ji Ruofeng’s tone was firm and left no room for argument.

Upon hearing this, Li Changsheng shook his head slightly, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes.

"Master Ji, the situation has changed, and neutrality is no longer the best option. Li Chengtian is a man of great talent and ambition, and the unification of the world is just around the corner. If Baixiaotang can cooperate with him, it can not only protect itself, but also contribute more to the martial arts world."

Ji Ruofeng remained silent for a moment, knowing full well that what Li Changsheng said was true.

However, Baixiaotang's centuries-old tradition and neutral stance made it difficult for him to make a decision easily.

“Mr. Li, this matter concerns the future of Baixiaotang. I need to discuss it with everyone before making a decision,” Ji Ruofeng said slowly, his tone revealing a hint of fatigue.

Li Changsheng nodded, indicating his understanding. "Master Ji is right. I await good news. However, I hope you understand that time waits for no one. Li Chengtian's patience is also limited."

After saying that, Li Changsheng turned to leave, but then seemed to remember something, stopped and turned back to say, "By the way, Hall Master Ji, there is one more thing I need to tell you."

The Dark River organization has decided to submit to Li Chengtian and become part of Daqing's covert forces. This news might help you make your decision.

Upon hearing this, Ji Ruofeng was shocked. The surrender of the Dark River was undoubtedly an important signal, indicating that Li Chengtian's power was rapidly expanding.

He knew he had to make a decision as soon as possible, otherwise the future of Baixiaotang would be bleak.

"Thank you for informing me, Mr. Li. I will give this matter careful consideration."

Ji Ruofeng answered in a deep voice, his eyes revealing an unprecedented solemnity.

Li Changsheng smiled slightly, bowed again, and then disappeared from everyone's sight in a flash.

……

The three-day deadline arrived in the blink of an eye, and the atmosphere in Tianqi City was tense and oppressive. The confrontation between the Northern Li royal family and Li Chengtian had reached a fever pitch.

Emperor Tai'an stood on the high platform of the palace, gazing in the direction of the Jixia Academy in the distance, his eyes flashing with complex emotions. He knew that the three-day agreement had come to an end, and he had to make a choice.

"Your Majesty, time is running out," Eunuch Zhuoqing whispered a reminder from the side, his tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible worry.

Emperor Tai'an remained silent for a moment before finally speaking slowly: "Issue an order to summon the court officials to discuss the matter of surrender." His voice was deep and firm, as if he had made a firm decision.

Upon hearing this, Eunuch Zhuo Qing was taken aback, then bowed and accepted the order. He knew that this meant the Northern Li royal family was about to undergo an unprecedented transformation.

……

Meanwhile, inside the Jixia Academy, Li Chengtian was discussing the next steps with Ye Dingzhi, Lei Mengsha, and others.

"Your Majesty, if the Northern Li royal family truly surrenders, what should we do next?" Ye Dingzhi asked first, his eyes revealing his anticipation and hope for the future.

Li Chengtian smiled slightly, his eyes gleaming with a profound light. "The surrender of Beili is only the first step. Next, we need to integrate the forces of all sides to pave the way for unification. The support of Baixiaotang is crucial, and we must persuade Ji Ruofeng as soon as possible."

Everyone nodded in agreement. They knew Li Chengtian's great talent and foresight, and had great confidence and respect for him.

Just then, a guard rushed into the study and reported, "Your Majesty, Hall Master Ji Ruofeng requests an audience."

Li Chengtian was taken aback upon hearing this, then a hint of joy flashed in his eyes.

"Let him in!"

As soon as Li Chengtian finished speaking, a middle-aged man dressed in an elegant robe with a calm face entered the study. He was none other than Ji Ruofeng, the head of Baixiaotang.