Chapter 81 A Night to Remember
The showcase event continued with more than 50 contenders having already displayed their martial spirits. All the remaining contenders had dragon martial spirits, but none of them could capture the attention like Long Tian's S-Class martial spirit and Long Guan's dual martial spirit.
At this moment, a teenager descended from the stage. Although he knew he wouldn't win this year's competition, he felt proud to have demonstrated that his spiritual power exceeded 1500.
Seeing this, the emcee announced, "Long Duan's performance marks the end of tonight's martial spirit showcase. With over 50 young talents, all of them averaging at least A-Class, let's give them a round of applause."
Thunderous applause filled the atmosphere as hundreds of people clapped. There was no boredom in the expressions of the audience; martial spirit showcases were always an exciting event.
Not all major families held these showcases, as several factors influenced their participation, such as a lack of young talent in some of the larger families.
"With the conclusion of the martial spirit showdown, the best among them will be chosen by the elders. During this break, please enjoy the entertainment provided," the emcee announced and then leaving the stage.
Shortly after, a musical group took the stage, playing serene classical music. Simultaneously, servers began serving dishes to each table, with more food continuously arriving.
People engaged in conversation, discussing business and sharing stories. In the background, the Elders and the patriarch were in discussion about who deserved to win this year's showcase competition. Six candidates, including Long Tian and Long Guan, were being considered.
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Accompanied by beautiful music, everyone enjoyed the dishes presented to them. All the meat was sourced from soul beasts, making it a delightful meal.
With the classical music playing and a beautiful melody in the air, some people began to dance with their partner in front of the stage, while many still enganging in the dinner. The ground had been designed to transform from grass into a glowing floor.
Long Tian gazed at Liu Qian and smiled. "Would you like to dance?" he asked.
Liu Qian, who was in the midst of sipping her drink, was momentarily taken aback. "Dance? I've never really danced before," she replied immediatelly.
"Come on, it's okay," Long Tian reassured her.
"I've never danced in my life. So, it's embarrassing," Liu Qian explained.
"It's okay; I'll teach you. It can be quite enjoyable," Long Tian said.
"It's a bit embarrassing. What if I make a fool for myself?" Liu Qian expressed her concern.
Long Tian smiled and shook his head. Then, he stood up. "Don't worry about that. Come on," he said, extending his hand.
Liu Qian hesitated. It was the first time someone had invited her to dance, and she was afraid of making a mistake. But since it was Long Tian, she found it hard to refuse.
Finally, Liu Qian overcame her hesitation and took Long Tian's hand, agreeing with a nod, "Alright."
Long Tian's smile deepened as he gracefully led Liu Qian to the dance floor in front of the stage.
Standing face to face, he gently inquired, "Are you ready?"
Liu Qian met his gaze with a determined nod. "Yes," she replied.
With a nod of affirmation, Long Tian placed his hand on Liu Qian's hip, his touch gentle and reassuring.
She looked up at him, seeking guidance. "What should I do?" she inquired.
Long Tian's voice was soothing as he guided her, "Hold onto my shoulder."
Following his instructions, Liu Qian placed her hand on Long Tian's shoulder. Their left hands intertwined, and together, they assumed the poised dance position.
"Simply follow my lead," Long Tian whispered, and with the enchanting music as their guide, he initiated their dance with graceful steps.
Liu Qian, who had a good sense of understanding, immediately caught onto the rhythm of Long Tian's movements, especially with the music playing on the stage.
She smiled, gradually getting used to it. Her movements became smoother and synchronized with Long Tian's. They gazed at each other with a closeness that made her heart beat faster.
As they twirled and moved, their eyes met, and they smiled at each other. With each passing moment, the atmosphere around them became filled with intimacy. Long Tian looked at Liu Qian with tenderness, while Liu Qian began to feel comfortable in their dance embrace.
Presented with a handsome face and gentle touches, Liu Qian felt herself melting into the comfort of the moment. She had never experienced anything like this before.
As time passed, they became lost in the dance.
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The night grew darker, and the music came to a halt. Those who had been dancing gradually returned to their seats, including Long Tian and Liu Qian. A sense of joy and tranquility enveloped them.
"That was quite enjoyable, actually, and you picked it up quickly, Qian'er," Long Tian praised.
"It's also because you taught me, Long Tian. Otherwise, I might not have felt the true joy of dancing," Liu Qian replied, a smile gracing her face.
Long Tian smiled. It didn't feel bad to enjoy life. Despite his role in this world as a villain, and the tragic end awaiting him, he had become stronger, and Qin Chen no longer posed a real threat.
However, he wouldn't become soft. His motto remained the same: eliminate anyone who threatened him and seize anything that benefited him.
In the end, he would still kill Qin Chen.
*******************
As time passed, Liu Qian began to get to know the young girls from the Long and Xia families.
Long Tian, on the other hand, chatted and laughed with friends and family.
The party had a positive and pleasant atmosphere, free from any disturbances.
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Meanwhioe, in the depths of the forest on the border between Beijing and Tianzhou...
Bang!
Bang!
Bang!
Clank!
Bang!
The tumultuous echoes of a fierce battle reverberated through the area as three individuals relentlessly clashed with a lone 18-year-old teenager.
The young man bore a grave expression, a trickle of blood staining his cheek from a deep gash. His countenance held an uncanny familiarity, discernible even from a distance—this was none other than Ye Chen.
With an explosive impact, a mighty blow struck him, propelling Ye Chen through the air.
In relentless pursuit, another figure, swift and determined, shadowed Ye Chen's every move. The blade in his hand shimmered with the muted glow of moonlight, and in a heartbeat, he thrust it unerringly into Ye Chen's chest.
A shuddering stab pierced through his heart, emerging from his back with chilling finality.
Ye Chen's eyes widened in a wordless expression of disbelief as the sword impaled his heart—an agonizing and fatal wound.
Strength rapidly ebbed from his body, and his consciousness dimmed with cruel swiftness. Moments later, he crumpled to the ground, life slipping away.
****************
Time flew by, and the night descended into darkness. Returning to the Long family's festive gathering, at this juncture, the emcee took the stage once more.
Many in the audience focused their gaze on the platform.
"With the Elder's deliberations now concluded and their unanimous agreement, the victor of this year's martial spirit showcase competition is none other than Long Tian!" he proclaimed.
A thunderous round of applause erupted from the hundreds in attendance. They were genuinely delighted for him.
Even the young talents couldn't help but share in Long Tian's joy. Given his extraordinary talent and S-Class martial spirit, his victory was unquestionably well-deserved. There was no room for complaint.
However, among these young talents, Long Guan wore a sullen expression, evidently dissatisfied with the outcome. While he had understood that Long Tian was a strong contender, he had secretly harbored hopes of victory. Alas, fate had dealt him another disappointment.
On the contrary, Long Tian maintained a serene smile throughout; he had anticipated this result. Furthermore, no one could challenge his S-Class martial spirit and a spiritual power surpassing 8000.
"Congratulations, Long Tian. I'm genuinely happy for you," Liu Qian expressed, a warm smile gracing her face.
"Thank you," Long Tian responded with a smile of his own.
Without delay, the emcee continued, "And now, for Long Tian, please ascend the stage to receive your rewards, which encompass 1500 high-grade spiritual stones, the privilege to select one weapon and technique from the heritage room, and most notably, authorization to access the Dragon Realm for a full hour."
With those words, Long Tian rose from his seat and made his way toward the stage.
Upon reaching the platform, the emcee handed him a gleaming golden ring, which he accepted and slid onto his finger.
Once more, applause resounded through the assembly, and as it gradually subsided, Long Tian returned to his seat.
The celebration persisted, with some remaining entertainment for the guests.
****************
Time flew by, and the night grew darker. The party eventually came to an end. Guests started departing, and the servers began clearing away dishes and leftover food.
Near the garden, Long Tian and Liu Qian met with Long Tian's parents, Long Zhan and Xia Yunfei.
Xia Yunfei couldn't contain her excitement and immediately embraced Long Tian. "Congratulations, Long Tian! I can't believe you awakened a dual martial spirit. I'm so thrilled!" she exclaimed.
Long Tian smiled. "It was purely luck. Well, I still need rigorous training to master it," he said.
Xia Yunfei released her embrace. "Of course, whatever you need, just tell me, and I'll provide it," she said, her smile never fading.
"Now, speaking of what I need, Dad, what about my request?" Long Tian asked, shifting his gaze to Long Zhan.
"Everything takes time, son. But don't worry, that old man can be a bit elusive. Maybe in a few days," Long Zhan replied.
"What does my son want, husband?" Xia Yunfei immediately inquired.
"Well, he wants the Seven-Form Pagoda owned by the Grand Elder of the Ning family," Long Zhan answered.
"Is that so? It's just a little pagoda. If you have trouble, I can ask my brother to pay a visit to that old man Ning," Xia Yunfei suggested.
"No need, everything's fine," Long Zhan replied.
Xia Yunfei nodded and then shifted her gaze to Liu Qian.
Her smile was as gentle as silk. "So, you're Liu Qian? I just realized that you're Alexia's daughter. I didn't expect you two to be dating, but I approve of it. I bless your relationship," she said.
"Thank you, Aunt Xia," Liu Qian smiled.
Xia Yunfei responded with a smile, "Anyway, it's getting late. We better head inside. I want to talk about many things with you, both of you," she said.
Liu Qian hesitated slightly, but Long Tian gestured for her to agree.
Seeing this, she nodded. "Alright," she agreed.
"Okay, let's go inside," Xia Yunfei said.
With that, the three of them entered the main residence, while Long Zhan attended to other matters.
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