"Of course, you can." A smile appeared on Meng Changqing's face.

As expected, when one's strength is sufficient, there's no need to take the initiative. Even those world-class prodigies who are usually arrogant will eagerly seek to establish friendships.

It had always been this way. However, for those shy individuals, particularly women, sometimes he still needed to break the ice.

Ding!

【Successfully added Han Yuanzhen as a friend!】.

【Attribute selectable.】.

【Triggered extra reward: Embryonic Form of Blade Intent!】.

Ding!

【Successfully added Dongmen Xiangzhong as a friend!】.

【Attribute selectable.】.

System notifications echoed in Meng Changqing's mind, bringing him joy.

The reward from Han Yuanzhen was particularly surprising: the embryonic form of Blade Intent! It was exactly what he needed, as he was only one step away from mastering his fourth true intent. He had been prepared to comprehend it on his own, but Han Yuanzhen's contribution was a fortuitous bonus.

In contrast, Dongmen Xiangzhong's addition was far more ordinary, offering nothing noteworthy.

"Fate would have it that I, too, wish to establish a friendship with you, Chief Meng," said the red-haired Hui Kong with a smile.

"Indeed, such is destiny," added the black-haired Hui Ming.

"Alright." Meng Changqing nodded, though his thoughts shifted slightly.

Their eagerness for friendship likely stemmed not only from admiration of his potential but also from ulterior motives. After all, he had obtained nine second-tier Wish Spirit Fruits — perfect for aiding in the breakthrough to the Marquis Realm.

Still, Meng Changqing wasn't concerned. Initial relationships often involved mutual interests, and he was no exception. However, those divine fruits were far too precious to be sold casually, especially to mere one-star friends, unless they offered an equivalent or greater price.

Ding!

【Successfully added Hui Kong as a friend!】.

【Current favorability: One Star!】.

【Attribute selectable!】.

Ding!

【Successfully added Hui Ming as a friend!】.

【Current favorability: One Star!】.

【Attribute selectable!】.

【Triggered extra reward: Attribute Acquisition Card x1!】.

The repeated notifications further lifted Meng Changqing's spirits.

One after another, the world-class prodigies stepped forward, introducing themselves and requesting his friendship. People were inherently influenced by group behavior. Even those who might have been hesitant found themselves joining in, fearing they'd miss out.

Meng Changqing's smile grew increasingly radiant and genuine. There were 80 prodigies present. Even if he only added half, the rewards would be tremendous!

On average, every four or five connections yielded an additional reward.

By the end, aside from those already within his sect and a few existing friends, nearly everyone had been added.

"With Chief Meng's foundation, it seems you'll be ready to challenge the Marquis Realm as soon as we return," said Dongmen Xiangzhong.

"Indeed, almost there," Meng Changqing nodded, his eyes revealing a trace of ambition.

The Marquis realm — a realm of legends revered by all.

Now, he stood on its threshold.

"I look forward to hearing of your ascension to the Heavenly Ranking and your title as a Marquis," Dongmen Xiangzhong added with a smile.

The mention of the Heavenly Ranking caused a ripple of seriousness among the others.

The Central Province's Heavenly Ranking was far superior to the rankings of the Four Regions. Anyone listed was a formidable martial artist who had condensed their Martial Domain.

The ranking hadn't changed for a long time, as those listed were like insurmountable mountains. Martial artists occupying the ranking bore titles such as "Heavenly Moon Marquis" and "Thousand Mechanisms Marquis," representing their unparalleled strength within the Marquis Realm.

While the Central Province had abundant resources, producing many Marquises, the titled ones were exceedingly rare. The fixed spots on the Heavenly Ranking made entry incredibly difficult.

If it were anyone else, such a suggestion might have been dismissed. But with Meng Changqing, it seemed not only plausible but inevitable.

Even before stepping into the Marquis Realm, he had already condensed the Martial Domain, surpassing most Marquises in strength.

"Central Province's Heavenly Ranking…" Meng Changqing's eyes flickered.

The Grand Elder had also encouraged him to strive for a place on the ranking after reaching the Marquis Realm.

The Heavenly Ranking wasn't just a symbol of strength and prestige but also a source of immense resources. Many great powers owed their rise to the rankings.

"I'll take your kind words as motivation, Brother Dongmen," Meng Changqing replied with a smile.

The gentle breeze brushed past, his robes fluttering. Shrouded in his undefeated will, Meng Changqing exuded a dazzling confidence, one that no one doubted.

To everyone present, if Meng Changqing claimed he could achieve something, it was as good as done.

"Uncle Master…" Mo Xiaoyu's eyes sparkled with pure admiration.

"Titled Marquis…" Yu Hongxue clenched her hands slightly, her watery eyes rippling with emotion.

Her father was a Titled Marquis, but only within the Southern Region. Were he in the Central Province, his status would be less certain.

To think that Meng Changqing, upon entering the Marquis Realm, might rival or surpass her father's accomplishments — an unprecedented feat.

Perhaps even the existing Titled Marquises couldn't fathom that a new challenger would soon rise to unsettle their positions on the Heavenly Ranking.

—

Time flowed by as they chatted casually.

At last, the time to leave the Wild Sea arrived.

After the demonic forces' interference, the Wild Sea had been largely ruined. Although not entirely degraded to the lowest tier of ancient lands, its value had significantly diminished.

The heavens trembled as ripples spread through the sky.

Meng Changqing stood in midair, flanked by the Southern Region prodigies and other regional powerhouses.

Unconsciously, they had all begun to center themselves around him.

A radiant light descended, enveloping everyone.

In the next moment, they vanished from the Wild Sea.