Chapter 75: The First Stance

　　“Master, why are you inside?”

　　“Uh… Haven’t I come to look for you? Come on, go up! Don’t embarrass your master!”

　　Ao Yi could see in the corner of his eyes, the old Daoist Yuan Ze hurriedly floating back to the sky with the two young girls. They were flying rather quickly and when they returned to the crowd, it was as if nothing happened…

　　Then, Li Changshou flew into the air and bowed.

　　“I’m Li Changshou, a disciple of the Little Qiong Peak. Hello…”

　　A familiar voice slowly traveled through the night sky. Ao Yi’s legs trembled as he staggered forward.

　　He had lost…

　　Actually, he had lost again.

　　When he was ten years old, he wanted to lose, but Li Changshou admitted defeat before him. In fact, he was the real loser…

　　Today…

　　I have the Water-Condensed Spiritual Pearl that Mother had given me, but I can’t even break these simple trapping array formations.

　　I have the Ice Glazed Sword that Master had bestowed upon me, but I can’t sever the confusion in this area.

　　How can I have the cheek to challenge that person with this sword?

　　However, how could he be willing to succumb?

　　It was not easy for him to come up with a plan to make a name for himself. He wanted to use the Qi Refinement cultivators of Golden Ao Island who liked to talk about the Dao everywhere they went, to challenge the elites of the human race…

　　Why did things go awry right at the start of the plan…

　　Ao Yi remained standing, his eyes filled with confusion. He did not know what he should do next. He thought Should I bow to Li Changshou and say, “I’m not as good as you.”

　　Or should I continue with my plan, be thick-skinned and spar with this human disciple again…

　　Ao Yi sighed in his heart. However, he did not want to do such a shameless thing.

　　After putting away the pearl, he put his sword back into his sheath and took two steps forward. He bowed to Li Changshou, who was in front of the Pill Chamber.

　　“I, Ao Yi, have experienced the wonders of your array formation today.”

　　Ao Yi then turned around to leave.

　　However, a Heaven Immortal who was hovering in the air frowned slightly and said calmly,

　　“Since our young friend Changshou has already come out of seclusion, there’s no need to engage in an array formation sparring session. Just let the two of them spar as per normal. This is not about winning or losing. Today, we, Golden Ao Island just want to help Junior Ao Yi get rid of the demon in his heart that resulted from his previous loss.”

　　Ao Yi looked up and hesitated.

　　However, one of the elders from the Immortal Du Sect said, “Changshou, are you willing to spar with the prince of the Dragon Palace again? He will seal his own cultivation level and be on the same level as you, the seventh stage of Void Return.”

　　Li Changshou did not hesitate. He had expected their reaction a long time ago.

　　The sparring session was inevitable because both parties were already competing in terms of array formations and honor.

　　He lowered his head and said, “Disciple, follow the sect’s arrangements.”

　　All of a sudden, the elders in the air beamed with joy.

　　The elders had already reached a tacit agreement. They decided that after the Golden Ao Island group left, they would reward Li Changshou, their young disciple who had given them a surprise.

　　The group returned to the Heaven-Breaking Peak immediately.

　　When they came from Heaven-Breaking Peak, the five or six of them were the only ones in the sky. When they returned, the sky was filled with clouds, and the starry sky was pitch dark.

　　Li Changshou obediently followed behind the immortals. Jiu Wu rushed over from the side, grabbed his arm, and leaned backward…

　　“This is for you.”

　　Jiu Wu stuffed his hand into Li Changshou’s sleeve and placed a treasure pouch in it. Then, he said,

　　He then said through a voice transmission, “This prince of the Dragon Palace has two Postnatal Numinous treasures on him. That sword is not to be underestimated. If he wants to hurt you later, you can use the item in the treasure pouch to smash him.”

　　“This is my master’s Purple Seal, which is also a Numinous treasure. I asked him for it because I wanted to lend it to you. Remember, it’s a loan! It’s not a gift for you!”

　　Li Changshou could not help but laugh. He took out the treasure pouch and stuffed it back into Jiu Wu’s sleeve.

　　Huh? There are a few treasure pouches sewn on Uncle-Master’s sleeve too?

　　I wonder what’s in there.

　　“Uncle-Master, you don’t have to worry. I have my ways to deal with him later.” Li Changshou sent a voice transmission back. “I will not let him win this battle… as long as he doesn’t fight and transform into a dragon.”

　　Jiu Wu was confused. Li Changshou muttered under his breath using the voice transmission again.

　　The short Daoist immediately raised his eyebrows and sneered. “T… this isn’t appropriate, is it?”

　　Li Changshou smiled and said, “You have to be flexible with the rules. This is a principle that my master often teaches.”

　　“Right, where’s your master? You should have let him come and take a look at you when you are sparring with someone.”

　　You should have let him come and take a look when you are sparring with someone.”

　　“Uh…” Li Changshou used his immortal sense to look at the tree stump that had fallen asleep in the forest a few hundred kilometers outside the mountain. The corners of his mouth twitched slightly, and he left behind a wisp of immortal sense that surrounded it.

　　He answered, “I don’t know either. Master has been in a bad mood recently, so he probably went out for a stroll.”

　　Jiu Wu sighed softly. “Right. Your master has become a Turbid Immortal. The Immortal Path is definitely not that easy. Don’t think too much about it. Just fight this round well. It doesn’t matter if we win or not. Just don’t lose pathetically.”

　　Li Changshou nodded.

　　In front of them, an elder had already turned to look at the two of them. Jiu Wu did not dare to say anything. He rode a cloud and chased after the rest with Li Changshou.

　　…

　　A moment later, in the square in front of the Heaven-Breaking Peak’s Immortal Ascension Hall, one of the elders threw out dozens of Night Luminescent Dharma Pearls which illuminated the place and made it seem like it was daytime.

　　More than a hundred figures stood in front of the hall. In the Immortal Du Sect, more than half of the Qi Refinement cultivators were watching them using their spiritual senses and immortal senses.

　　The people from Jin Ao Island did not say anything else.

　　After discussing with the elders for a while, Jiu Wu took the initiative to step forward and said loudly,

　　“When sparring and discussing the Dao, one’s intention should be to test one’s own Dao and understanding. It should be a revelation of your own theoretical knowledge and not a fight. Both parties should spar appropriately and not hurt each other.”

　　“This open space in front of the hall is the border. We will proceed according to the rules of the Dragon Palace. Even if you are going to lose, you’re not to use any lethal treasures.”

　　Ao Yi and Li Changshou agreed.

　　Ao Yi then put away the Numinous Treasure sword that was hanging at his waist, took out a pair of silvery-white gloves, and slowly put them on.

　　He then turned around and cupped his hands together while facing the five Heaven Immortals of Golden Ao Island.

　　“Senior Brothers, please help me seal my cultivation level to the seventh stage of Void Return.”

　　“Alright.” A middle-aged Daoist priest nodded slightly. He drew a talisman out of thin air with his left hand and struck Ao Yi. Ao Yi’s aura instantly fell.

　　“This talisman can seal your cultivation level for two hours.”

　　“Thank you, Senior Brother.”

　　After that, Ao Yi and Li Changshou walked towards the arena. They were fifteen feet away from each other, and their auras were intertwined.

　　Suddenly, someone shouted, “Senior Brother Changshou!”

　　Li Changshou looked over. It was Youqin Xuanya, who was clad in a red dress. She was looking at him from the front of the hall, and her eyes were filled with worry.

　　“Don’t be too hard on yourself.”

　　“Yes.” Li Changshou smiled and nodded, purely out of courtesy.

　　Li Changshou looked at Ao Yi and said, “Prince Ao Yi, today is a little different from the Demon-Sweeping Meet. I might have an unfair advantage.”

　　There was shame written all over Ao Yi’s face. He replied in a clear voice, “Fellow Daoist, please go ahead and attack as you wish.”

　　Li Changshou nodded. He lifted the front of his Daoist robe with one hand, placed it behind his back, and made an inviting gesture.

　　The opening was full of vigor!

　　However, Li Changshou had already made up his mind.

　　He had thought about his battle strategy carefully.

　　I’m going to be steady yet mischievous… Ahem, I want to win. I won’t expose anything!

　　Ao Yi took a deep breath, and his expression turned grave. There were Mysterious Ice fireballs around him.

　　Yellow paper talismans flew out from Li Changshou’s sleeves. In the blink of an eye, over a hundred talismans were released!

　　Ao Yi had experienced that move before. However, he felt that the power of those yellow paper talismans was much stronger than before.

　　Ao Yi stopped in his tracks and charged forward. A few Mysterious Ice fireballs turned into dragon shadows that circled around Li Changshou and charged at him together!

　　This time, Li Changshou did not use any footwork to dodge. Instead, he remained standing quietly and rapidly chanted spells. He was chanting so quickly that the syllables were almost indistinct as if he were humming a song.

　　Ao Yi pounced at him in the blink of an eye!

　　He punched Li Changshou’s chest immediately with power that was strong enough to split a mountain. At this moment, Ao Yi was frowning and all ready to put away his fist.

　　However…

　　Swoosh!

　　Li Changshou bent down and instantly entered the ground that resembled rippling water!

　　Earth Escape!

　　Due to the fact that Li Changshou had used Earth Escape to save Youqin Xuanya twice during the previous trip to the Northern Continent, the sect had long known that Li Changshou had that technique. Hence, he could use it openly now.

　　Ao Yi’s punch missed. His body landed on the ground and he rushed forward by more than ten steps…

　　The Second Prince, Ao Yi turned his head and saw that the yellow talismans behind him had already formed an array. Flames erupted consecutively!

　　Although it was just an ordinary fire spell, it could still unleash quite a bit of power with the support of Li Changshou’s Stage-seven Void Return Dharma powers.

　　Ao Yi covered his face with his arms and dodged from left to right. However, he was continuously hit by the condensing flames…

　　Li Changshou was quietly wandering underground, searching for an opportunity to launch a sneak attack.

　　He could lose or win. After comparing the two, he felt that there was actually no difference to him.

　　The important thing was how he lost and won.

　　If he had a head-on confrontation with Ao Yi and fought a grand battle, his image would be remembered by the disciples in the sect regardless of whether he lost or won.

　　However, if he were to rely on Earth Escape and the talismans, he would not have to face Ao Yi head-on. It would not be a pity if he lost and it would not be great if he won either. Most people would think that he wasn’t that competent…

　　A disadvantaged junior immortal who was good at array formations and Earth Escape would instantly have a good image.

　　To others, winning using such a method was just a trick. No one would treat him like a hero.

　　Uh, the negative side may not be true. This is just a loophole and is not within my consideration.

　　It wouldn’t matter even if he got a bad reputation because of that.

　　What Li Changshou wanted was for the matter to blow over quickly so that he could resume cultivation while his life returns to its original stability!

　　So… I’m sorry, Little Dragon!

　　Flames continuously erupted from the array formations, causing Ao Yi to be in a sorry state. However, he did not sustain too many injuries.

　　Ao Yi was anxious and kept searching for Li Changshou.

　　The ground was calm and peaceful as if there was a lingering aura…

　　Over there!

　　Ao Yi immediately rushed forward and threw a punch. A hole suddenly appeared on the ground, but Li Changshou was nowhere to be seen.

　　At that moment, a huge hand secretly reached out from the ground behind Ao Yi. It was stuck to a talisman, but it could not be seen through his immortal senses. There was a sharp dagger in Li Changshou’s hand, which was a Dharma treasure dagger. He then aimed at the back of Ao Yi’s leg.

　　Bang!

　　A small bloodied arrow shot out. Ao Yi immediately leaped up and turned around to take a look. The huge hand was instantly retracted into the ground!

　　Ao Yi took a breath of cold air. However, he missed again when he tried to smack it quickly.

　　He could only widen his eyes and jump into the sky!

　　The talismans that had been waiting to attack for a long time, unleashed their power simultaneously. Without them realizing, dozens of yellow paper talismans appeared in the sky. They burst into flames in the sky and knocked Ao Yi down!

　　This time, there were some extraordinary True Flames in the spell which burned Ao Yi’s flesh, and his body was covered in burns that made him feel overwhelmed with excruciating pain. He was in a sorry state…

　　It was the True Samadhi Flames that were of appropriate power, which Li Changshou simulated with his own spiritual power.

　　As soon as Ao Yi landed on the ground, another palm that could not be detected by his immortal senses, extended from Ao Yi’s blind spot…

　　This time, it was holding onto a short sword that was a Dharma treasure. It was aimed at Ao Yi’s knee.

　　Bang!

　　The second arrow darted out!

　　The sounds of someone chuckling could be heard in front of the hall…

　　Ao Yi turned his head and glared at Li Changshou with anger. The hand sunk back into the ground, but Li Changshou was nowhere to be seen!

　　A frown appeared on Ao Yi’s delicate face. He captured the remaining aura on the ground and punched the ground, forming a hole that was half a meter deep.

　　The square in front of the main hall was paved with very sturdy and refined stones.

　　His cultivation level had been sealed, yet he was able to create a pit with a single punch. Ao Yi’s strength had also impressed the immortals from both sides.

　　However, it was useless.

　　The lingering aura was originally used by Li Changshou to lure the enemy. When Ao Yi pounced on him, he launched a sneak attack from behind. Ao Yi was so angry that he had no choice but to hide in the air.

　　However, the array formation above him changed. A pillar of fire smashed down from the sky and pressed Ao Yi onto the ground again!

　　As soon as Ao Yi landed on the ground, his legs seemed to have fallen into a quagmire. The ground froze instantly, and he was locked in place!

　　The words ‘I might not win’, which Li Changshou said, echoed in Ao Yi’s mind. He suddenly realized something…

　　The battle was different from that of the Demon-Sweeping Meet. They were on the concrete ground, not the “ground” formed by the Water Lotus Platform!

　　This disciple of the Immortal Du Sect could execute the technique that he’s most proficient in—Earth Escape!

　　I have to admit that this Earth Escape technique is very powerful!

　　However!

　　“Ha!”

　　Ao Yi hollered, and his hands quickly formed a seal. The Mysterious Ice flames around him formed the image of an azure dragon!

　　The dragon’s shadow howled in all directions and was blasted at the ground. Stone fragments flew everywhere, and the light and shadow effects were instantly maximized!

　　Li Changshou, who was hiding underground, could not help but exclaim in admiration when he saw it…

　　This Dragon Prince actually knows the Eighteen Dragon-subduing Palms!?!

　　Would he really not be scolded for being a traitor by his Father, the Dragon Emperor?

　　At this moment, there should be background music…

　　Standing in front of the hall, the elders of the Immortal Du Sect did not know whether to laugh or cry.

　　They naturally felt that it would not be nice for Li Changshou to avoid battle using his escape technique.

　　However, the prince could not do anything to their disciple. Li Changshou was already in an invincible position. The elders felt that that was a good thing.

　　Only a few elders who were in charge of managing the internal affairs of the sect felt their hearts ache…

　　It would cost a lot of precious materials to repair the square!

　　Look!

　　Ao Yi’s dragon shadow was smashing everything in sight.

　　Amidst the smoke, Li Changshou’s palm crept out from behind Ao Yi. This time, he was holding a three-feet long sword…

　　He aimed it at Ao Yi’s thigh and jabbed it forward again.

　　Ding!

　　This time, he did not launch the bleeding arrow!

　　Ao Yi turned his head and glowered furiously. A layer of dragon scales appeared on his thigh, and his feet were pulled out of the ground!

　　However, the talismans on the top began to erupt wildly again, not giving Ao Yi any time to think.

　　Li Changshou hid under the ground and quietly waited for the next opportunity to attack. He secretly controlled the talisman arrays and continuously replenished the talismans that were required for the array formation…

　　The talisman array in the sky formed the shape of a snake before forming a figure-8 at the next moment. They would condense into balls of fire and thick pillars of flames, making Ao Yi look extremely pathetic…

　　As soon as Ao Yi landed on the ground, the hand that could not be detected with his spiritual senses and immortal senses was pulled out from the blind spot in his line of sight. It was holding onto a dagger, a short sword, and a long sword, all of which were stabbing at his calf continuously.

　　Ao Yi kept roaring, but he had no choice but to stay enraged and incapacitated.

　　Li Changshou’s repeated sneak attacks had already caused there to be many minor wounds on Ao Yi’s legs.

　　For a moment, the disciples from the Immortal Du Sect laughed happily.

　　Youqin Xuanya, who was originally worried, could not help but smile.

　　The Exalted Wang Qing, who had always been expressionless, turned around and looked at the wall in the hall. No one knew what he was thinking about, but his shoulders would occasionally tremble…

　　A moment later, Ao Yi’s entire body was charred as he panted heavily. His long hair hung loosely over his shoulders.

　　As the array formation exerted its power, his figure was once again pressed onto the ground by the pillar of fire. However, he forced himself not to collapse…

　　At that moment, a black shadow emerged from the ground behind Ao Yi…

　　A cold aura emanated from the field.

　　Everyone knew that the black shadow was definitely the hand that appeared again. However… at this moment…

　　A cold light shot out from the dust. It was a spike, no, not a single one. There were countless spikes!

　　This time, it was holding a Dharma artifact, the Spiked Mace!

　　The hand that reached out of the ground raised the Spiked Mace, aimed it at the weakest spot behind Ao Yi, and silently leaned forward…

　　Ao Yi was searching everywhere. He was in a daze and did not notice danger approaching…

　　All of a sudden, the spectators widened their eyes.

　　Youqin Xuanya, Han Zhi, Rourou, and many other female disciples of the Immortal Du Sect covered their faces, not daring to take another look.

　　Two Qi Refinement cultivators from the Golden Ao Island were so angry that their hands were trembling.

　　Many of the male disciples’ Adam’s apples vibrated. They swore in their hearts that they would never spar with Li Changshou of the Little Qiong Peak in the future!

　　“Alright! We admit defeat!”

　　The old Daoist priest Yuan Ze shouted helplessly. The Spiked Mace disappeared from the ground.

　　Ao Yi turned his head and looked at Yuan Ze in confusion. He then lowered his head and sighed.

　　Indeed, he could not do anything about the Earth Escape.

　　Ao Yi was relieved. He took two steps back in a sorry state. His aura surged and he sat on the ground…

　　It was true…

　　He had really lost…

　　He…

　　At that moment, a fair hand reached over towards Ao Yi from the side.

　　Ao Yi looked up and saw Li Changshou’s warm and gentle face.

　　“Can we consider this a draw? If we have a direct confrontation, I definitely won’t be a match for you. I could only resort to sneaky moves. After all, this is the Immortal Du Sect. I can only do my best. I cannot let the sect lose. I hope you can understand. I’m sorry for offending you.”

　　Ao Yi’s throat trembled, and he put on a strong smile. His eyes were red.

　　Not all humans are like those sullen-faced monsters…

　　There are also gentle ones like Changshou…

　　Ao Yi reached out and grabbed Li Changshou’s outstretched hand while standing up.