Chapter 521: The Path of the Ancestor, Dragon Subduing, and the Advancing Witch

Chapter 521: The Path of the Ancestor, Dragon Subduing, and the Advancing Witch

Within the Earth Shadow Realm, Xu Yan concealed his presence, merging with the realm itself. Even the natural laws of the Earth Shadow Realm couldn't detect his existence.

He had truly achieved the state of existing within the heavens and earth, unseen and unknown.

"Are they after Xiao Lao?" Xu Yan wondered, hearing Tian Sha's voice reverberating through the Divine Realm.

What had Xiao Lao done to offend so many people, even drawing the wrath of the witch, Mei Wu?

"No wonder he was one of the Seven Heroes of Taicang. He sure knows how to make enemies," Xu Yan mused to himself.

Little did he know that Xiao Lao's current predicament was largely due to his own doing.

"Whoa, that witch is furious! I'd better hide properly, or I'll be discovered," Xu Yan thought, sensing the murderous intent and crazed anger emanating from Mei Wu.

Boom!

A burst of pink light shot through the Divine Realm, its momentum causing the natural laws of the Earth Shadow Realm to tremble.

Mei Wu, her killing intent as cold as ice, was heading straight for the Dao Realm.

Xu Yan further retracted his presence, continuing to hide as more Realm Masters returned from the Divine Realm. Among them, he spotted Ao Lie.

"So this is Ao Yu Xue's grandfather, the Realm Master of the True Dragon Realm. What a formidable dragon," Xu Yan thought, impressed. Even with his perfect control over the Heaven Realm, he knew he couldn't defeat this ancient dragon.

After all, Ao Lie's experience and crisis management skills far surpassed those of the young dragon, Ao Yu Xue.

"Tian Sha is incredibly powerful!" Xu Yan observed, although he hadn't met Tian Sha in person. He could instantly recognize the unique strength and aura of certain individuals among the powerful beings.

A group of Realm Masters passed through the Earth Shadow Realm, returning to the Dao Realm. Only then did Xu Yan set out to return to the Divine Realm.

Having thoroughly incurred the wrath of Mei Wu, he knew that with his current strength, he was no match for her. Only by returning to Qinghua Zong could he truly be safe.

He wasn't about to give up on the precious Qingling Yuzhu, especially since he had already offended Mei Wu. Taking another treasure from her wouldn't make much of a difference.

Boom!

Suddenly, a powerful force surged behind him, causing the natural laws of the Earth Shadow Realm to tremble. A formidable presence was descending upon him.

Mei Wu had turned back, evidently having learned from the powerful witch of the Witch Realm that he had escaped from the Dao Realm, and she was now searching for him relentlessly.

In addition to Mei Wu, Ao Lie, Tian Sha, and Yan Mo also joined the pursuit, their searching capabilities as Realm Master-level experts being exceptionally swift.

As he neared the Divine Realm, Xu Yan saw no point in hiding anymore. He unleashed the Shen Tong technique, 'One Thought, No Trace,' and instantly escaped into the Divine Realm!

"Xu Yan!" Mei Wu's senses immediately picked up on his presence.

Tian Sha's eyes turned cold, and with a slight movement of his finger, the natural laws of the Earth Shadow Realm transformed into chains, attempting to bind the fleeing Xu Yan.

"Where do you think you're going?"

A group of Realm Masters descended upon the Divine Realm once more.

"Roar!"

Ao Lie revealed his true form—a massive red dragon. With a thunderous dragon's roar, he surpassed Mei Wu in an instant and gave chase to Xu Yan.

"Stop Xu Yan!" Ao Lie roared excitedly. "You dare to subdue dragons, huh? This time, you'll learn the true might of a dragon's wrath!"

In the Taihe Realm, several Supreme experts released their powerful auras, ready to take action at any moment.

"That old dragon sure is fast," Xu Yan muttered.

The natural laws of the Earth Shadow Realm were binding him, but for the moment, they couldn't lock onto his trail.

"I'm out of here," Xu Yan laughed. With a surge of his Shen Tong, his figure vanished in an instant, passing through the Earth Shadow Realm and entering the Taihe Realm.

"Xu Yan, where do you think you're going?" a Supreme expert roared.

Xu Yan raised his hand and unleashed a powerful palm strike.

Roar!

A savage dragon's roar reverberated, shaking the heavens and earth. Thunder rumbled, and within it was the fury of a true dragon, as if it would destroy everything in its path!

Shen Tong, True Dragon's Fury!

A sudden appearance of a golden giant dragon, its powerful dragon's might shaking the heavens, startled the group of powerful beings who were trying to block Xu Yan's path. Where had this true dragon come from?

Ao Ming was equally shocked. Then, he realized with awe that this might very well be Xu Yan's dragon-subduing technique!

Boom!

The golden giant dragon exploded, obliterating the two Supreme warriors who had been blocking Xu Yan's path. In an instant, they were sent flying, and Xu Yan's figure vanished from the spot.

After breaking through the encirclement, Xu Yan dared not linger. He activated his One Thought, No Trace Shen Tong technique, pushing his speed to the extreme.

"Xu Yan!" Ao Lie's eyes shone with a cold light. "Is that the dragon-subduing technique? It truly exists, but how did he cultivate it? It's almost identical to ours!"

Ao Lie headed straight for the Qinghua Realm.

Following closely behind Ao Lie were Mei Wu, Li Wu, and other Realm Masters who had rushed back from the Dao Realm. Tian Sha, however, was slightly behind, moving at a leisurely pace.

After instructing the various demon commanders and generals, including Feng Linghu, to dig holes and hide, they rushed back to the Qinghua Realm, knowing that only there would they be safe.

In Qinghua City, Li Xuan remained calm and relaxed, his current strength meant that no matter how much havoc Xu Yan wreaked, he could easily control the situation. To him, Xu Yan wasn't causing trouble, but gaining valuable experience, all for the sake of his martial arts journey!

"This old dragon is indeed powerful!" Li Xuan remarked, his gaze fixed on the approaching Ao Lie.

"My grandfather is here," said Ao Yu Xue, her face filled with worry.

She timidly approached Li Xuan and pleaded, "Path-establishing Ancestor, can you please spare my grandfather?"

She was truly scared!

Li Xuan smiled gently, "This old path-establisher is not one who takes pleasure in killing."

Chi Mao, Yu Xiaolong, and Xiao Ha had returned, and they were all eagerly awaiting the show.

Xu Yan rushed back, his expression somewhat embarrassed as he said, "Master, I think I've offended quite a few realm masters!"

"It's a minor matter," Li Xuan reassured him, as nonchalant as ever.

"Master, that old dragon is here," Xu Yan said, his eyes fixed on the sky. A mass of fiery red thunderclouds was rolling in, carrying with it the overwhelming aura of a dragon. A massive dragon was speeding towards them.

The Qinghua Grand Array had been retracted; otherwise, it wouldn't have been able to withstand the impact of a powerful being like Ao Lie without sustaining some damage.

"Xiao Yao, I, Ao Lie, have no grudge against you, yet you scheme against my true dragon clan. Since that's the case, don't blame me for showing no mercy. Come out and face your death, and let me see what the leader of the Seven Heroes of Taicang is capable of, daring to plot against my true dragon clan!" Ao Lie's angry voice rang out.

The massive true dragon body followed the crimson thunderclouds, its dragon might filling the heavens as it swiftly locked onto Xiao Lao's position.

At this moment, Xiao Lao was completely flustered.

What does this have to do with me?!

I'm the leader of the Taicang Seven Heroes, renowned for my exceptional talent, but I definitely don't have the ability to create a dragon-subduing technique!

You give me too much credit, Xiao Yao!

Li Xuan turned to Xu Yan and said, "The Dragon Subduing Palm, you've cultivated it into a divine ability, but if you want to cultivate the true Dragon Subduing Path, you still have a long way to go.

"Today, I shall show you what it truly means to subdue a dragon, and what the highest realm of dragon subduing is."

Upon hearing this, Xu Yan and the others were thrilled. They were about to witness their master's might once more.

Xiao Lao and the others were equally excited. It was a rare opportunity to witness the Path Ancestor in action, a great honor and a precious chance.

Even Ao Yu Xue's anxiety turned to excitement, her jade-like face flushing as she anticipated seeing the Path Ancestor subdue her grandfather.

But then she thought, "The Path Ancestor said he isn't a bloodthirsty person, so he probably won't kill Grandfather. If Grandfather is subdued by the Path Ancestor, it might even be a good thing!"

With this thought, her worries vanished, and she stared wide-eyed, eagerly awaiting the Path Ancestor's display of dragon subduing!

Li Xuan remained calm and unhurried, allowing Ao Lie's dragon might to wash over him as he continued, "The Dragon Subduing Path has already reached the level of a true path. Cultivation ultimately leads to the Great Path.

"After the Holy Sword Realm, there is the Sword Path Realm. The sword becomes the path, and the path becomes the sword. This realm can only be reached through one's own innate talent and insight.

"Once you attain this insight, you establish your own path, just like the Establishment Realm. The sword path is the same—establishing your own sword path, your own sword's way, and ultimately, the Great Sword Path."

Xu Yan listened reverently, his mind illuminated by the concept of the sword as the path and the path as the sword, the establishment of the sword's path...

Li Xuan turned to Meng Chong, Su Lingxiu, Fang Hao, and Jiang Buling, "The same is true for the blade path. In the end, all martial paths converge on the Great Path."

Xiao Lao and the others were deeply moved. This was guidance from the Path Ancestor himself!

Yu Yao was shocked but also felt a sense of enlightenment. However, it was too profound for her to fully grasp in an instant.

Yet she knew that the true powerhouse among them was Xu Yan's master, the young man seated in a chair with a sea spirit beauty by his side.

"Xiao Yao, let's fight!" Ao Lie's voice rang out, his massive form already approaching Qinghua City. The dragon's might caused the city's warriors to tremble, though their faces remained fearless. Their bodies shook not out of fear but because they couldn't control themselves in the face of such overwhelming dragon might.

With the Path Ancestor by their side, they had nothing to fear!

"Watch closely," Li Xuan said with a light laugh.

Everyone's eyes widened with excitement as they eagerly awaited the Path Ancestor's dragon subduing display.

Ao Yu Xue was no exception, her fingers tapping together as she blushed with anticipation, craning her neck to see how the Path Ancestor would subdue her grandfather.

Li Xuan raised his hand and gently waved it. In that instant, everyone was stunned as purple auspicious clouds descended from the sky, and a purple-golden giant dragon, riding on the clouds, appeared. Its massive eyes exuded supreme might.

That massive dragon head, with its dignified and majestic gaze, stared coldly at him.

"Impudent wretch, how dare you act so recklessly!"

A voice of supreme authority rang out.

Ao Lie swallowed hard. He suddenly realized that the purple-golden dragon had nine claws, making it a Nine-Clawed Purple-Golden Dragon! He lifted his own claws to check and found that he only had five. Moreover, the dragon might he felt seemed to suppress him at a bloodline and soul-deep level.

The dragon might was profound and unfathomable, yet it also carried a sense of peaceful grandeur.

Thud!

Ao Lie immediately knelt, "Ao Lie pays his respects to the Dragon Ancestor, the ancient progenitor!"

"This is the pinnacle of dragon-subduing, using a dragon to subdue dragons, becoming the true dragon's ancient ancestor!"

Xu Yan muttered to himself, having gained a new understanding. So, this was the path of dragon-subduing.

Gou Laotou and Yu Yao were left dumbfounded, staring at the purple-golden dragon in shock. They couldn't believe that subduing a dragon could be so simple and straightforward for a Path Ancestor.

"Where did this dragon come from?"

Yu Yao blurted out her question, filled with bewilderment.

The others also looked on with puzzled expressions.

"The Dao! The Great Dao!"

Li Xuan exuded an air of profound mystery, fully embodying the image of a Path Ancestor.

"Xiao Yao, come and meet your end!"

The voice of Mei Wu, filled with murderous intent, echoed as a pink light sped towards them.

Gou Laotou twitched his lips, too lazy to even bother with a response.

"Go, suppress her."

The voice of the purple-golden dragon, filled with authority, sounded once more.

"Yes, Ancestor!"

Ao Lie roared and charged towards Mei Wu, ready to engage her in battle.

"Mei Wu, you flirtatious hag, I shall suppress you!"

"Ao Lie, you..."

Mei Wu was both furious and shocked by Ao Lie's betrayal. From behind her, the Giant Demon's voice rang out, "Ao Lie must have been subdued!"

"Die!"

Ao Lie roared and unleashed his attacks without restraint, unafraid of Mei Wu's bewitching powers now that he had the protection of his ancestor.

"I'll hold him off!"

The Giant Demon let out a low growl, revealing his true form. His massive body was enveloped in demonic energy, with sinister-looking scales on his arms and a black horn on his forehead.

Boom!

The Giant Demon intercepted Ao Lie's attacks.

"Dragon-subduing, Dragon-taming, so that's how it is!"

Xu Yan watched this unfold, and enlightenment dawned on him once more.

The purple-golden dragon had disappeared, and Li Xuan remained as calm as ever, a gentle smile on his face as he watched Mei Wu approach.

"Xiao Yao, you deserve to die!"

Mei Wu rushed forward, her first target being Gou Laotou. The pink light swirled around her, and petals of flowers appeared, exuding a unique power.

"Mei Wu, you dare to act so arrogantly here?"

Gou Laotou's voice was stern as he reprimanded her.

What he meant was that in front of a Path Ancestor, Mei Wu had no right to be so presumptuous. However, to Mei Wu, it sounded like Gou Laotou was being arrogant, reprimanding her as if she were a junior!

Mei Wu's anger intensified. The pink petals transformed into a pink vortex, filled with bewitching and devouring power, as she launched her attack.

Gou Laotou was infuriated. He had always been laid-back and uninvolved in the affairs of the world, but now, one after another, people were trying to lord it over him, completely disregarding his status as the leader of the Taicang Seven Heroes!

If he didn't show his strength now, how could he live up to the reputation of the Taicang Seven Heroes?

"Mei Wu!"

At this moment, Gou Laotou exuded a powerful aura as he confronted her head-on. With a simple lift of his hand, he unleashed a mighty force, and a massive fist imprint shattered the pink vortex.

Boom!

Gou Laotou and Mei Wu engaged in a fierce battle, with powerful aftershocks shaking the area. However, as the battle neared Qinghua City, all traces of their clash dissipated without a trace.

In the distance, Ao Lie and the Giant Demon were locked in combat, while above Qinghua City, Gou Laotou and Mei Wu fought, neither side gaining the upper hand for the time being.

After all, Mei Wu was one of the strong experts from the Witch Demon Realm, a minor realm master, and her strength far surpassed that of ordinary realm masters.

But Gou Laotou was no pushover either. As the leader of the Taicang Seven Heroes, he had received guidance from Taicang himself, making him more powerful than ordinary minor realm masters.

"Mei Wu, I'll help you!"

Boom!

Li Wu rushed over and revealed his true form—a small giant with rippling muscles, surrounded by steaming hot air, exuding an aura of raw, savage power.

Yu Yao waved her hand, and a streak of white cold light shot out, blocking Li Wu's path.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end