The Rising Dragon Monument, its Magnificent Strike Across the Heavens! A New Backer, fro

The long note seemed to fall from the clouds, its booming sound deafening and penetrating straight into people's hearts.

The echoes resonated powerfully and lingered for a long time.

This immediately shocked all the Cangdu warriors stationed at the Dragon and Elephant Gate.

Who owns this voice?

"All the experts of the Dragon Elephant lineage, including Marquis Beicang, are being held back by the Jade Huan Xie clan. Xie Wen's valiant attack today, despite his status as a Martial Saint, clearly shows that he will not give up until he achieves his goal!"

"It seems the rumors were true. This young Daoist, Longxiang, offended him and snatched away his preferred candidate from Zhongdao, which angered him."

"At this critical juncture, someone actually risked their anger and took action remotely?"

Some people murmured amongst themselves, speculating about who had made the move.

They originally guessed it was Chen Xuanque, the lord of Beicang, and Jiang Shentong, the Prince of Yan who guarded the White Mountains and Black Waters.

These two, given their status, are certainly qualified to reprimand Xie Wen and have the ability to stop this situation.

But the final word, "Daozi," left everyone dumbfounded.

Daozi!

This is a title that can only be bestowed upon the chief disciple of a single lineage, allowing one to stand on equal footing with figures like Xie Wen, the leader of the Yu Huan clan, and to be treated as an equal.
Only the younger generation, who are of equal status to him, are qualified.

That is
The newcomer is none other than the chief of the 'Ten Pillars'!?

They were completely unaware that the Dragon Elephant lineage had such a connection, prompting a top ten chief to personally appear.
Originally, it was thought that today's chaos, with Xie Wen, the patriarch of the Yu Huan Xie clan, along with his protectors and elders, would surely turn this great joy into a great sorrow for the Dragon Elephant Clan.

But the result was unexpected.
Is there still a possibility of change?
Who exactly is the master behind that massive hand of true energy that suddenly descended from the clear blue sky?
Countless people had mixed thoughts and a myriad of ideas.

They had no idea.

He had only attended a casual banquet, hoping to establish a connection with the Dragon Elephant lineage, which had just been promoted to orthodoxy, was still in its early stages, and had not yet gained a firm foothold in Cangdu. However, the event turned out to be full of twists and turns.

I just don't know which one it is besides Zhenwu Mountain.

After all, the feud between Zhenwu Mountain and Xu Longxiang was already well-known in the martial arts traditions of Beicang, and it was nothing new.

Therefore, many people subconsciously exclude it.

These voices naturally reached the ears of the people involved.

Ji Xiu was initially at a loss.

Because he had never heard this voice before, let alone had any connection to it.

They were feeling an unprecedented, overwhelming pressure rolling in.

Ji Xiu was ready to ignite his blood and qi, expand his Dao embryo, and exhaust his five internal organs in a desperate struggle until Chen Xuanque, who was in charge of Cangdu, heard the commotion and came to his aid.

Having been stationed in Beicang for a century, Chen Xuanque, who will soon enter Baiyujing and become one of the six officials in the cabinet, is doing so out of respect for Jiang Li's request.

Even though the Xie family of Yuhuan is one of the Nine Surnames and Ten Pillars, and cannot afford to lose face, it is not a problem for them to mediate between the two sides.

But Ji Xiu hadn't expected this.
The first person to step forward to break the deadlock was a complete stranger, whose voice was completely unfamiliar!

Could it be related to Grandmaster Xu Longxiang?

He was someone who had once spent his time at the Ten Pillars True Martial Mountain.

Although he claims to have broken with Zhenwu Mountain, he may still have some influence with his old friends among other acquaintances in Tianzhu.

Could it be that he was promoted to the orthodox lineage, and the descendants of his old friend came to celebrate, only to stumble upon this scene and thus stepped in to help?
Ji Xiu watched helplessly as the powerful hand of true energy shattered Xie Wen's Martial Saint Killing Fist.

Even the usually cold-faced clan leader Xie Wen changed his expression, stopped his attack, turned around, and looked toward the source of the sound with a hint of fear in his eyes, appearing as if facing a formidable enemy and ready for battle.

This appearance made Ji Xiu keep guessing.

However, Ji Xiu was unaware of this.
Xu Longxiang, who was locked in a stalemate with the old man from the Xie family who was protecting him, was even more confused and had the same idea as him.

Could it be the connections of a good grand-disciple?
The same thought popped into Xu Longxiang's mind.

After all, ever since his elder brother Xu Baxian disappeared and he left Zhenwu Mountain in a huff, he had been living in this corner of Beicang in the white mountains and black waters.

Those who can be considered to have a genuine friendship are few and far between, let alone the Nine Surnames and Ten Pillars.

If he truly had connections, his disciple wouldn't have been secretly hunted down when he was caught up in the turmoil of the "fall of the emperor" sixty years ago, while he himself could only lie low and unable to retaliate until today when he could finally vent his anger a little.

They were completely baffled.

But with a cold gaze, Xie Wen, the head of the Xie clan, who had just turned his head, looked into the distance at the horizon of Cangdu, where a corner of the golden carriage was faintly visible, its brilliance just beginning to show.
She simply pursed her lips and asked in an extremely cautious tone:
“Qi Nanke of Zhenwu Mountain”.

"What are you here for?"

The simple six words, though spoken, caused a huge stir.

All the various speculations and guesses point to one answer!
Qi Nanke?
This name
Speaking of all martial artists in the modern era, unless they are only at the county or township level and have stopped at the three major trainings of muscles, bones, skin and membranes, they are not even the most basic martial artists that everyone has never seen or heard of.

But once you leave the county and township and arrive at the prefecture, the name Qi Nanke becomes a household name, known to everyone!
Especially the younger generation across the country.

Looking up and down, if one were to observe it, it would appear like an ant finally seeing the blue sky. It is the foremost example of the contemporary rising dragon, and also the first such example since two hundred years ago.
The only person to have ever stepped into the ruins of the Daoist court that once ruled over all the heavens before the ancient times, the "Peach Banquet," is able to obtain a seat and stand on equal footing with those top young people from other sects!
Legend has it that Qi Nanke also drank the jade dew and nectar, dragon liver and phoenix marrow, which caused him to undergo a transformation and become a peerless hero among the younger generation!

Some people even compare it to the Daoting King Quan Wumu two hundred years ago, which gives us a glimpse into its significance.

The Zhenwu Mountain lineage does not usually establish Taoist temples.

When a Daozi is born, he will surely be exceptionally talented.

Although most of them perish midway through their lives, Qi Nanke is approaching the level of the First Ancestor and is said to have the potential to become an immortal, with the hope of breaking this curse!

The person who made this move actually came from Zhenwu Mountain?

Wasn't it said that Xu Longxiang was a traitor of Zhenwu and had been expelled from the sect? Moreover, he himself was living in Beicang and never mentioned Zhenwu Mountain.

If there is still some kinship between them, how could they not rely on their power?
Therefore, the warriors of the Changbai Mountains and the Heilongjiang River region believed that there was indeed no connection between them anymore. Although they were somewhat wary of each other, they did not care too much.

But unexpectedly
I've been holding back a lot today.

Ji Xiu couldn't help but turn around and glance at his grandmaster, Xu Longxiang.

Didn't we say we'd never see each other again?
Even if only a corner of that golden chariot in the clouds were revealed, Ji Xiu, in his dreamlike state, and Wang Quan Wumu, with their discerning eyes, could tell that it was no less impressive than the golden chariot and phoenix carriage they themselves rode in!
When Daozi traveled, he toured the north and south, which was a grand affair and a great honor. It was big news wherever he went.

The Daoist disciple of Zhenwu Mountain, the leader of the Young Dragon Stele, made this special trip just to visit the Dragon Elephant Clan.
Grandmaster, you lied to me so badly!
Can we really say that they have absolutely no connection?
Could it be that Heaven is about to bestow a great responsibility upon this person, and must first test his mind and strengthen his body, so that he will not let me lose my desire to improve my martial arts after I find out who my backer is?
Ji Xiu fell into deep thought.
And in the blink of an eye...

The golden chariot, as radiant as the sun, suddenly pierced through the clouds and arrived near the gate, pulled by two enormous golden eagles, each resembling a golden crow with wings that could blot out the sky. Their bodies were wreathed in blazing, inextinguishable true flames comparable to Daoist magic; their bloodline originated from the demon saints, yet they were untainted by bloodshed, a sign of good fortune!

These exotic creatures are only used to pull carts, and the scale of the spectacle is astonishing.

When they got closer...

The golden carriage curtains opened by themselves, revealing a person sitting upright on a feathered couch, resembling a king residing on the imperial steps, with hair as black as ink spread out and eyes that were serene and untouched by worldly dust.

He wore a robe of a True Martial Daoist, embroidered with gold patterns on the corners of the collar. The black tortoise and the flying snake, with their blue and black intertwined images, leaped out from the sleeves, perfectly natural and lifelike, adding to his majesty.

The man gently rose from the jade couch, like a banished immortal about to descend to the mortal realm. He merely lowered his head slightly, as if looking down upon all living beings, and took in all the sights, knowing the whole story.

Then, upon hearing Xie Wen's question, she merely raised an eyebrow, her voice clear and each word resonating in the ears of everyone in the courtyard:
"When the Grand Examination of Baiyujing concluded, all the heavens vied for the qualification to attend the Peach Banquet. I, the Daoist, swept through all the heavens, enhancing the prestige of the human immortal martial arts. You did call me Senior Brother Qi."

Qi Nanke's tone was ambiguous, as if he were smiling but not smiling:
"Has he become too hot-tempered? Now that he's a Martial Saint, he thinks he can rival me?"

"What brings me here, Daozi?"

He gently raised his hand.

In an instant, it exploded like thunder, as if a thunderclap resounded!
The sleeves surged with true energy, and the Xuan Turtle and Teng Snake seemed to take real form as Qi Nanke's long arms reached out.
His clothes were already fluttering in the wind, his sleeves billowing, his expression calm, and he raised his hand to strike!
boom!
The vacuum was shattered, the waves were churning, and the entire Dragon Elephant Gate seemed to be affected by the moment the tortoise and snake appeared, almost as if the earth was cracking and the mountains were shaking, all of which were the aftershocks and vibrations of its move!
"Why should you have a say?"

Those calm yet domineering words, spoken as if they held the reins of power, were delivered only lightly...
This caused Xie Wen, who had appeared calm and composed since his appearance, to be panting heavily, as if his shoulders were bearing an immense weight.

At this moment, he seemed to be under immense pressure, but more so a mental torment and blow, while his eyes revealed a hint of defiance and disbelief:
"I have already honed my true intent to its limit, advanced to Martial Saint, and become a young master. Although I failed last time, this time I am determined to enter the Peach Banquet before I turn 18."

"Why am I still suppressed by your true intention, my soul shaken, and my heavenly eyes unable to see even the slightest detail?"

"How could there be such a huge gap between us!?"

"Then what does all my long and arduous practice amount to!"

Xie Wen seemed not to believe it, as if his belief had collapsed. His eyes turned red and he let out a low roar before letting out a long howl and taking the lead in raising his fist and charging out!
He stomped his foot hard, the force of which cracked the steps of the Dragon Soaring Gate. His fist roared like a dragon's cry, and with the blessing of martial arts and true intent, his killing fist soared to the sky, as if it had actually pulled out a dragon's head!
The Killing Dragon Fist contains the power and variations of a 'Martial Saint's Ultimate Technique' pushed to its limit!
"I refuse to believe it's come to this."

"I'm still so far behind you!"

As an observer, Ji Xiu only had one feeling.

Even though Xie Wen of Yu Huan didn't seem to be so angry about his marriage contract with Xiao Mingli, that anger started to rise after the appearance of Qi Nanke, the True Martial Daoist.
He seemed to be trapped in a kind of 'self-delusion,' as if he had seen his inner demons, and his obsession was to break and shatter them.

Just how much of a shadow did Zhenwu Daozi leave on him?

This is the mighty young martial saint, the armor before the Dragon Infant Monument!
Ji Xiu clicked his tongue in amazement.

Even if he completes the Nine Transformations and advances to the Dragon-Tiger realm, given his current level, he wouldn't dare say he could rival Xie Wen.
The leader of this Young Dragon Stele is Qi Nanke.
How powerful would it be?!

The martial arts world of immortals is a place where hidden talents abound!

At this moment, the Dragon Head Killing Fist had already crashed into the Turtle-Snake Palm Shadow, rampaging wildly as if trying to stir up the wind and clouds.

Xie Wen's manifested dragon head roared, and with his unreserved and all-powerful essence of fist techniques, he was about to tear the 'Sky-Supporting Five Fingers' apart and explode it into a sky full of true energy.
However----

No matter how much he expended his blood and qi, how much his true energy surged, and how many different ultimate techniques and killing moves he made, he could never break through the giant palm's vast and boundless true energy!

Then, the large hand containing the tortoise and snake imagery in the sky suddenly clenched its five fingers into a fist.

*Pfft!*
In an instant, a shockwave exploded, the airflow was expelled, as if everything was shattered and reduced to dust by that clenched fist!
Among them was the dragon's head!

Without any suspense, it was squeezed into nothingness with a single palm strike.

"puff!"

Right in the center of that fist clenched with true energy, Xie Wen, whose face was flushed, gritted his teeth and braced himself with his arms, and could no longer hold back as he spat out a mouthful of blood.

Then, with all his might, he broke free of the restraints and plummeted as if exhausted, only to hear the owner of the powerful hand of true energy let out a soft exclamation:
"Ok?"

"You've improved, though."

"Despite my full-force strike, he managed to break free, suffering only minor superficial injuries."

"Xie Wen, you certainly have reason to be proud in this day and age."

"If you hadn't been born in this golden age, with the formidable Sword Mountain Guard above you, that girl at the Great Wall of the Border Guard like a towering mountain, and several others who are no match for you."

“In other eras of the Great Xuan Dynasty, there were many times when there was no power, and you would have been a leader.”

Qi Nanke offered his comments without reservation.

But these seemingly complimentary words caused Xie Wen, whose heart was already churning, to feel his internal organs churn, and he coughed up another mouthful of blood, his resentment almost overflowing.
"you"

At this moment, Qi Nanke, with his hands behind his back and his black hair flying, stepped out of the golden carriage. With each step, he shrank the distance between them, and in an instant, he was at the same speed as Qi Nanke as he was falling, about to enter the Dragon and Elephant Gate.

Seeing this, his gaze remained indifferent:
"What, you're not convinced?"

"When you used your title to bully everyone, and when you used your martial saint status to bully this Dragon Elephant Prince..."

"Why didn't you put yourself in their shoes?"

At this moment, Xie's protector could no longer sit still. He tried to stand up and shatter the giant hand to pull Xie Wen out, but Xu Longxiang remained silent and had already changed his attack and defense, firmly restraining him.

Until the Xie clan leader forcefully fell from the sky and shattered the courtyard steps!

Qi Nanke then landed steadily.

Then, looking at Ji Xiu, she nodded slightly, her face showing a kind and gentle expression, and extended her hand:
"Let me introduce myself."

"My name is Qi Nanke, the Taoist of Zhenwu Mountain."

"In total"

"You should call me Senior Brother Qi."

He glanced at Xie Wen, who was struggling to get up, and spoke in a calm, indifferent tone, as if addressing everyone present, sending chills down their spines:

"Anyone below the title who wishes to challenge Long Xiangzi in martial arts, regardless of life or death, I will not interfere."

"But those who use their titles to insult others..."

The ancient and divine sword with a snake-handled tortoise-scabbard at his waist, engraved with the seal script character "Zhenwu," suddenly rang out with a vast and resonant sound!

"Before that, let's test the True Martial Sword with me, Qi Nanke, and see if it's sharp!"

(P.S.: Happy New Year everyone! I've been quite busy these past few days, please forgive me.) (End of Chapter)