Li Qingshan's simple yet seemingly profound self-introduction stirred even greater waves in everyone's hearts.
However, some people just can't resist the urge.
Ji Haiyue suppressed the inexplicable pressure and a trace of barely perceptible jealousy that arose in her heart from Li Qingshan's aura, which was almost like "the embodiment of the Dao".
His gaze swept over the hazy, ethereal figure of the Jade Pool Holy Maiden, and a thought became clearer in his mind: this person's origins were unknown, and although her aura was strong, she might not truly possess the strength to match it.
If one could test their abilities in public, not only would one be able to save face after losing composure, but one could also demonstrate the Feng Cai and responsibility of a descendant of the Ji Family before the Holy Maiden.
He took a deep breath, forced a seemingly peaceful smile onto his face, and cupped his hands to Li Qingshan, saying, "Fellow Daoist Li, your extraordinary demeanor is truly admirable."
However, now the winds of change are rising in the Eastern Wasteland, and the younger generation is shining brightly, all of whom are role models for us.
Since you were personally introduced by the Holy Maiden, you must have some extraordinary qualities.
My Ji Family has been on good terms with Jade Pool for generations, and seeing this magnificent sight today fills me with longing.
Why don't we, the younger generation, take this opportunity to have a small exchange of skills, stopping short of serious discussion? This will not only verify what we have learned, but also allow us to witness the Feng Cai of our fellow Daoists, and further demonstrate the thriving spirit of the younger generation in the Eastern Wasteland.
I wonder what you think, my friend?
His words highlighted the friendship between the Ji Family and Jade Pool, and by using the guise of "exchange among the younger generation in the Eastern Wasteland," he disguised a private probing as a legitimate "exchange of ideas and discussions," making it difficult for anyone to refuse directly.
This time, before Li Qingshan could speak, the Black Emperor, who had been scanning the entire scene with a disdainful gaze, seemed to have seen through Ji Haiyue's thoughts and suddenly stood up.
With one paw arrogantly on its hip and the other pointing directly at Ji Haiyue, it sneered, "Woof! Talk is cheap!"
What kind of intellectual exchange and discussion, what kind of flourishing atmosphere?
Kid, you think you can hide your little schemes from me?
Isn't it just because my son is stealing the spotlight from you, the young master of the Ji Family, that you're so jealous and want to find an excuse to test his mettle?
What are you trying to prove by using someone else's name! You're not very good at practicing the Void Ancient Scripture, but you've certainly inherited their thick skin!
This black dog not only spoke human language, but its words were also sharp and cutting, tearing Ji Haiyue's dignified facade to shreds and revealing her petty thoughts of jealousy, probing, and suppression.
"Puff!"
The young master of the Five Elements Hall couldn't hold back again. This time, he didn't even bother to hide it and burst out laughing, which drew suppressed chuckles from those around him.
That black dog has such a vicious mouth!
Ji Haiyue's face instantly turned red, like a pig's liver, and the power of the Void around him fluctuated violently, causing ripples to spread in the space around him.
He stared intently at the Black Emperor, his eyes blazing with murderous intent, and forced out chilling words through clenched teeth. "You beast! You have repeatedly insulted my Ji Family, do you really think I dare not kill you?!"
"Brother Haiyue, why bother arguing with a mere spirit beast?"
Zhao Fa of the Yaoguang Holy Land spoke up again "at the opportune moment," his face bearing his usual warm smile, but his words were laced with barbs. "Although Fellow Daoist Black Emperor's words are a bit too straightforward, what he said is not entirely without reason."
However, Brother Haiyue's suggestion to spar was intended to encourage and hone the skills of us younger generation. Fellow Daoist Li is magnanimous; surely he wouldn't mind such an elegant affair?"
He cleverly steered the conversation back to "sparring," seemingly trying to reconcile the two sides, but in reality, he forced Li Qingshan into a position where he had to respond.
The Jade Pool Holy Maiden stood quietly to one side, the hazy mist obscuring most of her expression, except for a barely perceptible furrow in her clear eyes.
Ji Haiyue's attack was expected, but it may have disrupted the elegant atmosphere of this gathering of friends through stones.
Moreover, she was the hostess of this place, and Li Qingshan was a distinguished guest personally introduced by her. For both public and private reasons, she needed to control the situation.
We must neither allow our guests to be mistreated on our own turf, nor let the situation get out of control and lose Jade Pool composure.
Her gaze swept between Li Qingshan and Ji Haiyue, and she spoke up to intervene.
But Li Qingshan remained calm and composed, a hint of amusement playing on his lips, as if watching a spectacle that had nothing to do with him, showing no intention of restraining the unruly black dog.
She couldn't help but think to herself:
This fellow Daoist Li, though young, is quite shrewd. By letting this black dog cause trouble, he saves himself the trouble of dealing with these issues.
Upon hearing Zhao Fa's words, Black Emperor flew into a rage, its black fur almost standing on end. It abruptly turned its "gun" and barked at Zhao Fa, "Woof! You hypocrite who's all glowing!"
You're an expert at stirring up trouble! And you call that "refined business"?
I can tell you're just stirring up trouble! You want a fight, don't you?
Come, come, let me play with you for a bit, and show you what true "elegance" really means!
As it spoke, it stood upright, ready to charge forward, its eyes gleaming with excitement and danger.
Zhao Fa's warm smile froze instantly, a cold glint flashed in his eyes, and the holy light around him fluctuated violently.
He hadn't expected the black dog to be so reckless, immediately trying to attack.
He suppressed his anger, gave a cold snort with a gloomy expression, and took a half step back imperceptibly, shielding everyone in front of him.
Obviously, they didn't want to actually fight with a dog in front of the Yaochi Stone Workshop; that would be too beneath them.
Seeing this, Jiang Yifei's eyes flashed with a knowing smile. He had figured it out. This man and this dog, one unfathomable and the other unrestrained, were neither easy to deal with.
He tried to smooth things over, but instead addressed Li Qingshan, saying, "Fellow Daoist Li, Fellow Daoist Black Emperor is straightforward and genuine, which is quite amusing."
However, what Brother Haiyue said also represented the thoughts of many of his fellow practitioners present.
Fellow Daoist, your divine bearing and Daoist charm are rarely seen in this world. If you could display your skills and let us have a glimpse of them, it would truly be a wonderful thing.
Of course, it all depends on your wishes, fellow Daoist.
Li Qingshan felt that the time was right, so he slowly reached out and gently patted Black Emperor's huge dog head. The movement was casual and natural, and he said with a smile, "Alright, Black Emperor, the invitation from the fellow Daoists is very kind."
"Your shouts of violence and killing are a disservice to the tranquility of this place!"
His tone was relaxed, with a hint of affectionate indulgence. Instead of blaming him, it was as if he were comforting a sulking companion. This attitude made it seem as if he had a close relationship with the mysterious black dog and also highlighted his composed demeanor.
He then raised his eyes, his gaze calmly sweeping over Ji Haiyue, whose face was ashen, and Zhao Fa, whose expression was gloomy, before finally landing on Jiang Yifei. The smile on his lips carried a hint of something unfathomable, "Fellow Daoist Jiang is right."
Mutual encouragement and inspiration can indeed promote spiritual practice.
Since you fellow Daoists have shown such refined interest, it would be impolite of me to refuse.
"I just wonder, how does Fellow Daoist Ji intend to spar?"
His words, while readily accepting the challenge, also passed the buck back to Ji Haiyue, displaying complete confidence as if he were utterly unafraid of whatever approach the other party proposed.
Seeing that Li Qingshan had finally accepted the challenge, Ji Haiyue's sneer intensified, but he tried his best to maintain the demeanor of a noble young master. He said loudly, "This is the Jade Pool Immortal Workshop Abode. Fighting here would be disrespectful to the beautiful lady and spoil the scenery."
My Ji Family's Void Ancient Scripture has some insights into the art of spatial transformation.
"Why don't we compete in supernatural powers, without weapons or harming our peace, simply discussing the exquisite nature of our Daoist arts? What do you say?"
His deliberate mention of the Void Ancient Scripture was both a display of confidence and an invisible deterrent.
However, as soon as he finished speaking, Li Qingshan gently shook his head, the faint smile on his lips still there, his voice clear and melodious, yet carrying a magnificent and awe-inspiring air. "Fellow Daoist Ji, your cultivation level in the Dao Palace Secret Realm is indeed extraordinary here."
However, given my current level of strength, it would be somewhat unfair for me to fight you with all my might.
These words shocked the entire audience!
However, what shocked them even more was what Li Qingshan said next.
"That's not fair?"
Ji Haiyue laughed angrily, "What do you mean by that, Fellow Daoist Li? Do you mean to look down on me?"
The power of the Void around him fluctuated faintly, revealing his inner turmoil.
It's not that I look down on them.
Li Qingshan remained calm and composed as he looked at Ji Haiyue, as if stating a simple fact. "The difference in their cultivation levels is like heaven and earth."
If I were to fight using my current cultivation level, even if I won, it would be difficult to convince you.
He paused, and amidst the astonished, puzzled, or arrogant gazes of the crowd, he slowly extended his right hand, his five fingers long and slender, with a radiant light seemingly flowing beneath his skin.
"How about this?"
Li Qingshan's voice carried an undeniable confidence, "I will then suppress my cultivation to the same level as yours, the Dao Palace Secret Realm."
His gaze swept across the entire room, finally settling on Ji Haiyue. His tone was calm yet contained a powerful sense of pressure. "Furthermore, I will only use one move."
No matter what secret techniques or supernatural powers you use, as long as you can break through the power of my palm strike or force me to use my second hand, you will be considered the winner.
how?"
boom!
These words were like a thunderclap, exploding in everyone's ears!
Suppress your cultivation level to the same level!
Only one move! Winning means breaking through or forcing out a second move?!
This is not just simple confidence, but an absolute dominance that seems to be looking down from above!
It is a manifestation of overwhelming confidence in one's own strength and understanding of the Great Dao!
"Insane—absolutely insane!"
A female disciple from some minor sect gasped in surprise, her beautiful eyes filled with shock.
What level of attainment does he reach?
He actually said he wanted to suppress himself to the Dao Palace Secret Realm? Could it be that he's already a senior in the Four Extremes Secret Realm, or even the Dragon Transformation Secret Realm?
Another young cultivator's voice trembled as he stared incredulously at Li Qingshan's excessively youthful face.
"Impossible! Judging from his aura, he's definitely no more than twenty! How could he possibly be in the Dragon Transformation Secret Realm?"
Someone immediately objected, but their tone was also full of uncertainty.
Li Qingshan's unfathomable Daoist aura shook their previous understanding.
The young master of the Five Elements Hall stared wide-eyed, muttering, "A battle between equals, using only one move—this is simply unheard of! Even the holy sons of the Great Saint probably wouldn't dare to make such a boast to Ji Haiyue, would they?"
The arrogance in the Demon Emperor Hall Feng Xi's eyes vanished, replaced by an unprecedented solemnity. "He's either insane, or he truly possesses a level of confidence unimaginable to us!"
Jiang Yifei's composure finally crumbled. He stared intently at Li Qingshan, as if trying to see through him. "Suppress your cultivation level to fight someone of the same level, and face your enemy with one hand."
Fellow Daoist Li, you always surprise us with what you say.
He was already certain that this person must either possess an extraordinary inheritance or be endowed with some legendary ancient bloodline or physique; otherwise, he would never have such a spirit.
The warm smile on Zhao Fa's face had vanished without a trace; his expression was gloomy, and his eyes flickered uncertainly.
Li Qingshan's words were not only a sign of disrespect for Ji Haiyue, but also, to some extent, an invisible deterrent to them, who were also outstanding members of the younger generation.
His mind raced as he pondered what Li Qingshan was relying on.
Behind the hazy mist surrounding the Jade Pool Holy Maiden, a look of astonishment appeared on her exquisite face.
She knew Li Qingshan was highly skilled, but she never expected him to be so domineering!
This response was completely beyond her expectations.
Her clear eyes were fixed on Li Qingshan, her curiosity and anticipation rising.
Black Emperor quieted down at this moment. It stood upright with its two front paws crossed over its chest, and its dog face showed an expression that said, "I knew this would happen." It glanced sideways at Ji Haiyue, whose face was turning pale and then red.
Ji Haiyue felt as if she were being roasted over a fire.
Li Qingshan's words had driven him to a dead end.
Agree? Even if we win, it's a victory against an opponent who has tied their own hands; it's an unfair win.
If I don't agree, wouldn't that be admitting that I can't even withstand the opponent's suppressed cultivation and a single move?
That would be utterly humiliating!
Humiliation, anger, and a hint of fear that he himself was unwilling to admit were intertwined in his heart.
He stared intently at Li Qingshan, especially at the seemingly ordinary outstretched hand, and gritted his teeth, saying, "Fellow Daoist Li, what spirit!"
Since that's the case, if I were to refuse again, it would seem cowardly of me!
As you say, fellow Daoist! Please!
He said no more, and his aura suddenly erupted, revealing his cultivation level of the Dao Palace Secret Realm without reservation. His blood and qi surged like a dragon, making a loud roar.
He quickly formed hand seals, and the surrounding Void distorted instantly. Powerful spatial fluctuations spread out from him, as if trying to peel that area away from the real world.
"It's the Void Great Handprint of the Ji Family!"
Those who know their stuff exclaimed softly.
"Not only that! There's also Void -binding spell; he's trying to restrict Li Qingshan's movements!"
"Using such a powerful secret technique right from the start, Ji Haiyue is truly enraged and is holding nothing back!"
Before Ji Haiyue, a gigantic hand formed from the power of the Void slowly materialized, its palm lines clearly defined and containing a terrifying power capable of tearing through space.
At the same time, invisible spatial shackles surged towards Li Qingshan like a tide, attempting to completely seal off the space where he was located.
Despite the formidable attack that would make even cultivators of the same level pale in comparison, Li Qingshan's expression remained unchanged.
He didn't even make any complicated starting stance; he simply pushed his outstretched right hand forward slowly.
There were no earth-shattering fluctuations of divine power, nor any dazzling magical brilliance.
However, the instant he pushed out his palm, everyone present, including the elders and old women of Jade Pool, felt as if the surrounding spiritual energy and the rules of the Great Dao were instantly smoothed out and controlled by an invisible hand!
In front of Li Qingshan's palm, the Void seemed to transform into an invisible barrier, or perhaps a nascent, independent and complete world.
The four most fundamental laws of earth, water, fire, and wind flow, generate, and perish within it in an incomparably mysterious trajectory, evolving into the primordial Dao diagram of the beginning of chaos and the return of all things to oneness.
That was not a specific form of supernatural power, but rather a manifestation of the very rules of the Great Dao in his palm!
The moment Ji Haiyue's massive Void Great Handprint touched this invisible domain, it melted and decomposed at a visible speed, just like ice and snow meeting the blazing sun, returning to the most primordial Void power.
It was easily absorbed and assimilated by that chaotic Dao diagram!
The invisible spatial shackles failed to even cause a ripple before becoming completely ineffective.
"What?!"
"That's impossible!"
"What kind of supernatural power did he use? How could he so easily neutralize the Ji Family's Void Secret Technique?!"
Exclamations of surprise rose and fell; everyone was stunned by the incredible scene before them.
Ji Haiyue's pupils shrank sharply, her face filled with disbelief.
He felt he was not facing a palm, but an evolving, unbreakable, and complete world.
The oppressive feeling originating from the very source of the Great Dao made his soul tremble.
I don't believe it!
Ji Haiyue roared, frantically channeling her divine power, unleashing a barrage of the Ji Family secret techniques: Void Blade, Dimensional Slash, and more.
A spatial storm—a dazzling yet dangerous light engulfed him.
He blasted with all his might at the slowly advancing, seemingly unstoppable, yet unavoidable, palm.
However, it was all in vain.
All attacks were like mud oxen sinking into the sea within the palm-shaped domain that contained the elements of earth, fire, wind, water, and the unity of chaos, failing to stir up even the slightest ripple.
Li Qingshan's palm continued to advance unhurriedly, and wherever it passed, all laws were impervious and all evil forces retreated!
The Jade Pool Holy Maiden's eyes gleamed with wonder; as a descendant of Jade Pool, she possessed an extremely keen perception of the Great Dao.
She could clearly sense that what Li Qingshan's palm strike contained was not some specific powerful supernatural ability, but rather an application and control of the fundamental laws of heaven and earth that was close to the "Dao"!
Its sophistication far surpasses that of any fellow cultivators she has ever met, and even some older figures might not have achieved such comprehension!
This is something that cannot be achieved simply by having high cultivation levels!
" To Shrouding the Heavens with one hand."
This is true Shrouding the Heavens!
Jiang Yifei let out a long breath, his tone filled with complex emotions.
He knew that from this day forward, this person was destined to have a place among the pinnacle of the younger generation in the Eastern Wasteland, and his position would certainly not be low!
Zhao Fa's face was pale, his lips were tightly pressed together, and he could no longer utter a word.
He had only one thought in his mind: This person must never be made an enemy!
Under the shocked gazes of everyone, Li Qingshan's palm finally stopped steadily just three inches away from Ji Haiyue's face.
The suffocating, chaotic Daoist aura also subsided.
Ji Haiyue stood frozen in place, her face deathly pale, cold sweat soaking her back.
All his pride and confidence were shattered by that one slap.
Li Qingshan slowly withdrew his hand, as if he had only done a trivial matter. He looked at the distraught Ji Haiyue and smiled calmly, "You flatter me, Fellow Daoist Ji."