Recognize the Ancestors and Return to the Clan; Teach Him a Lesson!

Nanhua Commandery, Wanghai Teahouse.

The latest Dragon and Tiger Ranking of top martial arts figures has been posted on the notice board outside the teahouse. The crowd of onlookers is so dense that those at the back can only peek through the gaps in the crowd.

The teahouse was even more bustling. The waiters' voices were almost hoarse from shouting. The steamy water vapor and the clamor of voices mixed together, turning this originally elegant seaside teahouse into a marketplace.

"I have no complaints about the top four, after all, they have extraordinary Dao Path Phenomenon enlightenment. But Xie Linchuan is completely unknown, how did he manage to get into the top ten, and even almost squeezed out the Divine Monk Jiese!"

At the table by the window, a burly man with a thick beard slammed his teacup down on the table, splashing tea across half of it. He sneered, "I saw that divine monk last month! His Great Strength Vajra Palm technique was truly miraculous!"

A scholar-like man in a blue robe at the next table looked at a line on the list, put down his teacup, and said thoughtfully, "The Dharma name Miedu?"

"He's actually a descendant of the Little Thunderclap Temple! This lineage practices Hinayana Buddhism, yet they've entered the world? It seems there's bound to be a battle between this monk and the Divine Monk Jiese in the Dragon Gate —a clash between Mahayana and Hinayana!"

Upon hearing this, someone nearby chuckled and said, "So, now only Vajra Chan Temple is left, still arguing about whether to follow Mahayana or Hinayana."

"That's right, everyone's waiting for that Buddhist disciple to make the final decision," a swordsman chimed in, his eyes seemingly brimming with anticipation. "I've heard he's still in the Luofu Grotto-Heaven; I wonder when he'll emerge."

In a corner of the teahouse, Anzi, wearing a straw hat, looked up at the swordsman upon hearing this.

The latter seemed to sense something and turned to look back.

Their gazes met briefly in mid-air before shifting away. The clash of energy within the teahouse was swift and dissipated quickly, going unnoticed by most.

"The female bodhisattva of the Bao Household?" The swordsman withdrew his gaze and murmured.

The conversation among others had shifted to who had recently passed through Nanhua Commandery.

Nanhua Commandery is located at the border between the Southern Victorious Continent and the Central Plains. To reach the South Sea Dragon Palace, one must pass through this place.

At the same time, Nanhua Commandery is also the territory of the Nanhua Sect.

The Fairy Nishang from [Falling Rosy Clouds Grotto-Heaven] in the Northern Dark Continent entered Southern Victorious Continent a few days ago.

"What's this guy doing in our South Sea?"

"The war is still raging in the Northern Sea. This time, the warriors can enter the Dragon Gate of Eternal Dragon Gate of the three seas: East, West, and South. Therefore, each martial artist can choose one and will not gather in one place at the beginning."

"Who has the best connections and knows where the top-ranked individuals on the Dragon and Tiger Ranking will go?"

"The top-ranked heroine, Fengyan Lengfeng, disappeared for more than half a year, but recently reappeared in the Western Desert. As expected, she went to the Dragon Palace of the Western Sea."

"That enchantress from the Incense-Smelling Cult must be from the East Sea. After all, the Incense-Smelling Cult caused quite a stir in the East Sea last year; I wonder what kind of scheme they've set up."

"Deng Canglan recently killed Yao Liang of Floating Hill Mountain in the Eastern Wilderness. I heard that a young Daoist of considerable seniority named Jin Buxi has come down from Floating Hill Mountain. If nothing unexpected happens, the two of them should have met at the East Sea Dragon Palace."

"Young Hero Yu Tunzhou, who recently traveled down the Coming Dragon River and landed in the Southeast Commandery, is heading straight south, likely heading for the South Sea!"

"Hiss, is that Young Hero Yu, who inherited the Old Wang's reputation for Madman, coming to our South Sea? Wasn't he supposed to be in the Western Desert before?"

"What old news? Yu Tunzhou has been heading here from the Western Desert for a while now. It recently appeared in the Southeast Commandery, and it's most likely heading for our South Sea."

"Why not the East Sea? Are you worried that Deng Canglan and An Ruyu will join forces?"

"Are you stupid? Last year, the East Sea Dragon Palace lost a Dragon Race from its External Scenery because of this guy. If you were in his shoes, would you run to the enemy's lair? A wise man doesn't stand under a crumbling wall!"

"Indeed, Young Hero Yu made no attempt to conceal his whereabouts; on the contrary, he acted quite ostentatiously, practically announcing it to everyone, as if afraid no one would know that his target this time was the South Sea Dragon Palace!"

The burly, bearded man who had previously expressed his indignation suddenly said, "The Divine Monk Jiese has also entered Southern Victorious Continent."

The swordsman stood up, clapped his hands, and laughed, "In that case, at least three of the top ten will gather in the South Sea. This is truly something to look forward to."

"Three people? The other one is----" Someone looked over at the sound of the voice, but only saw a back view.

The swordsman stepped out of the teahouse, but after only a few steps, he was stopped by a martial artist. The martial artist squinted at him and chuckled, "Who's so generous as to have a martial artist at the Middle Divine Ability Stage Power realm as their follower and bodyguard?"

The martial artist blocking the way transmitted his voice, "May I ask if you are Lin Yueheng, the Young Hero Lin of ' One Sword Across the River,' ranked ninth on the Dragon and Tiger Ranking? My lord wishes to invite you!"

Just as Lin Yueheng was about to ask who the other person's prince was, he suddenly noticed that the person had a high-pitched voice and a barely noticeable Adam's apple. A thought struck him, "Where does your prince rank in the royal family?"

"He is undoubtedly number one."

"So it's Ji Zhaoxuan of the Great Yan Dynasty." Lin Yueheng's eyes flickered slightly, somewhat surprised. He hadn't expected that this person would choose the South Sea!

He hesitated for a moment and said, "I have important matters to attend to and I am afraid I will not be able to pay my respects to His Highness the Crown Prince today. Please convey my message."

Having said that, he ignored the person in front of him and was about to draw his sword and leave.

Making contact with the Crown Prince of Great Yan at this time is not a good thing.

Furthermore, their Cross-River Sword Sect has nothing to rely on the royal family for.

At this moment, the other party added unhurriedly, "His Highness has summoned you not just for Young Hero Lin. The matter to be discussed is also closely related to the internal situation of the Eternal Dragon Gate. Please consider it carefully, Young Hero Lin."

Lin Yueheng paused, turned around, and said calmly, "Please lead the way."

At this moment, he saw a woman wearing a bamboo hat walk out of the teahouse. It was Bao Household. She was also stopped by someone who cupped his hands in invitation.

Lin Yueheng's eyes narrowed.

It seems this crown prince has grand ambitions.

Are they preparing to gather all the martial artists heading to the South Sea?

Thus, it's unclear whether the Yu Tunzhou is also among them.

While pondering, Lin Yueheng followed the guards across the street to a restaurant, heading straight to a private room on the top floor.

Upon entering the room, Crown Prince Ji Zhaoxuan slowly turned around. Dressed in a black, close-fitting outfit, his upper garment embroidered with five symbols of the sun, moon, and stars, and his lower garment with four symbols of mountains, Long Hua, and insects, he exuded an exceptionally composed demeanor. He nodded slightly and said, "Young Hero Lin, Heroine Bao, it's a pleasure to meet you. Please take a seat."

Lin Yueheng looked around the room. Apart from the guards, seven people were already seated. More than half of them were familiar faces, all of whom were on the Dragon and Tiger Ranking, ranked between 20th and 35th.

The other three were unfamiliar faces, but one woman's eyes were particularly striking. Her golden pupils shone like molten gold, and the corners of her eyes were carefully outlined with gold powder, making them even more dazzling.

Lin Yueheng initially thought it was a descendant of dragons, but he quickly realized that it was different. These golden eyes were not dragon eyes; their light was clear and pure, and they contained Spiritual Qi.

There are quite a few people with unusual bloodlines within the Great Yan territory, but he had only heard of one family with such golden eyes in rumors: the Tantai Clan of the Divine Capital.

And those who could sit at the same table as the Tantai Clan, could they be the other two families besides the Anguo Ji Clan?

Soon, Ji Zhaoxuan confirmed his conjecture.

Let me give you an introduction.

Ji Zhaoxuan spoke in a calm and pleasant tone, with a hint of a smile, "This is Brother Xiao Yanzhi Divine Capital Xiao Household. He cultivates Ancient Method, and his strength is comparable to, or even surpasses, that of Half-Step External Scenery."

Lin Yueheng over and saw that the man was thin and not particularly handsome, but he had a calm demeanor that was unforgettable.

What's most striking are his eyes, almost empty and calm, like a deep well, bottomless and without ripples.

"This is Tantai Mingyu from the Tantai Household. She also cultivates Ancient Method, and her strength is comparable to Half-Step External Scenery."

Lin Yueheng tentatively asked, "These two seem to be both over thirty?"

Tantai Mingyu was dressed in spotless white, with an ethereal air and an appearance that remained at around twenty years old. Her beauty was beyond compare, and although there was a smile on her lips, her eyes were indifferent as if they belonged to another world.

At that moment, she looked over, her golden eyes gleaming, reflecting Lin Yueheng's figure, and said with a half-smile, "Caring about a woman's age is not the act of a gentleman."

Ji Zhaoxuan smiled slightly and continued the conversation, "Due to strong demands from various families and for certain considerations, the royal family has relaxed the quota restrictions, no longer limiting it to the younger generation on the Dragon and Tiger Ranking, but only to those below the External Scenery. After all, what lies behind the Dragon Gate is of great importance to the Human Race."

Lin Yueheng smiled but remained silent, inwardly sneering. The Eternal Dragon Gate, once a battleground for the younger generation, had now, with the infighting among various families, degenerated into a place where any Tom, Dick, or Harry could come?

Having cultivated to the Half-Step External Scenery using Ancient Method, even if they were to accumulate experience and unleash their full potential thanks to the revival of Ancient Method, these two would be at least thirty or forty years old, a difference of ten or twenty years from me.

And let alone twenty years, even if I only have two more years, I can still secure External Scenery!

Ji Zhaoxuan continued, "This is Jiang Fengyang, from the Luo River Jiang Clan. He has been stationed on overseas battlefields for many years, but his father has called him back to represent the Jiang Household in the war."

Hearing this, Lin Yueheng over and saw that the other person was dressed in a black short-sleeved shirt with tightly tucked cuffs and a belt around the waist, much like a military man. He couldn't help but feel more respect for him and cupped his hands, saying, "May I ask which battlefield you are on? I intend to go to the battlefield to hone my skills after I have achieved some success in my martial arts training."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Fengyang looked up, remained silent for a moment, and said succinctly, "If you're not afraid of death, go to the Northern Dark Sea; if you simply want to gain experience, go to the West."

Lin Yueheng his hands in thanks and said, "Thank you."

Before Ji Zhaoxuan could speak, the remaining men stood up, cupped their hands in greeting, and said, "Young Hero Lin, it's been three months since we last met!"

"Brother Lin, it's been a long time!"

Lin Yueheng the greetings one by one. These were all old acquaintances, and they had sparred with each other several times in the past, so they knew each other well.

After everyone had exchanged pleasantries and taken their seats, Ji Zhaoxuan's smile faded, and his tone grew serious. "The reason I have invited you all here is because the secrets behind the Eternal Dragon Gate are related to the rise and fall of the entire Central Plains Human Race. This time, as the Dragon Gate opens, not only will our Human Race enter, but all the races from overseas will also enter."

--

Lin Yueheng frowned. "Overseas descendants will also participate? Doesn't the royal family have a way to stop it?"

"The entrances to the Eternal Dragon Gate aren't limited to the Three Seas Dragon Palaces. The overseas Dragon Race also control the relevant entrances," Ji Zhaoxuan said slowly. "Therefore, this competition is not merely a contest between peers, but a conflict between clans."

Lin Yueheng remained silent for a moment.

No wonder the royal family relaxed the conditions at the last minute; it seems this was their plan from the beginning!

"Does Your Highness know anything else?" Lin Yueheng continued to inquire.

Ji Zhaoxuan cupped his hands, speaking earnestly, "There are some inside stories I must keep to myself for now. Once you all arrive in Sea City with me, and all the martial artists gathered in the South Sea are assembled, I will reveal everything I know."

Some of the martial artists present immediately stood up, expressing their willingness to lend a helping hand to His Highness the Crown Prince. Tantai Mingyu and the other two also made similar gestures.

Lin Yueheng remained expressionless and nodded slightly, understanding in his heart that this person clearly wanted to seize control after entering the Dragon Gate.

As things stand, the three major Aristocratic Clan clearly support Ji Zhaoxuan.

Now, the only variables left are Yu Tunzhou and Dharma Master Jiese.

Thinking of this, Lin Yueheng couldn't help but frown. Could it be that overseas forces were involved in the Eternal Dragon Gate incident?

What exactly is the royal family hiding?

Ji Zhaoxuan was the first to stand up and said, "There's no time to lose, everyone. Let's set off together for Sea City!"

Soon, news spread from Nanhua Commandery that the Crown Prince Ji Zhaoxuan of the Great Yan Dynasty had gathered a group of talented young men to head to Sea City.

Meanwhile, the Yu Tunzhou had already arrived at Sea City.

Sea City is located on the coast of the Southern Victorious Continent South Sea Dragon Palace, making it the final gathering point for martial artists from all sides.

He made no attempt to conceal his whereabouts, and even deliberately unleashed his Fist Intent, attracting attention from all sides.

In no time, news of the "Madman" Yu Tunzhou entering the city spread like wildfire.

Countless martial artists who had already Sea City, eager to witness the clash of the younger generation, were all inquiring about where this person was staying.

Yu Tunzhou did not disappoint them, booking the top floor of Drunken Sea Tower, the tallest restaurant in Sea City, as if waiting for martial artists from all sides to come and challenge them.

The Drunken Sea Tower.

"Hehe, meeting you today, it's true that reputation doesn't live up to it." Elder Daoist Qingshan, an External Scenery elder from the Nanhua Sect, stroked his beard.

He laughed, mentioning, "In the letters that Junior Sister Qingzhi sent back to the sect in the past, she mentioned Young Hero Yu several times. It's just a pity that we were ultimately unable to recognize his talent."

Yu Tunzhou smiled and said, "Senior is too kind. There aren't many elders in this grotto-heaven who are truly worthy of respect, and Senior Qingzhi is one of them."

In the old grotto, seeing that he took good care of his vegetable garden, the man entrusted him with cultivating the garden. His payment was simply oil, salt, and rice, which was never delayed, and he never made empty promises to him.

Upon hearing Yu Tunzhou's evaluation of his junior sister, Daoist Qingshan's expression softened further. He smiled and said, "I also visited Luofu Grotto-Heaven last year, but unfortunately, I was a little too late. By then, you had already left with Great Hero Mo."

Yu Tunzhou suddenly thought of something, "May I ask, senior, is the Nanhua Sect affiliated with the Grand Purity Lineage?"

"Our sect reveres the Heavenly Lord of Dao and Virtue, but because many of our Ancient Method have been lost, we dare not claim to be of the Grand Purity Lineage. In truth, our sect belongs to the lineage of the Heavenly Lord Nanhua."

Qingshan explained that he knew the person in front of him seemed to be related to the Supreme Purity Lineage, so they could be considered disciples of the Three Pure Ones, which made them feel even closer.

Sure enough, after he revealed that he was a disciple of the Heavenly Lord Nanhua, the young man's gaze softened, becoming more intimate, and even showing a hint of affection.

Kind and approachable?

Daoist Qingshan was taken aback, but quickly realized that it must have been his imagination.

After exchanging a few casual words, Yu Tunzhou casually said, "I had a fortuitous encounter in the Western Desert and learned about the Grand Purity Lineage. There is a Grand Dharma Master Xuandu, who is the eldest disciple of the Heavenly Lord of Dao and Virtue. I wonder if Senior Qingshan has heard of him?"

Qingshan's expression immediately turned serious. "May I ask, Young Hero Yu, where are these records located? To be honest, many secrets held by our Daoist lineage have been severely lost. Please inform us, for if we can complete them, it would be a great honor for our Daoist School lineage to return to its ancestral roots!"

Recognizing one's ancestors and returning to one's roots----

Yu Tunzhou coughed dryly, "Why did it have to come to this? Why did it have to come to this? We'll talk about it later!"

"It was a place of inheritance that I stumbled upon with Heroine Feng during our trip to the Western Desert, but unfortunately, it can't be found now," he said evasively.

"Oh?" Qingshan's eyes lit up. "Nephew Feng also knows this? Thank you for informing me Young Hero Yu!"

Feng Yanleng had practiced swordsmanship at the Nanhua Sect for five years, but for certain reasons, he was only Registered Disciple of his senior brother and was not formally accepted into the Nanhua Sect.

"It's a pity that Jianjia is still in seclusion in the Sword Pool, otherwise she would have been the one to receive Young Hero Yu this time."

Hearing Daoist Qingshan's regretful words, Yu Tunzhou couldn't help but think of the Fermentation Fairy in the grotto-heaven and asked curiously, "Is she still farming?"

"Farming?" Qingshan was taken aback, then shook his head and said, "After Jianjia returned to the sect, he practiced swordsmanship diligently, and he hardly had any free time each day."

Yu Tunzhou slightly, thinking to himself, "This won't do, Lao Cao. Where have you thrown away all the fine traditions of the grotto heaven?"

Just then, a powerful voice rang out from beneath the Drunken Sea Tower, filled with soaring fighting spirit. "Ren Buping of the South Sea Chamber of Commerce, humbly requesting guidance from Young Hero Yu Tunzhou!"

Upon hearing this, Yu Tunzhou smiled and said, "Today, I will not continue to entertain you, senior."

Jianjia Daoist Qingshan smiled and decided not to disturb her any further. He said that he would let his niece Jianjia come to visit him after she left the Sword Pool, and then he took his leave.

He had barely left Drunken Sea Tower when he felt the overwhelming Fist Intent, like the sun rising in the sky, and was stunned in mid-air.

When he visited Luofu Grotto-Heaven years ago, his junior sister Qingzhi said he was too late, and that he had one more regret in his life than to have witnessed the overwhelming, sun-like Fist Intent of the self-proclaimed martial artist from a later generation who wanted to challenge the Martial Ancestor.

Yu Tunzhou stood on the Drunken Sea Tower, hands behind his back, his gaze never looking down, but rather up at the sky, seemingly level with it, his Fist Intent as fierce as the blazing sun.

Faced with the challenge from the martial artists below, he only uttered a single, seemingly casual remark, yet it conveyed an air of arrogance in the eyes of the Sea City martial artists. "If you're not afraid to die, then come on."

A strong wind suddenly arose between heaven and earth.

The wind rises and the clouds surge.

Countless martial artists in Sea City looked up and finally vaguely understood the meaning of the title "The One Whose Fist Is in Heaven" on the Dragon and Tiger Ranking and Tiger Ranking.

On this day, Yu Tunzhou defeated seven people in a row, none of whom succeeded in climbing the building. They were all defeated with a single punch and were completely convinced of his defeat.

At first, cheers erupted from all sides, but by the end, all was silent. The overwhelming Fist Intent made no one dare to challenge anymore.

Yu Tunzhou stood on the top floor, his expression calm, his figure seemingly merging with heaven and earth, inseparable from them, his Fist Intent soaring like the sun in the sky, pressing down on Sea City.

The martial artists from afar couldn't help but sigh, realizing that nowadays, perhaps only the top ten on the Dragon and Tiger Ranking would have the chance to ascend the tower and fight.

We can only hope that a top-ranked martial artist from the Dragon and Tiger Ranking will arrive and have a good fight with him!

It was also on this night.

He had been standing on the rooftop with his hands behind his back, looking down at his younger peer Yu Tunzhou, when he suddenly opened his eyes, his expression filled with intense fighting spirit as if facing a formidable enemy!

A faint, distant sound of silver bells drifted from the depths of the night, tinkling and ringing as if through a thin veil, or as if across a whole year.

Under the cover of night, a figure slowly "walked" towards her, hovering in the air, with moonlight spreading beneath her feet and the sea breeze ruffling her clothes and hair.

She was still wearing a white dress today, and the moonlight fell on it, spreading out like water.

She drew her eyebrows, applied lipstick, and, mimicking the motion of Yu Tunzhou, put her hands behind her back, tilted her head slightly, and smiled charmingly.

"Young Hero Guo."

The sound came from the wind, carrying a hint of languor and a touch of mischief.

In the darkness, the young girl gently lifted the hem of her skirt with both hands, twirled in the air, and as the skirt swirled, her lively and graceful movements made her appear even more elegant and ethereal.

She smiled brightly, emphasizing two words: "Do I look good in my new clothes?"