Torch Dragon Awakens, the Daoist School and the Dragon Race

Buzz--

The Void trembled, and clear, resonant Daoist sounds spread out in layers.

The Taiji Diagram around Yu Tunzhou slowly rotated, like the cycle of heaven and earth, the sun and moon, transforming into a stable Daoist temple.

The yin and yang fish slowly rotated, and the sweeping force of destruction dissolved completely in the flowing yin and yang energy.

This scene amazed Huntian.

"No wonder there's a saying that Dao and Virtue is the root of all laws! Such a strange phenomenon... Fellow Xuandu truly lives up to his reputation as a disciple of Laojun, but..."

He paused slightly, and a look of worry appeared between his brows.

Xuandu has been reincarnated and is cultivating again, but his cultivation level is still low. He is only at the beginning of his Dao Path, and his current extraordinary phenomena are only possible because he is in accordance with the Great Dao. How long can he maintain this state?

Ultimately, it is merely a resonance of the Great Dao, which cannot last. This power of annihilation is so great that even Torch Dragon is powerless to reverse the situation. If it continues, Xuandu will still suffer calamity.

Just as Huntian was worried, on the dark, Tongtian mountain, the dragon's body, which had been silent for countless ages, trembled slightly, and its huge dragon eyes, which had been silent for countless years, opened a crack at this moment.

His eyes were cloudy, yet they held a vast, boundless expanse, as if the world had just been created, and the entire world seemed to freeze in place.

The surging black mist froze into solidified ink waves, and even the flowing yin and yang energies were firmly bound by an invisible force.

This world fell silent as the Torch Dragon opened its eyes.

The colossal creature slowly raised its head, the sound of its scales rubbing together being exceptionally clear in the deathly silence.

The remaining consciousness was awakening, and a faint, familiar aura entered its perception.

Those were old acquaintances etched in the ancient past, and also old rivals with whom they had once clashed.

The entanglements of the past year surged into his mind, Torch Dragon instinctively felt intense disgust, his body radiating a hidden malevolent aura.

The entire space where Yu Tunzhou was located was forcibly separated from this world, like fragile glass, in danger of collapsing at any moment.

"That familiar scent... it disgusts me..."

Torch Dragon awoke from his daze, his mind still unclear, yet he instinctively showed malice towards Yu Tunzhou.

Just then, from the deepest part of the Dragon Gate, a lofty and boundless voice rang out, like a morning bell cleansing the heart, completely awakening the Torch Dragon.

The surging ferocity of the Torch Dragon gradually subsided, and its eyes regained their clarity.

He suppressed his resistance to the Kunpeng's aura, his enormous dragon eyes lowered, clearly reflecting the young man's figure, which seemed somewhat puzzled, even bewildered.

"A Human Race has embarked on the path of the Kunpeng?"

"On this path, the Kunpeng Lineage was defeated by a Human Race? Was the Kunpeng Lineage extinct? Or... was it arranged by the Emperor Wa?"

"Huh... is this Dao and Virtue?"

Torch Dragon, only then realizing what power had awakened him.

A massive dragon head descended from the sky, like a mountain slowly tilting, as if it wanted to get closer to see this young man who, despite his young age, possessed Dao and Virtue.

Even though time seemed to stand still, a clear, harmonious, and ever-flowing aura still emanated from Yu Tunzhou, with black and white rotating and yin and yang complementing each other.

It is precisely the Qi of Dao and Virtue!

"The Taiji Diagram..."

A sense of nostalgia and familiarity welled up in my heart again, but it was completely different from the aura of that treacherous Kunpeng.

A wisp of dragon whiskers drifted down, gently brushing against the sky and earth where the Yu Tunzhou stood.

Crack--

This small space that had been separated returned to normal.

The ever-flowing yin-yang symbol suddenly paused, slowly coming to a stop.

The Dao and Virtue purity that surrounded him receded back into Yu Tunzhou's body like a tide.

The evolving trajectory of the Dao Embryo within the Dantian, progressing layer by layer, was severed by the power of the Torch Dragon.

Yu Tunzhou was greatly shaken, and his deep state of enlightenment was forcibly pulled out in an instant.

He suddenly opened his eyes, only to see a colossal... dragon's eye reflected in them!

This is... Torch Dragon?!

Not only did He awaken, He also interrupted His own Dao Path spiritual evolution!

"Once you've entered the Dragon Gate, there's no need to rush to define your Dao Path."

Torch Dragon's voice rang in his ears like a booming bell, old and hoarse, yet carrying an undeniable decisiveness.

Let's leave that for the next level.

"The Dragon Race will bestow upon you an unparalleled fortuitous opportunity."

"Those whose Dao Path is already determined can use this to refine their foundation, and even improve parts of their Dao Foundation; those whose Dao Path is not yet determined can use this to glimpse the true form of the Dao and chart their future path. This is an unparalleled fortuitous opportunity for you."

Yu Tunzhou felt no anger at the interruption of the evolution, but rather a profound shock.

Once the Dao Path is set, there is no going back, no room for maneuver. This is the ironclad law of the Great Way!

Otherwise, he wouldn't have been so conflicted about finding a solution that satisfied both sides.

This person was absolutely right; such an opportunity to alter Dao Path is truly an unparalleled fortuitous opportunity!

He doesn't need to start all over again, but if he can glimpse the true form of the Dao in advance and sort out the Great Dao, he might be able to forge the Dao Sprout Immortal Embryo in one go, sweeping away the biggest hurdle of the Divine Ability Realm, which is also the most important transformation!

Within the Primordial Spirit Heaven and Earth.

Huntian was shocked and puzzled. He had been bound by the power of annihilation for countless ages, so how could this old thing not only not die, but also be so lively and energetic?

Something's not right!

Wait a minute... it suddenly guessed the answer.

Torch Dragon has mastered the Way of Time, making him almost a cheat in his own right.

If it wasn't mistaken, this old thing had used the power of time to fix itself at a certain moment in order to resist the power of extinction, but it was only prolonging its life.

Huntian secretly wondered how much fighting power Torch Dragon still possessed, and then his brows furrowed.

Not only Torch Dragon, but also Yinglong, which is suspected to still exist...

The Dragon Race has indeed left behind a great deal of resources at the Dragon Gate!

Huntian couldn't help but suspect that the Dragon Race had left behind so many living forces to prepare for another struggle for the position of Lord of Heaven and Earth.

Meanwhile, Yu Tunzhou awoke from his sudden realization, his mind also churning with thoughts.

The Dragon Race has a constant stream of backup plans, and once powerful Immortals and Gods from all sides intervene in the affairs of the Dragon Gate, the situation will inevitably descend into chaos.

If they stir up trouble, they might be able to take advantage of the situation!

He secretly resolved to first find out the true demands of the Dragon Race.

Come to think of it, the Daode Lineage doesn't seem to have any conflict with the Dragon Race?

At this moment, Torch Dragon leaned closer again and slowly said:

"Young man, you are quite interesting. You have followed the old path of the Kunpeng, yet you refused the old Kunpeng's offer to recruit you. Furthermore, you possess Qi of Dao and Virtue. Are all the beings created by the Emperor Wa Nuwa as interesting as you?"

Yu Tunzhou straightened his clothes and stood up, performing the standard Daoist School greetings with a calm and composed demeanor. "My Daoist name is Xuandu, and I am a disciple of Master Dao and Virtue. I greet Fellow Torch Dragon."

Torch Dragon's pupils contracted, followed by solemnity. He took the initiative to retreat, leaving sufficient distance as a sign of respect, and changed his title:

"Young friend, are you a Heavenly Lord of Dao and Virtue?"

Even a primordial deity like Him would not dare to discuss antiquity in front of the Three Pure Ones!

"I am ashamed to say that I dare not accept the title of your esteemed disciple." Yu Tunzhou met with the elders, first going to the toilet, and deliberately showed off the Vajra Bracelet he wore on his finger, saying helplessly, "Even I don't understand why you would choose me, Master."

Torch Dragon's gaze sharpened, instantly locking onto the bright, white object. Although its divine power was restrained and it had returned to its original simplicity, it still could not escape His eyes, and He recognized it at a glance.

Vajra Bracelet!

Coupled with this Qi of Dao and Virtue and the Taiji Diagram, this person's identity is already quite obvious.

No wonder he's so Dao and Virtue upright at such a young age!

Furthermore, this Primordial Spirit also faintly revealed the aura of a Great Sage Demon Race, seemingly from the Golden-Winged Great Peng Lineage. He had been somewhat doubtful and wary just now.

But now it seems that it was a mount prepared for him by the Celestial Venerable.

Although the remnant soul of the Ancestral Dragon had no information about this person, the fact that he was protected by the Vajra Bracelet and had the Great Sage as his mount meant that his identity before his tribulation and rebirth was definitely not simple!

after all...

The Xuandu is not something an ordinary disciple can bear.

"I never imagined that even the most detached and indifferent Heavenly Lord of Dao and Virtue would accept a disciple..." Torch Dragon sighed softly, "I have been asleep until now, unaware of how many times the world has risen and fallen, how many changes have occurred."

He turned his gaze back to him. "Xuandu, are you undergoing a tribulation to rebuild your cultivation? I was impolite just now, please forgive me."

Then, without waiting for Yu Tunzhou's reply, He asked the question that concerned him most at the moment in a deep voice:

"The Celestial Venerable sent Fellow Xuandu here, indicating he hasn't forgotten our old agreement, but..."

He tried to be tactful, saying, "Xuandu has now undergone tribulation and is rebuilding his cultivation; I'm afraid his cultivation level is still insufficient to deal with those people."

Yu Tunzhou remained outwardly calm, but inwardly he was greatly shocked. Had the Dao and Virtue Teacher and the Dragon Race made a "pact" before?!

After a moment's consideration, he stopped trying to deceive them and frankly bowed, saying:

"I was unaware of that. My entry into the Dragon Gate was merely for personal training. To be frank, Fellow Torch Dragon Zhulong, in this world, the divine beings are not yet revealed, and many great Divine Ability have not yet returned. I have also not seen my teacher for a long time."

"Oh?" Torch Dragon's expression shifted, and then, as if he had received some information, he looked up and pondered for a moment before asking, "When was the last time Fellow Xuandu saw the Heavenly Venerable?"

"At the end of last year."

Torch Dragon looked puzzled. "What do you mean by 'for a long time'?"

Yu Tunzhou added, "It could also be said to be the Primordial Era. I traveled through the ruins of the Eight Sceneries Palace to return to the Primordial Era and met my teacher and my Yuanshi Uncle Yuanshi."

Torch Dragon immediately fell into deep thought, never expecting things to unfold this way.

After a long silence, Torch Dragon sighed softly, "No wonder. I thought that since you have become a disciple of the Heavenly Venerable, how did that old Kunpeng dare to provoke you? It seems that the Heavenly Venerable is no longer able to manifest in this world, which is why that old Kunpeng dares to be so reckless."

Yu Tunzhou was startled. What did this mean?

So what if he/she fell from grace? What does it mean that he/she is unable to manifest in this world?

Does that mean it can still manifest in the past?

Wait, that's really true...

Could it be that the Celestial Venerables did not perish, but were merely limited by the rules of heaven and earth, unable to walk in this world, yet able to appear in the past?

Just as Yu Tunzhou was about to ask, Torch Dragon spoke again:

"Xuandu, although the Heavenly Venerable is difficult to reveal, your ability to enter the Dragon Gate carrying the Vajra Bracelet must also be an arrangement by the Heavenly Venerable. We hope you can lend us a hand and find the culprit who caused our clan's decline in the past."

Prime culprit?

Yu Tunzhou immediately said seriously, "Didn't the decline of the Dragon Race begin with the Dragon-Phoenix Conflict? The Dragon Race wants to deal with the Phoenix Race?"

Torch Dragon's eyes were filled with sorrow. "The war between my clan and the Phoenix Race was inevitable, and it was inseparable from the instigation of the mastermind behind the scenes! Fellow Daoist, do you know where my power of annihilation comes from?"

Previously, Yu Tunzhou had heard Huntian wondering how Torch Dragon had disappeared before the Dragon-Phoenix War, could have been tainted by such power of the Final Tribulation, given that it was the early Primordial Era.

"Fellow Daoist, do you mean someone is secretly targeting the Dragon Race behind the scenes? Have you also been betrayed by them?"

Yu Tunzhou silently considered the names and identities of the ancient deities, but found none among the known beings who fit the description.

"Indeed!" Torch Dragon said coldly, "Someone is secretly orchestrating the war and orchestrating the great calamity! By the time our clan realized this, it was too late. War with the Phoenix Race was inevitable. Left with no other choice, the Ancestral Dragon devoted all his efforts to building the Dragon Gate, seeking eternal survival for the Dragon Race."

Yu Tunzhou suddenly remembered that prophetic saying--

[All calamities and disasters originate from the Dragon Gate!]

"Was the opening of the Dragon Gate intended to lure this person out?" Yu Tunzhou couldn't help but wonder, was the other person still alive?

No one could guarantee survival during that great calamity in ancient times; even the Three Pure Ones disappeared without a trace!

"The opening of the Dragon Gate is primarily about inheritance," Torch Dragon explained. "Back then, when war raged, our clan was forced to abandon most of our heritage, just to preserve our bloodline. Now, on the eve of this great upheaval, we are also fighting for a sliver of survival."

"The opening of the Dragon Gate is not restricted to outsiders; it was an agreement our clan reached with the sages long ago. The sages allowed the Dragon Gate Dragon Gate to exist and also left behind a legacy that will influence future generations..."

Yu Tunzhou hadn't expected there to be such a reason, but combined with the information revealed by An Ruyu, it all made sense.

At this moment, Torch Dragon's voice suddenly turned sinister:

"However... not long ago, after the Primordial Spirit Sea was destroyed by the Kunpeng Divine Intent summoned by you, the remnant soul of the Ancestral Dragon that controls the Dragon Gate sensed a deeply hidden aura! The mastermind behind it all not only didn't die, but also extended its power into the Dragon Gate!"

Yu Tunzhou looked grave; it seemed the Dragon Race couldn't confirm the other party's identity for the time being.

At the same time, they were wary of the forces behind various parties, which is why they allowed the Dragon Gate Contest to continue instead of overturning the table, ensuring that nothing went wrong.

"I understand," Yu Tunzhou said slowly. "Fellow Daoist is worried that a mastermind might make a move at the end of the Dragon Gate, but my current cultivation level is too low, and even with a divine artifact, I would find it difficult to control."

"It's alright." Seeing that Torch Dragon Yu Tunzhou no sign of refusal, Zhulong's expression softened. "We will prepare the necessary resources for you to wield your divine weapon. Please conceal your identity for now, and we will ask you to intervene at the crucial moment."

Yu Tunzhou nodded and said, "Since Master has already agreed to join the Dragon Race, I have no reason to refuse and should do my best."

Torch Dragon suddenly asked, "Among the Dragon Race of the outside world, do you have any dragon sons or grandsons that you have taken a fancy to?"

"Oh?" Yu Tunzhou blinked, instantly understanding what this person meant, and smiled, "I observe that Ao Xiyu of the South Sea Dragon Palace possesses both excellent temperament and Root Bone; she is destined to shoulder great responsibilities in the future."

Torch Dragon smiled.

In the past, the sages were high above and rarely directly interfered in worldly disputes, but they often secretly supported the descendants of various races and laid the groundwork for long-term plans.

Such things were not uncommon back then.

Now that the Dragon Gate has opened, the Dragon Race's lineage is about to be renewed. This marks the beginning of a new era for the Dragon Race, and it is precisely the time to cultivate good relationships.

This fellow Xuandu represents not only the Daode Lineage, but also the Daoist School!

There's no other reason than that this person is of a high enough seniority, being a second-generation disciple. Even within the Jade Void and Lingbao lineages, he has influence. Befriending him is equivalent to befriending the Daoist School.

Although the Three Pure Ones are unlikely to manifest in this world, they are certain that there will be many second-generation disciples of Daoist School. As the most ancient beings, the Three Pure Ones would not be unprepared!

This generation of those who entered the Dragon Gate are not exceptionally talented. Instead of relying on these juniors to support the Dragon Race, it would be better to cultivate someone who is on good terms with Fellow Xuandu, thus leaving a way out for the Dragon Race.

Torch Dragon slowly retreated, his expression revealing a hint of fatigue.

"Xuandu, now that the second trial is over, I will send you back to the Dragon Gate Origin. The remnant soul of the Ancestral Dragon will contact you later."

"The next test is about the Dao Path. Once everyone's Dao Path is determined, the Dragon Gate Contest will begin. Once the true Dragon Gate opens, the Immortals and Gods will take action to reclaim their former plans. We predict that the mastermind behind this will also seize the opportunity to act!"

Looking at Yu Tunzhou Torch Dragon n't help but ask, "Fellow Daoist, is there any possibility that your injuries will heal?"

Torch Dragon sighed, "The power of my own demise has invaded my Primordial Spirit. With my abilities, I can only use the power of the Dragon Gate to suppress it, and at the same time suppress the fortune of my clan. A full recovery is impossible; I am merely prolonging my life."

Yu Tunzhou remained silent; it seemed this person was also in extremely poor condition.

He suddenly remembered something and asked, "May I ask, Fellow Daoist Zhulong, what layout did the ancient human emperor leave behind in the Dragon Gate?"

"The ancient human emperor?" Zhulong looked puzzled and shook his head, saying, "I have been asleep for too long. Fellow Daoist, you should contact the remnant soul of the Ancestral Dragon."

"Then I won't bother you any longer," Yu Tunzhou, bowing slightly.

The voice of the Torch Dragon faded away. "I'll excuse myself from seeing you off. I wish my Dragon Race and the Daoist School a reconciliation."

After speaking, the scene before Yu Tunzhou changed, returning to normal, and then he disappeared from that place.

The space before me was clear and transparent, with flowing blue waves and shimmering water.

After the second trial, unlike the other groups of trial participants, Yinglong did not return to the stone steps, but instead gathered in an underwater dragon palace.

The vast Dragon Palace hall was empty and solemn. A ranking list appeared in the Void in front of it, with light and shadow flowing, dividing them into ranks and strengths, based on the purity of their bloodline, the thickness of their Dao Foundation, and their trial results.

The group of Dragon Race prodigies sat quietly, their auras concealed, their expressions respectful, their hearts filled with solemnity and anticipation.

The third test examines their Dao Path, and it is here that they will receive the complete Dragon Race inheritance!

Suddenly.

The rankings suddenly changed, with one name emerging as a dark horse, quickly rising from the middle and lower ranks to the top.

The dragons hurriedly looked up.

Besides Ao E, are there any other hidden prodigies in this generation of the Dragon Race?

Ao Xiyu also looked over curiously, and saw that Liu Zhizhou was sitting next to her.

Liu Zhizhou's bloodline is even higher than Ao Xiyu's, but she emerged from the second stage too early, so the two are ranked similarly, both in the lower middle range, making them a pair of unfortunate sisters.

At this moment, the once tranquil Dragon Palace gradually became noisy.

As the dragon Dragon Race's prodigies awoke one after another, the moment they looked up and saw the ranking list in the Void, they were all in an uproar, and the entire hall was filled with astonishment.

Ao E, who was originally ranked first, suddenly dropped two places to third!

The original second place was Ao Zhen, and it's still Ao Zhen now.

As for the first place, a name unfamiliar to everyone appeared --

Ao Xiyu.

"How is that possible? Someone can surpass Ao E?!"

Who is this Ao Xiyu?

A series of surprised and doubtful sounds echoed softly in the main hall.

Liu Zhizhou turned around in confusion and asked, "Is there anyone in this palace who shares your name?"

Ao Xiyu, who had been feeling confused, suddenly realized that there was someone else with the same name!

She was still somewhat aware of her own limitations. By her generation, the bloodline of the South Sea Dragon Palace couldn't even compare to that of the Dongting. Her talent was only passable, far inferior to Ao E, who was regarded as the future by the overseas Dragon Race.

However, the next moment, Ao Xiyu's seat was suddenly moved forward to the very front.

The seating arrangement here is based on the ranking list.

Ao Xiyu's mouth was slightly open, her expression blank, still unaware of what had happened.

Ao E sat at the very front. After experiencing the "great tribulation" of the second trial, his expression was extremely cold, but he had also lost some of his arrogance.

But now, suddenly being overtaken by a woman whose foolishness was on full display, his previously calmed State of Mind were once again violently shaken.

His gaze shifted uncertainly, then he suddenly raised his head and said, "May I ask, Ancestor, why has the ranking suddenly changed? What makes Ao Xiyu suddenly surpass us and firmly occupy the top spot?!"

There was no response from within the palace.

Ao E gritted his teeth, unwilling to accept defeat, and asked again.

The other Dragon Race exchanged bewildered glances, and some, unable to contain their curiosity, asked if the rankings had changed.

At this moment, the water in the entire Dragon Palace suddenly froze, and an ancient and desolate voice calmly echoed in everyone's ears:

"Our Dragon Race has a long and rich heritage, never lacking in law, wealth, and land. However, due to our long period of dormancy, we have lacked only external support from fellow Daoists. This woman has been favored by the Celestial Venerable of the Daoist School sect and possesses unparalleled Daoist affinity; she rightfully deserves to be ranked first."

Daoist School Celestial Venerable?!

The moment those four words were uttered, the hall fell into complete silence.

Even Ao E felt bewildered and could not utter a single word; all his resentment and doubts were instantly extinguished.

Because that is the Daoist School... Heavenly Venerable!

Ao Xiyu, on the other hand, remained completely bewildered.

Has the Celestial Venerable of Daoist School shown him favor?

who?

Me?