Seeing the True Self in the Stele of the Great Dao

The palace, where water shimmered, came to a complete standstill at that moment, and the commotion, astonishment, and resentment on the faces of all the Dragon Race froze.

The words "Celestial Venerable" carried immense weight, like an invisible mountain pressing down on their hearts.

Whether they are from overseas or from the Central Plains, the dragon Dragon Race is well aware of the meaning behind these two words.

Therefore, their gazes toward Ao Xiyu at this moment were filled with strange envy and awe.

Even among those with great Divine Ability, only a handful of individuals can be given the title of Celestial Venerable!

Dragon-Phoenix War, no one of this level of strength has emerged in the Dragon Race. Otherwise, the Dragon Race's status would not have fallen so far. Now, the Dragon Race is not as influential overseas as a Great Sage lineage like Thunder Accumulation Mountain.

Ao E slowly loosened its clenched dragon claws.

Dissatisfied? Unwilling to accept it?

Before the level of Daoist School Celestial Venerable, these things are as insignificant as a speck of dust.

Even if he has these emotions, he can only process them himself and must never show them.

Ao E stared intently at the figure ahead, wanting to know what it was about the other person that had caught the eye of the Heavenly Venerable.

Just then, Ao Xiyu turned around and looked over.

Their eyes met.

Seeing the latter's bewildered expression, slightly parted lips, and a soft, timid look on her face as if she didn't know what had happened...

A complex mix of emotions surged within Ao E once again.

How could such a foolish woman have caught the eye of the Celestial Venerable? Why can't I?!

He suddenly thought of another question: even if Ao Xiyu had won the favor of the Daoist School Celestial Venerable, she was still above him, so why had he fallen two ranks?

He asked again, but there was no response.

This made Ao E's heart sink. When he first entered this Dragon Palace, the Dragon Gate's will treated him fairly gently, and some of his questions were answered. So why has it suddenly changed so drastically now?

rear.

Liu Zhizhou stared in disbelief at his "best friend" sitting at the very front, feeling a pain worse than if he had been killed.

Everyone else was just lingering in the middle and lower ranks, so when exactly did this guy gain the favor of the Daoist School Celestial Venerable?!

The two women's eyes met. Ao Xiyu Liu Zhizhou looked completely innocent, while Prefect Liu blinked, as if to say, "My dear sister, take me with you."

Immediately, Ao Xiyu blinked, her meaning clear. "Your thirteenth sister will take you flying!"

This scene caught the attention of many Dragon Race around, and even their gazes toward Liu Zhizhou were filled with envy. After all, according to the Human Race, this was a case of one dragon attaining enlightenment, and even its chickens and dogs ascending to heaven.

Many overseas Dragon Race suddenly realized something --

Ao Xiyu is not a member of their overseas Dragon Race!

Unexpectedly, the one who caught the eye of the Dragon Gate Ancestor this time was actually a dragon maiden from the Dragon Palaces of the Four Seas who was close to the Central Plains and on friendly terms with the Human Race...

With the intervention of the Daoist School Celestial Venerable, could it be that the ancestors of the Dragon Gate are going to align themselves with the Human Race in this impending Final Tribulation?

This possibility sent turmoil through the hearts of many overseas Dragon Race who were somewhat aware of their clan's plans. They realized that Ao Xiyu's "ascension" would affect not only their ranking within the Dragon Palace, but also the entire clan's future standing...

As soon as Ao Xiyu looked away, she saw the dragon girl named Ao Zhen smiling at her from behind, her smile full of affection.

Ao Zhen had bright, clear eyes and a graceful figure. Her skin had a faint, watery glow, giving her an ethereal and pure aura.

Especially the pair of jade-white, exquisite dragon horns on his forehead, which were smooth and lustrous, with fine, light blue scales like flowing clouds on the surface, made Ao Xiyu very envious.

Although she also had dragon horns, due to her bloodline, she was far less dignified and refined than the other woman.

"Sister, you are welcome to visit my Qianyuan Sea often when you have time," Ao Zhen said softly, her tone sincere and affectionate. "My grandfather has attained the Great Dao of Dharma Aspect and can refine your bloodline..."

Before the words were finished, the ancient and desolate voice from the depths of the Dragon Palace resounded once more, devoid of any emotion, causing the waters of the entire Dragon Palace to tremble slightly:

"The third trial involves a struggle over the Dao Path, which is irrelevant to you. You should focus on comprehending our clan's heritage here and not slacken your efforts!"

Above the stone steps.

Niu Tuntian stared intently at Huang Tian, who was not far away, with his eyes as big as copper bells.

After it came out, it saw Kong Ling and the others standing on the stone steps before it, and immediately felt reassured.

But in the blink of an eye, he saw Huang Tian following closely behind him, almost a breath later.

This instantly made it bristle.

This means that this guy lasted a breath longer than me!

Even a single breath can determine victory or defeat!

Niu Tuntian completely disbelieved that Huang Tian's physical body was superior to his own.

The final test, in particular, was on a completely different level.

It gritted its teeth and transmitted its voice. "What did you encounter in the end?"

Huang Tian was still immersed in the moment of his final, unyielding struggle when he came to his senses and realized that he had been expelled from that world by the will of the Dragon Gate.

Upon hearing the voice transmission, he looked in the direction of the sound and discovered it was the same wild bull from a few days ago. He couldn't help but reminisce and describe the situation at that time.

He never imagined that there was a power in this world that could so easily surpass his Nine Yang Divine Meridians.

This wasn't a difference in realm, but a difference in the source of power, which was also the reason he didn't surrender in the end.

If he were to be defeated due to a difference in cultivation level, he would be calm and fearless; but if he were to be defeated due to a difference in the source of his power, it would mean that his path still had shortcomings and that he had not yet reached the peak.

"I haven't yet developed my divine veins to their ultimate level..."

Huang Tian stood there, recalling that final feeling, unable to forget it for a long time.

After a moment, his eyes regained their resolve:

"This is not a problem of my doctrine, but a problem of mine!"

Hearing that Huang Tian had chosen to fight to the death but was forcibly expelled by the Dragon Gate, Niu Tuntian felt a headache coming on.

Is this why I lost a breath?

So, the reason I lost this breath wasn't because I was weaker, but because I encountered a madman who wasn't afraid of death and was determined to fight to the bitter end!

It stared wide-eyed at Huang Tian, unsure of what to say.

It's impossible to Qi Ingestion Qi Ingestion, and there's no going back.

Suddenly, it remembered someone and quickly looked up at the sky.

Seeing that the stone steps that belonged to Yu Tunzhou were still empty, Niu Tuntian's eyes, which were originally as big as copper bells, shrank to the size of needles.

This isn't something that can be resolved in a moment or two!

Considering Huang Tian's experience of being forcibly expelled, it's clear that Yu Tunzhou couldn't have died at the final hurdle and is still persevering!

"Impossible..." Niu Tuntian muttered, "Even my old Niu's bloodline manifestation couldn't withstand it, what kind of methods does this guy have?"

Its final manifestation of bloodline had already subtly transcended the realm of mere physical body, touching upon the level of Daoist arts.

At this moment, Kong Ling, Feng Yanleng, and the other prodigies who had held on until the end all noticed something amiss.

The second challenge dragged on for a long time because one person had yet to return.

Thinking about the final "difficulty" of this challenge, Kong Ling was equally puzzled, unable to understand how, without Divine Ability powers or magic, one could withstand such a calamity with just their physical body.

This is absolutely unbelievable!

Back on the stone steps, the group contacted each other and discovered that many people had died in this trial, both in the Central Plains and overseas. However, those who survived had generally benefited greatly, with their physical strength significantly enhanced.

At the same time, everyone discovered that the flow of time inside and outside was different.

Some people were forced to quit on the first day, while others persisted for more than ten days, but the time when the two appeared on the stone steps was not much different, only a few hours.

On a stone staircase, Tantai Mingyu, looking slightly impatient, transmitted her voice to Xiao Yanzhi: "Why isn't this trial over yet?"

Xiao Yanzhi took in the entire scene and said calmly, "Yu Tunzhou hasn't come out yet, this trial isn't completely over."

"He's not dead?" Tantai Mingyu was shocked. They were unaware of what had happened next, only that Ji Zhaoxuan had come out alive, and they guessed that the latter had likely fought Yu Tunzhou to the death.

Otherwise, Yu Tunzhou would never have let Ji Zhaoxuan go.

Xiao Yanzhi calmly said, "All the well-known figures are standing on the stone steps, especially those from overseas. Apart from him, I can't think of anyone else who has been able to hold on until now."

"His physical body is even stronger than that of Great Sage descendant like Niu Tuntian?!" Tantai Mingyu gritted her teeth.

"Didn't Ao E lose right in front of us?" Xiao Yanzhi glanced at Ji Zhaoxuan not far away.

Whether Yu Tunzhou died or not, Ji Zhaoxuan's escape must have wasted a Immortals and Gods edict.

According to prior information, Ji Zhaoxuan only had one more item left, and without the assistance of others, he had completely lost any chance of competing.

In this Dragon Gate Contest, he was essentially eliminated early.

"Ji Zhaoxuan has been driven to a dead end; we must guard against him resorting to desperate measures and dragging us down with him."

With this thought in mind, Xiao Yanzhi quietly transmitted a secret message to someone in the arena, arranging the formation and completing the Lesser Three Talents Formation.

Both he and Mingyu were equivalent to Half-Step External Scenery, and they cultivated family Ultimate Art, High Antiquity peerless inheritances. However, the first two levels were too unpredictable and beyond their expectations, leaving them with great strength but nowhere to use it!

Once the Lesser Three Talents Formation is deployed, with their strength, even if Feng Yanleng, An Ruyu, or Kong Ling, Niu Tuntian, and others from overseas block their way, they can suppress them forcefully!

Thinking of this, Xiao Yanzhi transmitted his voice, saying, "The first two trials involve nature and life, and the third trial is very likely related to Divine Ability and the Dao Path. Once the three trials are over, it will be time to make our move. Be prepared."

Tantai Mingyu gazed at the stone steps belonging to Yu Tunzhou, and the absurd battle of Thunder Method flashed in her mind. A cold glint appeared in her eyes:

"At that time, we'll first surround and kill the Yu Tunzhou!"

Even now, she has to admit that Yu Tunzhou is indeed a genius, managing to win first place in two consecutive rounds among a group of prodigies.

Unfortunately, this young man came from a poor background and had no resources to speak of. He was destined to be no match for the Lesser Three Talents Formation of the Tantai Household. This was not a fault of his own, but a bloody reality!

Xiao Yanzhi's gaze swept across the entire room, noting that many were looking at the stone steps where Yu Tunzhou stood. He said meaningfully:

"I'm afraid we won't even need to lift a finger. Young Hero Yu's prowess this time has been too overwhelming, making him a thorn in the side of everyone. We just need to observe from the sidelines."

"Yanleng Leng, how much do you know about Yu Tunzhou?"

Kong Ling, dressed in a dazzling five-colored gown, unusually took the initiative to inquire about another martial artist of her generation.

Feng Yanleng paused for a moment, then said after a brief consideration, "Young Hero Yu is a chivalrous and warm-hearted man."

Kong Ling frowned slightly. "I've heard that his nickname in the Martial Dao world of the Central Plains is ' Madman '? Is his personality somewhat arrogant and unruly?"

Feng Yanleng Leng calmly replied, "That's a fallacy in the martial arts world. Young Hero Yu is by no means an arrogant person."

"Do you think he will be our last obstacle?" Kong Ling looked intently at Feng Yanleng.

She received an order from the palace to assist Feng Yanleng in obtaining the Emperor Wa Weapon, but this little sister Feng's heart was clearly not with the Demon Race, but still with the Central Plains.

This made Kong Ling wary; he not only had to deal with the martial artists from the Central Plains, but also guard against Feng Yanleng, who might turn against him at any moment.

Her mission is at least to ensure that the divine weapon is brought back to the Demon Race!

Her attitude towards Yu Tunzhou this time was a test.

Feng Yanleng eyes were clear and calm as she asked indifferently, "Even Sister Kong isn't confident she can win him over?"

Kong Ling raised her eyebrows, revealing her pride. Relying on the Five-Colored Divine Light, a great Divine Ability of her bloodline, she, Kong Ling, knew nothing of the meaning of the word "fear" among her peers!

The only ones she could be wary of were the Phoenix Race, who had long been absent from the world and possessed the Five Virtues.

Looking at the stone steps where the Yu Tunzhou, Niu Tuntian silently counted in his mind.

Finally, a figure in a green robe stepped out from the ripples in the Void and landed steadily on the highest stone step.

It's finally out!

Niu Tuntian breathed a sigh of relief, but then became deeply puzzled.

What methods did this guy use to maintain his position for so long?

The thought of that bizarre, annihilating power that hadn't even survived the manifestation of his own bloodline sent a shiver down Niu Tuntian; he had absolutely no desire to try it again.

As the light and shadows before Yu Tunzhou dissipated, his vision returned to clarity, and he stood firmly on the long stone steps of the Dragon Gate once more.

He glanced around and his gaze first met that of a wild bull. The bull's eyes held a complex mix of emotions, which made him silently look away.

A glance around revealed countless eyes fixed on him.

Awe, solemnity, vigilance, apprehension, and murderous intent intertwined, layer upon layer, overwhelming the senses.

Yu Tunzhou's heart also tightened, and he secretly became vigilant.

After all, he didn't know what kind of powerful figures were behind these people.

Figures like Ji Zhaoxuan, Xiao Yanzhi, and even Niu Tuntian and Kong Ling overseas, all had powerful figures standing behind them.

He, however, can only truly rely on himself right now!

Brother Zhuo.

Remembering what Torch Dragon had said earlier, Yu Tunzhou's eyes flickered.

It's unknown whose backer this being who deceived everyone, instigated the Dragon-Phoenix Conflict, and orchestrated the great calamity, is standing behind.

As thoughts rose and fell, with the Yu Tunzhou completely back in place, the long-standing stalemate of the second stage finally came to a true end.

A magnificent sound descended from infinite heights.

"The second stage [Sacrificing God for Body, Form Refinement Abiding in the World] is complete. Adjust the stone steps."

The next moment, everyone's figures flashed simultaneously, stepping forward again on the stone steps. Yu Tunzhou still led the way, widening his lead once more.

"The third trial, the [Dao Inquiry Platform], begins. In this trial, physical combat is forbidden; only the height of Dao Path is considered. Upon completion of this trial, the three trials conclude, and the Eternal Dragon Gate opens."

Everyone looked puzzled and surprised.

After the first level, there was a scoring and settlement process, so why is this level gone?

You can't exactly call the fortuitous opportunity they encountered in the levels a reward, can you?

Before anyone could question them, the world around them suddenly began to spin.

In the next instant, all the trial participants were teleported into a vast, boundless high platform.

At the very center of the high platform stands a colossal, wordless stele that stretches across the heavens and the earth, ancient and majestic, its power overwhelming through the ages!

"This place is the Platform for Dao Inquiry Platform. The stone tablet in front is the Stele of the Great Dao. No one may leave their meditation cushion; they must remain in place to contemplate the tablet and comprehend the Dao."

"Those whose Dao Path has been established can rely on the Stele of the Great Dao to supplement their deficiencies and remedy their oversights."

"Those whose Dao Path is uncertain can see the true form of the Dao by relying on the Stele of the Great Dao, and thus clarify their own Dao Path."

These words sent a jolt through the hearts of those already seated on the prayer mats, their gazes fixed on the stone tablet ahead with intense fervor.

Dao Path, rebuilding the foundation, and establishing the way forward!

It turned out to be a great fortuitous opportunity concerning his own Dao Path!

The Dragon Gate actually contains such a heaven-defying, fate-altering divine object!

This item alone made their trip worthwhile!

The simple, ancient-style prayer cushions are arranged in a staggered pattern, in harmony with the rhythm of nature.

No one made a sound or stirred in the arena anymore. Everyone held their breath and focused their attention on the Stele of the Great Dao spanned the heavens and the earth.

The giant stele is blank, its entire body a chaotic, dark yellow, with layers upon layers of textures flowing across its surface, as if countless great principles are born, die, and revolve within the stele.

They stood around the same monument, yet each person saw something different; the patterns on the monument presented entirely different trajectories in their vision.

Huang Tian's eyes were wide open, and deep within his pupils were reflected the blazing suns, nine suns burning the heavens and illuminating all realms. Beyond the blazing suns, the phantom of the tenth sun faintly appeared.

Niu Tuntian stared at the monument, his eyes reflecting a towering white ox that seemed to shake the heavens and the earth. The ox seemed to slowly emerge from the monument, each step causing the earth to tremble...

Kong Ling witnessed the five colors of light—red, blue, yellow, white, and black—flowing within the stele. These colors were purer and more primal than the divine light of her innate bloodline, as if this were the foundation of all heavens and the origin of all worlds, the true Five-Colored Divine Light!

Deng Canglan, using the alias Young Hero Guo, stared blankly at the stone tablet, where he saw a demonic Buddha. The Buddha's face was compassionate, while the demon's face was ferocious; it was two sides of the same coin, extremely bizarre.

Feng Yanleng sat on the prayer mat. In the stele, she saw a phantom with a human head and a snake's body, floating and ethereal, with a vast and sacred aura. There was also a sword and a knife, but they repelled each other from the phantom in front of her, as if only one could be chosen.

Not far away, An Ruyu, dressed in a white dress, had a deep gaze. Twelve crisscrossing roads appeared on the monument, some Tongtian to the sky, others winding into the abyss. There were countless forks in the road, and the choice was difficult to make. But where her gaze finally fell was the deep Void that encompassed these twelve roads.

In Peng Fei's eyes, it seemed as if a golden figure carrying the universe on its back, Fuyao, with one wing in the east and the other in the west, flew into the Stele of the Great Dao!

In an instant, all the geniuses present were plunged into a deep state of enlightenment.

Some people's brows gleamed with spiritual light, and the shackles on their Dao Path seemed to be loosening subtly.

Some people's aura was surging, and the flaws left by their past cultivation were being quietly repaired;

Some people sit cross-legged, their Primordial Spirit leaving their bodies, as if sinking into the endless sea of Tao within the stele, seeking their own path forward.

All Dao Path to enlightenment quietly unfold on the Dao Inquiry Platform.

At the very front of the high platform, Yu Tunzhou sat upright on a futon, his posture upright and his mind clear, gazing intently at this Stele of the Great Dao that spans the ages.

Others saw the Dao, the Dharma, and the strange phenomena of the heavens, but in his vision there was no Taiji rotation, no Wuji emptiness, no Five Elements, no sun and moon, no Gods and Devils.

Only myself.

He saw himself in the monument.