Drawing a Dragon's Sinew, an External Scenery Expert Strikes

Yu Tunzhou put down his wine cup and bowed to the third leader from before. "This junior has Coming Dragon River for more than ten days. By taking advantage of the current, I have finally come to understand the principle that 'flowing water Buzheng, and nothing can contend with it.' I have barely begun to grasp the basics of Divine Ability powers."

The third leader raised his glass in response and said loudly, "Young Hero Yu is too modest. We who run the river routes have spent half our lives dealing with the Coming Dragon River, and we've never seen anyone who could glean the profound principles of law from Form Refinement Lesser Accomplishment."

The entire hall echoed in agreement, and someone laughed, "In two months, the Dragon and Tiger Ranking will be updated, Young Hero Yu will probably be able to move from the waiting list to the main list. Today's achievements are enough to wash away his recent excessive reputation."

"Excellent! The Form Refinement Lesser Accomplishment stood still and withstood three attacks Dragon Race the Form Refinement Perfection, and afterwards, not a single drop of wine spilled from his hand. Truly awe-inspiring!"

Yu Tunzhou heard it clearly: besides the sincere congratulations, the crowd's words contained more subtle sarcasm and irony.

However, the target of this mockery was not him, but Ao Qingxiao was lying paralyzed on the ground.

The people seated at the table were mostly leaders of various factions, and there were quite a few experts at the Divine Ability Realm as well. They could tell that this battle was not a difference in realm, but a difference in Divine Ability.

Moreover, after Ao Qingxiao used all his strength in three moves, Yu Tunzhou's defensive Divine Ability were also nearing their limit. If this bet had been for four or five moves, the outcome might have been different.

But in the world of martial arts, there are no "what ifs."

The statements "The Form Refinement Perfection failed to shake the Form Refinement Lesser Accomplishment at its Lesser Perfection in three full moves" and "Three moves failed to break the defensive Divine Ability" are two different concepts.

However, the crowd naturally wouldn't expose the truth; instead, they used this opportunity to stab Ao Qingxiao in the face with every word.

No matter what, isn't it because you, Ao Qingxiao, are too useless? Even with your full-power innate Innate Divine Ability, you still couldn't break through the opponent's defensive Divine Ability.

But Young Hero Yu is both highly skilled and daring. He dared to make a three-move challenge to you, Ao Qingxiao, and he actually did it.

The rest depends on whether your East Sea Dragon Palace acknowledges this bet.

Suddenly, someone at the banquet burst into laughter. "Today, Young Hero Yu has gained a true dragon follower. We should raise a toast to Young Hero Yu!"

"Excellent!" The third leader raised his cup and drank heartily, wiping his mouth as he laughed loudly, "The last one to have the Dragon Race follow him while still in the Chain Forming Realm should be that [Heavenly Demon]!"

Mentioning that person caused the previously noisy hall to fall silent. The smiles of the people at the table vanished, replaced by expressions of reverence, apprehension, and, more often than not, disgust. This gave a sense of just how renowned this person was.

Yu Tunzhou noticed the subtle change in the atmosphere and couldn't help but ask the Dharma Master Jiese aloud.

The Dharma Master Jiese's expression was solemn, and he described it in just one sentence. "Every major Martial Dao sect and renowned Aristocratic Clan has had powerful figures die at his hands."

Yu Tunzhou was instantly stunned. Had he gone through all the famous sects and clans in the entire martial arts world to earn achievements?

In the brief silence that filled the hall, Ao Qingxiao, who had been lying on the ground, finally caught his breath.

His face flushed red and then turned pale, and he remained slumped on the ground, his mind buzzing. The gazes and words of everyone in the hall felt like needles pricking him.

Completely unsure how to handle the situation, he could only send a telepathic message to his grandfather for help.

"Grandfather! What should I do? Must I really follow this man?!"

Despite his inner rage, Ao Lie maintained a calm expression and finally spoke, "Young Hero Yu, you are truly skilled. You used the Kunpeng Divine Intent to suppress my grandson, and then used your Divine Ability to completely deflect his attack. We are completely convinced of our defeat in this battle."

The crowd's initial amusement turned to a change, and their gazes were drawn back to Yu Tunzhou.

The Kunpeng Divine Intent?!

No wonder Ao Qingxiao's final attack, using a bloodline secret technique, came to an abrupt halt!

Ao Lie continued, "Ten years of following is far too long. Fortunately, I happen to know the secret place where the last pure-blooded Kunpeng of High Antiquity perished. With Young Hero Yu's talent, going there will surely elevate your Martial Dao to a higher level."

"How about we exchange the coordinates of this secret location for Young Hero Yu to break his ten-year service contract? After this matter, Young Hero Yu will be a distinguished guest of our East Sea East Sea Dragon Palace East Sea Dragon Palace, and you are welcome to visit us at any time. Our Dragon Palace will certainly welcome you with open arms."

Upon hearing this, Yu Tunzhou narrowed his eyes.

That old geezer is anything but honest.

His very first words revealed to everyone the secret of his possession of the Kunpeng Divine Intent.

What followed was all utter nonsense.

To put it simply, the Kunpeng and the Dragon Race are mortal enemies. Would the latter stand idly by and watch him further obtain the Kunpeng inheritance?

This is practically treating him like a three-year-old.

Yu Tunzhou put down his empty wine glass and smiled, "Thank you for your trouble, senior. However, compared to the coordinates of a secret place that is difficult to verify and is destined to be fraught with danger, I am more interested in Brother Qingxiao."

Ao Qingxiao's heart, which had just eased slightly because of his grandfather's words, instantly jumped back into his throat. His face turned ashen, and he looked anxiously at Ao Lie, his eyes filled with pleading.

Ao Lie's expression instantly turned serious, his vertical pupils shrinking to pinpoints as he stared intently at Yu Tunzhou.

He never expected that this young man would be so unyielding and unmoved by any attempts to persuade him, and that he was determined to have his grandson follow him!

A few suppressed chuckles suddenly broke out during the meal.

The real show is about to begin.

Today's show is even more entertaining than their attendance at the water banquet.

At this moment, the host, seated at the head of the table, finally reacted.

Lord Hibernating Dragon tapped his fingertips lightly on the table, looked at Ao Lie, and smiled, "Brother Lie, at this martial arts banquet, the bet was made in court, and all the heroes in the hall witnessed it. For you to offer up a secret place of dubious authenticity as payment is rather disrespectful to the East Sea Dragon Palace."

Upon hearing this, Ao Lie's expression turned even uglier.

Just then, Lord Hibernating Dragon suddenly frowned and looked outside the main hall.

Yu Tunzhou also felt a chill run down his spine; the Buddhist beads on his wrist served as a warning.

A soft, melodious sound rang out, breaking the deathly silence of the hall.

During the gathering, everyone couldn't help but search for the source of the silvery sound.

"Ah-!!"

A heart-wrenching scream suddenly shattered the deathly silence.

Ao Lie suddenly stood up, his expression furious.

Accompanying them Lord Hibernating Dragon, whose expression changed drastically. He looked down in disbelief while having to suppress the enraged Ao Lie.

The crowd, who had been searching for the source of the silver bell sound, looked in the direction of the wailing and were immediately horrified.

Ao Qingxiao, who had been sitting on the ground, was now curled up like a shrimp, his golden blood staining the floor beneath him, and his cries of agony echoed through the air.

Behind him, a woman dressed in a plain white dress stood, her fingertips holding a dragon tendon that was as white Ruyu and shimmered with a faint silver light.

Warm dragon blood dripped from it onto the ground.

The girl's white dress was spotless, without even a trace of blood. Her long hair was loosely tied up, and a plain silver hairpin gleamed coldly. Her newly drawn eyebrows and eyes were exquisitely beautiful.

It was none other than An Ruyu, the Holy Maiden of the Incense-Smelling Cult, who had chased Yu Tunzhou for hundreds of miles.

In the blink of an eye, she broke into the Water Palace and, in front of several External Scenery, skillfully extracted one of the most important parts of the Dragon Race —the dragon tendon—from Ao Qingxiao using some Secret Method!

"Qingxiao!!"

Ao Lie's eyes widened in fury as he let out a roar that shook the entire palace, unleashing an explosive burst of External Scenery energy.

"You are... the Incense-Smelling Holy Maiden An Ruyu?!"

As Ao Lie made his move, he suddenly saw the girl's face clearly. Her eyes were bloodshot, and her teeth were clenched so tightly that they were grinding together, but she dared not move an inch.

The hall was already deathly silent, and Zi Guang was horrified.

No one expected that this drama would end in such a terrifying way.

Even the Lord Hibernating Dragon, who was in charge, had a gloomy expression at this moment. The situation was completely out of control and was developing in the worst possible direction.

The girl ignored Ao Lie's raging anger, her eyebrows curving into a gentle smile.

With light, graceful steps, she came to Yu Tunzhou's side, knelt down, and presented the dragon tendon, still warm with dragon blood, to him as if offering a treasure.

She said with a smile, "Young Hero Guo, the Dragon Race is full of heartless and untrustworthy people. How can their words be trusted? This dragon tendon is much more reliable. It can not only be used to forge magical Law Artifact, but also to make wine. Does that suit your taste?"

As she spoke, she pushed the dragon tendon forward a little further, her smile sweet and innocent.

The hall was deathly silent.

Just like the Dharma Master Jiese, who stood by on high alert, ready to lend a helping hand at any moment, a hint of strangeness appeared in his serious expression.

What's going on?

The moment An Ruyu sat down, Yu Tunzhou's Taiji Domain was fully deployed, and all sorts of thoughts swept over him, even glancing at Lord Hibernating Dragon.

Having just suffered three full-force blows from Ao Qingxiao, the field had not yet recovered, and now it was likely that it could only withstand one more blow.

It is unknown whether An Ruyu has learned from Zhang Yan that when his Taiji Domain collapses, it still has the power to strike back, returning the force that was previously dissipated to the opponent!

Lord Hibernating Dragon would never stand idly by and watch An Ruyu make a move.

At this moment, Yu Tunzhou looked at the dragon tendon stained with dragon blood handed to him, and his heart sank. This woman was indeed ruthless and acted without any scruples!

He looked up at An Ruyu, who was smiling gently, his brows furrowed.

What on earth is wrong with this woman? Is she pulling out tendons from people and smashing glass? I really need to take her to a hospital to get checked out sometime.

Ao Lie said angrily, "Saintess An, my East Sea Dragon Palace and your Incense-Smelling Cult Sect have always kept to themselves. Today you pulled out my grandson's dragon tendons. Do you really think my East Sea Dragon Palace has no one to rely on?!"

An Ruyu finally managed to tear her gaze away from Yu Tunzhou, turning to look at Ao Lie with a half-smile, and said, "Keep to your own business? Who's the well water and who's the river water? Elder Ao, if I were you, I'd be taking your grandson back to the Dragon Palace right now."

"Soon, my Heavenly King will personally visit the East Sea Dragon Palace to settle old scores with your esteemed Dragon Palace regarding the Battle of the Huai River three years ago."

Ao Lie's expression changed. Ever since An Ruyu suddenly appeared and made a move, he had a bad feeling, and now it was confirmed.

The Incense-Smelling Cult has indeed discovered the truth from three years ago.

Was An Ruyu's trip specifically aimed at that grandfather and grandson?!

Thinking of what happened back then, Ao Lie couldn't sit still. Others might not know, but the Dragon Palaces of the Four Seas did. Behind the Incense-Smelling Cult stood more than one deity!

Compared to the future threat posed by the Kunpeng lineage, the Incense-Smelling Cult is the immediate crisis!

With this thought in mind, a cold glint flashed in Ao Lie's eyes, and External Scenery aura surged forth. He wished he could capture this demoness right now.

Lord Hibernating Dragon said calmly at the opportune moment, "Elder Ao, you have lost your composure. Perhaps you should temporarily withdraw for today."

At this moment, Lord Hibernating Dragon was in a real bind, not only having to be wary of Ao Lie, but also constantly cautious of An Ruyu's potential attack on Yu Tunzhou.

He didn't know what would happen to An Ruyu once Yu Tunzhou died in his underwater palace, but he was certain that he would have no way out once that Great Hero Mo returned!

He suddenly felt immense regret for having dragged Yu Tunzhou into today's drinking party.

Yu Tunzhou's entry into the game led An Ruyu into the game as well, and a series of chain reactions far exceeded his control.

The key reason is not that An Ruyu acted so recklessly, daring to sever Ao Qingxiao's dragon tendons, but that the Incense-Smelling Cult clearly had planned to attack the East Sea Dragon Palace long ago!

With today's events making public, everyone knows that the Incense-Smelling Cult is about to attack the East Sea Dragon Palace. And what role is Lord Hibernating Dragon playing in all of this?

really.

Knowing he had no chance today, Ao Lie coldly looked at the Lord Hibernating Dragon in the main seat. "Your Excellency has skillful tactics. The East Sea Dragon Palace will remember what happened today!"

Lord Hibernating Dragon said expressionlessly, "No need to see me off."

Ao Lie grabbed Ao Qingxiao, who was still wailing, and disappeared from the main hall.

The turmoil seemed to have ended just like that.

Then, Lord Hibernating Dragon looked at An Ruyu and said in a deep voice, "Holy Maiden An, this place belongs to my Coming Dragon Water Prefecture. No matter how powerful your Incense-Smelling Cult is, you have no right to harm the successor of the Great Hero Mo in my Water Palace!"

An Ruyu turned around, smiling and winking, "Three years ago, the East Sea Dragon Palace set a trap and killed one of my Sacred Cult's External Scenery Protectors. My Sacred Cult only recently investigated the matter and was just about to settle accounts with them. Today, I thank Young Hero Guo for helping me vent my anger."

Feeling the sudden change in the gazes around him, Yu Tunzhou's lips twitched.

Who stood up for you?

"Young Hero Guo's Young Hero Guo cup is empty, let me pour you some more."

Her slender, white fingertips touched the wine pot on the table. The pot's body was made of lustrous white porcelain, which made the girl's five fingers appear even more delicate and fair. She leaned over as if no one else was around, filling the air with a delicate fragrance, neither gaudy nor seductive.

Looking at the girl in front of him, whose almond-shaped eyes were filled with scattered smiles, Yu Tunzhou finally couldn't help but say, "Heroine An, you're overacting a bit."

His gaze swept over the dragon tendon, still dripping with warm dragon blood, and he said irritably, "The disputes and grudges between the Incense-Smelling Cult and the East Sea Dragon Palace have nothing to do with me. Don't drag me into it."

An Ruyu's hands didn't stop moving; the wine poured into the cup, clear and bright. After pouring the wine, she knelt back down properly, placed her hands on her knees, blinked, and said, "I'm pouring wine for Young Hero Guo. Does Young Hero Guo dare not drink it?"

The Dharma Master Jiese was closest to the scene and heard it most clearly; his expression was solemn.

What tricks is this vixen playing? Is she trying to tarnish Master Yu's reputation in the martial arts world and make everyone believe that he has joined the Incense-Smelling Cult?

Thinking of this, Jiese sent a telepathic message to Yu Tunzhou, telling him to be very careful.

Yu Tunzhou reassured the Dharma Master Jiese with a telepathic message, as he knew what was going on.

Seeing that An Ruyu had no intention of taking action for the time being, Lord Hibernating Dragon kept a close eye on the situation while inviting the guests to raise their glasses and drink together, saying that today's events had indeed disturbed everyone's enjoyment, and that it would be better to arrange another time to meet again.

The atmosphere in the room had become quite strange. Everyone raised their glasses and laughed, saying they were fine, but their thoughts were all different. Some were glancing at Yu Tunzhou out of the corner of their eyes, while others were thinking of things that had gone far away.

The news that the Guardian King of the Incense-Smelling Cult is about to descend upon the East Sea Dragon Palace is enough to quickly cause a sensation.

In the latest Heaven Ranking, the Protector King of the Incense-Smelling Cult ranks fifth!

To this day, the East Sea Dragon Palace only has one Half-Step Dharma Aspect, a limitation imposed by the Great Yan.

If the Incense-Smelling Cult truly intends to settle scores with the East Sea Dragon Palace, the Great Yan will inevitably intervene. This Holy Maiden has openly revealed this information today; isn't she afraid of provoking powerful figures from the Great Yan?

As long as the fate of the Great Yan Kingdom remains intact, that Old Wang will undoubtedly be the greatest in the world.

Therefore, the most likely explanation is that the Heavenly King Protector of the Incense-Smelling Cult has already gone to the East Sea Dragon Palace!

Even if the news were to spread now, the Great Yan wouldn't have time to react.

Thinking of this, the people at the table became restless, wishing they could leave immediately to find out more information.

Yu Tunzhou glanced at the sake in his cup, then looked up at An Ruyu: "If I remember correctly, before you chased me, Heroine An, you seemed to have a question for me?"

An Ruyu smiled and said, "There is a question I've wanted to ask Young Hero Guo for a long time, but I don't think Young Hero Guo 'll tell the truth right now, so let's ask it later."

Yu Tunzhou frowned. Was it about the Heavenly Court Fragment?

Could it be that this sorceress has already discovered that she has obtained the fragment in the dungeon of Pinghu County Government Office?

now.

People began to rise one by one, bowing to Lord Hibernating Dragon in the main seat to take their leave.

"Your Excellency, we have troubled you greatly today. We will do our utmost to cooperate with you regarding the autumn flood control efforts on the river. We will take our leave now."

"We will remember your kindness, Your Excellency. However, we have other matters to attend to at home, so we will not stay any longer. Farewell."

"Young Hero Yu, until we meet again!"

Lord Hibernating Dragon did not try to keep them, but smiled and returned the greetings with clasped hands, then sent his trusted shrimp soldiers to see the guests out of the mansion.

In less than half an incense stick's time, the once bustling main hall was mostly empty.

Yu Tunzhou also stood up and looked at the Dharma Master Jiese, who nodded slightly, then stood up to bid farewell to the Prefect.

Lord Hibernating Dragon stepped down from the main seat, a hint of shame on his face. "Young Hero Yu, today's events were due to my oversight. I intended to invite you to the banquet, but it has instead caused so much trouble. I am truly sorry."

Yu Tunzhou cupped his hands and said, "You're too kind, Lord. I have other matters to attend to, so I won't stay any longer."

Then, Yu Tunzhou and Dharma Master Jiese walked quickly out of the Water Palace side by side, leaving An Ruyu behind.

"Master, today is probably not a good day to make a move. My other Divine Ability still needs time to accumulate."

Yu Tunzhou noticed a beautiful figure behind him and transmitted his voice.

Jiese solemnly replied, "It's alright, I can escort Benefactor Yu all the way to the nearest county town."

Yu Tunzhou solemnly said, "This demoness is cunning and her methods are impossible to guard against. Simply running away will only increase her interest, so fighting back is necessary."

He reasonably suspected that this enchantress was a sadist.

Jiese pondered for a moment and said, "What Benefactor Yu says makes sense."

The two left the water palace together, traversing the water, and after traveling some distance, they reached the river surface.

The two emerged from the river. It was now pitch black, and the moonlight fell on the surging waves, shattering into a shimmering expanse of light.

The Buddhist prayer beads in Yu Tunzhou's hand issued another warning.

That enchantress was indeed still following behind them!

Jiese turned around and locked his gaze on the faint, white figure dozens of feet behind him.

"Let's shake them off first," said Yu Tunzhou. "Give me two more days!"

Jiese nodded upon hearing this, and the two of them, taking advantage of the river wind and waves, headed downstream.

At that very moment.

The previously churning river surface suddenly froze without warning!

The surging waves hung suspended in mid-air, the howling river wind abruptly ceased, and even the waning moon on the horizon was completely obscured by the suddenly gathered dark clouds.

A massive hand covered in dragon scales descended from the sky, its terrifying power like a collapsing mountain!

"Young Hero Yu, come with me to the East Sea Dragon Palace. After I capture you, I'll take that demoness with me!"

A cold voice rang out from the stagnant river water, carrying a chilling aura.

Yu Tunzhou's expression changed; Ao Lie hadn't left after all, and was blocking the downstream area!

Jiese roared angrily, "How dare the East Sea Dragon Palace defy convention and bully Form Refinement junior with only External Scenery form! Elder Ao, do you know the consequences of your actions?!"

He unleashed several palm strikes in succession, each one imbued with powerful golden Gang Qi, his body forming Form Refinement fused together the Vajra Gang Qi of Buddhist School.

"What a Great Strength Vajra Palm! Shaolin truly lives up to its reputation as a major Martial Dao sect and the ancestral home of Buddhist School." Ao Lie's voice held a hint of solemnity. "If your Divine Ability Perfection, you might actually be able to fight me, but alas..."

He easily knocked Jiese away with a flick of his wrist and said calmly, "Step back. This matter has nothing to do with Shaolin. Besides, my invitation to Young Hero Yu to come to our door is a friendly gesture, and I intend to take him to the Kunpeng Burial Ground."

He paused, then said with a hint of sarcasm, "Whether Young Hero Yu survives or not is not my concern. If that Great Hero Mo were to return alive and come looking for me, I wouldn't care. After all, I'd probably be overseas by then."

Yu Tunzhou retreated rapidly, and said in a deep voice, "You should take back this kind offer!"

"My good intentions are not something you, Young Hero Yu, can refuse." Ao Lie snorted coldly, raising his hand to grab, a simple gesture that seemed to hold the power of heaven and earth.

All the principles of water transport converged in his hand, transforming into a dragon claw that blotted out the sky. When the claw fell, it was as if the entire weight of the Coming Dragon River was pressing down, and there was no way to resist it.

Jiese roared angrily, blood spilling from the corner of his mouth. His golden palm print swelled in the wind, unleashing six consecutive palm strikes that crashed head-on into the dragon claw. Each strike was no weaker than the innate Innate Divine Ability that Ao Qingxiao had previously unleashed at full strength.

But it was all in vain under the dragon's claws!

Jiese felt an overwhelming force surge through him, and he was sent flying.

Yu Tunzhou appeared beside him just in time, expanding his Taiji Domain to its limit. The black and white energy flowed in unison, forcefully absorbing the remaining power of the attack. Then the field collapsed, and the rebound force Earth Surge Ao Lie.

Ao Lie casually deflected the attack, his gaze falling on the black and white aura surrounding Yu Tunzhou, his killing intent intensifying. "I sensed something was off earlier. It turns out you possess a wisp of Qi of Dao and Virtue, using it to master Divine Ability powers and principles. Qingxiao's defeat at your hands is truly no injustice."

He raised his hand again, and this time, the surrounding river water boiled violently, and countless water blades materialized out of thin air, sealing off all escape routes for Yu Tunzhou and his companion.

"Young Hero Yu, if you struggle any longer, you'll get hurt." Ao Lie reached out again, his power locking onto the target, leaving no room for evasion.

The next moment, a jade-green hand seal appeared out of thin air, drawing upon the surrounding earth energy and water veins, and slammed down hard from behind Ao Lie!

Ao Lie's body slumped, his vertical pupils suddenly contracted, and he exclaimed in shock and anger, "An Ruyu?! I haven't even gone looking for you yet, and you, you vixen, have come to my door on your own?"

"Good! Well done!"

He grinned maliciously and said, "Neither of you are leaving today. You'll both come back to the Dragon Palace with me! I want to see how your Incense-Smelling Cult dares to bully my East Sea Dragon Palace!"

With a flash of her white figure, An Ruyu stood before Yu Tunzhou, her eyes crinkling with a smile, "Young Hero Guo, I have a question I've always wanted to ask you, and I would appreciate your thoughtful answer."

Yu Tunzhou sighed, "You vixen, can't you tell the difference between occasions? Also, don't expect me to thank you for your help. This old dragon has gone berserk, and 80% of the credit goes to you."

An Ruyu blinked and said, "But I think now is the best time to ask you."

As for this one...

She pursed her lips and said with a smile, "Actually, there's no need to worry. Would that prefect miss such an opportunity to curry favor with you, me, and Shaolin?"

"And for Young Hero Guo, watching the External Scenery action up close will also be a significant benefit."

As soon as An Ruyu finished speaking, a very faint blue light suddenly appeared on the surface of the river, which had been tightly locked by Ao Lie's aura.

The power and laws governing the Coming Dragon River, which were originally under Ao Lie's control, were suddenly reversed.

"Ao Lie, do you know what the consequences would be if you, as an elder of the External Scenery, rashly attacked a disciple of Shaolin and a member of the Great Hero Mo sect?"

A calm and unhurried voice rose along with the sound of the flowing river, yet it carried an undeniable authority.

The next moment, a figure in a green robe blocked the way for Yu Tunzhou and his two companions.