276: Ancient Clan Festival

Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.

In the center of the Ancient World, on a vast plain specially cleared for the event, banners fluttered and the sound of voices was deafening. Simple stone platforms floated in the air, arranged in an orderly fashion, with the most magnificent Central Battle Platform, inscribed with complex Formations, at the very middle. This was the venue for the Ancient Clan's exchange gathering for the younger generation.

Hundreds of people gathered here, including major branches of the Ancient Clan itself, affiliated clans, and a few invited Geniuses from the Central Plains. The air was filled with excitement, anticipation, and a faint scent of gunpowder. For the young Geniuses of the Ancient Clan, this was not just a superb Opportunity to show off and gain recognition within the clan, but also a stage to spar with top peers and verify their own strength.

Everyone's gaze involuntarily drifted toward a special spot in the VIP Seating Area.

Li Ao sat there peacefully. He was still clad in a Green Robe, his expression calm, as if he were just an ordinary bystander. But simply by sitting there, he naturally became one of the focal points of the entire venue. Although he tried his best to restrain his Aura after his trip to the Heavenly Tomb, the profound, mountain-like demeanor naturally emanating from his Physical Body after Physical Body Achieving Sainthood by the Nirvana Origin, and the fleeting sense of Chaos and Nirvana that occasionally flashed in his opening and closing eyes, secretly shocked all those with keen perception.

Beside him, Xiao Yan, Medusa, and Xiao Yi Xian sat in order. Xiao Yan's expression was steady, and as he scanned the eager Geniuses from various clans in the field, his Battle Intent faintly ignited. Medusa looked cool and aloof; her beautiful face drew glances from many young men of the Ancient Clan, yet none dared to approach easily. Xiao Yi Xian was quiet as water, seeming out of place amidst the surrounding excitement.

Gu Xun'er, as the Young Miss of the Ancient Clan, attended today in formal attire, sitting in the foremost position of the Ancient Clan's core disciples area, possessing graceful bearing and unparalleled elegance. Her gaze occasionally swept toward Li Ao's direction, her eyes complex.

The gathering was hosted by a venerable Ancient Clan Elder. After a brief opening speech, they immediately entered the core segment—Free Challenge Sparring!

The rules were simple: the younger generation could ascend the platform at will to display their cultivation and Dou Techniques, or they could challenge others by name. The challenged person could not refuse without a special reason. It was supposed to stop short of serious injury, but fists and feet have no eyes, so everyone relied on their own abilities.

Initially, those who took the stage were mostly weaker disciples from the Ancient Clan's affiliated clans or branches, focusing mainly on Dou Technique demonstrations. Occasional sparring matches occurred, mostly between those of the same rank, which, though lively, did not cause much commotion.

As time passed, some stronger Geniuses from the main Ancient Clan began to appear.

A commander from the Black Annihilation Army, whose cultivation had reached Eight-Star Dou Zun, took the stage. He displayed a set of fierce and powerful Ancient Clan Boxing Techniques with great vigor, defeating three opponents of the same rank and earning rounds of applause.

Immediately afterward, an Ancient Clan woman skilled in controlling wind-attribute Dou Qi gracefully ascended the stage. Her movement technique was mysterious, and her Dou Techniques were agile, showing equally impressive performance.

The atmosphere gradually reached a climax.

"I have long heard that Brother Xiao Yan shone brilliantly in the Heavenly Tomb, his cultivation advancing by leaps and bounds, and that he possesses various Heavenly Flames, giving him extraordinary fighting strength." A clear voice suddenly rang out. A young man in silver robes, looking spirited and imposing, leaped onto the Central Battle Platform, his gaze fixed directly on Xiao Yan in the VIP Seating Area. "Gu Hua of the Ancient Clan, Nine-Star Dou Zun, specifically requests a spar!"

Gu Hua! He was one of the top Geniuses of the Ancient Clan's younger generation, second only to Gu Qingyang and Gu Yao. His strength had already reached Nine-Star Dou Zun for many years; his Foundation was solid and his Dou Techniques were proficient.

Challenging Xiao Yan!

All eyes immediately focused. An outsider who was a Five-Star Dou Zun (when he entered), though now rumored to have reached Peak Nine-Star Dou Zun, had achieved this in a short time. What were his chances against a veteran Nine-Star Dou Zun like Gu Hua?

Gu Xun'er frowned slightly, looking at Xiao Yan. Medusa and Xiao Yi Xian also cast their gazes over.

Xiao Yan's expression remained unchanged. He slowly stood up, nodded to Li Ao, and with a shift of his body, he appeared on the Central Battle Platform, standing opposite Gu Hua.

"Please," Xiao Yan cupped his hands, not taking out his xuan heavy ruler.

"Be careful!" Gu Hua didn't waste words. He gave a low shout, his silver robe billowing as majestic Dou Qi surged out. His Dou Qi attribute was the rare Star Power. With a wave of his hand, spots of silver starlight condensed into beams, shooting toward Xiao Yan like a meteor shower. They were as fast as lightning and possessed the power to pierce metal and stone!

Xiao Yan's eyes sharpened. He stamped his foot, advancing instead of retreating! The azure Green Lotus Core Flame violently erupted from his body, transforming into a massive flame shield in front of him!

"Chii chii chii—!"

The silver starlight impacted the flame shield, creating dense explosions. The flames churned but firmly blocked the attack.

"Such powerful flames!" Gu Hua’s heart tightened. He formed hand seals, and more concentrated beams of Star Power gathered, forming a gigantic silver light sword that slashed down from the air! "Starfall Slash!"

Xiao Yan took a deep breath, his hands forming a grasping motion. The Green Lotus Core Flame and the invisible Fallen Heart Flame rapidly underwent Fusion, transforming into a solid flame long spear. On the spear's body, lotus patterns and heart fire faintly pulsed!

"Flame Splitting Tsunami Ruler—Spear Transformation!"

The flame long spear thrust upward, violently colliding with the silver light sword!

"Boom!"

An energy storm swept out, and both figures simultaneously retreated several steps. Gu Hua's expression changed slightly. He felt that his Star Dou Qi was being burned and eroded by the fused Heavenly Flame, significantly reducing its power.

"The Heavenly Flames truly are overbearing!" Gu Hua's Battle Intent intensified. His figure flickered, transforming into streaks of silver afterimages, attacking Xiao Yan from all directions. Every strike—palm, finger, fist, and leg—carried heavy Star Power, forceful and powerful.

Xiao Yan integrated the xuan heavy ruler techniques into his fists and feet. Coupled with his mysterious movement technique, he drove the power of the Heavenly Flames to the extreme, sometimes forming a shield for defense, sometimes transforming into a spear for counterattack, fighting Gu Hua to a standstill. Although he had just entered Peak Nine-Star Dou Zun, the profoundness of the Burning Technique, the might of the Heavenly Flames, and the solid Foundation he established in the Heavenly Tomb prevented him from being at a disadvantage.

On the battle platform, silver light and firelight intertwined and clashed, the continuous roar dazzling everyone.

"This Xiao Yan... can he truly match Brother Gu Hua?"

"His flame is too strange; it seems capable of restraining Star Power!"

"It seems his trip to the Heavenly Tomb yielded massive gains indeed!"

Among the Ancient Clan's younger generation, many people's opinions of Xiao Yan began to change.

After over a hundred rounds of fierce fighting, Gu Hua failed to break through. Knowing that ordinary methods would not secure victory, a silver light flashed in his eyes, and his Aura suddenly surged to its Peak!

"Take my final move! Great Star River Palm!"

He suddenly pushed out both palms. Vast Star Dou Qi surged forth, actually manifesting a brilliant silver Star River in front of him, rolling toward Xiao Yan with a majestic Aura capable of crushing everything! This palm strike had already touched the threshold of a Tier-level Dou Technique, possessing astonishing power!

Facing this ultimate strike, Xiao Yan's eyes turned utterly sharp. His hands rapidly traced mysterious paths in front of him. All the Heavenly Flames within his body (Green Lotus Core Flame, Fallen Heart Flame, and a Beast Fire obtained later through Opportunity) surged out frantically, rapidly compressing and undergoing Fusion before him!

A fire lotus, only palm-sized but displaying three colors—azure, white, and red—beautiful yet deadly, spun rapidly into shape!

"Three-Colored... Buddha's Fury Fire Lotus!"

Xiao Yan roared softly and flicked the fire lotus out with his finger!

The fire lotus lightly floated into the surging silver Star River.

The next moment—

"Rumble—!!!"

It was like a star exploding! An indescribably terrifying flame storm erupted within the silver Star River! Brilliant three-colored fire waves rolled like angry Dragons, tearing and incinerating the dazzling Star River inch by inch! The destructive shockwave spread in all directions; if the Central Battle Platform hadn't been protected by a powerful Formation, the residual energy alone might have injured the spectators below!

The light dispersed, and the energy subsided.

Gu Hua knelt on one knee, his face pale, blood leaking from his mouth, and his Aura weak. He had clearly suffered serious injuries in the collision. Although Xiao Yan's body swayed and his face was flushed, he remained standing steadily.

The difference in strength was immediately obvious!

"Thank you for the match, Brother Gu Hua," Xiao Yan said, cupping his hands while suppressing his surging Qi and blood.

Gu Hua struggled to stand up, wiped the blood from his mouth, and gave a wry smile: "Brother Xiao Yan's strength is astonishing. I admire the might of your Heavenly Flames! I have lost this battle."

A moment of silence was followed by thunderous applause and gasps of admiration from below the stage! Xiao Yan, using his Peak Nine-Star Dou Zun cultivation, had directly defeated the veteran Nine-Star Dou Zun Gu Hua, and he had done so using such a stunning Flame Fusion Dou Technique, completely proving his strength!

In the VIP Seating Area, Li Ao nodded slightly, showing approval in his eyes. Xiao Yan's control and Fusion of Heavenly Flames were becoming increasingly proficient.

Gu Xun'er also smiled sweetly, brilliance flowing in her beautiful eyes.

However, where some were happy, others were troubled.

Just as Xiao Yan was preparing to step down and regulate his breathing, a cold voice suddenly rang out, sweeping across the entire venue like a chill wind:

"What is there to boast about when relying on external Heavenly Flames for victory? A true expert should be judged by their own Foundation and Dou Techniques!"

Before the voice faded, a black-robed figure had already appeared like a phantom on the Central Battle Platform, blocking Xiao Yan's path.

The newcomer had a stern face and arrogant eyes. The Aura emanating from him was far more solid and fierce than Gu Hua's, clearly at the level of One Turn Dou Zun Peak (one foot stepped into the Half-Saint Realm)!

Gu Yao!

He finally couldn't hold back and entered the arena himself! Moreover, immediately upon arriving, he directly accused Xiao Yan of "relying on external items," intending to suppress the prestige Xiao Yan had just established.

The atmosphere instantly became subtle and tense.

Xiao Yan's gaze chilled, and just as he was about to speak, Li Ao's calm voice rang out from the VIP section, clearly reaching everyone's ears:

"Heavenly Flames are also part of one's own strength, so how can they be called external objects? If Brother Gu Yao is unconvinced, why not find a few Heavenly Flames to use yourself?"

His tone was indifferent but carried an unquestionable meaning, instantly dissolving Gu Yao's accusation while subtly mocking his sour grapes mentality.

Gu Yao's expression darkened. He looked toward Li Ao in the VIP section, his eyes flashing with cold light: "Hall Master Li Ao, you are mistaken! Our Ancient Clan disciples value Bloodline and Legacy, and we rely on solid effort! We do not take shortcuts by depending on these wonders of heaven and earth!"

He paused, and his voice suddenly rose, carrying a provocative intent that echoed throughout the venue:

"I have long heard that Hall Master Li Ao possesses heaven-defying strength, capable of easily Burying the Saints of the Hall of Souls! I, Gu Yao, am untalented, but I have already stepped into the Peak Dou Zun of the First Revolution. I believe my Foundation is decent, and I have some insight into Dou Techniques. At today's grand event, my heart is restless. May I perhaps... request a few pointers from Hall Master Li Ao?!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire venue erupted in an uproar!

Gu Yao had actually challenged Li Ao directly?!

Although he spoke of "requesting a few pointers," his intent to challenge was obvious! This was no longer just a spar between the younger generation; it involved a clash between an Ancient Clan Genius and the Ruins Hall Master, who was famous across the Central Plains!

Everyone held their breath, their eyes collectively fixed on the figure in the Green Robe in the VIP section.

Gu Xun'er frowned deeply, a hint of displeasure and worry flashing in her beautiful eyes. Gu Yao's action was far too reckless!

On the high platform, the Ancient Clan Elders also changed their expressions slightly, but they did not immediately intervene. They also wanted to see just how strong this young man, whom Clan Chief Gu Yuan held in high regard, truly was. Furthermore, letting the most top-tier Genius within the clan feel the gap between themselves and a truly peerless expert was not a bad thing.

Under the gaze of tens of thousands, Li Ao slowly stood up.

He calmly looked at the imposing Gu Yao on the Battle Stage, the corner of his mouth seemingly curving into a faint smile.

"You may."

He took a step, and his figure instantly appeared on the Central Battle Platform, standing opposite Gu Yao, separated by only ten Zhang.

"I will give you three chances to attack." Li Ao stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his Green Robe fluttering slightly in the wind, his tone as calm as if he were discussing a trivial matter. "If you can force me to move half a step, you win."

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire venue fell into dead silence!

Arrogance!

Extreme arrogance!

Facing a Genius who was a Peak Dou Zun of the First Revolution and possessed the Ancient Clan's top Bloodline and Legacy, he actually said he would allow the opponent three attacks, and if they could force him to move half a step, they would win?!

What kind of confidence was this, or rather... what kind of contempt?!

Gu Yao's face instantly flushed red, and the anger in his eyes was about to burst forth. An unprecedented sense of humiliation surged into his heart. When had he, Gu Yao, ever been so lightly regarded?!

"Li Ao! You are too arrogant!" Gu Yao roared. The Black Annihilation Dou Qi around him erupted like a volcano. A massive black Demonic Eagle phantom condensed behind him, radiating a fierce Aura capable of tearing the sky apart! "Today, I will show you what the true power of the Ancient Clan is!"

"Black Annihilation Demonic Eagle, Possession!"

He immediately used his ultimate Bloodline Secret Technique. His Aura instantly soared, almost touching the threshold of a One-Star Dou Sheng! His entire body transformed into a black bolt of lightning, accompanied by a piercing eagle cry, tearing through the air and shooting toward Li Ao, who stood with his hands behind his back. His speed and momentum far surpassed Gu Hua's during his fight with Xiao Yan!

"First attack: Black Eagle Sky-Rending Claw!"

The black sharp claw grabbed down directly, the claw wind fierce, as if even space itself was about to be torn apart!

Facing this terrifying strike, which was enough to severely injure an ordinary Peak Dou Zun of the First Revolution, Li Ao did not even lift an eyelid.

He merely stood there quietly, without even raising his Protective Dou Qi.

Under the gaze of countless shocked eyes, the black sharp claw, capable of splitting mountains and cracking stones, fiercely struck the top of Li Ao's head!

"Clang—!!!"

A deafening sound, like the clash of metal but deeper and heavier, suddenly exploded!

The imagined scene of a bloody head wound did not appear.

Li Ao remained standing in place, completely motionless. Not even a strand of his hair was disheveled.

Gu Yao's claw, covered in black scales and condensed with all his strength, felt as if it had struck the hardest divine metal in the world. His five fingers throbbed with severe pain, and the force of the backlash caused his entire arm to go numb and tremble! What terrified him even more was the feeling that he hadn't grabbed a body of flesh and blood, but an eternal divine mountain impervious to all techniques!

"How is that possible?!" Gu Yao's pupils contracted sharply, his heart filled with extreme shock. With that claw strike, even a One-Star Dou Sheng in the Early Stage wouldn't dare to be so arrogant as to take it head-on with their Physical Body!

"Two more attacks." Li Ao's calm voice rang out, sounding like a deathly demonic melody.

Gu Yao's face was ashen, and a trace of madness flashed in his eyes. He retreated abruptly, quickly forming seals with his hands. The Bloodline Power within him burned frantically, and the black Demonic Eagle phantom behind him let out a skyward shriek, becoming even more solidified!

"Black Annihilation Forbidden Technique—Ten Thousand Eagles Burning the Heavens Kill!"

Countless black eagle phantoms, condensed from pure Black Annihilation Dou Qi, appeared overwhelmingly. Each one radiated fierce Killing Intent, shooting toward Li Ao in the center like a black meteor shower, attacking from all directions and angles without blind spots! This strike had already surpassed the scope of a Dou Zun of the First Revolution, infinitely approaching the might of a true Dou Sheng!

However, Li Ao still just stood there quietly.

The torrent of black eagle phantoms, powerful enough to level an entire mountain range, instantly shattered upon approaching within three Chi of his body, as if hitting an invisible, absolutely insurmountable wall. They turned into primal energy turbulence and dissipated into the air, unable to even lift the corner of Li Ao's robe.

The breathing of the entire audience seemed to stop at this moment.

Gu Yao's face was utterly pale. His two strongest attacks couldn't even force the opponent to move a single step?!

Immense fear and despair, like a cold tide, drowned him.

Li Ao's gaze finally landed on him. The look was calm and waveless, yet it made Gu Yao feel as if he had fallen into an ice cave.

"The third attack."

Gu Yao trembled all over. He knew he wouldn't get a chance for a third attack. If the opponent wanted to kill him, it would be as easy as flipping a hand.

"I... surrender." The incredibly bitter voice was squeezed out of Gu Yao's throat with difficulty. All his pride and unwillingness were shattered at this moment.

Li Ao nodded slightly, no longer looking at him. His gaze swept across the silent young Geniuses of the Ancient Clan, and he spoke softly:

"Is there anyone else who wishes to 'request pointers'?"

The voice wasn't loud, but it struck everyone's heart like a heavy hammer.

No one responded.

A stretch of dead silence.

What Li Ao displayed was crushing, absolute strength that led to despair. It was not the subtlety of a Dou Technique, nor the restraint of an attribute, but a chasm in the level of life and the essence of power!

To take a Peak Dou Zun's killing move head-on with his Physical Body and remain motionless—what kind of terrifying Physical Body was that? Was this truly a body that a human could possess?

Only now did many young Geniuses of the Ancient Clan truly understand that the reputation of the Ruins Hall Master, "Burying the Saint," was absolutely not exaggerated! Only then did they truly understand why Clan Chief Gu Yuan held him in such high regard!

The Ancient Clan Elders on the high platform also looked at each other, their eyes filled with shock. They knew Li Ao was strong, but they never expected him to be this strong! That Physical Body... had probably truly "become a Saint"!

Gu Xun'er gently exhaled, the brilliance in her beautiful eyes intensifying, along with a hint of relief.

Xiao Yan slowly loosened his tightly clenched fists. Looking at the figure in the Green Robe on the stage, his eyes were filled with unprecedented resolve and yearning. This was the Realm his Senior Brother had reached! He must work hard to catch up!

Li Ao said no more. His figure shifted slightly, and he had already returned to his original seat in the VIP section, as if the interlude that had shocked the entire venue had never occurred.

The grand event continued, but the atmosphere was vastly different from before. Everyone's hearts were shrouded in a layer of awe toward absolute powerhouses.

Following this incident, Li Ao's prestige among the younger generation of the Ancient Clan reached its Peak. At the same time, he sent a clear signal to all the forces secretly observing this place: Ruins Hall Master Li Ao possessed terrifying strength, enough for the Ancient Clan to treat him as an equal, or even with extra courtesy!

The subsequent challenge spars, though still fierce, felt like they were missing something. Everyone's thoughts seemed to remain fixed on Li Ao's understated yet earth-shattering Three-Step Pact.

The grand event finally concluded in a slightly complex atmosphere.

And Li Ao's name, along with his unfathomable strength, was bound to shake the entire Ancient Clan, and even the wider world, at a rapid pace through the word-of-mouth of today's attendees.