Chapter 72: Gathering of Prodigies Clash of the Strong
The dragon blood pool was a natural treasure of immense potency.
Though it had settled for countless ages, the spiritual energy infused within kept its effects astonishingly powerful.
The might of a pureblood true dragon was beyond imagination.
Ye Wushang, immersed in the pool, absorbed torrents of spiritual energy.
He had to circulate his cultivation techniques at full speed any lapse could cause his body to explode.
While the beast king slept, Ye Wushang cultivated intensely.
His realm surged:
- Dharma Aspect Realm Level One → Level Two → Level Three
His body underwent continuous refinement.
Dragon might and essence flooded his physique, with excess power stored in his Supreme Bone.
Time passed unnoticed.
The Soaring Dragon Secret Realm typically remained open for one year.
After that, anyone still inside would be trapped.
Rumors claimed that a mysterious force would eliminate all lingering outsiders.
Many believed it.
Ten months had passed since the realm opened.
Only two months remained.
Across Tianluo Daozhou, prodigies from various domains had gained much.
Many Peak Purple Mansion Realm cultivators broke through to Dharma Aspect Realm.
Others advanced one or two levels.
One day, a large group arrived at the swamp where Ye Wushang was cultivating.
Their auras were formidable.
Had Ye Wushang been present, he would’ve recognized many from the Canglan Domain.
They had come on orders from their factions; this location was rumored to house a legendary opportunity.
Though the stone gate had never been opened in millennia, it was said that whoever unlocked it would achieve unimaginable greatness.
“So many people here…” someone murmured.
“Doesn’t matter. If we can’t open the gate, we’ll never know the secret.”
“Wait someone’s been here already. Look!”
Everyone turned their eyes narrow.
Outside the gate lay the headless corpse of the Nine-Headed Xuanwater Black Jiao, stiff and long dead.
“Wasn’t this beast said to be invincible in the secret realm? How did it die?”
“It had been evolving for ages, now it’s been slain!”
“Who did this?”
They flew toward the gate, confirming the jiao’s death.
Before arriving, they had known they couldn’t defeat it alone.
Past attempts had ended in tragedy.
But now, someone has already killed it.
“Look, the gate shows signs of being opened!”
Everyone examined the gate.
A faint mark indicated it had shifted proof it had been opened and closed.
Eyes gleamed with greed.
If someone had entered, the treasures inside might still be within reach.
“The gate hasn’t opened again. That person must still be inside!”
The crowd grew restless.
This treasure trove had been coveted for generations.
Even the aura that leaked out had helped the jiao evolve proof of its value.
Rumors claimed this was once a true dragon’s lair.
Dragon lairs were filled with treasures.
Who wouldn’t be tempted?
Many prodigies skilled in mechanisms tried to open the gate but all failed.
“Someone really opened it. I’ll wait here and see who it was.”
A Level Five Dharma Aspect Realm cultivator spoke coldly, eyes gleaming.
Others agreed.
“The realm’s treasures are mostly exhausted. Better to wait here.”
“Let’s see who was lucky enough to open it and how.”
Everyone settled in to wait.
Then, a voice broke the calm.
“There are too many people here. Even if there’s treasure, how will we divide it?”
All eyes turned.
“Jiang Feng, what do you mean?”
Jiang Feng was well-known across multiple domains.
His strength was undeniable.
He smiled coldly.
“Simple. Survival of the fittest. Let’s fight.
Those strong enough stay.
The weak leave now, or die.”
The crowd stirred.
Many from smaller domains turned pale.
Most were Level Three Dharma Aspect Realm or lower.
They couldn’t match the top-tier prodigies at Level Four or Five.
Some wanted to protest but the stronger cultivators agreed.
“Good idea. Weaklings have no place here.”
A Level Five prodigy released a terrifying aura, shaking the void.
“Agreed!” another chimed in.
“No need for debate. Anyone below Level Five leave or die.”
“Leave! Anyone within ten thousand miles killed on sight!”
A domineering blade cultivator stepped forward.
His aura made many retreat instinctively.
More Level Five cultivators voiced support.
They believed only those at their level deserved to stay.
Level Four cultivators considered teaming up but the gap was too wide.
Among prodigies, group fights meant nothing.
One realm’s difference was a chasm.
Seeing the consensus, many reluctantly left.
Some refused Level Four cultivators who believed in cross-realm combat.
But the Level Five prodigies smirked.
Without a word, they each picked a target.
The battles were swift and brutal.
Within half a stick of incense, the Level Four challengers were defeated and fled.
Jiang Luocheng stood alone, facing a man who hadn’t moved.
He clenched his fists.
His instincts screamed—this man was dangerous.
Everyone else had been driven off.
Only Jiang Luocheng remained.
Because his opponent had yet to act.
“Unlucky for you. You’ve met Dongfang Lu.
I enjoy killing arrogant prodigies.”
The crowd ignored them, focusing on cultivation.
They knew Dongfang Lu’s reputation cruel, vindictive, and powerful.
His background was terrifying.
Many factions feared him.
Now he had targeted Jiang Luocheng.
No one expected Jiang to survive.
No one spoke up, no one wanted trouble with Dongfang Lu.
Jiang Luocheng inhaled deeply, fists clenched.
“Hmph! We’ll see who stays. Die!”
He punched forward hundreds of acupoints open, power surging.
He had activated 200 of 365 acupoints, boosting his strength immensely.
The punch was formidable spectators turned to watch, surprised by his Star Physique.
Dongfang Lu smiled.
“Star Physique? Interesting.
But you haven’t opened your spiritual acupoints.
The gap between us is too wide.
This punch won’t save you.”
With his words, Dongfang Lu unleashed a terrifying killing move.