Chapter 143: Setting Sail Once Again on Thousand Mountains Island!
Chapter 143: Setting Sail Anomew on Thousand Mountains Island!
Chapter 143: True Blood of the Flood Dragon, Snake-Foot Dao Soldier!
Deep within Azure Python Island.
"Such talent is truly unmatched. At least here upon the Eastern Sea, it is exceedingly rare throughout the world."
The Azure Python Spirit grew more satisfied the longer it observed.
It felt a surge of joy as it watched Bai Xuan’s vital energy and blood condense around his body, as if about to transform into a single drop of true blood.
This was peerless innate talent; in a mere few months, the Azure Python Dragon-Transformation Art had already reached the threshold of mastery!
"Unmatched... I feel it is still not enough."
Bai Xuan abruptly opened his eyes.
His ocean-like vital energy and blood were condensing and rising frantically, but ultimately failed to undergo a complete transformation, rumbling as they returned to their original state.
He possessed the Mountain and River Internal Elixir Technique, and over the past few months, he had elevated his Flame Mastery to the "Proficient" level, only a single step away from minor accomplishment.
Even so, using the Mountain and River Internal Elixir Technique to temper his own vital energy and blood, it had taken him several months to barely forge a single drop of true blood.
"Correct."
"Liu Yuan" no longer struggled, his expression shifting from madness to wariness. "What are you plotting? What is your scheme?"
Although he had been suppressed by the Azure Python Spirit, that was only because the Azure Python Spirit resided within the land of inheritance, where its power connected directly with the entire heaven and earth, even enveloping this vast expanse of the ocean. No matter how formidable one was, it was difficult to rival such might.
The voice of the Azure Python Spirit echoed.
"True blood of the flood dragon?"
"Such formidable power."
With every inhalation and exhalation, it felt like the breath of a living being, sensing the surroundings.
The Azure Python Spirit looked down condescendingly at Liu Yuan beneath its feet, rumbling as it spoke, "It is not entirely impossible!"
The ocean-like vital energy and blood around his body retracted instantly, transforming into a speck of true blood that was nearly formed. After vibrating for a moment, it flashed and expanded once more.
This Azure Python Spirit explained in meticulous detail, sparing no effort, "At this tier, if you can advance even further, then during your next breakthrough, your strength and foundational depth will become several times more formidable."
"If you are defeated, then you must submit and grant a portion of your inheritance to my successor as a sign of recognition!"
The Azure Python Spirit rumbled, "You shall battle my successor, the outcome decided in a single strike! If you win, you may leave!"
Bai Xuan raised an eyebrow.
At this moment, it reversed its claws, pulling them out from the earth, and emerged with a rumble, still gripping "Liu Yuan" within its grasp.
That single drop of true blood had condensed, containing the vital energy and blood of an entire ocean. Through sublimation and transformation, it could suppress everything and bring about instant destruction!
It held deep distrust toward the Azure Python Spirit, sensing something peculiar, and stared fixedly at this terrifying spirit of inheritance!
"It is very simple."
He could sense that...
"Once this step is taken and you reach the Divine Image realm, when your true blood continues to transform, only then will you possess the innate talent to rival the bloodlines of true heavenly fierce beasts and divine demons!"
In his view, Liu Yuan's strength had already reached a heaven-shaking level. Any enemy Bai Xuan had encountered so far was hard-pressed to compare; even that Shark King of the ocean would be a notch inferior.
"However, compared to the most formidable true blood, there is still a vast distance to go—a difference as wide as clouds and mud."
Liu Yuan was still roaring, struggling with all his might.
"I understand."
The Azure Python Spirit was well pleased.
"You must continue to cultivate and march toward higher realms... Moreover, your current true blood is at best at the level of the 'Flood Dragon's True Blood'!"
"The lowest tier of dragon-transformation true blood is the Viper Dragon's True Blood! Moving upward, one finds the Flood Dragon's True Blood."
Bai Xuan's gaze narrowed.
"The physical body, true blood, Dao-charm, and will of a Divine Image expert can all merge into one, sweeping away everything. Destroying an island with a single strike is mere child's play for them."
Every movement he made carried terrifying power, and even ripples of force emerged around him, as if capable of destroying all things.
"Such dragon-kind are not true dragons. Even in a flourishing era, there is only ever a single true dragon."
The Azure Python Spirit rumbled, "Your current degree merely allows you to sublimate your true blood for a split second. It is only an offensive art, not yet enduring in this world or fused completely with your physical body for a thorough transformation!"
To battle the entities of myth, his current level was still far from sufficient. At best, he was invincible across the Eastern Sea. Only by continuously scaling the heights could he enter the next realm.
"That you are able to condense the true blood of a flood dragon proves that your physical body is extremely formidable, your vital energy and blood have reached a certain tier, and you have even comprehended Dao-charms, enabling your true blood to transform and bypass the stage of the Viper Dragon."
"The Azure Python Dragon-Transformation Art is a technique of true blood that undergoes step-by-step transformation, evolving toward higher realms."
"As long as you understand, that is enough."
"You will let me leave?"
Only by further elevating the tier of one's true blood could one truly be said to possess peerless innate talent—not mortal, but mythical!
"Hiss! Let me go!"
Bai Xuan nodded, understanding well in his heart.
The azure flood dragon spoke.
This Azure Python Spirit spoke with utmost bluntness, and a single sentence caused even Bai Xuan's eyebrows to twitch slightly!
Would such an existence willingly submit?
"Azure Python, are you using me as a stepping stone for your successor?"
Liu Yuan was furious, continuing to roar.
Countless snake scales erupted all over his body, and with a ripping sound, a pair of claws pierced out from beneath his ribs. Though incomplete, planting them onto the ground caused the surrounding hundreds of meters to tremble—that was an immensely terrifying force!
With a sudden crash, his entire body was undergoing transformation, nearly turning into a terrifying giant serpent whose overwhelming might shook the heavens and proved difficult to resist!
"Bai Xuan, what do you say?"
The Azure Python Spirit pinned it down with a single claw, effortlessly turning its massive serpent head toward Bai Xuan and fixing its eyes upon him.
"I have nothing to refuse."
Bai Xuan stood straight, speaking calmly.
His heart was tranquil. Having received the inheritance of the Azure Python Dragon-Transformation Art and achieved the initial transformation of his vital energy and blood, it was time to cross swords with an enemy and test his own strength.
"Good!"
The Azure Python Spirit was thoroughly satisfied.
Those of its lineage all grew through combat; dragons fought in the wild, their blood staining heaven and earth!
"Heavenly Snake! You are far too cowardly, and you disappoint me."
The Azure Python Spirit looked down at Liu Yuan beneath its claws, its voice growing icy cold. "You are not worthy of being my brother... If you refuse to accept the challenge, then death is your only option."
Its voice was ruthless, bearing no falsehood.
Liu Yuan ceased his struggle, though his eyes burned with icy fury.
One must know, what he found most unbearable was being mocked and crushed by his own older brother.
Moreover, if he were destroyed just like that, he would truly gain nothing at all without the slightest chance left. That was something he could not tolerate!
He suddenly hissed and roared, "I agree to the fight! The outcome decided in a single strike, life or death notwithstanding!"
"Very good, very good!"
The Azure Python Spirit broke into a grim smile.
This massive spirit of inheritance was thoroughly enjoying the spectacle, looking at Bai Xuan. "You should also test yourself against a more formidable enemy. Defeat it!"
"Very well."
Bai Xuan's expression remained calm.
This was merely a friendly bout and did not signify too much. Even if he were defeated, with the Azure Python Spirit presiding over the arena, he would not truly die.
However, having comprehended the Azure Python Dragon-Transformation Art for several months now, he had gained a faint inner realization. Facing Liu Yuan, he held absolute confidence in victory!
Boom!
The Azure Python Spirit released Liu Yuan. That formidable entity broke free, yet instead of striking immediately, it limbered up its body. Amid cracking sounds, all its bones seemed to dislocate, growing slender and powerful.
"Successor, remember this: I am the Spirit of Heavenly Snake, temporarily using the body of this snake-foot Dao soldier to do battle with you."
Liu Yuan's voice was frigid, accompanied by a faint hissing sound. His tongue had even split into two forks, resembling a true giant serpent.
"This battle proves nothing, but I will defeat you, shatter every bone in your body, and crush you completely!"
The Heavenly Snake Spirit's voice was bone-chilling. "The combat power of a snake-foot Dao soldier approaches the Divine Image realm. With just one more bestowal of talismanic registry, it can rival a weaker Divine Image expert. Yet even without the registry, with my own spirit split to guide it, I can still sweep the floor with you!"
"Watch closely... Heavenly Snake Swallows the Divine Technique!"
Boom!
Liu Yuan finally made his move. In an instant, his entire figure vanished, leaving only a terrifying giant serpent traversing the void. Most of it remained indistinct and blurred, save for its maw, which was real and true, snapping down toward Bai Xuan!
This was a physical metamorphosis; even his bones were altering, all forms transforming to shape a serpent's maw that hovered between illusion and reality. Pressure manifested, causing the very land of inheritance to tremble—a force capable of destroying divine weapons!
At this moment, Bai Xuan could feel his ocean-like vital energy and blood collapsing, scattering in an instant, unable to compare with this terrifying entity. Any Grand Master struck by this blow would be instantly swallowed and perish on the spot!
"The outcome decided in a single strike?"
"Then there is nothing more to say. Let us strike with all our might."
Yet Bai Xuan's gaze remained cool and collected.
He had no need for any sudden breakthrough in the heat of battle. Over the past few months, he had brought the Azure Python Dragon-Transformation Art to the threshold of mastery, and combined with the Mountain and River Internal Elixir Technique, he could cause his vital energy and blood to transform in a split second!
At this very moment.
All of his ocean-like vital energy and blood collapsed, water and fire blending together as dragon and tiger converged, transforming into a single drop of blood.
This drop of true blood was dazzling beyond compare, merging into Bai Xuan's index finger. With a resonant, metallic hum, it carried the Dao-charms of dragon and tiger, condensed with spear intent. In an instant, a single finger pierced outward, a spear traversing the void as if the momentum of heaven and earth itself were toppling downward, descending upon that single point!
The next instant.
The terrifying serpent maw vanished without a sound, scattering into nothingness.
Liu Yuan's figure reappeared, stumbling backward. With every step he took, the entire island rumbled and thundered. Both of his arms were pierced through, and his chest was punctured, leaving behind a hollow void!
Boom, boom, boom!
Hundreds of meters away to the rear, a small hill was pierced straight through, instantly revealing a terrifying hole that began to collapse. Directly behind it, another hill was likewise penetrated, and the sea surface violently exploded, sending waves dozens of meters high splitting to either side!
"How is this possible!"
Liu Yuan retreated a full seven steps before a layer of bloody mist finally burst from his entire body—the state of skin cracking open and internal organs being churned to pulp.
Shock was written plainly across his expression.
Even this terrifying entity that surpassed the Grand Master level was trembling, finding it impossible to comprehend, utterly shaken by this single finger!
A single finger had pierced through the Heavenly Snake Swallows the Divine Technique, shattered its true blood, and nearly cracked his Dao-soldier body apart?
"What a formidable physical body."
Beneath that single blow, all of Bai Xuan's vital energy and blood had been projected outward, leaving him empty and hollow, the radiance within his internal organs even dimming somewhat.
Yet he drew a deep breath.
Rumble!
In an instant, boundless vital energy and blood surged back in, restoring perfection once more. The brilliance bloomed all over his body, bringing him back to his peak state!
At this moment, he could condense another drop of true blood in a split second and strike again, endlessly repeating the process—this was his true, ultimate state!
Had his Azure Python Dragon-Transformation Art not fallen short of complete perfection—unable to truly allow the true blood to linger permanently—he could have continuously condensed true blood, forming an endless, inexhaustible river of it!
Even as things stood, if any ordinary Grand Master were here—or even the Shark King—to be pierced by this single finger meant certain death, their entire body pulverized into dust.
One must know, this was a tripartite fusion of divine bone, blood, and essence, reaching the Divine Image level!
"Good, good, good! Excellent!"
The laughter of the Azure Python Spirit rang out like thunder, shaking this domain of inheritance.
It was exceedingly satisfied!
This single strike had decided the outcome. Shocked into silence, Liu Yuan did not step forward again, which tacitly acknowledged that he could no longer rival Bai Xuan's might!
"That is a snake-foot Dao soldier, a puppet of the Heavenly Snake Swallows the Divine Technique. Had it received a talismanic registry, any such entity could possess Divine Image combat power. Even as it is, its physical body approaches that of a weaker Divine Image, having been tempered with Heavenly Snake true blood!"
"Your true blood technique has not yet reached perfection, merely experiencing a brief sublimation, yet you were able to pierce through this snake-foot Dao soldier. That alone is sufficient to prove your strength!"
The Azure Python Spirit said.
"Mm, though this true blood sublimation still carries a burden."
Bai Xuan spoke.
On his index finger, the green dragon claw faded away, replaced by fair skin. As the true blood dispersed, the bone, flesh, and skin all threatened to collapse, finding it difficult to endure such a burden.
However.
Bai Xuan clenched his five fingers into a fist; his bronze skin riounded and iron bones rang out, and a faint radiance unexpectedly emerged upon that index finger, resembling a divine weapon. It suffered no damage whatsoever, successfully withstanding the collapse!
"Correct, the sublimation of true blood indeed carries a burden for ordinary blood-refiners. This is why, even with your perfect innate talent, logically speaking, a brief sublimation of true blood would inevitably cause it to collapse and drag your physical body down to destruction as well—yet your physique rivals a divine weapon, refusing to shatter at all!"
"Only a physique like this can withstand true blood powerful enough to be continuously tempered, forming a perfect Divine Image comparable to a pure-blooded divine demon!"
The Azure Python Spirit was thoroughly pleased.
"Heavenly Snake, what do you say?"
It turned its head to look at Liu Yuan.
"Hmph!"
Liu Yuan's expression was gloomy to the extreme.
Within a mere moment, his body had recovered by more than half, yet he made no move now.
Bai Xuan's vital energy and blood had returned to perfection in an instant, and he saw it clearly: unless this entity possessed a talismanic registry in hand that could elevate this snake-foot Dao soldier to the true Divine Image level, any other outcome was futile.
Having been defeated by Bai Xuan, he was extremely unwilling, and especially enraged at being coerced by the Azure Python.
"You may certainly have this snake-foot Dao soldier, but my split spirit is hereby recalled... Do not be smug; a portion of the inheritance of the Heavenly Snake Swallows the Divine Technique, along with the talismans to pilot the Dao soldier, can be left to you. Any more than that is impossible."
Liu Yuan's voice was utterly cold. "Do not let me see you near my inheritance island."
Bang!
This Heavenly Snake Spirit was exceptionally decisive, directly dissolving and scattering dozens of rays of green light that quickly dissipated.
Liu Yuan's figure swayed, standing upright once more as his pupils turned entirely into icy-cold vertical slits.
"Master."
Liu Yuan was exceptionally respectful. He no longer possessed self-awareness, retaining only a cold instinct for battle, driven entirely by Bai Xuan.
He spat out a talisman, intricate and complex, carrying a heavy spiritual light linked to his own life, capable of driving him into battle.
"With this Dao soldier, it is quite sufficient."
Bai Xuan accepted the talisman, contemplating in his heart.
"Hahaha... That foolish Heavenly Snake has wasted a wisp of its split spirit for nothing. It hasn't the slightest inkling that being able to follow a successor like you is an opportunity in itself—perhaps even a chance to leave the Eastern Sea and return to the greater world."
The Azure Python Spirit laughed heartily, thoroughly delighted.
Seeing the Heavenly Snake Spirit take a heavy blow naturally brought it joy!
"Very well, Bai Xuan. Having defeated the snake-foot Dao soldier, you can be considered to have perfectly inherited my true blood technique."
The Azure Python Spirit's smile subsided as it ceased paying attention to the Heavenly Snake Spirit and looked down at Bai Xuan.
"Logically speaking, following a perfect inheritance, I should depart with you. What a pity... spirits of inheritance at our level must generation after generation guard the Eastern Sea and screen for the next generation of successors. If we were to leave, no one would inherit the perfect true blood technique."
"The various seas would grow increasingly decadent until their demise!"
"Therefore, I can only bestow this talisman upon you."
The Azure Python Spirit spat out a ray of green light that fused with the wooden talisman in Bai Xuan's palm, leaving an imprint upon its surface.
At this very moment.
On the reverse side of Bai Xuan's wooden talisman, the character "Nine" shifted slightly, jumping to "Seven"!
"Merely seventh place? There's no telling how much accumulation those above have amassed."
Bai Xuan looked up.
Months had passed, and the landscape of the Heavenly Ranking had shifted once more. Those holding talismans at the forefront were rapidly multiplying; the number one spot, Duan Haiyuan, actually held a full eight hundred wooden talismans.
This meant countless successors had perished in battle; the slaughter upon the Eastern Sea was growing increasingly fierce!
"Eight hundred... Duan Haiyuan likely still holds several wooden talismans that he hasn't fused yet."
Bai Xuan's eyes narrowed slightly.
"The number of wooden talismans is approaching a certain threshold; the storm is about to arrive."
The Azure Python Spirit rumbled.
Its expression grew slightly solemn as it looked at Bai Xuan.
"Listen well: what follows is the rule of the Eastern Sea Hegemony's inheritance. Everything I am able to tell you, I shall tell you here."
"Mm."
Bai Xuan's gaze grew stern.
Since the Azure Python Spirit put it this way, it was evidently of the utmost importance.
"In the hegemony of the seas, the inheritances unsealed at the very beginning vary in strength, but some inheritances only emerge once one thousand wooden talismans have been gathered!"
"In particular, a certain archipelago, submerged deep within the ocean and located at the center of the Eastern Sea, will only surface in the wake of the storm! The inheritances upon this Storm Archipelago are the absolute essentials for navigation—the treasures for constructing Profound City Great Ships!"
"These treasures require long ages to grow; they are the treasure materials for boat-building and the spiritual roots of the Eastern Sea! To seize a single share is to reduce the total by one. Without these spiritual root timber-trees and without Profound City Great Ships, it is impossible to enter the Grotto-Heaven Sea Routes."
The Azure Python Spirit spoke, its voice grave and heavy.
"Therefore, once the central archipelago surfaces, all factions and successors will rush to contend for it. If you fail to seize the corresponding inheritance, you will inevitably have to hunt down and exterminate other successors in the days that follow just to acquire sufficient materials to build a great ship."
"You must remember, the Grotto-Heaven Sea Routes can only be entered aboard a Profound City Great Ship, and building a true Profound City Great Ship is exceptionally difficult. Among the inheritance archipelagos, the materials found within can at most support the construction of two ships."
"At this stage, even enemies from beyond the seas will cross the ocean to seize the timber inheritances of the Storm Archipelago!"
"This is the most fierce moment of the Eastern Sea Hegemony, where every successor will make their move to contend for the tickets to enter the sea routes!"
"I understand."
Bai Xuan's expression grew stern.
The storm was approaching. Material resources were unlike cultivation techniques or elixirs; the materials required to build a great ship were terrifyingly vast. To lack a single share meant it could not be made up for anywhere else.
It could only be seized through struggle!
Only through combat, through an eye for an eye, could these treasures be secured. And when that time came, not only would the experts of the Eastern Sea emerge to contend, but powerful figures from other seas would also manifest!
"Those at the forefront of the Heavenly Ranking will enjoy major advantages within this archipelago. Thus, the higher your ranking rises, the more advantageous it will be when you seize the treasures of the Storm Archipelago. For the time being, it is best to seize the opportunity to capture more powerful inheritances."
The Azure Python Spirit rumbled earnestly.
"Azure Python, do you have any inheritances you can guide me toward?"
Bai Xuan spoke.
He was humbly asking for advice. Given the Azure Python Spirit's ancient and distinct tier, perhaps this giant serpent might offer some suggestions.
"Generally speaking, we are unable to reveal information regarding other inheritances across the Eastern Sea, nor should we do so."
A thoughtful look crossed the Azure Python Spirit's expression. "However, I can tell you this... upon this sea, inheritances belonging to my lineage—or even more formidable and terrifying ones—do indeed exist."
"With your talent and the path you walk, perhaps [ten thousand meters beneath the waves], you will find the next step of the inheritance you require."
"If you can seize that inheritance, no one across the entire Chaotic Void Sea should remain your match!"
The Azure Python Spirit spoke with absolute certainty.
"Ten thousand meters beneath the waves!"
Bai Xuan's gaze flashed. Within his memory, there also existed such an inheritance, which seemed to point toward a certain underwater mansion!
"It is time to head there."
Bai Xuan offered a slight bow.
"Go, successor."
The Azure Python Spirit's voice reverberated, filled with expectation. "Upon your wooden talisman, there remains the trace of my Dao talisman. Among our kindred inheritances, even if you fail, you will still be granted a single chance to begin anew."
"If you can secure the inheritance of that being, you shall become a nearly invincible existence across the Chaotic Void Sea!"
(End of this chapter)