NOVEL NEXT Chapter 42: The Duel
Perhaps believing that this kind of atmosphere affected the overall strength of the Ancient Realm, the Immortal Kings crafted an ancient monument beside the World Tree. This monument ranked the talents within the realm, aiming to foster internal competition.
However, this still couldn't change people's perception of cultivation.
Cultivating immortality is essentially about pursuing the Dao and seeking longevity. For the descendants of Immortal Kings and the progeny of True Immortals, achieving longevity isn't difficult; they have no concerns about the length of their lifespan.
If it is about pursuing the Dao, then it inevitably requires companions on this path. Viewing fellow cultivators of the same realm as competitors for vilification is less beneficial than transforming hostility into camaraderie, turning them into allies on the path of cultivation.
Moreover, the ancient Immortal methods begin directly with the Dao, needing a corresponding state of mind. It is said the Dao follows nature, and those cultivating the Dao should follow their true intentions to chase it.
In conclusion, Wang Heng appreciates such an atmosphere; having one fewer enemy and one more friend is undoubtedly a benefit.
Yet, he remains vigilant in his heart. Compared to the battle-hardened outer regions, the Ancient Realm's atmosphere is indeed too gentle.
Sometimes, even when you do not seek trouble, trouble finds you.
When the gentler cultivating culture of the primordial Ancient Realm faces the fiercely robust customs of the outer regions, victory is hard to secure.
Of course, the most critical factor for victory or defeat lies in the higher-tier combat power. If their superior forces overcome their opponents, then the rest of the opposing entities pose no threat and can be wiped out with a single hand.
Conversely, if the superior forces suffer defeat, there is no point in continuing the fight. No matter how many creatures die in pursuit of success, they can't match the strength of a supreme being's single finger.
Wang Heng sighed inwardly, deeply aware of the challenges the future held. Even this serene and detached Ancient Realm would inevitably be drawn into the whirlwind of blood and fire.
As Wang Heng was lost in thought, a voice brought him back to the present.
“Upon Wang Ancestor’s emergence, he dominantly ascended to the top of the stone tablet. According to those our clan stationed at its base, the name of Wang Ancestor rose like the sun, rapidly surpassing all beings in the Path-Bearing Domain, reaching the summit in one stroke.
This speaks to the power of Wang Ancestor. I, Shi Jintian, though lacking, wish to spar and exchange insights with Wang Ancestor, serving as a touchstone for all our Daoist brothers,” Shi Jintian spoke humbly, his golden armor radiant and divine.
After speaking, he glanced at Li Daoge, Feng Qin, Yucheng Zun, and several other formidable True Immortal descendants.
Everyone understood his intent and responded with smiles.
How powerful Wang Heng truly was, was the question on everyone's mind. When a prodigious young talent learns they've been effortlessly surpassed, shock and doubt naturally follow.
Now, with Shi Jintian stepping forward to serve as a touchstone, everyone was eager to witness this scene.
“Brother Shi, you're as straightforward as ever,” Li Daoge shook his head in resignation.
“Haha, Brother Shi's spirit of dedication is a model for us all. It's just a matter of whether Wang Ancestor would be willing to offer us some guidance,” Yucheng Zun laughed heartily.
Wang Heng responded with a smile, shaking his head slightly.
“Sparring is naturally not an issue, but just like all you fellow Daoists, I am also at the Cultivating Dao stage, and have yet to grasp the essence of the Great Dao. How can I give pointers?”
“Wang Ancestor is right. We should not speak of giving pointers, merely sparring.” Shi Jintian nodded in agreement.
“I was indeed presumptuous.” Yucheng Zun quickly admitted fault.
“Excellent! Wang Ancestor and Brother Shi are going to spar, and we can watch. This is going to be a feast for our eyes.” Smiles broke out on the faces of the True Immortal descendants around them, and their eyes were filled with anticipation.
Being the top of the Cultivating Dao stage is a title rich in meaning, at least, all four of the prodigies present had been left behind in its wake.
Such a figure is about to show his skills, how could anyone not be excited?
Under the watchful gaze of the crowd, Wang Heng put down his teacup and nodded to Shi Jintian, then proceeded towards the special arena set up by the banquet host for the prodigies to spar.
Once they reached the sparring grounds, both Wang Heng and Shi Jintian entered, maintaining a distance of several zhang, and then stood firm.
“Wang Ancestor, please don't hold back.”
Shi Jintian clasped his hands in respect, giving this earnest reminder.
Noticing the seriousness in Shi Jintian, Wang Heng also clasped his hands in return, his expression turning solemn.
It seems the other party truly wishes to understand the gap between us.
After a brief conversation, Wang Heng and these individuals have become friends, all sharing genuine sincerity. Now, out of respect for his friend, Wang Heng will naturally not hold back.
“Alright, Stone Daoist, be careful,” Wang Heng reminded casually.
“Don’t worry, Wang Ancestor. No matter what, I am a descendant of an Immortal King,” Shi Jintian replied with a smile. As soon as he finished speaking, his entire being radiated a dazzling golden light, the Dao patterns on his golden armor manifesting as if a celestial being had descended.
At that moment, terrifying vitality erupted, shaking this void realm.
“What formidable vitality! The Stone Clan's Immortal Kings are famed for their blood power. It's said they can submerge an entire world with just their vitality. Shi, you are truly worthy of being his descendant,” a descendant of a True Immortal exclaimed in awe.
“Hiss!”
Shi Jintian’s fingertips glowed as he gently pointed towards the void. A blood-colored seed flew out, taking root and sprouting, releasing a potent and mysterious aura.
It grew rapidly, voraciously absorbing the power of the void, swiftly transforming into a tree that bloomed and bore fruit.
Not only was the tree's trunk blood-red, but its flowers and fruits were also of the same hue. When the fruit split open, a massive blood-red hand emerged, exuding a terrifying aura as it reached for Wang Heng's arm.
“Hehe, Brother Shi told me not to hold back, yet it seems he didn’t heed his own advice,” Wang Heng quipped.
He then also released a Dao Seed, emanating a faint, clear light. It swiftly absorbed the power of the void, taking root before the blood-red hand, growing into a vine that bloomed there.
“Boom!”
Rivers surged forth from the blossoms, growing increasingly massive, roaring thunderously as they collided head-on with the blood-red hand.
Initially, the blood-red hand severed the river’s flow, advancing amidst the torrents. However, its Dao laws were gradually washed away, causing it to unravel rapidly until it disintegrated and vanished altogether.
Witnessing this, Shi Jintian was slightly startled. The blood-red hand was a forbidden secret technique inscribed within the bloodline of an Immortal King and was nearly unbeaten within the same realm when unleashed.
However, Wang Heng received it effortlessly, demonstrating his profound and formidable strength.
“Wang Ancestor is indeed remarkable,” Shi Jintian mused, finding Wang Heng utterly unfathomable as he appeared to exert no effort.
In truth, Shi Jintian was overthinking. Wang Heng had not held back; he wielded a secret Wang Clan technique and anticipated dispersing the blood-red hand. While he still had power in reserve, Wang Heng allowed it to dissipate.