But…
It was pointless.
The lingering traces of energy had merely been bait—a trap deliberately set by Li Changshou.
As soon as Ao Yi moved toward it, another attack struck from behind.
Fuming, he tried retreating into the air again—only for a blazing pillar of fire to crash down, slamming him back onto the ground.
The moment he landed, the terrain shifted beneath his feet. His legs sank into the ground, and the earth solidified, locking him in place!
The words Li Changshou had spoken earlier—“I may not win fairly”—suddenly echoed in Ao Yi’s mind.
It finally dawned on him.
This was different from the Myriad Demon Conference.
This was solid ground, not the conjured water lotus platform from before!
Which meant…
Li Changshou could freely use his Earth Escape Technique!
There was no denying it—this ability was ridiculously effective!
But—
“Haah!”
With a sharp exhale, Ao Yi rapidly formed hand seals, conjuring several massive ice-dragon projections around him.
The dragons roared and rampaged, bombarding the ground in all directions. Stone debris exploded into the air, creating an overwhelming visual spectacle.
Hiding beneath the battlefield, Li Changshou couldn’t help but whistle in admiration.
This dragon prince… even knows Dragon Subduing Palm?
Would his father, the mighty Dragon King, not call him a disgrace for using this technique?!
At this point, there really should be some dramatic background music…
Meanwhile, in the hall, many of the elders had amused expressions.
Some shook their heads at Li Changshou’s evasive tactics, finding them somewhat ungraceful.
Yet, at the same time, they couldn’t deny the obvious—Ao Yi was completely powerless against their disciple.
Li Changshou had already secured an unbeatable position.
Several elders even felt a twinge of heartache—
This plaza cost a fortune to build!
And now?
Ao Yi’s rampaging dragon projections were tearing it apart!
Amidst the smoke and chaos, a familiar hand quietly emerged from behind Ao Yi.
This time, it wielded a three-foot-long sword—
And once again, it struck toward Ao Yi’s thigh.
Clang!
This time, no blood spurted out.
Ao Yi whirled around, eyes blazing with fury.
A faint projection of dragon scales had appeared on his legs, deflecting the attack.
Using all his strength, he yanked his feet free from the ground.
But before he could regain his footing, the talisman array above once again erupted into a storm of fire and lightning.
Li Changshou remained hidden underground, calmly controlling the battle, adding more talismans, refining his attacks, and ensuring the onslaught never ceased.
Above, the talismans shifted into new formations, first resembling a twisting serpent, then forming a looping ‘8,’ unleashing waves of spellfire and fiery pillars that rained down mercilessly.
And every time Ao Yi’s feet touched the ground…
That relentless, unseen hand would emerge from the shadows—armed with a dagger, a short sword, a longsword—constantly stabbing at his legs.
Fury surged through Ao Yi’s chest, but no matter how much he roared in frustration—
There was nothing he could do.
Li Changshou’s repeated sneak attacks had left Ao Yi’s legs covered in minor cuts and bruises.
All around Du’Xian Sect, laughter erupted among the younger disciples.
Even Youqin Xuanya, who had been filled with concern moments ago, couldn’t help but press her lips together to stifle a smile.
The usually stern and silent Wangqing Shangren had turned away to stare at the wall inside the hall, his shoulders occasionally trembling… who knew what he was thinking?
A moment later, Ao Yi stood there, his body charred black, breathing heavily, his long hair disheveled.
The array flared up again, and another fire pillar crashed down, pinning him to the ground. But still, he refused to fall.
Just then, a shadow emerged from the ground behind Ao Yi…
A chill spread through the air.
Everyone knew what was coming—it had to be that hand again. But this time… this time…
From the swirling dust, a glint of cold steel flashed. A spike? No, not just one, countless spikes!
The hand that emerged from the ground was now gripping a spiked mace.
The moment stretched on as the hand silently maneuvered the mace toward the most vulnerable spot on Ao Yi’s back…
Meanwhile, Ao Yi, exhausted and unfocused, was scanning his surroundings, completely unaware of the impending danger.
The spectators all widened their eyes in shock.
Youqin Xuanya, Han Zhi, Rou Rou, and several other female disciples covered their faces, unable to watch any longer.
Two cultivators from Jin’ao Island trembled with rage.
Many of the male disciples swallowed nervously, making silent vows in their hearts—never would they challenge Li Changshou to a sparring match!
“Alright! We concede!”
Elder Yuan Ze sighed and called out. The spiked mace immediately vanished into the ground.
Ao Yi turned his head, confusion in his eyes as he looked at Yuan Ze. But a moment later, he exhaled deeply and lowered his head.
He had no way of countering Earth Escape.
His mind relaxed, and his body, battered and exhausted, wavered. He took two unsteady steps back before finally sitting down on the ground, his breath ragged.
He had really… lost.
At that moment, a pale, clean hand extended toward him.
Ao Yi looked up and saw Li Changshou’s warm smile.
“This time, shall we call it a draw?
If I had fought you head-on, I wouldn’t have stood a chance. My only option was to rely on such underhanded tactics.
After all, this is my Du’Xian Sect. I had to give it my all—I couldn’t let my sect suffer a loss. I hope you understand.
Apologies for any offense.”
Ao Yi’s throat tightened. A faint, resilient smile formed on his face, and his eyes grew slightly red.
The human race… wasn’t only filled with those cold-hearted Daoist devils…
There were also people like Changshou—gentle, kind, and sincere.
Ao Yi raised his hand and clasped Li Changshou’s in a firm grip, allowing himself to be pulled back to his feet.