Duanmu Sheng was inherently fierce. Without using his Primal Qi, his movements seemed restricted so he felt unsatisfied. With the crowd watching him, he could not unleash his complete strength. However, now that he heard his master’s order, he was, naturally, eager to comply. The Overlord Spear easily flew into his palm. He tightened his grip.
Bam!
Energy flowed out between Duanmu Sheng’s fingers.
At this sight, the female cultivators widened their eyes that contained hints of reverence. Even Pan Zhong and Zhou Jifeng, both talented men, were in awe and impressed by the display.
The outsiders focused on the fanfare while the insiders observed the inner workings. The four old men in the gazebo were shaking their heads.
At this moment, Duanmu Sheng continued demonstrating his Divine One Technique.
Energy shot across the plaza below the gazebo and spread into the surroundings.
Duanmu Sheng seemed to have unleashed every single move with all his might. “Little Junior Sister, get back!”
Duanmu Sheng shot into the air and did a flip before he dove down with his spear in hand.
Upon seeing this, Hua Wudao frowned. “Imperfect Divine Intervention?” He had frequently sparred with Duanmu Sheng. He knew about every one of Duanmu Sheng’s moves.
The Imperfect Divine Intervention was the most powerful move of the Divine One Technique. Lu Zhou himself had used this skill to kill hundreds of cultivators from the ten great sects. He had used that technique while his Hundred Tribulations Insight avatar was activated and after he had gathered a vast amount of Primal Qi.
However, it was unprecedented the way Duanmu Sheng had executed the technique by diving down. After all, there was no way one’s enemy would stay put.
However, when Hua Wudao remembered this was only a demonstration, he decided there was no need to make a fuss about it now. The attack landed. Thousands upon thousands of spear shadows appeared at the spear’s tip before they quickly merged into one. He spiraled as he advanced.
Bam!
The Overlord Spear stabbed into the ground. He completed his demonstration with this closing act.
Duanmu Sheng took to the air and flipped again before he slowly descended onto the ground. “Master, I’ve completed my demonstration.”
Nearby, Pan Zhong and Zhou Jifeng clapped their hands.
The female cultivators joined in as well.
Meanwhile, in the gazebo, Lu Zhou’s expression was calm. He stroked his beard as he glanced at the three elders and said, “What do you think? Feel free to say whatever is on your mind.” He was worried they would behave in the same way they did before so he quickly preempted it by adding the last sentence.
Hua Wudao seemed to have the most thoughts. He cupped his fists and said, “May 1?”
“Go ahead.”
“It’s flashy, but ultimately, hollow.” Hua Wudao’s appraisal was short. “That’s all.”
Duanmu Sheng was puzzled.
So were Pan Zhong, Zhou Jifeng, and the female cultivators.
Lu Zhou looked at Leng Luo.
Leng Luo got the message. He stood up and walked to the edge of the gazebo. He looked at the Overlord Spear that was embedded in the ground. Then, he shook his head and said, “Unnecessary display of brute strength.”
Duanmu Sheng was even more puzzled.
Lu Zhou looked at Pan Litian.
Pan Litian raised his wine gourd, took a sig, and said, “Superficial effort.”
Duanmu Sheng’s cheeks felt hot. He was embarrassed. However, he did not know where he had made a mistake. He could only muster up his courage and bow as he waited for his master’s appraisal.
The three elders returned to their seats after giving their opinions. At the same time, they looked at Lu Zhou’s expression.
Lu Zhou was calm. He was not offended by their unfavorable comments.
Lu Zhou looked at Duanmu Sheng’s Overlord Spear. He asked, “Did you hear what the three elders said?”
“I… I did.”
Lu Zhou shook his head and said, “You haven’t mastered the Divine One Technique’s skills, and yet, you’re trying to devise a new skill on your own?”
Duanmu Sheng’s face reddened in shame. He dared not speak. Was his master going to jump down from the gazebo and start hitting him?
“Do you remember the last time I demonstrated the Imperfect Divine Intervention above the Evil Sky Pavilion?” Lu Zhou asked.
“I do.”
“Train with that in mind. You’ll pass when you can break the Six Compatible Seal,” Lu Zhou said.
Hua Wudao was taken aback. An ominous feeling suddenly rose in his heart. “Yes, master. I’ll surely master the Imperfect Divine Intervention!” Duanmu Sheng said as he cupped his fists.
“That’ll be all.”
“Understood.”
Duanmu Sheng stomped, and the Overlord Spear dislodged itself from the ground.
“Ding! Instructed Duanmu Sheng. Reward: 300 merit points.”
Lu Zhou was surprised to find that he had earned merit points again. It was the duty of the teacher to address the pupil’s problems. Perhaps, this was what a master should do.
At this moment, a gust of violent wind blew through the mountains.
Lu Zhou looked at the skies.
Indeed, the wind was getting stronger.
Hua Wudao cupped his fists. “Pavilion Master, the Golden Court Mountain’s barrier has vanished… If this goes on, I’m afraid the Noble Path won’t be able to hold themselves back.”
Leng Luo shook his head disapprovingly and said, “I disagree.”
“Hm?”
“The pavilion master has defeated the Heavenly Sword Sect on the Lotus Dais before this and saved many cultivators. I’m sure news about this has spread in the cultivation world. The Noble Path has made too many mistakes because of their shortsightedness that stemmed from coveting the Evil Sky Pavilion’s treasures. Now that the barrier’s gone… would you rush up the mountain, if it were you?” Leng Luo asked.
Pan Litian chuckled and said, “Old Hua, you’re from the Yun Sect. You should understand the Noble Path’s way better…”
Hua Wudao nodded and sighed.
Lu Zhou knew what the so-called way of the Noble Path was. Whether it was during the first or second siege, the Noble Path liked to rally under the banner of a punitive expedition against the Fiend Path. This time, it would not be an exception.
Lu Zhou stroked his beard and said apathetically, “They’re merely rats. As long as I’m around, nobody will step on the Evil Sky Pavilion’s head.” Although he had spoken with no inflection in his tone, his words radiated unquestionable power.
Even the three elders who were conscious of their positions felt that.
Pan Litian sighed and said, “The Clarity, Heavenly Sword, and Righteous Sects have been wiped out. Even if they were to come, they would have to think things through.”
The others nodded.
“Master, I’m here!” Little Yuan’er stood in the center of the field, drawing attention to herself.
The four of them ended their discussion about the barrier and looked at Little Yuan’er.
Leng Luo said, “Cloud Feather Raiment.”
“Cloud Treading Boots,” Pan Litian added. “Nirvana Sash,” Hua Wudao chimed in.
They sighed in unison.
The things that some spent their entire lives searching for were simply dropped into someone else’s lap. Comparison would only make one feel bitter. Not only was Little Yuan’er terrifyingly talented, but she possessed many rare treasures as well. Lu Zhou looked at Little Yuan’er, nodded, and said, “Begin your demonstration.”
Little Yuan’er nodded eagerly, and she began her demonstration.
Her moves, footing, and punches flowed with extreme ease. They were practically flawless. This was especially true of her Seven Stars Cloud Treading Steps. The first-rate footwork was enhanced by the Cloud Treading Boots. If she unleashed it with her Primal Qi, only her shadow would have been visible.
As Little Yuan’er continued her demonstration, the others looked on in awe.
“Master, I’m done!” Little Yuan’er awaited her master’s praise with a delighted and eager expression on her face.
Just like before, Lu Zhou was in no hurry to comment. Instead, he looked at the three elders. “What do you think?”
Leng Luo was the first to speak. “The Supreme Purity Jade Slip?”
“Yes,” Little Yuan’er replied.
Leng Luo turned to Lu Zhou, cupped his fists, and said, “There’s one thing that I would like to clarify with you, Pavilion Master.”
“What is it?” Lu Zhou would not be surprised if his disciples asked for guidance. However, when one of the three elders turned to him for guidance, he suddenly felt like a teacher.
Leng Luo asked, “Since the Supreme Purity Jade Slip mainly cultivates one’s bodily movements, footwork, and punches… Why doesn’t she cultivate the Invisibility Technique? You’re able to unleash the Great Nine Cuts Hand Seals during the battle with the Ten Shamans. Cultivating Dao Invisibility should be nothing.”
