Chapter Eighty-Five: Sleeves of the Azure Dragon, the Great Dao Scripture

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Qin Yi fell silent upon hearing this. Though what was said was true, it wasn’t just the two of them—his other two senior brothers would also be worried about Zhu Chunfu. After all, alchemists and cultivators of the Dao were not known for their combat prowess, and Zhu Chunfu’s personality was indeed a factor. Yet, his master was right; it couldn’t go on like this forever.

“No matter who framed me, I will find them,” Qin Yi declared firmly. He hated being wronged for no reason; he despised that feeling.

Master Zixuan smiled and said, “We’ll discuss those matters later. For now, you should rest well and focus your energy on tomorrow’s finals.”

Qin Yi nodded and returned to his room. Jiang Yao also flew back on her sword.

Once inside, Qin Yi did not immediately collapse into bed but instead sat cross-legged upon the wooden bed and began to circulate his energy with closed eyes. Two streams of azure qi instantly coiled around his arms, resembling young dragons ready to bare their fangs. Though he had not spent much time cultivating over the past month, all of it was devoted to the two azure dragons on his sleeves. He had no intention of advancing his cultivation level for now; the more skills he possessed, the better.

It was today, amid his injury, that he experienced an epiphany. Qin Yi guessed this might be because he had encountered some danger that triggered the power within him, allowing him to block the attack without a scratch.

He sat quietly on the wooden bed, waiting for that moment—the awakening of the two azure dragons on his sleeves, transforming into dragon spirits. Regardless of the reason why the founding emperor of the Eastern Ling Kingdom created this divine skill, there must be some basis to it. Qin Yi was searching for that foundation, hoping to manifest his own twin dragon spirits on his sleeves. How far he could cultivate it would depend on his destiny.

More than a month of insight had not been in vain; he felt he finally understood this divine skill. Now was the time to awaken the twin dragon spirits.

“A roar…”

At last, after a long time, the roar of dragons echoed in Qin Yi’s ears. He opened his eyes in delight and gazed at his arms. Upon them, two azure qi streams now twisted and curved—not as young dragons baring claws, but fully formed azure dragons, fierce and majestic.

Beaming with joy, Qin Yi immediately lay back and fell asleep with a smile.

The next morning, Mount Taiyi was ablaze with excitement.

Today was the final day of the five-yearly Sect Alliance Competition at Mount Taiyi. Compared to the annual Mount Taiyi entrance ceremony, this quinquennial event drew a far larger crowd.

Moreover, most disciples of Mount Taiyi already knew two pieces of news.

The first was that the two elusive figures of Mount Taiyi, who were rarely seen, would both appear today atop the main peak, Qingxu Peak.

Master Zixuan was renowned throughout Lingzhou, his reputation unmatched. Rumor had it his cultivation was on par with the Sect Leader’s. His elusive nature only added to his mystique, so many disciples wished to catch a glimpse of this master who could rival the leader himself.

The other was Jiang Yao, though most came for her beauty alone.

Yet Jiang Yao was no mere ornament; she possessed immortal grace and formidable skills. She ranked high on the “Qing List,” the consensus youth talent ranking of human cultivators, and was once one of Mount Taiyi’s twin pillars, known as the Cold Plum Sword Immortal.

Though her ranking had plummeted for unknown reasons four years ago, she had recently returned to the top once more, spurring curiosity among all at Mount Taiyi.

In truth, the disciples believed the twin pillars were a perfect match, but the other one had mysteriously vanished four years ago and was branded a human traitor.

The second piece of news was also connected to Master Zixuan. Everyone at Mount Taiyi knew that his disciples were legendary—if they didn’t participate in the Sect Alliance Competition, they usually won when they did. Although Master Zixuan had only five disciples over centuries of cultivation, among them were two senior brothers who once represented Mount Taiyi, and the infamous human traitor Qin Yi, hailed as one of the human prodigies.

Currently, only two remained at Mount Taiyi. One was widely recognized as the second-best alchemist in the sect, second only to the leader of Yuling Peak, Li Ding, though still just a disciple.

The other had only joined Master Zixuan’s tutelage four years ago. Rumors linked him to recent troubles in the South Sea, including the death of Elder Qian, though most doubted the extent of his involvement. Yet, for a mere Nascent Soul disciple to be implicated suggested he was no ordinary person.

Before the finals began, the Taiyi platform was already packed with people, and with the crowd came chatter.

“Did you hear who made it to the finals?”

“I heard it’s Wang Yuncheng under Uncle Huanglong’s lineage, Mu Fengqing from Master Nanhua’s sect and head of the Discipline Hall, the White Fairy from Piaoxue Peak, and Qin Yi under Master Zixuan.”

“Tsk tsk! This is going to be exciting. I hear Wang Yuncheng and Qin Yi really don’t get along!”

“Mu Fengqing also has it out for him, especially since Qin Yi snatched Senior Sister Jiang Yao. What’s that about? If I had Mu Fengqing’s strength, I’d make things difficult for him too.”

“Yeah! And he even shares the same name as Qin Yi? What right does he have?”

“I don’t think the White Fairy will get involved in Mu Fengqing and Wang Yuncheng teaming up against Qin Yi.”

“Just wait for Senior Sister Jiang Yao…”

“Don’t worry, Senior Sister Jiang Yao isn’t the type to stoop that low.”

“That just means Qin Yi is out of luck. The competition rules are what they are.”

“True. Even if Mu Fengqing and Wang Yuncheng can’t win, the champion will probably be the White Fairy.”

“I hereby declare the Mount Taiyi Sect Alliance Competition for the Year of the Sunflower officially open.”

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Amidst the lively discussions on the Taiyi platform, Gu Beishan, seated high above, stood and loudly announced the start of the competition.

The crowd began a silent meditation, everyone turning their eyes upward.

On such a grand quinquennial occasion, no one would dare to be absent—except perhaps Master Huanglong and Master Zixuan, who, though highly respected and not attached to any peak, were seldom seen. Yet today was different; both masters had disciples competing, and a fierce contest among them might ensue, for the champion was decided individually.

Despite all eyes on the high seat, many gazed instead at the elegant young woman standing behind Xue Songmei. Dressed in flowing cyan robes, Jiang Yao drew all attention—her serene beauty resembling a celestial maiden, her smile warm and sisterly, complete with two adorable dimples.

When their gazes shifted to Qin Yi, standing behind Master Zixuan, they carried a hint of hostility. Qin Yi himself looked unwell; he had just inquired with Senior Uncle Qing Fuzi about Zhang Chen’s condition. Though unscathed, Zhang Chen still could not move freely.

Qin Yi could vividly imagine the fight between Zhang Chen and Mu Fengqing the day before.

At the center of the Taiyi platform, a large arena had been cleared.

Shortly after Gu Beishan’s announcement, a stunning woman in white, originally behind Xue Songmei, gracefully descended on her sword to the side of the arena.

Next came Wang Yuncheng, who descended swiftly by sword from behind Master Huanglong.

Then Mu Fengqing appeared, also floating down on his sword to the arena’s edge.

All that remained was Qin Yi, whose pale expression drew many eyes.

“Ching…”

With the shrill sound of his sword unsheathing, Qin Yi arrived on his sword beside the arena.

The platform fell silent as all awaited the upcoming battle.

To everyone’s surprise, Qin Yi took the initiative, lifting his sword “Feixue” and pointing it at Mu Fengqing.

Gasps echoed; no one expected him to strike first.

Mu Fengqing recalled the sword from yesterday, furrowed his brows, but did not immediately respond. Instead, he glanced subtly toward Wang Yuncheng opposite him.

Wang Yuncheng noticed but merely sneered without looking back.

Opposite Qin Yi, Bai Xiaoying remained expressionless and motionless.

Wang Yuncheng ignored Mu Fengqing and turned his gaze to Qin Yi with a smile. “How about we duel first? I’ve long heard of the Eastern Ling Kingdom’s legendary Two Azure Dragons. Today, I’d like to see for myself.”

Qin Yi sneered disdainfully at Mu Fengqing, who remained unmoved. Qin Yi then turned to Wang Yuncheng and said seriously, “Fine. I’ve never liked the Wang family of East Ling. Today, I won’t let your family sully the reputation of the Mount Taiyi Sect Alliance Competition.”

He was already prepared to face two opponents.

Qin Yi’s words thrilled many; the Wang family of East Ling and Mount Taiyi were two of Lingzhou’s three great powers with many grudges. If Wang Yuncheng won the competition, it would mock Mount Taiyi’s strength. Since Wang Yuncheng represented Master Huanglong’s lineage, all eyes turned toward the reactions of Masters Huanglong and Zixuan.

To their disappointment, the grand masters seemed indifferent.

Wang Yuncheng frowned at Qin Yi’s harsh words but paid them no mind. He began to circulate his energy, his body glowing with golden light, resembling a golden statue.

“A roar…”

Qin Yi smiled. He had seen such displays too often. He began to circulate his own energy, and instantly two azure streams appeared, transforming into two fierce azure dragons coiling around his sleeves.

Neither side revealed their magical weapons; this was a duel between the Great Dao Scripture and the Two Azure Dragons technique.

Mu Fengqing frowned at the sight but merely sneered coldly.

The disciples on the platform stared in amazement. Many knew Wang Yuncheng’s identity, but some were unaware of Qin Yi’s, since the incident had occurred just over a month ago. Their astonishment was not about identities but about these two supreme arts—one representing the former overlord of Lingzhou, the other representing today’s most renowned power.

“Those are the Two Azure Dragons? I’ve only heard of them in the Daoist canon. They look formidable.”

“Of course, it’s the supreme art of the former Lingzhou overlord. How could it not be powerful?”

“But the Great Dao Scripture isn’t weak either. After all, the former overlord was destroyed by the East Ling Wang family.”

“Either way, this Sect Alliance Competition won’t be dull with these two around.”

Above, Master Lingxu opened his eyes, gazing nostalgically at the two azure dragons swirling around Qin Yi.

“Didn’t expect to see the Two Azure Dragons again, and after hundreds of years, of all places, here.”

Master Zixuan smiled, “Nor did I expect Brother Qin Tian to still be alive. Thinking back on those days living under his radiance is quite nostalgic.”

Master Lingxu chuckled, “You’re not much worse than him.”

Master Zixuan merely smiled in reply.

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“A roar…”

With a dragon’s roar resonating across the Taiyi platform, Qin Yi surged forward, striking with a palm as one azure dragon coiled around his sleeve attacked Wang Yuncheng.

Wang Yuncheng calmly met the attack with his own palm. The golden palm imprint clashed with the azure dragon, producing no clear result.

Qin Yi did not continue circulating energy but launched both azure dragons at Wang Yuncheng.

Wang Yuncheng did not yield. Blocking the twin azure dragons, he counterattacked. However, his movements lacked speed, and Qin Yi dodged with a slight shift, then circulated energy again, driving the dragons to press down upon Wang Yuncheng’s left side, forcing him to defend.

“A roar…”

The twin azure dragons roared and pressed down from above. Their fierce claws terrified the onlookers, while Wang Yuncheng planted one knee, steadying himself with a golden palm to meet their assault.

On the arena, the azure dragons clawed downward, while a massive golden palm rose from below.

“Bang…”

The fierce clash shook the ground, stirring dust that obscured the fighters.

“Whoosh…”

Moments later, a figure flashed across the platform. When the dust settled, Qin Yi was seen retreating a short distance, unscathed in his cyan robes.

Yet his expression betrayed no joy.

All eyes turned to where the dust was settling. After a long moment, Wang Yuncheng appeared, his entire body shimmering with golden light far brighter than before—truly resembling a golden statue.

The Great Dao Golden Body.

Everyone recognized it. The Great Dao Scripture was famous in Lingzhou, and the Golden Body was one of its most formidable divine skills, the only cultivation method able to strengthen the physical body.

Qin Yi was, of course, familiar with it; it was the only thing he wished to obtain from the Great Dao Scripture, though he had yet to comprehend its true meaning.

Wang Yuncheng was difficult to contend with precisely because he combined the strengths of two schools—the mysterious Taiyi Azure Way and the overwhelmingly powerful Great Dao Scripture. If skillfully fused and cultivated, he could dominate Lingzhou with ease.

Qin Yi had to admit Wang Yuncheng was tough, but not unbeatable.

Naturally, Qin Yi did not draw his sword since Wang Yuncheng did not use a magical weapon. This was not for fairness but because Qin Yi looked down on it.

“A roar…”

The twin azure dragons roared again. What of the Golden Body? Once he became more familiar with his dragons, Qin Yi thought, he would shatter that turtle shell.

Wang Yuncheng smirked at Qin Yi’s gaze, clearly pleased.

With a roar, Qin Yi used the Taiyi Star Transformation to flash beside Wang Yuncheng and struck fiercely to his right.

“Clang…”

Alas, Qin Yi’s strike seemed to hit steel, doing no damage. Wang Yuncheng remained unfazed, allowing the blow without counterattacking, then swiftly retreated.

Qin Yi did not pause. He vanished again and reappeared beside Wang Yuncheng, twin azure dragons snarling as they struck.

This time Wang Yuncheng met him with a palm strike.

For a long time, the two traded blows back and forth on the arena. Though not entirely dull, the fight lacked spectacle. Many wondered how neither seemed to tire.

Though cultivators distinguished themselves from ordinary mortals, they were not celestial immortals. Even if they circulated heavenly energy ceaselessly, their mortal bodies could not endure without strain. Prolonged exertion would inevitably affect their meridians.

Wang Yuncheng could afford it since he mainly defended with the Golden Body and launched occasional attacks. But Qin Yi, relying on twin azure dragons plus one of Mount Taiyi’s three great techniques, the Taiyi Star Transformation, could hardly sustain such consumption.

“A roar…”

The twin azure dragons roared again. Qin Yi launched another relentless attack, searching for a flaw. Even the most skilled cultivators reveal openings after prolonged combat. Though energy might not fail entirely, brief moments of hesitation or stagnation would appear. Qin Yi waited for that instant.