All distracting thoughts suddenly vanished from her mind, her consciousness became clear and crystal pure.

Looking once at the surrounding mountains and waters, she felt everything was lush and full of vitality.

Her battle with Xu Lan’er had ended. No matter what Xu Lan’er might think, for Jian Chou, the old grudge between them was over—an eye for an eye, and her own strike had not been light. She had settled yesterday’s debt.

As for whether Xu Lan’er was dead or whether the Jianzhu Sect felt they had gained a “new grudge,” it had nothing to do with Jian Chou anymore.

She had a clear conscience.

In fact, she was somewhat surprised by her own momentary calm.

Even if…

She guessed that Xie Buchen might not be dead, and might even have advanced further.

But so what?

In this calm and composed state, Jian Chou sat cross-legged and began to regulate her breathing, while also observing the others ahead.

The battle wasn’t over yet.

Everyone’s attention also returned to quietude as Jian Chou sat down, gradually refocusing on the small gathering.

The rule was for the strong to choose the weak for battle, with cultivators having more Heaven-Connecting Platforms possessing priority in decision-making. After Jian Chou, who would be next?

Many people became curious.

Zhou Chengjiang on the highest sixteen Heaven-Connecting Platforms seemed somewhat dazed, showing no intention of making a move.

Jiang Wenchao, not far from Jian Chou, maintained his composed demeanor and similarly showed no intention of acting.

Lu Xiangleng’s nature seemed to dislike fighting with others, and she was just standing quietly at the moment.

As for the rest…

One was Xiao Jin, who was gnawing on a watermelon and looking around with confused eyes, her expression clearly saying “Why aren’t you fighting yet?”

One was Xia Houshe with a gloomy and sinister aura, constantly sizing up several people below with his gaze, seemingly contemplating whom to attack.

One was Young Master Ruhua lying seductively on a flower platform, his eyes only examining the sturdy man Fang Dachui below, with his gaze directed toward certain strange places. Feeling this gaze, Fang Dachui had an impulse to die.

Besides these, there was also the completely unreliable Zuoliu and Wei Lin, who had been tormented terribly before.

These two somehow ended up looking at each other while sizing up others, and after accidentally meeting each other’s gaze, they stared at each other strangely for a long time.

A moment of silence.

Poor Qian Que, with only one Heaven-Connecting Platform, craned his neck to look up at those lofty cultivators, feeling that this trip had been a complete loss. Fudao Shanren had said that participating meant going all out—how could he dare to retreat?

Everyone said that after climbing the One Person Platform, one would stand closest to heaven and gain an opportunity to communicate with heaven and earth, perhaps obtaining endless great fortunes.

But he had come here with hopes of luck, yet hadn’t seen any fortune at all.

Now, cultivators who hadn’t gathered ten Heaven-Connecting Platforms were like meat placed on a chopping board, waiting for someone to glance at them wrong and then chop them up.

Thinking this way, Qian Que felt increasingly that his flesh wouldn’t be safe, and sorrow rose from within, causing him to shiver involuntarily.

He couldn’t help but shrink backward.

He had already been miserably abused in the battle with Gu Qingmei—how could he withstand another battle now?

Qian Que was almost in tears. Seeing gaze after gaze falling upon him, he couldn’t help but cast pleading eyes toward Jian Chou.

Jian Chou was suddenly puzzled, not quite understanding Qian Que’s meaning.

Qian Que quietly waved at her from below, then pointed at Lu Xiangleng who had ten Heaven-Connecting Platforms, and then clasped his hands together, bowing to Jian Chou with a pleading expression…

This appearance was really…

Too pitiful.

Jian Chou looked in the direction he was pointing, and Lu Xiangleng seemed to have noticed this scene as well, looking somewhat baffled.

She understood Qian Que’s meaning…

Among those with ten Heaven-Connecting Platforms, only Lu Xiangleng was kind-hearted and would never strike someone down viciously. Moreover, Jian Chou seemed to have some friendship with Lu Xiangleng, so Qian Que had appealed to Jian Chou.

Saving someone should be done completely, and besides, this wasn’t anything bad.

Jian Chou smiled slightly at Qian Que, then transmitted her voice to Lu Xiangleng: “Fellow Daoist Xiangleng, that unaffiliated cultivator Qian Que below is half a friend of mine. He no longer wishes to continue participating in the small gathering. Could you please show mercy and help out?”

“…”

Slight surprise.

Lu Xiangleng never expected it to be this matter. She glanced at Jian Chou, then at Qian Que, and finally nodded silently.

At this time, no one on the Heaven-Connecting Platforms had stepped forward yet.

After agreeing to Jian Chou’s request, Lu Xiangleng smiled slightly, spread her arms, and her wide white sleeves flew up as she gracefully descended directly onto the high cloud platform. With dignified bearing, she gestured to Qian Que: “Fellow Daoist Qian Que, please.”

Seeing this, Qian Que was so moved he was almost in tears. He hurriedly cast a grateful look toward Jian Chou and quickly took the stage.

This scene falling into others’ eyes naturally couldn’t go unnoticed.

The few people who saw through this arrangement didn’t speak up, as it wasn’t anything significant.

Young Master Ruhua, leaning on his Heaven-Connecting Platform, looked at Jian Chou with increasingly bright eyes.

This Grand Senior Sister of Yashan was becoming more and more interesting.

To call her kind—she had struck down Gu Qingmei and Xu Lan’er with decisive killing intent, without any hesitation. To call her ruthless—she had saved Qian Que, and even Lu Xiangleng’s sudden detoxification was likely connected to her. Now she had helped the unremarkable Qian Que again…

Good?

Evil?

She simply distinguished very clearly.

On the high cloud platform, Lu Xiangleng held that purple-gold light, being very careful in her attacks.

Qian Que didn’t immediately throw the fight either, but struggled to earnestly exchange two moves with Lu Xiangleng. Their back-and-forth actually had some merit to watch, but compared to the merciless battle between Jian Chou and Xu Lan’er earlier, these two’s contest was measured, with more of a demonstrative flavor.

Many cultivators below watched carefully, and quite a few actually benefited greatly from it.

After all, Qian Que was severely injured and didn’t last long before admitting defeat. Lu Xiangleng’s purple-gold light struck once, he retreated a few steps, and within a few moves he had steadied himself.

“I concede.”

Lu Xiangleng also clasped her fists, wearing a dignified smile, very polite.

Qian Que wiped the light sweat from his forehead, put away his golden abacus, and bowed respectfully to Lu Xiangleng with a smile.

“I’m inferior to you, thank you for your mercy, Fairy Lu. It seems this Zuosanqian Small Gathering is full of talent—I, Old Qian, won’t join in the excitement. Fairy, I have nothing else to say, but if you ever shop at Western Sea, Old Qian will give you a twenty percent discount! Haha, farewell!”

The crowd below was immediately speechless.

But Lu Xiangleng couldn’t help but laugh, somewhat understanding why Jian Chou had asked her to help him.

After speaking, Qian Que shot straight up into the sky, disappearing among Kunwu’s mountain forests and quickly vanishing from sight.

That Heaven-Connecting Platform also became masterless and soon flew to Lu Xiangleng’s feet.

Thus, Lu Xiangleng finally came to Jian Chou’s side.

Jian Chou looked over.

The two exchanged a glance, both smiling, without many words.

Not because they weren’t eloquent, but because their current understanding needed no words.

The battle had proceeded through two rounds, and there were still four people who hadn’t gathered ten Heaven-Connecting Platforms and hadn’t been eliminated yet.

After Lu Xiangleng’s battle with Qian Que, the remaining people seemed to no longer hesitate.

Young Master Ruhua of Wuyi Sect subsequently selected Fang Dachui of Xuanyang Sect.

That fellow immediately cried out strangely, wishing he could bash his head to death. During his battle with Ruhua, he screamed miserably and was finally buried under countless fragrant flowers, foaming at the mouth and admitting defeat wretchedly.

Xia Houshe of Fengmo Sword Sect seemed to have a “special fondness” for Yashan, directly choosing Tang Wancheng of Yashan, who had four Heaven-Connecting Platforms, as his opponent.

Tang Wancheng had once been among the top ten in Zhilin Sou’s “One Person Platform Notes,” but under Xia Houshe’s hands, he couldn’t last ten moves before being struck down hard by a heavy hammer that Xia Houshe suddenly brought out!

Thus, Xia Houshe easily took Tang Wancheng’s four Heaven-Connecting Platforms, bringing his total to fourteen.

Wei Lin of Shenling had no choice left and could only select the unlucky new genius disciple of Wuyi Sect, Tao Zhang—an old acquaintance of Jian Chou’s.

Although Tao Zhang was formidable, under absolute crushing strength, he couldn’t struggle for long. After a moment, he was directly “invited” down from the Heaven-Connecting Platform, losing his chance to compete for the One Person Platform.

Five battles had passed, and all the losers were cultivators who hadn’t gathered ten Heaven-Connecting Platforms—they were ruthlessly “harvested.”

Now, only one person remained on the field.

After Wei Lin left the cloud platform, everyone’s attention focused on this person.

When Jian Chou saw this person, she frowned slightly: pure black Daoist robes, sword-like white eyebrows, with the tip of his right eyebrow dyed with ink. His dark blue eyes paired with those deep features left a strong impression at first glance—he had a distinctly foreign face.

This was the cultivator who had broken through her attack within the Heart’s Will Pearl ring. According to her judgment, he was likely from the Northern Domain’s Yin Sect.

Among those who had gathered ten Heaven-Connecting Platforms early in the Misty Sky, only four hadn’t fought yet: Zuoliu, Zhou Chengjiang, Jiang Wenchao, and Xiao Jin.

Seeing this round nearing its end, everyone’s spirits lifted.

Of course, some people, upon seeing this black-robed cultivator for the first time, noticed some clues and couldn’t help but exclaim: “White eyebrows dyed with ink on the right—this is clearly a cultivator from the Northern Domain’s Yin Sect! He’s actually come to our Central Domain to join the excitement!”

“Hahaha, but this person only has two Heaven-Connecting Platforms now, so he’s probably average?”

“That’s right…”

People below began discussing.

On the Heaven-Connecting Platforms, however, no one spoke.

Although Zuoliu liked to seek autographs and spiritual consciousness imprints from various famous people, he didn’t recognize this black-robed fellow at all and couldn’t muster any interest.

Since the preliminary selection, Jiang Wenchao had never exerted himself much, maintaining a state of “as long as I advance, that’s enough.” In the Heart’s Will Pearl section, he had given away three empty Heart’s Will Pearls. This time, he was still too lazy to act, sitting serenely in place to regulate his breathing.

Xiao Jin was concentrating on eating watermelon, blinking her eyes without any intention of fighting…

So only Zhou Chengjiang remained.

He could choose to fight this person or directly let him pass.

Ordinary people couldn’t see through this person’s depth, which was why there were comments below about him being ordinary. In reality…

In Zhou Chengjiang’s eyes, this person was unfathomably deep.

The atmosphere became tense for a moment.

Zhou Chengjiang was sizing up his opponent, while his opponent’s lips curved in a rare smile as he looked up at him.

The moment she saw that smile, Jian Chou felt an ominous premonition.

Indeed, before Zhou Chengjiang could even speak, this person stood up directly and bowed toward Fudao Shanren on the mountainside: “I have long admired the great name of Fudao Shanren. I’m not very familiar with the rules of Zuosanqian. May I ask Fudao Shanren—if no one selects me for battle, do I get to select someone for battle?”

“Crack.”

A piece of chicken bone in his mouth was accidentally crushed by Fudao Shanren’s hard teeth.

He lifted his eyelids and finally gave this person a proper look: “Tsk, a little brat from Yin Sect has also come to our Central Domain to join the excitement. Your cultivation isn’t bad. You’re correct—that’s exactly how the rules work.”

“Thank you for clarifying, Elder Fudao.”

The black-robed youth’s face showed a smile. He bowed gratefully to Fudao Shanren, then turned to face Zhou Chengjiang, directly stepping onto the cloud platform!

Whoosh!

The crowd below immediately exploded.

“What does he mean?”

Zhou Chengjiang also frowned.

The black-robed youth said: “Even if Fellow Daoist Zhou doesn’t select me for battle, I will select Fellow Daoist Zhou. When I was in my sect, I often heard senior members praise Dragon Gate’s Daoist arts and body refinement methods. I’ve been extremely curious about how Dragon Gate’s body refinement compares to our Yin Sect’s Stubborn Stone Body Refinement method. Since there’s such a rare opportunity today, to spar at this grand gathering, I wonder if Fellow Daoist Zhou could give me this chance?”

After speaking, the youth smiled faintly, and his right eyebrow with its snow-white color at the tip and ink-black dye rose slightly as he raised his brow, carrying a somewhat provocative feeling.

Such arrogance!

Was he really from the Northern Domain’s Yin Sect?

Making bold claims about comparing his own body refinement method with Dragon Gate’s?

In an instant, many people felt like their back teeth were about to fall out from laughing.

“Is he joking? Dragon Gate’s body refinement method inherits the true dragon bloodline from ancient times and even the primordial era. When perfected, one will have a body as strong as a true dragon that even magical artifacts can’t pierce. How arrogant is this person to dare compare with Dragon Gate in this regard?”

“This will be a good show, hahaha…”

…

At the junction of ancient and near-ancient times, after a great upheaval, Shijiu Zhou was divided by various forces into South, North, Central, and Extreme domains, with each staying in their own territory, clearly separated.

Generally speaking, ordinary disciples rarely traveled between domains, and even when they did, they kept extremely low profiles, fearing to cause trouble in others’ territory.

But unexpectedly, this Yin Sect cultivator today was being so high-profile, even challenging Dragon Gate!

Did he really think the Central Domain had no one?

Below, there was immediately a surge of indignation.

Even on the Heaven-Connecting Platforms, undercurrents were stirring.

Dragon Gate Elder Pang Dian, standing on the mountainside, had a face as dark as water, extremely ugly.

His wide white robes concealed his withered but powerful body as he snorted coldly: “Today’s Yin Sect disciples are becoming more and more arrogant, even coming to our Central Domain to act tyrannically!”

Hearing this, Fudao Shanren chuckled, raised his eyebrows, and said nothing.

Tsk tsk, there would be a good show to watch.

He happily directed his gaze to the high platform.

When Zhou Chengjiang emerged from the Misty Sky, he already possessed sixteen Heaven-Connecting Platforms, which could be described as exceptionally terrifying.

In fact, if the battle round were removed and only Heaven-Connecting Platforms were considered, he was the most likely candidate to climb the One Person Platform.

The black-robed youth from the Northern Domain hadn’t randomly chosen Zhou Chengjiang. While wanting to test the renowned Dragon Gate methods was one reason, Zhou Chengjiang being the genuine first in battle achievements was the key factor!

This black-robed cultivator wanted to compete for first place!

His intentions were clear as day!

Speaking to this extent and acting to this degree, he had practically slapped Dragon Gate and Zhou Chengjiang in the face with his words. If he didn’t step forward now, where would Dragon Gate’s dignity be? Where would the Central Domain’s face be?

Zhou Chengjiang was definitely not one to shy away from trouble.

He slowly walked to the edge of his Heaven-Connecting Platform and stepped out, his form immediately descending!

Although the white cloud platform was high, Zhou Chengjiang already had sixteen Heaven-Connecting Platforms, making him higher than most people. Others looked up at the cloud platform, but he looked down.

This descent truly had a natural and graceful bearing.

Zhou Chengjiang landed steadily on the cloud platform, looking at his opponent: “Central Domain’s Dragon Gate, Zhou Chengjiang. May I ask your distinguished name?”

The purpose of stating his own name was to hear the other party’s introduction.

“I wouldn’t dare claim a distinguished name—I’m just a nobody.” The black-robed youth seemed to speak casually, quite indifferent, but everyone could hear that subtle arrogance in his words that made people uncomfortable. “Northern Domain’s Yin Sect, Tang Buye.”

Northern Domain’s Yin Sect, Tang Buye!

A nobody?!

Bullshit!

Cultivators below who had been to the Northern Domain immediately cursed in their hearts: It’s actually him!

On the mountainside, many sect masters and elders from various factions also frowned deeply.

Only Fudao Shanren paid no attention, happily gnawing on his chicken leg. He didn’t even notice when Hengxu Zhenren had returned, not until Hengxu Zhenren was standing beside him did he exclaim “Oh my”: “Back to watch the show?”

Hengxu Zhenren’s expression was very calm, but only those most familiar with him could see that faint shadow of gloom.

Hearing Fudao Shanren’s words, he didn’t respond, only looked ahead as well. However, his gaze didn’t fall on the cloud platform but on Jian Chou, who stood on eleven Heaven-Connecting Platforms, his eyes flickering slightly.

A moon-white robe that combined gentleness with an inherent noble bearing emanating from her bones.

Jian Chou hadn’t noticed others’ attention, her eyes gathering divine light as she observed the two people on the cloud platform with exceptional focus.

Since they had already introduced themselves, the two began fighting directly.

Tang Buye showed no courtesy. His arm shook, and robust muscles coiled powerfully, appearing extremely strong. He stomped his foot and charged directly at Zhou Chengjiang, simultaneously swinging his right fist. A crescent-shaped black shadow immediately condensed on his fist, accompanying this punch!

One punch, fierce and aggressive!

Just seeing the force of this punch, Zhou Chengjiang knew his opponent was truly formidable.

From his “defeat” in the battle with Jian Chou, he had already learned how important it was to use his brain in combat. Now, although his movements were bold and powerful, his mental calculations were not lacking.

His battle disc spread beneath his feet, and his Dao Seal was immediately activated.

A tremendous force was directly channeled into his fist the moment his arm shook, meeting Tang Buye head-on!

“Bang!”

The massive impact immediately swept outward, fierce and terrifying.

With just this one punch collision, the two actually fought to a draw!

Below the cloud platform, there was immediate silence.

“Bang!”

“Bang!”

“Boom!”

…

The collision sounds immediately became frequent.

After the initial probing, Zhou Chengjiang launched a fierce attack.

But Tang Buye wasn’t someone easy to deal with either. Under such brutal attacks, although he appeared somewhat overwhelmed, he showed no signs of defeat.

The battle fell into a stalemate.

When fighting Jian Chou, Zhou Chengjiang’s strength hadn’t been this powerful. He must have activated new Dao Seals, purely enhancing his strength output. Only those who had fought Zhou Chengjiang knew how much power he possessed.

Under enhanced conditions, the cultivator standing opposite him could still fight him to a draw…

This strength was extraordinary.

“What does Fellow Daoist Jian Chou think?”

Lu Xiangleng, observing the battle, became somewhat curious.

Turning her head to look, she saw Jian Chou frowning as she watched, so she asked softly.

Jian Chou shook her head: “Hard to say.”

Hard to say?

Lu Xiangleng was somewhat surprised: “Apart from his battle with Kunwu’s Xie Buchen, Zhou Chengjiang has never been defeated externally. Moreover, he received intensive cultivation from Dragon Gate, and in the past two years, he even crossed Dragon Gate and comprehended the True Dragon Dao Seal. Logically…”

“There are always people beyond people, heavens beyond heavens.”

Jian Chou didn’t like to speak too definitively.

Although…

She also felt Zhou Chengjiang shouldn’t lose.

Just as this thought settled, looking ahead, Jian Chou couldn’t help but contract her pupils!

“Boom!”

Tang Buye directly swept out with his leg!

Although this leg lacked the might of Jian Chou’s Heaven-Overturning Seal, it was still mighty and overwhelming, with irresistible force.

Zhou Chengjiang had seen more powerful attacks before, so he wasn’t particularly reactive to this leg. He turned his body and pressed forward, launching a collision from Tang Buye’s vulnerable leg side!

Body against body! But what it brought was wave after wave of powerful spiritual energy fluctuations!

Tang Buye seemed not to expect Zhou Chengjiang to have such sharp attacks, much less that Zhou Chengjiang’s response would be so natural, as if he had experienced many similar attacks before.

After being struck, he had a moment of distraction, and Zhou Chengjiang immediately drove his elbow toward his heart, aiming at the vulnerable heart meridian!

The crowd below immediately cheered: “Amazing!”

“About to win!”

“Hahaha, truly worthy of Dragon Gate!”

…

Because of that moment of distraction, Tang Buye had lost the initiative!

He had shown no signs of defeat before, but now it was different!

A piercing pain came from his outer thigh.

At the same time, there was a faint oppressive feeling approaching his heart. Without looking down, Tang Buye knew Zhou Chengjiang’s almost seamless attack was coming!

Despite the extreme danger, Tang Buye actually laughed loudly: “Well done!”

“Bang!”

Almost as his words fell, Zhou Chengjiang’s elbow, hard as metal, had already struck toward his chest.

However, the expected damage didn’t occur.

What appeared was only the crisp sound of sinew, bone, and flesh striking hard stone!

Crack!

Zhou Chengjiang’s hard elbow actually felt like it had hit a giant boulder!

Several drops of fresh blood immediately splattered!

Zhou Chengjiang’s strike failed, and he immediately retreated. Blood was already flowing from his elbow.

“It seems Dragon Gate’s body refinement techniques are nothing special.”

Tang Buye’s face wasn’t red, he wasn’t breathing hard, and he still wore a smile, his voice carrying faint mockery.

All Dragon Gate cultivators around Kunwu’s main peak who heard this changed color simultaneously!

Tang Buye flexed his wrist, completely unconcerned that he had offended all of Dragon Gate, even laughing: “I once stormed into the Chan Sect, fought through the Eighteen Bronze Men Array and emerged. I consider myself unmatched among Northern Domain body refinement cultivators of my generation. I had heard that your Dragon Gate was the strongest in horizontal body cultivation in the Central Domain, but it’s rather disappointing.”

Disappointing?

What an insufferably arrogant person.

Not likable at all.

Zhou Chengjiang suddenly realized that to have an exhilarating fight, one first needed to find the right opponent—like Jian Chou.

But this Tang Buye before him…

His eyes narrowed slightly, his five fingers tightening bit by bit. A faint golden light suddenly flashed at his brow!

In that instant, golden light also flowed from where his elbow had been wounded and bloodied.

Golden scales spread from the wound, immediately covering his entire body…

As if rendered by this golden light, Zhou Chengjiang’s deep pupils also took on a faint golden color.

Ripples spread across his brow as golden scales covered even his face.

“Whoosh.”

He reached out and tore away his gray-black robe that had been torn!

The blazing proud sun shone on everyone’s heads and on Zhou Chengjiang’s body!

Brilliant golden light floated among the clouds.

Everyone suddenly widened their eyes, showing expressions of shock and amazement…

Above the clouds, Zhou Chengjiang lowered his body, his dark golden pupils carrying deeply hidden madness. All exposed skin was covered with pale golden scales, even his face was golden.

Sunlight fell on his body, making him look like a monster in golden armor, or like a giant dragon wandering among white clouds!

Dragon qi!

Dragon scales!

Carrying almost primitive battle intent and savagery, Zhou Chengjiang’s gaze slowly lifted and fell on Tang Buye: “Again!”

Again!

While his words still floated in the air, Zhou Chengjiang had already become a streak of light, charging forward without hesitation!

Bang!

Caught off guard, Tang Buye was directly sent flying, rolling several times on the massive cloud platform before desperately propping himself up to steady his form, gritting his teeth: “So you were still holding back…”

Zhou Chengjiang said nothing, his form flashing as he became a golden light, attacking again.

“Such fast speed…”

Jian Chou was probably one of the few people present who had already seen Zhou Chengjiang display his Dragon Scale Dao Seal. Compared to their battle on Jiutou River, Zhou Chengjiang’s dragon scales were obviously deeper in color, closer to gold.

In his dragon scale-covered state, his entire condition would soar—speed, strength, agility—all would far exceed ordinary people.

Moreover, Zhou Chengjiang’s Dao Seal seemed to have undergone some subtle changes…

In that moment, Jian Chou finally couldn’t resist. She moved her finger down, watching Zhou Chengjiang’s every move and technique while silently tracing on the ground.

Everyone’s attention was on the battle ahead—no one noticed this scene on Jian Chou’s side.

Light of calculation flickered in her eyes as Zhou Chengjiang’s every movement and every flow of spiritual energy was completely etched into her heart, becoming clearer and clearer…

“Bang!”

Tremendous power, crazy speed!

Zhou Chengjiang again charged fiercely at Tang Buye, simultaneously forming a claw with his right hand’s five fingers. The dragon scales’ color immediately deepened, almost becoming substantial, becoming more real—like a dragon claw!

The moment he charged out, the dragon claw extended toward Tang Buye!

Tang Buye’s expression finally showed some gravity.

Stronger than he had thought…

He was already a solid late Golden Core cultivator!

Even so, he was still being suppressed by Zhou Chengjiang, who had just formed his Golden Core less than a year ago—what a humiliation!

He had originally thought that suppressing his strength to the same level as Zhou Chengjiang would be enough to win…

It seemed he had ultimately underestimated his opponent!

Seeing the dragon claw reaching for his heart, Tang Buye actually raised his hand and slapped his own crown!

Many people below were dumbfounded: Good heavens, you don’t need to commit suicide if you can’t win!

This thought simultaneously arose in everyone’s minds.

But the next moment, an unexpected situation occurred—

Crack crack crack!

The moment Tang Buye slapped his crown, there was a sound like rocks breaking and recombining. A layer of deep gray stone substance, accompanied by this sound, suddenly spread down from his crown, immediately covering Tang Buye’s entire body.

His originally normal skin color instantly became like gray stone, even his hair seemed frosted.

This change occurred in an instant. Zhou Chengjiang didn’t even have time to react before his claw had already struck Tang Buye’s vital head area.

No matter what realm of cultivator, if their body was damaged, it could automatically heal and adjust, but once the head had problems, it was seriously bad.

So for all mortal cultivators, the head was equally important.

But Tang Buye, in this moment, neither dodged nor avoided, allowing Zhou Chengjiang’s claw to fall!

Screech—

Zhou Chengjiang’s fingernails, transformed into hard dragon claws, couldn’t penetrate Tang Buye’s gray skin even half a bit!

The dragon claws scraped down, actually only leaving long white marks on Tang Buye’s face, as if casually drawing two lines. Apart from this, forget about seeing bone or blood—even the skin was barely broken!

This…

How was this possible?

All the spectators were stunned. On the mountainside, Pang Dian’s expression changed drastically, and he immediately stepped forward, thinking darkly: Not good!

Too late…

Zhou Chengjiang’s strike actually failed—no one had expected this.

This Tang Buye actually had a backup plan!

In that moment, Tang Buye and Zhou Chengjiang were extremely close, with only a tiny distance between them.

He slowly raised his fist…

The sound of cracking and combining grew louder. Initially, it was just the sound of one or two stones colliding, but in mere moments, it evolved into the sound of a massive stone torrent!

Tang Buye’s entire right arm, accompanied by this sound, was rapidly encased by countless hard stones!

An arm completely disproportionate to his build appeared.

Everything described here took long to tell but happened in an instant.

Zhou Chengjiang hadn’t had time to escape when Tang Buye’s seemingly clumsy arm abnormally struck first, thunderously landing on his chest!

“Boom!”

The force of tens of thousands of pounds accompanied this punch!

Countless stones gathered on Tang Buye’s arm instantly collapsed like a mudslide toward Zhou Chengjiang’s chest!

Even though Zhou Chengjiang had dragon scale protection, under this tremendous force, he was still sent flying and crashed to the ground.

The dark golden light in his pupils trembled, and his breathing became labored.

Streams of fresh blood slowly seeped from his chest wound.

Washed by this blood, the dragon scales that couldn’t maintain themselves began to fade in color.

Tang Buye raised his fist and slowly walked toward Zhou Chengjiang, who was struggling to get up from the ground.

He cracked his knuckles, making “crack crack” sounds, then just as Zhou Chengjiang was about to stand, he struck down with another punch!

The fist wrapped in countless giant stones carried force far exceeding early and middle Golden Core stages, creating an overwhelming crushing sensation!

Zhou Chengjiang, just getting up, was immediately sent flying again!

Bang!

His body once again fell heavily to the ground, blood splattering as dragon scales around his body shattered and became soaked with blood!

The entire Kunwu main peak suddenly fell silent.

Jian Chou was also speechless, her finger that had been lightly tracing on the ground stopping for unknown reasons.

She looked at Tang Buye standing proudly above all Central Domain cultivators, and light flickered in her eyes.

After throwing his second punch, Tang Buye didn’t continue, because dragon scales all over Zhou Chengjiang’s body had completely shattered. He spat out a small mouthful of blood, staining the white clouds below red. The blocked blood and qi finally flowed somewhat smoothly.

Wiping the blood from his lips, Zhou Chengjiang struggled to stand up, having to grit his teeth to endure the pain throughout his body.

How long had it been since he felt such pain?

Zhou Chengjiang couldn’t remember.

He looked at Tang Buye standing opposite him, breathing heavily.

“Late Golden Core stage, truly formidable.”

Tang Buye heard the implication in these words, but he didn’t care.

Looking far ahead, he saw countless sect masters and elders on the mountainside.

So many sects would be impossible in the Northern Domain.

The Central Domain was the legendary “Land of Brilliant Stars.”

Here were countless standing sects with complex powers, yet dominated by Kunwu and Yashan. Every ten years at the Zuosanqian Small Gathering, countless brilliant figures would emerge.

But this time, the one who would steal everyone’s attention would be him—Tang Buye!

Thirteen years of cultivation, late Golden Core stage!

Such speed—even looking across all of Shijiu Zhou, how many could be found?

During these ten years, he had traveled throughout the Northern Domain’s mountains and rivers. For body refinement, he had even secretly infiltrated the Chan Sect’s Eighteen Bronze Men Array and emerged safely.

Among his peers in the Northern Domain, he was already unrivaled. Even if the Central Domain had brilliant stars, so what?

He would ascend to heaven as a cultivator from an outer domain and climb the One Person Platform alone!

For a moment, tremendous heroic spirit surged in his heart.

Tang Buye stood with his hands behind his back, possessing an outstanding confidence: “First in Central Domain body refinement, first in Misty Sky battle achievements! I’ve heard that Fellow Daoist Zhou has rarely been defeated in his life, and after entering the Golden Core stage, he’s been invincible and unstoppable! Now it seems the so-called Central Domain’s first is nothing more than this!”

Below, countless Central Domain cultivators’ faces darkened.

Some from Dragon Gate were already unable to restrain themselves, wanting to rush up and beat this boastful Northern Domain cultivator into a pig’s head.

But at that moment, a great laugh suddenly rang out!

“Hahahaha…”

The sound shook the clouds, carrying an inexplicable straightforwardness and wild abandon!

It was actually Zhou Chengjiang’s laughter!

He threw back his head and laughed loudly, as if he had heard something amusing.

While laughing heartily, he had completely let go of the victory or defeat of this battle!

One laugh, boundless heroic spirit!

“First? Hahaha, first…”

First?

Was there a problem with that?

Everyone didn’t know what Zhou Chengjiang was laughing about, and even began to worry: Could it be that losing so suddenly was hard for him to accept?

Tang Buye, who had just made his boast, immediately frowned.

Unlike others, he vaguely detected a trace of mockery from this laughter.

Although…

Just a faint trace.

Jian Chou heard it too.

Or rather, she understood Zhou Chengjiang’s reason for laughing better than most people present.

Looking from afar at that bloodstained figure on the cloud platform, Jian Chou sat cross-legged, her fingers that had been touching the Heaven-Connecting Platform now withdrawn, the calculating light in her eyes completely faded.

In her heart, a sigh suddenly arose.

What a pity, Zhou Chengjiang…

In this battle, if he had equivalent late Golden Core strength, even peak middle Golden Core, it wouldn’t have been this result.

“Hahaha…”

Zhou Chengjiang was still laughing.

Tang Buye had endured for a long time and finally frowned, unable to bear it: “What are you laughing at!”

Laughing?

Actually, he wasn’t laughing at much.

Zhou Chengjiang stopped, looking at Tang Buye, but his eyes showed a reminiscent color, as if through him, he was remembering another person, making comparisons.

Actually, after that night battle on Jiutou River, Zhou Chengjiang thought he wouldn’t lose again.

Unexpectedly…

“A frog at the bottom of a well—how would it know there are people beyond people, heavens beyond heavens?”

Everyone below who heard this was completely confused—what was all this nonsense?

Tang Buye equally didn’t understand Zhou Chengjiang’s words. His dark blue eyes showed a trace of gloom as he stood without speaking.

Zhou Chengjiang suddenly sighed, but his smile didn’t fade from his face. Instead, it was like parting dark clouds to see a golden sun.

“The Central Domain is vast, with talents emerging everywhere and heroes all around! What kind of first am I, Zhou Chengjiang? Among peer cultivators, Fellow Daoist Tang is not the first to defeat me, nor the first to defeat me in my Golden Core stage, and certainly won’t be the last!”

What?

Everyone who heard this was completely dumbfounded!

How was this possible?

They all knew the first person to defeat Zhou Chengjiang was Kunwu’s Xie Buchen, but Zhou Chengjiang was only at Foundation Establishment stage then, which didn’t count for much.

Given Dragon Gate’s cultivation characteristics, the later stages brought stronger combat power, and comprehending Dragon Gate’s innate Dao Seals would stack combat ability, forming unique “cross-level combat.” When fighting peer cultivators, the possibility of defeat was extremely low!

But Zhou Chengjiang actually said that besides Xie Buchen, there was another “peer cultivator” who had defeated him after he formed his Golden Core!

You’re pulling our leg!

And they’d never heard even a whisper of this!

Amid the shock, Zhou Chengjiang’s words weren’t finished.

He continued: “Moreover, in the path of body refinement, even in the Central Domain, I only dare call myself second.”

“…”

Nonsense!

Keep making things up!

Some people below couldn’t help but start rolling their eyes!

Dragon Gate’s body refinement was first, and Zhou Chengjiang’s physical strength was absolutely unmatched!

Saying he was second?

Who would dare claim to be first?

Many people thought Zhou Chengjiang was talking nonsense after losing, but the eight people on the Heaven-Connecting Platforms all showed thoughtful expressions.

These people who participated in the small gathering together knew Zhou Chengjiang’s strength all too well.

Moreover, looking at his current expression, he clearly admired that “first” person immensely.

Tang Buye was even more surprised that Zhou Chengjiang only considered himself “second.” He frowned deeper and sneered: “According to Fellow Daoist Zhou’s words, there’s actually someone among our peers who surpasses you in body refinement?”

“Naturally there is.”

The recent battle had left hidden injuries.

Zhou Chengjiang coughed once, slowly putting on his outer robe. When the wind blew, his face appeared pale.

“There is?”

Tang Buye looked around in all directions, surveying the area with a rather arrogant air.

“Since such a person exists, I wonder what their distinguished name is and where they are? Fellow Daoist Zhou, why not invite them out for a battle with me to determine who’s truly first?”

Jian Chou’s finger resting on her knee moved slightly, tapping once, her eyes showing a strange expression as she looked toward Tang Buye.

Hearing this, Zhou Chengjiang only shook his head and smiled.

“In the Central Domain, as long as she exists, even if I exhaust my entire life, I can only be second. In all of Shijiu Zhou, as long as she exists, Fellow Daoist Tang will probably also only be second. Though you’re strong, in my eyes, you’re still a line behind her!”

“You!”

Tang Buye hadn’t expected Zhou Chengjiang to speak so harshly, even asserting that he couldn’t win. His eyes immediately turned frosty.

“Hahaha…”

Zhou Chengjiang laughed again, simply flicked his sleeve, and couldn’t be bothered to deal with Tang Buye anymore. He leaped directly from the high platform, transforming into a streak of light as he flew away!

Only his bold voice echoed in the void!

“This person far surpasses you and me, and Fellow Daoist Tang, you will eventually meet her. When you meet her and are defeated by her hands, you’ll naturally know who she is… hahaha… why be anxious…”

Why be anxious!

Zhou Chengjiang’s voice gradually faded, soon becoming faint and traceless, leaving countless Kunwu cultivators with endless imagination…

Her?

Who exactly was she?

Tang Buye stood in place, momentarily stunned.

There was someone whose body refinement was stronger than Zhou Chengjiang’s, who had defeated Zhou Chengjiang before him…

And he would eventually encounter her?

Zhou Chengjiang even asserted that he would lose?

Rumble…

The sixteen Heaven-Connecting Platforms that originally belonged to Zhou Chengjiang all merged beneath Tang Buye’s feet, lifting him higher and higher, becoming the only Heaven-Connecting Platform at Kunwu that was currently 510 zhang high!

Seventeen platforms, Northern Domain’s Yin Sect, Tang Buye!

In just one battle, the situation had completely changed!

Everyone’s expressions became complex.

Jian Chou sat cross-legged on her Heaven-Connecting Platform, pondering Zhou Chengjiang’s parting words, feeling only a bitter taste in her mouth…

She had only beaten him once—was it necessary to pit her like this?

Her slender finger moved again, tapping on her knee.

A faint, subtle golden light suddenly appeared, like a golden scale covering her middle finger’s nail, flashing once before instantly disappearing.

Forget it.

Jian Chou ultimately suppressed the urge to chase after Zhou Chengjiang and beat him up again.

Looking again at that outsider standing proudly above all Central Domain cultivators, Tang Buye, light flickered in Jian Chou’s eyes.

Her lips curved upward, and her features suddenly became gentle as water.

A body refinement monster who had defeated Zhou Chengjiang…

The battle phase was over, with nine people advancing in total.

Who knew…

What would the second trial be?