Chapter Nine, Five-Clawed Fiery Dragon, Supreme Divine Power

Do you really think that by refining your own elixir of immortality, you can contend with someone?

The authentic Taoism of Tai Su has been passed down for ten thousand years, and the true teachings of San Men are renowned throughout the world. Even those who practice lesser, unorthodox paths are aware of its great reputation

The "Taizu has formless sword energy" is distinct and innovative. When cultivated to a profound level, one can freely transform the sword energy between the formless and the form, concealing its shape and substance, becoming shadowless, formless, traceless, and markless. It reaches the ultimate essence, severing the void and blocking rivers, cutting through mountains and parting seas

These three true teachings are respectively called:

The ominous crimson mist surged upwards, enveloping Yang Lian entirely. In the next moment, six beams of sword light struck down upon him

However, if this item falls into the hands of a formidable sword cultivator, it would undoubtedly be like adding wings to a tiger

As Xu Zhuang made his move, Yang Lian couldn't help but exclaim inwardly that it was bad! Xu Zhuang's strike unleashed a sword energy like thunder, showcasing an unparalleled sword technique of splitting light and merging forms. Yang Lian had only assumed that Xu Zhuang was a sword practitioner like You Junlan, who cultivated the "Taisu Formless Quality Sword Qi," and was completely unprepared, ultimately finding himself captured by the Five-Claw Flame Dragon.

The fire escape practitioner is undoubtedly Yang Lian. Upon seeing Xu Zhuang halt his escape light, he quickly closed the distance, confident that he would not allow Xu Zhuang to escape easily again. Only then did he activate the fire escape, revealing his form, and with a smile that was not quite a smile, he said: "It seems this is something I should say, right? Xu Zhuang, how long has it been since you refined your golden elixir? How dare you lure me into chasing you alone..."

No shadow, no form, no trace, no mark, formless sword energy

Xu Zhuang was aware that he had just begun to refine his golden elixir and did not dare to mobilize the elixir's power in large quantities. He could capture the five-clawed fire dragon, which had been infused with a significant amount of elixir power, only by taking advantage of its moment of unpreparedness. At most, he would be able to hold it for a few breaths before it would break free. Therefore, he needed to seize this fleeting opportunity to achieve his goal.

Although this elixir possesses boundless power and versatility, using it lightly will result in a loss of its potency, necessitating arduous cultivation to restore it. Conversely, excessive use may harm the essence of the golden elixir, thereby damaging one's cultivation. Therefore, unless one has cultivated the golden elixir to a certain level, even practitioners of the golden elixir will not easily employ its power

Without any hesitation, Xu Zhuang made a decisive move, silently channeling the Golden Elixir and manipulating the Elixir's essence, for the first time unleashing the fundamental power that Golden Elixir masters rely on to traverse the world.

"Well done!" Xu Zhuang had just formed his golden core and was eager to test his abilities. Instead of being startled, he felt delighted. With a thought, the sword pellet leaped up, shook slightly, and surprisingly split into two, then four. After a brief pause, it shook again, and amidst the flickering sword light, it divided and transformed into eight paths, shooting forth with speed and might that was no different from before

After the blazing giant claw was severed, it did not dissipate but instead erupted violently, transforming into a dense array of fire lines that wove a large net in the air, aiming to ensnare Xu Zhuang within it. Xu Zhuang quickly formed a sword technique, wielding sword energy to slash left and strike right, severing dozens of fire lines in the blink of an eye. However, the number of fire lines did not decrease; instead, they doubled, and it seemed they were about to envelop him.

At a critical moment, Yang Lian instead entered a state of complete calm, revealing a psychological quality that exemplified true mastery. In the instant he used the Golden Elixir to withstand a fatal blow, he suppressed the excruciating pain that felt as if it were tearing through his body and soul. The dim and lifeless Golden Elixir struggled to turn slightly, and he transformed into a blazing flame, soaring into the sky, fleeing without looking back.

This reasoning is not lost on Yang Lian, who is no fool; in the blink of an eye, he realizes that both of them are aware they have reached a critical moment that will determine the outcome. Meanwhile, Xu Zhuang has taken the initiative, as the six beams of sword light break free from the constraints of the Five-Clawed Flame Dragon, tracing a perfect arc in the air, crossing each other, with a chilling sword aura and a menacing killing intent

Although Yang Lian reacted a moment late, he was well aware that he only needed to defend against Xu Zhuang's aggressive attack. Within a few breaths, the Five-Clawed Flame Dragon would break free from its restraints, allowing the situation to reverse and turn defeat into victory. Therefore, Yang Lian did not panic; he made no significant movements, and amidst the fluttering of his bright red robe, several magical artifacts swiftly flew out to meet Xu Zhuang's sword light.

Suddenly, a mist appeared, rising from the gate of Xu Zhuang, extending for dozens of zhang in an instant, and swirling towards the five-clawed fire dragon.

A trace of apprehension flashed in Yang Lian's eyes. He had initially thought that Xu Zhuang had only recently advanced to the Golden Core stage, and that his Taoist techniques and magical artifacts had not yet been fully cultivated. Unexpectedly, his swordsmanship was exceptionally powerful, and he had even mastered the sword energy and thunderous sound. Now, with the use of the sword pellet, he posed a significant threat.

Yang Lian executed the method of a single finger, and before him, a sea of flames surged. Red light and true fire formed a gigantic dragon's head, leaping forth with a long dragon's body. Its horns resembled those of a deer, its whiskers like a tiger's, and its scales and claws were distinct, each piece flowing with the color of flames. This was, in fact, the manifestation of his renowned Five-Clawed Flame Dragon divine ability

The five-clawed flame dragon received the support of boundless elixir power, and its body immediately began to expand as if without limit. The boundless firepower radiated dazzling light, and within the flames of the dragon's head, its eyes flickered in and out of visibility, as if it were on the verge of gaining sentience.

However, with his own magical artifact, there is no need to withstand its offensive; a brief entanglement will suffice. At this point, Yang Lian felt confident of victory and could not help but reveal a faint smile

This is an open scheme, and Xu Zhuang naturally would not be unaware of Yang Lian's intentions, as a slight smile also appeared at the corner of his mouth

Creak!

The one who wields the Sword of Escape is indeed Xu Zhuang. Upon hearing this, a slight smile curved at the corner of his mouth. He urged the sword light, suddenly turned around, stood in mid-air, and said with a smile: "Oh? You also know that I intentionally lured you here, and yet you came alone like this?"

Yang Lian is aware that the differentiation of sword light does not diminish in power or speed, no matter how many sword lights are differentiated; the difficulty of dealing with an additional sword light increases exponentially.

At this moment, it became clear that what was entangling the Flame Dragon was not mist at all, but rather a formless and colorless large hand with distinct textures! The five fingers tightly gripped the wildly thrashing Flame Dragon, as if it were holding a worm with ease

Go! No more nonsense, Yang Lian manipulated the Five-Clawed Flame Dragon to launch an attack on Xu Zhuang, while the Flame Heavenly Net continuously wove new fire lines in the flames, sealing off Xu Zhuang from all directions.

Without a moment to ponder, Yang Lian let out a thunderous shout, and a brilliant light rose from his mind's gate, round and radiant, it was indeed Yang Lian's innate golden elixir

Yang Lian's Five-Clawed Flame Dragon Divine Ability possesses a core fire talisman, which allows it to roam freely within the dragon's body as long as its magical power remains unceasing and the flames are relentless. Even when injured, it can swiftly restore itself to its original state, showing no fear of being struck by magical treasures or flying swords.

The innate essence of the primordial energy is the ultimate capture technique

The term "Tai Su" refers to one of the five stages of "Xian Tian Wu Tai" in the philosophy of the Xuanmen, which represents the primordial material universe in a state of form and substance before the creation of heaven and earth. This not only signifies the origin of the authentic lineage of Tai Su but also serves as the foundation of the three great transmissions of Tai Su

Brother Xu, we have already moved far away from the Meteorite Temple, and there is no one around. Will you not stop?

The sword light diverged! Yang Lian's expression darkened, as he never expected that Xu Zhuang not only possessed the unparalleled swordsmanship of sword energy and thunder sound, but also mastered the method of light division and combination.

This five-clawed flame dragon possesses immense power, capable of unleashing the force of ten thousand jun and the might of * diagrams * and * books * with effortless movements. Its entire being radiates an overwhelming heat emitted from boundless firepower, which not only inflicts injury upon contact but, should one's cultivation be insufficient to withstand it, would result in the burning of one's internal organs, ultimately reducing one to ashes.

Xu Zhuang! Clearly, what is being cultivated is the "Tai Su Yi Qi Jing"; the innate Tai Su Yi Qi's great capture is the most authentic evidence. Why is it then able to unleash the invisible sword energy? In this world, there should not be the occurrence of simultaneously practicing two fundamental methods!

At this moment, with both hands clasped, a wisp of crimson smoke floated out from the fontanel, suspended in the air, resembling sparks igniting a forest, which in an instant transformed into a great fire that illuminated the sky in a deep red hue

Only six beams of sword light pierced the sky, slashing towards Yang Lian. Several various magical artifacts flew up swiftly, intercepting with precision. However, the six beams of sword light suddenly flickered and vanished into the void, disappearing from Yang Lian's sight. In all directions, there was nothing but emptiness, leaving only Yang Lian's magical artifacts suspended in the air, at a loss and bewildered.

"Unabashed boasting." Xu Zhuang raised his eyebrows, suddenly changing his sword technique. He opened his mouth and expelled a shimmering sword pellet, which transformed into a streak of azure light, moving several times faster than the sword energy he had previously wielded. It flickered and contracted, continuously leaping around him, and in an instant, it had annihilated the fiery line that was approaching him.

What a clever tactic! However, it is too late to escape now. Xu Zhuang did not expect that despite such a powerful strike, he had not achieved complete success, and Yang Lian had narrowly escaped death. Nevertheless, he had no habit of letting his enemies off the hook and immediately took to the skies, pursuing with swift sword light.

After a few moments, the flames seemed to grow impatient, suddenly condensing into a line of sound that reached the ears of the one in front.

What a formidable divine power, I had underestimated this five-clawed flame dragon just now. Xu Zhuang's heart was alarmed; now facing an opponent of the high-grade Golden Core, it was indeed incomparable to the enemies he had faced in the past, and he had overestimated his own abilities.

In the void, the fierce winds come and go, the earth and mountains are turned by a single hand

Xu Zhuang anticipated Yang Lian's extensive use of Dan power, quickly maneuvering his body to steer the escaping light, tracing an arc in the air to evade the attack of the five-clawed flame dragon. However, although he dodged in time, the dragon's claw brushed past Xu Zhuang, and the fierce wind felt like a heavy hammer, causing his protective spiritual light to sway violently. The rising heat further made Xu Zhuang feel a significant burning sensation both inside and outside his body

Two beams of light streaked across the sky, the former resembling a sharp sword rainbow, tearing through the fierce wind, swift as a flash of lightning, and fast as a shooting star. The latter took the form of a blazing flame, burning fiercely, with intense heat radiating as it flew away, scattering sparks. In the blink of an eye, they had chased several miles away.

The "Taisu Yiqi Classic" emphasizes substance over form, where the practitioner possesses immense power, capable of shaking mountains and seizing the moon, manipulating the universe.

In the void, a sound of shattering that seemed to be nonexistent echoed, as blood gushed from all seven orifices of Yang Lian. The brilliance of the golden elixir instantly diminished, revealing several terrifying cracks, indicating that the perfected golden elixir had already been damaged

I have just formed my Golden Elixir, and my reserves are insufficient. Many techniques have yet to be cultivated. Yang has achieved the Golden Elixir for a long time; although I do not know whether his cultivation is complete or if he can freely wield the power of the elixir, it is certainly beyond my capacity to exhaust. Furthermore, I am unaware of how many more techniques he possesses or what magical tools he has yet to employ. However, I can no longer afford to delay; I must exert all my strength and attempt to achieve success in one decisive effort, as that is the way to victory.

The name "Tai Su You Wu Xing Zhi Jian Qi" flowed through Yang Lian's heart, causing him to feel a surge of dread. In the next moment, the six paths of sword energy had already manifested around his body

He did not make the foolish choice of using any defensive talismans or garments for comprehensive protection. Although Xu Zhuang is not a sword cultivator, he wields a sword pellet and possesses exceptional swordsmanship. Such cultivators have the greatest offensive power, capable of piercing through defenses; unless the magical treasures are of the highest quality, it is extremely difficult to withstand their attacks

Not good! As soon as Xu Zhuang saw Yang Lian performing his technique, he realized that something was amiss. It turned out that this Dan Zhu smoke was actually Dan Sha, also known as "Dan Li." As the name suggests, it is the source power of a cultivator's Golden Core.

The trivial skill is still being repeatedly employed. Xu Zhuang had long been on guard, and with a sharp reprimand, the sword energy was instantly summoned, slicing through the fierce wind to strike forward. With a single blow, it shattered the giant claw, but this time the outcome was vastly different

Yang Lian laughed heartily: "You little brat, the other day I did not wish to entangle with you, do you think I am so easy to deal with? My Fire Net and Heavenly Web are specifically forged to restrain swordsmanship, so it is better that you do not struggle."

Eight sword lights split into two paths, with two sword lights wildly slashing through the air, shattering the fiery net into pieces, while the remaining six sword lights rushed directly towards the five-clawed flame dragon

Too simple, it is the beginning of substance yet not formed into a body

At this point in the duel, it seemed as though all of my tactics had been effortlessly countered by Xu Zhuang. Yang Lian was extremely furious, secretly exclaiming: What a cunning rascal, he truly has the confidence to challenge me. However, do not think that this is all the skill I possess.

However, the distracting thoughts only flowed through Yang Lian's mind for a moment, and in the blink of an eye, he severed them. Instead, a chilling aura surged in his eyes. Now that matters had come to this point, he could not allow Xu Zhuang to escape.

However, if the six sword lights continue to strike indiscriminately, even the divine fire talismans cannot guarantee they will not be hit. One can only manipulate the five-clawed flame dragon to evade the flying swords as much as possible and seek an opportunity to counterattack. In this way, the power of the five-clawed flame dragon is significantly diminished

However, Xu Zhuang is not the type to wallow in frustration. In a swift maneuver, he evades the onslaught of the five-clawed flame dragon, and in a moment of urgent contemplation, he has already temporarily set aside his emotions to focus his mind.

With a roar that shook the heavens and the earth, the arrogant five-clawed flame dragon was enveloped by the mist. No matter how it struggled, the flames surged fiercely, yet its body could not move an inch

The "Taisu Zhenxing Jing" emphasizes the importance of form over substance, allowing practitioners to manipulate their magical powers with great agility and to undergo countless transformations

In a fit of anger, Yang Lian formed hand seals, and the crimson smoke from the crown of his head surged into the sky like a wolf's smoke, continuous and unending. This was in stark contrast to the atmosphere during the previous spellcasting. The billowing smoke fell into the sea of fire, and in an instant, it was as if oil had been poured into the flames, causing the blaze to swell wildly.

The same spell, when wielded by practitioners of different realms, exhibits vastly different powers. Even among practitioners of the same realm, or even in the hands of the same practitioner, the effects can often vary significantly. The five-clawed flame dragon, empowered by the potency of the elixir, experiences a dramatic increase in its power as it moves. When struck by Xu Zhuang's sword light, it shows no signs of damage whatsoever. With a twist of its long body, it coils around Yang Lian for protection, and as its claws extend, it reaches out towards Xu Zhuang.

The Supreme One Qi of Pre-Heaven, known as the Great Capture, is the signature divine ability of the "Taisu One Qi Classic". Mastering this supreme divine ability allows one to reach for the stars, pluck the sun and moon, move mountains and seas, and subdue dragons and tigers with ease

The sword pill, shaped like a pill, signifies a sword, embodying both rigidity and flexibility. It can cut through gold as if it were mud, yet it is soft enough to wrap around one's fingers with grace. The difficulty of refining this object is more than a hundred times greater than that of ordinary artifacts, making it challenging to control. Common sword cultivators are unable to wield it, which is why it is exceedingly rare

Before his words had finished, Yang Lian suddenly sprang up, showing no sign of the earlier intention to exchange pleasantries. A surge of flames erupted, intertwining fiercely, transforming into a giant claw that, with a curling of its five fingers, came crashing down towards Xu Zhuang.