Slaying Demons: Starting with Upgrading my Calligraphy-Chapter 417 - 373: Magic Duel!

"Sect Master, it seems that Sect Master Dongfang is still trying to buy time."

A group of cultivators from the Domineering Body Sect perched upon a rugged stone mountain, each emanating a terrifyingly solid and dense aura, like towering mountains. With every move, the very air around them twisted and undulated.

This was the manifestation of cultivating "The Indestructible Body" beyond the tenth level.

This True Scripture Volume, a pure body refinement technique, grants the flesh a transformative baptism and evolution with each barrier broken.

Breaking through the third barrier allows one to transcend the mortal coil to the Initiate Realm; breaking ten barriers makes one a Blood-Stained Great Cultivator.

Huihuai Province borders Shangjing and Jiangnan.

To establish itself as the premier holy land in such a prosperous region spoke volumes of the Domineering Body Sect’s fearsome might.

Seated imposingly on a rock, Yang Jingzhe rested his elbows on his knees, his fingers interlaced, his gaze thoughtful. Sect Master Dongfang’s sudden proposal to combine three matches into one isn’t just a random idea, is it? That fellow is a notorious little fox, his mind spins faster than a windmill. He wouldn’t say something like this for no reason. There’s definitely something strange going on. Does he have an unbeatable trump card?

"Master, there’s no need for you to overthink it. No matter his scheme, since he wants to merge three matches into one, let’s just fulfill his wish. I’ll take this one."

The speaker was a young man in his twenties or thirties, with a broad forehead and bright eyes. His muscular physique was apparent beneath his clothing, and he approached Yang Jingzhe with firm, steady steps.

This man was none other than Yang Jingzhe’s direct disciple, Zhong Gu.

He had reached the sixteenth gate of "The Indestructible Body" and was a cultivator at the Blood-Stained Peak.

His Vajra Undying Golden Body, impervious to the Ten Thousand Laws, had even withstood attacks from Dao Experts.

For this trip to the Shenxiao Sect to cause a stir, he was one of Yang Jingzhe’s aces.

Previously, when the Domineering Body Sect had squared off against the Shenxiao Sect, the result was three victories and three defeats.

At the Blood-Stained Realm level, Zhong Gu was the ultimate gatekeeper, guaranteed to secure at least one win.

"This Dongfang Qing is known for his near-demonic intelligence and flawless planning," Yang Jingzhe muttered. "Since he has suggested merging three matches into one, he must have a trump card. According to my original plan, I could have ignored him. But that little rascal is too cunning; he dangled the Hua Sheng Thunder Pond as bait to entice me. He’s really forcing me to agree."

Lying back on the rock, Yang Jingzhe couldn’t help but chuckle wryly.

The Hua Sheng Thunder Pond.

It was a supreme treasure of the Shenxiao Sect, bequeathed by their brilliant seventy-fifth ancestor.

Contained within this Magical Treasure was the very essence of life, overflowing with extreme yang and rigidity. A common person falling into it would transform in an instant into an extraordinary being. They would become endowed with immense strength, capable of traveling a thousand miles a day, and be unharmed by water or fire.

When the Shenxiao Sect was still insignificant, it was precisely the Hua Sheng Thunder Pond that allowed the seventy-fifth ancestor to create a multitude of Thunder Path soldiers, reversing their decline and raising the Shenxiao Sect to its feet once again.

The Domineering Body Sect’s practitioners cultivated "The Indestructible Body," nurturing an internal aura of supremely yang and pure indestructibility. The Hua Sheng Thunder Pond’s power would perfectly complement their cultivation.

With the aid of this Magical Treasure, those disciples of the Domineering Body Sect stuck at the tenth level of "The Indestructible Body" could all have a chance to break through and become Blood-Stained Great Cultivators.

Yang Jingzhe had sought out Dongfang Qing numerous times before, hoping to borrow the Hua Sheng Thunder Pond, offering any conditions.

But as an ancestral relic, the Hua Sheng Thunder Pond naturally couldn’t be loaned out casually, and Dongfang Qing had gracefully declined each time.

This had also caused some displeasure between the two men.

This time, Dongfang Qing proposing to raise the stakes and using the Hua Sheng Thunder Pond as a bargaining chip clearly indicated he saw through Yang Jingzhe’s deepest desires, targeting his weakness with something he couldn’t refuse.

After pondering for a moment, Yang Jingzhe sat up.

"Enough. Overthinking is futile. Since this crafty fox insists, then I’ll just have to take him up on his challenge. Zhong Gu, this match is up to you. Whether we can secure the spot in the Valley of Deceased Gods from his hands depends on your performance."

"Master, rest assured, I shall give it my all!"

...

The vast platform, constructed of white jade and golden stones, was bathed in sunshine that reflected dazzling streaks of white-gold light.

This was the specially designated area within the Shenxiao Sect for duels of magic and martial arts.

Each piece of white jade and gold stone in the arena had been enhanced by Forbidden Laws. This made them incredibly resilient; even Dao Experts would find them difficult to damage. Furthermore, they could self-repair if damaged.

Above, in the stands, Dongfang Qing and Yang Jingzhe sat side by side on Taishi Chairs.

"I’ve agreed to your request. Once the match is over, you’d better not renege on our deal," Yang Jingzhe said jokingly, glancing at Dongfang Qing.

He didn’t truly fear Dongfang Qing reneging; his words were more an attempt to probe what this sly fox was up to.

"That’s quite the thing to say. When have I, Dongfang Qing, ever reneged on a promise?" Dongfang Qing said with a chuckle. He flipped his right hand, and a white-gold ring suddenly materialized in his palm. Within it, the Thunder Pond seemed to swirl with boundless, surging Thunder Liquid, as if it gathered the thunder of All Heavens.

The Hua Sheng Thunder Pond!

Yang Jingzhe’s smile widened even more as he gazed upon the Thunder Path Magical Treasure. He had coveted it for so long, knowing it held the potential to help many Domineering Body Sect disciples break through their cultivation barriers.

"Very well. Rest assured, if I lose, I’ll also honor our agreement. However, I am curious. The Shenxiao Sect has abundant resources; why go to such lengths to have me craft something for you? Hmm... It’s not for your own use, is it?"

Scanning Dongfang Qing quickly, Yang Jingzhe made a fairly accurate guess.

The Shenxiao Sect was an ancient and venerable institution.

Never mind the Nine Heavens Shenxiao Thunder City—a Thunder Path Divine Artifact capable of dominating the world—the Magical Treasures left by past ancestors alone could fill an entire room.