Chapter 69: Dharma Duel Begins, the Hundred-Battle Drum of the Kui Ox

Or perhaps... it is the Mountain-Running Serpent mentioned by Zhao Zhao Yinman?

"Interesting!"

Jiang Yan pondered in his heart, feeling no worry.

The more calamities, the greater his harvest.

Even if the sky collapses, there is someone taller to hold it up.

He looked at Zhao Zhao Yinman beside him; though her expression was indifferent, her pale white small hand patted left and patted right, teasing the Coffin Spirit as if teasing a cat.

The latter turned its eyes, adopting a cold demeanor of refusing to play with fools, yet this made Zhao Zhao Yinman visibly happier.

Although zombies liking coffins is normal, thinking that the Coffin Spirit was born from half of his own flesh and blood, Jiang Yan always felt it was strange.

In the afternoon, the scorching sun hung high.

Nearly five hundred people had gathered on Bai Yu's territory; those who could come to compete were the dragons and phoenixes among men, confident in themselves.

The number of newcomers who did not come was only greater, and this count included only the officials.

Other factions and those hiding their identities were not included.

That is to say, after the historical mutation intensified, the province gained over ten thousand cultivators annually, surpassing more than a decade of accumulation by ordinary small nations.

Looking across the Tianxia Alliance, this number would only be more terrifying.

"This is the foundation of a great nation, the hope to resist the historical river's continued mutation and correct the flow of time."

Zhou Li's gaze held expectation as she murmured, "I wonder, among these people, who can transform into a true dragon and soar straight to the sky?"

"To cultivate new talent this time, the Headquarters really went all out, offering a Spirit Treasure Grotto-Heaven that would make even a Heavenly Official's heart flutter as the reward."

Hearing this, the other two were also envious.

When they were young, where could they find such good conditions?

The last few arrived, bringing the total count to five hundred and sixteen, matching the number of registered participants.

Zhou Li spoke: "True Person Qiu is likely still searching the earth veins; he probably won't make it back in time. Let us begin first."

True Person Qiu's full name is Qiu Bai.

He is the chief referee of this Jiangnan Grand Competition, a True Person of the Old Talisman, who should have been stationed at the main venue, but to search for the Heavenly King Treasure reported by Jiang Yan.

He is currently exploring the abnormal earth vein nodes within the scope of Jin Hua.

Boom!

Thus, Zhou Li no longer concealed her form, appearing before the crowd, releasing her aura without disguise, sweeping across the entire venue, instantly silencing everyone.

Jiang Yan narrowed his eyes; the aura of the orthodox Tianxia Dharma Seed was vast as an abyss, capable of crushing this White Cherry Dharma Seed, Hakuroku Sosuke, at the same realm.

I wonder if it is because he is weak, or if the White Cherry path has problems?

When I have time, I will harvest a few White Cherry geniuses and put it to the test.

"Let me introduce myself. I am Zhou Li. These are my colleagues and teammates, Master Bai Rui and Master Fa Le. We are the referees for this competition."

As Zhou Li spoke, she pointed with her hand.

Boom, boom, boom!

The White Jade Plate vibrated; Jiang Yan and others looked up, seeing the earth vein qi boil and intertwine, sprouting vitality. Like grass and trees sprouting, branches grew and extended outward.

At the center of the White Jade Plate, a referee platform was constructed, with ten fighting arenas extending in all directions.

Zhou Li spoke:

"The rules are simple. The Jiangnan Grand Competition focuses on arena Dharma Duels; the strong ascend, the weak descend. However, taking lives, intentionally damaging foundations, and similar acts are forbidden.

Right now, you are only fighting for the small opportunity before your eyes.

But in the future, you will fight in numerous Plague Domains; that is the true battlefield, filled with dangers but also abundant opportunities. Only comrades who can trust each other with their backs can fully dedicate themselves to plundering.

Of course, there is no need to be timid. The arena is built using the 【Great Earth Jade Plate Dharma】, connecting to the power of the Nine Dragon Mountain earth veins. Even a full-power strike from a Dharma Seed beginner cannot shatter it, leaving at most cracks.

We will supervise; as long as you shout 【Surrender】, the match is considered over."

Speaking here, Zhou Li pointed to Master Fa Le beside her and said: "This one cultivates the Medicine Buddha Dharma of the Eastern Glazed World, hailed as the number one in the medical path below the True Person of the Old Talisman. As long as the head is not gone, even severed hands and feet can be reattached for you."

Master Fa Le smiled gently: "All benefactors, feel free to unleash your fists and feet."

Bai Rui continued: "The ID cards will display your digital codes. Opponents will be assigned randomly. Winning one match grants three points; losing deducts two points. The starting score is three points. If the score reaches zero or you lose two matches, you are directly eliminated."

"At the same time, the Historical Correction Bureau encourages comprehensive development. Those with extraordinary skills or specialties may come to the referee platform for evaluation, receiving discretionary bonus points. However, specialty points account for only ten percent of the total score; they can add flowers to brocade, but cannot provide charcoal in snow."

"The top three of the Jiangnan Grand Competition may enter the Spirit Treasure Grotto-Heaven, select one growth-type Spirit Treasure, integrate it with your spiritual nature, grow together, and perfectly match your Dao path."

"The top ten may receive a substantial cash prize!"

"The top eighty-eight may all receive a reward of ten points."

"The Jiangnan Grand Competition begins now!"

As the words fell, the spiritual nature in the ID cards in everyone's hands shimmered, displaying different numbers.

Jiang Yan glanced at his code: 【444】.

As for Zhao Zhao Yinman, it was 【222】.

Hmm, both are quite auspicious.

Above the ten arenas, drones appeared, projecting AR images. The numbers on them changed rapidly, quickly selecting the digital codes and names of the initial twenty contestants.

Ge Ge Xianyao was among them, code 【99】, at Arena Number One.

"The number of dual extremes, not bad."

Ge Ge Xianyao's gaze was calm; he leaped onto the arena.

His opponent was a bald man, digital code 【66】, wearing a tank top, revealing muscular physique and purple tattoos. With every breath, arcs of electricity crackled.

"I didn't expect it to be Lei Jun. This fellow is a Thunder Dharma prospect excavated by the Yinzhou Branch. I heard his first Plague Domain experience was also related to Thunder Dharma. His combat style is extremely fierce; demons he fights often turn into charcoal."

"I have also heard. At that time, it even alarmed the Yinzhou Branch of the Celestial Master's Mansion in Jiangnan Province. They tried to poach him with a high price. Although they failed, it showed that the peak of Thunder Dharma in the Celestial Master's Mansion is always open to him."

"Although his realm is only Mid-Stage Dao Foundation, the Thunder Dharma attacks are fierce enough to bridge the gap. This will be a good show."

"..."

Listening to the crowd's murmurs, Lei Jun's expression remained calm, yet he deeply enjoyed the feeling of being praised.

He clasped his fists and said, "Brother Ge's fame has long been admired by this humble one; now I can finally fight you."

However, Ge Ge Xianyao waved his hand and said impatiently:

"Then just keep admiring me. Begin quickly; only after I finish you can I meet that fellow sooner."

As he spoke, he glanced at Jiang Yan.

He must teach this fellow a lesson and make him know the height of heaven and the depth of earth.

"..."

Hardened!

The fists hardened!

Lei Jun took a deep breath, adjusted his mood, and sneered:

"Then please grant me your instruction!"

As the words fell, he struck his chest fiercely.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Like war drums beating, or a divine ox lowing, it suddenly exploded, shaking the soul.

In the lake, centered on the arena, ripples spread outward in circles, turning into surging waves.

At the same time, white light swallowed the world.

Ten thousand thunderbolts surged; countless lightning snakes instantly swept forth. Vaguely visible was a blue-bodied, hornless, one-legged divine ox roaring toward the sky.

'Heavenly Thunder Spell Technique — Kui Ox Hundred Battles Drum!'

(End of this chapter)