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For Luo Ao's brazen behavior, Zuo Dao was already accustomed to it; it was best to ignore someone without principles like him.
"Now, you need to remember what I'm about to say clearly. It concerns your future. However, if you choose to walk away, the decision is still in your hands." Zuo Dao's expression was serious. This was the first time Kun Ru Tao had seen him like this since they had known him.
"Master, I will listen carefully," Mu Yuan said, automatically using this title after accepting Zuo Dao's teachings, and Zuo Dao did not stop him.
"Actually, the profession of Creator primarily revolves around creation, which you all know. However, due to your own reasons, you have limited yourselves while creating." Zuo Dao spoke earnestly, and both Luo Ao and Mu Yuan listened attentively.
Various attributes created limitations for each Creator, and the best attribute for a Creator was not having all five elements or being fully attributed but rather being attribute-less. Only an attribute-less Creator could walk the path to the end.
However, whether Cultivators or mortals, everyone carried at least a trace of attributes within them. Although Zuo Dao did not know the origins of Creators—something even Miao Cheng's people were unclear about—he understood that as long as one bore attributes, they would fall into an instinctual trap in their Dao techniques.
Attribute-less individuals did not face this issue at all; however, being attribute-less came with a prerequisite: resonance with attributes. Every Dao technique created by a Creator utilized their own attributes to resonate with the Great Dao, allowing them to grasp its true meaning and create unique techniques.
Attribute-less individuals lacked this benefit, and the key to solving this problem lay in their Compatibility with attributes. The higher the Compatibility, the greater the amount of attributes one could accommodate. The more one could hold, the higher the probability of resonating with the Great Dao.
At this point, both Luo Ao and Mu Yuan understood everything.
Yet finding an attribute-less Cultivator in the celestial realm was more challenging than searching for a trace of chaotic Vitality. However, Zuo Dao's words opened a new window for both of them.
In terms of experience, Luo Ao knew he was streets ahead of Mu Yuan. He realized that Zuo Dao's insights were indeed targeted at them.
Kun Ru Tao had been listening nearby; the shock Zuo Dao brought them was no less than his own Golden Alchemist status. He finally understood why Su Ziqing treated Zuo Dao that way. Enlightened by this realization, he suddenly fell into a peculiar Realm.
The aura he emitted startled the three who were studying.
"Damn, does it have to be like this?" Luo Ao exclaimed in disbelief; he couldn't believe someone could achieve enlightenment so easily.
Seeing this situation, Zuo Dao merely smiled and signaled Sima Yan to protect him while they quietly stepped outside.
Under the guidance of Zuo Dao, Kun Ru Tao had reached a bottleneck, only lacking the right opportunity. The transition from Bronze to Silver was both simple and complex. The foundation of the Dao was unity; from one emerged countless Great Daos, and understanding one principle led to understanding a hundred. Although Zuo Dao had not yet achieved this level, he hinted that Kun Ru Tao still had the potential to do so.
The Soul Battle between Solemn Temple and Shuyun Dojo had already spread outside. The match between Miao Cheng's tenth-ranked dojo and the eleventh-ranked dojo certainly captured the attention of many.
However, after Zuo Dao and his companions received the challenge, they entered seclusion. Despite numerous speculations from the outside world, it did not affect them at all.
The Duel Platform opened for battle as scheduled. While this was not considered a highlight battle for Miao Cheng, due to the caliber of the participants, this Soul Battle was elevated to a significant level.
Miao Cheng's tenth-ranked Solemn Temple was represented by Master Mu Bai's son, Mu Yuan; while Miao Cheng's eleventh-ranked Shuyun Dojo was represented by Master Shu Yun's son, Shu Yishi.
This Soul Battle was viewed by many Creators as the first clash between two Great Daos, with the outcome directly impacting both sides' reputation and ranking.
Both were sons of Masters, meaning they represented their respective Dojos in a significant way. It was well-known that Mu Bai had been injured previously. At this moment, Shuyun Dojo's challenge seemed somewhat unsporting but was also understandable.
Rather than being a Duel Platform, it resembled a vast open ground. This expanse offered no support; in this place, the Soul Battle could only rely on one's own strength without any tricks.
On the field stood Shu Yishi and Mu Yuan, who had not appeared for over a month. Now, Mu Yuan exuded a newfound calmness compared to before his seclusion. Anyone could see that his aura had transformed; he was stronger now than he had been before.
Shu Yishi noticed this change and discreetly glanced at Solemn Temple's Xin Dan.
Since Mu Yuan emerged from seclusion days ago, he had temporarily closed off his dojo as Master’s son. No one knew why he took such action. As Mu Bai’s only descendant and having temporarily assumed the role of Master before his father's injury, his decisions carried weight.
Most importantly, Mu Yuan only closed the dojo until the day of the Soul Battle. During this closure period, no one could enter or leave, nor could they have any contact with the outside world. This action left Xin Dan feeling uneasy; he could only hope that Mu Yuan’s behavior was merely a precautionary measure.
In Miao Cheng, none who held the title of Master were weak; they were all groomed as successors for their dojos. Generally speaking, their actions directly affected the forces behind them.
Shu Yishi was a Level Creator, and he was privately referred to by his father as the first among Shu Yun, surpassing even Shu Yun himself. It was important to note that Shu Yun had established a Dojo, which ranked eleventh in Miao Cheng.
Although Mu Yuan's entire demeanor had changed, Shu Yishi did not believe that such a drastic transformation could occur in just one month while being surrounded by enemies. A Creator could level up gradually; sudden changes were not easy, especially since he was well aware that the other party's Realm was two levels below his own.
"Master of the Curtain, I never expected that just a month ago you were beaten like a dead dog, and now you're full of life. It seems Solemn Temple truly has some unique qualities," Shu Yishi mocked as he looked at the immovable Mu Yuan.
"The Sole Ruler has always acted with integrity and does not engage in underhanded dealings like some people do. Actions speak louder than words; as long as one acts justly, what does it matter if they were once a dead dog?" Mu Yuan glanced at Shu Yishi before closing his eyes again.
Attitude determined everything. Mu Yuan was no longer in his impulsive youth, and what he had experienced over the past month left him feeling as if he were still dreaming. Shu Yishi's provocations could not stir his heart.
"Hmph." Mu Yuan's reaction surprised Shu Yishi; the previously impulsive Mu Yuan seemed to have vanished. Looking at Mu Yuan now, there was an unmistakable shadow of Mu Bai. What had he gone through in this past month? Shu Yishi pondered in confusion.
At that moment, Zuo Dao was sitting with Luo Ao. Zuo Dao appeared somewhat fatigued, while Luo Ao seemed spirited and lively.
"Brother Zuo, the casino really went all out this time, offering ten to one odds. Is Mu Yuan really that unpopular?" Luo Ao said with a hint of indignation.
"What do you mean? I know you bet the entire Dojo on this; aren't you afraid they can't pay up?" Zuo Dao replied lazily.
Xin Dan was nearby and overheard their conversation, feeling an increasing sense of unease.
"Three Great Temples' betting odds—think they can back out? Ha!" Luo Ao sneered lightly but inadvertently glanced at Xin Dan.
"Do as you wish; just hope they honor their bets. Otherwise, it won't be any fun," Zuo Dao chuckled. "I'm going to take a nap; I've been exhausted lately."
"Alright, you rest well; I'll keep an eye on things," Luo Ao quickly responded upon hearing Zuo Dao's words.
Outside the Duel Platform, the crowd had gathered in droves, and the announcer Xiao Qingshui arrived late. As he stepped into the arena, applause, cheers, and shouts erupted from the audience.
Xiao Qingshui walked expressionlessly to the center of the two.
"I am the notary for this event. Do either of you have any objections?" He did not raise his head or look up, merely coldly uttering those words.
"No objections," Mu Yuan and Shu Yishi replied in unison.
"I won't repeat the rules; let the Soul Battle begin." With that, Xiao Qingshui's figure slowly faded from the stage.
"I have always admired your esteemed dojo, Master. It is truly a pleasure to share the stage for a Soul Battle. If I accidentally injure you, please forgive me." Shu Yishi gestured for Mu Yuan to attack first.
On the Duel Platform, such courtesy was rarely shown unless there was a significant disparity in strength. Both were Level Creators, with only a difference in rank above them, making Shu Yishi's behavior somewhat insulting.
Mu Yuan remained unfazed, not even opening his eyes. He simply flicked his fingers into the air.
"Thank you. Three moves have passed; please proceed."
The crowd gasped; that was quite a slap in the face!
A cold glint flashed in Shu Yishi's eyes. Without further ado, he raised his hand and attacked.
His first move was the signature technique of Shuyun Dojo—City of Spring Colors. In an instant, as if a spring breeze had swept through overnight, the entire dojo transformed into the City of Spring Colors with willow walls. Countless willow branches erupted from the ground, wrapping around Mu Yuan and sealing off all his escape routes.
Shu Yishi did not intend to decide victory with just one move; moreover, he wanted to teach Mu Yuan a harsh lesson. However, the changes happening to Mu Yuan made him secretly wary.
"Boring." With Shu Yishi's attack, Mu Yuan finally moved, but it was his mouth that moved first. As soon as he finished speaking, he vanished from the stage.
All the willow branches suddenly lost their target and froze in place.
The sudden change on the field left Shu Yishi momentarily stunned. In his Divine Sense, amidst the swaying willows, Mu Yuan had truly vanished. There was no trace of Mu Yuan in his six senses; he had completely disappeared from the Duel Platform.
Xiao Qingshui, watching from the sidelines, couldn't help but widen his eyes in astonishment at this scene.
After failing to land a hit and losing sight of his opponent, Shu Yishi quickly stomped his foot, transforming City of Spring Colors into Rooted in Place. He meticulously scanned every corner of the Duel Platform.
Mu Yuan's mysterious disappearance put pressure on Shu Yishi. He had dared to challenge Mu Yuan with a plan in mind, but during their first encounter, Mu Yuan had caught him off guard. Shu Yishi never expected Mu Yuan to have such a move.
Not only had Mu Yuan broken through his City of Spring Colors, but he had also seized the initiative. As long as he couldn't locate Mu Yuan, he would be unable to launch an attack; without finding Mu Yuan, he would have to remain on the defensive.
"Cowardly and evasive," Shu Yishi scoffed, drawing a circle with his left hand and a square with his right.
"Go, Supreme Authority."
As he executed this move, the spectators erupted in excitement, and even Luo Ao's expression turned grim.
The reason was simple: this technique was created by Solemn Temple. Although it hadn't been widely disseminated, very few even within Solemn Temple knew how to use it. Yet here was Shu Yishi using it in front of a large audience.
"You all are quite something!" Luo Ao glanced at the three Masters, spitting out a few words through clenched teeth.
The leak of Sole Ruler's technique sent a wave of conspiracy among the Creators present. Some even looked toward the stands where Solemn Temple was located with gleeful malice.
If a Dojo couldn't even protect its own techniques, no one would blame others for acquiring them. Everyone knew that Mu Bai had just developed this technique and had suffered severe Vitality loss after creating it, making him vulnerable to a sneak attack that left him gravely injured.
It was clear that Mu Yuan would be enraged; no one could swallow this insult.
Sure enough, after Shu Yishi unleashed Supreme Authority, Mu Yuan's figure reappeared. However, the location where Mu Yuan emerged shocked all the Cultivators present.
He was hovering just a meter above Shu Yishi, suspended in the void. If he launched an attack from this position, even if Shu Yishi had nine lives, it wouldn't be enough.
As soon as Shu Yishi discovered Mu Yuan's location, he let out a strange cry, and his entire body instantly transformed into a transparent water pattern.
“How did you know?”
“How did I know?” Mu Yuan smiled lightly without making any move. “How you know is how I know.”
This statement left Shu Yishi's mind spinning, but the position Mu Yuan occupied was far too dangerous for him. Instinctively, he unleashed the Water System technique "Rippling Waves."
Since the start of the Soul Battle, only a few breaths had passed, and Shu Yishi had already executed three techniques: "City of Spring Colors," "Rooted in Place," and "Rippling Waves." In contrast, Mu Yuan had only snapped his fingers a few times at the beginning and just performed that bizarre disappearing Spell.
Moreover, despite having the upper hand, Mu Yuan did not counterattack, which left the onlookers puzzled.
“Dark, truly dark.” Only Luo Ao shook his head and muttered things that others didn’t understand.
This reminded him of the special training Zuo Dao had given Mu Yuan in the last seven days. It involved not only understanding and comprehending techniques but also methods for combat. He remembered one particular phrase clearly.
“Since you have the strength to crush your opponent, why not make them suffer more and fear more? Sometimes dying late is scarier than dying early.”
Aside from their five, no one knew what Zuo Dao had done to Mu Yuan during those seven days, nor did anyone know how much pain Mu Yuan endured. But for Mu Yuan at this moment, all of it was worth it.
Mu Yuan's inaction did not earn him any gratitude from Shu Yishi; instead, it fueled his rage.
“In fact, I know much more.” At this moment, Shu Yishi's smile turned somewhat sinister. After creating some distance from Mu Yuan, he unleashed a storm of attacks. What chilled Mu Yuan was not just Shu Yishi's actions but the techniques he employed.
Each strike and every move utilized techniques developed by Solemn Temple. Some were well-known, some were fully developed, while others were still in a semi-developed state.
At this moment, Shu Yishi had stopped thinking about everything else; his only intention was to infuriate his opponent, at least to make them lose their composure.
What he did not expect was that Mu Yuan would not dodge or evade but instead endure everything head-on. This realization finally instilled a sense of fear in him.
The arena was filled with the aura of the Sole Ruler, a presence emanating from Shu Yishi. He had somehow unleashed techniques and a path that did not belong to him, infused with his own essence. Although this aura was still somewhat weak, how could he possibly halt its momentum now that it had been unleashed?
Mu Yuan was struck down from the air to the ground by him, yet he stood firmly on the Duel Platform, absorbing blow after blow from his opponent.
Xiao Qingshui's gaze brightened at this moment; he suddenly felt regret—regret for having taken on the role of the adjudicator this time and for not personally taking down Mu Yuan.
The arena reverberated with booming sounds as Mu Yuan continued to retreat step by step. The Cultivators outside the arena were stunned by this scene.
The Creator was strong in spirit but weak in body. At this point, Mu Yuan had endured no less than a hundred attacks. Yet, not a single wrinkle appeared on his clothing. Those familiar with Mu Yuan believed that his Realm had undergone a qualitative leap.
After retreating ten steps, Mu Yuan finally steadied himself.
"Do you know what makes you the most pitiful?" Mu Yuan looked at his opponent with a hint of pity. "Don't think that what others give you is necessarily correct."
With that, Mu Yuan launched a counterattack, mirroring Shu Yishi's moves.
Weak Water Three Thousand, Wood Rising to the Forest—one by one, the techniques of Shuyun Dojo flowed from his hands, fingertips, and fists.
As he fought, Mu Yuan also took the opportunity to educate his opponent.
"See? Weak Water Three Thousand should be used like this."
"Wood Rising to the Forest—your old master made a mistake right from the beginning."
The impact of Mu Yuan's relentless attacks on Shu Yishi was something that others could hardly comprehend. The immense cost he had paid to acquire all the techniques of Solemn Temple was staggering. Yet, the techniques employed by his opponent from Shuyun Dojo seemed as trivial as cabbages by the roadside.
Mu Yuan pressed closer and closer to his opponent, stopping only when he was nearly upon him, but his assault did not cease.
"Sin Dan, the Master of the Single Arena, sends his regards," Mu Yuan said in a voice that only the two of them could hear. "He'd better not leave you alive."
His words pierced Shu Yishi's heart like a dagger.
At that moment, Shu Yishi could only instinctively defend himself, muttering continuously, "Impossible! Impossible!"
As he witnessed the increasing array of techniques unleashed by Mu Yuan, panic finally set in, but it was overshadowed by a deeper hatred.
"Don't push me, Mu!" Shu Yishi roared, his hair now undone and his eyes bloodshot.
"Flooding the Golden Mountain!"
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