Journey to the West: I am the fiercest bird under Bodhi's seat

when!

The golden cudgel struck Ye Feng's sleeve, producing a clear and melodious sound, as if striking metal or stone.

The monkey's arm trembled violently, as if it had crashed into a pillar of Mount Buzhou, and its whole body shook.

The sword energy from Ao Luan was severed in half the instant it touched Ye Feng's sleeve.

As the remaining force subsided, silently, a crack appeared on the summit of Flower Fruit Mountain—so shallow it was almost invisible, yet so deep it seemed to lead to the netherworld.

Ye Feng looked down at the sword mark at his feet.

Remaining silent.

The monkey scratched its ear and suspiciously put away its golden cudgel.

Why would my senior brother suddenly intervene? This isn't like him...

Could it be... that he has taken a fancy to this underage dragon girl?

Tsk, I didn't know you had this taste, senior brother.

The monkey's mind raced with thoughts, and its gaze toward Ye Feng suddenly took on a strange quality.

Ye Feng was completely unaware; otherwise, he would have turned around and stripped him bare.

Ao Luan pointed her sword at the distance and said coldly, "So you are Ye Feng?"

"Get out of my way, it's not your turn yet. Wait until I've dealt with this monkey and retrieved the magic staff, then I'll come back to 'beat' you."

Ye Feng choked upon hearing this, barely suppressing the urge to roll his eyes.

Ao Luan really has a childish temper, speaking so impulsively.

I just saved you, and you didn't even thank me, but instead you act like you're accusing me?

If I hadn't blocked it, the monkey, unaware of the sword's power, would surely have been wounded.

But he possesses the Seventy-Two Transformations of Earthly Fiends, allowing him to recover in an instant.

But once provoked, they will retaliate fiercely, and then it will be difficult to persuade them.

Although Ao Luan possesses the cultivation level of a Taiyi Golden Immortal and wields the Kunwu Divine Sword, his strength is considerable.

However, it was ultimately no match for the enraged Monkey King.

Ye Feng wasn't angry; he simply assumed it was youthful ignorance and smiled calmly.

"It's the same whether you ask for it sooner or later. How about this, I see you have some skill, why don't you spar with me?"

Ao Luan rolled her eyes, glanced at the monkey, and asked, "How do we compete? If I win, will you return what you stole? Also, can you make decisions about this monkey?"

"It's the Monkey King!" The monkey poked its head out from behind Ye Feng, its tone displeased.

Ye Feng chuckled: "Of course I can do it. You don't have to win—I have a sword that can move mountains, sever rivers, overturn seas, subdue demons, suppress monsters, command gods, pluck stars, destroy cities, and open the heavens."

If you can accept this, I will not only return the Dragon Palace treasure, but I will also return the monkey's golden cudgel.

Not only that—

With a single clench of his hand, the divine weapon "Wild Rain Mace" left behind by Chisongzi appeared in his palm.

The mace was enveloped in the aura of wind and thunder, with layers of ripples surging like the tide, flowing endlessly.

Ao Luan knew at a glance that this thing was extraordinary.

She nodded emphatically, then frowned and said cautiously, "Is your sword truly that powerful? My Kunwu sword can cleave rivers and destroy cities, but the words 'opening the heavens'... I'm afraid I can't achieve that. However, I'm not afraid of you, come on!"

Ye Feng waved his hand: "No rush, no rush. I just told you what the benefits would be if you accepted—but what if you can't?"

Ao Luan paused, then frowned and asked, "Then tell me, what should we do?"

Ye Feng said with a smile, "If you can't withstand this sword strike, I won't make things difficult for you—just become my disciple, is that alright?"

Ao Luan was taken aback upon hearing this, not expecting the other party to propose such a condition.

The monkey behind him shook its head repeatedly, looking at Ye Feng with a complicated expression, its demeanor completely different now.

Oh no, oh no.

Senior brother must be bewitched by this dragon girl, actually wanting to take her as his disciple. Clearly, he intends to first bring her under his wing, then personally instruct and teach her daily, and as she grows older and her beauty begins to blossom, he will meticulously refine her... How far-sighted and cunning Senior brother's actions are!

The monkey sighed inwardly, pursed its lips, and shook its head even more violently.

Ye Feng noticed something was off about the monkey's expression, but he had no idea what absurd thoughts were churning in the monkey's mind. He just felt that the monkey was acting strangely today, unlike his usual self.

Ao Luan stood still for three breaths, then finally nodded, "Alright, I agree."

The monkey shook its head again, feeling deeply saddened.

This dragon girl was naive and ignorant of the ways of the world, unaware that a trap had been set and she was falling into it at every step.

My senior brother is probably secretly laughing to himself right now, isn't he?

Ye Feng was indeed delighted, but his thoughts were completely different from those of the monkey.

The only thing he valued was this woman's extraordinary talent.

The nine-clawed white dragon is unique in the entire history of the dragon race.

It must be because the dragon clan's fortunes had reached their lowest point and reversed, causing the heavens and earth to flow backward, that such a genius was born.

This person may be destined to revitalize the dragon clan.

All the opportunities and good fortunes related to the dragon race in the past will probably converge on her.

With such inherent qualities and such destiny, even a sage would find it hard not to be moved.

Even if sages are now forbidden from setting foot in the mortal world, which of their direct disciples would be willing to let this opportunity pass easily if they received such news?

Ye Feng was able to take the lead entirely because of the advantageous location of Huaguo Mountain, which allowed him to seize the initiative.

If such a peerless talent were taken under one's wing, the future benefits would be immeasurable.

He gently raised his hand, and a breeze swept by, quietly pushing the monkey a few steps away.

"Be careful."

With a soft whisper, Ye Feng made a grasping motion with one hand, and a long sword shimmering with golden light appeared out of thin air.

Demon Emperor Sword.

The moment the sword was drawn, blazing sword energy swept across the surrounding area like a tidal wave.

The temperature on Huaguo Mountain rose sharply, and the grass and trees trembled slightly.

The Kunwu sword in Ao Luan's hand hummed softly, its blade trembling as if it were unwilling to accept defeat.

Suddenly, a white dragon phantom appeared on the spine of the sword, its scales and claws flying, roaring silently, facing the Demon Emperor Sword.

The Demon Emperor Sword responded in kind, and a golden crow phantom rose from its blade, its wings spread, its cry fading away, standing in stark contrast to the dragon shadow.

Ao Luan had never encountered such a strange phenomenon before. He hurriedly tried to soothe the dragon soul, but to no avail.

In ancient times, the dragon race ruled the primordial world, and the Dragon Ancestor was the first to attain the quasi-saint status, his power overwhelming all rivers and streams.

Later, due to the Dragon-Han Calamity, the Dragon Clan never recovered.

Taking advantage of the situation, the demon race rose up, and Donghuang Taiyi killed the Dragon Ancestor in the Chaos Sea.

And the true form of Donghuang Taiyi is the Golden Crow.

The Kunwu Sword was once the weapon of the Dragon Ancestor, and it naturally resonated with the aura of the Demon Emperor Sword.

Although the Demon Emperor Sword belongs to Di Jun, Di Jun and Tai Yi share the same bloodline and are essentially no different.

Ye Feng pondered for a moment, then ignored it.

He held a sword in his hand, and the images of earth, water, fire, and wind faintly appeared deep in his eyes.

With a gentle wave, Ao Luan was already focused and waiting.

However, she suddenly froze the moment the sword light fell.

No... it's not that she can't move.

Instead, the entire Flower Fruit Mountain, and even the vast void, came to a standstill.

Everything fades, light and shadow dissipate.

The colors of heaven and earth are peeling away bit by bit.

Stripped of all senses, she felt as if she had fallen into a void without beginning or end.

The concept collapses here.

Even existence itself loses its meaning before this sword.

The world before my eyes transformed into a chaotic torrent, boundless and indescribable.

She couldn't even think—what was this?

Only that sword strike was so clear it was blinding.

She tried to raise her hand, but found that she couldn't even move her fingertips an inch.

Even the dragon shadow on the Kunwu Sword sluggishly sank into the mud.

She stood frozen in place, watching helplessly as the golden blade slowly descended.

It's not that we can't resist.

Instead, the word "resistance" has lost its meaning.

Under the influence of this sword intent, she had even forgotten what "resistance" meant.

Consciousness descended into chaos, and thought completely broke down.

Just then, I felt a sudden pain in my wrist.

She looked down and saw the dragon shadow on the Kunwu sword biting her wrist, with dragon blood seeping out.

A dragon's roar resounded only within her heart and soul.

In an instant, consciousness returned, and the mind became clear.

Without hesitation, she raised her hand to block.

however--

Chaos receded, and primordial chaos vanished.

Before me still lies Flower and Fruit Mountain, with clouds drifting and birds singing amidst fragrant flowers.

A golden sword was lightly pressed against his neck; just one more inch and it would sever his throat and take his life.

"What's the name of this sword strike?"

"Great Sage Ye, show mercy!"

A shout came from afar, and the sea suddenly split open, with the waves retreating to both sides to form a wide strait.

Countless aquatic soldiers marched out in formation, their armor gleaming, their spears and halberds like a forest, stretching as far as the eye could see.

The man at the head, wearing a golden-patterned royal robe, was none other than Ao Guang.

He was shocked when he heard the news, and hurriedly mustered his troops and headed straight for Flower Fruit Mountain.

As soon as she emerged from the water, she saw Ye Feng's sword tip pressed against Ao Luan's neck. Instantly, her soul and spirit nearly left her body.

He transformed into a streak of light and landed on the shore, quickly stepping forward to protect Ao Luan, his eyes filled with panic and fear.

"Master Ye, the child is ignorant. Please be magnanimous and do not be angry."

Ao Guang hurriedly spoke, his face beaming with smiles and his tone extremely respectful.

Ye Feng glanced at him sideways, chuckled, and sheathed his sword.

The Demon Emperor Sword disappeared silently. He didn't say much, just turned around quietly, seemingly without any intention of pursuing the matter.

Ao Guang felt relieved and thought to himself: Why is this ferocious bird so easy to talk to today?

He quickly thanked her and reached out to pull Ao Luan away.

He tried to pull it, but it wouldn't budge.

He looked at his daughter in surprise: "What are you still standing here for?"

Ao Luan, however, looked at Ye Feng with a firm gaze and said, "Father, I just made a bet with him. If I lose, I will have to become his disciple—that sword strike was too amazing."

"Become an apprentice?!" Ao Guang's heart tightened suddenly.

He immediately turned to look at Ye Feng, only to see his back standing tall and calm, exuding the air of a superior being.

Oh no, my son has been scammed!

Alarm bells rang in Ao Guang's mind. He gently stroked the dragon's whiskers with his fingertips, his expression solemn.

He was well aware of Ao Luan's talent—he had kept it hidden deep within the Dragon Palace all these years, fearing that the news would leak out.

But I never expected to be exposed here today.

Ye Feng... clearly didn't act on a whim; he must have recognized her talent.

The thought was made in an instant, and Ao Guang already had a plan.

To be honest, Ye Feng is incredibly powerful, has a deep foundation, owns the blessed land of Huaguo Mountain, and has two formidable generals under his command: the Monkey King and the Black Bear Spirit.

Looking across the vast land of Dongsheng, they could be considered a regional hegemon.

Normally, he might not have been unwilling to let his daughter become his student.

But things are different now.

Huaguo Mountain has just repelled the Heavenly Court's expeditionary army, and the Heavenly Court has not yet made a statement—whether to continue the suppression or to offer amnesty remains undecided.

If Ao Luan were to join Ye Feng's sect at this time, the Four Seas Dragon Clan would be essentially bound to the banner of rebellion.

If the Heavenly Court were to wage war again, he would be caught in a dilemma:

He couldn't bear to part with his daughter, yet he dared not oppose the Heavenly Court.

After weighing the options, the best course of action is to politely decline.

Just as he was about to speak, Ao Luan asked loudly, "Your name is Ye Feng, right? I ask you, if I become your disciple, will I be able to use that sword technique in the future?"

Ye Feng smiled slightly: "Of course."

Before he finished speaking, Ao Luan knelt down without hesitation and kowtowed three times.

"Master, please accept my bow—"

"Wait a minute!"

Ao Guang roared and grabbed her by the back of her collar, forcefully pulling her up.

"Are you crazy?" he growled, leaning down, his voice barely audible.

Ao Luan blinked, looking puzzled. "Father, didn't you teach me to keep my word and honor my promise? Besides... he's really too strong. I want to learn that sword technique."

She pouted and tried to kneel down again, but Ao Guang held her back tightly.