The First Venerable of All Paths

"You beast, this is the Dao Seeking Sect! You are not to be allowed to act so presumptuously here!"

Zhao Kou flew into a rage, unleashing his full power as the peak of the eighth level of the Divine Intent Realm.

"Boom!"

The entire platform trembled violently, and Zhao Kou suddenly leaped up, gathering spiritual power in his palm and striking out at the Crimson Scale Demon Emperor.

"You beast, die!"

Even if this demon king is powerful, Zhao Kou cannot allow it to run rampant here.

Otherwise, not only would Zhao Kou lose face, but Cang'er might also die.

Zhao Kou absolutely would not allow such a thing to happen.

"You old bastard, you really overestimate yourself!"

The Crimson Scale Demon Emperor snorted coldly, and its sharp, enormous claws slammed down directly towards Zhao Kou.

"Snap!"

This attack not only shattered Zhao Kou's attack but also blasted him back onto the high platform.

The solid platform was crushed by Zhao Kou's foot.

"This demon emperor possesses terrifying strength."

Seeing this, everyone's expressions grew even more solemn.

Zhao Kou's face was extremely gloomy and angry.

The attack from the Crimson Scale Demon Emperor just now caused his blood and qi to churn, and his spiritual power almost went out of control.

Monsters are born with powerful physiques, far surpassing those of human warriors.

In this exchange, Zhao Kou was at a disadvantage.

"Elders, follow me and kill this beast!"

Zhao Kou looked around and coldly shouted, "We must not allow him to wreak havoc on my Dao Seeking Sect and harm my disciples!"

In order to protect Zhao Qingcang, Zhao Kou did not hesitate to issue a kill order.

Once the Crimson Scale Demon Emperor dies, Fang Xuan will be like a fish on a chopping board, unable to make a ripple.

"yes!"

At his command, all the elders of the Dao Seeking Sect unleashed their powerful spiritual energy.

The spiritual energy fluctuations merged into one, locking onto the Crimson Scale Demon Emperor.

"Come on, let's all go at it!"

The Crimson Scale Demon Emperor was utterly unafraid, instead roaring with frenzied fighting spirit, "Today I'll see if your Dao Seeking Sect truly has the ability to kill me!"

The crimson scales exuded a terrifying demonic aura, their violent power dominating the entire area.

"Arrogant!"

A cold glint flashed in Zhao Kou's eyes, and he was about to make the first move when an old voice suddenly rang out.

"Peak Master Zhao, why get angry? Why get angry?"

Gu Ya stood up from his seat with a smile and said calmly, "Everyone, if you have something to say, just sit down and talk it out. Don't be impulsive."

"Fellow Daoist Guya, this is a matter of my Daoist Sect. Do you intend to interfere as well?"

Although Gu Ya's cultivation level was not as high as his own, his behavior made Zhao Kou frown.

"Master Zhao has misunderstood."

Gu Ya chuckled and said, "We are all gathered here today to observe the ceremony and celebrate. Such a large-scale conflict is really beneath our dignity."

"We'll see."

Gu Ya changed the subject, saying, "We personally witnessed the duel between the two juniors. It seems inappropriate for Peak Master Zhao to forcibly intervene."

Gu Ya's words, though seemingly polite, were actually an accusation that Zhao Kou had disregarded his status and attacked a junior, which was extremely despicable.

Many people nodded in agreement upon hearing this.

Regardless of whether these people were sincere or not, Zhao Kou was indeed not in a position to interfere in the battle between Zhao Qingcang and Fang Xuan.

For a moment, the way everyone looked at Zhao Kou became subtle.

Sensing the change in the atmosphere, Zhao Kou's expression grew increasingly grim.

This ancient cliff is truly despicable; with just a few words, it has thrust him into the eye of the storm.

However, Zhao Qingcang was the hope chosen by the Zhao family and the most important link in their control of the Dao Seeking Sect. He absolutely could not be allowed to have any mishaps.

"Since it's a challenge, let's stop when we've made a move; there's no need to go all out."

Zhao Kou sneered, "Moreover, Fang Xuan has repeatedly humiliated my Dao Seeking Sect, killed my disciples, and slandered my sect's holy son. This matter cannot be let off lightly."

He directly denied the fact that Zhao Qingcang had seized Fang Xuan's Dao Body, and insisted on pinning a huge crime on him.

"Shameless!"

Gu Ya cursed inwardly, but his smile remained unchanged.

"Leaving aside the past, since this is a life-or-death battle, we must naturally give it our all."

Gu Ya surveyed the room and said firmly, "Moreover, this matter was agreed upon by both parties, and an oath was made. All of you present are witnesses. Does Peak Master Zhao intend for your sect's holy son to suffer divine punishment and bear eternal infamy?"

Upon hearing this, the expressions of countless disciples and elders of the Dao Seeking Sect changed drastically.

The life-or-death battles of martial artists are indeed subject to the constraints of the Heavenly Dao.

If either side dares to disobey, at best their Dao heart will be tainted by demons and their foundation damaged; at worst, they will be punished by the heavens and their martial path will be permanently severed.

At that time, not only Zhao Qingcang and Zhao Kou, but also the entire martial arts fortune of the Dao Seeking Sect will be greatly affected.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Kou's face immediately became unpredictable, shifting between light and shadow.

He realized that Gu Ya's seemingly kind words were actually aimed at Zhao Kou, leaving him in a dilemma where he could neither advance nor retreat.

"Elder Zhao, I think Elder Gu's words make sense."

At this moment, someone unexpectedly spoke up.

Jia Lian stepped forward from the crowd and met Zhao Kou's gaze without fear.

"A life-or-death bet, witnessed by thousands, how can we go back on our word?"

Jia Lian raised his voice and said, "Furthermore, Elder Zhao, as a sect elder and the head of a peak, you should set an example and uphold the sect's reputation!"

"Jia Lian, whose side are you really on?"

Liu Que pointed at Jia Lian and said angrily, "As an elder of the sect, how can you favor outsiders? Do you have no respect for the sect's rules?"

"Sect rules?"

Jia Lian sneered and said, "Elder Liu, I'd like to ask you, which sect rule allows one to strip another of their Dao body? To exterminate an entire clan? To even break agreements and bully the weak?"

"If word gets out, what will outsiders think of my Dao Seeking Sect?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Que turned pale and stammered, "You...you're talking nonsense, spreading heresy and misleading the public!"

"The Holy Son's innate Dao body is something he was born with; how can it be said to be taken from him?"

Liu Que tried his best to defend himself, saying, "You are so unable to distinguish right from wrong, what are your true intentions?"

"You think I can't distinguish right from wrong? I think you're the one distorting the truth!"

Jia Lian said with disdain, "Saint Zhao has been in the sect for many years. If he was born with a Dao physique, why didn't he awaken it earlier or later, but only three years ago?"

These words were like a sharp blade, piercing the chests of Liu Que and Zhao Kou, causing their faces to change drastically and their bodies to tremble.

But Jia Lian did not stop there.

"Elder Zhao Kou, the Holy Son's duel with another is witnessed by Heaven and Earth."

Jia Lian stated firmly, "As an elder of the sect, it is my duty to uphold the sect's reputation, and I will never show favoritism to anyone!"

The sect has deteriorated to such an extent that Jia Lian would not hesitate to use drastic measures to set things right.

"If Elder Zhao insists on obstructing this, then I don't mind asking the Sect Master to make the decision!"

These words caused a sensation throughout the room.

The disciples and elders of the Daoist Sect were fine with it; they all knew that Jia Lian and Zhao Kou did not belong to the same faction and often had disputes.

However, the representatives from various families who came to observe the ceremony had different expressions.

It seems that the Dao Seeking Sect is not a monolithic entity, and is riddled with contradictions.

"Elder Jia, are you sure you want to stop me in front of outsiders?"

Zhao Kou stared coldly at Jia Lian, a hint of murderous intent flashing in his eyes.

This Jia Lian is really getting more and more outrageous.

How dare they undermine their own sect in front of outsiders, showing absolutely no regard for the sect's reputation? It's utterly outrageous!

However, it was indeed not easy for Zhao Kou to retaliate.

Because he had already seen that many elders and disciples looked at him with eyes full of doubt and opposition.

He was more convinced that Jia Lian wouldn't dare to publicly undermine someone on his own; he must have received some kind of hint from someone.

Thinking of this, Zhao Kou shifted his gaze and landed on the young man in white.

"Fang Xuan, shall we end this battle here?"

The words seemed like a discussion, but were actually full of threats.

"Is this the end?"

Fang Xuan immediately laughed.

"Old dog Zhao, if I had been the one who lost just now, would you have let Zhao Qingcang stop here?"

His murderous intent had not diminished; on the contrary, it had become even more intense.

"Zhao Qingcang stole my Dao Body and destroyed my martial veins. Your Daoist Sect used its power to intimidate and try to destroy my Fang family. Do you think this matter can just end with a single word from you?"

Fang Xuan grabbed with his five fingers, and the God of Slaughter Spear flew into his hand, pointing directly at Zhao Qingcang.

"Today, only one of us can live—either him or me!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Fang Xuan's spear burst forth with golden light, thrusting towards Zhao Qingcang.

"kill!"

Seeing that Fang Xuan was unwilling to stop, Zhao Kou's eyes flashed with murderous intent.

"That's not up to you!"

Just as Zhao Kou was about to make a move, he suddenly felt a sharp, piercing light lock onto him.

"Fellow Daoist Qi, are you trying to stop me too?"

He turned around abruptly, his eyes cold as he looked at Qi Xuanlin.

The source of his aura was Qi Xuanlin.

"Peak Master Zhao, why don't you sit down and watch the battle?"

Qi Xuanlin's tone was calm, yet it carried an undeniable air of authority.

"Don't continue to make people laugh at you."

Qi Xuanlin's words almost made Zhao Kou spit out a mouthful of blood.

He never expected that Qi Xuanlin, with his cold and aloof nature, would actually intervene.

But no matter how angry or unwilling Zhao Kou was, he could only sit down silently.

Compared to the Demon Emperor at the eighth level of cultivation, Qi Xuanlin was a much more troublesome opponent for Zhao Kou.

This is a powerful figure whose strength is no less than his, and he is also a sword cultivator.

Even if Zhao Kou went all out, it would be difficult for him to catch a single sword strike.

Not to mention, there's also an eighth-level demon emperor eyeing it covetously.

Fang Xuan was not affected by the outside world.

In his eyes, there was only Zhao Qingcang.

The spear's edge rapidly approached, aiming fiercely at Zhao Qingcang's brow.

"Fang Xuan, if you dare kill me, I won't let you get away with it!"

Zhao Qingcang laughed wildly, then wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and stuffed a pill into his mouth.

"Boom!"

The moment the pill entered his stomach, Zhao Qingcang's entire aura changed drastically.

The originally magnificent and imposing Dao patterns instantly turned pitch black, filled with a chilling aura.

The triangular Dao seal between his brows also turned dark, releasing a chilling and eerie fluctuation.

"The Dao Sha Pill?"

Qi Xuanlin was taken aback, turned to look at Zhao Kou, and said in a deep voice, "Peak Master Zhao, you really have some impressive methods. You actually prepared such a pill for your sect's holy son. Aren't you afraid that this victory would be dishonorable?"

The Dao Sha Pill can activate the power of the Dao Body, unleashing its full potential.

However, taking this pill can cause severe side effects.

She never expected that Zhao Qingcang would go so far as to take the Dao Sha Pill in order to kill Fang Xuan.

"Fellow Daoist Qi is joking."

Zhao Kou said with a forced smile, "In martial arts competitions, the winner takes all, and in life-or-death battles, there's no ban on using elixirs."

Qi Xuanlin's hand tightened slightly, and his sharp aura intensified.

"Please, Fellow Daoist Qi, be prepared to watch the battle."

Zhao Kou, sensing something amiss, said, "We shouldn't interfere in a battle between juniors."

He could naturally see that Qi Xuanlin also favored Fang Xuan and wanted to protect him.

However, Zhao Qingcang, having taken the Dao Sha Pill, was enough to ensure Fang Xuan's demise.

"A pill to activate the power of the Dao body?"

Fang Xuan immediately noticed the change in Zhao Qingcang's aura, and then sneered, "Unfortunately, this doesn't change anything."

The chaotic golden patterns were completely integrated into the God-Slaying Spear, and Fang Xuan twisted his body and thrust the spear at Zhao Qingcang.

"The Dao circulates throughout the heavens!"

Zhao Qingcang quickly formed hand seals, and the black Dao seal between his eyebrows burst forth, transforming into a black wheel that slashed towards Fang Xuan.

The Dao circulates throughout the heavens; the secret techniques of the innate Dao body.

It is also the strongest secret technique that Zhao Qingcang has mastered.

"Clang! Clang!"

The black rotating wheel blocked the spear's edge and even tried to push it back, showing a strong momentum to break through Fang Xuan's attack.

"Spear cleaves the eight wastelands!"

With a roar, Fang Xuan unleashed a burst of chaotic golden patterns from the spear, piercing through the black rotating wheel and striking straight at Zhao Qingcang's heart.

"laugh!"

Just as the spear tip pierced Zhao Qingcang's clothes and was about to kill him, a blinding white light suddenly fell from mid-air and instantly enveloped Fang Xuan.

This prevents the spear tip from advancing even an inch.

A cold and indifferent voice clearly reached everyone's ears, as cold and hard as ice.

"Fang Xuan, have you had enough?"