Sheng Long Lake.
Previously, this was merely four peaks exceeding one hundred meters with a vast pond in the center. That was all.
Later, a company contracted the area, expanding the pond and carving the four peaks into dragon shapes, hence the name Sheng Long Lake. kuAiδugg
Despite being an artificial attraction, it offered numerous enjoyable features, complete with ropeways, cable cars, and more.
Over years of operation, it had surprisingly evolved into a 4A-rated scenic spot.
Sheng Long Lake scenic area was bustling with activity. A glance revealed a sea of people, with countless small boats drifting on the lake's surface.
Dragon Head Mountain Peak.
A middle-aged man sat cross-legged, a long sword placed beside him, in silent contemplation.
Wu Ji was of a typical Northern build, exceptionally tall. Even sitting there silently, he exuded a majestic aura that seemed to swallow mountains and rivers.
Wu Ji sat on the dragon’s head, his indifferent eyes gazing at the countless people below, a bitter smile playing on his lips.
“I played with power my entire life, only to become a scapegoat under its sway in the end.”
A scapegoat never met a good end.
Most likely, he was doomed today.
He had been no match for Ye Longlin in the past, and how could he possibly be a match now?
While he progressed, others had progressed too.
Wu Ji sighed deeply, a look of helplessness clouding his eyes.
It was highly probable he wouldn’t survive this day’s battle.
Once, when he founded the Martial Alliance, he had hoped to popularize martial arts throughout Da Xia, so that every descendant would be like a dragon, everyone a practitioner of martial arts.
But later, through the vicissitudes of the era, he had ultimately lost his way. By the time he realized it now, it was already too late.
“Haven’t they arrived yet? It’s past eight o’clock. Aren’t they afraid?”
“Impossible. He’s a soldier. Even if he’s retired now, someone like that wouldn’t forfeit his reputation. He’ll definitely come. But for him, the main act always appears last. What’s the rush? We’ve waited this long anyway.”
“Don’t be anxious. Haven’t you noticed that people from the Ten Elder families are present at this battle today? And look at how many people there are climbing from that side. Have you counted them?”
Indeed, only the peak where Wu Ji was seated had no spectators. However, from the foot of the mountain all the way up to the summit, there were quite a few people.
To ascend the mountain, one had to defeat all these individuals first.
“For this peak duel, the vast majority have come for a feast for their eyes. Some are here hoping to gain some enlightenment, but there are also those who wish to capture the former Dragon Lord alive.”
Everyone knew exactly who they were referring to.
Recently, the Zheng family, who had been the most ostentatious, had publicly declared their intention to capture Ye Longlin alive after the Sheng Long Lake battle.
This public challenge, and their unknown secret cooperation with others, was aimed at capturing Ye Longlin.
Last night, the Zheng family had already infiltrated Sheng Long Lake with countless family forces. These people were here to capture Ye Longlin.
“Why do I always feel like Wu Ji is just exhausting Ye Longlin’s stamina, to make it easier for these people to capture him?”
The moment this statement was made, everyone around was stunned. Thinking about it carefully, it did seem to be a distinct possibility.
“If what you say is true, then the focus of this battle isn’t in the first half, but in the latter half?”
“It’s possible. And don’t you feel it? Why did Wu Ji suddenly challenge the Dragon Lord? Although he’s retired, logically speaking, if anyone were to challenge, it should be the Dragon Lord challenging him, not Wu Ji challenging the Dragon Lord.”
This well-reasoned deduction almost revealed the people behind this affair.
After all, in the capital, there weren’t many people with such significant influence, including those they were speculating about.
Regardless, it seemed the climax of this battle was not in the first half, but in the latter half!
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of Sheng Long Lake.
Mu Hanqi pouted, looking at the wall of people, unable to pass through.
“There are too many people.”
Originally, Ye Longlin did not want Mu Hanqi to come. But since she insisted, he couldn’t refuse, and could only let her follow.
At least, under his watchful eye, no one would dare cause trouble.
“I’ll take you flying.”
Ye Longlin held her hand, grinned, and took a step forward. In the sky, a series of deep crimson staircases appeared above everyone’s heads. Following these steps, many people made way.
“The Dragon Lord is here!”
Countless people looked at the scene before them, utterly shocked.
Such an entrance! Truly remarkable.
No one had expected Ye Longlin to choose such a dramatic way to arrive.
“How is it? Spectacular?”
A faint smile played on Ye Longlin’s lips as he asked softly.
Mu Hanqi looked down at the masses gazing up and murmured, “I now understand why some people are willing to pay any price to stand on high ground.”
At least, where I stand, no one dares to be in front of me. Even when walking, they must walk behind me.
“They’ve arrived.”
Amidst the fervent gaze of tens of thousands.
Ye Longlin stepped onto the stairs, hand in hand with Mu Hanqi. Before the eyes of hundreds of thousands of onlookers, Mu Hanqi felt as if she were announcing herself to the world, her head held high.
See? This is my man!
“After that battle years ago, your cultivation has advanced further.”
Wu Ji stood up and said loudly, his voice echoing throughout the entire venue.
Ye Longlin glanced up but didn’t respond. He stepped down, landing on another peak.
“You wait here obediently for me. I’ll come pick you up after I’m done with him.”
Mu Hanqi nodded obediently.
As Ye Longlin moved back, layers of dark clouds gathered in the sky.
“Ye Longlin, if you want to challenge me, you must first fight your way up from the foot of the mountain. Only by fighting your way up will you be qualified to fight me!”
Ye Longlin let out a sneer, slowly extending one hand. An incredibly terrifying aura began to reverberate throughout the venue.
“Since the Dragon Lord dislikes this rule, why not a duel of champions? It’s a perfect opportunity for the world to see whether my Martial Alliance is superior, or the Dragon Pavilion’s might.”
Ultimately, Wu Ji lacked the confidence to face Ye Longlin directly and was stalling, though for what purpose remained unknown. Ye Longlin, however, was not afraid.
“This is interesting.”
Wu Ji breathed a sigh of relief, glancing in a certain direction below, his expression darkening slightly. They wouldn’t be playing him, would they?
“For this first battle, it’s Peach Blossom Sword Immortal Mo Yishan. His cultivation is Upper Grade Diverse Dragon Elephant.”
Wu Ji stepped forward, positioning himself opposite Ye Longlin, his hands behind his back as he spoke.
“I’ll do it!”