War God Long Ao

"There’s no need to wait. Barring any surprises, Long Ao’s talent and potential have already won over the Long Clan."

’Although he was extremely reluctant to admit it, Long Mowen knew that the Long Clan had taken a liking to Long Ao.’

"Patriarch, if that’s the case, what do we do if the Long Clan holds it against us for continuing to move against Long Ao?"

The Long Clan had countless branches, divided into nine Levels. In the eyes of the Long Clan, the Third Level Long Family was nothing.

"Don’t worry. The Long Clan’s intentions are simple: they’re testing Long Ao. If he can endure this, I guarantee he will be inducted into the Long Clan. But if he can’t, the Long Clan won’t bother with him any further."

’So that’s how it is.’

Long Yan was no fool. Of course, he understood the meaning behind the Patriarch’s words.

’In the end, the Long Clan simply wants to observe Long Ao’s performance for a while longer.’

"The Long Clan has grown more and more distant from us over the years. If this continues, our family will have even less hope of securing a spot in the Dragon Valley next time. That’s why Long Ao must die, and this matter cannot be delayed."

With a deep sigh, Long Mowen continued, "If we can kill Long Ao, we can at least salvage some of our pride. But if we fail, Long Ao will rise to prominence, and our family will be doomed to never recover."

Long Yan was shocked. He never expected the Patriarch to put it so bluntly.

’Long Ao is the family’s Achilles’ heel.’

’It’s either him or us.’

Following this, Long Mowen personally approached the other three great powers, preparing to form an alliance where each would invite a Void Saint Martial Artist to deal with the Dragon Sect.

But this time, both Netherworld Mansion and Piaomiao Palace refused to participate.

In the end, Netherworld Mansion and Piaomiao Palace felt that it was no longer worth it. After all, neither force had any real grudge against Long Ao; they had only acted against the Dragon Sect because of the Long Family and the Imperial City.

Having suffered heavy losses, Netherworld Mansion and Piaomiao Palace were naturally unwilling to continue.

No matter how the Imperial City and the Long Family tried to entice them, Netherworld Mansion and Piaomiao Palace stood firm in their refusal to act.

Left with no other choice, the Imperial City and the Long Family could only join forces to deal with the Dragon Sect on their own.

Although the Imperial City and the Long Family had allied, neither was willing to ask their old ancestors to intervene. The variable that was Long Ao was simply too great. Time and again, the Four Great Forces had thought they had him, but each time, the result was the same: Long Ao slaughtered them all, leaving no one alive.

For this very reason, both the Imperial City and the Third Level Long Family had their own selfish motives and were unwilling to act rashly. If a Void Saint Martial Artist were to be killed, the loss would be so great the two powers would practically cough up blood.

Dragon Sect.

On the peak of a mountain not far from the Dragon Sect, Long Ao and Long Chen stood facing each other, their gazes locked.

Long Chen’s purpose in coming here was simple: he wanted a fair fight with Long Ao, without suppressing his Realm.

Long Chen had been stewing over their last encounter. Although he had forcefully suppressed his Realm, he knew that without using his Power of Domain, he was no match for his opponent.

Not long ago, Long Chen had received news that Long Ao’s Cultivation had officially broken through to the Realm King Realm. While shocked, he was also eager for a chance to defeat Long Ao fair and square to reclaim his honor.

Neither man had informed anyone of this battle.

If Long Ao won this fight, he would take Long Chen’s place as number one hundred on the Dragon Ranking—a meteoric rise like a carp leaping over the dragon gate. But if Long Ao lost, death would likely be the only outcome.

For this very reason, both men took this battle extremely seriously.

"Long Ao, I have to admit, your talent and potential are the greatest I’ve ever seen."

Long Chen didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. It had been less than a few months since their last battle, yet Long Ao had already broken through from the Celestial Venerable Realm directly to the Realm King Realm. It would be a lie to say he wasn’t jealous of such a cultivation speed.

’Although he was reluctant to admit it, the facts were undeniable: Long Ao’s talent and potential far surpassed his own.’

In his heart, Long Chen truly wanted to kill Long Ao. After all, he was considered the number one talent in the Kyushu Spirit Realm, but now, that title belonged to Long Ao. What’s more, if he lost this fight, even if he survived, he would have to surrender his place on the Dragon Ranking.

’I can’t lose all the glory. To lose it would be a fate worse than death.’

"Long Chen, regardless of the outcome of our battle, word of it will not spread. If I am fortunate enough to win, you will remain on the Dragon Ranking. My goal isn’t merely to be number one hundred."

Hearing Long Ao’s words, Long Chen’s expression tightened. If Long Ao had said this a few months ago, he would have mocked, scorned, and looked down on him without a second thought. But now, for some reason, Long Chen had a feeling the man wasn’t just spouting empty boasts.

Because of this, Long Chen showed no hint of mockery. He simply nodded, a sign of respect.

This battle between them did not involve the grudges of their respective Sects. It was purely a battle between Martial Artists.

Neither Long Ao nor Long Chen spoke further. They stared intently at each other as the Momentum radiating from their bodies began to slowly build.

Perhaps due to some tacit understanding, neither of them summoned their Dragon Companion.

Long Chen was quite frustrated about this. His Dragon Companion had been thoroughly thrashed by Long Ao’s last time. Ever since then, no matter how Long Chen tried to summon it, his Dragon Companion refused to appear whenever a fight with Long Ao was mentioned.

Long Ao, of course, understood Long Chen’s predicament. He didn’t want to win because of his Dragon Companion anyway; he wanted to defeat his opponent fair and square.

At that moment, they both moved. In the blink of an eye, they had already collided violently. They separated, then clashed again—a total of three times. Long Chen was nearly killed by the sheer force of the impacts.

Alarmed, Long Chen had never imagined Long Ao’s physical body could be so powerful. Not daring to be the least bit careless, he chose to release his Domain.

But Long Ao was no longer the Celestial Venerable he once was. His Cultivation had advanced to the Realm King Realm, and he too could release his own Power of Domain.

A battle between Realm Kings was a contest of whose Domain was stronger. The moment their Domains collided, Long Chen used all his strength to fuel his Power of Domain, instantly doubling its intensity. But to his astonishment, no matter how he pushed his Power of Domain, he could not suppress his opponent’s Domain.

’What is going on?’

"Long Ao, I want to witness that sword strike from last time."

Long Ao remained silent. Long Chen was only a Realm King. He wouldn’t be able to withstand the Blood-Drinking Seventh Technique: Heaven and Earth Rending, let alone Sword Breaks the Firmament.

But Long Chen clearly wasn’t giving up. While pushing his Domain, he said, "Long Ao, if you call yourself a Martial Artist, use your strongest attack. I want to see for myself if your ultimate sword strike is as formidable as the legends claim."