Chapter 1045: Chapter 1045: Inheriting the Dragon’s Strength (Major Chapter) Chapter 1045: Chapter 1045: Inheriting the Dragon’s Strength (Major Chapter) Faced with this sudden situation, Ying Aoshan and Song Yuru were somewhat stunned. Unconsciously, they both turned their gazes towards Huang Xiaolong.

Zhan Tang, on the other hand, wore an envious expression and blurted out, “Two ladies, to be chosen by Yihua Palace, an esteemed overseas sect, is an incredible blessing.”

Steward Murong steadied his excited state and looked at Huang Xiaolong with an extremely earnest gaze. Through careful observation, Steward Murong could tell that Song Yuru and Ying Aoshan didn’t have much of an opinion of their own, and everything was decided by Huang Xiaolong’s words.

“Young friend, may I have a word with you?” Steward Murong said solemnly.

“Sure, go ahead,” Huang Xiaolong smiled and responded.

“You see, our Yihua Palace has very strict standards for selecting disciples. We primarily choose female disciples, and they must also be of outstanding beauty. For those who enter Yihua Palace, we also demand that they be under the age of 30. These are just the basic requirements. In the overseas world, there are not a few girls who can meet such conditions. However, even after meeting these basic requirements, they must also have a certain degree of talent. According to the standards of the Qingcheng Sect’s Xuanhuang Tower test, the threshold for joining Yihua Palace is to accept only beautiful girls who can reach the third floor of the Xuanhuang Tower.”

“Ah, young, beautiful, and highly talented,” Huang Xiaolong nodded. “The requirements are indeed a bit harsh, like if a girl is talented but not beautiful, that wouldn’t work. This Yihua Palace really has some fastidious standards for choosing disciples.”

Steward Murong smiled and continued to explain, “Actually, the most stringent condition for selecting new disciples at our Yihua Palace is that new disciples must not have cultivated any spells before joining! In other words, to join Yihua Palace, they must be a blank slate! This is because many spells, mental methods, and cultivation techniques of Yihua Palace cannot have the foundation of other sects’ spells during cultivation, or else it will lead to a conflict, causing one to deviate from the proper course, combust from within, and die! Sigh~~~”
Steward Murong sighed deeply. “It is because of this requirement that it’s very difficult for our Yihua Palace to select disciples~~ Often, not many disciples are recruited within a year.”

Upon hearing this, Huang Xiaolong fully understood.

So to be accepted into Yihua Palace, not only does one need to be young and beautiful with exceptional talent, but more perverse yet, one must be utterly flawless!

You should know, in the overseas world, every sect values the continuation of their lineage and takes the selection of disciples very seriously. As soon as they discover someone with talent, they will fiercely compete for them! Some individuals are uniquely gifted, or have practiced some simple spells from a young age, or are recruited into various sects when they are very young.

Where could Yihua Palace find disciples who are both talented and completely untainted?

To draw a rather crude comparison, it’s even harder than finding a young and beautiful virgin!

“Just now, as I was passing by, I sensed that within this restaurant, there were two ladies with exceptional talent, and they had no mana fluctuations on them! Overjoyed, I immediately sought them out! Indeed, indeed~~!” Saying this, Steward Murong once again fixed his eager gaze on Song Yuru and Ying Aoshan, his eyes almost brimming with water.

“Oh. So that’s how it is. Aoshan, my wife, and my senior wife, they have never cultivated spells. Only Aoshan has practiced some ancient martial arts since she was young. That’s their greatest value,” Huang Xiaolong nodded.

He paused, then turned to Ying Aoshan and Song Yuru. “What do you two wives think?” he asked.

Ying Aoshan and Song Yuru answered in unison, “No way! We don’t want to join any sect. We just want to follow you.”

Hearing this, Steward Murong became anxious. “But… but… Both of you young ladies, you shouldn’t be like this. This is a great opportunity! With your talents, indeed, you are qualified to enter any overseas sect. However, our Yihua Palace guarantees to treat you as core disciples and provide you with ample resources! Don’t you want to prove yourselves immortal and soar to the heavens? The overseas world is incredibly cruel; only the strong can earn respect. Right now, there’s a path to becoming peerless powerhouses right under your feet~~~”
Steward Murong began to persuade them, then said to Huang Xiaolong, “Young friend, could you perhaps talk to your two wives? Our Yihua Palace is genuinely sincere~~ How about this, our Yihua Palace can make an exception and take you in as a disciple, allowing you to cultivate together with your two wives. Moreover, I will intervene on your behalf and settle the vendetta between you and Luo Xue for good! You won’t have to worry about any repercussions!”

While saying this, Steward Murong sighed repeatedly in her heart – “Ah, in the overseas world, cultivation is the most important thing, the fundamental to survival. If men and women are together all day, indulging in love, wouldn’t that cut off their own path to greatness? These two young ladies, blinded by love at such a young age, have far too many distracting thoughts. If they don’t join our Yihua Palace, wouldn’t that be a terrible waste? When I was a young girl, I wasn’t so consumed with feelings of love and such~~ What can compare to cultivation?”

“Heh, there’s no need for you to worry about the matter between Luo Xue and me,” Huang Xiaolong said with a smile, turning his gaze to Ying Aoshan and Song Yuru.

In fact, taking them out to sea this time was also to find them a suitable sect. The eager attitude of Yihua Palace was quite good, joining Yihua Palace would be a fitting destination.

Moreover, although Ying Aoshan and Song Yuru had talent, they had never cultivated spells and had a weak foundation. Joining other sects would mean a lower starting point. On the contrary, the supreme cultivation methods of Yihua Palace required exactly the kind of clean and flawless bodies that had not been tainted by any spells… Objectively speaking, Yihua Palace was the most suitable for Ying Aoshan and Song Yuru.

Since Huang Xiaolong was at ease letting Ma Chuxia, Huo Bingyan, Feng Hanyan, and Yan Pianpian become disciples of Emei Sect, he naturally also trusted his other wives to join sects that suited them.

“Little Long~ We’ve just arrived overseas, ah, I can’t bear to separate from you so soon~~ Please, no~~” Seeing that Huang Xiaolong was contemplating, Song Yuru quickly tugged on his sleeve, pleading coquettishly.

Ying Aoshan also grumbled, “Little Long, Aoshan isn’t ready psychologically either.”

“How about this~~” Huang Xiaolong suggested to Steward Murong. “I agree to let Aoshan and my senior wife both join Yihua Palace. But it’s a bit rushed right now. So, let’s allow them to have some more fun. Once they are completely ready, I will personally escort them to Yihua Palace. How’s that?”

“Well~~ Then, okay…” Steward Murong, seeing Huang Xiaolong’s firm stance, felt it inappropriate to persuade further, and Huang Xiaolong had already agreed. It was only a matter of time before Song Yuru and Ying Aoshan became Yihua Palace disciples.

“Here are two tokens. With these tokens, once you arrive at Yihua Palace, you can come straight to me, and I will take both young ladies as my personal disciples. The tokens also have a map to Yihua Palace,” Steward Murong said, handing over two antique-looking tokens to Song Yuru and Ying Aoshan.

The two women took the tokens and began to examine them closely.

“Well then, I won’t impose on you any longer. I hope the two ladies can hurry to the Yi Hua Palace,” Steward Murong said politely. She then turned to Huang Xiaolong. “Young friend, Master Luo Xue is haughty and prone to holding grudges. Now that you’ve incurred his enmity, I’m afraid he won’t let it go easily. You’d better leave quickly.”

As she spoke, Steward Murong waved her hand, and a wave-like mana swept over Huang Xiaolong.

Huang Xiaolong immediately felt that the mark Master Luo Xue had left on him had been erased.

“Hehe,” Huang Xiaolong chuckled. “You don’t need to worry about this. I have my own judgment. Rest assured, I’ll make sure both my wives arrive at Yi Hua Palace unharmed. Moreover, Steward Murong, you needn’t intervene; I can handle this.”

While he spoke, a captivating glint of determination flashed in Huang Xiaolong’s eyes, startling Steward Murong. She nodded slightly. “Alright then. I shall take my leave.”

Having said that, Steward Murong transformed into a streak of light and vanished from the tavern.

In the night sky, Steward Murong hovered, gazing at the tavern and murmured, “That young man is quite proud at heart. He refuses to accept my help. Possessing such pride is commendable. He even dares to challenge Master Luo Xue, which is a rare courage… Well then, I’ll just protect him in secret to prevent Master Luo Xue from harming him…”

Steward Murong made up her mind.

Back in the tavern, after such a commotion, all the other customers had left, leaving only Huang Xiaolong’s table.

Huang Xiaolong and the others continued to eat.

He had a large appetite and wasn’t put off by the earlier disturbance, retaining his enthusiasm for eating.

Having eaten and drunk his fill, Huang Xiaolong stood up and said with a smile, “Now that it’s quiet, we can go back to rest.”

The group left the tavern and returned to the inn.

In their room.

Huang Xiaolong, Song Yuru, and Ying Aoshan shared a room.

“Little Long, do you really want us to join that Yi Hua Palace?” Song Yuru looked reluctant.

“Big wife, Steward Murong is right. For you and Aoshan, this is indeed a rare opportunity. It could change your destinies,” Huang Xiaolong stated earnestly. “In a while, I’ll take you there. Remember, cultivate diligently.”

“Oh,” Song Yuru and Ying Aoshan nodded at the same time. They were very gentle and obedient, without any intention of disobeying or questioning Huang Xiaolong’s words.

There were no further discussions that night.

The next day was still leisurely spent on the island.

Huang Xiaolong noticed that more and more cultivators were arriving on the island.

It seemed that when the giant dragon relic opened tomorrow, the scene would be quite busy.

“Ah, Island Master, I never would have expected that this year, so many cultivators would come to watch the excitement,” Zhan Tang said with some surprise.

“Didn’t your old flame mention yesterday that there are several prodigies on the Hidden Dragon List making bets to see who can find more people with the dragon bloodline to successfully inherit the dragon force? That’s quite an eye-catcher. On one hand, the geniuses on the Hidden Dragon List are peerless and everyone wants to witness their heroic stature. On the other, it’s the fact that no one has ever succeeded in inheriting the dragon force from the giant dragon relic, and that record is going to be broken,” Huang Xiaolong explained logically.

Zhan Tang blushed with embarrassment and retorted, “Island Master, don’t talk nonsense. What do you mean old flame? No, it’s not like that! Tian Youliang was just a childhood playmate. We grew up in the same village. Later, Kuai Dao Hall’s people, in pursuit of an enemy, brought a massacre to our village–”
At this point, Zhan Tang’s eyes also revealed a hint of hatred. “My parents passed away early, and I was raised by the villagers. I survived that tragedy and swore an oath of vengeance. Kuai Dao Hall would pay in blood for their debts. As for Tian Youliang, he was taken away by Kuai Dao Hall’s people because he had some talent, and he even joined them, acknowledging the thieves as his parents.”

“I see. So, is your enemy that Junior Hall Master Bai Huan from Kuai Dao Hall we met earlier?” Huang Xiaolong inquired.

“No. Island Master, my enemy are several Protectors of Kuai Dao Hall who have reached the early stages of the Crossing Calamity Realm,” Zhan Tang said, her face showing a hint of melancholy and helplessness.

With her current level of cultivation, it was difficult for her to seek vengeance.

“Heh, Zhan Tang, let’s not talk about vengeance for now. Rest assured, I will help you exact it,” Huang Xiaolong smiled.

“Island Master, I don’t want to rely on others for this matter. Just as you don’t want Steward Murong from Yi Hua Palace to interfere with your feud with Master Luo Xue,” Zhan Tang asserted strongly.

“Very well then,” Huang Xiaolong smiled again. “Tomorrow, we don’t need to rush to the giant dragon relic. Let the others crowd around.”

“Yes, Island Master,” Zhan Tang affirmed the command.

The next day!

It was the day, which came only once every fifty years, when the Dragon Relics would open!

Early in the morning, the island that served as a resting place for the cultivators was bustling with noise!

The cultivators on the island were leaving in a rush, some riding on swords, some on smoke and clouds, some on flying clouds, and some on fog… all hastening toward the Dragon Relics.

Not long after, the island quieted down.

“Everyone’s nearly gone, right?” Huang Xiaolong said lazily as he led Zhan Tang, his two wives, and three little monsters out of the inn.

“Little Long, we should hurry as well,” Song Yuru said eagerly.

“No rush~~ the Dragon Relics aren’t going anywhere~~ hahaha… Let’s go.” Huang Xiaolong summoned a flying sword. At the same time, the bloodlines within them seemed to be called by some inexplicable force, sending out faint ripples.

Song Yuru and Ying Aoshan also experienced a reaction that was clearer and stronger than in the previous days!

They stepped onto the flying sword and flew unhurriedly towards the Dragon Relics!

The closer they got to the Dragon Relics, the more vigorously the bloodlines of Huang Xiaolong, Song Yuru, Ying Aoshan, and even the three little monsters (who had all stayed at the Wulong Villa before, and although they were of monster lineage, they too had absorbed some dragon aura) throbbed.

Finally!

They flew over the airspace of the island where the Dragon Relics were!

The black fog that lingered above the island, along with the terrifying pressure, had dissipated!

The mysterious island suspended in the sea finally revealed its true Lushan face!

It was a small island with towering ancient trees, withered vines and verdant ivy. These plants were ancient, so old that they were beyond words, and the species were very rare.

In the center of the island, there were ancient buildings. However, these buildings had fallen into decay, leaving behind ruins and broken walls.

Despite this, there was still a majestic and sacred aura that permeated the island, compelling respect from anyone who set foot on it, whether they were long-established giants or stunning prodigies.

Huang Xiaolong fixed his eyes and saw that numerous cultivators had already gathered in a plaza at the center of the island.

“Everyone is here, let’s go down.” Huang Xiaolong steered the flying sword and swiftly descended onto the island, alighting in the plaza where the crowd was gathered.

From the sky, the plaza didn’t seem very large, but once truly standing on it, it became apparent that the plaza was vast and rugged.

At this time, there were about a thousand cultivators on the plaza. There were those in the Mana Realm, the Divine Skills Realm, and a few in the Tribulation Passing Realm.

Upon arriving on this island, the mana within the cultivators’ bodies felt somewhat suppressed.

Huang Xiaolong and his party unobtrusively took their place at the back of the plaza.

Looking around, there was an ancient altar outside the plaza.

Atop the altar stood a stone sculpture of a dragon’s head!

The dragon’s head was immense, carved from unknown stone, exuding an ancient presence, as well as an overwhelming pressure that seemed to disdain all living beings.

The dragon’s mouth was open wide as though it was about to spew out a breath that could end the world!

The surface of the altar was made of rough rock, inscribed with dense, obscure symbols and script. These did not belong to any known human language.

The altar, in the form of stairs, reached a height of several dozen meters and resembled a pyramid.

At this time, beneath the altar, there stood clearly four distinct groups of people.

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These four groups of people were each led by a young man of peerless elegance.

Huang Xiaolong then saw “Huangfu Tianjiao” as well as that “Falling Snow Young Master”.

The other two young men were about the same age as Huangfu Tianjiao and the Falling Snow Young Master. They too were imposing but restrained, their eyes gleaming with divine light, exuding arrogance that was beyond words between their brows.

“Island Master, there are a total of four Hidden Dragon List geniuses. Apart from the number 45-ranked Huangfu Tianjiao and number 47-ranked Falling Snow Young Master that you have seen, there are also number 51-ranked Teng Tian Song and number 58-ranked Zhuang Zi Xu… These four are peerless geniuses, exceptionally brilliant,” Zhan Tang said gravely.

Huang Xiaolong nodded slightly, his eyes filled with some disdain.

Behind the four geniuses stood several servants and followers, as well as people gathered from all around who possessed dragon bloodlines.

“Ladies and gentlemen~~” Huangfu Tianjiao, with an imperial bearing and sweeping gaze, spoke dominantly, his demeanor that of a king. “It’s once again the great day that the Dragon Relics open every fifty years. This year is somewhat special. As everyone is probably aware, we four played a little game, which was to spend some time searching far and wide for individuals with dragon bloodlines to inherit dragon power. We have been successful in our quest and found them!”

Pride filled Huangfu Tianjiao’s brows!

The other three Hidden Dragon List geniuses were also full of arrogance!

Yes, this matter was worth being proud of!

After all, since the birth of the Dragon Relics, it had never been heard that someone with a dragon bloodline had successfully inherited dragon power.

It could be said that people with dragon bloodlines were rarer than rare in this world!

Yet this time, all four geniuses had actually found individuals with such special bloodlines!

This was a testament to their abilities! Extraordinary talents and capabilities!

Just by this alone, they had solidified their reputations as top geniuses! They stood out from the crowd, daring to do what others did not and achieving what others could not!

The thousands of cultivators standing in the plaza were all there to watch the spectacle, and at this moment in their eyes were nothing but awe and admiration.

“I, Huangfu Tianjiao, have found a total of five individuals with dragon bloodlines!” Huangfu Tianjiao declared proudly.

“I, Falling Snow Young Master, have found four individuals with dragon bloodlines.”

“I, Teng Tian Song, have also found four persons.”

“I, Zhuang Zi Xu, have found three.”

“Good, I believe everyone is eager to start, right? Now, let me simply announce the rules of this game. We four will have those we’ve found with dragon bloodlines step onto the altar to receive the dragon power. Then, we will add up all the dragon power inherited by the individuals we’ve each found. Lastly, we compare the amount of dragon power inherited,” Huangfu Tianjiao announced.

The cultivators in the plaza excited themselves, their eyes filled with anticipation. This time was sure to be an eye-opener for them.

Huang Xiaolong licked his lips and rubbed his hands together. “Good, very good, let’s begin then, don’t dawdle~~ Heh heh~~ I’m so impatient! How much dragon power can I inherit? I’m really curious to know!”

“Gentlemen, let’s begin the game we agreed upon now,” Huangfu Tianjiao stated with a cold smile, his face exuding a sense of assured victory.

“Alright, let’s start. The winner of the game will gain the highest-quality magical treasure from each of the other three. Heh heh~~ Huangfu Tianjiao, it seems your flying sword should be ready to change hands,” the Falling Snow Young Master sneered.

“Hahaha~~~ Falling Snow Young Master, that may not necessarily be the case. It’s quite possible that your Sun Divine Needle will end up in my possession~~” Huangfu Tianjiao retorted saucily.

“All this talk is less effective than actual results. Let’s begin; let my people go first,” Zhuang Zi Xu announced impatiently.

“Fine, Zhuang Zi Xu, let your people go first. Step onto the altar and inherit the dragon power,” Huangfu Tianjiao agreed.

Immediately, Zhuang Zi Xu waved his hand, and one of the three individuals with dragon bloodlines under him took long strides up the stone stairs toward the altar!

Heading straight for the dragon head sculpture!

…

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