BOOM!
It wasn't just the roar of the Palm Technique that exploded in Yi Beidou's mind, but also his opponent's surging True Intent.
The thunder roared!
This thunder was not one of destruction, but of rebirth.
After the spring thunder, all things revive, life flourishes, and everything is renewed.
Lightning strikes the mountain forests, sweeping away the demonic mist, eradicating old ills, and refreshing the world!
This was the thunder of innovation, the thunder of creation. It possessed the spirit to clear away the old and forge a new path, aligning perfectly with this world and this era.
This was an age of innovation. All kinds of concepts and new things emerged endlessly, constantly changing the face of human society. To fall behind was to be eliminated.
It was just as this man had done, combining traditional Taoist Skill with technological means to create a new kind of Thunder Skill.
This man's Fist Technique not only contained the fierce, unyielding power of the Thunder Skill, but also integrated the Great Trend of the era's surging torrent.
An individual's strength trying to block the torrent of the times was like a mantis trying to stop a chariot—doomed to be crushed to pieces.
Under this man's assault, Yi Beidou seemed to have become a traditionalist. His body of flesh and blood, even after achieving Body Ascension, could not contend with high-powered weaponry. This was an insurmountable hurdle for any Martial Artist or living being of this age.
However, Yi Beidou's expression remained calm, like a mountain stone that had stood unchanged for millennia.
'What is new? What is old?'
'Magic, Technique, weapons—all these things change with the times, submerged in the great torrent. Only the will to seek the Dao remains constant.'
'There are no eternal mountains and rivers, only an eternal will.'
'Modern technology, too, is born from this will.'
'Without the will to explore the limits and the unknown, without the courage for self-sacrifice, the achievements of this era would not exist.'
'The heart that seeks the Dao is ever-renewing.'
BOOM!!
The Demon Nature within Yi Beidou was fully unleashed.
A natural-born Dharma Body, a Celestial Demon Body.
The Demon Body strikes, questioning the heavens!
In that instant, the heart of the Celestial Demon Inquiry Dao broke through the torrent of the era and ascended high into the Sky.
BANG!!
The two men's palms collided. The vegetation within a radius of several meters was swept up by the gale produced by the impact. Many branches and leaves were snapped off and sent flying, as if a small hand grenade had just exploded.
Yi Beidou felt a jolt as if his palm had been electrocuted, a strong numbing sensation spreading through it. But his body was exceptionally robust; with a surge of Qi and blood, he returned to normal.
Tao Zihong, however, was forced back two steps by the terrifying force, a look of shock flashing in his eyes.
He had achieved Ascension more recently than Wei Cheng, and his Dharma Body was only in its initial stage. Moreover, his skills weren't entirely focused on sudden combat, so it was normal for him to be outmatched by Yi Beidou.
"A Demon Body that seeks the Dao? You've overcome your Demon Nature to achieve Ascension, and you even possess a heart that seeks the Dao. An incredible figure. Who are you? And why are you here on Cloud Prison Mountain?"
Tao Zihong frowned, studying Yi Beidou as he asked.
He had originally assumed Yi Beidou was part of some foreign power, a rat-like figure who couldn't stand the light of day. But after this exchange, their Heart Intents intertwined, and he understood the man's true nature.
Possessing a Demon Body yet having a heart that seeks the Dao, overbearing yet magnificent—such a person was no petty villain who resorted to underhanded schemes. It was even less likely he was one of the so-called "Super Warriors" cultivated by foreign powers.
"I recently achieved Body Ascension. I was recommended by Wei Cheng to come to Cloud Prison Mountain and visit Fang Xiuyuan. It was just a coincidence that I ran into you, so I took the liberty of seeking a spar."
Yi Beidou said.
"You only just achieved Ascension?"
Hearing Yi Beidou say he had only just achieved Ascension, the surprise in Tao Zihong's eyes deepened.
'He's this strong right after achieving Ascension? What I just used could be considered my strongest Technique. Anything beyond that relies on more than just personal physical Cultivation.'
"I didn't expect another figure like you to emerge within Donghua. I am Tao Zihong of Maoshan's Shangqing lineage. I unworthily hold the title of Celestial Master and was invited by Fang Xiuyuan to lend him a hand."
Tao Zihong introduced himself. As he spoke, he reached out and pressed a raised button on his chest. The arcs of electricity swirling around his body instantly vanished.
"So you're the Maoshan Celestial Master?"
Yi Beidou's eyes showed interest as he watched the changes in the black bodysuit the other man wore. "As a Daoist, you're not practicing with Talismans or Magical Treasures but are using technology instead. How novel. Aren't you afraid of dividing your energy and hindering your Cultivation?"
From their brief exchange, he had already noticed a few things. The suit this man wore used technology. The bulge on the back was likely a battery pack. Once activated, the entire suit would release a powerful electric current, which was transmitted throughout the wearer's body via golden threads that resembled Talismans.
For an ordinary person, this suit would be a fatal torture device. Even an expert in Soul Capturing and Soul Stealing probably wouldn't last long wearing it.
But for Tao Zihong, who practiced Thunder Skill, had achieved Body Ascension, and formed a Dharma Body, it was a great aid.
It allowed him to practice Introducing Thunder into the Body, stimulating the meridians, cells, and spirit throughout his body. He could even infuse the Power of Thunder and Lightning into his Punching Technique Strength to harm his enemies. It was practically a Magical Treasure for augmenting combat.
"Hahahaha, you say that, but don't we all need to keep up with the times? Haven't you seen you can now scan QR codes to make donations at temples?"
"We live in a new era. Ancient culture needs to be passed down, but we must also forge new paths based on the foundations of our predecessors. How can we just cling to old things and stubbornly wait to die? We'd be eliminated by the times sooner or later, and that would be the greatest disrespect to the wisdom of those who came before us."
"Within our Daoist Sect, many forms of Magic actually have scientific principles behind them. It's just that the ancient sages were constrained by their era and couldn't fully explain them. Naturally, it falls to people of our generation to take on that task. This is the path I walk. The power of technology is the collective wisdom of humanity. Surely you don't reject modern technology, do you?"
Tao Zihong said with a loud laugh. He gave equal importance to his Cultivation and his scientific research.
"You're absolutely right. We live in a new era. If we want to reach new realms, we need to harness the power of the times."
Yi Beidou nodded in agreement.
He was no traditionalist and had never been against modern technological methods, provided they were used in the right way.
"Although I am the Maoshan Celestial Master, I am also a visiting professor at Kyoto University. I have my own research institute, primarily focused on physics and biological sciences. If you're interested, I'd like to invite you for a visit."
"In fact, many international organizations are currently studying the existence of those who have achieved Body Ascension. Some Saints have also been secretly recruiting talent, forming teams, and pooling the collective wisdom of humanity to explore the path forward. Perhaps there's a possibility for us to cooperate in the future."
Tao Zihong said to Yi Beidou with a smile.
"That would be a good way to form a friendly connection."
Yi Beidou readily agreed.
Just moments ago, the two had been at each other's throats, but now they were chatting and laughing together. The sight left the waiting Mao Shan Disciples looking at each other in bewilderment.
Soon, led by Tao Zihong, the two of them arrived in front of the group of young people.
"Come, let me make an introduction. This is Mr. Yi, an expert from our country who recently achieved Body Ascension. His objective for this trip is the same as ours. What happened just now was just a misunderstanding. Come and pay your respects."
Tao Zihong said, gesturing to his disciples.
The disciples exchanged glances. Looking at him up close, they realized he was absurdly young, probably not much older than themselves.
This was the first time they had ever heard of such a young Saint Expert.
And in the clash just now, their master had even used his Thunder Robe, yet it seemed he still came out at a disadvantage?
It was unbelievable.
By comparison, it felt like they had completely wasted all their years.