With this thought, Lu Yang already made his move.
He didn't use the [Palace of Returning Boundaries]. This time was different from before. Hong Yun used an Yi Wood Divine Ability. Yi Wood is born in Wu, and does not fear the Wu Fire wonder.
Therefore, if he brought out the [Palace of Returning Boundaries] at this moment, not only would it fail, it might even fuel the might of the opponent's divine ability. Falling into a disadvantage like that, he would be the one making one mistake after another. Thus, after a little thought, Lu Yang changed his mind, and the hand seal he was forming also changed.
The next second, sword light appeared abruptly.
Clang!
Lu Yang didn't command a divine ability, but held [Tribulation Wave] in his hand. With a raise of the sword edge, the sword light rose like a towering giant tree, actually resisting the hewing great wind head-on.
Boom!
With a loud noise, the illusory colors all over Lu Yang's body were weakened layer by layer. However, the sword light maintained by [Sword Intent] wasn't shaved off in might under the great wind. Instead, it intensified, finally moving against the current. With dignified and imposing momentum, it split the great wind open, reflecting a point of red light in Hong Yun's pupils.
Hiss!
Instantly, Hong Yun's pupils shrank abruptly. The moment the sword light reflected in his eyes, a sword mark also appeared on his face, with rolling crimson blood emerging!
Yi Wood doesn't fear Wu Fire and conversely overcomes Wu Earth, only fearing Metal hewing!
That was why Lu Yang didn't use other divine ability means but conquered the enemy with sword arts. This seemingly simple choice was entirely based on his profound Dao comprehension.
[Sword Intent]... He really a Sword Cultivator of the [Jade Pivot Sword Pavilion]!
Hong Yun was horrified. Taking a step back, he subconsciously reached out to touch his cheek. Spiritual power surged, quickly healing the emerging crimson sword mark.
However, the bone-chilling cold sensation on his face still alarmed Hong Yun. Such [Sword Intent], such sword light... who exactly was this sacred figure?
In the flash of lightning, Hong Yun already made a decision:
"[Path to Heaven]!"
Shaking his sleeve, endless fire energy fell out instantly. However, this wasn't raging flames, but a concept like the smoke and fire of the human world.
Piled up under layers of smoke and fire, there was a broad avenue. One end landed at Hong Yun's feet, while the other submerged into the boundless void, carrying his body. Then Hong Yun took a step forward, leaving the sword light slashed by Lu Yang behind him, unable to get close.
Boom!
Another loud noise. Lu Yang slashed down with another sword, but this time Hong Yun narrowly avoided this sword in the nick of time.
"Si Fire..."
Lu Yang's discerning eye saw through the background of Hong Yun's divine ability. Si represents a major post station, symbolizing human life and smooth roads.
Of course, this was only one side of Si Fire.
For example, Chong Guang sought a Si Fire divine ability named [Furnace Crucible Fire]. The concept taken was another side of Si Fire— its fire increases brilliance, the extreme of the six Yangs.
This choice of Divine Ability actually reflected the difference in character between Chong Guang and Hong Yun to a certain extent. Hong Yun sought the [Path to Heaven], steady and secure. Chong Guang, however, sought to burn. If he didn't gain momentum, fine; once he gained momentum, it would inevitably be the momentum of flames burning the sky.
Dealing with it was actually simple.
The next second, a mischievous smile appeared on Lu Yang's face. He extended his hand, and divine ability illusory colors lit up in his palm instantly. It was a Chen Earth divine ability:
[Root of All Things]!
As soon as this divine ability came out, Hong Yun's eyes nearly split with anger. This was his divine ability! And a very important divine ability in his fighting system!
Si (Snake) is born delighting in Chen (Dragon). When the snake attains transformation, it becomes a light dragon; in its heavenly configuration, it takes the form of a dragon foal stretching a thousand li.
Thus, Si Fire and Chen Earth mutually generate and forming a wondrous cycle. When the two are harmonized, their might multiplies—resonating as one.
Yet now, Chen Earth had already been seized by Lu Yang.
Not only was the cycle broken, but Lu Yang had turned Chen Earth against him. With the [Root of All Things] manifest, it stood in perfect suppression over his [Path to Heaven], sealing heaven and quelling ascent."
In the blink of an eye, Hong Yun saw Lü Yang casually cast out the [Root of All Things]. It fell upon the smoke and flames of the mortal world and the [Path to Heaven] beneath his feet, taking root in an instant.
Countless roots burst forth, intertwining and spreading, forcibly locking down the [Path to Heaven] under him, making it impossible to shift even a hair's breadth.
How was he to break this?
Hong Yun's gaze wavered, helplessness flickering through his eyes. He opened his lips, teeth parting as he gathered qi, and a thunderous boom exploded from his mouth. Rolling yang energy swept outward in all directions.
"Thunder Gradually Recedes!"
To restrain Chen Earth, only Jia Wood could prevail. Amid the roaring of thunder, Hong Yun immediately felt the binding force on the [Path to Heaven] beneath his feet loosen.
However, in the next instant—
"[Palace of Returning Boundaries]!"
Wu Fire blazed forth like the rising sun, bright, orthodox, and immeasurably vast. Layer upon layer of divine radiance interwove, piling up into a towering heavenly palace that crashed down upon Hong Yun with a deafening roar.
I lost... my skill is inferior to him!
This person simply understands me too deeply. Who exactly is he?
Hong Yun sighed— Going around in circles, it still came back to [Palace of Returning Boundaries]... Grand and dignified, overwhelming people with momentum. What high realm, what a deep Dao comprehension!
Since the start of the battle, except for gaining a bit of initiative initially by borrowing the wonder of [Fear of Hewing], he was suppressed by Lu Yang from beginning to end. Every move he made was aimed at the opponent's weak points, forcing him step by step towards a dead end. Finally, the [Palace of Returning Boundaries] settled the victory in one fell swoop!
Such a defeat was inexplicable.
Because this wasn't a difference in stature or a flaw in power, but being suppressed in Dao comprehension. It truly made one lose with heartfelt conviction and only able to bow down.
And this grand and dignified nature was also favored by [Heavenly Fire]!
At this moment, Lu Yang felt a blessing reach his soul. Vaguely, he seemed to hear a call from the unseen, very blurred, unclear, but truly existing.
For a moment, Lu Yang was surprised and happy—
It should be that the Dao comprehensionI displayed this time gave [Heavenly Fire] some sensing. Although still far from the Dao Fruit's attention, at least there's a glimmer of hope...
Lu Yang pondered in his heart, but the movements of his hands didn't slow down at all.
Boom!
The [Palace of Returning Boundaries] crashed down, its layers of iridescent light completely shattering Hong Yun's physical body, instantly reducing him to ashes, revealing a golden, shimmering soul.
Instantly, the golden light fled.
"Trying to escape?"
How could Lu Yang give Hong Yun a chance? Without the [Netherworld]'s reception, how could Hong Yun's soul without a physical body be faster than him?
The [Myriad Spirits Banner] swelled in the wind, swallowing him in the blink of an eye.
Done!
With Hong Yun's Golden Nature in hand, Lu Yang revealed a look of joy. Not only because he could use this to False Hold a Golden Position again, but also because he could use this to threaten [Sky-shrouding]!
Everything is ready!
"Almost time to let [Wu You Heaven] appear. After all, to let [Wu You Heaven] strip the foundation of the world's Dao Fruits and subsequently cause the world's Perfected Lords to go into seclusion, I still need to make [Wu You Heaven] a coveted prize in the eyes of the world's Foundation Establishment cultivators, making them all come to cultivate [Wu You Heaven] divine abilities."
This undoubtedly required time.
But with [Wu You Heaven]'s operation model of giving divine abilities for clearing stages, it wouldn't take long to spread. After all, who would complain about having too many divine abilities?
"This is perfect."
"During [Wu You Heaven]'s development period, I can establish my own power in the Dao Court. When the time comes, I'll replicate Martial Uncle Chong Guang's seclusion plan!"
Thinking of this, Lu Yang didn't stay long.
The next second, he withdrew the divine abilities around his body, rode an beam of light, and returned to that wretched place full of holes like a honeycomb.