The True Lord has arrived

Chapter 161 Audience with Your Excellency
The horizontal blade, imbued with the fire of the Eight Heavenly Dragons, pierced straight into the giant spirit general's right eye.

Zhou Yan's fighting style has changed further, and he started with his strongest divine ability.

The giant spirit gripped the longsword in its right arm and swept its left arm horizontally. Zhou Yan swayed and dodged the attack. At the same time, he swept his fingers together, and pale red flames entered the giant spirit's body. A strong feeling of hunger made the giant spirit pause.

But this time, the giant will react even faster than before.

The Mo Dao (陌刀) swept across the land, carrying with it the earth's energy.

boom! ! !
Ao Xuantao used a semi-transparent spear to block the Mo Dao. Ao Xuantao had just transformed into a dragon and was already at about the sixth rank, but at this moment in the water system, it was equivalent to a Taoist standing on a shrine.

The power of magic and supernatural abilities increases.

Mana consumption is reduced.

The influence range of supernatural powers has increased.

That long spear was found by Ao Xuantao in his ancestor's cave during the calamity at the Reclining Buddha Temple. When he wielded it, he stirred up waves, and the impact of the water not only increased the power of his moves, but also created whirlpools that would entangle the opponent's body and cause them to lose their balance.

The giant spirit swayed its body and transformed into a three-zhang-tall figure.

Standing a full ten meters tall, it relied on pure strength to resist the interference of the waves, wielding the longsword that had also grown larger, and fought fiercely with Ao Xuantao.

One was the western pillar of Mount Hua, Yuntai Peak, and the other was the dragon of the Jinghe River in Guanzhong. One wielded a Mo Dao (a type of long-handled sword), and the other held a dragon spear. They exchanged blows, their moves drawing upon the earth's veins and stirring up the water. Both were enormous creatures. Zhou Yan retreated several steps to avoid the effects of their clash.

The giant spirit then used the treasure at his waist, a pendant chain, which transformed into six enormous boulders after being thrown out, crashing down on Ao Xuantao. Ao Xuantao spat out a dragon pearl, which emitted boundless flowing light and summoned waves and columns of water to contend with the enormous boulders.

The water was churned up and the waves surged like a ribbon.

The falling stones were like thunderbolts crashing down, and the swirling waters were like the long roar of a dragon.

This kind of battle between mountain gods and water deities is different from the style of ordinary human officials.

Rather than focusing on the interplay of moves and techniques, they place more emphasis on footwork, methods, authority, martial arts skills, and magical weapons.

Zhou Yan's Earthly Soul Heavenly Inclined into the ground, pressing down with his palm.

The earth and sky collapsed, and the divine soldiers were unleashed.

The Earth's Spirit and Heaven's Inclination are connected to the Earth's Veins.

Li Bai's magic sword flew out, mingling with the wind, without further hesitation.

The local landowner recognized Zhou Yan and knew that he was a True Lord who had come to borrow the earth's veins. Without any hesitation, he handed over control of the earth's veins and secretly cut off a portion of the earth's veins for the giant spirit.

The Western Peak True Lord is also a True Lord, and you can't afford to offend him, especially when you can't afford to offend either side.

The True Lord who is present is more important.

Zhou Yan sensed that he had successfully connected with the earth's veins, and his own recovery ability was further enhanced.

In the Louguan Pass, Li Zhiwei set up a small altar.

He pulled the scroll from his waist, picked up his brush, and painted the mountain god Zhou Yan. With Yang Taizhen's help, he completed the "True God Transforms into the Mountain" painting. Even so, Li Zhiwei still felt strained, but fortunately, he finished it.

Throw this [True God Transformation of the Mountain Map] into the altar and burn it.

The divine will pointed directly at Zhou Yan.

Zhou Yan sensed that the girl on the other side had clasped her hands together, closed her eyes, and prayed. The incense smoke gathered and transformed into layers of blessing that fell on Zhou Yan. At this moment, the power of the ninth-rank painter Xuan Guan, under Yang Taizhen's blessing, temporarily became the only temple priest for Zhou Yan, the mountain god.

Through prayers at the altar, the divine image that all beings yearn for is bestowed upon Zhou Yan.

In a short period of time, by consuming incense, Zhou Yan's power will tend towards the legendary form. Both his strength and speed will be greatly enhanced, and the extent of the enhancement will be related to his legendary status and the amount of incense consumed.

This time, the legend used is the one that Li Zhiwei and Zhou Yan spread in Chang'an City during their last collaboration, namely, "Yisheng Hujie Lingying Xianwei Shanjun".

In an instant, Zhou Yan noticed that his incense power was being greatly depleted.

At the same time, mist emanated from his body, transforming into a suit of luminous armor, boots, and a heavy sword in his hand that carried a faint aura of incense and divine power. His strength increased dramatically in a short period of time, and some spells that could even be used appeared in his mind.

There's even a set of sword techniques that's incredibly powerful but for no apparent reason...?
Wait, this is how you use an iron mace?!
No, Miss Li, how did you paint this picture?
Zhou Yan vaguely realized that this young Miss Li had directly incorporated the essence of her teacher, the painting master Wu Daozi's "Door Gods Painting" into her work, thus incorporating a trace of the divine essence of Qin Shubao.

"Horses trampled both banks of the Yellow River, and maces struck three prefectures and six counties."

"The Taoist sect claims that Zuo Tianpeng has descended to earth. This famous general was very powerful in history. Wait a minute... In this era, the Yellow River actually has a River God, right?"

Zhou Yan sensed that, after being harmonized by the painter, the divine aura formed by the incense power resembled armor. He now felt like he had become a divine pilot. A thought flashed through Zhou Yan's mind.

[The Holy Protector of the Realm, Manifesting Power and Might of the Mountain Lord] is that powerful.

So, if Li Zhiwei were to paint a portrait of the Lord of Mount Tai.

Could it also work?

In other words, with Li Zhiwei around, as long as there is enough incense offering and good fortune, he could transform into the Lord of Mount Tai again? Or at least, he could control a portion of the power of a weakened version of the Lord of Mount Tai.

Zhou Yan exhaled. Over there, Ao Xuantao and the Giant Spirit were fighting. The former had a slightly weaker foundation, but he had stepped into the water veins. The latter had a strong foundation, but it was not his home ground. It was quite a lively fight. Zhou Yan said, "Elder Ao!"

Ao Xuantao turned around and transformed into his true form. The dragon's claws struck the giant spirit's body, forcing the giant spirit to revert to human form. Although it was tall, it was still able to escape from the dragon's claws, which were hundreds of feet long.

The giant spirit had three holes drilled deep through each of its shoulders.

The interplay of metal and water, with the ever-flowing water constantly entwining, prevented his mountain god body from recovering. The giant spirit's power weakened, and seeing Zhou Yan actually rushing over on water, Zhou Yan, wielding the Tai character jade talisman, could obtain some of Ao Xuantao's power and control the water system for a short period of time.

The giant spirit said gruffly, "Good, well done!"

With a heavy slash of his Mo Dao, Zhou Yan raised his sword. His divine body at this moment told him the style and method of his swordplay. As a result, the Giant Spirit immediately realized that the Taoist who had fought him with a bold spirit and an extraordinary ferocity during their previous encounter had undergone a drastic change in his swordsmanship!
It's like someone who was just okay with swordsmanship suddenly becoming a master swordsman.

Even if one only grasps a portion of its essence, even if one only transforms the iron mace into a sword technique.

Qin Shubao is still Qin Shubao.

He was a top-tier warrior who had become a deity in human form and whose horse trampled the Yellow River.

Zhou Yan, wielding his sword, fought against the giant spirit general whose earth veins had been severed and whose shoulder had been pierced by a dragon claw. The two were locked in a fierce battle, consuming incense offerings to gain short-term combat power. Although they had not yet reached the sixth rank and had not undergone a fundamental transformation, it was enough for the moment.

Zhou Yan, clad in divine armor and wielding swords in both hands, used the instincts granted by Qin Shubao's divine aura to find an opening in the giant spirit general's attack. He thrust his sword straight into the giant spirit general's right eye. Even one of the most renowned mountain gods of this era...

Facing the spirit of Qin Shubao.

In terms of moves, they were broken after only thirty to fifty rounds.

The Earth Soul Heavenly Collapse pierced the opponent's eye, and the Eight Heavenly Dragon Fire directly melted its eyeball. The Giant Spirit General roared angrily, but the sound could not be heard. The sound of the flowing water suppressed the Giant Spirit General's roar, creating an effect similar to a mystical altar.

The Earth Spirit and Heavenly Collapse pierced deeply, and the giant spirit was about to grow another arm, when it suddenly trembled.

Zhou Yan dodged the desperate move, and the giant spirit staggered backward, its huge hands covering its eyes. Even its massive sword fell into the water. The giant spirit's eyes turned into glass beads, with only its vertical pupils, representing its divine status, filled with angry bloodshot veins.

"How dare you! How dare you!!!"

"In that case, die with me, God!!!"

The giant spirit suddenly went berserk. He clenched his five fingers, and a bright ball of light appeared in his hand. This ball of light caused Zhou Yan's pupils to contract, and his divine eyes showed faint golden ripples. He saw that the ball of golden light was actually composed of many undulating fragments.

The broken Dao fruit of the Lord of Mount Tai.

After being shattered by Zhou Yan's final strike, it scattered across the world.

However, these fragments are unlikely to fall into the hands of ordinary beings. The gods of mountains and rivers in various places will naturally collect them as treasures. As one of the famous peaks of the Huashan mountain range, the current Yuntai Peak God General has naturally collected many.

"I originally wanted to see if I could refine it to break through my cultivation level."

"Since you two are pressing me so hard, I won't let you off easy!"

The giant spirit laughed loudly, tilted its head back, and swallowed the Mount Tai Dao Fruit directly into its belly. It felt the immense power stirring it. The Mount Tai Dao Fruit, which it had never been able to understand no matter how it studied it in the past, was now inexplicably intense today!
Could it be that the Dao Fruit of Mount Tai is not something that can be obtained through normal enlightenment?
The giant spirit of the cloud platform, its body enveloped in a powerful blue light, felt the immense power within it. It swayed, its body continuously growing larger, and exclaimed in admiration:

"This is the power of Lord Taishan. It's a pity, a pity. If we were on Yuntai Peak right now, if my Yuntai Camp were here, neither of you would have escaped. But, it makes no difference today."

"Be buried here with me!"

The giant spirit burst into laughter, but Ao Xuantao looked at Zhou Yan: "My... young master!"

Zhou Yan said, "Elder Ao, please help me!"

"Yes!"

Ao Xuantao transformed into his true form, roaring like a dragon, and charged towards the giant spirit general who had begun to grow even larger again. At the same time, he stirred up layers of waves, which rose up and transformed into chains that bound the giant spirit general's limbs.

"How can the mere Jing River be compared to the mighty power of Mount Tai?"

The giant twisted its wrists, its hands brimming with dense earth energy, and seized the churning water vein chains, freeing itself from their control. It said, "A mere trick, yet you dare to use it to make me laugh!"

Amidst Ao Xuantao's dragon roar, he lowered his head and struck with his dragon horns.

The giant spirit appeared indifferent, but in reality, it dared not be negligent. It transformed into a giant, grabbed the dragon's horns with both hands to avoid being directly killed by them, and stepped on the water, sliding backward and stirring up waves that crashed against the rock walls on both sides, making a roaring sound.

The giant stepped back with its right foot, stomping heavily on the ground to steady itself.

"Haha, you mudfish, you've run out of skills!"

"This is Mount Tai..."

A figure leaped into the air from the dragon's back.

Zhou Yan appeared in front of the Giant Spirit General. The Giant Spirit General grabbed Ao Xuantao's dragon horns with both arms, thus leaving his hands unused. He transformed his body, growing two new stone arms that reached out to grab Zhou Yan, while simultaneously trying to retrieve the treasure at his waist.

The six massive, mountain-like boulders swirled and crashed back. Ao Xuantao roared, and the water veins transformed into whirlpools, pulling and tugging. The giant spirit general's arm suddenly snapped shut, but then a sword rang out. The magic sword transformed into a gust of wind, grabbing the giant spirit general's arm at that moment.

Zhou Yan passed through calmly.

The giant spirit remained calm. He believed in the power of Mount Tai, which was even more powerful than the True Lord of the Western Peak. Even a broken Dao Fruit must have immeasurable power. He could feel it now, feeling the immense power within his body!
"The protective spirit of Yisheng should display its power..."

"Once I reclaim this power, both of you will die."

In Louguan Road, the young female painter who had opened the altar was pale and panting heavily. The blessing spell had disappeared, and Zhou Yan's incense power had been greatly depleted, leaving only about five units, equivalent to the incense of five thousand households for a period of time.

Then the light emanating from his body dissipated, representing the fabricated legend of the "Yisheng Protector of the Realm Spirit Manifesting Majesty Mountain Lord." His power vanished, and he returned to being the young Taoist. Then, Zhou Yan placed his palm on the giant spirit general's brow.

Golden ripples spread out from the depths of his pupils.

The jade talisman with the character "泰" (Tai) circulated among the people.

Divinity ascends.

The giant spirit felt the Taishan Gongdao Fruit fragments he had devoured surging towards his brow like rivers flowing into the sea. The force was so violent that it damaged his meridians. He instinctively tried his best to suppress it.

But it's no use.

Zhou Yan pulled his palm backward, and a faint stream of light spread out. The fragments of Taishan Gong's Dao Fruit transformed into streams of light, flying out from between the giant spirit's eyebrows with a firm speed, landing in Zhou Yan's hand, and turning into pure streams of light.

The giant spirit disappeared after it had just tried to devour the power of Mount Tai.

Reverting to his taller human form, the giant spirit stared at the young Taoist before him, at the obedient stream of light and fragments of the Dao Fruit in the latter's hand. He gazed at the young Taoist, observing the inner light emanating from his pupils.

"You are not the Holy Protector of the Realm, the Manifesting Mighty Mountain Lord..."

"You are……"

His gaze froze.

They saw the Jinghe Dragon King transform into human form and stand respectfully to the side. They saw the Taishan Gongdao Fruit fragment in the Taoist's hand lose its original ferocity and untamed nature. The golden light dissipated, and with a flick of the wrist, it all disappeared and entered the Taoist's body.

His eyes naturally emitted a golden light.

The giant spirit's mind went blank. The rock armor representing the convergence of power from Yuntai Peak crumbled layer by layer. His mind was collapsing under the powerful suppression of his status. His voice trembled as he said:

"Mount Tai, Lord Fu?"

(End of this chapter)