Stop it, Taoist, Your Fight almost Ruins the DAO!

Yue Qingzhu looked at Yi Chen's expression, laughed playfully, and walked to the other side of the pond, where she too brought out a bamboo chair and a fishing rod to get started.

"Yi Taoist, what do you think of the current state of Dragon Tiger Mountain?" she asked lightly, eyes on the float in the pond.

Seeing her as a fellow fisher, and considering she was his master's cherished niece, Yi Chen replied perfunctorily, "Naturally, it's at its zenith."

"Do you mean to say that Dragon Tiger Mountain is about to decline? That's quite in line with what I've observed," Yue Qingzhu's laughter chimed like silver bells as a large carp got hooked.

"Heh heh, whatever you think," Yi Chen's mindset underwent a slight change, and he baited another spot.

"Yi Taoist, since you're breeding fish here, why don't we see who can catch more? If I lose, I'll reveal to you something about your master's past. If I win, you join my ranks and work for me. I guarantee that the one troubling you will leave you in peace, and I'll provide all the resources you need for your cultivation," Yue Qingzhu proposed with a giggling voice, a hint of inexplicable meaning in her gaze.

"What are you up to?" Yi Chen asked, puzzled.

"What do you think about this dynasty having a female emperor in this generation?"

"Heh heh, there has been no precedent for a female emperor in Da Yue."

"Then why not start with me? That would set the precedent," Yue Qingzhu said earnestly, the playful smile vanishing from her face.

Just then, a breeze blew, pressing her long dress snugly against her body and revealing her lovely curves.

Yi Chen took a deep look at Yue Qingzhu, and for a moment, he couldn't gauge the depths of the woman before him.

He felt that she wasn't merely boasting. Judging by her confident expression, it seemed she really had the capability.

He just didn't know who stood behind her, giving her the confidence to deal with the trouble his master had caused.

However, he had no interest in meddling with royal struggles, so he remained silent.

"You don't believe me? Heh heh, the force behind me greatly surpasses your imagination," the beauty said as she untied the purple ribbon that held her hair, shaking her head gently. Her ink-black hair danced in the wind, and at the same moment, a transitory burst of True Person-level pressure flashed.

The purple ribbon turned out to be a treasure that concealed one's presence.

A look of surprise appeared on Yi Chen's face as the aura exhibited by Yue Qingzhu was even a notch stronger than that of the ascended sword immortal, making him realize he had underestimated her.

But it wasn't unusual for someone from the royal household, who was now all mysterious and had such treasures.

With this thought, Yi Chen let go of his concerns.

It was none of his business; he had no intention of getting involved with Yue Qingzhu anyway.

He wasn't like the brothers Dragon and Tiger, who would swoon over her.

It had nothing to do with him.

"Yi Taoist, you can't completely trust the Dragon Tiger List," she said.

"I came to Dragon Tiger Mountain this time just to probe the situation. The rumors about a marriage alliance you've heard are just that—rumors. How could the court let a potential True Monarch seedling marry into Dragon Tiger Mountain?"

"I'm disappointed. Dragon Tiger Mountain is like an old man in his twilight years. Apart from Zhang Daoyi, none of the younger generation caught my eye. I didn't expect that meeting Yi Taoist would be such a pleasant surprise," Yue Qingzhu commented with a smirk that was not quite a smile.

At that moment, she lifted her rod and caught another red carp.

"Dragon Tiger Mountain, with its ten-thousand-year legacy, has survived numerous cataclysms. You might be oversimplifying things. In an era of great contention and chaos, talents are emerging everywhere. Though Dragon Tiger Mountain has its chronic ailments, its foundation remains, and it may yet produce several more dazzling figures," he replied.

"The affairs of Hidden Dragon Temple, a minor place, really don't interest me," he retorted.

"Qingzhu Daoist, considering the relationship between my master and your aunt, I'll offer one more piece of advice," he continued.

"Whatever your aims and plans might be, I hope you won't be too arrogant."

"Just like with this fishing, do you think you've got me pegged?" Yi Chen turned to her and said seriously.

He was not one to lose his way upon seeing a woman.

"Impossible, utterly impossible. How could you beat me?" Yue Qingzhu exclaimed in surprise as another big crucian carp bit the hook.

"It's entirely possible."

"Qingzhu Daoist, you're going to suffer a big loss," Yi Chen said with a cold smile, picking up Little Miao by the scruff of her neck and tossing her into the water.

The sound of crackling electricity followed as electrical arcs encircled Little Miao's paws; due to consuming the power of the Mountain Lord of Black Wind, the electrical arc was now stronger than before.

Countless plump fish flipped over, bellies up, floating on the water's surface.

Little Miao, adept at the task, hung three fish on each of Yi Chen's two hooks and even dragged Yue Qingzhu's unclaimed big crucian onto the shore.

An empty catch was never an option; it was never going to happen in this lifetime.

"Who even plays traditional fishing nowadays~"

"Let's go, Daoist Qing Zhu, I wish you good luck."

"Just don't forever add gold thread for others to make their wedding dresses."

Dusting his behind, Yi Chen tossed the items and the fat fish into his storage ring and swiftly sprinted towards the direction of Heavenly Azure Court.

"Having not seen him for a few days, Yi Chengzi seems somewhat different from before, his scent is off, and it seems he has grown stronger."

"If previously he resembled a great sun, now it is as though atop that great sun there twines the figures of dragons and tigers, truly strange."

Born with a naturally clear and spiritual Daoist body, Yue Qingzhu's sensory perception was exceptionally sharp. Watching Yi Chen leave, she furrowed her brow and a trace of doubt flickered in her gaze.

As for Yi Chen's refusal, she didn't feel too much regret, for the karma Bai Yunzi had tied was too immense, so much so that even she and the power behind her would need to pay a huge price to mediate.

"Yi Chengzi, you have no idea what you've missed out on."

"You should first make sure to survive."

"The assassin sent by that person is probably already on their way."

Yue Qingzhu furrowed her brows and, with a snap, unexpectedly broke her fishing rod into two pieces. She

tied back her purple hairband, regaining her previously sweet and cool demeanor, yet in her heart she took Yi Chen's warning a bit more seriously.

…

…

Heavenly Pillar Peak.

Zhang Hu was discussing something with a gaunt Daoist.

"What? Hu, you want to enter the Wind Thunder Secret Realm for a retreat?"

"If something happens to you inside the Wind Thunder Secret Realm, not even your father could save you."

"Why not make gradual progress?"

Zhang Hu's face showed a resolute expression, "Father, in this era of great contention, how can one afford to make gradual progress? The path to Daoist fruit always forges through seas of blood; without trials and tribulations, your son will ultimately not become a true powerhouse."

"If the elder brother can go, so can I."

"Petty tricks will never reach the hall of elegance; if I want to become the second Daoist of our Sect, my own strength must also be solid."

True Person Yuan Shan couldn't help but show a look of great admiration at these words.

"Good! Good! Good!"

"If my son has such domineering ambition, how could your father not consent? Truly worthy of being the Zhang family's unicorn. Take this Thunder Wind Bead with you, it may save your life in a crisis."

"I'll speak to the Sect Leader about getting you into the Wind Thunder Secret Realm, remember, to come back alive."

"Go and prepare."

Zhang Hu respectfully took his leave.

The room descended into darkness.

Suddenly, True Person Yuan Shan said, "Cheng Shan, send two more bottles of Nourishing Origin Pills to that Yi Chengzi as my token of gratitude."Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"My son has become lazy; I don't know how he was inspired by him, but let's count this as his merit."

…

…

In Heavenly Azure Court, Yi Chen looked at the two bottles of Nourishing Origin Pills on the table, overjoyed.

They had just been delivered by a young Daoist boy, who said they were a token of gratitude from Zhang Hu.

"Brother Daoist Hu is really too courteous, too generous."

"This is an acknowledgment of poor Daoist me."

"If Brother Daoist Hu is generous, I, Yi Chengzi, mustn't fall short."

"I surely must make a gesture in return."

Yi Chen quickly ran out and wandered around; by this time, he was somewhat of a known figure in Dragon Tiger Mountain, especially after his battle with Zhang Hu.

Along the way, many people asked Yi Chen about the battle; he would shake his head and sway, adding, "Brother Daoist Hu's cultivation is astonishing, no less than poor Daoist me!"