The enigmatic Yellow Wind Taoist, undoubtedly, harbored untold tales. But without his willingness to share, those stories remained beyond Chen Guo's grasp. He wasn't one to speculate either.
Yet, when it came to combat strength, both Murong Xiaoxiao's four million and the Yellow Wind Taoist's five million dwarfed Chen Guo's three million one hundred thousand. The Taoist, hampered by poison, had 40% of his combat strength suppressed, likely limiting him to half his potential. Murong Xiaoxiao's four million, on the other hand, was the real deal—no fluff, no padding.
Chen Guo, however, remained unfazed. To him, combat strength was merely a number. The true measure of a trial challenger lay in their talents, and in this regard, Chen Guo's Heaven Level abilities were unparalleled among his peers.
His arsenal included talents that could significantly bolster his own strength, like Omnipresent Duplication, Endless Devour, and Indigo Point, as well as Earth Level talents like the Flying Thunder God Art, which allowed for instantaneous world traversal, the Sacred Counterattack that built up retaliatory strikes, and the ability to manipulate others' heart rates. Each one was exceptional in its own right, and when wielded effectively, they could turn the tide, enabling the underdog to triumph over the mighty.
Chen Guo had even elevated talents that enhanced strength, speed, and attack power to Earth Level. When activated, they provided a substantial boost to his capabilities.
Furthermore, Chen Guo's arsenal of equipment, titles, and accolades all contributed to a staggering increase in his overall defense and attack power.
And with his mastery of a diverse array of skills—so many that he couldn't possibly utilize them all—Chen Guo had yet to unleash his full might on any foe. He was confident that, at full throttle, his actual combat strength could triple the nominal figure, easily reaching nine million.
With a clear understanding of his formidable combat prowess, Chen Guo's confidence was unshakeable, as steady as a seasoned driver at the wheel.
"It's an honor to meet the renowned City Lord Murong and the esteemed Yellow Wind Taoist," Chen Guo greeted with a respectful bow. "Your reputations are well-deserved!"
Chen Guo carried himself with a poised confidence, neither self-deprecating nor boastful, his demeanor unflustered. Murong Xiaoxiao couldn't help but silently commend him for such composure.
Truly, he was no ordinary youth!
"Your name is Lee Xiaoyao, I hear?" inquired Murong Xiaoxiao.
"Correct," Chen Guo responded.
"And you're a disciple of Mount Maoshan?" Murong Xiaoxiao probed further.
"Correct," affirmed Chen Guo.
Murong Xiaoxiao continued, "The Mount Maoshan Sect has long since departed from this realm. With the passing of Shi Jian, the last Taoist of Mount Maoshan, fifty years ago, I was under the impression that the Taoists of Mount Maoshan had vanished... I'm curious, from which nook or cranny did you emerge?"
Yellow Wind Taoist interjected with a cough, "Indeed, the Taoists of Mount Maoshan have vanished from the martial world. Your sudden appearance is quite the enigma, Young Hero. Moreover, the items you've presented are exceptionally unique. We're intrigued by your background. Could you possibly enlighten us?"
Chen Guo understood that the two were in cahoots, aiming to test his mettle. If his abilities were indeed exceptional, he would be welcomed with open arms; if not, the outcome could be less favorable.
It made sense; in this unstable world, power dictated order. Strength ruled, and the mighty were revered.
A young person lacking the requisite power, yet conspicuous, would face immense peril. A single misstep could cost them their life.
With a scoff, Chen Guo retorted, "It appears you doubt who I am?"
"There's no such implication," Murong Xiaoxiao clarified. "It's mere curiosity."
"Why the pretense? We're all formidable beings in this world; let's be direct. Why not just cut to the chase? It seems to me you're both eager to test my skills," Chen Guo stated icily.
"You are refreshingly candid, Young Hero. It's been many years since I've witnessed the might of Mount Maoshan's Taoist arts. Today, I'd relish the opportunity to see them once more. Would you indulge me?" Murong Xiaoxiao asked with a slight smile.
Chen Guo spoke up, "If City Lord Murong is curious about the power of Mount Maoshan's Taoist arts, I won't shy away from a demonstration. Let's give you both a glimpse of what they can do. Who would like to have a friendly spar with me, or should we all engage together?"
Murong Xiaoxiao, with a charming smile, replied, "I'm not in a position to fight, and the Yellow Wind Taoist has been unwell for quite some time. Perhaps one of my subordinates could exchange a few moves with Young Hero Lee?"
Chen Guo responded nonchalantly, "Fine by me. I welcome all challengers."
"Yue Chengming, step forward!" Murong Xiaoxiao clapped her hands. "Commander Yue is the most formidable warrior in my service. He'll be the one to spar with Young Hero Lee."
"Very well, City Lord Murong, I shall test Young Hero Lee's prowess," declared a white-haired swordsman as he emerged from the ranks of the Dark Guards. Despite his youthful face, his hair was already a snowy white, hinting at a life filled with tales.
Dark Guard Commander Yue Chengming, a Level 70 Elite with a Combat Strength of 2,200,000!
Yue Chengming, the swordsman with a staggering combat strength of two million two hundred thousand and a level of seventy, was undoubtedly a master of his craft.
Brandishing a slender black sword, Yue Chengming invited Chen Guo, "Please!"
"Please," Chen Guo echoed, his tone still cool.
"Taiyi Splitting Light Sword!"
Without further ado, Yue Chengming launched his attack, his sword casting a net of light across the sky, with sword qi surging like a dense forest toward Chen Guo.
Whoosh!
Chen Guo unleashed the Flying Thunder God Art, instantly repositioning himself behind Yue Chengming and unleashing the Flame Curse!
A massive blaze erupted from Chen Guo's eyes, hitting Yue Chengming squarely and sending him hurtling through the air.
Yue Chengming tumbled, quickly smothering the flames on his body and raising his sword in defense. But it was to no avail; within moments, his sword melted into a pool of liquid iron, breaking apart and clattering to the ground.
The Flame Curse's inferno split into two fiery columns that struck Yue Chengming's chest, engulfing him in flames. Despite his best efforts to fend off the fire with his Genuine Qi, Yue Chengming was overwhelmed, unable to quench the relentless blaze.
Severe injuries were rapidly spreading through Yue Chengming's entire body.
Boom!
With a surge of Chen Guo's magical prowess, Yue Chengming collapsed to the ground.
Murong Xiaoxiao and the Yellow Wind Taoist leapt to their feet in astonishment.
They were stunned by the display of strength from Chen Guo.
After all, Yue Chengming was a master swordsman.
For them, besting Yue Chengming would normally require at least a hundred moves. Yet, Chen Guo had vanquished him with a single strike, effortlessly crushing him with overwhelming force.
"Please, Young Hero, spare him!" implored Murong Xiaoxiao, as she swiftly moved to Yue Chengming's side. With a graceful gesture, she summoned a stream of crisp, cold air that enveloped him, snuffing out the flames that licked his body.
Chen Guo, meanwhile, closed his eyes and withdrew his magic.