Even as they released their auras, Ning Changge remained as still as a deep ocean, showing no sign of disturbance.
Exchanging a glance, the Dragon and Wood Island Masters spoke in unison:
"Little Immortal, forgive us!"
They had no intention of holding back. If they were to demonstrate their strength, they would do so fully.
The Dragon Island Master was the first to act.
A terrifying sword intent erupted from him, sharp enough to tear through the void. The air seemed to fill with the stench of blood, as if a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood had materialized.
Huang Yaoshi and the others turned pale.
It was hard to imagine how someone who had spent decades in seclusion on an island could possess such a murderous sword intent. It was as if he had been a general guarding the border for years.
Blood-red light radiated from the Dragon Island Master, and a massive crimson sword materialized at his side. His brow furrowed with a savage killing intent, and his true energy surged.
The Wood Island Master was no less formidable.
With his white beard and brows, he exuded an aura of unshakable calm. His presence was like a towering mountain, oppressive and immovable.
Unlike the Dragon Island Master's violent sword intent, the Wood Island Master's aura was enigmatic and profound. It shifted between the weight of a mountain and the lightness of a feather, seamlessly transitioning between extremes.
He extended his hand, and a green fist imprint materialized, radiating true energy.
Though less visually striking than the Dragon Island Master's display, the Wood Island Master's technique carried a subtlety that suggested a higher level of mastery.
Huang Yaoshi and Feng Heng exchanged a glance, their expressions grave. The Wood Island Master's fist technique was endlessly variable and utterly terrifying. Just watching it made them feel as though they might cough up blood.
"It seems the world has underestimated these two island masters," Huang Yaoshi murmured. "They've kept a low profile on Xia Ke Island, but it's clear that even among Land Immortals, they are not weak."
In a sense, the two island masters were true seekers of the Dao. They cared little for fame, dedicating themselves to the study of the stone wall's martial art, content to live in seclusion for decades. Such determination was rare.
A hint of respect flickered in Huang Yaoshi's eyes.
"This is the Sword Dao of Slaughter, derived from the stone wall's martial art!"
"This is the Fist Intent of Weight, also derived from the stone wall's martial art!"
The two island masters spoke in turn, their voices filled with confidence. These were the fruits of their decades of study, and they intended to show Ning Changge the power of the stone wall's martial art, hoping to earn his respect.
At this moment, they were using their full strength, short of a life-and-death struggle, to demonstrate their paths to Ning Changge.
For the first time, Ning Changge's expression shifted. Watching the two display their paths, a spark of interest lit his eyes.
His Observation Eyes activated without him realizing it.
Mana flowed through him, enhancing the power of the Observation Eyes. He could now see the underlying connections between the seemingly disparate Sword Dao of Slaughter and the Fist Intent of Weight.
For the first time, he was genuinely intrigued.
It seemed the Tai Xuan Scripture was not as simple as he had thought.
"Impressive," Ning Changge remarked, a hint of admiration in his voice. He understood the island masters' intentions but didn't take offense. Whether or not he would go to Xia Ke Island depended solely on whether the Tai Xuan Scripture piqued his interest.
For now, however, he needed to assert his dominance.
Standing beneath the swirling peach blossoms, Ning Changge looked like an immortal. With his left hand behind his back, he raised his right hand and pointed. A black flame appeared at his fingertip.
A minor divine ability—the Samadhi True Fire!
The moment the black flame appeared, the Dragon and Wood Island Masters felt a chill run down their spines. A sense of impending doom gripped them.
Before they could react, Ning Changge's calm voice rang out:
"This is my divine ability, the Samadhi True Fire. It burns essence, spirit, and energy."
The two island masters were horrified as the black flame split into two and shot toward them, deceptively slow yet impossibly fast.
An overwhelming sense of pressure enveloped them.
Huang Rong and the others watched with wide eyes, their hearts filled with anticipation.
They knew this was the divine ability Ning Changge had just comprehended, the one that had caused such a phenomenal disturbance!