The Cloud Wandering Old Man’s ultimate ambition had always been the Cloud Top Immortal Palace. For this goal, he could forsake all else, including the gnawing jealousy and deep-seated hatred that consumed him. The Cloud Top Immortal Palace was his deepest obsession, a yearning etched into his very being. He wouldn’t hesitate to abandon his animosity, even promising Dou Mian an equal share of the spoils, solely to achieve his purpose.

Yet, for Dou Mian, the circumstances were entirely different. Back at the Welcoming Guest Pavilion, he had possessed the ability to break the Mountain Character Seal, but had deliberately refrained, reserving a killing blow, poised to unleash a counterattack should the Cloud Wandering Old Man attempt to take his life. To this end, he had watched the Dissipating Dou Zhan Golden Body with wide eyes, a calculated display of weakness. However, the Cloud Wandering Old Man had released him, choosing instead to first seize the Cloud Pattern Token held by the White-Clothed Daoist Boy.

To continue waiting for an opportune moment, or to strike forth and challenge destiny – at that moment, he had already made his decision. The reason for relinquishing the Cloud Pattern Token lay in the fact that he had already lost the direct confrontation with the Cloud Wandering Old Man. Aside from employing a hidden killing weapon for a surprise assault, he lacked the confidence to turn the tables. He had originally resigned himself to the Cloud Wandering Old Man’s occupation of the Cloud Top Immortal Palace. Little did he anticipate the frequent twists of fate; in the end, it was the Ling Xiao Pavilion, who had not entered the Welcoming Guest Pavilion first, that arrived.

He seized the opportunity to provoke the Cloud Wandering Old Man, hoping to exploit his disordered mind and complete a counter-kill. But before he could act, the Welcoming Guest Pavilion had already taken the lead, pushing them aside. Changes were ceaselessly occurring; after being expelled from the Welcoming Guest Pavilion, the Cloud Wandering Old Man chose to rush towards the mountain peak…

Now, Dou Mian faced a new choice. With his strength, aligning himself with either side would undoubtedly alter the trajectory of the situation.

Dou Mian held the Tian Ye Knife in his hand and lauded, “A brilliant strategy!”

“However…” he paused, his tone shifting. “What if that young man remains unthreatened? If it were you, would you sacrifice the Cloud Top Immortal Palace for the sake of a mere woman?”

“Naturally not!” the Cloud Wandering Old Man declared, simultaneously engaging the Four-Winged Ink Warrior and speaking. “But he dare not disregard the threat, for he is an invited guest of the Ling Xiao Pavilion. Should any misfortune befall Ye Qing Yu here, Ye Ling Xiao will not let him off!”

“Indeed, you speak the truth!” Dou Mian’s smile abruptly vanished. “Pity, I too fear Ye Ling Xiao’s wrath!”

He turned to Ye Qing Yu and proposed, “Young Lady Ye, how about a deal? Once your companions emerge, regardless of the inheritances within the Cloud Top Immortal Palace, grant me three portions, and I shall guarantee your safety and assist you in slaying this vexing old man!”

For Ye Qing Yu, this deal should have been immensely profitable, offering an immediate escape from her predicament. Moreover, having likely incurred the profound displeasure of the Cloud Wandering Old Man, Dou Mian displayed considerable sincerity, even stepping back proactively without waiting for her response. “Two portions! I desire only two portions! And the Great Chu Dou Clan will henceforth be allies of the Ling Xiao Pavilion. My Ling Kong Hall will offer you all protection and assistance!”

But Ye Qing Yu simply shook her head gently. The movement was subtle, yet unwavering.

“Brother Dugu is my friend, not my subordinate. The Cloud Top Immortal Palace is his gain, and I cannot be so magnanimous as to use another’s possessions to decide for him.”

“If he is truly your friend, he will not refuse this deal,” Dou Mian observed, speaking slowly. “After all, how could a friend stand by and watch you perish?”

“Perhaps he will not refuse, but that is his concern, and it is a decision only he can make.”

Ye Qing Yu activated her divine ability, a Cloud Pattern appearing between her brows. This Cloud Pattern was simple in form, yet possessed an ethereal nobility. The subtle glow of the Cloud Pattern imbued her usual peerless clarity and beauty with a touch of divinity, as if a goddess had descended upon the mortal realm.

She declared, “He makes his decision, and I make mine.”

Dou Mian’s smile chilled. “No room for negotiation?”

Ye Qing Yu remained silent, but her answer was undeniably clear.

“Young Lady Ye… it seems you leave me with no alternative!” Dou Mian rotated the knife in his hand and, without hesitation, directly cleaved towards the Seven Color Flag Cloud Car. He, a direct descendant of the Dou Clan, could not leave Chi Yun Mountain empty-handed, slinking away with no gains. Securing just two portions of the Cloud Top Immortal Palace’s harvest, he believed, was already a considerable restraint. Coupled with the goodwill of the Great Chu Dou Clan, it was a proposal far exceeding its cost. Yet, it had been refused! Was the Ling Xiao Pavilion on Cloud City truly this arrogant?

He had initially made a calm choice, opting for a smaller yet more stable harvest. But Ye Qing Yu’s refusal had stripped him of all alternatives. If he did not wish to gain nothing at all, then he could only agree to the Cloud Wandering Old Man’s suggestion – from this, one could discern how foolish this Ye Qing Yu woman truly was! She possessed only an empty shell!

The Tian Ye Knife sliced through the vast sky, its exaggerated blade, resembling a knife for dissecting cattle, moved freely in the air, effortlessly tearing open the deep blue light barrier and cleaving towards Ye Qing Yu on the Seven Color Flag Cloud Car. The third style of the Dou Zhan Seven Styles, precisely Skin Defeat! Specifically designed to destroy cultivated skin!

And at the same moment, continuous explosions erupted in the air, scattering countless fragments of Four-Winged Ink Warriors. The Cloud Wandering Old Man, who had coldly awaited Dou Mian’s decision, finally unleashed his full might, instantly crushing the valuable two Four-Winged Ink Warriors. Together, they lunged towards Ye Qing Yu.

The Cloud Pattern between Ye Qing Yu’s brows indicated she had already employed the Cloud Seal divine ability. With a point of her right hand, the flowing clouds in the sky transformed into galloping horses, enraged lions, fierce tigers, and hungry wolves… Countless cloud beasts surged forth, instantly overwhelming the Cloud Wandering Old Man.

Seal, meaning to seal or bind. In ancient times, some used the term “Cloud Seal” to refer to Daoist talismans. However, the true Cloud Seal divine ability was “using clouds as seals, commanding heaven and earth!” Simply put, in specific manifestations, it could significantly shorten or even eliminate the mudra formation time, as the Cloud Seal divine ability itself replaced the need for hand seals.

Chong Xuan Sheng’s rapid hand seals could achieve a “pseudo-instant cast” effect for Dao techniques within a certain timeframe, essentially accelerating the mudra formation process. Conversely, the application space of the Cloud Seal divine ability was far more expansive, its effect more refined. The essence of the Cloud Seal was “commanding seal,” and its manifestation was “replacement”!

Daoist talismans cultivated to a profound level could summon deities and exorcise ghosts, suppress demons and subjugate spirits, representing a first-class method. The Cloud Seal divine ability, once matured, was similarly potent. The reason ancient people used the term “Cloud Seal” to refer to Daoist talismans was precisely because the Cloud Seal divine ability, when cultivated to a superb level, could even replace talismans!

After several hundred years, the Cloud Seal divine ability reappeared.

With a point of her right hand, Ye Qing Yu commanded the cloud beasts to attack the Cloud Wandering Old Man. With a point of her left hand, she activated the green flag. The Seven Color Flag Cloud Car suddenly accelerated, attempting to escape Dou Mian’s knife momentum. Then, the yellow flag moved again, and right at the peak of Chi Yun Mountain, four tall stone figures swayed upright, breaking through the wind and fearlessly lunging towards Dou Mian! This sequence of casting techniques was dazzling, as the Cloud Seal had replaced all traditional hand seals.

Dou Mian’s knife momentum remained unchanged, moving like a fish in water, easily parrying the attacks. With a mere brush, the physical bodies disintegrated, their outer layers peeled away, and the four tall stone figures instantly collapsed. And from the mid-air, the voice of the Cloud Wandering Old Man, filled with envious hatred, echoed.

“This divine ability fruit…”

Endless light feathers exploded from his center, instantly clearing away the attacking cloud beasts. Within the magnificent light and shadow, his face was contorted with fury.

“You actually consumed the Cloud Seal!”