Bai Yichen's heart sank. Before the dark yellow figure began clapping, he had completely failed to notice anyone else nearby.
Though it was partly because he hadn't been operating the Sitting and Forgetting Heart Refinement method constantly, it still showed how profound this person's concealment skills were.
Did they also see him hide behind the tree, change his shape, and put on the mask?
Moreover, this person recognized the Four Symbols Open Heaven Palm.
Bai Yichen quickly circulated his Heart Refinement method, refining the many turbulent thoughts, and with a clear mind, he suddenly realized that his life had been too smooth sailing.
He was merely a youth of sixteen or seventeen, youthful and vibrant, having succeeded in several plans and easily breaking through to the Innate stage, which inevitably led to some complacency on his part, underestimating the many heroes and fierce figures in the martial world.
In the end, he had only been an accomplished Innate in his previous life and wasn't even among the very top in the martial arts world; how could he be so self-satisfied and arrogant?
With his thoughts swirling, the reality was but a fleeting moment. Bai Yichen had quelled his delusions and became more composed and humble.
Then he composed himself and carefully observed the dark yellow figure.
As the shadow faded away, the person revealed a towering figure with a powerful aura. What stood out most was the mask they wore, with golden scales shining under the sun like a burst of golden light, and a pair of dragon-like eyes shining brightly.
The newcomer was the Dragon of the twelve zodiac signs—Chen Long.
"Ah, so it's Brother Chen Long! Haha, thank you for the compliment. I didn't expect my Open Heaven Palm to be so formidable, able to rival the signature martial arts of Xuanzhen Temple. It seems my year-long seclusion wasn't in vain."
Bai Yichen greeted Chen Long before glancing sorrowfully at the Monkey's corpse and saying, "Alas, it's a pity that Brother Monkey listened to some rumors, thinking that I hadn't been able to attend the meeting due to my seclusion, believing I was already dead. He acted hastily without fully assessing the situation and lost his life for nothing! What a pity!"
"Those who spread such rumors are truly despicable!"
Chen Long appeared somewhat taken aback by Bai Yichen's bold statement, momentarily at a loss for words. However, he quickly adjusted his thoughts and replied, "Ugly Bull, you are quite humorous, but I wonder if the others among the twelve zodiac signs will believe it, especially the Rat, who has seen the Four Symbols Open Heaven Palm."
Chen Long stared at Bai Yichen, as if trying to see through the mask to the face beneath.
"Such top-tier martial arts have their origins, and it's rare for them to suddenly appear out of nowhere.
"I know that in this world, there are only three people in the Xuanzhen Temple who can use this martial art, and as far as I know, two of them are still in the temple and have not yet emerged, and this third person..."
Bai Yichen quickly interrupted, feigning being caught, and said helplessly, "Alright, alright, you, Brother Chen Long, are indeed the most perceptive. I was secretly attacked by that kid from Xuanzhen Temple and had no choice but to leave early. I spent time healing and cultivating until recently, when I learned that kid had come out, so I went to ambush him and got the Four Symbols Open Heaven Palm from him."
The two exchanged glances, and the air seemed to freeze, falling into silence. For a moment, neither broke the silence. A breeze blew by, carrying a hint of killing intent, as if a confrontation was about to unfold.
But then Chen Long burst into laughter and said, "It seems I have underestimated Brother Ugly Bull, to be able to cultivate such profound martial arts without guidance. Your talent is extraordinary!"
"You're too kind; it was only after experiencing some fierce battles that I gained insight." Bai Yichen said this, but it was hard to conceal his pride.
Chen Long furrowed his brow, looking at Bai Yichen with suspicion. Could he truly have misjudged him?
He then asked, "What did you do with that kid, Shao Chong?"
"Xuanzhen Temple is a major sect, and now it seems to be on the rise. After confirming the palm technique, I let him go," Bai Yichen waved his hand dismissively.
"Let him go? Brother Ugly Bull, do you know that someone in the organization is looking for his head?" Chen Long laughed disdainfully at this.
"Let him go to take care of himself; what does it have to do with me? Do you think my Innate status is easily attained?"
"And you, Chen Long, asking questions left and right. Don't think I don't know your intentions; you were probably in cahoots with the Monkey and are now looking to take advantage of this to snatch the treasure map."
Bai Yichen used his years of experience as a killer, speaking in a cold tone as if angered, while his internal energy erupted, a wave of Innate pressure colliding unceremoniously with Chen Long.
However, he truly felt somewhat annoyed. "Ugly Bull," what a strange title!
Doesn't he know that titles are very important in the martial world? As the saying goes, "In the martial world, there are only wrong names; there are no wrong titles." Can't you see he was revered as the Nine Thousand Years Old in his previous life?
Should he simply take this Chen Long's title for himself? It would pair perfectly with his own Cloud Dragon Technique.
But before he could make up his mind, a more profound internal energy, accompanied by an even greater aura, erupted from Chen Long.
He was actually a complete Innate! No wonder he spoke so assertively.
"Are you really Ugly Bull? From what I know, he should be aware of my strength and wouldn't dare to provoke me like this!"
Chen Long cast a scrutinizing look at him again and gradually approached, seemingly intending to strike and test him.
"Hehe!" Bai Yichen let out a cold laugh. Although his realm was a level higher, it was still manageable.
What he was dispelling was excessive pride, not a lack of confidence in his many top-tier martial arts!
A dark golden figure shot forth like a flying dragon toward Chen Long. He seemed unprepared for this Ugly Bull to be so bold and act without hesitation.
In a moment of distraction, he saw the massive Open Heaven Palm floating before him, the Four Symbols revolving and encompassing everything.
But Chen Long's strength could not be underestimated. He exhaled a breath, slightly blocking Bai Yichen's advance, and then his broad palms suddenly thrust forward. In an instant, a fierce and unparalleled palm force surged out.
Chen Long was also using palm techniques.
As their palms clashed, waves of energy surged up, causing the surrounding branches and leaves to rustle violently.
That internal energy felt so familiar, and while the voice had changed, it still bore some remnants of its original tone. Most importantly, their strength was both at the complete Innate stage.
As he circulated the Heart Refinement method and his mind cleared, Bai Yichen seemed to realize something.
So it was him!
Bai Yichen then slightly retracted his force.
Chen Long either sensed something or realized he couldn't subdue Bai Yichen immediately; in any case, he had no intention of continuing the clash and decided to withdraw.
Seeing this, Bai Yichen tested the waters, saying, "Haha, it seems Brother Chen Long is also a wise man, unlike some who die in utter confusion. Speaking of which, your attack techniques bear some resemblance to someone from that battle at Xuanzhen Temple. I wonder if the Rat and others are aware of this?"
Upon hearing Bai Yichen's words, Chen Long did not seem afraid; instead, he spoke intriguingly, "Indeed, battle is the easiest way to remember both your opponents and your teammates."
Suddenly, their gazes collided, and the air was thick with meaning.