644 The Dao Child Moves
Zhang Youji’s sudden display of a potent lightning technique left the surrounding experts from the six royal clans awestruck. A single burst of electricity had taken down an elder with ease. Such devastating power was on par with the Flower Demon Monk, who boasted the formidable dragon-subduing Arhat body. Coupled with its stealthy nature, the technique was a force to be reckoned with.

This Dao Child of the True Path Sect, previously dismissed by many as an eccentric, had now risen to become the most formidable foe of the six royal clans.

“Stay alert!” cautioned the grand elder of the white tiger clan.

Suddenly, a group of demons, with sharp fangs and shimmering armor formed from their scales, approached the elders. As they transformed, their auras grew even more menacing.

“Is this a gift from the Sacred Heart Sect?” mused Zhang Youji. “I always suspected the six royal clans wouldn’t be mere puppets of the Sacred Heart Sect based on a mere verbal agreement.”

The white tiger elder, undeterred by Zhang’s words, replied with a smirk, “We’re just using each other. And if the Sacred Heart Sect indeed holds the key to atavism, serving them might not be so bad.”

“Ah, the wisdom of an elder who’s lived for a millennium,” remarked Zhang Youji, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Before he could continue, the transformed demons lunged at him.

“Eight Directional Lightning Pillar!” Zhang Youji called out. The ground around him erupted, with bolts of electricity branching out in all directions.

Any demon touching these bolts met an instantaneous end, reduced to nothing but ashes. The immediate area was cleared, with remnants of the defeated floating in the air, sending chills down the spines of the observing elders.

This remarkable display drew the attention of the three sects’ martial artists and other witnessing prodigies.

“Is that Zhang Youji’s lightning technique?” Warriors from the three sects gasped, their eyes wide with disbelief.

The True Path Sect martial artists were especially astounded. Despite having trained for over thirty years, Zhang Youji had never publicly shown this power. Even his peers and mentors hadn’t seen it. But when he finally decided to unveil it, he chose the formidable Eight Directional Lightning Pillar from the True Path Sect’s repertoire.

“Why on earth did he try to take on the grand elder of the white tiger clan all by himself?” Uncle Master Fei exclaimed, worry evident in his voice. Without hesitation, he attempted to push through the dense crowd, aiming for the heart of the six royal clans’ domain.

“Hold it right there,” a clan elder challenged, blocking Uncle Master Fei’s path and attempting to trap him.

Flower Demon Monk observed with intrigue, “He’s not just anyone. With his lightning and stealth skills, he’s likely a top assassin from his time.”

Ding Chuan nodded in agreement.

Simultaneously, the leading disciples from the four courtyards and the Arhat began to focus their efforts towards the center of the six royal clans, causing a stir on the battlefield.

“Looks like I’ve really landed myself in a mess,” Zhang Youji muttered, rubbing his temples. But even in the face of danger, he seemed relaxed.

“Show me what the famed Dao Child is capable of,” the grand elder of the white tiger clan said, standing firm and unmoved. As he spoke, waves of demons approached. With a hint of mockery, he added, “How many times can you use your Eight Directional Lightning Pillar?”

His intent was clear: to wear Zhang Youji down using sheer numbers. To them, if a mere Dao Child could be defeated by countless ordinary demons, it would be a huge win.

For a heaven’s favorite, if kept alive, would eventually rise to prominent positions. A grand elder, if not a king. Their power could stabilize realms for centuries. So, the opportunity to take Zhang Youji down was one they wouldn’t miss.

“Eight Directional Lightning Pillar!” Zhang Youji summoned the force once more, wiping out his enemies. But the energy drain was evident — his complexion turned ghostly pale, and his breath wavered.

The relentless six royal clans sent another wave of demons, giving him no respite. This ongoing battle mirrored the broader conflict between the Great You human race and the royal clans.
In terms of governance, the six royal clans had an edge. Their sheer dominance and the innate fear the lower-level demons felt toward the purer-blooded ones made it difficult for resistance to emerge.

Whenever the royal clans advanced, they did so with overwhelming force. Their increasing human-like transformations over the years had put the three sects at a disadvantage.

The final showdown, which the sects had been hesitant about, seemed to be getting postponed indefinitely. As time dragged on, humanity might just miss its last opportunity in this prolonged standoff.