Daoist Competition

After guarding beneath the Qian Position Dragon Pillar for over half a month, Zhang Yan heard a series of rumbling sounds from above. Based on prior incidents, this indicated that the Forbidden Array here was gradually easing, with the opening of the pits approaching. Unable to resist, he looked up to observe.

Soon, it seemed as if streams of clear water rushed by, and in the blink of an eye, the original landscape vanished. On the ground emerged a stele about twenty zhang long and seven zhang wide. Surprisingly, the stele’s surface was inscribed with hundreds of Erosion Text.

He slightly raised his eyebrows and went up for a closer look, effortlessly deciphering it. With a contemplative expression, he muttered, "Gui Ling Sect?"

After pondering for a moment, he waved his sleeve, lifting a whirlwind that swept aside the stone slab, revealing a deep pit beneath his feet.

He sensed the surroundings briefly, noting that the spiritual energy inside was scattered without order, likely due to the collapse of the previous Prohibition. Confirming there was no danger within, he descended without hesitation.

Perhaps others might fear that the entrance could be sealed with some methods, but with the Five Elements Escape Technique at his disposal, unless there was a Great Array underground, it couldn’t trap him.

Not long after he descended, the Dragon Pillar at the southern departure position also began to shake.

Mao Wuwei, who was overseeing this area, seemed completely oblivious, still lying on a large stone, soundly asleep. Master Chun Bai from the sect approached softly and said, "Senior Brother, the prohibition below has opened."

Mao Wuwei responded casually, "Let me have a look."

He sat up from the stone, stretched, and then energetically jumped down. Upon reaching the pit entrance, he peeked in and discovered it to be funnel-shaped, wide at the top and narrow below, resembling a water well, barely large enough for one person to pass.

After a while, he gestured, calling Qianqing and Shan Cheng, the two True Masters, to his side, instructing, "Brother, wait here. One of you take several disciples and guard the passage outside the mountain, while the other proceeds to the Extreme Heaven. No matter who comes, block them."

This Dragon Pillar is situated at the precise south position. Just over a hundred miles out is the Five Rivers, flanked by two large mountains resembling a bird spreading its wings, protecting the Dragon Pillar within. Only a narrow pass allows access.

This was originally Xuanyue’s territory, due to its unique geography and strategic significance. Therefore, there are dozens of Dharma Platforms on the mountain, with spiritual prohibitions everywhere. Cultivators crossing this, unless they travel from the Extreme Heaven, even flying birds would find it hard to pass.

Exiting the pass, there is an immortal city called Da Jian blocking the exit, making the defense exceptionally tight, starkly different from other Dragon Pillars.

As the two True Masters and several disciples walked away, only Master Chun Bai remained. He approached Mao Wuwei, saying, "Senior Brother, I have always had an unresolved query and haven’t had the chance to ask. I seek your guidance now."

Mao Wuwei, sensing a deep resentment in his tone, laughed, "You still don’t know what you’re plotting. You are wondering why Kuxin Sect and Fengxiang Sword Sect each occupy two positions, yet I only chose one?"

"Indeed!"

Master Chun Bai protested, "Though our Qingxuan Sect is one of the Southern Continent Three Sects, it might not be as dazzling as Fengxiang or Kuxin, but in terms of disciples and foundation, we are not inferior. Why do they get such great benefits while Qingxuan suffers?"

Mao Wuwei glanced at him sideways, saying, "Thinking you can devour two Dragon Pillars at once, you have quite the appetite, but beware you can’t endure it."

Master Chun Bai, puzzled, asked, "Why?"

Mao Wuwei replied, "I don’t know how many cultivators the Fengxiang Sword Sect has sent, but likely not few. And even more at He Yizhu’s place. But Qingxuan Sect, we have barely a dozen people, and we must secure one place to protect ourselves. If we covet two Dragon Pillars, it would be like opening a fist and losing strength, giving others an opportunity."

Master Chun Bai was startled, whispering, "You mean there are external enemies here?"

Mao Wuwei chuckled, shaking his head, "Hard to say, hard to say. But it’s better to be cautious. You focus on watching things carefully."

He then pointed to the pit, saying, "Go inside and investigate. If there’s a treasure, bring it out. Even if there isn’t, maintaining your safety is paramount."

Master Chun Bai agreed, "Alright, I’ll be quick." Bowing slightly, he leapt into the pit.

After waiting for more than an hour, there was a flash of white light at the pit’s entrance. He emerged, holding something and exclaimed with excitement, "Senior Brother, see what I found!"

Holding out his hand, he revealed a square wooden box. Opening it gently, a jade-like round pearl appeared inside.

As the box lid lifted, a burst of Treasure Light radiated, painting everything nearby in jade hues. It was clearly a strange treasure, especially with its oceanic surge of spiritual mechanism, unmatched by most Dharma Treasures Mao Wuwei had seen in his life. His eyes widened, exclaiming, "What a treasure!"