Daoist Competition

The physical body is, after all, the foundation of cultivation and the abode of the divine soul. If it is damaged, there is no hope of perceiving the Great Dao. Therefore, when Nascent Soul Third Realm cultivators travel with their Dharma Bodies, they invariably find ways to store their physical bodies in a secure location, surrounded with layers of prohibitions. The Dharma Body cannot travel too far, and upon sensing any threat, it will promptly return to avoid being ambushed.

Loose cultivators like Hui Xuan, lacking a mountain gate as reliance, are inclined to hide their physical bodies in unknown places. They venture forth cautiously and will not engage in combat unless absolutely necessary.

Zhang Yan, however, differs from the others. After escaping with his Dharma Body, his entire Power Dao cultivation remains intact, and he is cloaked in two layers of treasure clothes. Although unable to fly using mana, he can still control the Demon Storage and Da Wei Cloud Palace, allowing him to retreat into them timely in case of danger.

Yet he has heard whispers that in the Mingcang Sect, a Nascent Soul Third Realm cultivator, if their Dharma Body is exceedingly accomplished, the sect will invite a Cave Heaven True Master to forge a Refined Hut that can fly and navigate, ensuring the physical body is stationary and protected from outside threats.

As to whether this is true, it can only be confirmed upon returning to the sect.

Three months later, there was an explosion in the Earth Fire Sky Furnace, fierce qi soared into the sky and the furnace fire blazed. Over ten Dharma Treasures with flashing Spirit Light flew out, scattering and dancing wildly across the sky. Attracted by the spiritual mechanism of the earth veins and surroundings, they hurriedly threw themselves out, yet were obstructed by the Forbidden Array, unable to escape, and crashed everywhere with loud thuds.

One of them mindlessly flew to Ye Lanzhu’s location. Her cultivation was still shallow, and after guarding the Forbidden Array these past days, she was already weary. Sensing the anomaly, she instinctively lifted her Xuan Guang to meet the Treasure Mirror.

Inexplicably, the Qi Mechanisms of both combined, and after she withdrew her Xuan Guang in surprise, she discovered that she was holding a copper mirror. Its front featured a phoenix head design, lifelike in appearance, with two small wings, not feathers nor silk, shining brightly, flapping lightly, full of spiritual nature.

She immediately liked it, unable to put it down, and unknowingly carried out a rough sacrificial refinement. Realizing her mistake, she exclaimed in shock and knelt in the direction of Zhang Yan, fearfully pleading, "Master, forgive me. Disciple did not intentionally take this treasure."

Zhang Yan glanced over, smilingly said, "You have been guarding here for many days, it is indeed a labor of love. As this treasure is fated with you, keep it then."

After speaking, he waved his sleeve, collecting all Dharma Treasures within, transforming into a stream of Clear Light, returning to the mountain gate within an hour.

Once he entered the Cave Mansion, he summoned Jing You and said, "Call the elders, sect leaders from various sects to gather at my peak, I have things to say."

Jing You bowed deeply and swiftly went down to deliver the orders.

The message quickly spread to immortal cities and sects everywhere. Figures like Tang Jin and Song Chuyuan did not delay and immediately set aside what they were doing to head to the mountain gate.

In Mountain Outside Da Xiang Immortal City, upon receiving the flying book, Wu Suquan did not immediately set off but first asked his apprentice Shen Dong to discuss the matter with him, ending with a sigh, "True Master Zhang is not from this continent; he is a cultivator from East Splendor Continent. Master Zhang once said he would return to his mountain gate sooner or later, and it seems he truly intends to leave this time."

Shen Dong, now nine feet tall, robust in form, his thick beard descending to his abdomen, naturally imposing, of excellent aptitude and blessed with the Gui Ling Sect inheritance, further supported by the immortal city for cultivation, nearly ninety years in cultivation, is now in the Hua Dan Realm, upon hearing this, delightedly said, "I hope uncle allows me to accompany True Master Zhang to East Splendor."

Wu Suquan raised his head, gazing intently at him for a moment before sighing slightly, "I have consulted Daoist Zhang before, and he said he can bring along a nephew. But... have you truly made up your mind?"

Shen Dong, with a firm expression, said, "Master Zhang previously remarked that East Splendor Continent’s cultivation techniques, divine skills, and the cultivator’s disposition far surpass those of East Victory Continent. Since the Pavilion Master is returning to the mountain, it is fitting to accompany him for experience."

Wu Suquan sighed, "But I heard East Splendor Continent is facing a great calamity now. Going there might be less stable than cultivating here."

Shen Dong with a bold spirit, said, "Bound by one place, how can one progress? The Gui Ling Sect inheritance I received requires battling and fighting for enlightenment and improvement. The more conflict, the faster the cultivation progresses; how can I miss such a great opportunity?"

Wu Suquan’s gaze was somewhat complex. Shen Chuyu was cautious and frugal in life, never expecting to have such a bold and courageous son.

Shen Dong added, "Uncle, although you and Junior Master Qian each hold an immortal city, in truth, it is under another’s roof. Han Yuan Sect disciples may not say it openly, but in reality, they do not necessarily keep us in their eyes. If I, as the younger generation, make a name for myself in East Splendor, no longer will anyone underappreciate disciples from Gantang Temple."

Wu Suquan shook his head, "Daoist Zhao and Elder Wang treat us well, no one looks down on us. It’s your own competitive nature that is too strong."

Shen Dong slighted, Wu Suquan and that Master Qian are Nascent Soul cultivators, so of course, no one dares to disrespect them, but as for contemporaries, it is hard to say.

He did not argue but simply let out a loud laugh, saying, "That is not bad; I am determined on the Great Dao in this life. Without fighting for it, sitting here, will opportunities just fall from the sky?"

Wu Suquan sighed, "Since you are already decided, I won’t advise otherwise. But your Shen family line is single-pass inheritance, before you leave, you must leave offspring. I have already found a woman among the Wu clan juniors; though it’s just Xuan Guang cultivation, she fits you."

Shen Dong froze, with a slightly strange expression but, after a moment of contemplation, agreed. Then he kowtowed to Wu Suquan and said, "This departure to East Splendor, uncertain when I might return, possibly never to meet again. Please take care, uncle."

Having said so, he bowed deeply once again and rose, walking out of the main hall without looking back.

...

...(To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.com.)