Daoist Competition

The little boy before them is indeed a suitable candidate, but this sect was obliterated by Da Mi in previous years. If he accepts the position of Daoist boy, he must bear the consequences.

Shen Dong showed determination on his little face and said, "Father once said, the cultivation techniques of Gantang Temple offer no path to reaching Grotto Heaven. Even if this boy practices diligently, he’ll at most stop at the Nascent Soul Realm in this life, with no hopes of avenging Father. Rather than this, it might be better to seek another school and ask the Daoist to grant this." Saying this, he knelt down.

Zhang Yan chuckled and said, "Alright, let’s see how far you can go."

He retrieved a Jade Talisman from his sleeve, infused it with Mana, took a step forward, and gently tapped Shen Dong’s forehead.

Shen Dong instinctively leaned back slightly, feeling a chill on his forehead. He touched it with his hand, but found that the Jade Scroll was nowhere to be seen.

Zhang Yan said, "Once you’ve opened your meridians in the future, you’ll be able to study the scriptures within. For now, there’s no need to rush."

Shen Dong knelt down and bowed his head. "Thank you, True Master, for the grace of transmitting the teachings. This boy does not know how to repay, but hopes the True Master will allow him to serve as a disciple."

Zhang Yan glanced at him, lightly smiled, and said, "No need for that. If there are any unclear matters regarding the cultivation technique, you are permitted to ask me once a year."

Wu Suquan was worried. "Trouble! My nephew is intelligent, but this time he’s too clever for his own good. To seek guidance, one should be forthright. True Master Zhang is the one transmitting the Dharma; how could he ignore you? I hope this doesn’t annoy him."

Shen Dong trembled lightly, evidently realizing Zhang Yan saw through his little scheme, and remained bowed on the ground for quite a while, not daring to rise.

Wu Suquan sighed, helped him up, and solemnly advised, "Dong’er, among us are many brilliant minds, yet only a few truly accomplish something. The Cultivation Path ultimately relies on sincere heart and effort. Don’t engage in underhanded tactics; that’s not the right path!"

Shen Dong lowered his head, thought for a moment, then looked up and said, "Yes, Dong’er thanks Master Uncle for the teachings."

Zhang Boyant, listening nearby, snorted disdainfully.

On the Cultivation Path, it’s always about striving and competing. Blind cultivation alone will lead nowhere. Mindful strategies are necessary; when opportunities arise, one should seize them regardless of consequences. Constant retreat and humility—how can one prevail?

Gantang Temple, despite having three Nascent Souls and a thousand-year inheritance, has ended up so because of constant weakness.

He didn’t think Shen Dong’s earlier cunning was wrong; rather, he felt a touch of admiration for his talent. However, despite Shen Dong being by his side for some time, this thought did not occur to him. Clearly, no mentor-student fate between them.

Just then, Zhang Yan’s expression shifted, revealing an attentive demeanor; after a while, he said solemnly, "Daoist Zhang, first take Sect Master Wu and return to the Mountain Gate. My master-uncle is here, no need to worry about anyone stopping you."

Zhang Boyant responded, "I understand."

Wu Suquan saluted, "This little Daoist will make arrangements now."

The two of them both bowed to Zhang Yan, then took Shen Dong out.

Upon arriving at this immortal city, the Gantang Temple disciples gathered in one place to prevent any unforeseen circumstances. Within moments, everyone assembled.

They made brief discussions and quickly boarded the Flying Boat. With a shake of the token, a cloud of light rose beneath, carrying them out of the immortal city.

However, for caution’s sake, they didn’t head directly north but first moved west, planning to circle around from West Ji Sea Realm to Divine House Mountain.

Just three or four hundred li from there, the boat suddenly shook, Spiritual Energy surged in waves, causing everyone inside to lurch about.

Wu, Zhang, and another Master Qian immediately exerted their Mana to suppress the disturbance; after progressing another hundred li, they finally stabilized.

Once settled, no one knew what had just occurred. Then someone suddenly shouted, pointing behind, "Look quickly!"

They turned back to see three streams of Clear Qi rising through heaven and sea, surging from three directions. Though hundreds of li away, the vast sea offered an unobstructed view, revealing their forms indistinctly.

From the north came what seemed like a grand pen wrapped in auspicious clouds, golden stem and silver tip, swirling ink within; the east featured the Coiling Phoenix Stele, resembling a talisman and sword, with tail feathers swaying, shimmering star flow; south displayed a lidless Treasure Tripod, auspicious qi abounded, inscriptions floated round, three dharma forms extending a thousand li, forming an encircling stance.

Wu Suquan stiffened for a while before exclaiming in shock, "That—that is the Cave Heaven True Masters of the Southern Continent’s three sects..."

Even Master Qian stood frozen with fear. After some time, he recovered and hastily said, "Senior brother, if the Cave Heaven True Masters begin fighting, we cannot withstand it. We must swiftly leave here."

Wu Suquan worriedly said, "Those are three Cave Heaven True Masters; I wonder if True Master Zhang’s teacher can handle them?"

Zhang Boyant sneered; though unaware of which Mingcang Cave Heaven True Master had come, he didn’t consider the three in heaven his match, simply saying, "Why worry, Dean Wu? Master Qian is right—once the Cave Heaven True Masters engage, the area within a thousand li might be overturned, so it’s wiser to leave quickly."

Just then came a thunderous vibration across heaven and earth, the sea cracked and waves broke, a towering mountain arose from the clouds, stretching a thousand li, frost and water spilling, wielding grandeur opposite the three dharma forms. It not only held its ground but seemed to surpass them.

The Flying Boat beneath them wobbled violently from surging Spiritual Energy, nearly overturning, before stabilizing again. This time, they dared not linger further, repeatedly shaking the token, turned into a light rainbow, and hastily sped westward.

...

... (To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read on m.qidian.com.)