Daoist Competition

He was just about to order someone to apprehend the figure below, but to his surprise, the shadow slowly vanished, transforming into a black Dharma Sword about four feet long.

His eyes twitched, realizing he had been outwitted. He hurriedly retreated, but it was too late. Two beams of yellow light from above struck him with a loud bang, causing him to tremble violently.

Fortunately, he had the Shanxiang Elixir for protection. Although the light was fierce, it didn’t harm him; however, a layer of Treasure Light was dispersed. Realizing he couldn’t withstand several more attacks, he immediately contemplated retreat.

Looking up, he saw the two yellow beams blocking the way back to the Jade Plate. He roared, activating the Kuxin Sect’s Secret Technique. From within the Gang Cloud above, three flames gradually emerged, colored blue, white, and red. They combined in the center, entwined into a cluster, spreading a hundred-zhang blazing fire cloud, attempting to force a path through it.

But the two beams of yellow light simply swept over, dispersing the flames effortlessly, and then, like scissors, crisscrossed downward, causing the treasure light on He Yizhu’s body to visibly diminish.

Seeing this, He Yizhu was understandably panicked and shouted, "Wait, I’m willing to give you the Treasure Bead, but you must let me return."

Shang Qingjun spread his hands and said, "Hand it over."

He Yizhu had no choice but to take out the Nine Yellow Bead. He wanted to set some conditions, but felt his hand empty, as the Treasure Bead flew away on its own.

Shang Qingjun opened his mouth, swallowed the Treasure Bead, and ignoring He Yizhu, broke free and departed.

Just as he broke through the Gang Cloud, reaching the Extreme Heaven, that Dharma Sword suddenly trembled, escaping from his mana’s command. From the sword came an anxious voice, "Guo Monarch, why didn’t you kill them all?"

The person known as "Guo Monarch" replied indifferently, "He Yizhu is a Sect Leader. Killing him would cause too much trouble. His backing is Cave Heaven True Master, and my body is still under sealing prohibition. I don’t want trouble."

The voice from the sword added, "But you promised beforehand, as long as I help you control the sword, I wouldn’t implicate Brother Shang’s sect. Your actions just now clearly frame him!"

Guo Monarch replied calmly, "And what do you intend to do?"

"If you don’t resolve this, I won’t help you anymore."

Guo Monarch’s voice turned cold, "Do you really think I can’t accomplish my goals without you?"

The person within the sword stood firm, "You described the appearance of the person with the bead. I deduce he is Zhang Daoist, Master of Divine House Mountain Immortal City. His Sword Escape Technique is excellent. Without my help using the Dharma Sword, capturing him would be impossible."

Guo Monarch’s gaze turned deeper, "Is he truly as formidable as you say?"

The person inside the sword merely snorted.

Guo Monarch pondered, "The Four Seas Jade Plate Prohibition is solid; He Yizhu is like a startled bird now, killing him is no longer an option. At worst, after your sects clash, I will assist your Fengxiang Sword Sect."

After saying this, he waited for a moment, noticing the silence of the person in the sword, interpreting it as acquiescence. A strange smile spread across his face as he summoned the sword, initiating a swift tunneling light, flying towards the Northern Continent.

Five days later, at Hongyu Mountain, Guangchi Peak.

Inside Sky Soaring Palace, a stifling atmosphere prevailed.

Chen Yuan’s expression was stern as he looked at the four elders seated, saying, "I summoned you to inform about an issue. Sect Leader He just sent word that Brother Shang killed two elders and a hundred disciples from his sect en route. If we don’t hand over Shang Qingjun and provide a satisfactory explanation, he will arrive with over ten thousand disciples to demand justice personally."

These words shocked the faces of all elders into disbelief.

Yanghong Sword Master Zhu Xuan expressed disbelief, "I know Brother Shang’s skills well. Although those accompanying elders from Kuxin Sect may not be his opponents, to defeat Sect Leader He’s entire entourage of over a hundred people is simply impossible!"

Great Elder Long Jingcheng cupped his hand, "Sect Leader, is there some misunderstanding? Isn’t Brother Shang at Gantang Temple? How could he ambush Sect Leader He midway?"

Chen Yuan’s voice was somber, "That’s what worries me. What if it really was Brother Shang?"

Long Jingcheng widened his eyes, "Sect Leader means about that seal..."

He seemed to realize his mistake and stopped speaking, but the elders undoubtedly grasped the implication, sharing knowing looks.

Shang Qingjun does not possess such power, but if he took something while they attended the banquet in the Northern Continent, then that would spell trouble.

Chen Yuan turned his gaze to one location, "Elder Xu, has Brother Shang sent any letters recently?"

Elder Xu replied, "The letters arrive once every seven days; if nothing happens, it should come today."

Chen Yuan decisively said, "There’s no need to wait. Elder Xu, set out for Gantang Temple immediately and clarify this matter."

Fengxiang Sword Sect has spent over a hundred years on that sealed area and cannot afford any failures.

Elder Xu solemnly saluted, "I will obey the decree."

Long Jingcheng stroked his beard, "The situation there is indeed uncertain, but we must guard against Kuxin Sect’s retaliation. One elder alone may not be adequate; perhaps send another with him."

Chen Yuan nodded, "That’s right, caution is wise. Junior Brother Zhu, accompany Elder Xu."

Zhu Xuan did not immediately accept the order but raised his head, "What if we encounter Brother Shang, what should we do?"

Chen Yuan was silent for a moment. He untied a Dharma Sword from his waist and threw it down, saying, "First, investigate whether Kuxin Sect’s affair is indeed his doing. If it was, ask if he is willing to return. If he agrees, treat him kindly to keep him steady. If he refuses, use my Yuji Sword to kill him and bring back the head."

...

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