Daoist Competition

In the grand hall, Zhang Boyant was seated with Wu Suquan and Shen Chuyu around Yongming Well.

At this moment, both Wu and Shen had faces full of bewilderment. Earlier, although they intended to deceive the Fengxiang Sword Sect and secretly move the disciples away, they never considered opposing them. Now with Shang Qingjun dead, Gantang Temple was on a dead-end path.

Out of necessity, they imprisoned Shang Qingjun’s disciples and sealed the mountain gate, preventing anyone from entering or leaving.

This person originally communicated with the sect every seven days; even if they could conceal it for a while, the Fengxiang Sword Sect would sooner or later notice something amiss.

Wu Suquan said with difficulty, "True Master Zhang, what should we do now?"

Zhang Boyant said sternly, "If both of you are willing to lead your disciples to join my Han Yuan Sect, our Sect Leader will assist you in resisting the Fengxiang Sword Sect."

Wu Suquan considered his words and replied, "But Divine House Mountain is in the Extreme North, more than a hundred thousand miles from our Gantang Temple..."

Though situated in Southern Continent, he had heard of Zhang Yan’s reputation. Anyway, distant water can’t quench near thirst; conversely, the Fengxiang Sword Sect is quite close, could reach here at any time. Even if they defected to Han Yuan Sect, what use would it serve?

Zhang Boyant saw his reluctance, so he continued, "Then leave here, settle within Divine House Mountain. Our sect is allied with Zhongtai. No matter how formidable the Fengxiang Sword Sect is, they won’t pursue as far as Northern Continent. You’ve seen the situation that day; there’s surely an evil being lurking under the seal. Leave or stay, the decision is yours."

After hesitating for a long time, Wu Suquan finally sighed and said, "At this point, there’s no other choice."

Shen Chuyu said, "Brother, I have heard Zhongtai’s banquet has dispersed, and Sect Leader Chen will soon return to the mountain gate. But if we take the disciples north, it will take at least half a month. Along the way, the news can’t be concealed; if the Upper Sect, the Fengxiang Sword Sect, hears about it and sends someone to delay us, escape would be impossible."

Wu Suquan’s face turned pale, saying, "How could they return so quickly?"

Zhang Boyant sneered, "Why should the two of you worry? If the Fengxiang disciples dare to pursue us, they’ll be slain with a single sword."

Wu Suquan was startled, repeatedly shaking his head, "No, no, absolutely not. This method isn’t proper."

Having long been under the profound authority of the Fengxiang Sword Sect, even if planning to defect, he dared not entertain any thoughts of resistance.

Shen Chuyu cupped his hands and said, "Brother, I have a plan. The disciples can be divided into multiple groups, and whoever manages to escape will be purely by fate."

Wu Suquan thought for a moment and sighed, "For now, this seems to be the only feasible method."

This move would indeed sacrifice some disciples, but it could allow the majority to escape. After pondering for a while, he said, "Thus it shall be decided. Brother, summon the disciples to prepare, we move tomorrow."

Shen Chuyu stood up saying, "Yes, I will prepare right away."

Zhang Boyant, however, said, "Daoist Shen, wait."

Shen Chuyu immediately stopped and looked seriously at Zhang Boyant, not daring to disregard him, "True Master Zhang, do you have more instructions?"

Zhang Boyant chuckled and said, "I dare to assert that the Fengxiang Sword Sect surely has spies within your temple. Once the disciples scatter and escape, there will swiftly be a letter sent to their sect with a report. Perhaps within a day, enemy forces will arrive."

When Wu Suquan heard this, he was at a loss, "Neither option works; what should be done?"

Zhang Boyant said, "Actually, the solution is simple. Just need one person to stay and guard, while another takes the confidant disciples and follows me first. It’s less likely to attract notice and can conceal the news. Just depends on whether both of you are willing."

Wu Suquan took a deep breath and said solemnly, "I am the Dean of Gantang Temple; I should stay. Brother, you go with True Master Zhang."

Shen Chuyu hastily jumped up, loudly arguing, "Absolutely not. You are the pillar of the sect; how could you be lost? Let me stay."

Wu Suquan straightened up, saying seriously, "Brother, do not argue with me. As the Dean, I command you; tomorrow you take the disciples to Divine House Mountain, without fail."

Shen Chuyu had no choice but to sigh heavily, raised his hand, and said, "Shen Chuyu follows the order."

After the three discussed the details again, they each returned to make arrangements.

The next day, Zhang Boyant arrived at the hall but did not see Wu Suquan, only Shen Chuyu sitting there alone, accompanied by a young child.

After sitting down, he asked, "Where is Master Wu?"

Shen Chuyu stood and bowed deeply to Zhang Boyant, saying, "Brother Wu is the head of the temple; his Daoist cultivation and divine skills surpass mine. He must not be wasted here. I have used the elixir pills left by Senior Brother Zeng to put him into a slumber. Please, True Master Zhang, take him first, and I will guard this place, ensuring no information leaks."