Daoist Competition

No wonder he had such thoughts, Zheng Weixing and He Li, both Cave Heaven True Masters, had lifespans of three thousand years and had reached the point of burning out. However, more than twenty years ago, just after the Dragon Pillar Ceremony, when the Cave Heaven True Master in his sect was performing Qi Observation, they saw the Qi Mechanism from the direction of Zhongtai originally weakening but then becoming strong again. According to this sign, there would be several hundred more years of vitality, whereas He Li’s direction was like the setting sun, and within a few years it completely vanished.

Before coming to this banquet, he thought it would be no problem to join forces with Fengxiang and Qingxuan, the three sects collectively putting pressure on Zhongtai. Even if they couldn’t prevent the Daoist Books within the Underworld from being taken, they could at least share some benefits. But upon arriving here, he found out that Zhongtai was far more difficult to deal with than previously imagined.

Especially Chen Yuan, who is uncertain of his plans. If the three sects can’t unite, how could Kuxin and Qingxuan alone make this sect yield?

While he was contemplating, Mao Wuwei’s voice echoed by his ear, "Qiao Huanjuan, if he could persuade Chen Yuan, why would he need to set up this array? This time he deliberately treats us with slack, honors Chen Yuan, merely to plant thorns among the three sects, and secretly intends to sow discord. Such means are trivial; Brother Daoist should just ignore him."

He Yizhu chuckled softly. There is some truth to those words, yet each of the three sects has its own agenda, and they have never been a solid front. Chen Yuan surely understands Qiao Huanjuan’s motive, yet not only refrains from leaving but goes willingly. There might be some reason unknown to him.

After they advanced for a moment, Elder Bai announced, "We’ve arrived." He took out a Jade Token and waved it, causing the Triumph Banner below to open into a circular entrance wide enough for the people to pass through. Then he turned back, called once more, and led the way inside.

The cultivators from the two sects followed along, descending into an inner chamber, and what greeted them first was a jade-colored emerald lake, with three towering mountains encircling the surroundings like the Chinese character "品."

On the northernmost mountain, there stood a Golden Jade Platform a hundred feet high and radiantly brilliant, almost akin to recreating the Golden Bell Platform here.

Elder Bai pointed at one of the mountains and said, "Look here, this is the mountain that was moved by True Master Zhang during the fighting using Great Dharma Power."

Upon hearing this, He and Mao both unconsciously gazed at it more.

They had long devised ways to probe the details of the Dragon Pillar Battle. While hearing couldn’t compare to seeing, now encountering this mountain standing right before them, their hearts were filled with awe. How powerful must this mana be to forcibly move it?

Observing their expressions, Elder Bai secretly smiled, knowing he had achieved his purpose, and further added, "Sect Leaders, the Sect Leader senior brother is waiting at the Treasure Platform; please make your way there."

Both men nodded instinctively and began to make their way to the halls below.

Soon, they arrived at the open space before the hall, where disciples came to greet them. Rows of maids, clad in Feather Robe and Rainbow Garb, came out from within, sprinkled water and flowers warmly greeting, while disciples holding pearl lamps cleared the way. Musical sounds of reed pipes and drums stirred around their ears.

After passing through two halls, they arrived before a Golden Hall, where two individuals sat at the highest point. Zhongtai Sect Leader Qiao Huanjuan sat at the head, while beside him was one with dark robes and a black crown, with an extremely stern appearance, the Sect Leader of Fengxiang Sword Sect, Chen Yuan. At this moment, the two seemed like old friends who hadn’t met in years, laughing and chatting merrily.

As he glanced again, not far away at another desk, Elder Yan was greeting a white-haired Daoist, appearing to be of an ancient age, and he assumed it was yet another sect leader, then pointed to ask, "Who is that?"

Elder Bai glanced, "That one is Zeng Conglun. Speaking of his name, the two sect leaders might not know him, but if I mention his senior brother Liu Gongnan, you probably heard of him?"

Mao Wuwei suddenly understood and nodded, "The Stargazing Book."

Elder Bai replied, "Precisely."

Zeng Conglun was honored as a distinguished guest due to the Stargazing Book. However, now with his hair white, he no longer possesses the radiant demeanor from decades ago.

Mao Wuwei smiled and said, "I’ve heard that this book can evade disaster and find life even in perilous situations. It’s indeed an extraordinary treasure. Zhongtai can turn misfortune into fortune, and overcome challenges; perhaps it’s due to the help of this treasure?"

Elder Bai just smiled, choosing not to answer, turned to the hall, and said, "Sect Leader, I’ve welcomed the heads of Kuxin Sect and Qingxuan Sect."

Sect Leader Qiao seemed to notice them only at this moment, appearing delighted, and stood up saying, "Oh, so the two Sect Leaders have arrived, please come and have a seat."

Saying so, he descended from the platform, while He and Mao repeatedly declined politely, and after exchanging pleasantries, ascended to take their seats.

They had just settled, without speaking, when a disciple hurriedly entered from the outer hall, "Sect Leader, Zhang Sect Leader from Han Yuan Sect of Divine House Mountain has arrived."

Sect Leader Qiao suddenly stood up and said, "Let me personally welcome him." Then he instructed Elder Bai, "Junior brother, please entertain the three Sect Leaders for me."

Saying so, he cupped his hands in salute, excused himself, and hurriedly left the hall.

He Yizhu and Mao Wuwei exchanged glances. Before the Dragon Pillar Battle, Zhongtai could pressure Xuanyue with the help of this person. Such actions seemed deliberately staged for them to witness, showcasing the intimacy between the two sects.

Chen Yuan stroked his beard and said, "Wouldn’t the two of you like to go see this Zhang Daoist, whose reputation I’ve long heard of?"

He Yizhu replied, "Certainly."

Mao Wuwei agreed, "I share the same thought."

The three of them stepped out of the hall together, reaching the main gate, where they sensed the spiritual tide surging in Heaven. Looking up, they saw a majestic palace hundreds of feet in size suspended in the sky, with Golden Pillars and Jade Stairs, gleaming eaves, auspicious clouds like wings fluttering at the four corners, accompanied by rumbling sounds of thunder. Then the palace gates opened, and a gentle radiance descended, revealing a hundred or so figures within.

...

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