Daoist Competition

After a discussion among several Cave Heaven True Masters, they finally decided to head to the Python Clan.

As they were uncertain when the Guo Monarch might take action, obtaining the True Treasure a day earlier would give them an advantage. Therefore, no one was willing to delay. After speaking, the three True Masters from the Southern Three Sects activated their Mana, transforming into Clear Qi, and rushed into the Extreme Sky.

Zheng Weixing fell behind by a step and turned back, saying, "Sect Leader Zhang, I’ll leave my steed at your Divine House Mountain for now."

Zhang Yan glanced at the Bai Xi lazily lying there and said, "I will have someone attend to it, ensuring it won’t go hungry."

Zheng Weixing, however, didn’t mind and said, "This beast is quite unruly, missing a few meals won’t matter."

With that, ignoring the sharp gaze cast his way, he shook his body and flew into the sky just like the others earlier.

True Master Tao then waved his sleeve, casually dispersing the Qi Mechanism left behind when the others departed. To Zhang Yan, he said, "Daoist Zhang, the winds and waves at the Python Clan are fierce; let me assist you with a talisman. With it, you will have nothing to worry about." As he spoke, he sent a golden light over.

Zhang Yan understood his meaning; when a Cave Heaven True Master flies, it stirs a spiritual tide that is formidable, which a Nascent Soul cultivator cannot withstand. Thus, he did not refuse and allowed it to come upon him.

He activated his Mana, drawing in a breeze from all directions, and before long, it sent him to the cloud edge. Once he reached the Extreme Heaven, he was carried by the spiritual mechanism, flying northward swiftly.

For a moment, he felt the turbulence around him, like thousands of galloping horses running swiftly, with only the howling wind in his ears. Riding the wind, he couldn’t discern the speed.

Unknowingly, they traveled for half a day when he heard someone ahead say, "We have arrived."

His body paused, and raising his gaze, he saw a magnificent immortal city appearing before him. It was shrouded in a golden curtain, half submerged in the sea, half afloat; surrounded by a fortress of black reefs, with boundless azure sky behind, surging sea waves crashing, jade foam splashing, and the roar of the surf echoing through the clouds.

Zhang Yan observed it and found this city scarcely inferior to Zhongtai Danyang City, unsure whether it had expanded since the Python Clan took over or had always been this impressive.

Suddenly, a funnel-shaped mystic smoke surged, with black Qi filling the sky, completely covering the dome. Below, it narrowed into a fine column like a heavenly dragon drawing water. Within, a Daoist in broad-sleeved robe stood faintly visible, though his gaze towards the group was quite hostile.

The group immediately halted. Zheng Weixing looked at True Master Tao and asked, "Sect Leader Tao, are you acquainted with this person?"

True Master Tao smiled slightly and stepped forward, bowing respectfully, and in a clear voice said, "Luo Daoist, it’s been a while."

Luo Mengze’s voice showed no emotions, "Tao Daoist, you’ve become neighbors with Qu Yue, yet you still find leisure to come here?"

True Master Tao responded, "Despite some misunderstandings in the past, we’ve been getting along harmoniously for the past few decades."

Luo Mengze individually glanced over each of their bodies, lingering slightly longer on Zhang Yan, before slowly asking, "What brings you all to my place?"

True Master Tao whispered a few words, explaining the reason.

Luo Mengze was silent for a moment before calmly saying, "I won’t stop you from seeking opportunities, but you can’t take this treasure for free. Something needs to be exchanged."

He wasn’t resentful nor trying to take advantage, but maintaining dignity required it.

If the Dharma Treasure were taken without leaving anything in return, it would demean him among his peers when the word spreads.

Zheng Weixing and others understood his reasons, evidently setting a bottom line, implying that if they weren’t willing, negotiations might fail.

Though the five of them were present, possessing the advantage of overwhelming Luo Mengze, each had disciples and juniors to think of.

If a Cave Heaven True Master isn’t fully eradicated, a counterattack could cause unbearable consequences; hence, with mutual concerns, neither side dared to act unless absolutely necessary.

True Master Tao stepped back, saying, "I accompany Daoist Zhang here without intention of taking the treasure."

Zheng Weixing snorted; though the Da Mi Ancestor had mandated against disciples taking recklessly, he still entertained thoughts of a chance encounter at the Forbidden Land. If the treasure chose him, it wouldn’t violate the ancestor’s directive.

He untied a warm, slick Jade Pendant, tossing it over, saying, "I departed hastily, didn’t carry any treasure; this Jade Pendant is refined by seniors from celestial essence, capable of avoiding thunder tribulation. Giving it to Daoist is putting it to good use."

With his words, he subtly mocked Luo Mengze for being a demon cultivator, hinting that transformation brings thunder tribulation.

Luo Mengze remained unfazed, motioning with his hand, receiving the Beautiful Jade into his sleeve.