Daoist Competition

Zhang Yan slightly shook his head and said, "Coming from the Outer Continent, I am not too familiar with this matter."

Yang Xuanlong raised his hand and gestured with his thumb towards the southeast, saying, "Let me inform you, fellow Daoist, in East Victory Continent, if we are to speak of heritage, it’s neither Zhongtai Xuan Yue nor the Southern Continent Three Sects, but the Little Cang Realm that takes precedence!"

Zhang Yan smiled and said, "What does that have to do with me?"

Yang Xuanlong, in an enticing tone, said, "The Little Cang Realm is a small realm established by Ancestor Jing Cang, containing endless mysteries and countless Spiritual Treasures. If one can take it over and relocate the Han Yuan Sect into it, wouldn’t it be thousands of times better than being trapped here?"

Zhang Yan raised an eyebrow, as if piqued with interest, and said, "I have heard that the Prohibitions in the Little Cang Realm were personally set by Ancestor Jing Cang, and for thousands of years, no one has found the entry portal. Yet, according to Daoist Yang, you seem to know its whereabouts?"

Yang Xuanlong moved forward slightly, lowering his voice, "Not to hide from you, fellow Daoist, a few brothers and I have searched the Little Cang Realm for over a hundred years, and we roughly know its location. However, we are hindered by the lack of the entry mantra, always failing to gain entry. I heard that True Master had past interactions with Wei Shuling of the Little Cang Realm. As long as we invite her here and apply a small technique, our wishes could be fulfilled. At that time, our two families could storm the place together. Once successful, fellow Daoist can become the master of the Little Cang Realm, establishing a solid foundation in East Victory Continent, free from external threats."

Zhang Yan gave a sideways glance, with a half-smile, "You’ve informed me of so much, fellow Daoist. I doubt you’ll exert yourself for nothing. What would you require in return?"

Yang Xuanlong chuckled and said, "Naturally, I have my requests, but compared to the position of Realm Master of the Little Cang Realm, they are trivial. It is not convenient to elaborate now, but when the time comes, you’ll naturally understand."

With that, he placed a Flying Book on the table, stood up, and said, "I have treated you with sincerity, fellow Daoist. If you find my proposal feasible, send this Flying Book. I will come to assist you. If you lack the courage, then consider that I never came here. Farewell!" With that, he cupped his hands and strode out.

Zhang Yan smiled lightly and asked, "Have you recorded this man’s appearance?"

Jing You bowed and said, "I already noted his appearance when he came up the mountain."

Zhang Yan nodded and said, "Take it to Daoist friends Song and Tang, have them investigate this man’s background, and report back to me."

Jing You was about to leave when Zhang Yan’s eyes flickered, and he called him back, "Wait, also send a portrait to Zhao Yang and ask if he recognizes him."

Meanwhile, in the Golden Bell Hall of Zhongtai Sect, Sect Leader Qiao Huanjuan was discussing future strategies with several elders of the sect.

Elder Yan said solemnly, "The Southern Three Sects have long coveted us. The alliance between Zhongtai and Han Yuan is a necessity, but our Zhongtai, being the inheritors of Da Mi’s Daoist tradition, cannot under any circumstances become a Lower Sect of Han Yuan."

Sect Leader Qiao smirked and said, "You’re right, senior brother, but with True Master Zheng gone, we have lost our voice in Zhongtai, whereas Han Yuan has True Master Tao backing them, so why would they care about us?"

Elder Yan shook his head, "Not necessarily. I heard from Nephew Du that True Master Tao was invited by Sect Leader Zhang from the Outer Continent, possibly owing him a favor or offering him some Supreme Treasure. This matter can be done once but not repeated, so the Sect Leader need not overthink it."

Sect Leader Qiao found some logic in this. Cave Heaven True Masters are hard to invite; it’s possible Zhang Yan used sect favors this time. To do it again seems unlikely. However, he frowned and said, "Without True Master Tao’s help, even if we ally with Han Yuan, we can’t resist the Southern Three Sects."

Elder Yan sat up straight and suddenly looked serious, saying, "Sect Leader, if Zhang Yan can invite True Master Tao, why can’t we?"

This statement suddenly opened a door in front of him. Sect Leader Qiao was stunned for a moment, then became excited, stood up abruptly, and after a while, slowly sat back down with a hint of expectation, "Are you saying..."

Elder Yan said, "We can send someone to persuade True Master Tao. If he’s willing to protect our Zhongtai Sect, we are willing to ally with Han Yuan and offer him Sacrifice. As long as we endure these few centuries and fully integrate Ancestor’s Mysterious Skill and Divine Skills, our Zhongtai can rise again."

Sect Leader Qiao was doubtful and asked, "Can it succeed?"

Elder Yan, full of confidence, said, "I have heard that True Master Tao is also a respected elder in his sect, located above the outer sea, where the produce is scarce compared to our abundant land resources. Our Zhongtai occupies most of East Victory North Continent with numerous Spiritual Objects, more than enough to sustain a sect, so True Master Tao may agree."

Sect Leader Qiao pondered deeply, saying, "But there is one thing that must be considered: might True Master Tao seize control instead?"

Elder Yan confidently replied, "If he were to stay above the outer sea, then fair enough, but if he truly wants to enter our continent, the three Daoist True Masters in the south may be the first to disagree, so the Sect Leader need not worry."

Sect Leader Qiao was finally convinced, "This plan is excellent, but how can we find this True Master Tao?"

Elder Yan said, "We need Sect Leader Zhang to mediate this. Send more of the Three-flavor Spirit Medicine as a gesture, and I doubt he’ll refuse."

Sect Leader Qiao contemplated, "To show sincerity, we should also send lavish gifts." Then he had a sudden thought, his eyes brightening, "Got it, before True Master Zheng passed, he left a mount. It’s useless in our sect now; we might as well send it to True Master Tao."

Elder Yan frowned, "Is it Master Zheng’s mount? I saw it once, and it didn’t seem very obedient."

Sect Leader Qiao laughed, "Before Master Zheng departed, he left talismanic script to control the beast. It’s quite tame now."

Elder Yan was overjoyed, "Then why delay, Sect Leader? Expedite this mission. The sooner it’s settled, the sooner we have peace."

...

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