Daoist Competition

But it is precisely because of this that the Three Sects are more vigilant towards visitors from the Outer Continent.

Seeing the atmosphere become slightly tense, Chen Yuan, who had been silent thus far, spoke: "Sect Leader Qiao is correct. Since we are all Xuanmen Sect Disciples, there is no need to differentiate between closeness or distance. Sect Leader He, do you not agree?"

He Yizhu could not discern what Chen Yuan’s intentions truly were, but at this point, it was inappropriate to continue to haggle, so he reluctantly nodded and said, "Sect Leader Chen makes a valid point."

Sect Leader Qiao laughed heartily, and the displeasure that had been on his face vanished. He said, "It’s rare for us masters of the Four Great Sects to gather here. We should enjoy a good drink together, and leave aside any trivial matters. Everyone, please join me at the table."

While the crowd drank and feasted, Ancestor Hui Xuan and Daoist Ji had already arrived outside the Southwest Dragon Pillar.

The Nascent Soul cultivators from the Zhongtai Sect had all gone to attend the feast, leaving only a few disciples here, who were naturally unable to stop the two.

The two streaks of tunneling light circled several times in front of the Dragon Pillar, then descended before a stone cavity surrounded by rubble. Daoist Ji revealed his presence, he glanced at the ground where a pit had long been cleared out, dark and bottomless, and a trace of mysterious brilliance appeared in his eyes.

However, he did not rush downward. Instead, he turned to look at the "Triumph Banner" floating in the sky in the distance and said sarcastically, "Daoist Hui Xuan, it seems that the Zhongtai truly does not trust you."

What Sect Leader Qiao placed the Triumph Banner here was not just to intimidate the Three Sects Practitioners; there was another purpose.

According to prior plans, no matter what Hui Xuan acquired, he must leave it behind, while pretending to steal books and depart.

If he had ulterior motives and did not act according to prior plans, the treasure flag would hinder him, and it wouldn’t be long before numerous Zhongtai cultivators would arrive.

Ancestor Hui Xuan said indifferently, "I have long anticipated whatever schemes Qiao Huanjuan has in mind."

Daoist Ji asked, "So does this mean, fellow Daoist, you have a method to counteract it?"

Ancestor Hui Xuan said solemnly, "This matter is very simple. After obtaining the Daoist Books, if there’s someone to assist, you can hand them over. Then, once the Flag Gate opens, you can think of ways to retrieve them, and he would never expect a fellow Daoist is present here. With our combined strength, even if Du Shixun arrives personally, it would be of no use."

Daoist Ji was momentarily stunned, not expecting the method to be so straightforward. However, upon further thought, it was indeed a clever approach. Qiao Huanjuan had made such elaborate arrangements and would certainly let them go when time was right. As long as the flag array was opened, it would become much easier.

But he still had one doubt, so he asked, "This place is only about three hundred miles from the feast location. I have heard that Daoist Zhang excels at the Sword Escape Technique. It won’t take long for him to catch up to us. Do you have a way to handle this?"

Ancestor Hui Xuan replied expressionlessly, "My disciple will naturally cover for us."

Daoist Ji glanced at him several times, then suddenly laughed, "Good, those who accomplish great things do not worry about trivial matters. Sacrificing a disciple is nothing, you can just find another one later on. But have you decided where to go once it’s done?"

This time, the banquet location by Zhongtai was arranged with great care, right on the eastern side of the Dragon Pillar, meaning that after they succeed, they can only choose from north, south, or west.

And north is Divine House Mountain, now all sealed by the Han Yuan Sect’s forbidden array. If they wish to go this way, they can only sneak past through the Extreme Sky.

But he was unwilling to do so. Although sneaking through the Extreme Sky was unobstructed, it was also equally exposed, easily detected by cultivators of similar cultivation.

Furthermore, as far as he knew, there were at least three Nascent Soul Guests in Divine House Mountain, especially one whose Daoist Skill is exceptionally strange, with profound Escape Skill mastery, surpassing them perhaps is impossible. Depending on the forbidden array to hold them for some time, it might indeed stall them long enough for Zhang Yan to catch up.

As for the south, that was the territory of the Southern Three Sects. Heading there, the Three Sects would equally not let them evade and can’t go there either.

Therefore, only one option was left.

Ancestor Hui Xuan said solemnly, "Head west."

Daoist Ji fixed his gaze on him, "Are you sure about this? The west is the important territory of Zhongtai."

Ancestor Hui Xuan replied calmly, "All those in Zhongtai with some Daoist Cultivation are at the feast. As long as we don’t head towards Xisheng Mountain, there is no threat to either of us."

"Then where do we go next?"

Ancestor Hui Xuan seemed to have everything figured out, saying with confidence, "We will go nonstop all the way west across the sea, make it to West Ji Sea Realm, and then pretend to be moving north. Since Qiao Huanjuan knows of my relationship with the Python Clan, he will surely think I am going to seek refuge with them, and will likely dispatch people to intercept us in the Northern land. Yet, I intend to do the opposite."

Daoist Ji felt a thrill in his heart, "To the south?"

Ancestor Hui Xuan nodded, "Precisely, I believe Daoist has also thought of this. We will circle around South Guanghai from West Ji Sea and finally head to East Hao Sea. There lies a Ten Thousand Islands where we can directly enter the Little Cang Realm. Once we hide within, no matter how the Four Sects search, they won’t find us."

"Little Cang Realm, Little Cang Realm."

Daoist Ji murmured twice. For thousands of years, although many have entered the Little Cang Realm, the true Mountain Gate location is unknown. After all, this realm forms its own world, a method left by an Ascended True Master. At least in the East Victory Continent, no one has found it yet. He solemnly turned to look directly and said, "I didn’t expect Brother Hui Xuan to have such skills, even persuading the Realm Master of Little Cang."

Ancestor Hui Xuan said, "Da Mi’s Handwriting, who wouldn’t want to see it?"

Daoist Ji smiled mysteriously, "Da Mi’s Handwriting?" He shook his head and, with a leap, descended into the pit, disappearing instantly.

Ancestor Hui Xuan frowned in thought for a moment, first swept his eyes around the surroundings, then equally transformed his Mana, turning into a tunneling light, heading downward.

...

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