Daoist Competition

Zhang Yan could see that Sect Leader Qiao’s initiative to mention past matters was obviously an act of goodwill. He smiled and said, "When this humble Daoist took shelter at Divine House Mountain, I searched for Spiritual Medicines everywhere. Upon learning of this, Prince Ying gifted me quite a few. Hearing that he is now deeply trapped, I would like to ask Sect Leader Qiao for a favor to release him."

Sect Leader Qiao was momentarily taken aback, his expression a bit peculiar, "The matter of Prince Ying?"

Mrs. Zhao suddenly turned her charming eyes and glared at him fiercely.

With a slightly embarrassed expression, Sect Leader Qiao coughed and said, "This matter, Qiao can decide on. Once I return to the sect, I will give Master an explanation."

The royal family of Chu Kingdom belongs to the Xiang Family, descendants of the founding Ancestor, Golden Bell Ancestor, but the current Chu Emperor is actually a female emperor.

After the late emperor’s demise, she usurped the throne as Empress Dowager and ascended to power. To consolidate her position, she offered herself as a concubine to Sect Leader Qiao.

This woman, astute and carrying an exotic fragrance, a peerless beauty in the world, was highly favored. However, she also incited the jealousy of Sect Leader Qiao’s other concubines who, unable to confront her openly, sought to secretly incite several princes to depose and execute her.

Unexpectedly, the plan leaked. Sect Leader Qiao, using the sect’s non-involvement in the Chu Kingdom’s political affairs as an excuse, dealt with several concubines. The Sixth Prince got entangled in the matter as well and was imprisoned.

Zhang Yan, uninterested in these internal affairs, saw that Sect Leader Qiao had agreed and bowed, saying, "Then I thank you in advance."

Sect Leader Qiao quickly said, "It’s only a small matter, not worthy of True Master’s thanks."

At this time, a disciple boarded the carriage and whispered a few words to Elder Bai, whose face showed delight. He turned to Sect Leader Qiao and said, "Elder Brother Sect Leader, a disciple has just reported that he witnessed two tunnels of light heading out of Xuanyue Sect’s Dharma Platform, seemingly external cultivators we had recruited earlier. This indicates that following Rong Junzhong’s defeat, Xuanyue Sect is in turmoil and unable to calm the situation. I am willing to find a way to persuade them to surrender, to avoid further unnecessary conflicts."

"Oh?" Sect Leader Qiao felt a bit surprised but realized it made sense. After pondering for a moment, he said, "It’s not appropriate for you to go alone, Junior Bai. Junior Lin, you should go with Junior Bai, and remember to be cautious."

Elder Lin beside him stood up and accepted the order. The two of them left their seats, bowed, and then took flight using Escape Skill, heading across.

Elder Yan stroked his beard and said, "Sect Leader, even if Xuanyue surrenders, they won’t easily submit and will surely use some tricks."

Sect Leader Qiao nodded, "Let’s wait for the two juniors to return before discussing further."

About two hours later, Lin and Bai returned. Once they landed, Elder Bai quickly approached the carriage, slightly excited, and bowed, "Congratulations, Sect Leader, Xuanyue Sect is willing to surrender to our Zhongtai."

Sect Leader Qiao, somewhat dazed upon hearing this, suddenly stood from his seat, then slowly sat back down after a few breaths. At this moment, his heart was surging; uniting the two sects, fulfilling what previous sect leaders over thousands of years couldn’t achieve, he tried his best to keep his voice steady, gripping the armrest tightly, leaning forward, and asked, "What are Xuanyue’s conditions?"

Elder Bai gritted his teeth and said, "Yang Shuyong didn’t mention much, but he is cunning, expelling all eight protectors and Elder Envoys from the sect."

Sect Leader Qiao was startled, his mind spinning, and he grasped Xuanyue’s intention. Clearly, it was to find an excuse to preserve Primordial Qi while not allowing Zhongtai to take over the immortal city.

Contrary to everyone’s expectations, he was not angry but said, "So be it. Since True Master He is still there, we need not push Xuanyue too far."

Xuanyue Sect has six Nascent Soul Second Realm cultivators in total; except for Jin Ling who was killed by Zhang Yan, five remain. With Zhongtai’s current strength, even if they took them in entirely, it would inevitably disrupt internal stability. Rather than that, it’s better to let them leave.

As for those immortal cities, with the current manpower of the sect, they couldn’t manage them anyway. Efforts can be made to reclaim them in the future.

Elder Bai, however, showed a worried expression, advising, "Sect Leader, I’m afraid they might hold the immortal cities and start aligning with the Southern Three Sects."

Sect Leader Qiao smiled, "Junior, cultivation external objects and those immortal cities are secondary. What’s most crucial are those Daoist books and records. As long as we give Zhongtai two or three hundred years, the cultivation technique and Divine Skills can be completed. By then, what fear do we have of others?"

Elder Yan also spoke up, "Indeed, if we only focus on those external objects, it would be to ignore what is essential. The essentials of cultivation arts are the true foundation of our standing in East Victory."