Daoist Competition

Zheng Weixing left the Mountain Gate, rode the Bai Xi up to the Extreme Sky, and borrowed the Gang Wind to move forward. After three days, he arrived at the Cangzhu Peak.

He glanced down and saw the restrictions below had been opened, yet no one came out to greet him. He felt somewhat displeased and immediately released a stream of Qi Mechanism down.

However, just as he exerted it, he sensed a surging spiritual mechanism below countering it, with countless fish, dragons, and strange flood dragons faintly visible, seeming ready to leap up. His heart tightened, and he ceased probing, tapping the Bai Xi on the head and descending.

Zhang Yan had been waiting for a long time. Upon seeing him, he bowed and said, "Are you Master Zheng from Zhongtai?"

Zheng Weixing merely nodded, considering it a return salute, and then focused on Tao Zhenhong, respectfully asking, "This fellow Daoist appears unfamiliar. Which continent and sect do you hail from?"

True Master Tao returned the gesture, saying, "I am Tao Zhenhong, Master of the overseas Qingyu Sect."

Upon hearing he was the Sect Leader, Zheng Weixing’s expression naturally grew grave, as he cupped his hands and said, "So it’s Sect Leader Tao in person. Forgive my disrespect."

For any Cave Heaven True Master overseeing a sect, unless they are the founding Ancestor Master or an elder with such cultivation, there is no need for such formality. Regardless, either position commands respect, thus his demeanor became much more solemn.

True Master Tao smiled, saying, "I wouldn’t dare assume such a title." After a pause, he continued, "Today, Tao and Zheng Daoist are guests. If we continue speaking, I fear it may seem as if we are taking over the host’s role."

Zheng Weixing was somewhat surprised. When he arrived, he believed the one who invited him was Tao Zhenhong, merely using Han Yuan’s name. Unexpectedly, the true host was indeed Zhang Yan. He looked to the side, speaking coldly, "May I ask Sect Leader Zhang, what is your intention in inviting Zheng here?"

Zhang Yan did not elaborate, but instead took out an item, placed it on the table, then stepped back two paces, saying, "I unintentionally acquired this item and invite the True Master to observe."

Initially, Zheng Weixing did not care much, but upon laying eyes on it, his expression instantly shifted, stepping forward a few steps and staring intently, saying, "Jade Turtle Shell?"

Previously, wanting to extend his lifespan as it neared its end, he sought ways and had thoughts of acquiring the Jade Turtle Shell. However, each time he reached the Five Dragon River, he could sense a dangerous Qi Mechanism dormant in the riverbed. Unwilling to take risks, he ultimately abandoned his quest.

Even if the Jade Turtle Shell didn’t extend life for a hundred years as rumored, fifty or sixty years was possible. Yet he knew this item wasn’t easy to obtain and the other party would likely propose difficult terms.

As he pondered, Zhang Yan spoke again, "This Jade Turtle Shell is of no use to me. I am willing to gift it to the True Master."

Zheng Weixing considered for a moment, brushed it with his hand, and put it away in his sleeve. He then glanced at both and directly asked, "Speak, what does Zheng need to do?"

Zhang Yan cupped his hands, saying, "I ask the True Master to use the Zhongtai name to write to the Southern Continent Three Sects, invite them here for a discussion, and to jointly devise a great plan to exterminate demons."

Zheng Weixing furrowed his brows and replied, "Writing letters is easy, and I can bring people here. But if you think of using the three sects to shield you from disaster, it’s utterly impossible. I advise you to abandon such thoughts as soon as possible."

He believed he understood clearly; Guo Monarch’s goal must be tied to the Star Pearl. Having visited once before, after defeating the Southern Three Sects, he would surely return to Divine House Mountain. Zhang Yan’s proposal was simply to have the Southern Three Sects retrieve the chestnuts from the fire for him, but how could such a task be accomplished?

Zhang Yan looked over, saying, "As long as True Master Zheng is willing to send the letters, I have my own ways to persuade the three True Masters."

Zheng Weixing responded coldly, "I only mean to advise; whether it succeeds or not, is unrelated to Zheng."

He casually conjured three talismanic scripts, and after a brief moment, lines of text emerged. With a snap of his fingers, the three talismanic scripts shot out with a swoosh, transforming into light and flying away.

Seeing him send the letters, Zhang Yan felt confident that his plan was halfway completed, and so returned to the cool pavilion to patiently await.

About six or seven days later, the heavens suddenly swirled with wind and clouds, followed by lightning and thunder, and a torrential downpour.

Both True Master Tao and Zheng Weixing understood this was due to the arrival of several Cave Heaven True Masters, prompting celestial changes.

After a moment, three powerful Qi Mechanisms arrived at the mountain peak. Suddenly, the mountains shook and river waters roared, as if heaven and earth trembled.

With prior instructions from Zhang Yan, though the mountain disciples were terrified, they still dutifully remained at their posts, with none coming to the peak.

The clouds in Heaven stirred, then slowly dispersed, revealing three figures.

The figure on the left was a youth, with ruddy skin, yet with white brows and hair, possessing an old-fashioned appearance.

In the center was a young woman, with a cold gaze, flaring white wide sleeves, a long ribbon tied at her waist, elegantly aloof; and on the far right was a middle-aged Daoist, around forty, with a broad face and large ears, a short beard under his chin, and a steady demeanor.