Daoist Competition

Lu Changsu then held his tongue, thought for a moment, and bravely said, "I have been wandering in the Hua Dan Realm for a long time, struggling without any cultivation technique or technique to practice. Could I, could I please request the Pavilion Master to bestow a cultivation method? If in the future I am fortunate enough to break through and extend my life by a thousand years, I can continue to serve the Pavilion Master."

After speaking, he bowed deeply and did not rise for a long time.

Zhang Yan thought for a moment and said, "You hail from Bijiao Prefecture, and your cultivation technique is of Upper Grade, with a very solid foundation. If someone else were to ask, I might find it difficult, but for you, there is no trouble. Today, I will pass on to you a cultivation technique. Although it cannot be compared to my Mingcang Five Skills and Three Classics, it is enough to help you achieve Nascent Soul."

While speaking, he reached out and pointed to his forehead, transmitting a spell.

Lu Changsu received the cultivation technique, checked it briefly, and knew that Zhang Yan’s words were true. He was overjoyed and hurriedly kowtowed in thanks.

Actually, to achieve Nascent Soul, besides the cultivation technique, one needs considerable cultivation external objects to help. He would struggle on the East Splendor Continent or East Sea, but fortunately, on the East Victory Continent, immortal cities are widespread. Any shortages can be compensated for by trading Spiritual Shells.

Zhang Yan then said, "This time, I have another matter for you to handle."

Lu Changsu responded loudly, "Please instruct, Pavilion Master."

Zhang Yan said, "After your tribe settled here, the clansmen have gradually increased. I do not wish to use the Ten Thousand Beasts Sleeping Moon Banner to control you anymore. Hence, I want to open a pathway in Divine House Mountain to connect with the sea area, allowing your tribe to come and go from the mountain anytime."

Lu Changsu calculated for a moment and said, "Currently, there are over a million tribesmen and 270,000 demon soldiers. If they work day and night, they can clear the mountain road within a year."

Zhang Yan waved his sleeve and said, "No need for such trouble. You and Baoxing stand aside for now and wait for my instructions."

The two answered "Yes" and stood aside at a distance.

Zhang Yan ascended the cloud, aimed at a cliff face, and used the Five Elements Escape Technique. With a pull, he moved earth and stone instantly. With another push, a loud rumble was heard as a hundred-zhang long section of the cliff was relocated elsewhere, causing seawater to surge in, crashing into jade waves a thousand feet high, with the collision of the sea and mountain roaring like thunder.

This place was still far from the heart of Divine House Mountain. Even with his deep mana, it would take more than a month to open the path. Thus, he did not rely on brute force to move but opted for cleverness, always choosing places with grooves and stone cracks, river paths, saving effort. In just half a day, he had opened a shallow route.

Fu Baoxing watched, mesmerized and envious, thinking, "I wonder when I can cultivate such divine skills as my mentor?"

Lu Changsu was also stunned, looking at Zhang Yan with utmost awe.

Zhang Yan spent several more hours, using sword light to traverse back and forth within the mountain, then returned to the cliff front.

He waved to call Lu Changsu over and pointed below, saying, "Gradually widen the river path. How long will it take you to clear the mountain road?"

Lu Changsu looked and saw that though some places between the mountain trenches were still discontinuous, like lotus threads connected, the main road was already open. The remaining task was easy, so he said, "At most twenty days."

Zhang Yan said, "I will only give you fifteen days."

Lu Changsu dared not refuse, solemnly saying, "I will follow the Imperial Decree."

He hesitated for a moment, carefully asking, "Pavilion Master, if I may boldly ask, is there a great enemy approaching?"

Zhang Yan smiled faintly, "Better to be prepared than not."

He indeed opened this waterway to deal with the sealing demon that might strike at any time. But the intention was not solely for the tens of thousands of demon soldiers but also to allow the Dragon Carp to travel covertly.

After all, being a Great Water Demon, it is not adept at flying on land, and Divine House Mountain lacks lakes and seas for it to reside. This way, one obstacle is removed, and at critical moments, it can act as a surprising strategic piece.

Ten days later.

A dark tunneling light flew across Extreme Sky, circling Divine House Mountain several times before retreating far away, descending on a hill a hundred li away, revealing a figure—the Primordial Monarch who had taken over Shang Qingjun’s body.

He picked up the Dharma Sword in his hand, displeased, "Everywhere in Divine House Mountain are array gates and prohibitions, with no portals to enter or exit, wasting so much effort. Why did you not mention this earlier?"

A disgruntled voice came from within the Dharma Sword, "This can’t be blamed on me. Our East Victory Continent always sets prohibitions only in the Immortal City Treasury, and even in Mountain Gates, only a few Dharma Platforms are established. Who knew this Divine House Mountain would be so alien? With the Treasure Bead on you, such prohibitions cannot hold you back."

The Primordial Monarch coldly replied, "If I were at my peak, these prohibitions would be no concern, but now I act using your body, and charging in from the front might drain my mana before even reaching Cangzhu Peak."

That Lifebound Primordial Pearl hides his nine drops of Essence Blood from the past, allowing him to manipulate his sealed body.

Due to these Essence Blood drops, the Gui Ling Sect considered these nine Primordial Life Pearls as Supreme Treasures years ago.

But with each use of the Primordial Life Pearl, the Essence Blood diminishes. If used completely, it becomes useless, so he absolutely does not move it lightly.

The voice from within the sword suddenly said, "I have a method. If Daoist Zhang does not come out, you can force him out."

The Primordial Monarch became interested and asked, "How so?"

"Simply send a battle challenge. State you wish to duel him, and as the sect’s Master, he certainly won’t refuse."

The Primordial Monarch slowly said, "Earlier, you rejected this in every way. Why are you now willing to help me?"

The sword said, snorting, "If you fail in your plans here, you might turn back to trouble my Fengxiang Sword Sect. It’s better to have you fight Daoist Zhang here and now. If you are defeated, I’ll be freed sooner."

The Primordial Monarch was not annoyed but nodded, "This does make sense, but once I issue a battle challenge, the Kuxin Sect and Fengxiang Sword Sect will likely soon learn I’m here and send people to surround me. This is your real intention, right?"

...

...(To be continued. If you like this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian.com) and vote for recommendation votes and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please read at m.qidian.com.)