Daoist Competition

Prince Ying was hearing about the matter of the Eight Great Demon Clans for the first time and found it peculiar. As he was about to inquire further, he saw the spiritual crane flap its wings and swoop swiftly downward, feeling a cool breeze in his face. He couldn’t open his eyes or speak.

After a short while, he felt a slight pressure beneath him. When he opened his eyes, he realized he had landed on a mountain peak. This place was the highest among the surrounding mountains. Not far away was a Cave Mansion with a wide entrance, flanked by cliffs draped with ancient vines. The branches were twisted and intertwined. In front of the gate was paved with blue stone and white jade steps, below which stood a large-headed child.

The White Crane then said, "Honored guest, we have arrived."

Prince Ying murmured an acknowledgment and dismounted the crane. He was observing the surroundings when he heard the sound of wings flapping. Looking back, he saw the White Crane had transformed into a bright-eyed and white-toothed young maiden, who smiled at him briefly before flying away on a cloud. In that instant of surprise, he only managed to catch a glance of her slender and graceful figure, leaving him momentarily entranced.

Jing You watched and curled his lip, thinking to himself, "It’s just a Crane Demon, what’s so marvelous about it." Despite this inner criticism, he still maintained a courteous demeanor, stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Are you Prince Ying? Please follow the Child."

Prince Ying cupped his hands respectfully and said, "Thank you, Immortal Child."

He tidied his attire and followed him into the cave.

After about thirty steps, the two passed through a cavern, circumnavigated a stone screen, and walked dozens more steps to reach a spacious cave hall. At the highest place sat a young Daoist with eyes as deep and profound as a dark pool, exuding a remarkable presence. Beside him sat a middle-aged Taoist with a kind expression and ears reaching his shoulders.

He had done his homework before coming and knew that the person in the center was Zhang Yan, and the person next to him should be Elder Han Yuan, Chu Muran. He stepped forward a few steps, respectfully and ceremoniously, saying, "Little Prince Xiang He greets True Master Zhang, greets Elder Chu."

Zhang Yan raised his hand and smiled, "Prince Ying is too courteous, please sit and talk."

Prince Ying bowed and thanked him, then rose smoothly and sat down on a stone stool nearby.

Chu Muran chuckled and asked, "Why doesn’t His Highness stay to enjoy wealth and luxury in the Chu Kingdom but travels thousands of miles to come to Han Yuan? What might be your purpose?"

Before leaving, Mrs. Zhao specifically instructed him to avoid unnecessary formalities from the court, so he didn’t hide anything and said directly, "I came for three matters."

Chu Muran asked, "Dare I ask, what three matters?"

Prince Ying said, "Firstly, it’s about compensation for True Master Zhang having eliminated Rong Junzhong at the Dragon Pillar and killed five Xuanyue Guardians and Elders, including Jin Ling. According to the Dharma Contract agreement, Zhongtai should offer eight celestial cities as compensation. I’ve brought the City Mansion Jade Disc, flag seal, and golden book for True Master Zhang to view."

He took out a Jade Box from his sleeve, raised it above his head, and presented it.

Chu Muran reached out to take it, removed the lid, took out the golden book, and read through it. Seeing that these eight cities were all south of the Divine House, not scattered but able to connect with the Divine House Immortal City as one unit, he was overjoyed and nodded to Zhang Yan.

When Prince Ying saw him accept it, he felt reassured, got up from his seat, bowed his head, and said, "The second matter is that Sect Leader Qiao sent me to apologize."

Zhang Yan raised an eyebrow and said, "What does Sect Leader Qiao mean by this?"

Prince Ying remained on the ground, not rising, and said, "Before I left, Sect Leader Qiao instructed that Cong Quan acted impulsively, making decisions on his own. When True Master Zhang took the Spiritual Medicine, he even dared to obstruct the process repeatedly. Now he has ordered Cong Quan’s execution. If True Master Zhang wishes to see the head, I can present it immediately."

Zhang Yan knew very well that Cong Quan dared to act so because someone was secretly prompting him, most likely a favored concubine of Sect Leader Qiao. However, since he had already acquired the Spiritual Medicine and moved the entire treasury of the Bull Horn Palace, he had no interest in pursuing it further.

He waved his sleeve and smiled lightly, "No need, this matter hasn’t been on my mind at all. Prince Ying, rise, and take back the head the way you brought it."

Prince Ying repeatedly expressed agreement, then bowed deeply before getting up, breathing a sigh of relief.

After Mrs. Zhao returned home, she was surprised to find the treasury was taken by Zhang Yan and immediately began an investigation.

Upon learning that it was the doing of Lady Lian, she intended to capture and imprison her. However, the news leaked, allowing Lady Lian to escape ahead of time. Despite several searches, she couldn’t be found, leaving her whereabouts unknown. When Sect Leader Qiao returned, he had no choice but to execute Cong Quan to offer an explanation.

As for the treasury, its contents were originally intended to reward sect outsiders recruited. Since Zhang Yan had taken them, they were simply considered as compensation.

The real accumulations of previous generations were hidden within the mountain’s belly, and not something easily taken, even with the Sect Leader Token.

Prince Ying sat back in his chair, calmed himself, and continued, "The first two matters are public; the last is private."

As he said this, he showed gratitude, "If it wasn’t for True Master Zhang, I would likely still be shackled, unable to see the light of day. I can only repay by presenting a treasure map left by my ancestors."

He opened his mouth and took out a Wax Pill, breaking it to pull out a cloth as thin as cicada wings, and handed it over, saying, "True Master, please take a look."

Zhang Yan reached out and took it, glanced at it, then revealed a look of surprise before setting it down and said, "How did Prince Ying acquire this treasure map?"

Prince Ying raised his hands toward the heavens and said, "My Great Chu Imperial Family is descended from the Golden Bell Grandmaster of Zhongtai. This map was passed down by the ancestral master and was given to my father, the emperor, who loved me dearly as his youngest son, hence he bestowed it upon me."

Chu Muran interjected at this point, "Aside from Prince Ying, is anyone else aware of this matter?"

Prince Ying thought for a moment and said, "It seems the National Master Hui Xuan knows something. He even tried probing me a few times. Fearing his covetousness, I created a fake map. After it was stolen, he never mentioned it again."

...

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