Daoist Competition

Zhang Yan spoke directly about his intention, but Sect Leader Qiao did not think this way. Under the successive blows from Xuanyue, Zhongtai was already at its breaking point. Adding one more person would be of no help to the overall situation.

Standing here, even in the best case, means nine chances of dying for every chance of living.

Sect Leader Qiao raised his hands in solemn salute to Zhang Yan and then stepped to the side, saying, "Fellow Daoist, please come to the carriage to discuss matters."

Zhang Yan smiled and returned the salute, then stepped onto the carriage.

Mrs. Zhao forced a smile at him, while Elder Yan closed his eyes to rest. Seeing Zhang Yan come up, he nodded his head slightly, greeting him.

After Sect Leader Qiao seated Zhang Yan, he also sat down and turned to Elder Yan, saying, "Senior Brother, please bring all the junior brothers here; I have something to say."

Elder Yan was taken aback. In the past century, it was the first time Sect Leader Qiao called him ’Senior Brother,’ which made him dazed for a moment. He slowly stood up and solemnly bowed, saying, "As your Senior Brother, I will arrange it."

He went out to arrange it, and before long, ten cultivators flew straight toward this place.

These individuals were disciples of the sect or Immortal City Masters, and their fate was closely tied with Zhongtai Sect—prospering and failing together.

Sect Leader Qiao cast his gaze over the place, where the essence of the sect was concentrated, pondering how many would survive the battle tomorrow, he sighed deeply and cupped his hands, "Dear junior brothers, I, Qiao, am incompetent, dragging you into a death trap."

Elder Yan sighed, "What are you saying, Junior Brother? Since you became Sect Leader, you have never been negligent, worrying daily about the growth of the mountain gate. If not for many mundane affairs dragging you down, with your talent, you could have long entered the Third Realm. In saying this, it is my fault as your Senior Brother, bringing us to today’s situation, and my regrets come too late."

Sect Leader Qiao shook his head, "Let’s not speak of this; since Xuanyue has sealed the mountain and erected their formation, I, Qiao, do not wish to sit and wait for death either. I plan to set up a prohibition in this mountain, to match against Xuanyue tomorrow."

Xing Fuli, Lady Che, and a group of cultivators hastened away from the Dharma Platform, flying towards the outside of Mianxing Mountain. However, as they reached the gorge between two mountains, there was a sudden rise of a Gang Cloud Qi Curtain ahead, heavy and stagnant, blocking their path completely.

The group was just about to leave the mountain, yet faced such an anomaly; they were stunned and angry, and someone shouted, "Isn’t Xuanyue claiming to let us pass? Or do they intend to renege on their word?"

Xing Fuli was also anxious. Unlike others, he had killed someone from Xuanyue—even if that person was not a Xuanyue Cult member—Xuanyue might still seek revenge against him. Loudly, he said, "Fellow Daoists, if Xuanyue breaks their promise, we might as well return."

At this moment, a long rainbow beam flew out from Heaven; it was Xuanyue’s Elder Envoy Chunyu Ji, who came using his Escape Skill. He cupped his hands towards the crowd and said, "Fellow cultivators, do not panic. Xuanyue indeed planned to let you leave, but fearing there might be Zhongtai disciples among you, if they went out to call for reinforcement, it might be unfavorable for us. Therefore, we ask you to stay here temporarily. After fighting tomorrow, you can depart on your own."

The crowd was still dissatisfied; initially, there was a promise, but now things had changed unexpectedly. They immediately felt tricked and many entertained the thought of returning.

Chunyu Ji continued, "If any of you are interested, you can join Xuanyue and tomorrow take part in besieging Zhongtai. Those who contribute will be rewarded. If not willing, no matter, just stay here. Can you really not wait for a single night?"

Xing Fuli was moved and stepped forward among the crowd, bowing and saying, "Elder Envoy Chunyu, if what you say is true, I am willing to lead."

Chunyu Ji looked at him and smiled, "Daoist Xing is no mediocre cultivator. Someone, grant him a Spiritual Crane Feather Weaving Cloak."

Immediately, a slender maid flew down from the peak, holding a wooden tray in her delicate hands, on which lay a White Feather Great Cloak.

Chunyu Ji knew this was a strategy to buy a horse bone with gold, and he did not hold back. He stepped forward joyfully and took the cloak, shook it open, and draped it over himself. The crowd, seeing tangible benefits, were moved and declared their willingness to serve Xuanyue.

Chunyu Ji saw things going smoothly and smiled, instructing the disciples around him, "Bring the Dharma Contract, have them sign it."

The cultivators took the Dharma Contract and found it nearly identical to Zhongtai’s, except the name was changed to Xuanyue, so there was no resistance; they all forced out their Essence Blood and signed the Dharma Contract.

Within moments, the cultivators originally recruited for Zhongtai had shifted allegiance to Xuanyue.

Yang Shuyong observed this scene, delighted, and said, "Master Rong’s strategy is truly brilliant; our Xuanyue didn’t expend any effort and gained over ten additional supports."