Daoist Competition

Daoist Ji already had the object he desired in hand and had no objections. Together with Ancestor Hui Xuan, he retraced his steps back, and this time it was much faster than their journey in. It took only an hour to reach the surface.

Once outside, the two looked up to see a curtain covering the sky, blocking their path of flight, just as the Triumph Banner had foreseen. As such, they were not flustered. They stood still, waiting for someone from Zhongtai to arrive.

After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, they saw a beam of tunneling light coming from afar. Soon, it arrived nearby, and from within the glow emerged a Daoist in robes with a crown and belt—it was Elder Lin of Zhongtai.

Upon seeing Ancestor Hui Xuan, he couldn’t wait and asked, "Hui Xuan, did you retrieve the Ancestor’s handwritten letter?"

His words were blunt, but Ancestor Hui Xuan, though angered, cupped his hands and replied calmly, "Elder Lin, the underground palace did not have Da Mi Ancestor’s handwritten letter."

Elder Lin’s face darkened, and he shouted, "Hui Xuan, don’t play tricks!"

He pointed upwards, "Look up at this curtain in the sky; without my permission, you won’t leave this place!"

Ancestor Hui Xuan replied unhurriedly, "Elder Lin, don’t be hasty. Allow me to finish. Although I didn’t get the Ancestor’s letter, I did obtain a supreme treasure, which makes this trip worthwhile."

Elder Lin was skeptical, "If that’s the case, bring it quickly! Hand it to me, and I’ll let you go at once."

Ancestor Hui Xuan said, "But it’s not with me."

"Then where is it?"

Ancestor Hui Xuan smiled and stepped aside.

Elder Lin looked over in surprise, and seeing Daoist Ji, a look of shock crossed his face.

Ancestor Hui Xuan had mentioned bringing a disciple to assist him, and Elder Lin had seen the two earlier, feeling secure in the Zhongtai Realm, he hadn’t paid much attention. But now, another look revealed that this person was a Third Realm Great Cultivator. Unconsciously retreating a step, he nervously asked, "Who are you?"

Daoist Ji saw his panic and sneered, "I am merely a helper Daoist Hui Xuan brought in case Zhongtai played tricks. Watch carefully, this is what I obtained from the underground palace, hold it tight."

With a shake of his sleeve, Daoist Ji, without hesitation, tossed the Nine Yellow Star Bead he retrieved from the underground palace.

Elder Lin, highly cautious, saw a jade green pearl flying toward him and dared not grasp it directly. With a flick of his sleeve, he used mana to hold it in mid-air. After identifying it closely, he was first stunned, then showed a face of ecstatic joy.

The bead was filled with a vast and abundant spiritual mechanism, unlike anything he’d ever seen. If wielded, could it not shatter mountains and split the earth? After a moment, he let out a long breath and turned his gaze. "Hui Xuan, you’ve made a contribution."

Ancestor Hui Xuan calmly replied, "In that case, Elder Lin, please open the way."

Elder Lin responded with an "um" and, not wishing for Hui Xuan to linger any longer, took the Nine Yellow Star Bead into his hand, clutched it tightly, and pulled out a token. With a wave to the sky, a gap opened, revealing a small exit. "Hui Xuan, you should be on your way, though soon there may be some to pursue you. But rest assured, the Sect Leader acknowledges your contribution. It’s merely for show. As long as you don’t make mistakes, when you reincarnate, Zhongtai will send someone to see to your domain."

Ancestor Hui Xuan, showing gratitude, bowed and said, "Then please thank the Sect Leader on my behalf, Elder Lin."

Elder Lin waved his hand, urging, "Go on, go on."

Daoist Ji said nothing and was the first to pass through the heavenly curtain.

Ancestor Hui Xuan had expected him to make a move, but seeing him act thusly, he guessed Daoist Ji might have other plans, so he quietly took his leave and also headed towards the sky.

At this moment, the Gang Cloud split atop the heavenly vault, and a beam of light fell before them. Qu Changzhi emerged, bowed and asked, "Master, was the journey successful?"

Hui Xuan nodded and turned to Daoist Ji, "Brother Daoist, having tossed away the Nine Yellow Bead, yet not reclaiming it, what do you intend?"

Daoist Ji smiled faintly, "Even if I gave it to him, could he really take it away?" He looked downwards, slightly raising his chin, indicating, "Wait a moment, and you’ll see."

Ancestor Hui Xuan knew he must have a follow-up, so he focused downward.

Once the two had left, Elder Lin finally relaxed, picking up the Spiritual Pearl and examining it, clicking his tongue in admiration. After a long look, he was about to stash it into his sleeve bag.

But just then, the bead suddenly trembled, emitting rays of spirit light like countless needle-thin beams, piercing skin and cutting bone. Bathed in this light, his whole body’s blood and qi surged, Essence Qi True Essence gushed out from his body as if through a breached dam, flowing directly into the bead.