Daoist Competition

Jiang Zheng knew he couldn’t hide it anymore, so he truthfully explained the whole story.

Mu Bingxin, upon hearing, couldn’t help but reproach him, "Hong’er didn’t listen to the master’s orders, and ended up like this, it’s his own doing. How could you follow Hui’er in such reckless behavior? If any mishap occurs, how could I explain it to your master?"

Jiang Zheng confessed, "I did act rashly, but Brother Jin holds great prestige within the sect and is greatly supported by the disciples. If he were to have his soul scattered, the morale within the sect would be lost. Thus, I had no choice but to act."

Mu Bingxin looked at him with surprise, feeling a slight touch of emotion in her heart. She had thought it was only due to Shan Huizhen’s pleas, out of romantic sentiment and marital duty, but didn’t expect it was entirely for the greater good of the sect.

Indeed, the morale of people should not be underestimated; the Demon Sect has techniques to enchant, disturb the divine soul and mind, making it hard to guard against.

The disciples who returned the other day hadn’t shown any issues, but they were still under strict surveillance, lest there was any true anomaly allowing for an invasion.

Thinking of this point, her expression grew softer, soothingly saying, "Jin Hong is still my student. As for him, I will find a way. You may return now, and tell Hui’er I have arranged things. She should not act rashly."

Jiang Zheng gave a deep bow and turned steadily to leave.

Mu Bingxin watched his departing figure, a hint of appreciation appeared in her eyes, and she thought to herself, "True feelings show in hardship; True Master Zhang’s disciple is indeed commendable, although his talent is lacking, his Dao Heart is resolute, and his diligence is consistent. He recognizes the greater picture. Even if he cannot cultivate the Six Imperial True Skill to the superior Realm, having him within the sect, I can also feel assured passing the sect to Hui’er in the future. My decision to matchmake them was indeed the right one."

Thinking further, "I originally planned to observe him for a few more years before making a decision, but it seems unnecessary now. The latter half of the Chen Fire True Method should be handed down."

Arriving outside the cave entrance, Jiang Zheng let out a faint smile.

Though his talents were inadequate, he was unlike ordinary cultivators, having mingled in the mundane world for years and even served as a State Captain for some years, well versed in human affairs.

Being Mu Bingxin’s Senior Disciple, Jin Hong, regardless of how lightly she spoke, the bond of a century’s mentorship couldn’t truly be disregarded, could it?

Shan Huizhen had come to his door, if he didn’t act to save them, word reaching Mu Bingxin later, although she might refrain from verbal reproach, a knot would invariably form in her heart, adversely affecting his cultivation. This gesture ensured accountability on both sides.

As for the prohibition, even if unchanged, he would’ve feigned inattentively encountering it, as it was well known he kept to himself deeply, focused solely on cultivation, unfamiliarity with external arrangements was reasonable.

He shook his head; Elder Mu treated him quite well, but despite being named a couple with Shan Huizhen, she had continually treated him indifferently, unable to help reminiscing about his Zhao You Mansion peers, looking up towards the sky, murmuring silently, "I wonder where my master is now..."

At this moment, suddenly there was a thunderous noise outside, like heaven and earth splitting open, causing the cave mansion to tremble, even a stone table in the courtyard was overturned onto the ground. He steadied himself amidst a wave of astonishment and doubt, unaware of what had occurred outside.

Within the cave mansion, Mu Bingxin’s face was heavy with seriousness. She could sense, at the moment the sound occurred, a spiritual mechanism awakening across tens of miles, seeing such powerful Mana for the first time, she couldn’t help but be on alert. If it were Demon Sect practitioners, Peng Yuan Sect would be in danger.

She flicked her water sleeves intending to use the Mirror Stone to discern external movements, yet due to the constraint of the spiritual mechanism, several spells proved ineffective, forcing her to give up in frustration.

Footsteps emerged outside, Shan Huizhen hurriedly rushed in, spotting Jiang Zheng present, her steps halted, releasing a sigh of relief, softly saying, "Not knowing what’s occurred outside, with husband not venturing out, I am at ease."

Her heart was also filled with great conflict, not wanting Jiang Zheng to take risks, yet hoping he could truly retrieve the Spirit Grass.

Jiang Zheng noticed a flash of delight in her eyes momentarily, his heart slightly shivered, then he gently said, "I apologize for causing you concern, dear wife."

Mu Bingxin heard the noise from the courtyard, also emerged from the cave, saying, "Hui’er has arrived just in time. I don’t know what’s happening outside, the master needs to perform the Forbidden Technique, quickly soothe the disciples below."

Shan Huizhen was about to leave when Jiang Zheng suddenly stopped her, saying, "My wife, the Mountain Gate Prohibition Array remains undamaged. If there are no surprises, it should be our Xuanmen Sect Practitioners coming to aid."

Shan Huizhen paused, wanting to inquire how he was so sure, but after thinking further, she immediately understood the underlying intent.

The situation outside was unclear, a time prone to stirring people’s hearts, if it were truly the Demon Sect’s scheme, its goals must be thwarted, and only thus could calm be swiftly restored. Yet she dared not decide herself, glancing towards her master.

Mu Bingxin’s eyes shone with deep admiration, in crucial moments Jiang Zheng remained composed under pressure, handling matters calmly, resolutely settling her intention to entrust the latter half of the Daoist Books to him, saying to Shan Huizhen, "Indeed, say it just like that."

Yet Shan Huizhen had just turned when a clear voice from outside called, "Is Elder Mu here? Mingcang Zhang Yan visiting."

Initially showing disbelief, Mu Bingxin’s expression quickly transformed into ecstatic delight, almost losing composure, exclaiming, "True Master Zhang has arrived! Come, quickly, Hui’er, fetch my token to open the Forbidden Array Gate, I must personally welcome him."

Jiang Zheng, hearing the familiar voice, was also filled with excited joy, both fists clenched and slightly trembling.

Shan Huizhen hesitated, saying, "Master, there are still Demon Sect practitioners outside, opening the array gate..."

Mu Bingxin, however, was unperturbed, confident, saying, "With True Master Zhang here, two Demon Sect Elders are hardly worth mentioning. Go ahead, dear disciple."

Shan Huizhen lightly replied with an oh, glanced at Jiang Zheng, and proceeded towards the outside.

Mu Bingxin turned to gaze at Jiang Zheng, saying, "Ah, how could I forget the nephew? With your master arrived, as his disciple, you must come with me."

Not long after, the mountain gate echoed with a rumbling sound, the Forbidden Gate opened wide, Mu Bingxin led Jiang Zheng out.

Outside the mountain gate, raising their eyes, they saw a dignified and handsome Mystic Robed Daoist standing with hands behind his back, stepping on rainbow clouds, spiritual energy soared into the sky, behind the island, smoke and dust still billowed, Jiang Zheng couldn’t help the heat in his eyes, instantly knelt and heavily bowed, cheeks streaming with tears, choked, "Disciple pays respect to Master."

Zhang Yan laughed heartily, his sleeve lightly lifted, saying, "Rise, disciple, with the master here, I will not allow you to be humiliated by outsiders."

His voice, though not loud, rolled like thunder, echoing far and wide.

Mu Bingxin trembled slightly upon hearing it, the words seemed to target the Demon Sect, but upon careful reflection, seemed to carry implied hints. Fortunately, over the years, she considered herself to have treated Jiang Zheng well enough, steadied herself, and stepped forward with a respectful salute, saying, "I didn’t know True Master Zhang was here, failed to welcome properly, please forgive me."

...

...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast votes and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)