Daoist Competition

He had no time to grieve. He hurried back to the mountaintop, drove away the surrounding Disciples, rushed several steps to Yang Shuyong’s side, and saluted, saying, "Sect Leader, in the battle just now, Master Rong suffered a great defeat. Seeing that he had little time left, he activated the Dharma Talisman bestowed by True Master He and has already gone on to reincarnation."

Yang Shuyong had still harbored a sliver of hope, but upon hearing this, it was like being struck by lightning. He stood there in a daze, his mind a complete blank.

The previous Sect Leader was his uncle; originally it should never have been his turn to sit in this position. It was entirely thanks to Rong Junzhong’s single‑handed support that he was able to sit firmly in the Sect Leader’s seat.

He had inherited this position only a few decades ago, and everything had gone smoothly. Now, faced with this sudden upheaval, his mind was thrown into chaos.

Chunyu Ji, following Rong Junzhong’s instructions before leaving, said, "Sect Leader, according to what was agreed in the fighting, once our sect lost, we must cede all immortal cities and great prefectures under our jurisdiction. If, when the time comes, the two sects truly become one, our Xuanyue will cease to exist."

He repeated this twice before Yang Shuyong finally came back to himself. At a complete loss, he said, "Then... then what should we do?"

Chunyu Ji said, "Just now I consulted Master Rong. He said there are three things that must be done. The first is to ask Sect Leader to expel all us protectors and Elder Envoys from the sect, so that from this day on we no longer count as Xuanyue Disciples. Then Zhongtai will be unable to take possession of all the immortal cities. In this way, our sect can preserve its Primordial Qi. When the next Sect Leader raises his arm and calls, it may not be impossible to make a comeback."

Although Yang Shuyong felt these words were reasonable, he also felt something was off. Frowning, he said, "Would Zhongtai really let it rest at that?"

Chunyu Ji said, "Sect Leader, though we have lost this battle, the greater part of our sect’s strength remains intact, and the Southern Three Sects are coveting us from without. Even if Zhongtai is unwilling, what can they do?"

Yang Shuyong said, "I am worried about that Daoist Zhang..."

Chunyu Ji bowed and said, "That Daoist Zhang is not of Zhongtai Sect. Master Rong said that judging from his words and deeds, he has no intention of exerting himself unto death for them. If it truly comes to it, our side’s immortal cities can offer yearly tribute to Divine House Mountain. He will surely not refuse."

Yang Shuyong still hesitated, unable for the moment to make up his mind.

Chunyu Ji stomped his feet again and again, urging him, "Sect Leader, we cannot hesitate in this matter. If we delay even a moment, and Zhongtai comes over, it will be too late."

Yang Shuyong still would not give a final word and only asked, "Then what is the second matter?"

Chunyu Ji said, "Our Xuanyue has stood for several thousand years. The Cultivation items stored within the sect are not few. We cannot simply let them benefit Zhongtai for nothing. Sect Leader can issue a decree to send them to True Master He. Zhongtai will definitely not dare to go over and demand them. After matters are settled, they can be rearranged anew."

Yang Shuyong nodded and said, "Speak of the third matter."

Chunyu Ji said, "The Three Mountains Suppressing Qi Gu is our sect treasure, bestowed by the Ancestor master. Even if we are defeated by Xuanyue, so long as this item does not fall into Zhongtai’s hands, they will not be able to justly and openly occupy our lands in the future. I ask Sect Leader to by all means find a way to retrieve it."

The "Three Mountains Suppressing Qi Gu" had only a single secret incantation, taught to one person only; only the Sect Leaders of each generation could hold it. If Yang Shuyong did not give permission, no one could drive it.

Seeing Yang Shuyong standing there, his brows knotted, not responding for a long time, Chunyu Ji could not help growing anxious and urged loudly, "I ask Sect Leader to make a swift decision."

Yang Shuyong’s whole body trembled, as if waking from a dream. He sighed, "Very well. As the Sect Leader of a sect, this matter is something I cannot escape. Why drag you all into it? I only hope you do not forget today’s words." Having said that, he added one more line, "My son is still young..."

Chunyu Ji understood his meaning and bent down, saying, "Miss Yang is bright and full of Spiritual Wisdom, her aptitude outstanding. I will naturally see to it that she is well cared for."

At this moment, Yang Shuyong seemed to have seen through everything. There was a measure of steadiness added to his gaze as he said, "Chunyu Envoy, go and summon all the protectors and City Lords."

On the other side, everyone in Zhongtai was also waiting in extreme anxiety. When they saw a streak of sword light pierce the clouds and fog and speed toward them, Elder Bai’s spirit lifted. He slapped the railing and said, "He’s here!"

That sword light arrived overhead, whirled once in midair, then settled. Zhang Yan stepped out from within the light, then gave his sleeve a flick, and the sword ball turned into a thin thread of light and sank into his brow.

Sect Leader Qiao stepped out from the crowd, asking with a trace of expectation, "True Master Zhang? I wonder..."

Zhang Yan smiled and said, "Rong Junzhong has been defeated."

As soon as these words fell, exclamations rose from both sides. Though they had known the outcome would surely be so, they still could not help but be stirred. Soon after, the low-level disciples of Zhongtai in the rear also heard the news, and a wave of cheering immediately rose up.

Sect Leader Qiao’s emotions surged like the tide, his heart greatly stirred. He said, "This battle was entirely thanks to True Master turning the tide. Please accept a bow from me, Qiao Huanjuan!"

With that, he bowed heavily.

Zhang Yan raised his hand in return and said, "This poor Daoist has a contract with Zhongtai; to lend my strength is only proper. Sect Leader Qiao overpraises me."

Sect Leader Qiao straightened up, cupped his hands again, and said, "For the matters to come, we will still need to borrow True Master’s strength."

Zhang Yan only smiled and said, "Sect Leader Qiao is mistaken. From here on, even without this poor Daoist, your esteemed sect will still be able to subdue Xuanyue."

Now that Rong Junzhong was defeated, there was no suspense in what followed. Zhongtai also had Du Shixun here. This man’s entire body was cultivated in the Power Dao Mysterious Skill; if he took some Spiritual Medicine and nursed himself for a day or half a day, he could recover. At this moment, where could Xuanyue still find anyone capable of matching him?

Sect Leader Qiao started, then immediately understood the reasoning. Stepping to the side, he bowed and smiled, saying, "True Master, please take your seat."

Zhang Yan went gladly to a seat and sat down, and everyone else also took their respective seats.

At this moment, the thin mist in the valley before them had gradually dispersed. When they looked over, they saw that at the place where the two had been fighting just now, the mountain ridges were shattered, peaks had collapsed and rocks were broken, and the ground was covered with broken branches and fallen leaves. It was truly a shocking sight.

Sect Leader Qiao also felt fear in his heart. He pondered for a moment, then suddenly raised his head and said, "Earlier, when True Master slew Jin Ling, you said there was one matter inconvenient to bring up. May I ask if you can tell us now?"

...

...(To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to go to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please go to m.qidian.com to read.)