Daoist Competition

In the distant horizon, several streaks of light were rushing toward Zhao You Heavenly Pond.

Leading the group was a man with crimson hair and eyebrows, adorned with a Fish Tail Crown on his head and clad in a Yin Yang Purple Cloud Daoist Robe. A Long Tassel Magic Sword hung at his waist. As he flew, fragments of clouds shimmered around him, with rainbows shooting in all directions. Behind him, several others stood atop the mist, however, traces of worry flickered on their faces. One of them spoke hesitantly: "Uncle, do you think we can make it in time?"

The red-haired Daoist’s face darkened as he glanced ahead, remaining silent. Seeing his expression, those behind him immediately grew cautious, lowering themselves into uneasy quiet.

This group consisted of Xiao Family disciples, stirred into action when they heard of Xiao He’s recent mischief at the Six Rivers and Four Islands. Word of his intention to bring trouble to Zhang Yan spread swiftly, alarming the Xiao Family. Fearing conflict with Zhang Yan and his lineage, they dispatched family members to apprehend Xiao He and bring him back immediately.

Meanwhile, at the mountain gate of the Mingcang Sect, Feng Zhen and Mo Daoist sat cross-legged in mutual meditation. Before them floated a shimmering Water Mirror, displaying every moment of Xiao He’s current predicament without omission.

Through the mirror, they watched as a beam of brilliance descended upon Xiao He, sending him plummeting from the sky. He crashed to the ground in utter confusion, struggling to climb back to his feet. Feng Zhen’s eyes narrowed with suspicion and he spoke uncertainly: "What is this..."

Mo Daoist furrowed his brow, observing with intense focus before replying in a deep voice: "This is beyond Zhang Yan’s abilities. It must be some type of Dharma Treasure. Strange—how could he possess something of such power? Could it have been gifted by one of the True Masters? Or perhaps borrowed from Tao Zhenhong?"

Feng Zhen’s complexion grew grim. If Zhang Yan possessed such a treasure during their scheduled duel three years from now, even if he surpassed him in Mysterious Skills, he would struggle to contend with such a formidable item.

Mo Daoist glanced at him and offered reassurance: "Do not panic, Junior Brother. This treasure does not seem capable of harming people directly. Moreover, its activation is too conspicuous—it first forms a cloud of brilliance before unleashing rainbow-like radiance. With sufficient vigilance, evading its strike should not be difficult. Judging by the current scene, Xiao He’s poor judgment and overconfidence are to blame for his humiliation, not its overwhelming power."

Feng Zhen took a moment to consider, breathing a sigh of relief. Indeed, no matter how fearsome the treasure, its efficacy relies on being able to hit its target—and as long as he avoided its grasp, it was no true cause for concern.

The radiant beam that had knocked Xiao He from the sky was emitted by the Little Pot Mirror. This treasure was originally intended for opening Cave Mansions and was incapable of inflicting injury or death. However, when bathed in its Treasure Light, any targeted object would lose its spiritual mechanism, dissipating both Evil Qi and True Power.

Xiao He had been conceited, failing to guard himself against such an attack. When struck by the Mirror Light, his Inner Breath and Elixir Evil instantly scattered, leaving him vulnerable and unbalanced.

Tʜe sourcᴇ of thɪs content ɪs 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩⁂𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢⁂𝔫𝔢𝔱

Stubborn and inflexible by nature, Xiao He had forcibly used his water-based power to elevate a dozen companions from the Six Rivers and Four Islands, preventing them from Flying. At that moment, those companions plummeted alongside him. Though all were cultivators and falling from such heights wouldn’t kill them, several lost consciousness upon impact, lying on the ground groaning. Even Sun Xian found herself disheveled, her hair in disarray and her clothing torn—a vision of complete disgrace.

Xiao He landed firmly in the muddy earth, his body quivering. He felt a suffocating tightness in his chest, his entire frame rendered weak and lethargic. After several rotations of his Mysterious Skills, he finally forced himself to recover slightly, but inwardly burned with uncontrollable rage.

Never in his life had he been subjected to such humiliation!

Grinding his teeth, he struggled to stand. He was about to unleash a torrent of curses when his gaze flitted to a fluttering talismanic script approaching. Attached to the talisman was paper and ink. Looking down, he realized it was the "Absolute Fighting" Document, stifling his anger as laughter burst from his lips. Grasping the pen, he jotted down his name with a forceful stroke, then tossed the pen aside, exclaiming: "Zhang Yan, your master has signed the Challenge Letter! Now get out here and face me!"

Zhang Yan observed under the Twelve Layered Palace, perfectly aware of everything. Seeing Xiao He sign the Absolute Fighting Document, he chuckled coldly: "It seems you walked right into this trap yourself. Don’t blame me for what’s about to unfold. Mirror Spirit, activate the outer defensive formation!"

His gaze grew contemplative. For Xiao He to come seeking revenge now, there was undoubtedly more to this matter than mere grievance.

Not to mention that the Xiao Family lacked concrete evidence accusing him of Xiao Han’s death. Even if the accusation were true, given the current conditions at the mountain gate, they would surely have waited the full three-year period instead of acting prematurely. Clearly, someone was orchestrating events behind the scenes.

Understanding as much, Zhang Yan had no intention of playing into their hands.

This Zhao You Heavenly Pond was his domain; dealing with an intruding cultivator required no personal action. Simply activating the surrounding array and formation restrictions would suffice.

The Zhao You Heavenly Pond’s Mountain Guarding Formation extended far beyond the pond itself, stretching over thirty miles outward.