Daoist Competition

Qiu Hanyue stuck out her little tongue. Though she loved to mess around, she always gave her master some face, so she let go of her sleeve, giggled, and stepped aside.

Fan Changqing pointed at Huang Fuzhou and said, "This is your Master Huang. He entered the sect a few years earlier than I did. You should address him as Master Uncle."

Qiu Hanyue immediately straightened her delicate face, respectfully bowed to Huang Fuzhou, and affectionately called out, "Master Uncle."

Then she raised her elegant head, blinked, and playfully smiled, saying, "Master Uncle, do you have any meeting gift for your niece here?"

Huang Fuzhou stroked his beard and smiled. He took out a golden toad the size of a baby’s fist and handed it to Qiu Hanyue. He said, "Master Uncle came here hastily, and didn’t prepare anything especially nice. This little thing is called ’Landing Treasure.’ Just whisper a few words to it, and it can locate precious treasures hidden in the mud soil without fail. I shall gift it to my niece to play with."

Although he had been invited by Fan Changqing midway, he originally intended to visit Qi Yuntian. Therefore, he had brought some gifts along, initially for currying favor with the disciples of Mystic Water Zhen Palace. Yet, the disciples there dared not accept them, thus ultimately rendering the gifts unused.

This golden toad was actually a strange treasure, hence he didn’t mind giving it away. If Fan Changqing accepted it, there might be a chance to say a few good words on his behalf before Qi Yuntian.

Fan Changqing glanced at the golden toad and quickly recognized its rarity. He pondered for a moment, his expression becoming slightly solemn, and said, "Master Brother, please come over and let us talk."

The two went to sit in a cool pavilion, where island maids immediately served fragrant tea. However, Huang Fuzhou, uninterested in savoring it, slightly wetted his lips and quickly set the tea down, casually exchanging compliments with Fan Changqing.

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Though his demeanor remained composed, Fan Changqing perceived that his mind was elsewhere. After some idle chatter, Fan picked up his tea cup, blew on it, and then asked, "Master Brother Huang, now that you’ve emerged from seclusion, what plans do you have?"

Seeing the conversation finally shift to the main topic, Huang Fuzhou adjusted his posture slightly, speaking cautiously, "Forty-six years ago, I regrettably missed the chance to confront Xiao Tang in battle. This time, I’ve emerged precisely to challenge him again!"

After he spoke, he looked at Fan Changqing’s face, waiting for his response.

Fan Changqing set down his tea cup, seemingly deep in thought. After a long pause, he slowly spoke, "Master Brother, are you familiar with Ning Chongxuan, Brother Ning?"

Huang Fuzhou nodded and said, "I’ve heard some of the junior brothers mention him. I didn’t expect someone like him to emerge from our lineage."

Fan Changqing said, "Brother Ning is a disciple of Junior Master Sun. He is currently vying for a spot among the Top Ten Disciples—a matter that Master Meng and the other two Junior Masters are already aware of."

Huang Fuzhou suddenly felt a bitterness in his mouth. Upon emerging from seclusion, he had heard of Ning Chongxuan’s matters. Though Huang considered his own cultivation realm superior to Ning’s, he couldn’t overlook the fact that Ning was the favored disciple of Master Sun. Even if his teacher were still alive, competing with such backing would be impossible.

Still, Huang had hoped Qi Yuntian wouldn’t solely support Ning Chongxuan and that he might have a chance. However, Fan Changqing’s words hinted that only Ning would be promoted this time.

Seeing Huang Fuzhou remain silent, Fan continued, "Master Brother Huang, if you truly wish to attempt a challenge, it’s not impossible. But if you seek a secure path, why not wait for a future opportunity, where your chances might be greater?"

Huang Fuzhou mulled over these words carefully, discerning the implied meaning.

If he chose to compete for a spot among the Top Ten Disciples now, no one would stop him, but neither would anyone support him. However, if he conceded this chance, letting Ning Chongxuan secure a position, then during the next sect competition, he could receive full backing to rise himself.

Logically speaking, Fan Changqing’s suggestion was indeed sound.

Yet Huang Fuzhou didn’t see it that way. He had spent forty years cultivating diligently, only for others to take the lead. If he waited another 24 years, who could guarantee there wouldn’t be other outstanding disciples stepping over him?

Not to mention others; even Zhang Yan seemed comparable in prowess.

Moreover, he could wait, but what about the disciples under him at Yangyue Island? Could they wait?

After so many years of painstaking efforts, just when the chance for prominence arrived, he was being told to step aside. How could he explain this to them?

He nodded heavily, as if firming up his resolve, his gaze flashing with a hint of determination. Rising to his feet, he bowed and said, "Thank you, Junior Brother, for sharing the truth. As it’s now late, I won’t linger longer. Farewell."

Fan Changqing quickly rose as well and said, "Master Brother Huang, I’ll escort you partway."

Huang Fuzhou raised his hand to stop him and said solemnly, "Junior Brother, no need."

After bowing once more, Huang transformed into a plume of smoke and ascended skyward, merging into the evening clouds.

At this moment, Qiu Hanyue approached Fan Changqing and curiously asked, "Master, based on what you just said, isn’t it the case that Junior Master Zhang also won’t be able to compete for a Top Ten Disciples position?"

Fan Changqing shook his head with a laugh, saying, "Who said he couldn’t? Child, sometimes victory and defeat are not as simple as they appear. Junior Brother Zhang’s abilities are undoubtedly exceptional, but he lacks the backing of Master Sun like Brother Ning does. Even if he wins a match, what of it? He still won’t have a solid foundation."

Qiu Hanyue nodded half-understandingly. Soon, her eyes gleamed mischievously as she started pondering how to relay today’s events to Senior Sister Yanyi.

After leaving Biluo Island, Huang Fuzhou transformed into smoke and flew toward Yangyue Island. Midway, however, a stream of purplish-red smoke blocked his path. Emerging from it was a graceful Daoist nun, holding a horsetail whisk. She performed a respectful bow and said, "Might you be Huang Fuzhou, Master Huang?"

Huang Fuzhou promptly halted his flight and bowed back, saying, "Indeed, that is me. May I ask where Senior Sister has come from?"

The Daoist nun waved her whisk and solemnly said, "I am a disciple under Linglang Cave Heaven. The True Master has issued a Dharma Decree, summoning Master Huang for an audience."

Huang Fuzhou’s heart skipped a beat. Despite his usually composed nature, he couldn’t help but exclaim, "True Master Qin?"

...

...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for it with recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)