Daoist Competition

Mei Wanxi couldn’t help but feel disappointed. She let out a light sigh and said, "My master is still waiting for a response, so I cannot stay long. Since Junior Master Zhang is preoccupied, I shall take my leave for now."

Ning Chongxuan did indeed possess some formidable Dharma Treasures, but none of them were capable of breaking arrays or opening forbidden barriers. However, Zhang Yan’s "Five Spirit White Carp Shuttle" was widely acclaimed and seemed most suitable for dealing with the forbidden array on that island. Yet since Zhang Yan was in seclusion and unavailable to lend the treasure, Mei Wanxi had no choice but to return and report first, then deliberate further.

Just as she was about to leave, a voice echoed from within the Cave Mansion: "Since you’re under Senior Brother Ning’s tutelage, come into my chambers for a meeting."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yan Yi’s face lit up with joy. She said, "Junior Sister Mei from the Mei Family, that is our master’s voice. Go quickly now."

Mei Wanxi’s eyebrows also lifted with delight. She replied, "Understood."

Ning Chongxuan was strict with his disciples. Though it wouldn’t be her fault if she returned empty-handed, Mei Wanxi still dreaded possible reprimands.

She stepped through the Array Gate and arrived at the twelfth-tier palace complex. Looking up, she saw Zhang Yan seated solemnly in the grand hall. A swirling mist, white as snow, roiled around him, obscuring his visage.

Facing this renowned Junior Master, she dared not show the slightest impoliteness. She stepped forward, bowed deeply, and greeted, "Disciple Mei Wanxi greets Junior Master Zhang. Per Master Ning’s command, I have come to request the ’Five Spirit White Carp Shuttle’ for use."

Zhang Yan nodded with a smile and said, "Senior Brother Ning has aided me numerous times in the past. Even aside from that, out of camaraderie as sect brothers, I would naturally lend him this treasure."

He extended a finger, and a Dharma Treasure shaped like a shuttle, sparkling with silver scales, flew into Mei Wanxi’s hands.

Mei Wanxi rejoiced and carefully placed the treasure into her sachet, saying, "Thank you, Junior Master Zhang. Master Ning is still awaiting my return, so I must not linger here."

Zhang Yan inclined his head and replied, "Since Senior Brother Ning is waiting, return swiftly. Yan Yi’s tunneling light is fast; I’ll have her escort you for a stretch."

Mei Wanxi hurriedly expressed her gratitude, took her leave of Zhang Yan, and was led by Liu Yan Yi out of the Array Gate. Liu Yan Yi grasped her hand, transforming into a streak of Clear Light that soon disappeared from view.

After Mei Wanxi departed, Zhang Yan rose from his couch and stepped into the Little Pot Mirror. In an instant, he entered the forbidden array.

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As early as the fifteenth month, he had successfully reverse-engineered the Earth Element True Light Technique.

Perhaps due to uninterrupted efforts during this time, his deductions went smoothly. Over the past month, he had been refining his mastery of this spell repeatedly. Now, he intended to test its might against another’s Daoist Skills.

For over a year, Xiao He had been confined within the forbidden array. Apart from breathing and adjusting his state, he had no other activities. Suddenly, upon hearing someone approach, he immediately ceased his cultivation, leaping up from the ground to cast a vigilant glance. Spotting Zhang Yan riding on auspicious clouds, he exclaimed, "Zhang Yan, why is it you? I thought it would be your disciple again!"

Zhang Yan smiled faintly, saluted, and said, "Recently, I have cultivated a Daoist Skill and have come to seek guidance from Daoist Xiao."

Xiao He curled his lips in disdain, replying, "Stop boasting. It’s only been two years since we last met. What kind of skill could you possibly have learned in such a short span?"

Though his words belittled, his heart was deeply wary, alert and cautious.

Zhang Yan did not wish to engage in verbal banter with Xiao He. With a light shake of his shoulders, a sudden loud sound erupted, as a cold and crystal-clear water light ascended from behind him, accompanied by the roar of cascading torrents.

Xiao He’s gaze narrowed, his expression filled with guardedness. Though he could not discern the specific Daoist Skill, he felt the relentless surge of water aura pressing against him. Given his prolonged cultivation of Mystic Water techniques, he was confident he would not lose to anyone in this field. Thus, he unwillingly initiated his Elixir Evil energy.

Within moments, massive waves surged from Xiao He’s body, churning into turbulent tides several meters high. Under his command, they roared forward to crush Zhang Yan.

Zhang Yan stood motionless in the Void, his arms folded behind him. The Water Element True Light flashed continuously behind him. Letting the furious tide rush toward him, it seemed to fall into a boundless abyss—absorbed endlessly, unable to budge him in the slightest.

Xiao He saw that Zhang Yan neither employed Elixir Evil energy to block nor retreated to evade. At first, he was shocked; then, as if awakened, his face flushed with rage. Quivering, he pointed at Zhang Yan, roaring, "Zhang Yan! You’re shamelessly relying on the benefits of the forbidden array to duel with me! It’s one thing for your disciple to exploit such methods, but for a cultivator of the Hua Dan Realm like you to do so—do you have no shame? I refuse to accept this!"

Zhang Yan laughed aloud, replying, "Fighting with Daoist Xiao, I have no need to activate the array. You simply fail to recognize my Mysterious Skills."

Xiao He refused to believe him. However, since his offense proved ineffective, he ceased attacking and formed a spell gesture. In an instant, walls of water surged forth around him, encasing him within.

This technique had previously allowed him to ward off Zhang Yan’s Flying Sword from breaching his inner circle. Now, he repeated the tactic.

Zhang Yan scoffed faintly and gently shook his body. As if something fractured, a resounding drum-like noise erupted, and a sheet of apricot-colored light appeared behind him. The yellow light coalesced mid-air and descended upon the water walls surrounding Xiao He.

With a thunderous crash, the water walls shattered. Xiao He had no time to escape and was struck by the yellow light, crying out in shock. In an instant, the ocean waves dissipated, and he was flung hundreds of meters away like a ragged sack, left unconscious.

Witnessing the immense power of the Earth True Light, requiring almost no effort to overwhelm the Mystic Water, Zhang Yan was startled. He pondered briefly and deduced that this was likely due to the interactions between the Five Elements.

After a long contemplation, Zhang Yan withdrew the True Light and instructed the Mirror Spirit, "Bind and secure Xiao He. In a month’s time, the sect’s grand competition will commence. If Xiao Yi comes to the sect, hand this man over to him. Let him do with him as he wishes; no need to intervene."

...

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