Daoist Competition

Even within the Xuanmen, the internal rivalries among its members are the most brutal of all.

The Shaoqing Sect has no more than a hundred True Disciples. They clash every month and compete every year. The weak are immediately cast down, falling into the dust and losing their status as True Disciples—sometimes even forfeiting their lives.

Upon hearing Qi Mengjiao’s recounting, Liu Yanyi was astonished. She had always considered Yuan Yanhui her greatest rival, the goal of her relentless pursuit. Yet, hearing of the affairs within the Shaoqing Sect was akin to opening a door into a broader world. In that instant, her slightly restless heart realm calmed, as though shedding a layer of hindrance and experiencing a cleansing by clear water—translucent and pure.

Qi Mengjiao seemed to sense the transformation in Liu Yanyi, her beautiful eyes slightly widening as she gazed at her in surprise.

After sitting quietly for a few moments, Liu Yanyi’s delicate face bloomed with a faint smile. Deep in her soul, she experienced a peculiar sensation, a resonance as if with the Defective Moon Sword Ball.

When the feeling grew increasingly vivid, her body quivered lightly, and the sword ball trembled alongside her, emitting a humming vibration. Suddenly, it soared into the air, instantaneously transforming into two clusters of sword light. The sword light twisted in mid-air, then separated and merged again, forming four streams of radiance that danced freely in the empty space.

At this moment, Liu Yanyi seemed entirely unaware. Her expression remained calm, her gaze subdued, as if immersed in a strange realm, comprehending a profound spiritual insight of mysterious origin.

Qi Mengjiao hadn’t expected Liu Yanyi to perceive a spiritual mechanism and grasp the technique of "Splitting Light Separating" right before her eyes. Witnessing such a sight, her eyes sparkled with amazement and deep admiration.

Nevertheless, she understood the magnitude of this moment for Liu Yanyi, where no disturbance could be afforded. She quietly formed a spell to seal the great hall’s door and herself held her breath, staying utterly silent.

The four beams of light danced in the air, alternately slowing and quickening as they circled dozens of times. Then, with a simultaneous tremor, each beam split into an additional one, creating a new set of glowing streams.

At this point, Liu Yanyi’s eyelids fluttered, and she emerged from her state of realization.

Raising her gaze, she looked up to see eight sword balls darting through the air in exuberant motion, ceaselessly swirling around. Her lips curled into a faint smile.

Qi Mengjiao shook her head, sighing in admiration for Liu Yanyi’s remarkable talent and good fortune, achieving sudden enlightenment just before the grand tournament.

Inwardly, she reflected, "Splitting Light Separating, Eight Swords as One—two sword cultivators have emerged under Junior Master Zhang’s teachings. The Shaoqing Sect’s rise seems inevitable in the days to come."

Meanwhile, within Zhao You Heavenly Pond, Zhang Yan, seated on the Jade Couch, felt a sudden shift and opened his eyes abruptly.

Moments earlier, he felt an unexplainable intuition, sensing that someone close to him had undergone some sort of change, though he couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it was.

After pondering for a while, he noted that there were merely two days left until the Xuan Guang Practitioner tournament. His disciple Liu Yanyi was bound to participate, and as her master, he ought to attend the Dharma Assembly to lend her support.

With this thought in mind, he rose to his feet and stepped out of the Array Gate, transforming into a stream of mist as he headed toward the Mountain Gate.

No sooner had he traveled a short distance than a shimmering cluster of glowing sword light leaped up to block his path. A voice called out, "Your Excellency, please pause!"

Zhang Yan halted, hands clasped behind him, and raised his eyes to see a pale-faced young Daoist standing before him, appearing as frail as a scholar.

Yet, the glow moments prior had unmistakably been of the Sword Escape Technique, prompting Zhang Yan to remain wary. Running through the man’s appearance in his mind, he couldn’t guess his identity and in a solemn tone asked, "Who are you, Your Excellency, and why do you block my way?"

The young Daoist maintained decorum, bowing to Zhang Yan and saying, "Are you, by chance, Master Zhang Yan yourself?"

Zhang Yan returned the salute, replying, "That would be me."

The young Daoist coughed lightly, his demeanor polite as he offered a faint smile, "I am Zhao Guangwu. For fifteen days, I’ve been awaiting your arrival."

Having never heard of this man before, nor expecting someone would wait for him for days, Zhang Yan raised an eyebrow and said, "Brother Zhao, what do you seek from me?"

Zhao Guangwu raised his hand in a courteous gesture, his manner seemingly gentle but his words containing a subtle edge: "I have spent years immersed in the Flying Sword discipline. Upon hearing that Master Zhang Yan is also adept in this art, I felt compelled to challenge my skills. If fortune favors me and I can prevail with one move, it will surely enhance my reputation."

Zhang Yan’s eyes narrowed slightly, instantly discerning the falsehood in Zhao Guangwu’s words.

The earlier sword light lacked any sharpness, and neither Zhao Guangwu’s Qi Mechanism nor Divine Intent revealed a trace of battle spirit. Zhang Yan spoke coolly, "Brother Zhao, your words betray a lack of sincerity."

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Zhao Guangwu’s body flinched, a hint of embarrassment appearing on his face. He sighed self-deprecatingly and said, "Indeed, I could not deceive you, Master Zhang Yan. I might as well speak plainly; I have wasted decades within the sect without any real ambition for victories. This time, I was entrusted by someone to block your path here."

Zhang Yan nodded slightly and asked, "Could you reveal who this person is?"

Zhao Guangwu shook his head lightly.

Zhang Yan smiled faintly, "In that case, Brother Zhao must insist on fighting me?"

Zhao Guangwu replied earnestly, "Master Zhang Yan, this person harbors no ill intent toward you. They merely wish to prevent you from appearing at the grand tournament, sparing you from potential harm. If you vow not to leave the Mountain Gate until after the tournament concludes, I will turn away immediately, avoiding unnecessary conflict between us!"

Laughing thunderously, Zhang Yan declared, "Brother Daoist, you are mistaken. To receive the challenge of a skilled swordsman before the tournament is an opportunity I cannot afford to miss! If you should meet this person someday, you must thank them immensely on my behalf!"

Zhao Guangwu’s complexion shifted, "Master Zhang Yan, we are fellow sect members. Why must we fight? Would it not be better to resolve this peacefully?"

Smirking, Zhang Yan replied, "The path of the Great Dao is one of struggle and contest; hesitation and retreat have no place within it! Since you block my path, you are now my adversary. No further words are needed—let us settle the matter with our skills!"

With that, he stirred his intent, and a beam of sword light burst forth from between his brows, darting toward Zhao Guangwu like lightning!

...

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