Daoist Competition

The old Daoist carried himself with a calm and solemn demeanor, his aura vast and heavy, sitting there, subtly making it hard for everyone in the room to breathe.

His presence was imposing, causing Liu Yan Yi, unaware of who this figure was, to cautiously respond, "I am Liu Yan Yi. May I ask how to address this Daoist?"

A disciple behind the old Daoist stepped forward and rebuked, "Audacious! This is a Shangming Hall elder. Quickly pay your respects!"

However, Liu Yan Yi did not move, smiling calmly as she replied, "It’s not difficult for me to pay respect. My grandmaster is Dean Zhou of the Elixir Cauldron Institute. May I ask how this elder compares to my grandmaster?"

The old Daoist slightly furrowed his brows. Zhou Chongju was two generations above him. If calculated like this, Liu Yan Yi would be of the same generation as him. How could that be permissible? Hence, he avoided addressing the matter and instead said, "A master produces talented disciples. My disciple Yan Hui often speaks highly of you before me. Seeing you today, you are indeed extraordinary."

Liu Yan Yi’s heart tightened slightly as she cautiously asked, "Could it be Elder Zhu before me?"

The old Daoist gave a subtle nod.

Only then did Liu Yan Yi offer a formal salute, saying, "So it is Elder Zhu. My respects to you."

Elder Zhu had not been well-known in the sect before, but with the gradual prominence of his disciples, Weng Zhiyuan and Yuan Yan, he had become increasingly recognized within the sect.

His reason for coming was that he had just received a report. Hearing that his inept junior brother intended to trouble Zhang Yan’s disciple, he feared it might lead to conflict. Thus, he rushed over to prevent any issues, successfully averting future complications.

He had also heard a little about Zhang Yan’s past deeds and harbored a wary respect for him. After all, Zhang Yan had accomplished a First-class Elixir Formation, and barring accidents, there was an eighty to ninety percent chance he would reach the Nascent Soul Realm.

As for himself, he was already five hundred and sixty-two years old, with his lifespan nearing its end.

It was easy to see that if he unnecessarily offended Zhang Yan now, he might manage it at present, but in a few decades, when he disintegrates, his two disciples would undoubtedly carry the consequences.

Moreover, he hoped that in his next life, he might still have a chance to return to the Xuanmen for another round of cultivation. If his disciples were struggling to fend for themselves, how would they have the leisure to attend to his affairs?

Because of this, he had long stopped focusing on cultivation over the past decades, instead pouring all his energy into his two disciples. If possible, he even wished to gather all Condensation Medicines for them and help them enter the Hua Dan Realm before his lifespan ended.

With such thoughts in mind, it was natural that he wouldn’t want any accidents to occur during this time.

After exchanging a few words with Liu Yan Yi, seeing her composed demeanor and fluent responses—clearly reflecting the poise of a disciple from a prestigious background—he couldn’t help but secretly admire her.

Though he was reluctant to admit it, he could sense that his disciple Yuan Yanhui’s repeated mentions of this girl were not without reason; she was undoubtedly the strongest opponent in this upcoming duel.

Thinking of this, Elder Zhu suddenly felt a trace of unease in his heart, silently musing, "No, this girl’s talent is exceptional, her foundation solidly built, and her Heart Realm is now flawless and unblemished. Previously, even without guided instruction from a master, she could go toe-to-toe with Yan Hui. Now with Zhang Yan’s return, renowned for his swordsmanship, it’s certain he will impart some formidable techniques. If Yan Hui loses to her, they won’t acquire the Condensing External Elixir, nor the Mysterious Skills and Techniques, which would severely disadvantage my plans."

The more he thought about it, the more anxious he became. Though he was Yuan Yanhui’s master, his own swordsmanship was lacking, having spent a great deal of resources to invite Elder Xun to teach her. This was only enough to claim temporary advantage on Yingluo Island but was far from competing against the mentorship Zhang Yan could provide.

When his thoughts reached this point, he secretly devised a plan to outmaneuver Liu Yan Yi.

Someone as experienced and shrewd as him would never resort to crude means—it would be far too transparent and clumsy. If Zhang Yan detected it, it would undoubtedly create unnecessary enmity, which was far from wise.

After a moment’s reflection, he struck upon an idea.

He purposely sighed deeply and said, "Liu Yan Yi, in the past, when you failed to obtain the sword ball, do you know why that was?"

Recalling the situation at the time, Liu Yan Yi replied, "It was because Senior Sister Yan Hui possessed superior skills. Upon reflection, even a second encounter would not change the outcome."

"Wrong, absolutely wrong!"

Elder Zhu lightly patted the Jade Couch and said, "It was because Yan Hui had already mastered the True Origin Sword Scripture beforehand, which enabled her to suppress many fellow disciples and eventually defeat you. That battle was exceedingly unfair to you!"

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After speaking, he squinted and intensely studied Liu Yan Yi’s face. Then, with another heavy sigh, he said, "Yan Hui snatched the sword ball that rightfully belonged to you. As her master, I bear the blame for inadequate discipline. I am sorry for you."