Daoist Competition

Above the Ten Peaks Mountain, there hovered an auspicious cloud spanning over a dozen miles. The radiant mist stretched across the sky, light flowing like rippling waves, while the rosy glow rolled like smoke. Atop the cloud, four Cave Heaven True Masters from noble families of the Mingcang Sect sat upright, all gazing downward to observe the grand competition.

Occupying the western position was a young Daoist with a refined and elegant demeanor, his face like that of an innocent youth. This was Master Xiao, Xiao Rongyu. After hearing Zhou Yong’s earlier remark, he couldn’t help but point and laugh, saying, "This little fellow does have a bit of eye power."

Master Han, seated to the south, had eyes like shooting stars and a fair, graceful appearance. He cast a sidelong glance and sneered, "Overly clever."

Master Xiao, however, leaned back slightly, let out a hearty laugh, and shook his head and hands. "Don’t blame him, don’t blame him. His intent is ultimately good. Junior Han, that Ning Chongxuan issuing a formal challenge to Nephew Su is exactly as you predicted, eh?"

Master Han snorted and said, "With the thousand-year-old Demon Tribulation on the verge of stirring, at a time like this, what the Sect Leader seeks is nothing more than to suppress us. It’s not about wanting the Mountain Gate to splinter, leading to an irreparable mess."

Master Xiao smiled in agreement and said, "Junior Han isn’t wrong. But in this scenario, what shall we do? Should we chain the river with iron locks, forcing the situation outside, or step aside and let it run its course?"

In the east sat Master Du, whose expression was solemnly stern. His posture was upright, his conduct disciplined and precise. Upon hearing these words, his eyes sharpened with a flash of cold light. When he spoke, his voice rang like a hammer striking stone, "We absolutely cannot allow it! The Sect Leader’s ambition is immense. Concede an inch today, and tomorrow he’ll demand a mile!"

Master Xiao’s face bore a faint smile, neither confirming nor denying. Turning north, he cupped his hands and spoke in a clear voice, "What does Brother Chen think? Shall we hold our ground or retreat?"

At these words, both Master Han and Master Du also turned their gazes accordingly.

In the northern position sat an old Daoist with frost-white hair on his temples, his face weathered with age. Clad in a robe richly adorned with silken blue and silver patterns, he gently held a horsetail whisk in his arms, appearing to rest with eyes closed. His presence was deep and unfathomable, beyond comprehension. With the slightest lift of his eyelids, he spoke softly but firmly, "The chess piece prepared in days past should be played today."

With that, he fell silent again.

Master Xiao’s expression shifted slightly, and he nodded slowly.

Master Du said gravely, "Then as Senior Brother suggests."

"So it shall be."

Master Han let out a cold smile, saying no more. He pointed with a finger, and an object flew downward, heading straight toward the Ninth Peak.

Su Wentian, being challenged by Ning Chongxuan, already understood the reason. His face cold, he stood up, preparing to descend the peak. Suddenly, he noticed a talisman descending before his eyes. At first, he was stunned, but shortly after, his expression turned to joy. Glancing around and seeing no one else aware of it, he stealthily reached out to grab it and tucked it into his Sleeve Bag. With that, he transformed into a streak of smoke and arrived at the center of the arena.

Zhang Yan observed Ning Chongxuan confronting Su Wentian and thought inwardly, "So it really is like this."

Among the Top Ten Disciples, six of the seats were held by the Xuanmen noble families. Zhang Yan had considered carefully beforehand which one Ning Chongxuan would challenge.

Among the four Cave Heaven True Masters of the noble families, only the Su Family lacked a Master in their ranks. It was said that they had lost one due to an incident over a century ago.

Thus, targeting Su Wentian not only avoided clashing directly with the Cave Heaven True Masters backing the other disciples but also made sense strategically. Su Wentian was ranked ninth, just below Luo Qingyu, and his cultivation differed little from Ning Chongxuan’s. He was undoubtedly the most suitable breakthrough point—an opportunity anyone would seize.

However, Zhang Yan also knew in his heart that while it seemed straightforward on the surface, the Sect Leader’s ability to gradually counter the decline of the master-disciple lineage within a century surely signified a deeper scheme.

Just as with the earlier suppression of several small clans, which seemed aggressive, there had been an ensuing period of calm right before the grand competition. Such advances and retreats held profound implications.

First came intimidation as a warning, then a show of reconciliation and restraint. It was clearly a demonstration to the noble families—whether the next step would be further suppression or harmonious resolution depended entirely on their actions during the grand competition.

Watching the two in the arena, Zhang Yan thought, "This match will be pivotal!"

Chapters fırst released on novel~fire~net

If the noble family conceded in this round and allowed Ning Chongxuan to defeat Su Wentian smoothly, then the Mountain Gate would likely enjoy a period of relative peace in the days to come.

But if anything unexpected occurred in this battle, the master-disciple faction would never let it rest. Chaos would likely erupt once again.

Aiming to secure his position among the Top Ten Disciples, Zhang Yan had devised several strategies. Now, he bided his time, waiting for the outcome of this match to become clear before making his move.

Resolving himself, he steadied his heart and spirit, carefully studying the battle unfolding in the arena.