Daoist Competition

As soon as these words were spoken, the disciples below began whispering among themselves. Their exclamations of amazement echoed, "Brother Xiao has such boldness!"

Zhang Yan raised an eyebrow, observing the subtle flicker in Xiao Tang’s gaze. With a brief moment of contemplation, he deduced Xiao Tang’s intentions and couldn’t help but smirk coldly to himself.

Xiao Tang wasn’t truly concerned about giving Zhang Yan an advantage; it was clear he had recognized Zhang Yan’s mastery of the "Little All Heaven Moving Technique." Fearing that, in a battle, Zhang Yan might rely on this Divine Skill to evade and stall, Xiao Tang knew that even if he couldn’t defeat Zhang Yan outright, at the very least, he could force a draw. However, to Xiao Tang, a draw would be a loss of face.

Zhang Yan’s guess was spot on—this was precisely Xiao Tang’s concern.

He thought to himself that Zhang Yan, wielding both the sword escape technique and the Little All Heaven Moving Technique, would become exceedingly difficult to deal with. If they dueled and Zhang Yan kept evading, Xiao Tang had no effective methods to subdue him.

Had it been someone else, Xiao Tang wouldn’t be as worried. After all, this escape technique depletes Elixir Evil significantly, and dragging the battle out would eventually drain one’s strength.

But Zhang Yan’s Elixir Formation was of the first grade, his Elixir Evil vast and seemingly endless, like a bottomless abyss. It was impossible to exhaust it within an hour or two, making such a tactic foolishly unrealistic.

Moreover, if Xiao Tang were to end up in a draw against Zhang Yan, not only would his own reputation suffer, but also the noble family disciples ranked below him—figures like Han Suyi, Su Wentian, and Fang Zhenlu—would face fair criticism and have their prestige diminished. This, then, was why Xiao Tang came up with this plan.

At first glance, it seemed like he was taking a loss. But in truth, it was a move meant to restrict Zhang Yan’s escape skill, effectively removing his greatest advantage.

If, in the end, Zhang Yan used all his methods but failed to best Xiao Tang, who could criticize Xiao Tang for being inferior to Zhang Yan? Instead, they would praise his magnanimous demeanor and applaud him for rising above petty rivalries with his junior.

Among the Top Ten Disciples, Xiao Tang was the most image-conscious, valuing reputation above all. His demeanor in daily life—whether sitting, walking, or conversing—was cultivated to evoke elegance and poise. Should he not only defeat Zhang Yan this time but also earn the admiration of his peers, then nothing would please him more.

After a brief moment of thought, Zhang Yan smiled and said, "Brother Xiao’s proposal has merit. It mitigates the fierceness of battle, preserving harmony among sect members. That said, since this is a fair duel before our fellow disciples, there should be give and take, wouldn’t you agree?"

Xiao Tang raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Then, in Junior Brother’s opinion, what would equate to give and take?"

Zhang Yan smiled faintly and said, "I’ll remain right here. For a limit of one hour, Senior Brother may attack me freely. If you can so much as injure me, I’ll admit defeat."

These words sent shockwaves through the audience. Xiao Tang, being one of the Top Ten Disciples, was naturally expected to propose such conditions, and no one doubted him. But Zhang Yan—on what grounds could he have such confidence to make such a bold claim?

Even Xiao Tang gave Zhang Yan an odd look in response.

He didn’t believe Zhang Yan was acting out of recklessness. On the contrary, he sensed that Zhang Yan was entirely confident in himself.

Xiao Tang’s own cultivation stemmed from one of the Five Skills and Three Scriptures—**Treasure Gold Cloud Talisman**. When fully on the defensive, it was as sturdy as an impregnable fortress.

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What’s more, since he only needed to hold out for an hour, he could unleash all his Elixir Evil to fortify himself. Even a powerful Dharma Treasure would struggle to harm him within such a short time.

But why was Zhang Yan so confident? Could he possess some formidable Dharma Treasure for defense?

After some thought, Xiao Tang became further convinced that Zhang Yan was simply a hidden pawn of their Master’s lineage, provided with potent protective items by the True Masters to bolster his self-assurance.

He sneered inwardly. Did Zhang Yan really think he could act with impunity just because he had a few treasures?

Outwardly, however, Xiao Tang’s expression became even softer and more amiable. He said in a gentle tone, "Junior Brother Zhang, are you truly set on this decision? I suggest you give it careful thought."

Zhang Yan responded resolutely, "I stand by my word without regret."

Xiao Tang was elated internally and was just about to speak when Elder Xun, standing to the side, suddenly furrowed his brows and stormed forward. He chastised Zhang Yan sharply, "Zhang Yan, do you not know the immensity of heaven and earth? Xiao Tang’s cultivation and superior techniques far surpass yours. It is exactly because of this that he dares to suggest such terms. How many years have you cultivated? And you dare speak so arrogantly? Abandon this notion at once!"

Although Elder Xun’s words were stern, they came from a place of concern.

He was somewhat aware of Xiao Tang’s abilities, knowing that some techniques, once unleashed, could break the Dao Foundation irreparably, leaving no path to recovery through any means of nurturing or healing.

In the previous two rounds, Elder Xun had observed Zhang Yan’s extraordinary talent—it was rare and promising. As someone who had achieved a first-class Elixir Formation, Zhang Yan was ripe for development. Given twenty-four more years, there was a strong chance he could even claim a spot among the Top Ten Disciples. But for now, Elder Xun believed Zhang Yan still lacked polish and required more tempering.

Sharing the same Master’s lineage, Elder Xun couldn’t bear to see such promising potential squandered. Thus, his words carried an implicit plea, hoping Zhang Yan would heed his advice and abandon such reckless thoughts.

Zhang Yan, however, acted as if he didn’t understand. Frowning, he said, "Elder Xun, this is a matter between Brother Xiao and me. I ask that you refrain from interfering!"

Elder Xun snorted inwardly, thinking to himself, "It seems this old Daoist’s good intentions have gone to waste."

Nevertheless, he didn’t show anger. Instead, he sighed and shook his head regretfully, giving Zhang Yan one last look of pity before retreating to the side.

Meanwhile, the Wang Sisters and others spectating through a silver mirror could see everything unfolding clearly. Having earlier watched Zhang Yan win two consecutive matches, they were initially elated. But now, seeing their own mentor about to go head-to-head with Xiao Tang, they collectively held their breath, eyes fixed with tension.

However, upon hearing the exchange between Zhang Yan and Xiao Tang, they felt little beyond concern. Senior Sister Qi Mengjiao, on the other hand, turned pale, stomping her foot and exclaiming anxiously, "This is bad! How could Junior Master Zhang be so reckless?"

The Wang Sisters jolted in fright.

Even Liu Yan Yi’s heart tightened, though her expression remained composed. She asked, "Senior Sister Qi, what’s wrong?"

Qi Mengjiao’s expression grew grave. She took a deep breath and said in a heavy tone, "You don’t understand. Xiao Tang is highly skilled in a Divine Skill known as the ’Nine Mountains Clear Sound.’ It is one of our sect’s Twelve Divine Abilities. When its vibrations are unleashed, rivers halt, clouds dissipate, eagles and geese plummet, and mountains crumble. Once, Xiao Tang used this technique to reduce an entire hill to dust. Anyone caught within its range instantly suffers shattered bones and torn sinews, their abdomen rupturing—none have ever survived!"

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...(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.)