Daoist Competition

Zhang Yan flew swiftly through the mists, just about to leave Ten Peaks Mountain to meet his disciples, when suddenly a Daoist called out to him from afar, saying, "Junior Master Zhang, please wait a moment."

He turned around, recognizing the man—it was Zhou Xuan, who had willingly yielded the path when breaching the formation earlier. Zhang Yan halted in his stride, smiling as he said, "Nephew Zhou, what business do you have with me?"

Zhou Xuan hurried over, his demeanor respectful, bowing deeply as he replied, "Your nephew comes on my master’s orders and humbly requests Junior Master Zhang to attend a meeting."

Qi Yuntian wants to see me? Zhang Yan’s thoughts turned briefly before he smiled and said, "Since Brother Qi has summoned me, I shall go at once."

Zhou Xuan’s face lit up with delight; he bowed again and said, "My master awaits in the Cave Mansion at Jusha Dui. Please follow me, Junior Master."

Earlier today, Zhou Xuan had witnessed Zhang Yan’s matches against Xiao Tang, Du De, and the others. Watching Zhang Yan hold his ground against the two and end in a draw had privately earned Zhou Xuan’s admiration. Upon hearing that Qi Yuntian intended to invite Zhang Yan, Zhou Xuan had eagerly volunteered for the task.

Zhang Yan followed him, the two streaks of smoke speeding northward. Before long, they arrived at a riverbank where tides surged fiercely. Under the light of a moon as bright as freshly washed silver, the sounds of waves could be heard. On the river floated a long ship, comparable in size to a Dragon Tooth Large Boat, suspended a meter above the water’s surface. From the gaps in its windows, light from Bright Pearls glowed softly, reflecting Treasure Qi across the river’s rippling colored waves.

Zhou Xuan landed first at the bow, stepped forward, and reached to lift the Jade Curtain of the cabin entrance, saying, "Please, Junior Master."

Zhang Yan stepped forward into the doorway. His gaze swept across the cabin, which was spacious enough to accommodate hundreds of people. Currently, around twenty individuals were seated, while dozens of children attended them at the sides.

Qi Yuntian was seated at the main position in the center. On his left and right were Zhuang Bufan and Luo Qingyu. Further down were Ning Chongxuan, Fan Changqing, and others—including Fang Hong and Ren Mingyao, with whom Zhang Yan had interacted before. Apart from them, there were more than a dozen unfamiliar Daoists, all of whom were observing him with scrutinizing or curious gazes.

When Qi Yuntian saw Zhang Yan enter the cabin, he laughed heartily, stood up, and said, "Ah, Junior Brother Zhang has arrived! Come, take a seat."

Seeing Qi Yuntian rise to greet him, the others were compelled, albeit reluctantly, to follow suit and stand in acknowledgment.

Fan Changqing smiled warmly and stepped forward, exchanging a few courteous words with Zhang Yan before introducing everyone seated.

It was only then that Zhang Yan understood: those present were all disciples under the four True Masters—Meng, Zhu, Yan, and Zhen. Among them, Zhu and Yan’s disciples were the most numerous. As for Master Sun’s disciples, besides Ning Chongxuan, there were two others who, though also Hua Dan cultivators, were old and gray-haired, with appearances of decrepitude. Compared to Ning Chongxuan’s youthful vigor, they seemed aged and feeble.

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At a glance, Zhang Yan realized that he was the only one present who was not a disciple under a Cave Heaven True Master, which made him stand out as something alien. However, while none of them initiated conversation with him, they showed no opposition to his presence at the gathering.

Zhang Yan was well aware that had he not showcased his strength in today’s grand tournament by holding his own against two noble family disciples in consecutive battles, gaining recognition for his ability, he would have little chance of being summoned here tonight.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Zhang Yan was arranged to sit lower down by Fan Changqing.

Once everyone was in place, Qi Yuntian cast his gaze downward, sweeping over everyone one by one. Each person who met his eyes felt a chill in their heart and instinctively lowered their head. His voice sank as he declared, "Today, I have summoned all you Junior Brothers here to deliver a message: starting tomorrow and lasting for seven days, no disciple is to fight without orders from their master."

"What?" one disciple blurted out in shock. "Senior Brother, what does this mean?"

The faces of those present were filled with confusion and astonishment. The tournament lasted seven days—if no action was taken, wouldn’t it allow the noble families to grow unchecked? What could this possibly mean?

A few people couldn’t help but glance covertly at Ning Chongxuan, thinking to themselves, if that were the case, wouldn’t this imply...

Qi Yuntian also looked at Ning Chongxuan and slowly said, "Brother Ning, I assume Junior Master Sun has already explained to you. For this tournament, you do not need to compete further."

Ning Chongxuan sat silently for a moment, then rose to his feet and replied in a clear voice, "A disciple must obey their master’s orders. Since my teacher has spoken, Chongxuan will naturally comply."

The others exchanged uncertain glances. If Ning Chongxuan wasn’t competing this time, it meant that the opportunity would again elude them during the next tournament.

Nevertheless, those present weren’t fools—they could infer that this directive likely came from the Cave Heaven True Masters themselves, even if Qi Yuntian hadn’t openly stated it.

Despite feeling discontented, the assembled disciples could only respond, "We will follow Senior Brother’s orders."