Daoist Competition

Thinking of this, he stepped out of the Main Mansion in one stride and entered the Zhao You Heavenly Pond Water, pulling out the "Three Elements Mixed Water Banner" and shaking it once in his hand. Instantly, waves churned, white foam splashed, and the water divided to reveal a path ahead. He gathered his Elixir Evil, strode forward through the mist, and descended into the depths of the Heavenly Pond.

After advancing a thousand zhang, he cast his gaze from side to side, observing the fantastical and dazzling surroundings, as strange fish, shrimp, and turtle spirits swam back and forth. Uninterested, he continued downward another thousand zhang, where strange fish and peculiar insects became numerous. Some were as large as several dozen zhang, their twin eyes glowing like lanterns, with jagged scale armor sharp as blades. Though they appeared mighty, they were surprisingly timid like mice. Others were as small as infant fingers, moving in swarming groups with unchecked dominance, causing all large fish and small creatures to scatter wherever they passed.

Zhang Yan reflected inwardly, "Although I dwell within this Zhao You Heavenly Pond, I still do not know its true depth. The You Yin Heavy Water requires a substantial amount of Netherworld Qi for refinement; while this place has enough, the deeper I go, the more concentrated the sediment and accumulation must be. It would be worth exploring further."

He shook the banner repeatedly and ventured another thousand zhang deeper.

This time, the surrounding currents carried a chilling cold that seeped into his bones. Even he began to feel the bite of the frost. He took out the "Spring Bottle," drank a few sips of Rejuvenation Wine, and immediately felt its extraordinary effects. As the wine entered his stomach, his limbs were reinvigorated, and his body warmed once more.

He chuckled softly, then proceeded down another thousand zhang. Yet still, the bottom of the Heavenly Pond remained unseen, prompting him to marvel secretly at the mystery of it all.

However, the surrounding Netherworld Qi was now sufficiently abundant. Proceeding any deeper would serve no further purpose and might even disrupt the act of cultivation. Thus, with a gesture of his hand, he stabilized the banner and released his Elixir Evil, which transformed into a mass of pristine white clouds, upon which he ascended and seated himself in mid-air. He prepared his spell, and in an instant, all three hundred and sixty-five drops of You Yin Heavy Water surged out of the top of his head. With a quick spell application, the drops autonomously expanded and contracted, spinning slowly like breaths as they absorbed the surrounding Netherworld Qi.

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This round of cultivation lasted a full six days and nights. Only then did Zhang Yan finish refining the three hundred and sixty-five drops of You Yin Heavy Water back into himself. With a slight rotation, every drop responded like waves to his commands, moving freely and smoothly, far more nimble than before.

He let out a long laugh and shrugged his shoulders, promptly retracting the Heavy Water. Then, with a flick of his sleeve, he retrieved the Three Elements Mixed Water Banner and set it aside, choosing instead to release the Star Sword Ball. With a flash of keen sword light, he cut through the water and soared back upward. Within moments, he broke through the icy currents and stepped back into the Main Mansion.

Once seated upon the Jade Couch, the Mirror Spirit approached understandingly, holding the Sleeve Bag in its hands and respectfully said, "Master, the prohibition on this item has been completely opened by this servant. Thanks to your aid, both its interior and exterior are entirely intact."

Zhang Yan’s eyes lit up as he took the Sleeve Bag, infused it with Spiritual Energy, opened the seal at its mouth, and extended his Heart and Spirit into its depths.

After briefly discerning its contents, he discovered that while the Sleeve Bag was no treasure bag, it was cleverly divided into five neatly arranged layers, categorizing the stored items and saving him considerable time sorting.

He first examined the first layer, which contained an abundance of items. One corner was nearly filled with bottles and jars of Elixir Pills, while other materials like spiritual grass and flowers, strange stone jade milk, and the like occupied significant space as well. Though he could identify most of them by name, none stood out as particularly rare or valuable.

The second layer contained twelve neatly arranged Jade Boxes. Raising an eyebrow, he took one out, opened it, and found twelve high-quality Spirit Swords.

He picked up one to inspect, holding it horizontally before his eyes. Its icy gleam radiated an almost cutting chill against the skin. He plucked its edge lightly with his finger to produce a crisp and resounding tone, nodding in satisfaction.

Examining the signature inscribed on the sword’s surface, he noted that all were forged within the sect’s Baoyang Institute and not by the Xiao Family. Contemplating briefly, he stored them in his own Sleeve Bag, intending to bestow them upon his disciples later.

Besides the twelve Jade Boxes, this layer contained other Dharma Treasures scattered around. Though desirable to most, they failed to catch Zhang Yan’s interest. Without even bothering for closer inspection, he tossed them aside.

The third layer was home to three Cultivation Technique Books. Opening and reviewing them briefly, Zhang Yan shook his head; although they were decent, the Jingluo Courtyard already had an ample collection. To him, they were of no value. However, within the pages, he found a few letters exchanged between Xiao Mousui and Nascent Soul True Masters from Nanhua Sect and Tai Hao Sect.

Opening the letters, he discovered they were mostly casual exchanges, greetings, and mentions of fights against True Master Tao. Finding no critical content within, he dismissed them offhandedly.

The next layer contained a variety of strange treasures, such as jade rabbits, jade horses, coral, agate, and green pearls. These items were evidently intended as casual rewards for juniors from Xiao Mousui’s family, which Zhang Yan found entirely unworthy for his use. Just as he was prepared to skip past them, he caught sight of a Jade Token and flicked his wrist to extract it. Etched upon its surface was a lifelike depiction of an immortal crane, seemingly about to spread its wings and leap.

He pondered briefly and thought to himself, "If my guess is correct, this Forbidden Beast Token must have been given to Xiao Mousui by a Nascent Soul True Master of the Nanhua Sect for use as a steed."

Mulling it over, he deemed the token potentially useful in the future and added it to his collection.

At this point, Zhang Yan had yet to find anything exceptional within the Sleeve Bag, leaving him slightly disappointed. Without much expectation, he proceeded to the fifth and final layer.

There, he found only a lone silver-white wine jug engraved with the words "Mother Tin." Upon grasping it and investigating, he confirmed it was merely a Spiritual Artifact. Despite his attempts to pour its contents out, nothing emerged.

Yet Zhang Yan did not underestimate this item. Considering it was displayed alone by Xiao Mousui, it must hold some deeper mystery.

Reaching out, he attempted to twist open the cap. Yet despite his strength, he could not budge it immediately. Momentarily startled, his gaze sharpened with interest. He rotated the jug gently within his grasp and soon found something at its base—a faint talismanic prohibition concealed beneath.

Activating his Elixir Evil, he wiped away the prohibition with ease. When he tried again to open the jug, the lid gave way effortlessly. Stretching out his palm, he tipped the jug downward, and a handful of deep crimson beads tumbled out, each the size of a fish’s eye and radiating intense heat. Initially unsure of their nature, he deliberated before his expression changed. Shocked, he exclaimed, "Could these be... Red Thunder Beads?"

...

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