Daoist Competition

Yue Yuji’s words struck at the heart of everyone present.

They couldn’t help but think to themselves: after coming all this way and enduring countless hardships, how could they be scared off by a few empty warnings? Besides, if more people were to join in splitting the treasures here, how much would be left for themselves?

As for Kang Tong, Fang Zhenlu, and the others, they had come on orders from their sects to investigate the situation. With the truth yet to be revealed, how could they leave so easily? Ying Chenglin’s remarks failed to sway them—they showed no change in their expressions whatsoever.

Of course, amidst this group, there were some cautious individuals who worried that true evil might lurk here, giving rise to thoughts of retreat. But these were the minority and had no sway over the overall situation.

When Ying Chenglin noticed some people still casting skeptical glances at him, he couldn’t help but grow enraged and barked angrily, "Daoist Yue, I urge you to act prudently! This old Daoist has lived nearly a thousand years and weathered countless trials—how could I speak recklessly? If you insist on breaking this seal, harming yourself may be a small matter, but do not drag your fellow Daoists into danger as well!"

Zhang Yan’s eyes narrowed slightly. According to his plans, this sealing array had to be broken, and he couldn’t let Ying Daoist derail his scheme.

So, he smiled faintly, stepped forward, and first saluted before saying, "My words hold little weight, but I must say this: the Yao Yin Sect has stood for nearly ten thousand years. No matter what kind of demon has been suppressed here, it would have long withered away. Even if traces of demonic might remain, there are two True Masters here and over a hundred cultivators present. Surely we are capable of handling it?"

With these words, he immediately gained the support of those present.

Kang Tong was the first to speak: "Fellow Daoist Xuan Yuanzi makes a valid point. Even if a demon exists within, why should we fear it? If it escapes, we’ll simply slay it!"

"Well said!"

"Exactly. If this demon has truly survived for ten thousand years, what kind of entity must it be? And why would it still be trapped here?"

"Even if it still exists, after all this time, it would likely be barely clinging to life. How could it possibly stand against Daoist Yue and all the cultivators present here?"

In an instant, the initial worries dissipated among the crowd, and they collectively came to believe that Ying Chenglin’s caution was too excessive.

Even the Cave Heaven True Masters have no more than three thousand years of lifespan. No matter how formidable the Great Demons or Great Devils may be, being suppressed for nearly ten thousand years without access to spiritual energy would leave them far too weakened. Even if they miraculously survived, it’s unlikely they could contend with those present.

Take Taiheng Ancestor’s senior disciple Yi Jiuyang, for example—he was only at the Phenomenon Realm during the sect’s founding. Though he did not ascend like his master, his fate was likely reincarnation after his lifespan expired.

If there were truly some supreme evil demon trapped here, how could it be left completely unguarded? And why is there no trace of anyone mentioning it? Wouldn’t the sect have precautions in place against the demon escaping and targeting the reincarnated forms of its disciples?

Thus, the most logical explanation was that the demon might have existed once, but it had long since perished.

When Zhang Yan’s argument solidified the group’s stance, Ying Chenglin shot him an angry glare.

Had it been an ordinary cultivator facing such a furious look from a Nascent Soul True Master, they would have been trembling in fear, their souls nearly dissipating. Yet Zhang Yan remained calm and unaffected, as if nothing had happened.

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Yue Yuji, on the other hand, felt a surge of joy in his heart. He first cast Zhang Yan an approving glance, then said to Ying Chenglin with no trace of politeness: "The will of the group is undeniable. Ying Daoist, kindly hold your tongue."

He had come here under orders from his sect, fully prepared and armed with a Dharma Treasure. Even if the sealing array contained some evil spirit, he was confident in his ability to subdue it.

In fact, he secretly hoped that a demon truly existed—it would allow him to loosen his hand just slightly, letting the demon eliminate the younger cultivators here. Once they left this place, the blame could never fall on him.

This was an unparalleled opportunity to strengthen Hai Zhen Temple, one that could not be missed. A few shady tactics could be employed without concern for strict conventions. If he could bring Yao Yin Sect’s legacy and treasures back to his sect, he was certain he would claim a seat amongst the Cave Heaven True Masters.

Ying Chenglin, being an elder and senior, felt deeply humiliated to be pushed aside by Yue Yuji in such a manner. He sighed deeply and said, "Fine, fine, fine. I am but an old man; perhaps I was mistaken. Daoist Yue, proceed carefully and beware of playing with fire and bringing harm upon yourself."

He shook his head, flicked his sleeve, and turned to leave.

Yue Yuji watched indifferently as he departed. After sweeping his gaze across the room, he said, "Ying Daoist’s lifespan is near its end; he is old and frail, awaiting reincarnation for cultivation anew. It is only natural that he harbors concerns in his heart. Fellow Daoists, please excuse him."