Daoist Competition

No one responded. Borrowing Yue Yuji’s authority, they might echo a few pleasantries, but if anyone acted recklessly and frivolously commented on a Nascent Soul True Master not far away, it would truly be seeking death.

Yue Yuji saw that the obstructive Old Daoist had moved away, and he felt satisfied. Turning back, he cast his gaze toward the Forbidden Array, drawing the attention of everyone present.

He stood still for a moment, then suddenly raised his hand. With a deafening roar, he sent a streak of Green Thunder upward. However, when the brilliance dissipated, the layer of golden light remained utterly unmoved.

Yue Yuji’s face grew solemn. Even his Dust-shocking Thunder had no effect. This sealing undoubtedly relied on the handiwork of a Great Power Expert.

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Still, this aligned with his expectations. After a moment of contemplation, he turned and spoke in a deep voice, "Esteemed fellow Daoists, this Sealing Array is formidable. This humble Daoist must employ a Secret Technique to break it. During the process, no disturbance can be tolerated. I kindly ask you all to temporarily leave this place."

The gathered cultivators were initially startled, exchanged a few murmurs privately, and then willingly retreated to wait in the distance.

As for whether Yue Yuji might refine the prohibition and monopolize the treasures before escaping using the Array’s techniques, they were unbothered.

This place housed disciples from Mingcang, Shaoqing, Yuan Yang, and Yuxiao sects, all aiming to claim a share of the spoils. While they arrived alone, their sects backed them. Hai Zhen Temple would hardly dare offend so many Xuanmen associates in one move.

Zhang Yan stole a deep glance at Yue Yuji, then eyed the five treasures, lingering briefly on the Sealing Talisman. A faint and inscrutable smile crept onto his face before he turned and left.

Soon, only Yue Yuji and the thin-bearded cultivator remained.

Yue Yuji stared intently at the Sealing Array, seemingly making a decision. He spoke in a low voice, "Junior Brother, hand me the Green Yang Fire!"

The thin-bearded cultivator acknowledged, pulled out a Jade Box from his sleeve, but hesitated slightly as he handed it over. Unable to hold back, he reminded, "Senior Brother, this fire’s power is formidable and was forged with our Master’s lifelong effort. Our lineage has already consumed much of it, leaving only what remains here. Using a portion means losing a portion. Expending it merely to break this array—wouldn’t it be excessive? Perhaps, like earlier, we could call on a few fellow Daoists for help?"

Yue Yuji extended his hand firmly, gripping the other’s wrist, his gaze unwavering as he spoke gravely, "Junior Brother, this Sealing Array is no ordinary matter. It may well be the work of Yi Jiuyang. With our cultivation alone, it is utterly impossible to break. Gathering everyone’s strength risks damaging the contents within. Only by slowly refining with this fire can we proceed safely. Moreover, if the objects within are gained, your brother will have the opportunity to ascend to the Cave Heaven Realm, making the sacrifice of this fire worthwhile."

The thin-bearded cultivator’s heart skipped a beat. He exclaimed in shock, "Senior Brother, do you mean to..."

Yue Yuji slowly released his hand. With an enigmatic smile, he said, "The time hasn’t come for that yet. But if the five Supreme Treasures can be secured beforehand, it will enable both advance and retreat. I foresee changes in the coming days; the outcomes will hinge on each faction’s capabilities."

The thin-bearded cultivator nodded silently and finally handed the Jade Box over.

Yue Yuji received it and added another caution, "Once this fire is used, it will be difficult to stop midway. Junior Brother, stay to protect me."

The thin-bearded cultivator solemnly agreed. This place was not an isolated wilderness but surrounded by temples, devoid of Earth Veins’ energy. Even Array Flags would be ineffectual. He could only rely on his protective duties. Yet as he pondered, a frown emerged, and he remarked, "Others may be manageable, but Mo Tianxin remains unseen. Should he arrive later and insist on intruding, how will we defend against him?"

Yue Yuji glanced toward the outside, squinting as he replied, "If he comes, there’s no need to block him. Until the final moment, no one can predict the outcome. Moreover, those who come will surely not be only him."

While Yue Yuji refined the Sealing Array inside, outside the hundred-plus cultivators scattered to find spots to meditate and cultivate.

Ying Chenglin, upon exiting the main hall, felt dejected. After a few sighs, he climbed onto the roof’s ridge to sit cross-legged. Yet his heart and spirit stayed vigilant, ears attuned to any activity within the hall.

Hours passed. As the sky darkened, he suddenly raised his head, gazing toward the mountain path. His pupils contracted as he observed two figures swaggering boldly toward the area.

Zhang Boyant strode forward, hands clasped behind his back, unbothered by anyone. Xu Gongyuan followed closely behind him.

As Zhang Boyant proceeded, wisps of Yellow Smoke emanated from his body, accompanied by steaming heat that resembled poison smog from Earth Caves or ominous Fire Mouth fumes.

Before reaching the temple, several Xuan Guang Practitioners meditating in the square encountered the smoke. They instantly collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

With Green Fire flickering in his eyes, Zhang Boyant laughed heartily, spread his sleeves wide, unleashing a wave of Black Smoke that enveloped several disciples. Rubbing his hands together, he swiftly transformed them into a mass of Essence Blood that merged into his body.

Ying Chenglin slowly rose from the rooftop, anger and shock etched on his face. He exclaimed, "Zhang Boyant, you devil, how dare you come here?"

Zhang Boyant sneered, hands behind his back, puffing out his chest, and said nonchalantly, "By chance, this Lord heard of the events on Bronze Mountain and thought to try my luck along the way. Yet, I spotted this Old Daoist heading here, making this visit an absolute necessity."

Ying Chenglin’s face turned ice cold, and he scolded, "You seem confident in confronting me. But Yue Yuji is still here. Coming alone—isn’t it rather presumptuous?"

Zhang Boyant smirked malevolently, "Yue Yuji is probably inside refining the Sealing Array. Even if he knows you and I engage, he won’t have time to concern himself. It’s high time we settled our old scores, don’t you think?"

Ying Chenglin was startled, his expression darkening further. He questioned, "Do you have avatars here, or perhaps Demon Sect disciples hidden?"

Zhang Boyant emitted a sinister laugh, "What difference does it make? Regardless, let me enlighten you. This Lord has come today to seize Taiheng Ancestor’s Demon Sect inheritance. Be it Xuanmen Feathered Warriors or Demon Sect cultivators, I’ll slaughter them all!"

...

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