Daoist Competition

Zhang Boyant’s wildly arrogant words immediately startled everyone inside the hall. Only now did they realize a Devil had appeared outside. Amidst their panic, Ying Chenglin’s voice rang out from outside: "Fellow Daoists, do not panic. With this Old Daoist here, I guarantee your safety."

Although these words brought a small measure of relief, the cultivators present all knew deep down that for this Demon Sect Practitioner to act so brazenly, he must have significant backing. If Ying Chenglin could subdue him, all would be well. But if he could not, who among them would truly prioritize their lives? Self-preservation was the only option.

Someone immediately thought of a Nascent Soul True Master in the rear hall. Urgently, they headed there to seek assistance.

However, just as they approached the dilapidated mural wall, they were blocked by the thin-bearded cultivator. He frowned, clasped his hands apologetically, and said, "My senior brother is currently using a Secret Technique to refine the Sealing Array. Any disturbance could result in disastrous backlash. I must ask you all not to proceed further."

Not far away, Zhang Yan overheard these words. He sneered inwardly, thinking, "Yue Yuji’s excuse is laughable. Even if he is refining a Sealing Array, he wouldn’t leave himself in such a vulnerable position, unable to withdraw in case of a significant threat. If he were attacked by a powerful enemy, he’d easily be taken down. He merely doesn’t want to join hands with Ying Chenglin to confront the Old Demon outside."

Nonetheless, this had no bearing on Zhang Yan’s plans. He simply watched coldly from the sidelines without speaking.

Outside, Zhang Boyant, seeing Ying Chenglin still attempting to protect the disciples inside the hall, burst into maniacal laughter. "You old Daoist! Look to your own affairs first!"

He shook his body, releasing turbid smoke that churned and sprayed. Starlike sparks scattered everywhere. Amidst the rolling dark clouds, an enormous jet-black hand emerged, splitting the clouds apart. A wholly pitch-black Nascent Soul leapt forth. The instant this Demon Body was revealed, it unleashed piercing winds and howling cries. The demonic fog churned madly, turning the plaza into a world of darkness amidst spinning sands and turbulence.

Ying Chenglin initially hoped that Yue Yuji, hearing the commotion, would come out to assist. However, after waiting for a long time with no sign of him, he sighed faintly and shook his head in disappointment.

At such a critical juncture, there was no time for further distractions. He cleared his mind, banished all stray thoughts, raised his head, and stood firm against the raging yin wind without retreating an inch. His long white beard fluttered as he let out a low shout, resounding like thunder. A shining Nascent Soul, radiating green light, surged out from his crown. Riding upon a stream of green smoke, it ascended into the sky. Its brilliance filled the air, illuminating the hall below and dispersing a swath of the demon aura.

Within the radiant light, the Nascent Soul could be seen with one foot stepping on a White Crane and the other on a Flying Roc. Coiled around its body was a Xuanlin Python. Standing three zhang tall, suspended in midair, it bore a visage identical to Ying Chenglin’s, yet exuded no trace of age. Its piercing eyes brimmed with authority as it roared loudly, its voice booming, "Zhang Boyant! Today, this humble Daoist shall suppress demons and slay devils here!"

Zhang Boyant stared at the Nascent Soul, a gleam of greed flashing in his eyes. But almost immediately, a cunning light replaced it. He formed a seal with his hands, and another Nascent Soul, identical to him, emerged. Letting out a sly chuckle, it transformed into a stream of black smoke and circled around, heading straight for the rear hall.

Ying Chenglin cried out in alarm, "A Nascent Soul Avatar? Not good!"

Realizing instantly that the enemy intended to slaughter the Xuanmen Sect disciples in the hall, his inherently kind nature could not allow it. More importantly, he had just declared such high-minded words moments ago. How could he now stand idly by?

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His True Body shook its sleeve, releasing a taming beast ring. It swirled in midair, flashing brightly. A red-feathered hawk, its plumage dazzling like brilliant flames, emerged.

Ying Chenglin commanded, "Daoist friend, take my Dharma Treasure with you. I entrust you to protect the disciples inside! Once I subdue this Devil, I will come to assist you."

The hawk turned its head to glance back and, in a soft, melodic voice like that of a young girl, answered, "Rest assured, master. This humble servant will do her utmost." With a flap of its wings, it sped toward the hall.

Xu Gongyuan, seeing the red hawk possessed only Hua Dan Cultivation, couldn’t help but let his mind wander. Thinking it too perilous to remain near Zhang Boyant, he said, "Master Zhang, I’ll go intercept her," and without waiting for a reply, he let out a shout and rushed inside as well.

Zhang Boyant, locked in a standoff with his rival, had no intention of bothering with him. He extended his hand, producing a sinister Banner shrouded in yin energy. With a swift motion, he plunged it into the ground, easily piercing the stone foundation. Forming yet another seal, the scenery around him shifted. The summit was shrouded in shadows; day turned to night, and neither sun nor moon could be seen. From within the black clouds emerged countless shriveled demonic hands, all reaching out toward Ying Chenglin.

Before Ying Chenglin could issue a command, the Xuanlin Python coiled around him instinctually reacted. It twisted around defensively, unleashing streams of Gang Qi that shredded the demonic hands apart. His gaze landed on the Banner, his expression changing instantly as he recognized its origins.