Daoist Competition

At this moment, watching from afar at the battle, aside from the Mingcang Sect disciples, there were cultivators from several small sects. They saw Zhang Yan alone facing the siege of more than ten Demon Cultivators yet fighting them with such skill that none could retaliate, effortlessly resolving every ferocious assault without taking a step back.

Among them, a middle-aged cultivator shot a glance, praised, "That Daoist Zhang is truly impressive."

Beside him, a fellow sect member curled his lips, as if it was natural, saying, "As one of the Mingcang Sect’s Top Ten Disciples, this Daoist Zhang is ranked ninth, so he is naturally exceptional. Moreover, this Daoist Zhang is the only one to achieve First-class Elixir Formation in thousands of years, surpassing us by far, no wonder his means are extraordinary."

The earlier middle-aged cultivator sighed; he usually held himself in high regard, having heard of how powerful the Mingcang Sect’s Top Ten Disciples were, yet never witnessing it firsthand. Thus, he always thought that even if they were superior, it wouldn’t be impossible to reach their level. But now, he sees it is genuinely beyond comparison.

These Demon Generals had almost no ability to contend against Zhang Yan, but if they were to battle themselves, it would take considerable effort to defeat them. Facing two such demons, they could only focus on self-preservation, and that was assuming the opponent carried no Dharma Treasures.

Song Hong from Linqing Temple also joined the crowd this time. Years ago, he had crossed paths with Zhang Yan, and now, watching the figure’s fluttering robes, couldn’t help but feel emotional, secretly thinking, "The Mingcang Sect truly deserves to be a great sect with a thousand-year foundation. Even someone like Brother Zhang is ranked ninth; I wonder how remarkable those ranking above him are."

He instinctively glanced at Han Suyi. This woman, with a single move, swept down hundreds of little demons like autumn leaves, showing great prowess.

Moreover, her actions were extremely methodical, and now all movements of the Quantu Tribe were well within her grasp, showing quite strategic excellence.

However, in everyone’s view, no matter how many actions Han Suyi made, she was dealing with little demons. Zhang Yan, after all, was fighting alone against the Demon King and a group of Demon Generals, making her efforts seem somewhat lesser in comparison.

Prior to this, Huo Xuan had sent a letter to the temple leader of Linqing Temple, suggesting collaboration to resist the Demon Tribulation together. As the Senior Disciple, Song Hong initially didn’t agree with this. But seeing this, he had a different plan in mind, secretly thinking, "I should discuss this in detail again with my master when I return."

The Quan Demon King watched Zhang Yan crush his clansmen right before his eyes, unable to tolerate it anymore, roaring in anger and unleashing his true power.

Opening his mouth, with brilliance flashing, a golden pearl the size of a fist, perfectly round and flawless, flew out, aiming at Zhang Yan.

Within such proximity, the golden pearl reached him almost instantly, hitting Zhang Yan’s chest with a bang, causing the Treasure Robe’s luster to shake violently, nearly scattering away.

With a casual stroke, Zhang Yan stabilized the Treasure Light, but he was slightly surprised inside.

It must be known that this Treasure Robe is a Mystical Artifact, capable of resisting even Divine Power. Unexpectedly, this Dharma Treasure almost scattered his Treasure Light in one strike. Though it couldn’t truly harm him, the opponent’s item was very impressive.

Quan He was even more shocked, as this was a Life-bound Magical Treasure he nurtured, possessing the ability to shatter stone and break gold. Each use slightly diminishes its power until it’s entirely useless, and he rarely uses it lightly. Forced, he finally unleashed this treasure.

Unexpectedly, it failed against Zhang Yan. Realizing the opponent was protected by such Treasure Clothes, it was impossible to be coerced into retreat.

With a fierce voice, Quan He said, "Fellow Daoist, I don’t wish to escalate conflict with the Mingcang Sect. If you withdraw and let us pass today, it’d be fine; otherwise, I, Quan He, will not be easily bullied. Today, it’s a fight to the end!"

Zhang Yan was indifferent to such threats, smiling, "Poor Daoist is lacking a guardian spirit beast; Quan Demon King, would you like to be recruited?"

Quan He glared with burning red eyes, staring at Zhang Yan. More and more little demons collapsed under the Illusionary Cloud Jade Smoke, making him anxious, shouting, "Fight then!" and spat out a pitch-black Xuan Qi.

As this Qi emerged, it instantly triggered a swirling storm, stirring up an endless black wind with countless tiny hardened sands flying back and forth.

This wind was exceedingly peculiar; the originally clear sky instantly darkened, sun and moon dimmed. Those spectating from behind glanced briefly yet felt dizzy and confused. Several of lesser cultivation, if not held by fellow sect members, would’ve fallen off the cloud.

This wind was Xuan Qi nurtured by Quan He from underground yin energy impurity, its deployment able to bewilder minds and souls.

Concealed within the wind, Quan He compacted his tall frame, grasping over a hundred capable clansmen silently, fleeing outward.

Realizing he couldn’t carve an escape route through Zhang Yan, he feigned aggression first, then unleashed this bewildering wind, not aiming to harm but to create obstruction, using it to obscure his figure for a stealthy escape.

At this moment, Han Suyi furrowed her delicate brows, pressing her handrail, pondering, "How could this demon employ Demon Dao skills? There must be an explanation."

If three years earlier, Zhang Yan might not have had many means to counter the black wind, but now he was not troubled.

Extending a finger, a streak of Thunder Light burst forth, purple rays speedily racing, emitting peals of thunder, instantly clearing away a large portion of the black wind mist.

Turning his head, he happened to see Quan He’s fleeing figure, abruptly shouting, "Quan He, you’ve already lost today; put down your weapons and surrender!"

This loud shout incorporated some powerful Dao Skill, directly causing Quan He to feel dizzy and disrupt his form.

Zhang Yan caught the spell, maneuvering the Mysterious Skill between rotations, raising a vast yellow light, pressing it onto the opponent!

...

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