Daoist Competition

Zhang Yan turned around and smiled, "Senior Sister Han, why are you pleading for this demon?"

Han Suyi respectfully bowed to Zhang Yan and said solemnly, "This demon surprisingly used that Demon Technique just now. There is something suspicious about this. I see that Junior Brother Zhang still has some strength left, so you might as well capture him first and hand him over to Brother Huo for disposition."

Zhang Yan had no objections, and seeing that Quan He was already exhausted, he waved his sleeve, recalled the True Light, and said loudly, "Since Senior Sister Han has spoken, we will temporarily spare this demon’s life!"

Quan He was already spent, and when the True Light left, he collapsed, panting heavily on the ground.

Han Suyi’s expression remained unchanged, but she was secretly surprised, thinking, "Junior Brother Zhang’s Gate Dao Skill is extremely strange; I wonder where he learned it."

This thought quickly passed, and she set it aside.

When Xuanmen Sect Disciples travel outside, obtaining a few mysterious Daoist Skills is not uncommon. Although the Mingcang Sect has countless cultivators, becoming one of the Top Ten Disciples cannot be achieved without some fortuitous encounters.

Zhang Yan looked into the distance and saw no standing demons. He thought for a moment and said, "Senior Sister Han, although the Quantu Tribe has been eliminated, there are still two tribes heading east and west. Chasing them would be time-consuming. We should split up and try to capture them before they attack the State City."

Han Suyi considered for a moment, found the plan feasible, and nodded, "Junior Brother Zhang’s words make sense. We shall act separately. I heard that the Ye Zao Tribe is slightly stronger among the remaining tribes. Junior Brother, being capable, shall take on this task. Is that agreeable?"

Zhang Yan didn’t mind, as even without Han Suyi, his sword escape abilities could handle the Quantu Tribe with some effort. Tackling the Ye Zao Tribe, weaker in comparison, would be easy. He nodded readily, "That’s fine."

He waved his sleeve, withdrew the Water Element True Light, and in an instant flew up to the city’s edge, calling below, "Jiang Zheng, my Flying Palace is still short of hands. Come with me."

Jiang Zheng was taken aback, hurriedly knelt, and joyfully said, "Disciple obeys the master’s command."

Zhang Yan gestured, and an irresistible force lifted Jiang Zheng, ascending to the clouds, heading towards the Flying Palace.

Han Suyi also spun her Floating Ribbon, turning into smoke and disappearing into the sky.

Below, Master Yang and his subordinates watched them leave, all bowing to express their gratitude.

Master Yang suddenly thought of something, ignoring protocol, urgently shouted, "Immortal, may I ask your name..."

He called several times without response.

Feeling disappointed, a staff member pushed through the crowd and said, "Master, don’t be anxious. I know the name of the Immortal."

Master Yang turned and saw it was the same staff member who previously offered advice. Though curious about how he escaped, he asked, "How do you know? Do you recognize the Immortal?"

The staff immediately answered, "No, but I saw the Immortal speaking with the female Immortal. Although I could not hear their words, I am skilled in lip-reading. If I’m correct, the Daoist’s surname is Zhang!"

Despite his modesty, confidence permeated his words.

Master Yang pondered, finding it highly possible. However, he shook his head and sighed, "Such speculation can’t be relied upon. It’s a serious matter, and writing the wrong name may offend the Immortal. It’s better to drop it..."

The staff member suddenly became anxious, grabbed Master Yang’s sleeve, and firmly stated, "Master, I am willing to stake my life on this judgment being correct!"

Master Yang laughed, "Master Qiu, I trust you."

The staff realized this was Yang’s way of avoiding responsibility, using him as a shield, but he didn’t mind; as long as the master acknowledged him, he contentedly backed away.

After leaving Chui State, Zhang Yan and Han Suyi directed their Flying Palace to search the remaining Demon Tribes, whose strength was far inferior to the Quantu Tribe. Within half a day, they were subdued one by one.

After clearing the three tribes, they did not linger and returned to the Mountain Gate to report.

After parting at Zhao You Heavenly Pond, Han Suyi went to Ten Peaks Mountain to meet Huo Xuan alone.

Huo Xuan instructed a maid to bring her inside, and after she sat down, he slowly said, "Sister, you’ve worked hard."

Han Suyi saluted respectfully and said softly, "Helping Brother is my pleasure; I cannot consider it ’hard work.’"

Seeing her bittersweet look, Huo Xuan’s expression changed slightly. He wanted to say something but restrained himself, changing the topic: "Sister, after this journey, how far has Junior Brother Zhang progressed in his Cultivation?"

Upon his question, Han Suyi’s expression showed slight disappointment.

As a high disciple of Xuanmen, she quickly composed herself, reverting to her previous calm demeanor, and replied, "According to Brother’s earlier words, Junior Brother Zhang has practiced the Purple Cloud Divine Thunder technique for no more than three years, yet today I observed him closely, and his Divine Skills seem to have reached a minor achievement. Such talent in Cultivation is unmatched by me and comparable even to our Senior Brother in past years."

Huo Xuan was silent, then sighed, "Truly a prodigy."

Han Suyi lightly shook her head and said, "Brother, though Junior Brother Zhang is exceptional, he remains under Master’s tutelage. You value him even more than the noble family disciples. I’ve heard some elders in our family express concern."

Huo Xuan seemed unconcerned, waving dismissively with a cold smile, "Let them chatter. Such shortsighted individuals cannot comprehend my grand plan!"

...

...(To be continued. If you like this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian.com) and vote, recommend, or support with monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)