Daoist Competition

Zhang Yan and Luo Qingyu normally seldom interacted, but now the latter suddenly came to him for guidance. He knew there must be a reason behind this, and the identity of the person behind it was almost certainly revealed.

He couldn’t help but speculate that this might be Sect Leader Qin promising him the use of the Floating Heavenly Palace, which stirred some True Master to intervene.

Although Luo Qingyu spoke as if it was merely an exchange of skills, Zhang Yan could already imagine that should he lose to this person, the other’s mentor would definitely report to the Sect Leader, suggesting that he was unworthy of practicing in the Floating Heavenly Palace.

Avoiding the battle was not a good choice either.

Luo Qingyu blocked his path to Zhao You Heavenly Pond. He could bypass him, but that would be an act of weakness, damaging his own reputation and making the sect elders look down on him. Plus, the person behind this would have more reason to cause trouble, ruining his plans.

Today, since the opponent had already made a move, he had no choice but to respond, facing the challenge, and not retreating.

Without showing any emotion, Zhang Yan raised his hand above Wei Zihong’s head, brushed away the eye mark with a stream of Clear Qi, then gently pushed and separated a cluster of cloud to send him away, advising: "Disciple, I have matters to attend to. Take your mother and wait aside."

Wei Zihong was wrapped in the cloud and instantly sent a hundred meters away.

Luo Qingyu glanced casually and said: "This child has a good root bone. Is he a new disciple you’ve taken in, Junior Brother?"

Zhang Yan smiled lightly and said: "I traveled among the commoners and unexpectedly found a fine disciple. It’s quite fortunate."

Ignoring the eye on Wei Zihong’s forehead, there were many with such qualifications in the Nine Cities Land Continent. Hence, Luo Qingyu withdrew his gaze after a single glance, no longer paying attention, turning his focus to Zhang Yan.

He said earnestly: "During the last grand competition, I didn’t get to compete with you, Junior Brother, which is certainly regrettable. However, since we are from the same sect, engaging in a fierce battle might harm our camaraderie. Let’s do this instead: I have an Array Diagram called the Green Level Smoke Array Map, refined over many years. I intended to showcase its might in the Sixteen Sects Sword Competition, meeting high-level figures from all sects. But now, I would like to invite you, Junior Brother, to offer some guidance."

Zhang Yan’s expression remained unchanged. He bowed and said: "I am ready to learn from the senior brother’s brilliance."

Luo Qingyu nodded, uttered a clear cry, and cast a spell to lay down an Array Diagram at his feet, positioning it between the two of them.

The diagram expanded within moments over several miles, encompassing both heaven and earth. Then with a quick tremor, it triggered the spiritual mechanism, releasing countless bands of Clear Light and auspicious Qi, suddenly playing strange music, with melodious and ancient tones like clear streams flowing, permeating the heart.

Zhang Yan focused and looked, seeing it unfold like a scroll painting, where the mountains and waters were connected, the world washed clean and the sky crystal clear. Even though he could only glimpse a portion, he could discern the infinite mystery contained within.

Luo Qingyu raised his sword-like eyebrows, beckoned with his hand, and proclaimed: "Junior Brother Zhang, please!"

Since they were from the same sect, he politely invited Zhang Yan into the array. If facing an enemy, he would only need to present the Array Diagram during the Battle Array, and if those unprepared were present, they would be swept into the diagram in an instant.

Zhang Yan smiled slightly, waved his large sleeve, and casually entered the array.

Not knowing the details of the array, entering rashly without breaking its techniques could easily trap him within. Although it wouldn’t be too dangerous, it would be quite embarrassing. However, he had his reliance, so he entered confidently without fear.

Luo Qingyu praised secretly as he saw Zhang Yan enter the array without hesitation, acknowledging: "Junior Brother Zhang’s disposition truly makes him a Cultivation Seed."

This time, he came under the command of his mentor to compete with Zhang Yan. But before he arrived, True Master Yan had secretly instructed him not to go overboard, just to make a show of it, whether he wins or loses.

He pondered his mentor’s intention, realizing it might be to avoid severely offending True Master Peng, who was behind Zhang Yan. Thus, after contemplating, he decided to meet Zhang Yan with the Array Diagram.

As Zhang Yan entered the array, the scene before him changed.

Looking around, he saw endless mountain ranges overlapping, seemingly infinite, each arranged in a mysterious formation. On each mountain peak stood a banner, and with every flutter, it stirred a thousand layers of green smoke and ten thousand thunder clouds, roaring and rising, darkening the sky. Seeing a living person enter, the blue wind instantly converged.

Zhang Yan’s mind flickered. He released a three-foot Protective Treasure Light to block it outside. Nevertheless, the blue wind was as sharp as a blade, slicing away a layer in the blink of an eye. Seeing its sharpness, he was slightly surprised.