Daoist Competition

Zhang Yan took an hour to get prepared, then he left the Cave Mansion with the Mountain and River Child.

Since he would not be able to return for twenty or thirty years, the disciples, led by Liu Yan Yi, all came out to see him off. After giving some final instructions, he rose on a cloud and flew west.

The Central Pillar Divine Continent is among the Nine Provinces, and besides the local sects, many cultivators from other continents come and go here, especially the heterodox Loose Cultivators, who often form alliances to support each other.

However, no matter the type, they all remain cautiously vigilant of great sect cultivators from other continents.

This is because, unlike other places, this area is rich in resources, with Cultivation external objects as plentiful as stars in the sky. There are numerous Ancient Practitioners’ Cave Mansions and palaces, but Spirit Caves are scarce. Great sects like the Three Great Sects of East Splendor have never established themselves here, and there are only a few sects of comparable size, like the Lishan Sect.

They understand the principle of "an innocent man gets into trouble because of his wealth." If it were just Loose Cultivators, it would be one thing, but if disciples from a Great Xuanmen Sect harbor ill intentions and attract Great cultivators from their sect, it might infringe upon their interests.

Even though Zhang Yan has no intention of engaging in sect conflicts on this continent, according to the Mountain and River Child, Kunyu was not unclaimed land hundreds of years ago, so disturbances are to be expected.

After traveling for over a month, a cliff-edged abyss appeared before him, with a massive river of unknown width spanning across, raging below with waves tens of feet high, spraying white foam and whirling ice beads, a magnificent sight.

This river, named "Age River," is the border of the Two Continent Border, and crossing it leads to the Central Pillar Continent.

Looking ahead, he saw a majestic shadow looming, like a towering wall reaching into the clouds, extending endlessly north and south to the horizon’s end.

Though familiar with many descriptions of this continent from geography books, witnessing the grandeur firsthand, Zhang Yan couldn’t help but be awestruck.

Over the Age River, the weather changes unpredictably: suddenly thunder roars and rain pours, then the clouds disperse, revealing a clear sky. Within the river, Dragon Seeds swim playfully, making it just as perilous as the outer sea.

To avoid trouble, Zhang Yan simply summoned the Dragon Country’s Ship and flew across the river.

Traveling alone to the Central Pillar Continent, he carried the Star Pivot Palace as a precaution, although it was too conspicuous. Now that he had left the East Splendor Continent, he would only use it in critical moments.

He flew using Elixir Evil to control energy, yet his tunneling speed was not slow. In less than twenty days of flying day and night, he crossed the river, reaching the Central Pillar Continent’s border. However, since this continent is higher than the other Eight States, he needed to head into the Yun Tian.

He flew upward for about nine days, yet the journey seemed endless.

According to the Mountain and River Child, this Central Pillar Continent is like a colossal pillar rising to the Extreme Sky, facing East Splendor Continent. The peak connects to the heavens above, surrounded by Gang Qi. One must find a gorge path along the mountain wall to enter the continent’s interior.

However, it had been hundreds of years since the Mountain and River Child last came here, during which the mountains and rivers had changed significantly, so Zhang Yan could not find the way despite searching for a long time.

At that moment, his sleeve shook, and the Yu Gu True Spirit appeared, sniffing intensely, finally taking a deep breath, and exclaimed with a look of intoxication, "Good wine, good wine."

Zhang Yan laughed, "In such a desolate place, where could there be good wine?"

The Yu Gu True Spirit pointed to its own nose and said, "Nephew Zhang, you don’t know, this treasure of mine can discern the taste of good wine even a thousand miles away."

It grabbed Zhang Yan’s sleeve, "If we don’t hurry, we might miss it."

Seeing its eager and impatient appearance, Zhang Yan was amused and said, "It won’t delay much time, so I’ll follow your lead."

The Yu Gu True Spirit immediately grinned happily, swearing oaths to gather more Gang Qi for him.

Zhang Yan shook his head with a smile, waving his sleeve, for that promise had been made repeatedly along the way, hoping it would actually exert effort when needed.

The Yu Gu True Spirit, thrilled by his approval, shot forward like a beam of light, traveling a hundred-some miles, where it saw a caravan ahead, with over three hundred horses and more than fifty carriages, winding along a steep mountain trail like a long serpent.

With a joyful shout, it leaped onto a carriage, beckoned with its hand, and a jar of well-secured fine wine flew into its hand. It smacked open the seal and took a deep inhale, then eagerly poured it down its throat.