Daoist Competition

This area is a necessary passage to reach Kunyu. The mountain stands to the east of the Central Pillar Continent, reaching straight into the sky like an upright wooden comb, splitting the path in two. It can’t be crossed from above, only through the cavernous belly of the mountain.

Although there was no one to guide the way this time, Lady Wang gave him a secret map before parting. This map had been passed down through the Wang Family for generations, with red lines marking all the underground paths within the mountains. The map not only covered the territory of the Song Country but also extended to Qi and Wei Kingdoms, and included several secret passages known only to the royal family.

The Mountain and River Child was quite amazed by this, finding such a detailed map impossible to complete without hundreds of years of effort, even if vast resources were employed.

Having this map in hand was enough to bring prosperity to a whole family or clan.

If Zhang Yan hadn’t previously assisted Lady Wang greatly, and if she hadn’t recognized that the two of them were no ordinary people, definitely not Hongchen’s worldly beings, she wouldn’t have gifted such an item.

The Central Pillar Continent was vast. Even with Zhang Yan’s swift flying, it took half a month before he finally found another subterranean path.

Unlike other paths deeply buried within the mountains, this pathway had a wide road beforehand, wide enough to allow four horses to run abreast. The stone pavement was very well maintained, and at its end, there was a row of jade stairs leading halfway up the mountain.

With his keen eyesight, Zhang Yan could see from the base of the mountain that there was a Dharma platform. Several individuals, resembling Powerful Warriors, were holding large gold-gilded staffs and golden Luo Gai. Underneath the archway, golden bells with colorful ribbons and copper ring banners adorned with jade hung. Several Daoists in apricot yellow Daoist robes stood there, shaking bells and chanting incantations.

The offering table on the Dharma platform was full of offerings, and behind it was a half-person high black wooden statue, which Zhang Yan could clearly recognize as Wing Cliff Upper Master, whom he’d seen before.

Every passing trader and traveler would kneel before the statue, bow, and only then proceed towards the cave.

Zhang Yan halted a white-haired elderly passerby and inquired, "Old sir, what is the purpose of the Dharma platform on this mountain?"

Seeing his Daoist robe and extraordinary manner, the old man answered honestly, "Daoist, you must be a traveler here. This Zheping Mountain is home to many demons and Exotic Beasts. Usually, they stay within the mountain, but recently, they’ve become bolder, even coming out to harm people. So last month, the King invited the Lie Xuan Sect to establish this platform and distribute talismans. Passersby only need to purchase a talisman to ensure safe travel.

Zhang Yan nodded and said, "So that’s the case. Are those worshippers all devotees of the Lie Xuan Sect?"

The old man sighed as if recalling something, shook his head, and said, "Not all are. But the Daoists have said that to pass through this gate, one must kneel and worship the sect’s Immortal."

Understanding the situation, Zhang Yan thanked the old man and proceeded up the mountain.

Since a sect held rituals here, he didn’t want to cause a conflict. When he reached the Daoists, he instructed the Mountain and River Child to present a box of Jade Pearls. Upon opening it and seeing the contents, the Daoist looked pleased, bowed to Zhang Yan, and stepped aside to make way.

Zhang Yan returned the courtesy and was about to pass when a Daoist with a Pure Yang Cloth on his head and a long beard stepped forward to block the way, saying, "Fellow Daoist, usually only our sect’s followers may enter the mountain. However, since you are of the Daoist community, we won’t trouble you. Just worship here under the divine statue, and you may pass."

Zhang Yan raised an eyebrow and said, "Fellow Daoist, it might be acceptable for ordinary people, but I have a sect of my own. How can I worship another sect’s Ancestor Master?"

To the commoners, Wing Cliff Upper Master might be an Immortal whose worship might bring some benefit, or at least not harm.

But for Zhang Yan, matters were different.

Cultivators kneel only to three things: Heaven, Earth, and their Master. Wing Cliff Upper Master had not even achieved ascension to immortality; even if he became a True Immortal, he was still the Ancestor Master of another sect. What did he have to do with him?

The long-bearded Daoist, hearing this, was indifferent and sneered, saying, "I suppose you aren’t from one of the Three Great Sects? Having the opportunity to worship our Ancestor Master is a privilege. Sects like yours have no real skills, so bowing isn’t necessary."

Zhang Yan’s eyes flashed with a cold light, and he said, "Your sect insults my sect. If you do not retract your words, don’t blame me for being discourteous."

The long-bearded Daoist glared and said, "What, you dare to make a move?"

Just then, a Daoist boy hurried over, whispered a few words into his ear, and the Daoist’s expression changed. After scrutinizing Zhang Yan, he stepped back and said, "I wondered where this unruly and violent wild Daoist came from. Turns out you’re an Evil Dao demon. Seize him for me."

With a flick of his horsetail whisk, over twenty Powerful Warriors surrounded Zhang Yan.

In the East Splendor Continent, Powerful Warriors are merely guards or attendants. However, here, even commanders, princes, and nobles seek longevity and fortune from the Three Great Sects, spending over and above to have themselves turned into Powerful Warriors through rituals. Thus, there are many who inherit this Dharma technique.

The Powerful Warriors before him were nurtured with secret medicine since childhood. Even against Xuan Guang Practitioners, they could fight.

Apart from Zhang Yan, the traders and travelers on the mountain path were bold people. Seeing trouble unfold, they instead showed expressions of excitement, eager for a good show.

Zhang Yan let out a cold laugh, flicked his robe sleeve, and a stream of smoke flew out, instantly turning the twenty-plus Powerful Warriors into stumbling spinning tops.

The long-bearded Daoist was taken aback, never expecting the Daoist before him to be so ferocious. Suddenly, he remembered something, rolled up his sleeves, and ran to grab the divine statue behind the offering table, intending to use the statue’s mana to perform a Daoist Skill.

Zhang Yan sneered coldly, flicked his sleeve, and there was a loud sound as a splash of water light flashed.

When the spectators looked again, they were shocked; everything was empty before them. Not only had the Daoist and the numerous Lie Xuan Sect disciples vanished, but even the stone-built Dharma platform was empty, all disappearing without a trace.

...

...(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.)