Daoist Competition

At this moment, beneath Zheping Mountain, arrived three Taoists clad in purple robes, treading on a mysterious light.

All three were dressed identically, wearing crane robes, crowned with Wangyue Crowns, holding horsetail whisks, impeccably neat without a speck of dust.

A sub-platform of Lie Xuan Sect had been breached, alarming the elders of the sect, who promptly dispatched these three to investigate and mitigate any adverse effects.

After some separate investigations, they gathered together again, and one slightly older among them spoke: "Brothers, have you discerned any peculiarities?"

One Taoist responded: "The Dharma Platform was safeguarded with Prohibition Talismans set by an elder from our sect. Even if we wanted to move it, we couldn’t. This person could easily sweep it away along with the disciples, so their cultivation must be exceedingly high."

The elder stroked his beard thoughtfully, "Could it be from the Golden Ling Sect or the disciples of Qingshi Temple?"

Another Taoist pondered carefully and shook his head, "I don’t think so."

The elder asked, "Brother, why do you conclude this?"

This Taoist pointed behind him and said, "Brother, behind Zheping Mountain is the territory of Independent Sect, and there are inherent conflicts with the Golden Ling Sect. If our sect recruits followers there, they would only gladly see it happen, why would they hinder us? And as for Qingshi Temple, unless within the borders of Qi Country, they remain detached from worldly affairs. How could their disciples engage in such activities?"

On the Central Pillar Divine Continent, the Lie Xuan Sect, Qingshi Temple, and Golden Ling Sect were the largest powers, each occupying a nation. Although they are wary and guarded against each other daily, fortunately, the continent is rich in resources, and unless disciples hold irresolvable grudges, conflicts are rare.

The elder nodded slightly, "Although brother makes some sense, it’s merely conjecture. Wait until Elder Pang arrives, then we will truthfully report everything we have seen."

After waiting for less than an hour, the elder’s body shook, "Elder Pang is here, quickly welcome him!"

They hurriedly knelt in unison, loudly saying: "Disciples welcome Elder Pang, wishing Elder longevity."

In the sky came a Riding Crane Daoist, accompanied by two children, several disciples, and ten beautiful ladies. They wielded fans, carried incense burners, struck bells, and played flutes, all elegant and graceful. Behind them were over a hundred Powerful Warriors, standing on flying rafts, holding Golden Spears and Iron Hammers, banners hanging as their insignia.

As they approached, Immortal Sound echoed, Spiritual Energy surged, fragrant scents filled the fields, the sight was grand.

After Elder Pang descended onto the clouds, two maids approached to smoothen the creases in his attire.

At this time, a female cultivator brought forth a golden basin, and he washed his hands briefly, then used a soft towel to dry them. Only then did he gaze at the three prostrated figures beneath him, calmly saying: "Tong Cheng, how goes the matter I entrusted you with?"

The elder first kowtowed, dared not rise, prone, he declared: "We brothers have inspected and believe this person is neither from Golden Ling Sect nor Qingshi Temple, likely some wild Daoist from an unknown Independent Sect, unknowingly affronting our divine sect, only to commit such acts, the Ancestor master above shall surely deliver divine retribution, punishing these people."

Elder Pang was non-committal, sat silently, his maid behind him fanning gently, Tong Cheng and the other Taoists remained uncertain about his intentions, feeling apprehensive.

After a short while, a Flying Book came from beyond, swiftly approaching within Elder Pang’s reach; he extended his hand and read its contents, snorted, "Just as expected, no surprise."

He tossed the letter before Tong Cheng and his companions, "Go read it yourselves."

They rushed forward, picked it up, gathered to read, exclaiming: "These two came from the Outer Continent?"

Elder Pang squinted: "These two first appeared midway along the mountain path of Huayao Valley, a place rarely visited and scarcely known. Eastward from there lies Age River, beyond which reaches East Splendor Continent, now facing a Demon Tribulation. In recent times, many cultivators fled here, and since no one recognizes their features, it’s highly likely they came from there."

Tong Cheng realized: "Elder’s words make sense, probably Outer Continent cultivators daringly reckless, thinking we wouldn’t know their origins, assuming we cannot capture them!"

Elder Pang sneered, "Damaged a Lie Xuan Sect sub-platform, how can they be let off so easily?"

Initially, he wasn’t eager to pursue them, fearing they might be disciples of Golden Ling Sect or Qingshi Temple. If conflicts arose, it would be endless, unwilling to wade into trouble waters; thus, he waited until their identities were confirmed before taking actions.

Now that their identity is inferred, there are no such concerns. He beckoned his horsetail whisk, speaking in a solemn voice: "Where is Bai Kechuan?"

Among the disciples behind him, immediately out stepped a cultivator of about forty, steady in demeanor, standing before him, "Disciple Bai Kechuan is here! What are Master’s orders?"

Elder Pang threw a Command Token, "You hold my command, summon hands from each sub-platform, cross Zheping Mountain, pursue these two. Recall, make a grand display, aim to capture them alive, I want those heterodox Loose Cultivators to know the consequences of offending Lie Xuan Sect!"

Bai Kechuan bowed and lowered his head, "Disciple shall obey the command."

Elder Pang said gravely, "This person can gather energy into a bridge, sending hundreds across, today they’ve swept our sub-platform. If not for some Dharma Treasure, their cultivation is likely similar to yours, having reached the Hua Dan Realm, be cautious. If you fail this task, do not return to me."

Bai Kechuan immediately agreed, yet internally, he was somewhat dismissive.

These past years, due to the Demon Tribulation in East Splendor Continent, many cultivators sought refuge in Central Pillar Divine Continent, he had encountered many.

Those people varied in cultivation, best to leave it at that, yet most possessed few Protective Magic Devices, often his Dharma Treasure was unleashed, they couldn’t withstand, most instantly turned to dust.

Recently, those who perished by his hands numbered at least a dozen, naturally brimming with confidence, why would he be concerned with two wild Daoists from an unknown place?

...

...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you are welcome to vote for recommendation votes and monthly votes on Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation.)