Daoist Competition

In the ebb and flow, Zhang Yan gradually gained the upper hand. The Wood Element True Light became more and more vigorous, gradually surging upwards.

Before long, this beam of light suddenly burst upward, collided with the Chenhu Card, and with a thunderous crash, knocked it over, causing the four-colored Radiant Energy to instantly dissipate.

Bai Kechuan was hit hard, his whole body shuddered violently, he spat out several mouthfuls of blood, and clutched his chest as he staggered back in panic.

Zhang Yan shouted loudly, flicked his sleeve, and sent out a Water Element True Light, which immediately enveloped him. With a casual gesture, he summoned the Chenhu Card into his hand, and upon closer inspection, found it to be a Mystical Artifact. He sighed, "This Dharma Treasure is quite peculiar, but this person’s mana is insufficient to fully utilize its wonders."

He turned his palm and pocketed the treasure. After scanning his surroundings, he contemplated for a moment, then unfolded the sword light and swiftly headed east.

Within a moment, he saw three figures hurriedly flying ahead.

Yang Bingqing suddenly sensed something, turned to look back, and couldn’t help but smile bitterly, "Daoist Ding, there’s no need to keep running, we can’t escape."

Hearing this, Ding Daoist and Situ Rong also looked back, and their faces showed surprise. After exchanging glances, they stopped in their tracks.

They understood clearly that this place was empty, and without reinforcement from the alliance, it was easy for an opponent who was a Sword Cultivator to catch up. Rather than losing more face, it was better to stop and speak properly. If this person truly intended to commit murder to silence them, then it wouldn’t be too late to fight then.

Though they were cautious, unexpectedly, when Zhang Yan approached the three of them, he didn’t appear as aggressive as they imagined. Instead, he greeted them with a nod and politely said, "May I ask where the three fellow Daoists have come from?"

Ding Daoist was momentarily stunned. Seeing that Yang Bingqing and Situ Rong didn’t respond, he stepped forward and returned the salute, saying, "Fellow Daoist, greetings. We are cultivators from the Zhenluo Alliance. Because the Lie Xuan Sect entered our sect’s territory without reason, we came to investigate. Just now, seeing the Daoist’s impressive display of might, capturing all these people, we feared appearing rashly might displease the Daoist. Therefore, we did not greet you and hope for your forgiveness."

Zhang Yan showed a playful expression and said, "From what my fellow Daoist said, could it be that your alliance is not on good terms with the Lie Xuan Sect?"

Ding Daoist was reluctant to answer this directly, but to gain Zhang Yan’s trust, he solemnly replied, "Exactly! The disciples of the Lie Xuan Sect are always overbearing and unruly, and our alliance’s disciples often deeply resent them. Fellow Daoist must have experienced this as well."

Zhang Yan then pointed with his hand, and a beam of light flowed out, causing Bai Kechuan to tumble out. He said, "I was just wondering how to handle this person. Since your alliance has enmity with this sect, I leave it to your alliance to deal with him. What do you think?"

Ding Daoist was stunned and his face turned unpleasant. Bai Kechuan was a hot potato; accepting him was very unwise. But if he didn’t accept, it would make his previous words pointless, and there was a risk of arousing the other’s suspicion.

He hesitated for a long time and finally gritted his teeth, saying, "Very well, we’ll take care of him." He raised his hand and released a beam of Elixir Evil, taking the unconscious Bai Kechuan over.

Zhang Yan, seeing him accept Bai Kechuan, gave Yang Bingqing a meaningful glance, then nodded and said, "Since this matter is settled, I shall take my leave. We may meet again someday."

He turned his sword light, swiftly departed, and within a few breaths, disappeared.

Ding Daoist looked at Bai Kechuan in his hands, feeling stifled and showing a bit of distress on his face.

Yang Bingqing sighed, "This is a strategy to divert trouble eastward."

Ding Daoist, of course, saw through it. If they received Bai Kechuan, how could the Lie Xuan Sect let it slide? The outcome of this affair was unpredictable, but under such circumstances, how could he dare refuse?

Situ Rong glanced at Bai Kechuan and eagerly said, "What are you two afraid of? It’s a good thing. Bai Kechuan broke into our territory. Now that we’ve captured him, how could the alliance not commend us?"

Ding Daoist disagreed with her optimism, shaking his head, "Bai Kechuan is no ordinary figure; he’s a Divine Altar Incense Burning Disciple of the Lie Xuan Sect. If this escalates, it will bring no benefits. If the elders wish for peace, they could return him and punish us."

Situ Rong was taken aback, "Will it really be like that?"

Yang Bingqing snorted, "Though the West of Ping may not be as prosperous as Pingdong, it is peaceful. Which of those elders are willing to openly oppose the Lie Xuan Sect? If they were proactive, would they have allowed themselves to be bullied without any response?"

Ding Daoist was silent.

Yang Bingqing looked at them again and said, "I do have a method to avoid this trouble, it’s just whether Daoist Ding and Miss Situ dare to execute it."

Ding Daoist couldn’t help but look over, eyes filled with expectation, "Please, Brother Daoist, speak."

Yang Bingqing’s eyes flickered, and he lowered his voice, "In my opinion, we only need to kill Bai Kechuan."

Ding Daoist was momentarily stunned, instantly understanding Yang Bingqing’s intention. By killing him, the elders would have no reason to mend relations with the Lie Xuan Sect, and rather than making it worse, they would likely praise them.

This stirred his heart, making him interested but hesitant about the consequences.

Situ Rong, however, was perceptive, "Brother Ding, Bai Kechuan trespassed into your and Brother Yang’s guarded territory. Capturing him falls within your duty. If he accidentally dies, who can blame you? Besides, with me here, what do you fear?"

Ding Daoist sighed, "It seems this is the only way."

As soon as he spoke, Yang Bingqing’s eyes flashed, he swept his hand, and a black-and-white Sword Qi flew out, severing Bai Kechuan’s head.

After parting with the three, Zhang Yan didn’t concern himself with how they would deal with Bai Kechuan. He just followed the direction given by Mountain and River Child, flying southwest, traveling for over a month. He saw within the heavenly clouds, a dark cyan hue. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a floating suspended landmass in the air, its vastness unknown. This was the Kunyu described by Sect Leader Qin.

After a few glances, he drew his sword, transforming into a Rainbow Light, and headed straight for the landmass.

...

...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)