Daoist Competition

The old Daoist smiled faintly and said, "Second junior brother, rest assured. In recent days, I’ve sent disciples to inquire and have clearly investigated this person’s background. Indeed, he is not a cultivator from our Central Pillar Continent. Not only does he have no foundation here, but he also has some resentment with Lie Xuan Sect. We should first ask him to interpret the Erosion Text. Once the Great Array is broken and the Supreme Treasure on the mountain is obtained, we will find a way to capture him and send him to Lie Xuan Sect. Wouldn’t that be killing two birds with one stone?"

The plump Daoist suddenly realized, slapping his knee, and said, "Senior brother, what a plan! But why not tell our third junior brother directly?"

The old Daoist shook his head and said, "Our third junior brother is simple-minded and doesn’t understand people’s intrigues. If he reveals any flaws, it wouldn’t be good. It’s not too late to explain after things are settled."

The plump Daoist sighed and said, "By then, after obtaining this Dharma Treasure, we can return to Pingdong Land. I’m sure by then, junior brother will understand senior brother’s good intentions."

The two waited for a short while. Hearing footsteps, they looked up and saw Lu Guo accompanied by a tall and handsome young Daoist with bright and piercing eyes. His sleeves flowed freely, exuding a unique aura, as they entered the Cave Mansion one after the other.

Both stood up. The old Daoist made a bow, his face amiable, and said, "I presume this is Daoist Zhang Yan. I am Duanmu Li, humble temple master of Haohang Dao Palace. This is my junior brother, Hong An. Some days ago, I was in seclusion and did not come out to greet you, Daoist. Please forgive the neglect."

Zhang Yan glanced at the person, perceiving a strange aura emanating from the old Daoist. This sensation was something he had felt on Han Guzi before, and it gave him a few guesses. Bowing in return, he said, "Temple Master Duanmu is too kind. In recent days, Lu Daoist has shown me due courtesy and hospitality, and I am truly grateful."

He glanced over and returned a salute to Hong An, who responded with a smiling face.

Duanmu Li gestured with his hand and said, "Daoist Zhang, please take a seat."

Zhang Yan gladly sat down. After the four were seated, Duanmu Li chuckled and said, "I invited Daoist here today to ask for a favor."

Zhang Yan bowed slightly and said calmly, "I’m unworthy. Temple Master Duanmu’s cultivation far surpasses mine. What matter could require my assistance?"

Duanmu Li noticed his distant demeanor. After exchanging a glance with Hong An, he smiled and said, "Daoist, don’t be in a hurry to refuse."

He pointed upwards with his hand, and a mist rose from the ground, slowly forming the shape of landscapes. It was the complete view of Kunyu. He pointed again to a peak within and said, "Please look, Daoist."

Zhang Yan looked and his eyes narrowed slightly. This peak was Turtle-shaped Mountain!

Duanmu Li gazed at the mountain, feeling emotional and said, "Not hiding from Daoist, a predecessor in my sect once hid several Dharma Treasures in this mountain. It’s said there’s even one True Artifact among them. But to test the perseverance of successors, thirty-six Arrays were left behind. Anyone seeking the treasures must break through all these Arrays. Fearing successors might lack skill, the predecessor used the Erosion Text to conceal the key to breaking the Array within the landscape. But we have been unable to understand its meaning, left only to sigh in admiration."

Hearing this, Zhang Yan looked at Lu Guo with a knowing smile and said, "No wonder Lu Daoist has been asking me about mantras these past few days, with none being simple Dark Array Techniques. So, this is the reason."

Lu Guo blushed with embarrassment and said awkwardly, "You’ve made a joke of me, Daoist. I’m ashamed, truly ashamed."

The path of Erosion Text, passed down from Ancient Great Powers, contains the profound truths of heaven and earth. Even in Sects like East Splendor Continent with millennia of inheritance, not everyone masters it. The methods of deducing it are also secret traditions, cherished and never shared widely.

In the upheavals of sects on Central Pillar Continent, this path had long since been lost. Encountering Zhang Yan now, he is their only hope.

Duanmu Li’s expression turned serious. He stood and gave Zhang Yan a solemn salute, saying, "My two junior brothers and I have one unreasonable request. Since Daoist is proficient in this path, would you collaborate with us to break this Array? There will be generous rewards."

Hong An and Lu Guo also stood up and bowed to Zhang Yan.

Zhang Yan showed a troubled expression at the right moment and said, "Well, I am not part of your sect. How could I overstep my bounds?"

Duanmu Li sighed heavily and said, "Old Daoist knows this request is abrupt. But this matter is truly too important for my brothers and me. We’ve struggled without aid, wasting hundreds of years without results. If Daoist does not help us, we will have no hope."

At this, he seemed to have made a resolution and spoke in a deep voice, "How about this: if this Array can be broken, I will take responsibility to let Daoist choose any Dharma Treasure from among them. What do you think, Daoist Zhang?"

He secretly glanced at Zhang Yan’s expression, seeing a semblance of interest on his surface. His heart secretly rejoiced, hurriedly giving a signal to his junior brother.

Hong An stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Daoist Zhang, only you can aid my brothers and me now. Must you make us kneel to plead with you?"

Lu Guo also looked pitiful, speaking sincerely, "Daoist Zhang..."

Zhang Yan seemed unable to withstand the trio’s pleas, sighed deeply, and said, "Very well. Since Temple Master Duanmu sincerely asks, I am willing to assist. But there is one difficulty. If the three of you do not agree, I would rather leave now."

The three were overjoyed that he agreed. Duanmu Li quickly said, "Whatever you need, Daoist, just say so. As long as my brothers and I can accomplish it, we shall comply."

Zhang Yan’s expression suddenly turned exceedingly serious. He said, "These past days, in discussing Mystical Skills with Lu Daoist, I’ve detected that although the methods to break the Array are embedded within the landscape, they must be jointly deduced with the Array. Otherwise, it would not be possible to understand the fine details. Therefore, it is necessary to personally observe the Array to accurately detect the arrangements."

Lu Guo quickly stood up and said, "I can attest, Daoist Zhang speaks truly. A few days ago, when I was seeking guidance, there were several difficult points. Daoist Zhang said that without personally viewing the Array or having supporting evidence, even with the Erosion Formula, the true meaning could not be discerned."

Duanmu Li pondered for a while, finally saying, "Daoist, your request is reasonable. So, third junior brother, please lead Daoist Zhang to Turtle Snake Mountain to closely observe the Array."

...

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