Daoist Competition

This was the essence of his entire body’s power gathered, further tempered by Gang Qi, naturally extraordinary. With its nourishment, the previously drained power was now fully replenished.

Guo Mingde’s face turned pale, and then regained its rosy complexion.

With this Gang Cloud consumed, he lost at least a hundred years of cultivation. Although being in Central Pillar Continent, a land rich with spiritual resources, it wasn’t lacking in external cultivation objects and he could practice to regain it in the future, he knew all too well that with his lifespan, he could never hope to step into the Nascent Soul Second Realm again.

Though he was ruthless enough at heart, it still pained him greatly. He could only continuously comfort himself that as long as he could take down this person before him and seize that strange treasure back, upon returning to the sect, who else’s merits could compare to his? Surely, he would enjoy many offerings again.

Unlike the mentally chaotic Guo Mingde, since the beginning of the fight, Zhang Yan had been neither hurried nor slow. He intended to capture this person alive to force out some information and resolve a few doubts in his heart. This move was precisely to take the opportunity to deplete the other party’s mana, so it would be easier to capture him later.

Even before making a move, he had already considered that if this person had deep cultivation or any formidable backup plan, he would use the Purple Cloud Divine Thunder to pave the way, ensuring a safe escape.

However, after engaging, he felt fearless, as this person’s cultivation was slightly higher, but his overall power was far inferior. Even if the opponent self-sacrificed the Gang Cloud above at this moment, he could only hold on a bit longer, far from being able to turn the tables.

Another few hours passed, and the sky dimmed into night.

Guo Mingde’s expression showed slight fatigue, with some panic in his eyes, and his heart began to sprout thoughts of retreat.

In truth, with the help of that Gang Cloud, his mana had not yet reached an unsustainable point, at least requiring another night of fighting before a result might be discerned.

Though he was a Nascent Soul True Master, having reached this level was thanks to various Dharma Treasures and secret teachings from the sect, and his mental fortitude was far inferior to Zhang Yan, a cultivator who fought his way up purely on his own.

Before facing Zhang Yan, he had never engaged in a fight lasting more than an hour, and at this moment, he felt extremely exhausted, supporting himself until now was already remarkable.

And Zhang Yan’s calm demeanor applied immense pressure on him, weighing heavily on his heart, making it hard to breathe.

Seeing the situation become untenable, he considered fleeing, thinking: "Even if I acquire this strange treasure, I can’t use it myself and have to submit it to the sect. Why risk my life for something over which I have no control? There are so many sect disciples that require my care. Now that my junior brother is gone, if I fail, where will they escape to? Dharma treasures can be refined again, but life cannot be reborn. It is better to withdraw now while I still have some strength and return later with a few skilled friends to trouble this person."

He had no aspiration for the Great Dao, only seeking a carefree life for a few hundred to a thousand years, enjoying worldly riches. He had not yet lived enough, so how could he bear to risk his life? Once these thoughts emerged, he no longer had any interest in fighting, only pondering how to withdraw.

Though he rarely fought others, he knew that wanting to retreat required maintaining momentum instead of showing weakness, lest the opponent retaliates and becomes difficult to resist.

Thus, instead of withdrawing, he advanced, mustering his strength and continuously invoking power. The ’Sorrowful Qi Net’ suddenly surged with momentum, black mist billowed, with intent to overwhelm Zhang Yan in one fell swoop. The surrounding disciples were also invigorated, their eyes shining brightly.

Having encountered many cunning opponents since his path of enlightenment, Zhang Yan, with his rich combat experience, discerned subtle hints from the other’s small actions, and in a moment’s thought, guessed the opponent’s true intentions.

He chuckled, going with the flow, deliberately withdrawing some of his power.

From the surface, it appeared he was being suppressed.

Seeing his strategy succeed, Guo Mingde rejoiced, though at this moment, a fleeting moment of hesitation and doubt arose in his heart.

With just a bit of pressure, the opponent seemed unable to hold on, so does that mean this person was actually exhausted, and his outward appearance was just a pretense? Perhaps if he exerted a bit more effort, he could take down this person?

With this thought, he was in no rush to leave, preferring to wait and see the outcome.

But he was unaware that this fell precisely into Zhang Yan’s calculations.

After a moment, Guo Mingde was shocked to find that not only had he failed to suppress the opponent, but the situation was gradually returning to what it was before.

He had wasted considerable power with nothing to show for it, realizing he had been deceived.

Now, with no intention of defeating the enemy, he invoked his power again. Once the ’Sorrowful Wind Net’ showed some majesty, he cast the white Smoke Net over his head, conjured a clear Cloud Light, bright as a wash, water gleaming, enveloped his whole body, and then collected his Nascent Soul to turn and leave.

Zhang Yan’s face showed a slight cold smile. No longer suppressing the Wood Element True Light, he loosened the bindings, allowing his power to surge. The Green Light Mysterious Energy immediately climbed up, soaring rapidly, in an instant bursting the ’Sorrowful Wind Net’, and with a flash of blue light, swept away the Dharma Treasure.

Guo Mingde felt a pang in his heart, then a wave of emptiness came over him, a salty, metallic taste rose in his throat. Without needing to turn around, he knew the Dharma Treasure was broken. He paid no heed to the thousand-odd disciples and only thought of fleeing, a beam of light flying outward.

Zhang Yan let out a hearty laugh, his Nascent Soul above reached out, swiftly transforming into a colossal hand a hundred feet large, chasing him. With one grasp, he captured Guo Mingde along with his treasure.

Guo Mingde was utterly terrified, hastily utilizing his power, the protective Smoke Net glowing brightly, mist surging, firmly holding the giant hand at bay.

But being in Zhang Yan’s grasp, it was nothing more than a struggle of a trapped beast.

The giant hand squeezed repeatedly, and in no time, Guo Mingde’s power was exhausted. With a loud explosion, the White Qi Smoke Net dispersed, and everything went black before he lost consciousness.

...

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