Daoist Competition

Although Liang Changgong and Wei Shudan are renowned in both the south and the north, they share no friendship, and there is even some discord between them.

The world often compares the Dharma Treasures refined by the two, and while outwardly they seem indifferent, in reality, they are constantly competing in secret. Over the years, no great enmity has arisen, but small conflicts persist.

They cooperated only once, refining a Dharma Treasure for an elder of the Zhenluo Alliance. The Treasure Materials used were only slightly inferior to this turtle shell. The Dharma Treasure refined that time, after being nurtured for a few years, gave birth to a True Spirit.

If not for this experience, Liang Changgong wouldn’t even dare to make such a request.

Zhang Yan had long known it wouldn’t be so easy, but since Gui Congyao was a Cave Heaven Demon, it’s understandable that his remnant would be difficult to refine. Thus, he nodded and said, "Besides this, are there any other difficulties? Please speak them all at once."

Liang Changgong slightly bowed and said, "To refine such a Dharma Treasure, the cost of Treasure Materials is a minor issue; they can eventually be assembled. However, this turtle shell cannot be refined by an ordinary Refining Furnace; we need to find an Earth Fire Sky Furnace. Although my Double Moon Peak has one, it requires the approval of the elders of the Zhenluo Alliance to access it."

Zhang Yan pondered briefly, having already made up his mind.

With a wave of his sleeve, a flash of light swept over, and the turtle shell was once again stored away. He said, "Daoist Liang, please start preparing all the necessities for refining this treasure. I will return to find you in a few days."

With that, he turned and left the room. Within a few breaths, he exited the grand building, glanced around, and headed towards the nearest city gate.

Once outside the city, he lifted himself upward, riding a swift golden light, leaving North Moon Peak and directly heading towards the Flying Island above the double peaks.

He circled around the thunderous waterfall and arrived before the Mountain Guarding Formation, standing in the Void, and called out loudly, "East Splendor Zhang Yan seeks an audience with the fellow Daoists of the Zhenluo Alliance."

This voice carried far and entered the Dao Palace deep within the Flying Island. Shortly after, three Daoists dressed in brown Daoist robes appeared simultaneously in the grand hall.

The Zhenluo Alliance has thirteen Nascent Soul Elders, who usually guard important State Cities. The ones who remain at this place are True Masters Che Ziyi, Huang Zuoguang, and Shang Teng.

They didn’t need to go out. Just by listening to the sound carrying the hidden wind flowing outside, they knew the visitor must also be a Nascent Soul True Master.

Huang Zuoguang, with a broad face and a glowing complexion, still in his prime, said with a strong voice, "Elder Shang, you claim to know everything under the heavens. Do you know the background of this person?"

Shang Teng crossed his hands into his sleeves, leisurely saying, "Elder Huang, you’ve asked the right person. I happen to know a bit about this person’s background."

Huang Zuoguang was about to listen intently, but Shang Teng stopped midway, leaving him feeling uninterested. Still, he didn’t want to lose face by asking again, so he turned towards Che Ziyi and cupped his hands, "Elder Che, how should we handle this matter? Should we let him in?"

Che Ziyi, with an aged appearance and early white hair, yet with a beard as black as ink, had a lifespan of 800 years, the longest among the three, and commanded the most respect. Unless it was a crucial matter, decisions here were always made by him. He said in a deep voice, "A guest has come from afar; it’s only right to invite him in for discussion and find out his intentions before speaking further."

Shang Teng then spoke again, first bowing to Che Ziyi, then saying, "Elder Che, please reconsider. From what I know, this person is a cultivator from the Mingcang Sect in East Splendor Continent. It’s heard that he killed Guo Mingde and Pang Yuzhong not long ago, possessing high Daoist Skills. Not knowing his purpose here, I suggest it’s better to avoid unnecessary troubles. We should kindly persuade him to leave and not let him in."

Huang Zuoguang snorted, sarcastically remarking, "Elder Shang, such bravery you have! We three are here, and yet you dare not even see him face to face? Won’t the fellow Daoists laugh till their mouths get crooked if word gets out?"

Shang Teng ignored him, his heart secretly mocking, "A mere brute."

Che Ziyi, after a moment of serious contemplation, said, "Although Elder Shang’s words are prudent, our Zhenluo Alliance welcomes fellow Daoists from all over. This person stated his identity and came openly, following the proper etiquette. There is no reason not to open the gate and welcome him. Besides, this person has enmity with the Lie Xuan Sect, which alone is reason enough not to turn him away. Elders, please accompany me in welcoming him."

Huang Zuoguang, pleased, responded, "Elder Che’s words coincide with what I thought. I will accompany you."

Though Shang Teng was somewhat reluctant, he was deeply calculated, not showing the slightest sign of dissent. Since both opinions were the same, his opposing stance was useless, so he silently bowed in compliance.