Daoist Competition

Che Ziyi nodded with satisfaction, his body slightly shook, and said "rise," whereupon Huang and Shang also activated their escape skills simultaneously.

The three of them ascended with a flash, landing in front of the Array Gate. Che Ziyi continuously performed a spell, opening the Great Array’s portal, and said loudly, "Fellow Daoist Zhang, the array is open, please enter the continent."

Zhang Yan saw the obstacle in front of him disappear, so he rode the wind up, entering this Flying Island. Seeing not far away, three Daoists standing together, all of Nascent Soul Cultivation, he descended in front of them, and performed a Daoist bow, saying, "Greetings, three fellow Daoists."

Che Ziyi led the bowing in return, saying, "True Master Zhang, greetings."

After the courtesy was reciprocated, Zhang Yan and the three of them looked each other over. Che Ziyi observed his tall and extraordinary appearance and praised his unparalleled handsome countenance with a silent commendation, saying, "This Daoist Zhang is indeed quite extraordinary in appearance."

Zhang Yan glanced, and from the demeanor and expressions of the three, he made a rough judgment of them.

Che Ziyi smilingly said, "Fellow Daoist has come from afar, why not follow the old Daoist into the palace to sit and enjoy the tea of this place."

Zhang Yan bowed, "Thank you for the trouble."

Che Ziyi said, "please," then took to the air with an escape skill, leading the way. Zhang Yan followed closely. After traveling more than ten miles, they saw layers of palaces built against the mountain, rooftops connected, occupying a vast area.

The three of them flew toward the main palace. After entering the hall, they sat down as host and guest, then introduced themselves by name. After fragrant tea was served, they began to chat.

Huang Zuoguang was originally a cultivator from East Victory Continent, but came to Central Pillar Continent after his sect was destroyed. He was bold and had traveled many places, being quite talkative, and spoke the most among laughter and conversation.

Shang Teng remained silent, with eyes flashing, occasionally casting a glance, seemingly observing Zhang Yan coldly in secret.

About an hour later, Huang Zuoguang finally asked Zhang Yan’s purpose for coming.

Zhang Yan said, "This time, this poor Daoist has come to refine a Dharma Treasure. Previously, I sought Daoist Liang Changgong, thinking all was ready, but he said it needed Daoist Wei Shudan to join in the effort to ensure success. However, these two Daoists do not get along, making it difficult to bring them together. Since they are both members of your alliance, I would like to ask a few elders to assist in getting these two Daoists to cooperate."

"Oh?" Huang Zuoguang’s eyes brightened, saying, "Does your Dharma Treasure require both Daoist Wei and Daoist Liang to assist? There have been similar instances before, haha, if it is successful, Daoist, you must let Old Huang have a look."

At this moment, Shang Teng said nonchalantly, "Daoist Zhang, isn’t your purpose for coming more than just for this matter?"

Zhang Yan smiled, "What Daoist Shang said is true. Daoist Liang mentioned that to refine the treasure, an Earth Fire Sky Furnace is still needed. Although this is not lacking in my mountain gate, it is tens of thousands of miles away, which cannot quench immediate thirst. Therefore, I wish to borrow your alliance’s furnace fire, if possible?"

Che Ziyi pondered for a moment, stroked his beard, and said, "You do put us in a difficult position. The Heavenly Furnace of our alliance is not our private property; it can’t be borrowed just at a word. This matter still requires the approval of a few other elders."

Zhang Yan chuckled softly. He raised his head, and his gaze swept over the three of them slowly and said, "If your alliance is willing to assist in this matter, when the day comes for your alliance to confront the Lie Xuan Sect, this poor Daoist is willing to lend a helping hand."

Upon hearing this, Huang Zuoguang was delighted, "Is this really true?"

Shang Teng’s eyes flickered uncertainly.

Che Ziyi stroked his beard and remained silent. After a while, he glanced at Shang Teng, and the latter understood, saying, "Daoist Zhang, this is no small matter. Please allow us to discuss it before giving you an answer, is that alright?"

Zhang Yan nodded and said, "That is reasonable."

Shang Teng clapped his hands and called over a Daoist boy, instructing him, "Take True Master Zhang to another hall to rest."

Zhang Yan stood up with a smile, gave the three of them a bow, and then left with the Daoist boy.

After he left, Huang Zuoguang said urgently, "Elder Che, why didn’t you agree to him just now? Since this person’s Daoist Skills are so high, we can indeed ask him to take action to help us regain lost territory. Whether successful or not, it does us no harm. It’s a benefit without cost, why not do it?"

Shang Teng said with a cold expression, "I think not! This person is an East Splendor Continent cultivator, how can he interfere in our Central Pillar Continent matters? Currently, the outcome between our alliance and the Lie Xuan Sect is yet undecided, with many variables still present. We should remain calm. In my opinion, just satisfy his request, and after the treasure is refined, send him away as soon as possible."

Huang Zuoguang showed his disagreement, saying, "Elder Shang’s words don’t make sense. Our Zhenluo Alliance’s cultivators come from all directions; why distinguish East Splendor Middle Continent? This person now has a request for us; asking him to contribute is a reasonable and justified action."

Shang Teng said coldly, "Elder Huang, have you forgotten the disaster of the Shaoqing Sect years ago? Back then, if it hadn’t been for someone opening the array to welcome them, how could the ancient sects of Central Pillar Continent have been defeated so easily? I’ve heard that the Daoist sect Zhang Yan belongs to is comparable to the Great Shaoqing Sect. What exactly do you intend with your overtures to him?"

He, being from Central Pillar Continent, had always harbored little trust for the outsider cultivators like Huang Zuoguang.

Upon hearing this, Huang Zuoguang got angry too. He stood up abruptly and said angrily, "What do you mean by that? Make it clear to Huang!"

Seeing the two were about to argue, Che Ziyi raised both hands to separate them, soothingly saying, "Let’s not quarrel, both are accomplished cultivators, why get so upset over an outsider?"

Huang Zuoguang snorted, sitting back down slowly, while Shang Teng turned away coldly.

Che Ziyi thought for a moment, deciding on a compromise, "Since this person can kill Guo and Pang, he is no ordinary figure. Even if we cannot win him over, we should avoid offending him. Since he wishes to refine that Dharma Treasure, why not lend him the Earth Fire Sky Furnace first? It is not something that can be accomplished overnight. As for inviting him to contribute, we can discuss that later."

...

...(To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my biggest motivation.)