Daoist Competition

The Golden Spear fell straight from the sky, like a meteor, piercing directly into the river.

Due to its length, the front half plunged deep into the riverbed’s silt, while the end still protruded above the water.

The Black Python was firmly nailed in place; the Golden Spear had pierced right through its neck. Half of its body submerged in the water, barely visible, seemingly in its last throes, on the verge of death. Shortly afterward, blood flowed, dyeing the surrounding river red.

Many cultivators on the shore exclaimed in shock. Although East Splendor Continent had its share of demon cultivators, most had low cultivation, and quite a few were slaughtered by the Demon Sect over the years. They had never seen such a massive Demon Python before, and all speculated about its origin.

Huo Xuan and three others descended slowly on the clouds, riding the river breeze.

Luo Qingyu glanced at the Demon Python for a moment, pondered briefly, then turned and said, "Brother Huo, in my humble opinion, it’s unwise for us to dispose of this demon. It’s better to refrain from taking its life for now and bring it back to let the sect elders decide."

Huo Xuan nodded slowly, clearly agreeing with him. There might be much to learn from interrogating this demon about the evildoer, so he raised his hand and cupped it toward Elder Chen, saying, "Please, Elder, take this demon into custody."

Elder Chen, with an expressionless face, replied, "Nephew Huo, please remove the ’Great Sun Dragon Sparrow Spear’ first. I have my own way to deal with it."

Seeing the Black Python was unable to resist, Huo Xuan lightly shrugged his shoulder. The Golden Spear sensed it, promptly transformed into golden light, flew up, and vanished into his Gang Cloud.

A Nascent Soul cultivator can place their favored Dharma Treasure into the Gang Cloud for cultivation. Over time, it can harmonize with their Qi Mechanism, making it easily summonable and increasing its power two or threefold. If someone seizes it, without the corresponding mental method for sacrificial refinement, they cannot command it. However, this method has a downside: if the Dharma Treasure is damaged, the owner is also affected. Hence, though advantageous, not everyone prefers it.

Elder Chen raised his hand and drew a Jade Box from his sleeve bag. He opened the lid, releasing a shimmering green light that enveloped the Black Python. After a momentary flicker, he retracted it, closed the box, and tucked it back into his sleeve.

With the Black Python contained, Zhong Muqing turned around and cupped his hand, saying, "Brother Huo, what should we do with these four Heavenly Shuttles?"

Huo Xuan responded earnestly, "They should be returned to the Sect Leader."

Upon hearing this, both Zhong and Luo remained silent. Though they felt a tinge of regret, they didn’t insist otherwise.

Huo Xuan glanced at the two, then smiled, "Even if we take them back to the sect, it won’t be until after the swordfight. For security, they should stay with you two for now."

Luo Qingyu and Zhong Muqing exchanged a look and smiled, cupping their hands, "We’ll adhere to Brother Huo’s orders."

Though separated, these four heavenly shuttles have lost some of their original power. Even so, they remain mystical artifacts. If they can be refined, they will provide an additional protective Dharma Treasure when reaching Extreme Sky, beneficial with no harm.

As for claiming the treasure, nobody thinks that way. To wield the Four Symbols Sky Shuttle to the extent of Luo Canghai’s power requires an alignment with the Mysterious Technique, and they have their own cultivation techniques inherited, without switching midway.

Elder Chen, seeming to avoid suspicion, flicked his hand, tossing the seized White Tiger Sky Shuttle towards Huo Xuan, "This thing is useless to me. Nephew Huo, I leave it to your disposal."

Huo Xuan took it in hand, pondered briefly, then approached Zhang Yan. When near, he handed over the Sky Shuttle, cordially saying, "It’s thanks to your efforts that we broke the Four Symbols Celestial Shuttle Formation. I’ll leave this treasure for your safekeeping for now."

Zhang Yan understood that Huo Xuan, while formally handing it over, was effectively lending it to him for use. Thus, he didn’t refuse, graciously accepting it with a smile. After expressing his gratitude with a bow, he accepted it.

Suddenly, a thunderous roar came from the sky, drawing everyone’s gaze upwards. They saw the sky unfold like an eye, a strip of light about a mile wide pouring down like a river. As it descended, it surged like a tide. The dense Spiritual Energy within made it seem like standing in a Cave Heaven Blessed Land.

Cultivators from both banks exclaimed repeatedly, all sitting cross-legged, greedily absorbing the Spiritual Energy. They came to the Sword Fighting Conference both to observe all sects’ magic arts and broaden their horizons and to seek opportunity. With such benefits, how could they miss it?

Huo Xuan looked at the sky a few times, his expression calm, unsurprised. Such phenomena occur because the internal and external prohibitions of that object are dissipating, opening the Heavenly Gate and causing the Spiritual Energy within to leak out. He stated, "Everyone should return to your mountain peaks to practice breathing and adjusting. In two days, you can proceed to Extreme Sky."