Daoist Competition

An old Daoist in a brown long robe stood up, flicking his sleeves. He extended four fingers and said, "In this upcoming sword duel, be wary of four individuals within the Xuanmen. Once these four are dealt with, the rest pose no significant threat."

Immediately, an elder chimed in, "Is Elder Jin referring to Xun Huaiying, Huo Xuan, Zhou Huang, and Zhang Yan?"

Elder Jin laughed heartily, saying, "I suppose everyone here understands clearly. As for Xun Huaiying, there’s no need to elaborate. This individual follows the Slaughter Sword path of the Shaoqing Three Veins Sword Transmission, nullifying any Dharma Treasures and Daoist Skills with a single strike. Our predecessors within the Six Sects who witnessed this Slaughter Sword technique are mostly deceased. Therefore, he must be closely monitored. Even if we cannot kill him, we must drag him down!"

As he finished his statement, his beard and hair stood on end, and he slammed the table heavily. Those who heard nodded unanimously in agreement.

Feng Haiyang, seated at the forefront on the left, remarked solemnly, "Elder Jin’s words are true. Xun Huaiying is indeed a formidable foe. Fortunately, our disciples from the Six Sects are united this time and have formulated a countermeasure."

He turned his head, directing his gaze at a high-crowned, white-robed cultivator, and spoke with utmost seriousness, "Brother Wei Chi, after engaging, you need not concern yourself with others, simply keep Xun Huaiying occupied."

Wei Chi Yun, noticing all eyes on him, took a deep breath and stood up suddenly, bowing deeply as he affirmed, "I will not fail the trust placed upon me by everyone."

Elder Jin tapped the table lightly, saying, "Everyone, besides Xun Huaiying, Zhou Huang must not be underestimated either. He is the most outstanding disciple of the Zhou Family in this generation. It’s rumored he’s mastered the second-ranked ’Spirit Core Great Jade Qing Light’ among the Yuxiao Sect’s Sixteen Skills. He’s cultivated the ’Heavenly Universe Realm Book’ for over four hundred years, having entered the Nascent Soul Realm over two hundred years ago. Judging conventionally, he should possess at least five Divine Skills, making him truly difficult to handle."

The Yuxiao Sect, located south of East Splendor, though considered part of the East Splendor Xuan Sect, seldom interacts with northern sects. Few have crossed paths with Zhou Huang, leaving his exact capabilities largely unknown, hence assessments rely mostly on his cultivation technique and prowess.

Upon hearing Elder Jin’s analysis, several Demon Sect elders appeared alarmed. Zhou Huang has been in the Nascent Soul Realm for over two centuries without advancing to the Second Realm, indicating most of his efforts are likely focused on developing Daoist Skills.

On the left, sitting forward, a young Daoist in a red robe, distinguished and refined, was Jiuling Sect disciple Yan Huixin. After hearing this, he pondered momentarily, then raised his head, smiling as he said, "As previously planned, I shall handle him myself. I am curious to compare whether his Daoist Skills overpower my magic spirits on the banner."

Feng Haiyang nodded affirmatively, stating, "Apart from Junior Brother Yan, there seems to be no better choice."

Elder Jin chuckled, "The Mingcang Sect’s Huo Xuan possesses both golden fire energies and wields the Great Sun Dragon Sparrow Spear. Our Demon Sect’s Dao Techniques are largely suppressed by him. Brother Feng, have you devised a strategy?"

Feng Haiyang didn’t respond but turned his gaze to a graceful female cultivator seated, instructing, "Lady Xu, as previously discussed among the six of us, you will handle him. Do not fail."

Ms. Xu smiled sweetly, acknowledging, "I accept my duty."

Feng Haiyang nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping across the room, saying, "There’s also one more person, Zhang Yan of the Yao Yin Sect. Originally a disciple of Mingcang, having achieved First Grade Golden Core, his mana is unmatched among peers. Given his previous encounters, I confidently assert he has yet undiscovered powerful techniques. Should you face him, exercise utmost caution and avoid being careless."

Ms. Xu’s bright eyes glinted as she suddenly remarked, "Zhang Yan slew Yuxiao disciple Zhou Qingyun and nearly clashed with Xie Ke Ming. If only..."

Feng Haiyang immediately interrupted her, saying sternly, "Our Six Sects fight unitedly against foes. Once the overall situation is controlled, victory follows. Why divert attention to petty schemes? That would be falling into a lower strategy. Lady Xu, your confrontation with Huo Xuan bears heavy responsibility; extraneous thoughts are unwarranted."

Ms. Xu blushed, embarrassed, and admitted, "Brother Feng’s admonition is sound, I will remember."

Seated below, Gao Ruowang of the Blood Essence Sect appeared determined as he struck the table and volunteered, "Brother Feng, as you and Junior Lu deal with the other individuals, I will confront Zhang Yan. Our Blood Essence Sect has long-standing grievances with him, making it an ideal opportunity to settle them."

The strategy established by the Six Sects of the Demon Sect was, frankly, straightforward: having Gao, Xu, Yan, and Wei Chi engage the duel, aiming to restrain the strongest cultivators within the Xuanmen, while Feng Haiyang and Lu Muqiu joined forces to swiftly eliminate all remaining Xuan Sect disciples before regrouping to attack the four.

If successful, the Demon Sect would triumph in the sword duel, though risks were considerable. The crucial point lies in whether Feng Haiyang and Lu Muqiu can swiftly defeat all sect disciples first.

Among the Demon Sect disciples assigned to restrain Xun, Huo, Zhou, and Zhang, missing even one opportunity could result in total loss, akin to gambling.

However, the Demon Sect pursued the Junyang Essence this time with only six individuals, necessitating such risky tactics; otherwise, victory was unattainable.

Initially, there was another challenge regarding identifying their opponents and executing the Demon Sect’s strategy. This required additional tactics, which had already been devised within the Demon Sect.

Their plan was for all Demon Sect elders to intercept along the road from Chengyuan Gorge to Extreme Sky, gradually entrapping Xuan Sect disciples in their setup.

Such actions would inevitably incite the protectors of both Xuanmen and Demon Sect, and from various sects, leading to an anticipated fierce and bloody battle.

Feng Haiyang bowed respectfully to those seated, his expression solemn as he said, "Tomorrow, en route to Extreme Sky, I entrust tomorrow’s matters to all elders."

...

...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you are welcome to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)