Daoist Competition

A distance of over a hundred li is merely a moment’s journey for a Nascent Soul cultivator, even without the assistance of the Gang Wind.

Moreover, the Nanhua Sect possesses spirit birds for swift riding, ensuring they arrive shortly.

A ghostly glimmer flashed through Feng Haiyang’s deep eyes as he lightly flicked his sleeve, urging the Tribulation Water to flow even more furiously.

Only a dozen breaths had passed when a long cry echoed from afar.

He lifted his head and looked over, seeing two black spots appearing in the distance, swiftly approaching.

Cao Minrou fiercely resisted, using the last remnants of her mana, but under the doubled pressure of the Tribulation Water, she found it increasingly hard to hold.

Seeing the surrounding Jin Cloud continually dissipating, she feared it would soon crush her. Biting her silver teeth, she retrieved a blossom-filled bamboo basket from her sachet, gently swaying it. Instantly, colorful petals scattered, fragrantly encircling her, holding the Tribulation Water three feet away, preventing further encroachment.

However, her face was still filled with worry. Although this Dharma Treasure had miraculous protective powers, she was uncertain how long it could withstand the vile Tribulation Water.

Just as anxiety filled her heart, a long cry suddenly echoed, revitalizing her spirit and kindling a glimmer of hope.

Nie Gui, from afar, saw the Tribulation Water swirling around, seemingly trapping someone within, and pointed, saying: "The place where the flying bird signaled is not far from here; surely Daoist Cao is trapped within. Big brother, we must hurry."

He was about to urge his spirit bird forward when Nie Zhang stretched out his hand to stop him, saying: "Second brother, slow down!"

Nie Gui had to halt his actions, anxiously asking: "Why does brother stop me? Is there something that can’t be discussed later?"

Though the brothers were born of the same mother, their personalities differed greatly. Second brother Nie Gui was full of pride and sharpness, while elder brother Nie Zhang was cautious and conservative. He continuously scanned the surroundings, vigilance in his eyes, saying gravely: "The Demon Sect disciples entered here earlier than us, yet now only Feng Haiyang is present. There may be deceit; we must guard against it. Second brother, you need not rush ahead. Wait for Daoist Yang and Daoist Tong to arrive, and then fight."

Nie Gui raised an eyebrow, displeased, saying: "Brother, your words are mistaken. Daoist Cao fights hard ahead, at great risk; if we brothers do not save her, she will surely be harmed. Being of the Xuanmen lineage, how can we stand by and watch? Even if it is a mountain of blades or a sea of flames, I am not afraid!"

Nie Zhang had no personal ties to the two female disciples of the Lishan Sect, and whether to rescue or not seemed a minor issue to him. His primary concern was their own safety.

Cao Minrou’s situation appeared dire, and the two brothers might not be able to save her. Moreover, the other five Demon Sect disciples were nowhere to be seen; it was difficult to ensure that no schemes were at play, so he was reluctant to take risks.

However, Nie Gui’s words stood on righteousness, leaving no room for reproach. Nie Zhang couldn’t openly refute him, reluctantly saying: "Then be careful, second brother. I’ll cover you from the side."

Nie Gui boldly replied: "Brother need not intervene, watch how I handle him."

Urging his bird beneath him, he rushed forward, soon arriving a hundred zhang from Feng Haiyang. He lifted his head, letting out a long, clear cry. The right head of the double-headed bird under him immediately raised, spewing out a mass of Clear Fire.

This fire could cleanse and purify, sweeping away hidden tactics as if vanishing them. Few could withstand its formidable power.

Feng Haiyang chuckled lightly and casually flicked his sleeve, stirring up a vast Gang Wind that easily scattered the approaching Clear Fire.

Nie Gui’s pupils contracted, clearly this was relying on depth of Daoist cultivation and pure mana to oppress him.

Glancing aside, he saw the Tribulation Water shrinking, clearly Cao Minrou trapped within was reaching her limit. Knowing an extraordinary move was necessary, he quickly took a golden long feather from his sleeve.

He lightly stroked it in his hand, offering it to Heaven, chanting spells repeatedly. The feather swayed and in an instant, transformed into mountain-sized proportions, pressing downward.

Feng Haiyang’s expression remained calm as if dismissive, as the three Gang Clouds above him spun, unleashing a dark wind akin to a tornado, easily supporting the massive feather.

He wouldn’t merely defend but pressed a spell in his hand, fiercely swinging his sleeve, causing the Tribulation Water below to rise dramatically. At a hundred zhang high, it suddenly plunged down, with the force of myriad waves soaring forward.

Nie Gui fearlessly yelled, with his Jin Cloud rising to the heavens, where it shook once. From within flew out a vibrant one-legged bird, fluttering nimbly. It spun around once in place, quickly gathering heavenly rain, pouring down, instantly merging into a great marsh charging upward.