Daoist Competition

Xie Ke Ming saw Elder Shen and Zhang Yan standing together. Despite the overwhelming hatred in his heart, he knew he couldn’t face both of them alone. He took out a piece of Jade Talisman from his Sleeve Bag and activated his Mana. The item trembled slightly before flying away from his hand. He then kept a close watch on the mirror, waiting for Zhou Huang to arrive and join him.

The Mirror Light shot forth, illuminating the surroundings. Naturally, Zhang Yan and Elder Shen noticed it. Elder Shen frowned and said in a deep voice, "Who could be watching us?"

Zhang Yan chuckled, seemingly unbothered, and instead asked, "Elder Shen, where do you think the celestial Essence Qi would be found in this place?"

Elder Shen, knowing Zhang Yan was changing the subject, wisely refrained from pursuing the topic. After a brief contemplation, he stroked his beard and said, "In the past, our ancestor Shen Chong mentioned that when celestial Essence Qi is drawn down, its fiery toxicity is intense. If we cultivators rashly refine it without the aid of magical artifacts, it will surely consume us to ashes. Therefore, our Great Power Expert once placed a treasure named the ’Junyang Pot’ within this Star Stone. Only after it is nurtured by this treasure can it be utilized. However, the treasure pot has developed a spiritual nature and roams freely. This Star Stone is so vast that it’s not easy to find it."

Zhang Yan raised his hand and pointed forward, smiling, "Daoist Shen, the source of that radiance is about a hundred miles from here, and it seems to be a probing treasure. If we could borrow it, finding that pot would be much easier."

Elder Shen was startled, hesitated, and said, "It’s uncertain whether they are friend or foe."

Zhang Yan smiled slightly. This was originally the entrance and exit of the Star Stone, and he and Elder Shen were likely the last Xuanmen Sect Disciples to enter here. Yet the other party came to investigate now, clearly harboring some purpose, possibly targeting both of them.

The radiance was roughly a hundred miles away; if they were from the Xuanmen, they would have revealed themselves and come forth. But they still remain hidden, suggesting they are likely enemies rather than allies.

However, Zhang Yan did not openly say this, merely smiling and saying, "Fellow Daoist, come with me for a look, and we will soon find out."

With that, he summoned a sword light and flew towards the source of the radiance.

Elder Shen also took out a Flying Talisman with two fingers, gently shaking it; suddenly, a radiance enveloped him, allowing him to fly after Zhang Yan.

Xie Ke Ming, holding the Crystal Mirror, was observing Zhang Yan’s actions while waiting for Zhou Huang to arrive. But when he glanced upward, he was taken aback to see a rainbow-like sword light speeding towards him from the distant sky.

He had not expected Zhang Yan to dare to come for him, causing his heart to tighten.

The sword light moved incredibly fast; in the blink of an eye, it was within ten miles, already very close for a Cultivator.

Xie Ke Ming felt hostility towards Zhang Yan and certainly didn’t consider his approach to be friendly. Bloodshot eyes appeared as a gang cloud surged ten feet above, violently rolling. Then with a roar, he activated three Divine Power Techniques in succession, launching over twenty Thunder Pearls from the cloud towards the sword light as if scattering them.

Zhang Yan remained calm. The Thunder Pearls reached him, but he didn’t dodge them. As they were about to hit him, a water light rose beneath his feet, sweeping all the pearls away, pausing the sword light, and revealing himself calmly, saying, "So it’s Daoist Xie. Why do you turn against fellow Xuanmen when you should be dealing with Demon Sect disciples?"

Xie Ke Ming, enraged, laughed bitterly and cursed, "Zhang Yan, who is your fellow? You killed my senior sister in Chengyuan Gorge, and I didn’t have the chance to challenge you. Now you’ve delivered yourself to me; let’s see how I take your life!"

Zhang Yan looked at him seriously and nodded, "If that’s the case, I will fulfill your wish. But since this is not just a friendly spar between fellow Daoists, don’t blame me for leveraging numbers over you, Master Xie."

As he spoke, another tunneling light flew over; it was Elder Shen, already arriving by talisman, standing at a position not far beside him, silent and composed.

Xie Ke Ming coldly sneered, "Do you think I fear the two of you?"

Although he spoke boldly, a hint of agitation surfaced in his heart.

By his reckoning, Zhou Huang should have arrived upon receiving the Flying Book. He should almost be here by now, so why hadn’t he shown himself? Could he be hiding nearby, waiting for an opportunity, or had some variable emerged?

But now that he’s openly clashing with Zhang Yan, whose sword escape speed is far beyond his own, escaping at this moment was certainly not possible.

Elder Shen, hearing this, knew the man must have some backup. He solemnly took out a stack of talisman paper, tossing them outwards. These talismans would spontaneously alert him if anyone were spying nearby, allowing him to detect it immediately.