Daoist Competition

Zhang Yan said in an indifferent tone, "This item is of no use to me. You may take it back and return it to Miss Shan. Just say that I gave it to her. As for expressions of gratitude, there is no need. It was merely done in passing."

Manager Jing quickly responded and then glanced at Zhang Yan's expression, carefully saying, "Honored guest, there's another matter to report. This location falls within Yi Gui Palace's jurisdiction. Miss Shan has quite a few sect members here, and the sea boat needs to dock for half a day. I was instructed to come and seek your opinion. Could this inconvenience you, honored guest?"

Zhang Yan paused for a moment in thought. Today, he had spent almost the entire day cultivating the "Ming Dao Can Shen Qi" and had not yet had time to refine Dragon Country's ship. Based on the current speed, he would arrive at Qifeng Island, the gateway to the outer sea, in at most nine days. Perhaps after arriving there, he might still remain for a day or two to refine the ship's first realm of artifact restrictions. Another day's delay wouldn't make much of a difference, so he didn't mind and nodded, "Manager Jing can go ahead and make arrangements, but we must depart by the day after tomorrow at the latest."

Upon hearing this, Manager Jing's face lit up with joy. He bowed repeatedly, then left the room and went to report to Miss Shan.

When Miss Shan awoke and learned that Zhang Yan had saved her, she intended to personally thank him. However, after hearing from Xiu'er that Zhang Yan appeared aloof and unapproachable, she did not dare to act rashly. Today, taking advantage of the docking opportunity, she thought to return the "Yin Transformation Furnace" as an excuse to test his attitude.

Once informed by Manager Jing, Miss Shan understood that Zhang Yan did not wish to see her. A faint melancholic resentment welled up in her heart. Her beauty was unmatched, and she was constantly surrounded by admirers. Proud and noble by nature, she hadn't expected someone to entirely disregard her, causing her to sigh softly and instruct Xiu'er to put away the Yin Transformation Furnace before stepping out of the cabin.

But as she arrived on the deck, before setting foot off the ship, a charming laugh rang out in the distance, "Sister Shan, it's been days since we last met! Have you missed me terribly?"

A flash of green appeared, and a stunning, spirited woman with jewels adorning her hair came into view. The woman took Miss Shan's hand and looked her over with joy, exclaiming, "Seeing sister in such flawless condition, you must have decisively dealt with the Jiu Kui Demon King!"

Miss Shan hesitated for a moment. As she was about to speak, Xiu'er hastily interjected, saying, "That Jiu Kui Demon King's avatar has been slain!"

The woman's beautiful eyes lit up, praising, "Sister! You've performed a great service for the sect this time!"

Miss Shan glared at Xiu'er. She did not intend to claim sole credit for killing the Jiu Kui Demon King's avatar. She wanted to clarify but wasn't sure if Zhang Yan would approve of her revealing the truth. Thus, she had no choice but to reply vaguely, "I was fortunate to escape with help from a benefactor."

"A benefactor?" The woman was startled but quickly chuckled and said, "In any case, the Demon King is dead. By the way, did sister obtain any treasures from the Jiu Kui Demon's corpse?"

Upon hearing this, Xiu'er eagerly brought forth the Yin Transformation Furnace and proudly waved it in front of the woman, saying, "Take a look!"

The woman gasped, covering her mouth in surprise, "The Yin Transformation Furnace? It really is the Jiu Kui Demon's possession! Sister Shan, with such accomplishments, you are bound to win the favor of Master. Perhaps in the future, even I will need your support!"

Miss Shan, however, did not wish to dwell on this topic. She quickly changed the subject, "Senior Sister Cai, do you know if Brother Chu is around?"

Senior Sister Cai's eyes flickered with intrigue as she gave Miss Shan a meaningful glance, saying, "What business does sister have with him?"

Miss Shan replied calmly, "I borrowed his Binding Phoenix Vine earlier and wish to return it to him."

Senior Sister Cai chuckled softly, stepped forward, and playfully patted Miss Shan, saying, "Oh, now I understand how you managed to defeat the Jiu Kui Demon King's avatar so easily. So this benefactor is Brother Chu! With such a Supreme Treasure at hand, naturally, you must thank Brother Chu generously."

She then sighed regretfully, adding, "But sister, you've come a little late. Brother Chu just left for Qifeng Island and will soon set sail for the outer sea."

Miss Shan asked curiously, "Outer sea?"

Senior Sister Cai smiled, "Sister has been drifting over the seas these past few days, so you may not know of the several significant events that have occurred in the East Sea."

Miss Shan was surprised and asked, "What events?"

Senior Sister Cai raised her fingers, counting, "Let me tell you about them. The first event is that over ten days ago, a divine fire meteor descended from the heavens, scattering countless Star Stones across the vast East Sea. These materials are premium components for crafting Dharma Treasures. Some pieces appeared briefly at Immortal Markets and were immediately bought by wealthy individuals. Sister, you wouldn't believe the frenzy they caused."

"The second event is that overseas cultivators have claimed to see five-colored radiance in the depths of the East Sea, suggesting the possible emergence of an Immortal Mansion's treasure. However, the information remains vague, and its origins unclear."

As Senior Sister Cai spoke, excitement shone in her expression as she continued, "The last event concerns Tao Zhenhong, the expelled disciple of the Nanhua Sect. It's rumored that he will soon establish a sect overseas and has invited many friends to attend the ceremony. Apparently, even several of the overseas Eighteen Demon Kings will make an appearance to show support."

Miss Shan had heard of Tao Zhenhong before. He was considered something of an extraordinary figure.

It was said that, following the early death of his mentor, he was subjected to bullying by fellow sect members. Enraged, he eventually left the sect. Despite this, Tao Zhenhong possessed extraordinary talent, having mastered numerous Upper Grade mysterious skills during his early cultivation and inherited the Daoist legacy of an ancient Immortal. His abilities were far from weak, and even when Nanhua Sect deployed multiple experts, they could not suppress him.

Over the past hundred years, Tao Zhenhong had gone across East Splendor Continent, taking disciples and founding sects, only to be repeatedly annihilated by Nanhua Sect. Yet, he constantly rose again and rebuilt. This time, choosing to establish his sect in the East Sea, far from Nanhua Sect's sphere of influence, promised another compelling drama.

Senior Sister Cai's face revealed a hint of yearning as she said, "It's rumored that Tao Zhenhong is dazzlingly handsome and refined—a rare beauty among men. Sister Shan, since you are so familiar with Brother Chu, I also wish to venture to the outer sea and witness the elegance of True Master Tao. However, I currently lack a sea boat. Why not join forces today and ride sister's favorable winds to Qifeng Island, before heading into the outer sea together?"

...

...(To be continued. If you enjoy this story, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote with recommendation tickets and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)