Daoist Competition

Zhang Yan nodded in satisfaction. This sea boat was originally the main ship of the Flying Boat Immortal Market, with every piece of material forged through countless tempering and refinement. Its solidity was already comparable to a Dharma Treasure, and with this layer of Prohibition added, it could withstand even formidable and vicious foes. Coupled with its decent speed, apart from being overly ostentatious, it had no other flaws.

He went straight to the Cloud Couch and sat down, then retrieved a booklet from his sleeve. The first few pages recorded the origins of various external medicines Elder Yan used during his Solidifying Pill process, among which the Sixty-Year Four-Season Water was prominently listed.

It was written: "Three hundred miles southeast of Crane Island stands Black Mountain. Every Jiazi, Heavenly Water emerges, named Four-Season. Its nature is Zhide…"

Upon reading this, Zhang Yan pondered in his heart: "According to Elder Yan, this water appears at the end of the year. Now it's already August. Based on the book's description, after leaving Qifeng Island, it should take about a month and a half to reach the location. I wonder where Xiao Han is at this moment? If I do encounter him, it seems inevitable there will be conflict."

He put the book back into his sleeve, mulled it over briefly, then brought out a piece of Beautiful Jade, calling aloud, "Is Fellow Daoist Beigong around?"

Beigong Hao's Primordial Spirit floated forth, half of his form materializing, bowing as he said, "I wonder what matter Daoist has summoned this poor one for?"

Zhang Yan smiled faintly and replied, "Last night, during our struggle, you used a few drops of Ren Kui Water Essence. I'm curious as to where you acquired it."

This Ren Kui Water Essence was precisely the material needed to cultivate the Supreme Mysterious True Light. His travels were not only for collecting external medicines but also for acquiring the Five Directions Essence Qi.

Beigong Hao didn't dare conceal the truth, responding humbly, "To report back to Daoist, our Chongyue True Temple possesses a Gathering Life Gold Stone that generates dozens of drops of Ren Kui Essence Qi daily. Ordinary disciples can only receive one or two drops each, but an elder like me is allocated over ten drops. Apart from what Daoist absorbed, I still have five drops in my Sleeve Bag."

Upon hearing the origin of this Water Essence Qi, Zhang Yan shook his head. He decided he wouldn't bother with this Gathering Life Gold Stone. This item was undoubtedly the foundational resource of Chongyue True Temple. He had no intention of acting so recklessly as to try and seize it. If he wanted enough Water Essence Qi, it seemed he'd have to figure something out regarding the disciples of Chongyue True Temple.

Beigong Hao, seasoned and shrewd, immediately discerned his intention and quickly said, "Daoist Zhang, if you are looking for this Water Essence Qi, actually, there's a most reliable method."

Zhang Yan glanced at him and smiled. "Fellow Daoist Beigong, you may speak freely."

Beigong Hao hastily explained, "If Daoist's resources are ample, you might visit the Immortal Market established by our Chongyue True Temple. Our Chongyue True Temple employs this item as a trading resource to obtain many Dharma Treasures and Elixirs. Daoist just needs to inquire a bit, and you'll find my words are true."

Zhang Yan stared at Beigong Hao for a moment, then smiled lightly, saying, "It seems you've lost your physical body, yet still wouldn't want your sect brothers implicated."

Beigong Hao bitterly chuckled and shook his head. "It's not entirely true. Despite my current predicament, there have indeed been moments of wickedness in my heart—wanting nothing more than to drag a few sect brothers down with me. However, even if I don't mention it, Daoist would know sooner or later, so it's better to say it early."

Zhang Yan remained noncommittal. Though Beigong Hao's words were sympathetic and reasonable, he wasn't inclined to trust him easily, especially when it involved visiting Chongyue True Temple's territory. He would have to exercise extra caution. Besides, he currently didn't have the time, and the destination wasn't en route. If he were to go, it would be after acquiring the Sixty-Year Four-Season Water.

After traveling for over ten days on Dragon Country's sea boat, a sudden tempest came without warning. The sky darkened with heavy, leaden clouds pressing down. Thunder roared, lightning flashed, gales howled, monstrous waves surged, and torrential rain poured endlessly. Towering waves reached over dozens of zhang high; in these moments, heaven and earth seemed upheaved, with deafening peals of thunder everywhere.

The Dragon Country's Ship remained steady amidst the storm that could destroy nations and topple cities. Thirty-six ascending Dragon Pillars rumbled, and the prohibitions on the ship's hull shimmered with flowing light, barely showing any signs of shaking.

The storm raged for ten days and nights, finally subsiding. Fortunately, the Dragon Country's Ship endured; otherwise, an ordinary Flying Sea Boat would have disintegrated long ago.

Zhang Yan stood in the cabin, gazing at the heavens outside, contemplating, "Had I come here alone, flying through this territory, even if I could withstand the might of nature, I would've been utterly exhausted afterward. If rivals sought me out at that time, in the boundless, fathomless waters, it would be certain death."

Seeing the storm receding, the murky clouds dispersing, and the blazing sun hanging in the sky, he stepped out of the main cabin, casting his gaze ahead. There, he spotted a Black Phosphorus Demon Python writhing and thrashing on the deck.

This demon's head resembled a pig, its tail a snake. It had no claws beneath its belly, only dozens of suction pads opening and closing incessantly. Its vicious appearance emitted a piercing, shrill cry, seemingly swept aboard by the storm.

Spotting Zhang Yan, the creature shrieked furiously, whipping its water-barrel-thick tail toward him.

Zhang Yan chuckled, flicked his sleeve, and released over ten drops of You Yin Heavy Water, which struck the python's head all at once, instantly knocking it unconscious, leaving it limp and collapsed.

Such a creature, yet to undergo Transformation, relied only on its innate physicality to terrorize others. Being mindless and devoid of Cultivation, it could only bully common folk. Against a cultivator of Zhang Yan's caliber, it was utterly powerless.

Zhang Yan mused inwardly, "My boat is currently short on servants. It wouldn't hurt to capture more demons, feed them Transformation Elixirs, and have them guard the ship. That way, I can cultivate in peace."

With this thought, he flicked a Transformation Elixir near the python's mouth and left it at that.

Unbeknownst to him, however, a hundred miles behind, a massive bird emerged from the dark clouds. On its back stood a burly Great Han, bare-chested with thick eyebrows. He had short stubby facial hair, eyes brimming with sharp light. Though his body appeared battered and ragged, he looked ferociously resilient. Wiping his mouth and spitting disdainfully, he cursed, "You brat, daring to traverse this whirlpool sea? Are you courting death? Your Grandpa Guo almost lost his life because of you!"

…

…(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) and cast your recommendation votes or monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)