Daoist Competition

The sea boat was too large in scale; moving forward would inevitably alert the other party, thus it stopped at a distance.

Lu Junbai, familiar with the terrain, transformed into a plume of white smoke and headed to the island for reconnaissance. Within an hour, he returned, sneering, "It turns out Xiao Han and his uncle, Xiao Mousui, left Crane Island ten days ago. They've gone southeast, likely impatient to retrieve the Four-Season Water. Now the island only has Zi Mei left behind—it's the perfect time for us to act. Everyone, follow me."

Under Lu Junbai's guidance, the four of them activated their tunneling light and submerged into the sea, swiftly arriving at the side of Crane Island. Carefully, they avoided the prohibitions and made their way toward the rear mountain.

Crane Island was teeming with flocks of elegant spirit birds. Within the inner section of the island, a clear stream encircled a cliff, atop which lay a perilous Cave Mansion adorned with hanging vines acting as curtains. It was precisely the residence of Lu Mei Niang. Without Lu Junbai's guidance, it would have been exceedingly difficult to locate.

Upon reaching the back mountain, Lu Junbai led the group into a secluded mountain recess. After cautiously inspecting the surroundings, he pointed to a vine-covered cave and whispered, "This site has a secret passage leading from the mountain's rear to my sister's quiet room. It was arranged to guard against traitors usurping the cave mansion, thus no prohibition is set here. Other than my sister and me, no one knows of its existence."

Despite his confident disclosure, Lu Junbai thought to himself, "Once Lu Mei Niang is rescued this time, I will surely seal this secret passage forever."

Guo Lie was just about to dart downward when Zhang Yan extended his hand to stop him, saying, "Wait. If all four of us descend, it would be overly risky. I possess a technique for concealing my presence. I am willing to go in alone and investigate her situation first. Then we can create a countermeasure—it will not be too late."

Lu Junbai considered the proposition and agreed, "This plan is appropriate."

Stepping forward, a flash of Xuan Guang emerged above Zhang Yan's head and descended, brushing away the tough, ancient vines whose years of growth were uncountable. He bent downward and entered the cave.

The interior of the cave was remarkably spacious. A cloud mist suspended his steps, preventing him from touching the ground as he advanced. After navigating through twists and turns, he encountered a green jade screen. Circumnavigating it, a smooth green boulder obstructed his path.

Ordinarily, such obstacles could be broken with a single swipe of Xuan Guang, but Zhang Yan calculated carefully. At this point, he had reached the depths of the mountain, nearing Lu Mei Niang's Cave Mansion. A loud disturbance might alert Daoist Zi Mei above—the consequences would outweigh the gains.

He stepped forward and gently placed a hand on the boulder, discovering it wouldn't budge. His gaze sharpened as the Essence Qi cultivated through the "God Contract" surged within his abdomen, instantly amplifying his strength. Gripping the green stone, he gave it a slight tremble, bent down, scooped it up, and silently set it aside.

A gray slate-paved passageway appeared before him. Walking leisurely ahead, he reached its end shortly and looked upward. Above him lay a jade-covered panel—this was undoubtedly the entrance to Lu Mei Niang's inner chamber.

He stood below and reached out lightly, merely brushing his fingertips against the panel before hearing a soft and graceful voice from above, "Is that Junbai below?"

Zhang Yan paused, his eyes flashing, and replied, "Is that Lu Demon King? I am Zhang Yan, sent here by Daoist Lu."

The voice exclaimed in delight, "Are you the Mingcang Sect's Daoist Zhang mentioned in Yan Zhengting's letter?"

"Indeed, it is I," Zhang Yan responded solemnly. "Lu Demon King, I cannot stay here long. I will be brief—have you been tampered with in any way?"

Lu Mei Niang fell silent for a moment before letting out a faint sigh, "Xiao Mousui affixed a talisman to my crown, then used forbidden technique golden nails to restrain my Golden Core. Even the door to my quiet room has been locked with the Cloud Golden Lock. Furthermore, Zi Mei'er holds a prohibition token. Should he recite the mantra, the Golden Nails will descend, and my cultivation will instantly turn to ashes. At present, escape is practically impossible."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yan's heart steadied. Since the prohibition required chanting a spell, there would still be some time to maneuver. With two Demonic Cultivators of Hua Dan and a Small Golden Core Practitioner on his side, as long as the timing was chosen appropriately, they could absolutely prevent Zi Mei from uttering the spell.

His enthusiasm to save Lu Mei Niang was not without ulterior motives.

Based on Lu Junbai's words, Zhang Yan discerned that catastrophe was looming on East Splendor Continent. The Lu siblings had intentions to seek refuge under a great sect yet failed to gain entry. While Zhang Yan managed a sectless outpost with only himself and Luo Xiao to hold Zhao You Heavenly Pond together, recruiting the siblings after his transformation into Nascent Soul could greatly bolster his strength. Moreover, they'd secure Yan Zhengting as an ally—an elder likely to achieve Nascent Soul Realm within decades. The benefits were innumerable.

Zhang Yan addressed above, "Lu Demon King, I've learned of your circumstances. I'll call for help to rescue you shortly. Just one thing—I implore you, should Daoist Zi Mei inquire whether you've known Guo Lie, simply claim that you offended True Master Tao in your early years."

Though unclear of his intent, Lu Mei Niang understood the significance and immediately replied, "I understand."

Zhang Yan said, "Lu Demon King, I will now take my leave."

After a pause, Lu Mei Niang added softly, "Daoist, if you encounter my daughter, please show mercy. She has always been obedient; it was merely her momentary folly..."

Zhang Yan shook his head, casually murmured in agreement, and paid no further attention to her words. Turning around, he retraced his steps back through the passage and exited the cave before long.

Seeing him emerge, Lu Junbai hurriedly asked, "Daoist, did you see my sister?"

Zhang Yan nodded and sighed, "Lu Demon King is indeed restrained—the Golden Core sealed with forbidden technique golden nails."

Lu Junbai's face slightly shifted, "What should we do then?"

Zhang Yan chuckled softly, "Daoist mentioned earlier that Zi Mei possesses a protective Dharma Treasure. May I ask how you know this?"

Lu Junbai grumbled, "Daoist is unaware; this man is highly combative. During his days on the island, he engaged me in combat no less than three times. Hence, I learned he wields a Protective Dharma Treasure known as the 'Flowing Wind Ring.' When activated, no matter how much effort I make, I cannot break through his surrounding barrier. Each time, I've retreated because of this."

Hearing this, Zhang Yan squinted slightly and smirked, "If he only relies on this treasure, capturing him shouldn't be too hard."

...

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