Daoist Competition

Guo Lie said impatiently, "I've come here to settle the grievances with Lu Junbai and Lu Mei Niang. Quickly summon them to meet me."

Daoist Zi Mei heard this, and his heart steadied. He thought to himself that it was best if this man wasn't here to confront him directly. However, he wasn't sure if Guo Lie had any companions hidden nearby. Given his current solitude, he dared not act rashly.

Guo Lie precisely wanted to exploit his hesitation. Seeing that Zi Mei didn't act, he knew the latter had fallen for his ploy. Without wasting any time, he waved his hand, releasing a curtain of light from behind him. The Heavenly Crane Flying Tiger sprang forth, their two streams of green light joined by the Green-Scaled Python, all attacking Tao Zhenhong together.

Daoist Zi Mei gave a cold sneer. Though he was wary of Tao Zhenhong, he did not fear Guo Lie. He formed a spell with his hand, and the flying sword above his crown spun sharply. In mere moments, it flashed three times, effortlessly striking down the demon spirits embodied by the three essences. He then uttered, "Go!"

The flying sword spun once again and then slashed toward Guo Lie's head.

Guo Lie was startled at the sight and intended to dodge, but the sword light was too swift. He hurriedly shook the light screen, releasing the Mystic Turtle Essence to defend himself. When the sword light struck, it shattered the turtle shell formed from mystic light. Although the sword light was momentarily impeded, it quickly spun in mid-air and resumed its attack on Guo Lie's head.

Guo Lie realized the peril he was in. Despite Daoist Zi Mei's seemingly simple techniques, Guo Lie instantly discerned that this man cultivated the orthodox Xuanmen Sect mental method and surpassed him in both level and cultivation. He knew he couldn't confront him directly. While summoning more demon spirits formed from essence to entangle Zi Mei, he retreated backward, leading him toward the ambush site prepared earlier by Zhang Yan and his allies.

Within the concealed cover of the trees below, Zhang Yan and several companions were hiding. Zhang Yan suddenly turned to Lu Junbai and said, "I recall witnessing fellow Daoist using a copper mirror to capture people. What kind of treasure is it?"

Lu Junbai hesitated briefly before replying, "This mirror is called 'Mist in Barrier.' It can capture all living beings within ten zhang. As long as it shines upon the head and torso, they will be trapped within. However, if someone's cultivation surpasses mine, the mirror's effect will be ineffective."

Zhang Yan asked again, "Can it capture Daoist Zi Mei?"

Lu Junbai pondered carefully and replied with uncertainty, "Daoist Zi Mei's cultivation is almost equal to mine. If he isn't protected by that Jade Ring treasure, I might have a chance to try."

Zhang Yan smiled faintly and said, "That Jade Ring treasure shall be dealt with by me. Once he shows any weakness, the two of you can act together. This concerns Lu Demon King's life itself. If we can't capture him, we must strike ruthlessly to prevent further complications."

Lu Junbai listened and nodded solemnly.

Zhang Yan turned to Jun Yue Demon King and said, "Demon King Jing, among us, your cultivation is the highest. If we are to rescue Lu Demon King, it depends on whether you can restrain Daoist Zi Mei."

Jun Yue Demon King nodded slightly and whispered, "Senior Sister Lu has always been kind to me. I will give it my all."

Zhang Yan nodded in response. Seeing Guo Lie had already lured Daoist Zi Mei closer, he whispered additional instructions. He then activated the True Form Leisurely Method, quietly concealing his figure. Riding on Clear Qi, he ascended into the sky, hiding amidst the cloud mist, waiting for the right moment to strike.

At this moment, Jun Yue Demon King saw the two figures already overhead. She shouted, "Brother Guo, let me assist you!"

Daoist Zi Mei looked over in surprise and saw a woman clad in silver armor and red gauze charging up from below. He was aware that Tao Zhenhong had a female disciple named Wang Yingfang, who hailed from demon lineage. Seeing Jun Yue Demon King, he mistakenly thought she was Wang Yingfang.

A sense of foreboding struck him immediately. No longer focusing on Guo Lie, he recalled his flying sword, spinning it in the air, and slashed toward Jun Yue Demon King's face.

Jun Yue Demon King let out a sharp cry and shook the spear in her hand. The spear tip precisely met the flying sword, emitting a resounding "clang" as it deflected the sword light.

Seizing this brief opening, Daoist Zi Mei promptly retreated several steps to create distance. From his sleeve, he retrieved a Jade Ring and consecrated it over his head.

The ring, the size of a bowl, was adorned with dragon engravings with head and tail intertwined. Once suspended mid-air, it emitted a streak of white light.

The radiance appeared ready to envelop Daoist Zi Mei entirely when Zhang Yan, concealed nearby, seized the opportunity. Activating his mental focus, a speck of green light shot forth from his Ancestral Acupoint. It was faintly discernible as a petite, ornate jade token that landed on the Jade Ring. Instantly, the ring was immobilized mid-air, unable to release any spiritual energy.

Daoist Zi Mei, comfortably anticipating protection from the white light, was suddenly alarmed when it dissipated just above his head. Panic flickered across his face.

Below, Lu Junbai saw the opening and immediately transformed into a streak of white light. He surged forward, producing a crude copper mirror the size of a golden basin. Pointing it at Daoist Zi Mei, he unleashed its power.

"Not good!"

Daoist Zi Mei saw Lu Junbai and immediately realized he'd fallen into a trap. With a sharp cry, he unleashed all the Evil Qi in his body to defend himself. When the mirror light fell upon him, it made his figure sway slightly but failed to capture him.

Lu Junbai, frustrated that the mirror didn't work, became flustered. Facing Daoist Zi Mei's sinister smile as he reached toward the Prohibition Token in his possession and noticing the flying sword overhead continuing to hover ominously, Lu Junbai understood the looming danger. Yet time to employ another method had run out. All he could do was desperately channel more power into the copper mirror.

High above, Zhang Yan, observing the scene, activated his mental focus once again. Another streak of sword light shot forth from his Ancestral Acupoint, descending in a sharp slash.

The flying sword, seemingly sensing the attack, soared upward to intercept. With a metallic clang, the descending sword light was repelled.

By this time, Jun Yue Demon King had regrouped. Her phoenix-like eyes widened, and she let out a fierce cry. Her Divine Weapon rotated in her hands, emitting a flash of crimson light that spanned several dozen zhang, sending her spear directly forward.

Daoist Zi Mei, now defenseless without a protective treasure, had yet to escape the mirror light. His flying sword had also been drawn away by Zhang Yan's diversion. Powerless to act, he could only watch as the spear shadow pierced straight through his chest. He clutched the spear shaft, eyes wide with fury, fully aware his chance of survival had been extinguished. With a final roar, he spat blood onto the flying sword overhead.

Everyone assumed he intended a desperate counterattack and instinctively stepped back. However, the flying sword, soaked with fresh blood, did not fall. Instead, it darted skyward in an instant, ripping through the clouds and disappearing without a trace.

Initially confused, Lu Junbai's expression soon turned pale as realization struck him. He shouted in alarm, "No! He has sacrificed his Essence Blood to inform Xiao Mousui!"

As these words echoed, the faces of everyone present, save Zhang Yan, darkened significantly. For if Xiao Mousui, a Nascent Soul cultivator, were alerted and came rushing to this location, none of them would have the slightest hope of surviving!

...

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