Daoist Competition

Zhang Yan's lips moved slightly as he recited the first half of the spell in the "Chi Long True Scroll," repeating it five times in succession. Seeing that Zhang Pan had memorized it fully, he finally stopped and said, "This technique can be considered a profound cultivation method. Upon returning, cultivate it diligently. Whether you succeed depends entirely on your own fortune."

Zhang Pan promptly knelt down, kowtowing with tears in his voice. "Zhang Pan thanks Master for the great gift of Dharma Transmission. This kindness cannot be repaid even in death."

Zhang Yan nodded faintly and said, "Practice on your own. If you encounter any difficulties, come and ask me."

With that, he rose, transforming into a streak of flowing light, and returned to the main pavilion. Sitting on the jade couch, he activated the token, whereupon the Dragon Country's Ship stirred the waves, ascending into the sky, heading towards Hong'an Island.

A few days later, a soft glow of clear light emanated from his quiet room. After many days of sacrificial refinement, the Seven Stars Restraining Yang Robe was finally completed. With a whistling sound, it flew out from the treasure light, transforming into a mysterious Daoist robe that unfolded in the air. Intricate patterns of talismanic lines, as well as the sun, moon, and stars, were faintly discernible, embodying the hidden workings of the Heavenly Mechanism.

The robe floated momentarily before withdrawing all of its radiant brilliance and draping itself over Zhang Yan, enveloping his body.

Zhang Yan stretched his limbs, discovering that the robe fitted perfectly and looked indistinguishable from the mysterious Daoist robe he previously wore. Even if Xiao Han were to rise from the grave, he wouldn't detect the slightest anomaly. Unable to suppress his satisfaction, Zhang Yan nodded. With this treasure protecting him, coupled with his currently indestructible, diamond-hard body, none of his peers would likely be able to harm him.

The sea boat continued journeying northwestward for another seven or eight days. On one such day, the sky broke into a torrential downpour. Within the prohibition array, Dai Huan and the others gazed outside, witnessing the stormy waves surging and nearing the heavens. Yet their vessel remained undisturbed, as steady as the ground beneath their feet.

Dai Huan couldn't help but sigh in admiration. "Brother Fu! Ordinarily, when we ride cranes or eagles, we have to weave through storms and often retreat at the sight of ominous clouds for fear of being swept into danger. But if we had this sea boat, we wouldn't need to worry about any of that. Master Guo certainly has keen eye power; I wonder how he came to be acquainted with Daoist Zhang."

Fu Yuqing snorted coldly and said, "The Ancestor's rule of crossing the sea on Spirit Birds was set to temper disciples' temperament. What we do now is merely a temporary measure. You must never grow complacent and indulge in laziness simply for the sake of momentary comfort!"

Dai Huan quickly lowered his voice and said, "Yes, Senior Brother."

After two hours, nearing midday, the rain ceased, clouds dispersed, and the bright sun shone anew. In the far distance, several islands dotted the sea's surface.

Junior Sister Wei, who was standing nearby, said, "Senior Brother, someone is blocking our path up ahead. Judging by their attire, we seem to have arrived at the territory of the Chongyue True Temple."

Fu Yuqing nodded slightly and instructed, "Junior Brother Dai, take my letter of introduction and proceed forward."

Dai Huan responded, "Yes!" He rose, exited the ship, and leaped out into the tunneling light.

The Chongyue True Temple commands a region in the Sea State and occupies over eighty Spirit Islands and scattered reefs, boasting more than a thousand disciples. It is one of the most prominent Great Sects of the outer sea. This place is known as Bull Horn Island, one of the outermost islands in their domain.

On the island, someone had already noticed the immense sea boat and intercepted it. Upon seeing Dai Huan approach, a streak of tunneling light blocked his path, accompanied by a shout, "Who goes there? How dare you trespass on our Bull Horn Island?"

Dai Huan scrutinized the figure and found a young man in blue clothing, his sharp and piercing gaze resembling that of a hawk. Cautiously, he replied, "I am a disciple of the Qingyu Sect, sent by my Senior Brother Fu Yuqing with a letter of introduction, requesting to meet Daoist Shen Minggu, Brother Shen."

The young man in blue had never heard of the Qingyu Sect but was familiar with Fu Yuqing's reputation. His expression turned peculiar as he took the letter for inspection. Inside, he sneered inwardly, noting how the handwriting—like twisting dragons and writhing serpents—exuded piercing sharpness, the killing intent leaping off the paper. This wasn't a letter of introduction; it was clearly a challenge letter! Coupled with rumors he'd heard in the past two days, he immediately understood what was happening.

He mused to himself, "Brother Shen has recently defeated two disciples from prominent Great Xuanmen Sects consecutively, earning praise from several elders. If this continues, he will undoubtedly surpass me in renown. I've heard Fu Yuqing is a top talent among the third generation under Tao Zhenhong. If I can take him down, perhaps I'll undercut Shen's momentum and give those elders something to re-think."

The young man in blue's eyes gleamed shrewdly. He beckoned Dai Huan with a smile and said, "Come with me."

Dai Huan, suspecting nothing, followed the young man. Before long, the blue-clothed youth suddenly turned back and smiled faintly. With a quick motion, he opened a wooden box in his hand. A surge of black mist rushed forth, and as it washed over Dai Huan, his consciousness muddled and he fainted.

The young man caught him by the collar and burst out in laughter, carrying him back toward the Dragon Country's Ship.

Approaching the ship, he flung Dai Huan aboard and, with a pointed finger, conjured a Flying Saber that hovered over Dai's throat. He shouted loudly, "Which arrogant fool dares propose to challenge my Brother Shen?"

In response, a streak of Rainbow Light shot forward. Fu Yuqing descended in front of him, his face darkened with fury. "It is I, Fu. Who are you, and why have you taken my Junior Brother hostage?"

The young man in blue laughed heartily and declared, "Listen carefully! I am Xu Cuo, a True Disciple of the Chongyue True Temple. I heard you wished to meet my Brother Shen, so I took it upon myself to meet you first. If you can defeat me, only then will you qualify to see him!"

Fu Yuqing's gaze sharpened, his expression growing graver. "So, you're Xu Cuo?"

Xu Cuo, seeing Fu Yuqing's recognition, grew pleased and said, "Indeed, that is me."

Fu Yuqing's tone grew cold. "Though I also wish to spar with you, my Junior Brother is now in Shen Minggu's hands. If you can make decisions on his behalf, then I see no issue facing you!"

Xu Cuo chuckled sinisterly and waved dismissively. "Spare me your excuses. Today, you'll fight whether you wish or not. Otherwise, I'll slay this fellow sect member of yours with one strike!"

With a swift gesture, Xu Cuo directed the Flying Saber, embedding it partly into Dai Huan's neck. Instantly, blood gushed forth.

...

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