Daoist Competition

Chapter 1362: Chapter 68: The Immortal City Makes Its Move; Mountains and Rivers as the Chessboard

After Yang Shuyong ascended to the Extreme Sky, he looked out and saw that Zhongtai Sect Leader Qiao Huanjuan had already arrived ahead of him, and like him, was also alone. He greeted, "Sect Leader Qiao, it’s been many years since we last met. I wonder if Master Zheng of your esteemed sect is well?"

Sect Leader Qiao’s expression was flat, "True Master He of your esteemed sect must know best."

Yang Shuyong let out a small chuckle and refrained from further questioning.

Both of them were leaders of their respective sects, bearing significant status. After exchanging greetings, they engaged in some small talk before moving on to the main topic.

Sect Leader Qiao said, "Today I invited Sect Leader Yang because a sudden thought crossed my mind to change the rules of the previous magic duel."

Yang Shuyong, with a half-smile, remarked, "Please do tell, Sect Leader Qiao. I am all ears."

Sect Leader Qiao spoke in a deep voice, "It is quite simple. In Chu Kingdom, we have thirty-seven immortal cities, and four additional lower sect cities. How about we use them as our stakes for this bet against your sect?"

"Using the immortal cities as stakes?"

Yang Shuyong was initially surprised, then his eyes gleamed, and he laughed twice.

He could clearly see the other party’s intention, which was nothing more than a legitimate attempt to win over the Xuanyue Sect’s subordinate immortal cities. If Zhongtai could defeat Xuanyue in this duel, it would effectively occupy the East Victory North Continent, with no resistance left in unifying the two sects.

He couldn’t help but secretly laugh at their overestimation of their abilities, but this played right into his hands, so he saw no reason to refuse.

If Xuanyue won this battle, and the Zhongtai disciples remaining within Chu Kingdom’s borders became defiant and decided to die defending their cities, he wouldn’t be able to do much in a short time. If he could win them over at the Dharma Assembly, it would be the best outcome. Thus, he replied in a deep voice, "With Brother Daoist Qiao’s great spirit, how could I, Yang Shuyong, refuse to accompany you? However, the rules within need to be clearly defined first."

Sect Leader Qiao stated, "If your sect defeats one of ours, you take a city. If your sect loses," he looked directly over, "you must lose us a city as well."

Yang Shuyong smiled arrogantly, "I only fear that your sect’s cities won’t be enough to lose."

Sect Leader Qiao pointed to behind him and said, "Aside from the immortal cities, Zhongtai also has the Golden Bell Platform, Chu Capital’s Da Yang, as well as the Supreme Treasure Five Phase Tripod, which has been revered in the sect for millennia. With these added, is it now enough?"

Yang Shuyong chuckled, "That would be enough, but fighting back and forth like this would inevitably become tedious and dull. I should add a little something extra to spice it up."

Sect Leader Qiao responded, "Yang Daoist Brother, please speak."

Yang Shuyong waved his large sleeve, dispersing the Gang Cloud beneath his feet, and drew a line with his hand, saying, "Brother Daoist Qiao, look below. Mianxing Mountain has more than thirty peaks and hills, both large and small. Why don’t we use this area of a thousand miles as a chessboard? During our disciples’ dueling, if anyone accidentally exits this mountain, it will count as a loss. Regardless of who wins a bout, they can mark off one mountain as their own. Within this perimeter, the loser cannot fly within, much like an anchored chess piece that can’t be moved back. How does that sound to you, Brother Daoist?"

Sect Leader Qiao remained silent for a moment, looked at him, and said, "Yang Daoist Brother, you have put considerable thought into this."

Yang Shuyong deliberately taunted, "Is it that Brother Daoist Qiao is afraid of losing?"

Sect Leader Qiao said slowly, "As per your words, Brother Daoist."

Having reached an agreement, neither wished to discuss further. After setting the date for the duel, they parted with formalities and returned to their own camps.

Sect Leader Qiao returned to the Pu Lao Flying Carriage and instructed for six elders from the sect to be brought to him. He explained the rules and regulations decided earlier and returned to his carriage for casting and breathing exercises, leaving their reactions unattended.

However, Elder Yan furrowed his brows deeply upon hearing the news.

Elder Lin, who usually took cues from Elder Yan, noticed his expression and asked nervously, "Senior Brother, is there something amiss?"

Elder Bai said gravely, "Xuanyue’s intentions are malicious. Sect Leader rashly agreed without much consideration. If we proceed according to this method, our cultivators will have less room for maneuver while dueling, which will be heavily disadvantageous as we will be confined to a small area."

Though both Zhongtai and Xuanyue come from the same lineage, Zhongtai surpasses Xuanyue in escape skills, making this rule seemingly disadvantageous for Zhongtai.

Elder Yan shook his head slightly and said in a deep voice, "Half of the cultivators here are not from our sect. I suspect Xuanyue’s actions aren’t that simple, yet I can’t quite discern their full intent."

Elder Bai was inevitably surprised. After thinking it over, he said, "So, there’s more behind this? However, if Xuanyue Sect did set any traps, it’s too late to back out now. Senior Brother, we’ll have to adapt to their tactics as they come."

Elder Yan nodded, "We have no choice but to do so; inform everyone about this matter."

Before long, dozens of disciples were dispatched to convey the message in all directions. Du Shixun soon learned of the situation and scoffed derisively. He also believed Xuanyue aimed to suppress Zhongtai’s escape skills and said, "Does Yang Shuyong think that using these methods will really constrain our sect?"