Daoist Competition

Chapter 1363: Chapter 68: The Immortal City Makes Its Move, Rivers and Mountains on the Chessboard (Part 2)

Zhang Yan’s eyes flashed slightly. He glanced at the surrounding mountain terrain, contemplating for a while, deep in thought.

Xing Fuli, having tasted victory before, now stood up and praised, "Our Zhongtai has the Junior Sect Leader to hold the fort; the Xuanyue Sect is only wrapping themselves in their own cocoon!"

Du Shixun accepted this calmly and said, "As long as you both assist me well, after we annihilate Xuanyue, aside from the rewards granted by the sect, I will offer additional generous rewards."

Xing Fuli was exhilarated, his flattery incessant like a tide.

Zhang Yan smiled and bowed his head, thus expressing his gratitude.

At this time, a disciple approached and said, "Junior Sect Leader, the Dharma Platform has been set up, and Elder Yan requests your presence."

Du Shixun looked into the distance and saw that at the place where the Sect Leader’s carriage had halted, more than ten Dharma Platforms of varying sizes had been erected. These were to connect with the Earth Veins and gather Spiritual Energy to conveniently allow those present to harmonize their energies and rest. He then stood up from the Flying Boat and said, "You two, come with me."

He maneuvered the Flying Boat, transforming into a fiery orb that dashed out, circling the sky. With a sudden chuckle, he dashed towards a Dharma Platform, landed with a rumbling thud, tore through the radiant flames, and walked out. He glanced sideways at the three people seated on the platform, including Elder Yan, and said, "This place doesn’t look bad, and the scenery is good. Elder Yan, why not yield it to me?"

According to protocol, the Dharma Platform adjacent to Sect Leader Qiao’s Pu Lao Flying Carriage should be the seat of Elder Yan. However, Du Shixun clearly intended to seize it, a move not just overstepping the bounds but also carrying a hint of insult.

Elders Lin and Bai changed expressions immediately upon hearing this.

Elder Yan seemed unperturbed, laughed and said, "Since the Junior Sect Leader has taken a liking, this Old Daoist will just find another site."

Elder Yan extended a hand to stop Elder Lin, who wanted to speak, saying, "Let’s go."

Elder Lin snorted, then glared fiercely at Xing Fuli and Zhang Yan, who stood behind Du Shixun, before taking off with a tunneling light, following Elder Yan to settle at another Dharma Platform.

Once seated, the more Elder Lin thought about it, the more stifled he felt. He cursed angrily, "This youngster acts so presumptuously, like a mad dog, increasingly disregarding us. Senior Brother, why do you tolerate him so much?"

Elder Yan said mildly, "Junior Brother, Xuanyue is our great enemy. Do not stir up trouble, and let’s discuss everything after the fighting."

Elder Bai also reminded, "Tomorrow’s fighting will surely be a fierce battle. Junior Lin, try not to get angry. Maintain your breathing to face the enemy well."

Elder Lin had to hold back, grumbling, "Yes, Senior Brother."

Meanwhile, back at the Xuanyue Sect, Sect Leader Yang Shuyong, upon returning, was approached by Jin Ling asking, "Sect Leader, how did it go?"

Yang Shuyong did not look at him but addressed Chunyu Ji, saying, "Chunyu Envoy, Qiao Huanjuan has already fallen into my trap. Zhongtai is now doomed. Go and make the arrangements quickly."

Chunyu Ji felt invigorated, knowing that once this strategy succeeded, the matter of Xuanyue devouring Zhongtai was as good as half accomplished. He immediately clasped fists, received the order, and left.

At this moment, both sects’ disciples knew that there would be fighting tomorrow. Therefore, they each rested and maintained their breathing, not disturbing each other. Because dozens of Nascent Soul cultivators gathered here, the Gang Wind swirled in Star Sleep Mountain, stirring up clouds, with Spirit Light illuminating the sky within a thousand miles.

The night quickly passed, and on the second day, the Sect Leaders of both sects, dressed neatly, each stationed themselves on the Dharma Platform.

The two first led their disciples to set up incense tables, offering prayers to the Heavenly Ancestor Master and reciting blessing words before exchanging Golden Talisman Jade Discs, robes, and silk ribbons to show that they came from the same lineage.

After the rituals ended and the offerings were collected, the disciples of the two factions returned to their positions, waiting for the Sect Leaders to issue their commands.

Yang Shuyong, seated on a high platform, spoke to those beside him, "The first few rounds are crucial. I estimate that within two or three rounds at most, Zhongtai will detect my flaws. Who will go first?"

Chunyu Ji intended to fight the first round, but as he was about to move, he saw an elder with silver whiskers, wearing a black robe and a horned dragon coiled on his arm, stepping out, so he stopped.

The elder came forward, saluted, and said, "I am willing to go."

Yang Shuyong nodded and said, "Protector Lan’s willingness to act is excellent. I approve."

The elder gave another salute, rode the wind forward, and declared loudly, "I, Lan Jiguang, hold the position of Xuanyue Guardian Elder. Which fellow Daoist will come to meet me?"

Mrs. Zhao saw that Xuanyue had already issued a challenge. She glanced over with her beautiful eyes, but seeing that Sect Leader Qiao still sat there with closed eyes recuperating, she nudged him and said, "Husband, who will you dispatch?"

Sect Leader Qiao opened his eyes, glanced, and said, "This Lan Jiguang is not well-known, never heard of before, and isn’t a Second Realm Cultivator. I don’t know where Xuanyue found such help from. Pass down my orders, let Elder Yan arrange someone to fight him."

Mrs. Zhao found her husband’s behavior a bit odd, but with the enemy at hand, she didn’t think much more about it. Besides, in the Zhongtai Sect, the Sect Leader alone couldn’t make all decisions. She presumed he was considering the bigger picture and appeasing various elders due to the dire situation, so she passed on this order.

Elder Yan discussed it briefly with several senior brothers and quickly dispatched someone. This person wasn’t a Zhongtai disciple but a cultivator recruited from another faction. Clearly, they were unsure of Lan Jiguang’s capabilities and sent someone to test him.

This Nascent Soul cultivator was evidently cautious. After reporting his name, he didn’t rush to attack but stepped back several paces, simultaneously summoning his Dharma Treasure and Protective Treasure Light for severe defense.

Lan Jiguang cast him a cold glance, then suddenly tossed the horned dragon from his hand. This creature was only a few feet long, but once released, it swung its body, growing to dozens of feet in the blink of an eye. Its fierce eyes gleamed with crimson light. At the sight, the opposing Nascent Soul cultivator momentarily dazed, unable to react in time, was promptly swallowed whole by the plunging horned dragon.

With a cold expression, Lan Jiguang beckoned. The horned dragon shrank back to its original size, coiling around his arm once more. He then saluted towards Sect Leader Qiao of Zhongtai and returned to the Xuanyue Formation.

...

...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to vote for it on Qidian (qidian.com) with recommendation tickets or monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com for reading.)