Daoist Competition

Chapter 1364: Chapter 69: Spiritual Qiu, Phoenix Sword, Mourning Sparrow Pouch

An incident took place on Zhongtai’s side, causing one person to fall from the stage, leading to an uproar in the audience below.

However, within the sect, the cultivators remained indifferent, murmuring amongst themselves and pointing as they discussed the person who had just left.

Elder Bai looked in the direction Lan Jiguang had departed and, after a brief consideration, concluded, "That Spiritual Qiu was originally raised by the serpent-eyed Demon Daoist of the Fu Yang Sect. It was taken by members of the Fengxiang Sword Sect, so how did it end up in the hands of the Xuanyue Sect?"

Elder Lin sneered, "The Xuanyue Sect boasts loudly about not associating with the Evil Sect. Just recently, they derogated Zhongtai as a haven for filth, yet secretly, who knows how many disgraceful affairs they engage in."

Elder Bai replied, "The Scale Armor of the Spiritual Qiu is tough, resistant to harm from anything but powerful Dharma Treasures. Moreover, it has a special talent, its crimson eyes can bewilder the mind. Fortunately, it is slow in flight. Next time we encounter this person, as long as we are prepared, it will not be hard to evade. The fear is, however, that this person has more skills beyond this."

Elder Yan said, "Rest assured, fellow disciples. That person’s Daoist cultivation is not high, and may not be able to control the Spiritual Qiu effectively. Otherwise, they would not have returned in such a hurry."

Elder Bai, enlightened, said, "Indeed, what Senior Brother says is spot on, so there’s no need to be afraid."

At this moment, a Flying Boat approached from the opposite direction, transporting a Daoist boy who was cradling a treasure sword featuring a mountain graphic on its hilt, a token from the Xuanyue Sect Leader. As it neared, the boy raised the sword over his head and announced in a clear, youthful voice, "Master Yang orders this little one to convey a message, asking your sect to vacate the mountain at once and find another place to settle."

All the cultivators from Zhongtai frowned upon hearing this command.

Their current location was spacious and flat, backed by mountains and circled by rivers, a prime spot indeed. Although setting up another Dharma Platform would not be difficult, having just settled and then being forced out was always unpleasant.

Sect Leader Qiao, however, showed no sign of displeasure. He waved his hand and a young man stepped forward, saying, "Please convey to your Sect Leader that our sect will comply with the agreed course of action."

The Daoist boy bowed, shook his token, and turned back.

Elder Yan pondered briefly, then left the Dharma Platform, stopping in front of Sect Leader Qiao’s vehicle, bowing as he offered his apologies, "This arrangement was negligent on my end, I request the Sect Leader’s punishment."

Sect Leader Qiao comforted him instead, saying, "Since it was a competition, wins and losses are inevitable; it’s common. Elder Yan should not feel guilty, just win it back next time."

Seeing Sect Leader Qiao gloss over the matter lightly, Elder Yan expressed his gratitude in due course, bowing, "Thank you for your leniency, Sect Leader. Where shall the disciples relocate?"

Sect Leader Qiao stroked his beard, glanced for a moment, and pointed to a mountain peak to the northwest, "I see that place is suitable for settling."

Elder Yan looked back and agreed, saying, "I will arrange for it at once."

After giving another respectful bow, he returned to the Dharma Platform.

Elder Lin quickly approached and asked, "Senior Brother, did the Sect Leader give you any difficulty?"

Elder Yan casually replied, "No issue, it was just about an outsider, the Sect Leader won’t exact blame; it’s merely a formality for appearances."

Having said this, he gestured for a disciple and instructed, "Deliver a Longevity and Health Elixir to each Dharma Platform; send three bushels of Gang Ying and a ship-load of Elixir Sand to comfort the fallen fellow Daoist’s family."

After the disciple left, Elder Bai said, "I will handle the relocation of the Platforms."

Elder Yan replied, "Thank you, younger brother."

With these arrangements in place, the cultivators of Zhongtai had to move their vehicles forward. Initially, there was much discontent, but once the Longevity and Health Elixirs were in hand, all complaints ceased. The Dharma Platform was re-established on the mountain to the northwest. After bustling for an hour, everything was set up.

At this point, everyone cast their eyes on Elder Yan. Just now, Xuanyue issued a challenge, adhering to the previous dueling norms. It was now Zhongtai’s turn to send someone first.

Elder Yan stroked his beard. As Xuanyue had won the last round, this match was vital for Zhongtai; they must win. Immediately sending the sect’s elite might reveal their insecurities. Thus, the person chosen could not have an overly high status, though they could not be too weak either. However, there were few suitable candidates among his ranks.

He didn’t deliberate for long before making a decision, instructing someone beside him, "Go ask the Junior Sect Leader if there is an appropriate candidate. If not, I will pick someone myself."

Elder Lin and Elder Bai exchanged a glance, knowing Du Shixun’s temperament, it’s unlikely he would refuse once asked.

But this person wasn’t yet ready to fight, nor did he have many skilled people by his side. If defeated, it would not only sap their strength but also damage his reputation. If victorious, the credit would be Elder Yan’s strategic talent and would also appease Sect Leader Qiao.