Daoist Competition

Chapter 1373: Chapter 73: The Power of a Single Sword Amazes Four Sects (Part 2)

Du Shixun glanced at Zhang Yan, and upon receiving his permission, took the sword for inspection. He noticed the sword’s sharp edge, not to mention the blood light that glimmered back and forth, indicating the sword had drunk its fill of blood. The murderous aura pierced his eyes with pain. It was a rare weapon, which led him to exclaim with a spark in his eyes, "Good sword!"

Zhang Yan chuckled lightly, removed the scabbard, and handed it to Du Shixun. He said, "If fellow Daoist Du likes it, I’ll give it to you."

This Dharma Sword was obtained from a Blood Essence Sect elder during the Sixteen Sects Sword Competition. Although not a Supreme Treasure, it possessed the ability to capture souls. When Jin Ling Old Man was beheaded by it, his Primordial Spirit was sucked into the sword, never to escape.

Zhang Yan had several such swords in his possession and seldom used them, so he gave it away without a second thought.

Du Shixun was momentarily stunned and then cheerfully accepted the sword, sheathed it, and put it into his pouch. He said, "Since it is a gift from Daoist Zhang, I will accept it."

Xing Fuli could not help but feel envious. It seemed Zhang Yan was at a loss by giving away the sword, but even he could see that, given Du Shixun’s typical character, he would repay him tenfold. Thinking that Zhang Yan had already gained an immortal city and wondering what other benefits might come his way, Xing Fuli’s eyes turned red with jealousy.

Unlike in Zhongtai, the atmosphere in the Xuanyue Sect was oppressive.

Sect Leader Yang Shuyong stared fixedly at the headless corpse brought back by his disciples, his face gloomy and silent. No one noticed his hands hidden in his sleeves trembling slightly.

Although he originally intended to use Zhongtai to eliminate Jin Ling Old Man, he felt no delight upon the man’s removal. Instead, he grew agitated. He lifted his head and said, "Who here can tell me what kind of cultivation technique that Zhang Daoist used? Mo Shitong, don’t you pride yourself on your vast knowledge? Speak up!"

The Protective Elder named was momentarily at a loss. He stammered, "Sect Leader, when Daoist Shen used his cultivation technique, there was a surge of clouds and water, and waves rolled in, yet this person’s is vastly different."

Before he could finish, Yang Shuyong interrupted coldly, "Don’t speak nonsense."

The Protective Elder had no choice but to close his mouth in embarrassment.

After a long pause, someone muttered, "Such Dao Technique, I’ve never heard of it."

Hearing this, Yang Shuyong suddenly flew into a rage, "A bunch of useless people! Why did no one report to me about this person’s skills?"

Everyone lowered their heads, not daring to breathe too loudly, unsure of why he was angry. Only the Elder Envoy Chunyu Ji could guess some of the reasons.

Jin Ling Old Man’s cultivation level was unmatched within the sect. The fact that Zhang Daoist could kill him implied he could kill others as well, even Yang Shuyong. Such an unexpected variable was enough to unsettle the Sect Leader.

At that moment, a deep voice came from behind, saying, "This person’s Daoist cultivation is not shallow. Few in our sect can match him. Sect Leader, do not worry. Should he appear again, I will handle it."

As soon as he spoke, the elders and protectors on both sides showed expressions of reverence and made way for him.

A cultivator with an impressive and towering presence walked over. His sleeves billowed, he wore a crested sparrow crown, and as he walked, he seemed to bring wind and thunder with him. His eyes shone like divine light, intimidating others. It was evident at a glance that he was a hero among men.

Yang Shuyong saw him and immediately put aside his authority as Sect Leader, delighting, "Master Rong, you’ve left seclusion?"

Rong Junzhong walked over, glanced around, and everyone avoided his gaze. He saluted Yang Shuyong and said, "I have just gained some insights, making the Sect Leader and fellow sect members worry."

Yang Shuyong carefully examined his expression and could hardly contain his joy, saying, "Master Rong’s cultivation has indeed advanced."

Earlier, when Rong Junzhong followed the Xuanyue Sect cultivators to Mianxing Mountain, it seemed he had a sudden realization. He briefly explained and then opened a cave mansion to enter seclusion. At that time, it caused quite a stir in the Xuanyue Sect.

Fortunately, it seems now he had no problems and had gained some enlightenment, which was indeed heartening.

Though Yang Shuyong was the sect’s leader, his position was largely due to Rong Junzhong’s support, so he treated him differently from others, speaking politely, "Now that Xuanyue has suffered a defeat, what does Master Rong suggest we do?"

Originally, the six mountains were sealed, but after Zhang Yan’s victory, a breach had been opened. To surround them again would not be as simple as taking one or two mountain peaks. Although there was a chance, Zhongtai would not sit idly by, and its difficulty would multiply.

Rong Junzhong did not immediately answer, seemingly contemplating a strategy. After a while, he said, "I have just come out of seclusion and am eager to test my divine skills. Let me take the next round; however, there’s a matter to attend to first."

This Nascent Soul Third Realm cultivator held significant weight in the sect, and True Master He also saw him as a potential successor to the Xuanyue Daoist Inheritance. Thus, Yang Shuyong valued him greatly and hurriedly said, "Master, please speak."

Rong Junzhong solemnly said, "I observed the fight earlier and saw that Zhang Daoist’s sword emitted light, capturing Guardian Jin Ling’s Primordial Spirit. The Sect Leader must redeem the elder’s skull and Primordial Spirit, or the morale of our disciples may waver."

Yang Shuyong was shocked and nodded heavily, saying, "Thanks to Master Rong for the reminder."

He cursed inwardly. If Zhang Yan had directly destroyed Jin Ling Old Man’s Primordial Spirit, it would have saved trouble. But Jin Ling Old Man was still a Great Protector of the sect. If they knew his Primordial Spirit was still intact and ignored it, aside from a few of his true confidants, many might not genuinely put effort into the sect anymore.

Rong Junzhong glanced back and sent a voice transmission, "Sect Leader, Jin Ling Guardian was, after all, an elder of the last generation. Even if Zhongtai makes harsh demands, it’s worth acquiescing. As long as we win the next fight, we won’t worry about retrieving it later."

...

...(To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com for reading.)