Daoist Competition

Chapter 1375: Chapter 74: Mysterious Skill Surpasses the Past, A Step Gifts an Immortal City (Part 2)

If given the opportunity, the favor owed to the Sixth Prince must be repaid, but now is not the suitable time to speak of it.

Sect Leader Qiao was keen to forge an alliance with him, not fearing his requests but rather his lack of desires. Without probing further, he smiled and said, "Very well, after defeating Xuanyue, I shall celebrate with fellow Daoist Zhang with a drink."

As the three spoke here, the other cultivators and elders atop the Dharma Platform watched them clearly. Zhang Yan being honored by Sect Leader Qiao and his wife in such manner was unmatched by others; many cultivators invited here were envious, pondering how to kill Xuanyue cultivators to similarly secure an immortal city for themselves.

At this moment, a Daoist boy boarded the Pu Lao Flying Carriage and said, "Reporting to the Sect Leader, Xuanyue has sent an envoy with important matters to discuss with the Sect Leader."

Sect Leader Qiao smiled, seemingly having anticipated this, and said aloud, "Invite them in."

Zhang Yan then stood and bowed, saying, "Since Sect Leader Qiao has matters to attend to here, this humble Daoist shall take his leave."

Du Shixun prepared to leave as well, but Sect Leader Qiao said, "Xun’er, stay behind. I have words to converse with you."

Du Shixun sat down again.

Zhang Yan bowed and then ascended on his tunneling light, returning to the Dharma Platform.

Shortly afterward, a thin elder wearing a gourd crown came up, made a Daoist bow, and said, "Xuanyue Guardian Mo Shitong greets Sect Leader Qiao and Mrs. Zhao."

Sect Leader Qiao reciprocated the courtesy and asked, "Daoist Mo, Sect Leader Yang sent you here. What is his intention?"

Mo Shitong replied, "Sect Leader Qiao, I have come under orders from Sect Leader Yang to redeem the head of Guardian Jin Ling’s Primordial Spirit."

Sect Leader Qiao said, "Redeem?"

Mo Shitong said, "Indeed, Guardian Jin Ling is a Great Protector within our sect. The Sect Leader cannot bear to see his spirit remain outside, unable to reincarnate, so he sent me here. I earnestly hope that Sect Leader Qiao considers the shared roots of our two sects and allows our sect to redeem it."

Sect Leader Qiao made a pondering sound as if considering, and Mo Shitong did not dare to urge, just patiently waited below.

After a quarter of an hour, Sect Leader Qiao spoke again, "Daoist Mo is right, our families belong to the same lineage. Guardian Jin Ling’s head can be returned to your sect for a proper burial, but as for the Primordial Spirit, that is difficult. Guardian Jin Ling was slain by True Master Zhang, and the right to deal with it remains in his hands. He is not one of Zhongtai’s disciples, and as such, I cannot interfere."

Mo Shitong quickly said, "Sect Leader Qiao, if we can recuperate Elder Jin Ling’s Primordial Spirit, Xuanyue will be greatly appreciative."

Sect Leader Qiao pondered for a moment and said, "How about this, I can arrange for fellow Daoist Zhang to return Guardian Jin Ling’s Primordial Spirit to you Xuanyue, but it must wait until after the duel. What do you think?"

Xuanyue wanted to redeem Guardian Jin Ling’s Primordial Spirit, and as Sect Leader, he naturally understood the reasoning behind it. But now, the two sects have yet to determine victory or defeat; aside from the man’s worth, holding onto one more leverage is always beneficial.

Mo Shitong realized he was unwilling to release Guardian Jin Ling’s Primordial Spirit back, and feeling helpless, he returned to report to the formation.

He was prepared to face punishment, but after Yang Shuyong heard, he only sneered repeatedly, waved his hand, and let him step down.

Rong Junzhong said indifferently, "Since Zhongtai refuses, it doesn’t matter much. Shortly, when I capture a few Zhongtai elders in the Nascent Soul, I can also exchange for Elder Jin Ling."

He spoke of capturing and slaying Zhongtai elders in such a casual manner, yet no Xuanyue cult members doubted it. Of the nine Zhongtai elders, three had already died by his hand, and moreover, it seems this Great Cultivator’s cultivation has advanced even further than before.

An elder sighed and said, "Having Master Rong in Xuanyue is truly a blessing."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Chunyu Ji then said, "Sect Leader, it is getting late; it is time for Xuanyue to send someone to the formation."

Yang Shuyong looked at the sky and noticed, after dueling several rounds, two hours had passed and it was nearing late afternoon. He then solemnly bowed to Rong Junzhong, saying, "Everything is entrusted to Master Rong."

Rong Junzhong returned the bow, saying, "With me here, Sect Leader need not worry."

Upon finishing his words, he tapped his foot, spread his sleeves, wrapped in a storm of wind and thunder, ascended above the azure sky, and stood proudly atop the clouds.

Seeing him ascend, those below Zhongtai changed their expressions and echoed in low voices, "Rong Junzhong?"

Many outside practitioners were seeing him for the first time; observing his extraordinary aura, robust physique, and now standing loftily in the Heavenly Vault, the circulating Gang Wind causing the clouds to evade, appeared as if the heavens opened a mouth, truly resembling a Divine Human.

Only Du Shixun appeared elated, turned around, and clasped his fists, saying, "Father, since this man has appeared, I shall proceed to meet him," as he prepared to leap into the sky.

"Hold on!" Sect Leader Qiao halted him.

Du Shixun was impatient, almost stamping his feet, pointed to Heaven, and said, "Father, you said he is my opponent."

Mrs. Zhao said, "Xun’er, why the urgency, let your father finish speaking."

Sect Leader Qiao gravely said, "Sixteen years ago, during a duel, I encountered Rong Junzhong; he lacked such momentum then. This man has advanced in cultivation."

Mrs. Zhao was startled and said, "Husband, truly?"

Sect Leader Qiao slowly nodded.

Mrs. Zhao’s expression changed.

She was also a Nascent Soul True Master, understanding the complexities; a cultivator at the Nascent Soul Third Realm progresses step-by-step arduously. Ancestor Hui Xuan, after entering the Third Realm, merely polished his mana smoothly over hundreds of years with little actual progress, but Rong Junzhong has improved over just sixteen years, a remarkable fact as seen by Sect Leader Qiao.

Sect Leader Qiao said solemnly, "I must send someone up to probe."

Mrs. Zhao worriedly said, "But this man’s Daoist cultivation is so high, who would dare to ascend and fight him?"

As they discussed strategies, Rong Junzhong, from within the clouds, spoke aloud, "I have heard you Zhongtai have a bounty, offering three cities to one who defeats Rong, and knighthood with Sect Leader Qiao; your sect highly evaluates me, truly fortunate for me. Today, I shall face your sect’s three formations; should any force me back a step, Xuanyue will gift him an additional immortal city!"

...

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