Daoist Competition

He put away the letter, but suddenly remembered something and said, "Let me ask you, what exactly is that black gas you used to injure Fu Yuqing?"

Xu Cuo's expression was unnatural as he replied, "That is a treasure bestowed by my father. I only know it is invincible against enemies and those injured by it cannot recover. As for its origins... I truly don't know."

He truly did not know what this Dharma Treasure was. His father had once advised him that anyone who sees the true form of this treasure must be killed to prevent future troubles. However, now that he had been captured, preserving his own life was most urgent. He had to first devise a plan to escape before thinking further on this matter.

Meanwhile, in another courtyard of the Treasure Pavilion, Senior Sister Wei and others were frowning.

They had also retrieved the unconscious Fu Yuqing from the sea, and after trying various methods repeatedly, they still couldn't awaken him. Finally, they brought him to Guo Lie, who was also at a loss.

A disciple anxiously said, "Xu Cuo must have used some vicious method to render Brother Fu unconscious."

Another disciple angrily added, "That person dared to kill Senior Brother Dai. It is absolutely unforgivable!"

The previous disciple cupped his hands towards Guo Lie and said, "Xu Cuo must have a remedy on him! Master Guo, why not ask Daoist Zhang to hand Xu Cuo over to us for punishment?"

Guo Lie let out a snort and said, "By my temper, Xu Cuo deserves a swift death to avenge Dai Huan. However, it was thanks to Brother Zhang's intervention that you three and Kid Fu were saved. Since he captured Xu Cuo, how could I make such a request?"

Senior Sister Wei sighed and said, "Master Guo, Daoist Zhang is known to be reasonable. We do not ask him to deal with Xu Cuo in any specific way; just that he tries to find a solution to save Brother Fu. Surely, he will not refuse such a request."

Guo Lie's expression shifted, and he slapped his thigh, saying, "You're right. But I do not know what Brother Zhang plans to do, so it is not appropriate for me to step forward. Nephew Wei, you are always exceptionally clever. I will leave this matter to you."

Senior Sister Wei quickly replied, "Li Hua should indeed share the worries of fellow disciples and seniors."

After Guo Lie instructed her with a couple more words, she came out of the courtyard and made her way to the top floor of the Treasure Pavilion. She saw Zhang Pan guarding the entrance. She did not have the superior attitude of Dai Huan and was here to seek a favor, so her tone was humble.

After Zhang Pan went in to report, he soon came out and said, "The master invites the honored guest inside."

Senior Sister Wei expressed her gratitude and stepped inside. After crossing three courtyards, she reached an Elixir Room where she saw Zhang Yan sitting on a Jade Couch. She immediately bowed and greeted, "Young woman, Wei Lihua, greets Daoist Zhang."

Zhang Yan smiled and said, "For what matter does the fellow Daoist come?"

Wei Lihua sighed and said, "It is because Brother Fu was struck by Xu Cuo's Dharma Treasure and remains in a coma. I hope Daoist Zhang could inquire of Xu Cuo whether there is a cure."

Zhang Yan replied, "I have indeed asked about this, but Xu Cuo mentioned that the item 'injures with no cure,' so it seems unlikely to find an answer."

Upon hearing this, Wei Lihua's face showed disappointment.

Zhang Yan, however, smiled and said, "Daoist Wei need not worry. I will find someone to investigate, and perhaps there is a method of rescue."

He called out, "Zhang Ju, come out."

As soon as he spoke, the Mountain and River Child appeared, bowed, and asked, "What are your orders, master?"

Zhang Yan smiled and said, "Since you are knowledgeable and experienced, go and see what has injured Daoist Fu."

Wei Lihua, seeing Zhang Ju appear out of nowhere, initially thought Zhang Yan had captured someone with a precious item beforehand. She took no notice, but after a couple more looks, she was shocked and thought, "This child manifests as a spirit, without blood or flesh, yet appears like a living person. It's clearly the Artifact Spirit of a treasure. Even Great Sects have only a few such treasures, yet this Daoist Zhang carries it with him, indicating he has an extraordinary background. We underestimated him earlier."

Realizing it was an Artifact Spirit, she did not dare to act superior and quickly said, "Please, Immortal Child, come with me."

The Mountain and River Child waved his hand and said, "No need." He shook his body and vanished.

After just a moment, he returned to the room and reported, "Master, I have found out why that person is unconscious. He has been obstructed by something that sealed his heart-acupoint."

Zhang Yan's eyes flashed slightly. A method to seal the heart-acupoint is clearly a Demon Sect technique. Thinking of Xu Cuo's background, he understood and asked, "Did you find out what it is?" Zhang Ju replied, "Master, this substance is called 'Divine Hooking Wind.' It is refined from the heart blood of ninety-nine Dragon Seeds, combined with the essence of over a thousand people, mixed with Merfolk Tears, Danghu Eyes, and other materials. Once this gas emerges, neither Dharma Treasure nor Mysterious Skill can resist it; avoidance is the only option. Under the scorching sun, it may dissipate within half a day, but once it touches the body, it immediately seals the heart-acupoint and confuses the mind."

At this, Wei Lihua clutched her heart and exclaimed, "This substance is so powerful and insidious. Is there a way to dispel it?"

Zhang Ju nodded and said, "There is a way. This gas avoids daylight and lodges in the heart-acupoint of this Daoist Fu. After eighty-one days, if this Daoist does not lose heart, he can awaken. Alternatively, one could invite a Cave Heaven True Master to utilize True Fire from within the chest to circulate through the acupoint barrier, forcing it out to achieve rescue."

Wei Lihua's complexion slightly changed. Even Tao Zhenhong is merely a Nascent Soul True Master, unable to save Fu Yuqing. Moreover, considering how sinister this substance is, who can guarantee what might happen if they really wait so long? From Zhang Ju's words, it seemed extremely perilous, and at this thought, a trace of worry appeared on her brow.

At this moment, the two heard a shout from outside the sea boat, "The people inside, come out! What have you done with Senior Brother Xu? Do you realize he is a disciple of Chongyue True Temple? Release him now, and do not bring harm to yourselves!"

Zhang Yan smiled secretly and said, "The messenger has arrived."

...

...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation votes and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)