Daoist Competition

The location of True Master Tao's Xuanling Island was surrounded by towering storms and waves. If it were an ordinary sea boat, reaching this place would indeed be difficult. One would need to meticulously follow the directives of the token talisman, constantly avoiding thunderclouds and torrential rain, lest they accidentally be swept into the chaos.

However, the Dragon Country's Ship was solid and unwavering, entirely unaffected by these forces. Even plunging headfirst into the torrential rain and raging waves would not cause a single tremor, ensuring a smooth and swift journey throughout.

On this journey, Zhang Yan had pushed the Dragon Country's Ship's speed to its limit. Within merely ten days, a black reef appeared on the island. Guided by the token talisman's instructions, this was precisely the location of Xuanling Island. Yet at a glance, aside from this black reef, there was nothing else. Zhang Yan understood that there must be barriers concealing the area.

As he observed this, Guo Lie had already flown out from the ship in a streak of tunneling light. Ascending into the air, he extended a finger and struck the reef twice, then thrice, with a brightly glowing golden hammer, producing resonant "dong dong" sounds.

As the echoes faded, a surge of white light shot upwards, and a stout cultivator flew out from the reef, shouting loudly, "Which fellow Daoist has returned to the mountain?"

Guo Lie responded with a thunderous shout, "You brat! Don't you recognize me? Open the barrier quickly!"

The stout cultivator took a startled step back upon seeing him. He hurriedly cupped his fists and said, "So it's Master Guo returning! Please wait a moment."

Without delay, he produced a talisman token and flicked it toward the opposite island's reef. The scenery before them rippled like water before splitting apart. A corner of the illusion realm was displaced, revealing an entrance portal for passage.

Guo Lie descended onto the top of the Treasure Pavilion and waved his hand, saying, "Brother Zhang, proceed inside."

Zhang Yan nodded, steering the ship forward as they entered. Passing through the layer of barriers, a vast view opened up before them, revealing an entirely new world.

In the distance stood a massive spirit mountain nearly a hundred meters tall, adorned with ancient towering trees, cascading clear springs, and waterfalls. Cliff faces were faintly marked by palace rooftops with flying eaves. Old vines stretched across ravines, gnarled branches clung to rock walls, and four floating islands surrounded the mountain, each occupying a distinct direction. Arched golden bridges connected these islands, upon which spirit monkeys occasionally crossed. From the secluded peaks and valleys came faint, howling cries echoing through the air.

Witnessing such a sight, Zhang Yan could not help but marvel inwardly. Although he had seen similar scenery within his sect, this was not exceptionally rare. What surprised him was how True Master Tao, merely a cultivator at the Nascent Soul Third Realm, had managed to create such a Blessed Land. Was he aided by someone or relying on some powerful Dharma treasure?

Wei Lihua and the others had also come out of the Treasure Pavilion to stand on the deck alongside Zhang Yan. Before the ship reached the shore, a streak of tunneling light passed by. Spotting them, the light swirled in midair before descending, revealing a gaunt Daoist. The man glanced around and asked, "Nephew Wei, you've returned? Why don't I see my nephew?"

Wei Lihua was taken aback by the man's sudden appearance. She instinctively stepped back and exchanged a glance with her two fellow disciples standing behind her. Taking a deep breath, she quietly replied, "Junior Master Dai, Senior Brother Dai… he…"

The middle-aged Daoist's expression changed abruptly, and he stepped forward in urgency, demanding, "What happened to Dai Huan? Has something gone wrong with him?"

Wei Lihua hesitated for a moment before finally saying, "Senior Brother Dai has been killed!"

"What?!"

The middle-aged Daoist's chest-length beard fluttered despite the absence of wind as his piercing gaze swept over Zhang Yan. With a thunderous voice, he roared, "Who dares kill my nephew? Is this man responsible?"

His voice echoed through the mountains, shaking the valley below.

Guo Lie furrowed his brow and glared at the Daoist, saying, "Old Daoist Dai! What nonsense are you spouting? If it hadn't been for Brother Zhang here, the one who killed your nephew might not even have been caught."

Zhang Yan knew the man was likely distraught over the loss of his nephew and was acting irrationally. He did not take it personally. Still, observing the Daoist's demeanor and his cultivation, Zhang Yan noted silently, "This man seems to possess Small Golden Core cultivation. Judging by his surname and appearance, he doesn't appear to be one of True Master Tao's disciples. What is his background?"

Wei Lihua dared not elaborate further. She hurriedly patted open the sachet at her waist, pulling out the human bag. After undoing the knot, a person rolled out onto the ground.

Xu Cuo, who had been stuffed in the human bag, was originally unconscious. Yet, being robust in essence, the exposure to sunlight jolted him awake. Seeing the middle-aged Daoist staring at him ferociously, Xu Cuo immediately sensed danger.

Wei Lihua pointed at him and said, "This man is the one who murdered Senior Brother Dai."

Xu Cuo, noticing the Daoist's icy gaze fixed upon him, felt a chill run down his spine and hastily exclaimed, "Everyone, my father is Xu Gongyuan! If you wish to kill me, think carefully before acting."

"Xu Gongyuan?"

The middle-aged Daoist froze in shock, his resolve wavering slightly. He hesitated, casting a glance at Guo Lie, who wore a mocking expression. Grinding his teeth, the Daoist conjured a spell with his fingers. With a sharp sound, the Dharma Sword behind him unsheathed and flew forth, slicing downward directly.

Xu Cuo's face turned pale with fright, and he desperately wished to dodge. Yet, with talismanic restraints binding him, he was entirely immobilized. He could only watch helplessly as the flying sword approached to deliver its fatal blow. Just as the sword reached the bridge of his nose, however, it suddenly halted mid-air, trembling but failing to descend further, leaving Xu Cuo drenched in cold sweat.

The middle-aged Daoist's fingers trembled. His face bore an expression of fierce inner conflict before he finally stomped his foot, letting out a loud cry. Retracting the flying sword into its sheath, he glared at Wei Lihua and her companions with reddened eyes, shouting, "Why wasn't it one of you who died? Why did it have to be my nephew?!"

With that, he turned abruptly and ascended in a mist of smoke, heading toward a verdant peak atop the island.

Guo Lie sneered disdainfully and said, "No courage to avenge his kin, yet he resents others for surviving. Truly enlightening."

Zhang Yan shook his head after witnessing this and said, "That man, is he not one of your sect's disciples?"

Guo Lie spat contemptuously and said, "That man is nothing more than a lowly loose cultivator. Were it not for my Fourth Senior Brother, I'd have driven him out long ago."

He seemed to realize he had spoken too much and coughed briefly before addressing Zhang Yan. "Brother Zhang, I'll go see my master now. Worry not; your matters are in my hands."

Zhang Yan cupped his hands respectfully and replied, "Then I must thank Daoist Guo for his help."

Guo Lie turned to Wei Lihua and said, "Nephew Wei, arrange for Brother Zhang to reside in one of the finest Cave Mansions."

Wei Lihua quickly responded, "Rest assured, Master Guo. I will make the arrangements properly."

Guo Lie nodded once more and took off in a streak of light.

Wei Lihua turned with a radiant smile toward Zhang Yan. "Fellow Daoist, please follow me. You've provided great care during this voyage, and now it's time for this humble woman to fulfill her duties as host."

...

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