Daoist Competition

Wang Yingfang hurriedly bowed deeply to show respect and said in a calm voice, "Daoist Zhang, please rest assured. You are an honored guest of Xuanling Island. As a humble Daoist, I would never knowingly side with anyone. There has never been enmity between your two factions, and this incident arose merely from a misunderstanding. I propose to temporarily keep Nephew Feng here for a few days and invite his master to come to apologize personally to you. I am willing to act as a mediator and try my best to resolve this matter. Fellow Daoist, what do you think?"

Wang Yingfang was a Hua Dan Cultivator, yet she did not use her strength to oppress others. Instead, she calmly and sincerely discussed the matter with Zhang Yan. Considering her relationship with Guo Lie, Zhang Yan found it inappropriate to be overly confrontational. With a laugh, he nodded and said, "This proposal is acceptable. Let us go along with Daoist Wang's suggestion."

Feng Yao let out a long sigh of relief upon hearing this, greatly relieved to have escaped calamity.

However, as his tension eased, he couldn't help but feel heartache over the use of the Flying Feather. This artifact had been refined by Wang Yingfang herself, with only twenty-four ever made, and they had all been distributed to disciples and close friends. It was only due to the respectful relationship between his master and Wang Yingfang that he was able to obtain one. Barely having warmed it in his hands, he hadn't expected to use it so soon.

With their discussion settled, the tense atmosphere between the two immediately lightened.

Wang Yingfang smiled warmly and said, "May I ask, Daoist Zhang, where are you currently staying?"

Zhang Yan laughed and replied, "My secluded Cave Mansion happens to lie directly across from the residences of several Demon Kings."

After a brief moment of thought, Wang Yingfang immediately realized the location he was referring to. She frowned and said, "That Cave Mansion is so lacking in spiritual energy—how can it possibly be suitable for residence?"

Shaking her head, she added, "Senior Brother has always been careless in his arrangements. This time, he has truly neglected you, Daoist Zhang. My Hongyan Temple is fairly abundant in spiritual energy. If you do not mind, you are welcome to stay there for a few days."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yan's heart stirred. Wang Yingfang clearly knew he had gravely injured Yu Consort, leaving her fate uncertain, yet she still intended to keep him on the island. It was obvious she meant to shoulder the responsibility for him.

However, as a guest of Xuanling Island, having someone create trouble for him warranted this level of hospitality. Thus, he smiled faintly and said, "Then I shall impose upon you, Daoist Wang."

At that moment, inside a luxurious Cave Mansion on Xuanling Island, Yu Consort lay on a bed, weakly groaning, her condition perilously close to collapse.

Seated beside her was a white-robed scholar, his thick eyebrows extending toward his temples and his prominent nose casting an air of nobility. This man, exuding a heroic bearing, was none other than Demon King Xuan Tong, Tong Ming, one of the East Sea Eighteen Demon Kings.

He took out a vermilion elixir pill and fed it into Yu Consort's mouth. Only then did he rise, turning toward a tall, elegantly featured young woman standing nearby. He asked, "You're saying this person's name is Zhang Yan, and he used the Sword Escape Technique?"

This young woman was his younger sister, Tong Ying. Without hesitation, she replied, "Yes, elder brother, this is what I just sent someone to find out. There is no mistake."

Demon King Xuan Tong seemed deep in thought as he pondered.

After consuming the elixir pill, Yu Consort gradually regained consciousness. When she saw Demon King Xuan Tong by her side, she couldn't help but begin sobbing softly.

Noticing that Demon King Xuan Tong had remained silent for some time, Tong Ying couldn't restrain herself and said, "Elder brother, she's awake."

Demon King Xuan Tong let out an "Oh" and returned to his senses. He walked over to Yu Consort's bedside, looking down at her without speaking.

Yu Consort's expression was sorrowful and pitiful as she begged with hatred in her voice, "My lord, I was unjustly humiliated. Please, seek justice for your servant."

Demon King Xuan Tong gently caressed her cheek with seemingly endless tenderness in his fingers. He sighed and said, "Huan'er, how many times have I told you not to stir up trouble? Why do you never listen?"

Tears streamed down Yu Consort's cheeks as she said through her sobs, "I regret not heeding your words, but that man was truly despicable. Not only did he insult me, but he also spoke many slanders about you. In my anger, I could not restrain myself and confronted him. I never expected him to strike so harshly."

Demon King Xuan Tong shook his head and said, "I know your temper too well. There's no need to fabricate stories to deceive me at this point."

Yu Consort's face showed panic as she replied in fear, "My lord, every word I speak is the truth."

Demon King Xuan Tong gave a strange smile. His fingers traced her throat, and with a gentle motion, he unexpectedly severed her head. In Tong Ying's stunned and disbelieving gaze, he calmly gathered Yu Consort's primordial spirit into his sleeve. Acting as though he had done nothing of importance, he then handed the severed head to Tong Ying and said, "Second Sister, take Huan'er's head and deliver it to that Daoist Zhang as a token of apology."

Tong Ying stared blankly at the head before her, suddenly letting out a scream, "Elder brother, how could you do such a thing?!"

Demon King Xuan Tong glanced at her and replied, "And why not?"

Tong Ying pointed furiously at Yu Consort's corpse and shouted, "That man humiliated your concubine, and yet you kill her and send her head as an apology? What kind of reasoning is that? If the other Demon Kings hear of this, they will surely call you a coward. How will you ever show your face again?"

Demon King Xuan Tong listened calmly and displayed no anger at her outburst. He merely smiled and said, "What do you know?"

Tong Ying fumed, "I admit I don't understand, but I must ask—what has happened to your old fiery temper and pride, elder brother?"

Demon King Xuan Tong cast her a sidelong glance and replied, "Do you even know who Zhang Yan is?"

Tong Ying snorted, "No matter how extraordinary he claims to be, you are still a Demon King of this land. What is there to fear?"

Demon King Xuan Tong chuckled lightly and said, "Once you've walked down the path I have, you'll understand the hardships of cultivation. I barely have time to polish my efforts toward the Dao. Who has time to waste on petty struggles? Tell me, in these past centuries, have I ever engaged in senseless fights out of pride?"

Tong Ying was consumed with frustration. She felt not only that her elder brother was weak but also entirely unreasonable. Turning her face away in anger, she refused to continue the discussion.

Demon King Xuan Tong sighed, "The great calamity of East Splendor Continent is fast approaching. Who can guarantee they will escape unscathed? As for Zhang Yan's origins, I've heard some stories. He is a True Disciple of the Mingcang Sect, and that alone would suffice. But at such a young age, he already possesses a Cave Heaven Blessed Land. Who knows what heights he might reach in the future? Today, he insults my concubine, and instead of retaliating, I kill her and personally offer her head as reparation. This will undoubtedly leave a strong impression on him. In the future, should I find myself in difficulty, I can call upon him for aid. From my perspective, this trade is more than worthwhile."

Tong Ying stared wide-eyed at him, unable to suppress her shock. She exclaimed, "Even if that's true, what will others think of us?"

Tong Ming gave a faint smirk and said, "Why should we care? We walk the path of the Dao—what need is there to concern ourselves with public opinion? Do not be confused by the illusions of Hongchen. Time flies in the blink of an eye over a thousand years. If we cannot attain immortality, everything is but emptiness. If sacrificing something small can help me achieve the Dao, it's worth giving up even everything I own."

Tong Ying felt her elder brother's reasoning was sound but couldn't help sensing an underlying coldness and ruthlessness in his tone. A chilling thought occurred to her: "If one day sacrificing me could further his Dao, would he abandon me without hesitation?" This notion made her shudder involuntarily.

...

...(Unfinished. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to recommend or vote for this novel. Your support is my greatest motivation.)