Daoist Competition

Qiu Ju originally had a sunken nose and thick lips, with a forehead resembling a tree knot, a peculiar visage. Now, hearing these words that struck at his sore spot, his expression turned even uglier.

That day, he faced off against Shen Minggu. Momentarily provoked, he gambled on a duel with him, but was soundly defeated. Even his spirit bird was lost to the opponent.

Though Shen Minggu outwardly covered for him, the underlying derision was clear—that the Nanhua Sect was powerless without their spirit beasts. Yet Qiu Ju, being poor at words, merely moved his lips before falling silent in embarrassment.

Standing nearby to spectate, Zhu Jiu sensed the tension and stepped forward with a smile, patting Qiu Ju on the shoulder as he sighed, "Brother Qiu, don't take it to heart. My Senior Brother Zeng Han has cultivated for 135 years, battling countless fellow cultivators and laying an exceptionally firm foundation. Now, he is but a step away from solidifying his pill. His mastery of the Xuanxing Yin Mang Needle has reached pinnacle levels, and his cultivation far surpasses mine. It's no disgrace to lose to him."

Qiu Ju remained silent for a moment before cupping his hands and saying, "Senior Brother Zeng's brilliance is far beyond me. I admit my shortcomings."

Zeng Han smirked confidently and glanced towards a figure standing quietly nearby—a woman in white, as ethereal and pristine as an immaculate white lotus. He asked, "Junior Sister Xin, you are an elite of the Yuan Yang Sect. What do you think? Are there any flaws in my needle technique? Could I rival that Shen Minggu?"

This woman, Xin Chanzhen, was a True Disciple of the Yuan Yang Sword Sect. The other day, sensing the location of the Seven Absolute Piles, she had followed the trail to the East Sea. She had an old acquaintance with Zeng Han, which led them to meet here.

Zeng Han's question carried a subtle hint of showcasing his prowess, hoping for some words of praise. Yet, she earnestly pondered for a moment before saying, "Though I don't know Shen Minggu personally, based on the accounts from Brother Qiu and Brother Chu, your skill initially might have had some chance of victory. But now, your odds lean towards defeat."

Zeng Han, unsettled by her words, frowned and asked, "Why? I'd like to hear your insightful opinion."

Xin Chanzhen calmly replied, "Shen Minggu's Yin Yang Separation Flying Saber is both versatile and vicious, but it has a flaw—it's not suitable for flying combat during intense battles. If he and his opponent suddenly encounter each other, whoever strikes first undoubtedly has the upper hand."

Initially, Zeng Han dismissed her evaluation but grew serious as he listened, nodding in agreement. "Makes sense. From the defeats of both junior brothers against him, it's clear that meeting him head-on in a duel would likely lead to an unending contest lasting day and night. A preemptive strike would be the only way to secure victory. But why, Junior Sister, do you still doubt my chances?"

Xin Chanzhen replied lightly, "Shen Minggu is well aware of his own shortcomings. That's why he set a trap to win Brother Qiu's flower falcon. With that falcon's assistance, he can attack or retreat as needed. For now, he has no apparent weaknesses to exploit."

Zeng Han was stunned, his brows furrowing in deep thought. Although prideful, he wasn't a shallow man who rejected constructive criticism. Thus, he began to reassess his formidable opponent seriously.

Xin Chanzhen delicately brushed her jade-like fingers across the Dharma Sword at her waist and said, "If Shen Minggu weren't already marked as Senior Brother's opponent, I would have liked to challenge him myself."

Zeng Han snapped out of his contemplation and smiled, "Junior Sister Xin, no need to worry. I've heard the Chongyue True Temple has two extraordinarily gifted disciples—one being Shen Minggu, and the other Xu Cuo. With the Sea Immortal Mansion soon to emerge and various forces converging, we will undoubtedly have fierce battles ahead. You won't lack for worthy opponents."

Chu Jiu coughed lightly from the side and interjected, "Senior Brother, you and Senior Sister Xin have just arrived here, so you may not have heard. Xu Cuo, not long ago, fought against Mingcang Sect's Zhang Yan over the sea and was ultimately defeated and captured. His life or death is still unknown."

"Oh?" Zeng Han raised his brows and asked, "Defeated by a Mingcang Sect disciple? Junior Brother, have you seen this person?"

Chu Jiu nodded and replied, "Indeed. That day, he used some mysterious technique to slay Chongyue True Temple's elder Beigong Hao. His skills are extraordinary. We happened to be on Qifeng Island at the time and saw him briefly then."

Zeng Han let out a cold laugh and said, "I've fought against a few True Disciples of Mingcang Sect before, and none of them lived up to their reputations. If this Zhang Yan has come to the East Sea, he's surely aiming for the Immortal Mansion. My master said the Immortal Mansion will emerge within ten days at the latest. If I encounter him, I'd be eager to challenge him properly."

Chu Jiu, having dueled Beigong Hao himself, knew how formidable Zhang Yan must be to have killed the elder. Hesitating, he offered, "Senior Brother, our mission is to confront Tao Zhenhong's disciples under the Hong Sect. Perhaps it's best not to complicate matters further."

Zeng Han raised a brow and was about to respond, but just then, a token talisman flew into sight. Catching it from the air, he lifted the prohibition on it and held it up to examine. Instantly, his spirits were invigorated as he announced, "Master has deduced the location of the Immortal Palace's emergence and sent this talisman to summon us there immediately!"

Hearing this, Qiu Ju, Zhu Jiu, and the others' eyes gleamed with excitement. If they could obtain the Purple Jade Immortal Mansion, the Great Dao awaited them!

Only Xin Chanzhen remained expressionless, her beautiful gaze fixed far across the waves. The Dharma Sword at her side emitted a faint hum.

Meanwhile, in the cabin of the sea boat, Miss Shan and Sister Cai sat across from each other, sipping tea. Sister Cai said wistfully, "Daoist Xin must also harbor intentions to compete for the Immortal Mansion. Ah, they're all disciples of great sects with much to discuss. Initially, they treated us courteously enough, but since Daoist Xin arrived, they've ignored me and my fellow sisters altogether."

Speaking of this, she felt both dejected and jealous.

Miss Shan caught her emotions and couldn't help but console her, "Senior Sister, we are cultivators…"

Before she could finish, Sister Cai impatiently interrupted, "Stop, stop, stop! Why bother preaching to me about detachment and restraint? Senior Sister cultivates only for eternal youth and to find a compassionate Daoist partner to roam the heavens with. Spare me the nonsense about immortality—I'm not cut out for that!"

Miss Shan sighed softly, saying, "Senior Sister, if cultivation doesn't lead to immortality, one simply becomes dust in the end…"

Sister Cai glared at her and stomped her foot, exclaiming, "Junior Sister, everyone has their own karma. I just want to live a glorious life. As long as I can enjoy centuries of happiness, I'll happily die when my time comes!"

...

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