Daoist Competition-Chapter 1023 - 251: Schemes Unveiled Amidst the Banquet (Part 2)

The thousands of Mingcang Sect disciples spectating were deeply disappointed. They had been anticipating a thrilling battle, but the duel ended in a blink; Elder Hu was defeated inexplicably, seeming like he had willingly walked into death’s hands, making the entire spectacle exceedingly dull. This left them looking down on the Pingdu Sect a bit more.

Among them, Chen Qiao Ling trembled with rage, staring at Elder Hu lying on the ground with hatred, feeling betrayed that the person she had placed so much hope upon was struck down by Zhang Yan’s sword, utterly powerless to resist. How did she end up relying on such a useless person?

If she weren’t waiting for the Yang Talisman to be retrieved, she would not wish to stay here a moment longer.

After Elder Yu helped Elder Hu take Elixir Pills, he stood up and said coldly to Zhang Yan, "True Master Zhang, regardless, a Pingdu Sect elder has been injured at your hands, this matter requires an explanation!"

Huo Xuan said unhappily, "Elder Yu, why the need for this? In contests of skill, injuries are inevitable. This isn’t a matter of prideful dispute; let’s not harm the peace between our sects."

Elder Yu was emotional, and angrily replied, "True Master Huo speaks very lightly. Do you intend for the loss of an elder from our sect to be brushed aside as nothing?"

Huo Xuan surveyed the scene and said coldly, "What does Elder Yu propose?"

Elder Yu hesitated for a moment and then said solemnly, "I am willing to challenge True Master Zhang once more. Let life and death be disregarded; if I lose, I shall bear no further grievance."

Huo Xuan shook his head, thinking that Elder Yu might rarely venture outside the observation gate, hence speaking such ludicrous words.

Luo Qingyu smiled and stepped forward, saying, "Elder Yu, Junior Brother Zhang has already had a match. Why don’t I accompany you instead?"

Elder Yu looked at Luo Qingyu and instinctively stepped back, knowing Luo Qingyu’s renowned skills and realizing he stood no chance against her.

Although he had shouted with conviction earlier, faced with the Mingcang Sect disciples, he felt utterly lacking in confidence, knowing he would gain nothing here. With a snort, he stomped and said, "This matter isn’t settled; I will request Sect Leader to intervene and discuss this with your seniors!"

Without even notifying Elder Hua, he carried Elder Hu’s body and ascended into the light, disappearing instantly.

Mrs. Chen, sensing the situation seemed to escalate, approached Huo Xuan and whispered, "Do you need me to handle this situation, sir?"

Huo Xuan waved her off, saying, "No need. Truth naturally prevails—no amount of words can overturn reality."

He glanced at Zhang Yan and sighed, "Junior Brother Zhang, follow me; I have words for you."

He leaped up and soared into the sky.

Zhang Yan thought momentarily, smiled, and with a gust of Gang Wind, followed suit.

At this moment, within the hall, Zhong Muqing sat calmly, drinking alone. While Elder Hu was being defeated amidst chaos, he had already retreated here. Not long after, footsteps approached, and a strikingly beautiful female disciple hurried to his side.

Zhong Muqing placed down his cup, his gaze clear, and asked, "How did it go?"

The female disciple hesitated, lowered her head, and said, "Master Uncle, Feng’er let you down. Although a few children from the Mystic Water Zhen Palace usually flatter Feng’er, when it came to matters within the palace, their lips were sealed; we uncovered nothing."

Zhong Muqing pondered for a while and then smiled, saying, "I see. Well done, now I can decisively tell that Junior Brother Zhang’s Dragon Carp is definitely not from Brother Qi’s palace."

The female disciple looked up confused, and asked, "How do you know, Master Uncle?"

Zhong Muqing explained casually, "Since the Dragon Carp was openly lent to Junior Brother Zhang, what is there that cannot be discussed? Clearly, the evasive mentions indicate the lack of clarity on how to respond; thus, they resort to vague remarks."

The female disciple widened her bright eyes, and upon careful reflection, realized it was indeed as he deduced, leading her to a sense of admiration.

Zhong Muqing smiled at her, handing over a Jade Scroll, and said, "You may go now, I will call for you if needed."

The female disciple, overcome with joy, looked at the Jade Scroll, offered a respectful gesture, and left the hall in a streak of bright light.

Realizing that the Dragon Carp wasn’t a gift from Qi Yuntian, Zhong Muqing didn’t find his mood improving much, and internally praised, "Junior Brother Zhang, your skill in leveraging this opportunity was truly adept; you almost fooled even me. However, even with your foresight, such a move only gains a fleeting advantage, unable to alter the overarching trend."

He rose up, without resorting to Escape Skill, leisurely walked outside the hall, where Elder Hua was still present. Seeing Elder Hua showed intentions to leave, Zhong Muqing flashed a look and approached respectfully, saying, "Elder Hua, my greetings."

Elder Hua intended to leave but remembered his reliance on the Mingcang Sect, so he couldn’t simply walk away. Seeing Zhong Muqing, he sighed with a bitter smile, "Daoist Zhong, why seek me?"

Zhong Muqing chuckled softly, saying, "Elder Hua, is your disciple’s matter something you wish Zhong to assist with?"

Elder Hua was taken aback, assuming this matter had ended without resolution. Surprised at the turn, he looked cautious and asked, "Daoist Zhong, what are your terms?"

Zhong Muqing leaned over, whispering a few words.

Elder Hua hesitated, saying, "This would be a disgrace..."

Zhong Muqing smiled, saying, "Why hesitate, Elder Hua? Even without my suggestion, would your Pingdu Sect simply let this slide?"

Elder Hua snorted and said, "Daoist Zhong, I hope you keep your word."

Gazing at the bright moon, Zhong Muqing appeared contemplative, whispering, "Junior Brother Zhang, even with remarkable strength, qualifying for the Fighting Battle Meeting is no straightforward matter. This time, you’ve made a mistake; had you exercised patience and struck at next year’s major competition, I would’ve had a headache. But now, your chance is lost."

...

...(Unfinished. If you enjoy this work, welcome to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation tickets, monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)