Daoist Competition-Chapter 1024 - 252: An Zhi’s Subtle Move Revealed

One month later, within Linglang Cave Heaven.

True Master Qin clad in a resplendent moonlight-hued robe, gently stroked a piece of green bamboo, seated serenely upon the Green Lotus Throne.

Zhong Muqing stood respectfully by the side of the pond before her, a hint of joy glimmering deep in his eyes.

He had received the Flying Sword Transmission that, following the slaying of Elder Hu from the Pingdu Sect, a Cave Heaven True Master with the surname Zhao personally visited the Mingcang Sect to meet Sect Leader Qin Mobai, though none knew what they discussed. An hour later, a Dharma Decree was issued from the Floating Heavenly Palace, ordering Zhang Yan to a five-year seclusion, barring him from sect affairs.

Five years is but a moment for a cultivator, yet the crux lies in the eight words: "barring him from sect affairs."

The following year would see the sect’s great contest, ensuring Zhang Yan misses the final chance to alter his fate, rendering him unable to attend the Sword Fighting Conference.

Zhong Muqing, somewhat pleased, remarked, "True Master, if Junior Brother Zhang were to restrain himself now and unleash his efforts at the contest, aided by the Sect Leader, there’s the chance to realize his ambition. But alas, he rushed."

True Master Qin nodded subtly; although the Huan River banquet ended poorly, Zhang Yan’s single sword stroke that slew Elder Hu of the Pingdu Sect shocked the entire sect.

Zhang Yan, whose First-class Elixir Formation had already earned him considerable repute in the Mingcang Sect, had ascended to the Nascent Soul Realm within a hundred years, showcasing his astonishing talent. This battle further exalted his prestige, leaving none among the sect’s Top Ten Disciples able to rival him.

Had he wielded this momentum to challenge Zhong Muqing at the contest, accompanied by the Sect Leader’s assistance, it might well disrupt her plans.

Seeing Zhong Muqing’s delight, True Master Qin frowned, casting him a glance, "Muqing, do you think you cannot match Zhang Yan?"

Stunned, Zhong Muqing replied, "True Master, I am not afraid."

True Master Qin’s eyes flashed with authority as she chided, "Then why this secret pleasure?"

Startled by the rebuke, Zhong Muqing broke out in a cold sweat. After a moment’s pause, he exhaled and bowed, "Thank you, True Master, for helping me dispel this Heart Demon."

He had heard numerous stories of Zhang Yan’s victories over powerful foes outside, and although he did not fully believe them, he subconsciously viewed Zhang Yan as a worthy opponent, avoiding direct confrontation and straying from the Right Path, defeated before battle.

True Master Qin’s expression softened as she raised her delicate hand, pointing to her heart, "The struggle for the Dao is manifested through various means. Utilizing the Pingdu Sect’s hand to eliminate your rivals was adept. However, as cultivators, our Daoist cultivation is the foundation; all else is illusory. In the Mingcang Sect, should you openly defeat Zhang Yan, regardless of his schemes, what is there to fear?"

Zhong Muqing, ashamed, replied, "Yes, True Master, your teachings are right, I was mistaken."

True Master Qin nodded, "It’s good you understand. Now return to your cave and cultivate diligently. Do not let me down in the upcoming swordfight."

Zhong Muqing bowed deeply, "Yes, disciple takes leave."

Weiguang Hua Ding Da Ming Cave Heaven.

True Master Yan glanced at the letter, smiling, "This Zhang Yan is quite adept in strategy, merely employing advancement through retreat."

Seeing Luo Qingyu’s perplexed look, True Master Yan laughed, "My disciple, Zhang Yan achieved Nascent Soul within thirty-odd years of leaving the sect, a feat surely arranged by the Sect Leader. Though I cannot fathom the method, the cost must be high. Given the investment in this pawn, how could he now disregard using him? If my guess is correct, Zhang Yan is likely the Sect Leader’s tool to deal with Brother Zhong, seeking to curtail True Master Qin."

Contemplating for a moment, Luo Qingyu hesitantly said, "Master suggests that Junior Brother Zhang saw the sect already settled on candidates for the sword contest, realizing no breakthrough was possible, consider retreat, but fearing the Sect Leader’s refusal, feigned this maneuver to avoid competing with us three?"

True Master Yan nodded with a smile, "Indeed."

Upon further reflection, Luo Qingyu agreed it seemed plausible.

He sighed, "Junior Brother Zhang, since entering the sect, has fearlessly advanced, without retreat. Who would have thought he would hesitate at this matter?"

True Master Yan casually waved the horsetail whisk, remarking, "What’s strange about that? If not for True Master Peng’s full support years ago, how else could Zhang Yan secure a place among the Top Ten Disciples? Now True Master Peng has his own disciple to consider, unlikely to aid him further. Zhang Yan’s withdrawal is wise self-preservation, proving he is no fool."