Daoist Competition-Chapter 1029 - 254: Da Wei Cloud Palace (Part 2)

Since this method is useful, he also doesn’t rush to break the array. He has already recognized that the jade in the pillar is no ordinary item, and if he takes it, it can enhance the power of his demon soldiers’ great array. After a brief thought, with a flick of his robe sleeve, the Water Element True Light cascades down like a waterfall, and with a single sweep, he collects it, readying himself for a leisurely sacrifice of the sword light once more.

The old Daoist in just a few breaths had run to the foot of the mountain, arriving before a large rock polished as smooth as a water mirror. He stuck the talisman on it, and immediately countless fine green lines appeared, cycling and rotating continuously. Though appearing chaotic, it actually contained profound mystery. This was the reflection of the mountain’s spirit vein. As long as the Daoist skill could break it, the spiritual energy at the mountain’s core would be cut off.

The old Daoist started a Qi Jue to summon a short sword, suspending it in the air. He looked at it for a few moments, but hesitated. It wasn’t that he lacked confidence, rather it was because he tended to be indecisive and unsteady in his stance. Just now he thought of cutting off the spirit vein, but another thought emerged, "If that person can come out without my aid, wouldn’t I have disrupted the earth veins for nothing?"

In an instant, he thought again, "Since I’ve arrived here, how could I just stand by and do nothing? I should still take action."

While he hesitated here endlessly, suddenly a loud explosion sounded from the mountain, as if the mountain had collapsed. Jolted awake, he realized the great array had been broken, and looking at the intact boulder, he thought himself lucky. Rising swiftly, he spread his sleeves and flew up towards the mountain top.

Arriving before the palace, he saw a young Daoist standing there with hands behind his back, talking to his own disciple. This person appeared calm, with no trace of embarrassment, clearly having suffered no hardship within the array. Above his head floated a Gang Cloud, slowly rotating, showing that he was of the same realm, also a Nascent Soul, which slightly startled him. Quickly landing his tunneling light, he hurried forward, bowing in respect: "I was unaware of which fellow disciple had arrived. I am Qiao Xiu, Deputy Director of the Fang Chen Courtyard. My disciple was disrespectful earlier and offended the True Master. I hope for your forgiveness."

Zhang Yan also returned the bow, saying, "So it is Master Qiao. I am Zhang Yan, here on the Sect Leader’s command. That was just a minor matter, no need to mind it."

"So it is True Master Zhang in person?"

Master Qiao exclaimed in surprise. Although he rarely left the Fang Chen Courtyard while setting up formations all day, he didn’t know all the names among the top ten disciples within the sect. However, he had recently heard Yue Chongyang mention Zhang Yan, knowing that he had slain Hu Yunzhong with a single sword, his Flying Sword Skill being especially formidable, making him another Sword Immortal within the mountain gate. With this person unexpectedly standing before him, he couldn’t help but be astonished, "So it is True Master Zhang visiting, please forgive me for not greeting you from afar. May I ask what brings you here?"

Zhang Yan didn’t say much, handing over a Dharma Talisman. Master Qiao took a look and then realized, "So that is it. True Master Zhang, being a Nascent Soul True Master, indeed, riding the Star Pivot Palace is no longer suitable; only the Da Wei Cloud Palace would match."

Zhang Yan was slightly surprised. The Star Pivot Palace could not compare with the Da Wei Cloud Palace, the latter already considered a treasure, not only capable of flying above the Extreme Sky but also claiming mountains and rivers, temporarily serving as a Cave Mansion, though it couldn’t be controlled by anyone other than a Nascent Soul.

But such a treasure was crafted by the Baoyang Institute. Why did it need to be fetched from the Fang Chen Courtyard?

Seeing his bewilderment, Master Qiao put away the Dharma Talisman and explained, "The Baoyang Institute spent a hundred years crafting five Da Wei Cloud Palaces, and just recently sent them over, wanting our Fang Chen Courtyard to set up prohibitions. It’s just that our courtyard is now severely understaffed, and to manage this item properly would likely take an additional ten more years."

Zhang Yan was astonished, "Why would it take so long?"

Master Qiao smiled wryly and said, "Every island’s great array, once the owner is changed, requires intervention by the Fang Chen Courtyard for re-arrangement. There are also arrangements for some Flying Palace Cloud Pavilions and array flags. Whenever any prohibition is damaged, it too must be sent here for repair. With only a mere ten or so people inside and outside the courtyard, how can we spare any manpower?"

Originally under noble families’ management, having controlled the Fang Chen Courtyard for over a century, they were quite skilled. However, since the master-disciple line of cultivators took over, they withdrew all the noble family members. Currently, there are only two directors, five stewards, and not even a few children. They still need to cultivate daily, how can they manage it all?

For instance, during Yue Chongyang’s watch, he still had to seize the time for cultivation, fearing that courtyard matters might impede his efforts.

With no choice left, Sect Leader He could only recruit children from the sect to hold some of the insignificant arrays and prohibition switches, to free up more hands for other tasks. Originally, no one might come to the Fang Chen Courtyard for several years, so even if mistakes happened, it was alright. Therefore, he felt rather assured, yet unexpectedly something still slipped.

Zhang Yan asked, "Master Qiao, is it really the case that such a large mountain gate can’t find anyone for setting up prohibitions?"

Master Qiao sighed and said, "True Master Zhang has no idea. It takes the Four Extremes Prohibition to refine the Cloud Pavilions. Each Array Corner requires at least one Nascent Soul cultivator to oversee and arrange it securely, and this person must also understand the mysteries of the array. I can find a few Nascent Souls, but there isn’t a single knowledgeable person of formations. I truly find it hard to make a meal without rice."

Zhang Yan thought it over a bit. This time, the Sword Fighting Conference was vastly different from before, being a contest over the fate between the Xuanmen and Demon Sects. There is no guarantee that the opponent won’t resort to crafty tricks. If this Cloud Pavilion could lend assistance, even facing a strong opponent, it could hold them off for a time. Having considered this, he then said, "This is no trouble; I am willing to offer my assistance."

Master Qiao was surprised, "Could it be that True Master Zhang is also knowledgeable in formations?"

Zhang Yan nodded with a smile, "I only know a little, but there’s no harm in giving it a try."

Master Qiao began to ponder. Setting up such prohibitions required the assistance of the Earth Fire Sky Furnace. Even if he were to do it himself, he had to be extremely cautious, for any mishap could damage the Da Wei Cloud Pavilion. He was somewhat uneasy about it. But if he refused, it would obviously be doubting Zhang Yan’s ability, certainly offending him.

His old habit of being indecisive flared up again, and after thinking for a long time, he still couldn’t make up his mind. He was about to say something but stopped, his forehead already sweating from anxiety.

Zhang Yan waited for a moment by his side and seeing him remain this way, couldn’t help but chuckle, "Even if this Da Wei Cloud Pavilion were to be damaged, I’ll compensate for it. Why should the master worry so much?"

...

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