Daoist Competition-Chapter 1064 - 272: Lone Boat Heading West

Cheng River is the largest river in East Splendor Continent. The water flows from the west, vast and boundless, eastward into the sea. This river traverses the continent, separating the Northern Wei from the Nanliang, and is reputedly known as "The Jade Belt Surrounds the Mountains, Dividing the World into Two."

Chengyuan Gorge is located in the middle section of Cheng River, flanked by high terrain on both sides, the river banks facing each other, broad spans over three hundred miles, narrow ones just a few dozen feet, the water flows ferociously and rapidly, filled with treacherous river valleys and shoals, hills and mounds, and the upper reaches at Jitian Ridge are even more deserted, hence the previous Sixteen Sects Sword Competition was selected to be held here.

Unlike the grandeur and fanfare with which the trio of Huo, Zhong, and Luo departed, Wei Zihong, following Zhang Yan’s prior instructions, set out alone.

He did not tread on clouds or fly, but instead took a small boat upstream, enthusiastically viewing the scenery on both shores.

The lower and middle reaches of the Cheng River are densely populated, with temples and towers on either side, ancient roads and strange peaks; as the Spring Breeze Crossing arrives, green willows and verdant grass sway, fragrant trees and lush leaves flutter, unexpectedly bringing peace and joy to the heart.

There are many passenger boats on Cheng River, with merchants and travelers incessantly crossing it. Among them are even official families, who, upon seeing Wei Zihong alone in a small boat, neither rowing nor uprighting the sail, able to sail against the current, immediately understand this Daoist possesses Daoist cultivation.

Though the world is in chaos now, most of the disturbances and wars occur at the northwest border, while the downstream of the river remains relatively peaceful. Many people seeing his mysteriousness attempt to steer their boats to approach him, yet within moments, his small boat has moved far into the distant, azure waters, leaving those behind in sighs of admiration.

While Wei Zihong was indulging in leisure travel, he suddenly felt a sense of awareness and looked up to the sky, spotting two streams of tunneling light flying from the south. It revealed a man and a woman; the man, rough and robust in appearance, was adorned in a brocade garment with a jade belt, surrounded by smoke and evil aura, unmistakably a Hua Dan cultivator, while the woman navigated with a pink Xuan Guang, her allure evident even in the midst of flying.

The two did not rush but floated along with the wind. Upon seeing Wei Zihong, they showed a look of surprise, whispered a few words to each other, and the man waved his sleeve, descending near Wei Zihong, very courteously cupping his fist, saying: "Brother Daoist, solitary boating across the river, viewing the mountains and waters, truly shows refined interest. I am Pei Luofu, under the discipleship of Five Smoke Mountain Jing Yuan Immortal Mansion. May I ask your name, Daoist?"

Wei Zihong responded freely, saying: "I am Wei Zihong from the Yao Yin Sect."

"Yao Yin Sect?"

Pei Luofu was taken aback; he prided himself on extensive knowledge yet had never heard of Yao Yin Sect, nor was Wei Zihong’s name familiar.

He just saw Wei Zihong’s divine intent striking, serene and poised, naturally possessing an elegant demeanor, unlike cultivators from ordinary small sects, and intended to make acquaintance. Unexpectedly, it was a cultivator from an obscure sect; however, considering Wei Zihong is after all a Hua Dan Cultivator, he did not dare to belittle him.

Then the woman also approached, and Pei Luofu pointedly said: "Daoist Wei, this is my wife."

Wei Zihong made a respectful nod and said: "So it is Mrs. Pei, I offer my respects." 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

Mrs. Pei earlier also deemed Wei Zihong extraordinary, but upon hearing he comes from an unknown sect, a hint of reserve revealed in her expression, perfunctorily she greeted: "I, humble wife, have met Daoist Wei."

Pei Luofu smiled and said: "Seeing Daoist Wei’s direction, it seems you are also heading to Chengyuan Gorge for the Sword Fighting Conference?"

Wei Zihong answered: "Indeed, I seldom venture out and have no fellow sect members accompanying me, thus I travel alone, incidentally enjoying the scenic beauty along Cheng River. As for you two, are you headed there for the same purpose?"

Cultivators heading to Chengyuan Gorge differ from common people; they need not travel the river upstream. One must know the Cheng River meanders; some boats spend seven or eight days on the water route, yet for those with the Flying Escape Technique, it takes but an instant to reach.

Pei Luofu sighed: "My wife and I originally intended to fly there, but along the way, it’s truly unbearable."

Wei Zihong was quite puzzled, and upon detailed inquiry, suddenly realized.

Apparently, the Pei couple is relatively renowned, and with the Swordfight season nearing, many cultivators are traveling to Chengyuan Gorge. Familiar faces would approach to greet them, this is still manageable, but there are numerous unfamiliar loose cultivators trying to make connections.

One or two is manageable, but when too many arise, it becomes tiresome. Knowing that at this moment, countless cultivators are gathering at Chengyuan Gorge, anticipating another round of socializing there, the couple feels a sense of apprehension, thus deciding to slow their pace, opting to travel along the river, and incidentally touring the worldly landscapes, reaching there just in time for the day of the swordfight.