Daoist Competition-Chapter 1066 - 273: Chengyuan Gorge

Here is the translation of the given excerpt:

Qiu Zhixin, along with the Pei couple, were all stunned.

In that instant, the elixir power released by Wei Zihong stirred nearly half the river, a commotion caused by his full exertion. Nevertheless, the people present were not lacking in eye power; how could they not see the might contained within the Evil Qi?

Qiu Zhixin smacked his lips twice, couldn’t help but glance at Wei Zihong, a deep trace of apprehension flashing in his eyes. Without uttering a word, he activated his tunneling light and turned to leave.

In his sect, he had also tested his elixir power, and it could not compare to the commotion caused by the person before him. Faced with such a cultivator, even ordinary Dharma treasures could not withstand him; the opponent only needed to act brutishly towards him a few times, resulting in utter defeat,

With such a person by his side, staying any longer would only lead to disgrace; what else could he do but leave?

Pei Luofu, however, stared blankly at Wei Zihong. That strike not only scared away Qiu Zhixin but also frightened him considerably. Cautiously, he asked: "Daoist Wei, this elixir power can already churn the river. I wonder, what grade is the elixir formation?"

At this moment, Wei Zihong felt a bit regretful. In Zhao You Heavenly Pond, Liu Yan Yi had previously advised him to exercise control, or else he would exhaust himself too early, resulting in an effortless defeat. But in his excitement earlier, he had forgotten and secretly warned himself not to make such a mistake again. Hearing Pei Luofu ask about his elixir formation grade, he replied without thinking: "It’s merely Third Grade."

Pei Luofu exchanged a glance with his wife, and each saw the other’s shocked expression.

Though Pei Luofu was also a Hua Dan cultivator, his elixir formation was merely Sixth Grade. Elders claimed he might have the potential to reach Nascent Soul, but he well knew his own circumstances, and it was merely encouragement.

Among the Yuan Yang Sect’s generation, only a few could achieve a Third Grade Golden Core; none had reached Second Grade. These were the most outstanding individuals of the generation, yet unexpectedly, a disciple from an unknown independent sect displayed such prowess!

Especially hearing the nonchalant tone, Pei Luofu felt a bitterness in his mouth.

Little did he know, Wei Zihong truly did not think much of a Third Grade Elixir Formation. His teacher Zhang Yan had a First-class Elixir Formation, and his senior sister had a Second-grade Formation, which he could only admire from afar.

Madam Pei suddenly fixed her gaze and asked: "Daoist Wei, what position do you hold within your esteemed sect?"

Wei Zihong smiled with a gesture and said: "Ashamed, this poor Daoist currently leads the sect as its Sect Leader."

He knew his status was merely to enter the Sword Fighting Conference. After all, emerging from such a great Xuanmen sect as Mingcang, those of his generation were all outstanding, and he did not consider the title of Sect Leader to be remarkable.

Pei Luofu exclaimed: "So it is Sect Leader Wei in person; forgive my previous discourtesy."

He stepped back two paces, solemnly performing a Daoist bow, while Madam Pei’s expression also turned serious, discarding any previous disdain, and respectfully greeted him.

Regardless of the Yao Yin Sect’s status, this person is certainly a sect’s head and ought to be respected accordingly.

At the same time, both of them felt slightly relieved. No wonder Wei Zihong had such achievements; as a Sect Leader, he naturally had countless disciples to handle affairs, possibly even elders running for him, offering sacrifices for his benefit. With one superior cultivation technique of the sect, how could his achievements not be significant?

This is how many small sects and independent sects operate; a cultivator of such caliber shoulders the sect’s safety. Should they advance further, they need to support younger disciples, thereby strengthening their sect. Several major sects of the great Xuanmen have progressed in this way.

After this incident, the Pei couple’s attitude toward Wei Zihong changed significantly, greeting him with much more politeness.

The three proceeded aboard the boat, stopping and starting along their journey, reaching the midstream of the Cheng River in four days. Within another day, they would enter the Chengyuan Gorge.

Cultivators here were gradually more numerous, with tunneling light flying boats occasionally passing by, and acquaintances stopping by to greet.

Pei Luofu, being highly sociable, recognized people even when he did not know them, using the Tunneling Light Technique to discern their group and origin, thus increasing Wei Zihong’s knowledge considerably.

On that afternoon, they heard the sound of the great river roaring ahead, with the flow suddenly becoming turbulent, the small boat entering the first gorge of the Cheng River’s midstream: Dingguo Gorge.

Pei Luofu pointed to a rising mound atop the mountains and said: "Sect Leader Wei, this is where Emperor Wei Wu once established the Upper Warehouse."

Wei Zihong also looked up; being a native of Gongzhou in Da Wei Country, how could he not know of Emperor Wei Wu? After inspecting it for a few moments, he remarked: "So this is the Upper Warehouse."