Daoist Competition-Chapter 1067 - 273: Chengyuan Gorge (Part 2)

Emperor Wei is a ruler of renewal in the Wei Dynasty; he swept clean the Northern Barbarians, pacified the West Qiang Rong, and subdued the East Fuman. He then intended to ride across the Cheng River to attack Nanliang and unify the world. Therefore, he established the Lianshan Grain Storage in the mid-stream of the Cheng River, built a naval fleet, and renamed this gorge "Dingguo" to demonstrate his resolve in crossing the river. This move prompted the Nanliang army to gather en masse here, confronting them from across the river.

However, the Liang Country was unaware that this was Emperor Wu’s deceptive ploy. The grain that seemed to be piled like a mountain was actually just dirt and stones. The Wei Dynasty used this opportunity to send elite soldiers to cross the river downstream, but after the army crossed the river, news suddenly came that the emperor had died, forcing a retreat, leading to a near success that ended in failure, and thereafter, there was no more attempt to pursue the south. Yet, the relics at Dingguo were preserved, and today they are known as the Upper Warehouse.

Wei Zihong looked at the continuous hills of the great warehouse, rumored to have been built by Emperor Wu with a million laborers, and could only imagine the shock and fear that the Liang Country felt at the sight. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

He was deeply moved and thought to himself: "No matter how powerful emperors, generals, or unparalleled heroes may be, they may enjoy decades of glory, but in death, they are nothing more than a pile of bones. Only by glimpsing the Immortality Dao can one transcend the mundane and enjoy eternal freedom."

Pei Luofu gazed at the eastward flowing water and sighed with a sense of nostalgia before turning to ask: "Sect Leader Wei, have you ever observed the Sixteen Sects Sword Competition before?"

Wei Zihong thought for a moment, knowing that his master had never seen it. As for Zhou Chongju, he had only seen him once and did not know his past experiences. Beyond that, he had no way of knowing, so he shook his head.

Pei Luofu mused: "It seems then that the Yao Yin Sect must have emerged within the last three or four hundred years; otherwise, the sect would have elders who witnessed the last sword competition."

The Sixteen Sects Sword Competition has always been a grand event in East Splendor, a rare opportunity to witness the Divine Skills and Dharma Techniques of Great Sect Disciples. Even those Cultivation External Objects that are rarely found can be seen here, attracting cultivators from all over the world to converge.

As the three talked, the small boat had passed Dingguo Gorge, and the river’s surface widened. The turbulent waters suddenly calmed, with towering cliffs and steep peaks on both sides, continuous and unending, but no birds flying in the sky, only the sound of flowing water, creating a somewhat desolate atmosphere.

Wei Zihong noticed that they could occasionally still see one or two cultivators earlier, but now they were nowhere to be seen.

He was puzzled when he saw a dark hill rising in the view, about ten zhang high, like a resting giant beast, with water flowing around it. Pei Luofu pointed to the two waterways on the left and right and shouted, "Sect Leader Wei, please go left."

Without much thought, Wei Zihong urged his cultivation technique in the direction Pei Luofu pointed, steering the boat into the channel. They were originally moving against the current, but upon entering the side channel, they found themselves moving with the flow, the water suddenly rushing, waves surging, and the light boat speeding ahead, the scenery on both sides flying backward.

He noticed a mountain ridge ahead with no other way forward, and as they approached it closer, if they didn’t change course, they might crash into it.

If ordinary people were in this situation, they might be scared to death, yet Pei Luofu remained expressionless, showing no intention of altering course.

Wei Zihong felt a slight movement in his heart, smiled to himself, and held steady, allowing the small boat to charge forward like an untamed horse. Before long, the boat, lifted by the waves, flew up and crashed directly onto the mountain rock.

With a loud boom, Wei Zihong only felt the scenery before him transform. He found himself navigating a river dozens of li wide, with undulating mountains on both sides. Everywhere, Spirit Light darted, moving up and down, leaping and flying, lively as flames, indicating many cultivators had already arrived.

Amidst the clouds and mists, palaces and pavilions, cascading waterfalls and springs, even spiritual peaks floating to and fro, golden haze gleamed, and the cloud mist transformed, creating a magnificent sight. Wei Zihong couldn’t help but marvel at the spectacle.

At this moment, Pei Luofu gently sighed, clearly having observed earlier. When the small boat approached the mountain rock, Wei Zihong hadn’t used any mana to protect himself. Even though he was a Hua Dan Cultivator, if he crashed in such rushing rapids, it might take half his life, if not more, to survive.

Pei Luofu had deliberately stayed silent, wanting to see Wei Zihong’s predicament, but unexpectedly found him so composed, inevitably admiring his poise.

Mrs. Pei looked up and, with envy in her voice, remarked, "I wonder what kind of treasures the Bu Tian Pavilion will bring out this time."

Pei Luofu chuckled and said, "The gains won’t be so easy to pick up."

At past sword competitions in East Splendor, the Bu Tian Pavilion often brought out many Dharma Treasures as rewards, presenting them to the many disciples who won at the Dharma Assembly.

Moreover, this sect never meddled in the disputes between all sects, with their disciples often just going through the motions at the events. Hence, the elders of the sect frequently served as judges at the Dharma Assembly.

Wei Zihong turned his head and, with a smile, asked, "In your opinion, which sect will win the title at this sword competition?"

Pei Luofu seemed to be weighing his words, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "That’s hard to say. Although traditionally the three sects of Shaoqing, Mingcang, and Yuxiao have won the most titles, the other sects still have a chance. For instance, four thousand seven hundred years ago, it was our Yuan Yang Sect that took the first place."

Wei Zihong smiled lightly. Indeed, four thousand seven hundred years ago, the Yuan Yang Sect did take first place, but the participant at that sword competition later became the only Ascension Great Power Expert in the sect.

This person was renowned, unmatched in East Splendor at the time, but ever since, the Yuan Yang Sect has not had such a figure.

Mrs. Pei noticed that although Wei Zihong did not refute, his expression clearly showed a bit of disbelief. She couldn’t help asking, "Sect Leader Wei, in your view, which sect will take the top spot at this sword competition?"

...

...(To be continued. If you like this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)