Daoist Competition-Chapter 1075 - 277: Riding the Carp, Shaking Rivers—A Name that Astonishes Xuanmo

The cultivators in Chengyuan Gorge had never heard of the Yao Yin Sect, but the name Zhang Yan was familiar to many, immediately sparking some associations.

The middle-aged cultivator also seemed to find the name familiar, and after a change in expression, he respectfully bowed and returned to the peak.

Zhang Yan also bowed, then patted the jade horn of the Dragon Carp beneath him. The Great Demon under his belly released rolling black clouds, which exploded into spray with a thud and soared into the sky, flying towards the famous peak originally belonging to the Yao Yin Sect.

Zhou Huang frowned deeply as he watched, turning to Zhou Qingyun and asking, "Zhang Yan? Could this person be our good brother-in-law?"

Zhou Qingyun also furrowed her willow-like brows.

At this moment, Zhou Wanhan, the female disciple behind Zhou Huang, hesitated for a moment before saying, "Master, this person is indeed Zhang Yan."

Zhou Huang’s gaze fixed on her face as he asked in a deep voice, "How do you know him?"

Zhou Wanhan blushed, lowered her delicate head, and said softly, "I once heard someone say that Junior Master Zhou’s husband is exceptional, extremely handsome and distinguished. I secretly went to catch a glimpse, and that’s how I recognized him."

Zhou Huang snorted, turned back to stare at Zhang Yan, and sneered, "He’s certainly made some noise."

He felt a mysterious sense of irritation arising in his heart. Just moments ago, he had been certain that Zhang Yan’s path was blocked and that there was no further possibility on the path of cultivation. But who could have imagined that in the blink of an eye, the person would appear before him.

Not only did he have three Nascent Soul cultivators as protectors by his side, but he also had a Great Demon with astonishing Divine Skills to enslave.

Even though he was a direct lineage disciple of the Zhou Clan, he had only three Nascent Soul Elders accompanying him, and compared to Zhang Yan, he was clearly at a disadvantage.

With such strength in his hands, he absolutely didn’t believe Zhang Yan had no support from others behind him.

At this moment, a maid came running and said, "Master, Elder Ying has sent someone to invite you over, saying there’s an important matter to discuss."

Zhang Yan’s arrival was like a stone plunging into a thousand waves, startling not only the disciples of the Xuanmen but also catching the Six Demon Sects by surprise.

Perhaps some Xuanmen disciples were unaware of his reputation, but many among the Demon Sect disciples had heard of him and knew him to be a formidable opponent.

The petite woman standing on the White Jade Ganoderma had a displeased expression and complained, "Lu Muqiu, what trick is your Hun Cheng Sect playing? Didn’t you say this person had been excluded from the Sword Fighting Conference by the Mingcang Sect? Why has he suddenly appeared here, disrupting the original arrangements?"

Though she asked the question, there was no response for a long time. She bit her lip, turned her head, and asked, "Brother Feng, what do you think?"

The person she addressed was a tall Yellow Robed Daoist, with a prominent forehead and deep-set eyes. His features were well-defined, and his hair fell loosely rather than being tied up. He appeared to ponder seriously for a moment before saying, "His appearance is indeed unexpected, but judging by the reaction of the various Xuanmen sects, it’s clear they were also unaware of this matter prior. If it’s just him, how much of a stir can he cause? Let’s wait and see."

The petite woman thought for a moment. Although this person was formidable, he posed no real threat when up against the combined forces of the Six Sects, and she agreed, "Brother Feng, what you say is very true."

At this moment, the Demon Cloud parted, and a seven-foot-tall man in a crimson robe, with a handsome and well-organized appearance, stepped out. He said calmly, "Ms. Xu, what is there to worry about? I’ve already set up many pieces earlier. In the upcoming swordfight, we might as well test him and observe how each Xuanmen sect reacts to find out the truth."

Zhang Yan rode the Dragon Carp towards the shore, and wherever he passed, cultivators stepped aside, giving way, and everyone looked at him with eyes full of awe.

The renowned peak of the Yao Yin Sect was not far from the river, and in no time, he had arrived at the top of the peak.

Wei Zihong and the Array Spirit hurried out from the mountain’s belly. He knelt on the ground, kowtowing, "Disciple Wei Zihong, greets Master."

The Array Spirit, upon seeing Zhang Yan, also prostrated herself on the ground, but seemed inexplicably afraid, trembling as she said, "This little maid greets Ancestor."

Hearing her address him as "Ancestor," Zhang Yan’s expression remained normal. With a quick thought, he realized that the Array Spirit must have mistaken him for Taiheng Ancestor.

Array Spirits perceive people differently from ordinary cultivators, relying on the sensing of Qi Mechanism rather than appearances. Having absorbed the Primordial Spirit of Taiheng Ancestor’s avatar, it was as if he had inherited his karma, and the Array Spirit calling him thus was indeed no mistake.

He nodded, smiling, "Disciple, rise. Have you sorted out the Forbidden Array on this peak?"

Wei Zihong, with a word of thanks, stood up and said, "With the help of Miss Xue Hui, the prohibitions in various places have been stabilized, but after thousands of years, many places have crumbled and disappeared. As for its defensive capabilities, I’m afraid it can only reach about three or four tenths of its former glory."

Zhang Yan first gazed up at the Demon Cloud, then looked towards Qingdan Peak, a sharp light flashing in his eyes as he said, "No matter, this swordfight is about the way of slaughter and killing, no need to guard."

An hour later, over half of the chief disciples from the Ten Sects of Xuanmen, here for the swordfight, had gathered at Qingdan Peak.

Ying Ya Daoist looked at the crowd and cupped his hands, saying, "Our Masters from all sects have already discussed and agreed that in this swordfight, Xuanmen should strive to the utmost to compete with the Demon Sect for those token talismans. Yet the arrival of this True Master Zhang has introduced many variables. In my opinion, it might be best to invite True Master Zhang to the peak for a discussion. What do you all think?"

After speaking, he looked towards Huo Xuan, who however remained expressionless and silent.

Ying Ya Daoist was very suspicious that Zhang Yan’s arrival was orchestrated by the Mingcang Sect, and seemed to have deeper implications. Surely, everyone present understood this, but he dared not question outright, so wished to use the strength of the other sects to apply pressure, resisting modifications to their prior arrangements.

At this moment, Xun Huaiying, a Shaoqing disciple, suddenly sneered.

A pleased look came over Ying Ya Daoist’s face, and he asked, "Master Xun, what’s your opinion?"

Xun Huaiying raised an eyebrow and said, "If you ask me, each sect and clan should rely on their strengths to compete, instead of creating so much mystique."

Ying Ya Daoist couldn’t help feeling awkward.

Zhou Huang’s eyes flashed, and he looked around, saying, "Elder Ying’s suggestion is excellent. We should invite True Master Zhang to the peak to discuss."

...

...(To be continued. If you like this work, you’re welcome to come to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)