Daoist Competition-Chapter 939 - 209: Fang Jian—Heavenlight Wandering Soul Rite (2)

It’s just that the Great Elder was out of luck. If there hadn’t been the matter of the Zhenluo Alliance gifting the Daoist books, Zhang Yan, having acquired the Dharma Treasure, would have likely already left and would not have lingered here, nor would he have happened to refine the sword ball and coincidentally killed him.

Zhang Yan reached out a hand, calling back the Star Sword Ball. He noticed that it flew to and fro, as swift as light and lightning, even quicker than before, realizing that his effort was not in vain.

At this point, he felt a sudden thrill and flicked his finger on the sword ball. The sound responded, and it split into two streaks of sword light. With another shake, it divided into two more. In this manner, it kept splitting until there were sixteen streaks of sword light before it ceased.

At that moment, Zhang Yan felt an unstoppable urge, sensing that if he continued to stimulate it, it seemed it could further divide.

But just as he was about to act, a wave of exhaustion surged through his mind, causing his heart to jolt, and he quickly halted his actions.

This was not due to his own fatigue. With a First-class Elixir Formation, his foundation was extremely solid, his Qi power enduring, and wouldn’t easily falter. That feeling came from within the True Recognition, indicating the sword ball could no longer withstand it.

With a slight contemplation, he understood the reason.

Though the sword ball had undergone what seemed a rebirth, shedding impurities and regaining new life, its True Recognition was somewhat reduced.

This was because, after being re-refined, while it lost blemishes and filth, it inevitably shed a layer of True Essence, needing proper nurturing to recover. He believed by that time, it could not only return to its former state but grow much stronger.

He smiled slightly, full of vigor and spirit. With this treasure in hand, he could compete for supremacy with the disciples at the Sixteen Sects Sword Fighting Conference!

He placed both hands behind his back and gazed towards the sky. Now that the sword refining was complete, he only needed to return the command token to the Zhenluo Alliance, and it would be almost time to leave.

With a low shout, the sword ball leaped, turned into a stream of light, and disappeared into his brow.

He rose swiftly and rode the wind toward the Feiyu Dao Palace.

Luqi Mountain was only five hundred miles from the Dao Palace, and he reached the destination shortly thereafter.

After the lesson from the Lie Xuan Sect incident, the Zhenluo Alliance greatly enhanced the vigilance at the Feiyu Dao Palace. Even the Great Array at Double Moon Peak was constantly guarded.

At this moment, at least five Nascent Soul True Masters were stationed atop the peak. In the Central Pillar Continent, unless the Pingdong Qingshi Temple and the Golden Ling Sect joined forces to attack, no one could trouble them.

The disciples on duty had been advised beforehand that if they saw esteemed guests arriving from Luqi Mountain, they must not offend them and must let them in immediately.

The Child at the gate, seeing a cloud coming from that direction, remembered the elder’s instructions and immediately opened the Forbidden Array to let him in.

Zhang Yan slowly rode the cloud inside. Although there was no rule against flying at the Zhenluo Alliance Dao Palace, since it was a place of others’ cultivation, it would be inappropriate to act rashly. Thus, he lowered the cloud, keeping the Green Cloud three feet above the ground, and asked the Child, "Is Elder Huang in the palace?"

The Daoist boy lowered his head fearfully and responded, "Daoist, all the elders are in the Great Hall discussing matters."

Zhang Yan thought there must be important matters with the elders and nodded, casually asking, "When will they come out?" 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

The Daoist boy scratched his head and said, "This...I, the little one, do not know."

Zhang Yan chuckled, waved his hand, and said, "It’s my fault for making it difficult for you. Never mind, you may leave. I’ll wait here."

He intended to hand over the command token and leave, not planning to stay long, as the token was too important and had to be delivered personally to a Zhenluo Alliance elder.

Huang Zuoguang had at least sent him two Daoist books, so he decided to return the favor.

He glanced around and saw a rather elegant cool pavilion not far from the hall entrance, so he drove the cloud over, sat inside, closed his eyes, and waited patiently.

The Daoist boy watched him leave on his own, glanced a few times, and didn’t think much of it, returning to stand at the Dao Palace gate.

Due to the incident with Shang Teng, the previous Guest Boys were all replaced for the sake of safety rather than cleverness.

This child was new and an honest person. Anyone with a bit of acumen would arrange for Zhang Yan to wait in another guesthouse or offer him fragrant tea. How could they truly let him sit here and wait? But he was completely unaware of such things.

After about an hour, a chime suddenly sounded outside, and several dozen maids rushed out of the Great Hall, lining up on both sides of the palace gate, seemingly to welcome some distinguished guest.

Zhang Yan was also alerted, looking over with curiosity.

Soon, three people entered from outside the Dao Palace.

Leading the group was a Daoist, a clean-shaven face with a golden crown, wearing splendid attire, with two apricot-yellow long silk ribbons hanging from his temples, with jade pendants at their ends.

The bridge of his nose was tightly knit into his brows, his eyes slightly bulging, his frame robust, with large joints in his hands and feet. The Gang Cloud above his head was jet-black, resembling a cluster of dense ink, carrying a heavy aura of evil.

He was followed by two handsome and slender young men, their eyebrows extending into their hairlines, skin fair as if powdered, standing with swords at their sides, likely his disciple retinue.

The Daoist, seeing the maids lined up before him, snorted coldly, seemingly displeased. Immediately, the young man on his left stepped forward and loudly said, "Does the Zhenluo Alliance not know etiquette? Our Golden Ling Sect sent an envoy here, yet no one comes to greet us?"

His voice was loud, spreading far, even startling many exotic birds on the rooftops. But after a moment, not a single elder came out from the Great Hall.

The young man’s face was full of displeasure and was about to speak again when the Daoist’s gaze turned, noticing Zhang Yan sitting in the pavilion. He gestured to halt his disciple and walked toward the cool pavilion.

Reaching Zhang Yan, he arrogantly said, "Which elder of the Zhenluo Alliance are you? Why are you sitting here? Seeing me, you don’t even stand up to greet. Is this how you treat guests?"

Zhang Yan slowly opened his eyes, glanced at him, and said calmly, "I’m not an elder of the Zhenluo Alliance. If you’re looking for someone, you can go to the Great Hall."

The Daoist wouldn’t believe it, lifted his robe, sat opposite him, and said mockingly, "Don’t think that with the fall of Lie Xuan Sect, you can ignore our Golden Ling Sect. Master Cheng is no longer around, what else can you rely on?"

Hearing this, Zhang Yan’s eyes flickered slightly, and he spoke in a low voice, "Oh? I wonder where Master Cheng is now?"

...

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