Daoist Competition-Chapter 940 - 210: Changing Sides and Shifting Loyalties

After the defeat and demise of Gongyang Sheng and others, the Zhenluo Alliance eradicated the Lie Xuan Sect’s influence in the west of Ping.

Without a group of Nascent Soul Elders, the Lie Xuan Sect was powerless to resist. The die-hard cult members were all slaughtered, while the rest scattered, and each sub-platform dissolved one after another.

Initially, the Zhenluo Alliance was wary of the Lie Xuan Sect’s patron in the background, but after a few probing attempts, they found that the Cave Heaven True Master showed no intention of intervening. Hence, they became bolder and gradually extended their reach into Pingdong Land.

However, this move greatly displeased the Golden Ling Sect and Qingshi Temple.

Originally, they intended to sit back and watch the tigers fight, planning to intervene when the Zhenluo Alliance and Lie Xuan Sect were both weakened. But unexpectedly, the Lie Xuan Sect was defeated so quickly that when they reacted, it was already too late to act.

For several months, disciples of the three sects have been in continuous conflict, resulting in numerous casualties on both sides.

The reason this Daoist of the Golden Ling Sect dared to come to Double Moon Peak at this time naturally was that he had some confidence.

At this moment, upon hearing Zhang Yan inquiring about the whereabouts of Master Cheng, the Daoist merely sneered, and a disciple behind him boastfully said, "Let it be known to you that your Master Cheng, together with the Lie Xuan Sect’s patron, engaged in a fight at Tianxiong Ridge and was defeated. He has already passed away."

The Daoist stroked his beard and sneered, his gaze sweeping sidelong over.

In the Central Pillar Continent, if a sect does not have a Cave Heaven True Master to oversee it, it is like water without a source, wood without roots. He initially assumed that upon hearing this news, Zhang Yan would be shocked and panic-stricken. But upon seeing that Zhang Yan’s expression remained calm and unperturbed, he couldn’t help but feel surprised.

At this time, a loud voice emerged from the Dao Palace, saying, "Elder Yan, do you think that with Master Cheng gone, our Zhenluo Alliance would fear your Golden Ling Sect?"

The Daoist and Zhang Yan turned their heads to see Zhang Qiangu swaggering out. However, his face showed no trace of fear. Walking to the side of an elegant pavilion, he cupped his hands towards Zhang Yan, and then the Daoist sneered, "Elder Yan, do you know who this is?"

At first, Elder Yan paid no attention, not bothering to stand up, and nonchalantly said, "Your Zhenluo Alliance elders, I have never bothered to recognize them all."

But upon seeing Zhang Qiangu’s faintly smiling expression, he was slightly startled. After a moment, as if recalling something, his expression suddenly changed. He glanced at Zhang Yan with suspicion and uncertainty, no longer daring to sit idly. Slowly getting up, he cupped his hands and said, "Is this True Master Zhang in front of me?"

Zhang Yan glanced at him indifferently and said, "It is indeed this humble Daoist."

Elder Yan drew in a sharp breath and couldn’t help but take a step back.

The combined strength of Qingshi Temple and the Golden Ling Sect was already superior to the Zhenluo Alliance, but they dared not press too hard. The major reason for this was Zhang Yan.

Because his feat of sweeping away Gongyang Sheng and seven others was truly astounding, upon hearing that he was refining a treasure at Double Moon Peak, the two sects were unsure of his relationship with the Zhenluo Alliance, so they exercised restraint, not daring to push too aggressively.

If it weren’t for hearing of Master Cheng’s demise, Elder Yan wouldn’t have dared to come so arrogantly. But unexpectedly, he encountered Zhang Yan upon arrival, offending him with his words. A hint of panic set in, yet he couldn’t lower his pride to apologize.

After hesitating on the spot for a while, he cupped his hands towards Zhang Yan, slightly bowed, rolled up his sleeves, rose on a cloud, and turned to leave without a word.

Zhang Qiangu watched his embarrassed departure and couldn’t help but smile smugly.

This Elder Yan had been at Double Moon Peak for two days, yet due to his overly domineering attitude, they had avoided him at all costs.

Today, coincidentally hearing of Zhang Yan’s presence, a spark of inspiration struck him, so he had someone invite him over, hoping to leverage Zhang Yan’s name to curb this person’s arrogance. Looking at the result now, it seemed quite effective.

Turning his face back, he smiled broadly at Zhang Yan and said, "True Master Zhang, have you finished refining the treasure, and are you here to return the token? Why not enter the hall for a chat?"

Zhang Yan nodded, stood up, and just as he took a step, he raised an eyebrow and suddenly remembered something.

Without the protection of a Cave Heaven True Master, the Zhenluo Alliance should have no confidence against the Golden Ling Sect. Yet, they remained so strong-headed. Either the news of Master Cheng’s defeat is incorrect, or they found another patron.

He found it hard to believe that the Golden Ling Sect got the news wrong; otherwise, Elder Yan wouldn’t have been so blatant in his provocation. So, it must be the latter reason.

But in the Central Pillar Continent, there are only a few Cave Heaven True Masters. Where on short notice could they find one to serve as a patron?