Daoist Competition-Chapter 945 - 212: Far Sea’s Three Sects (Part 2)

Zhang Yan nodded and said, "Thank you for your trouble."

Shui Xiuying originally wanted to say a few more words to Zhang Yan, but for some reason, standing beside him, she felt an inexplicable pressure and dared not speak casually.

Curious in her heart, she thought to herself, "This must be a disciple of Master Cheng. I suppose his cultivation is also extremely high. Perhaps this Daoist also has a cultivation level similar to several of my uncles and teachers."

She did not know Master Cheng’s background and only assumed he was a Nascent Soul cultivator.

After the Qingyu Sect was established, quite a few Loose Cultivators came to join, but those above the realm of Hua Dan had never been seen.

Just then, Zhang Yan suddenly spoke and asked, "Which fellow Daoist’s disciple are you?"

Shui Xiuying replied, "I am under Master Wang."

Zhang Yan nodded slightly and said, "So you are under Daoist Wang Yingfang. I visited here in the past, and many of Daoist Wang’s distinguished disciples I have met. Back then, I did not see you, which suggests you joined after the Qingyu Sect was established."

Hearing his words, which seemed to indicate some connection with her master, Shui Xiuying became all the more respectful and said with a bit of pride, "Daoist, your Dharma Eye does not err. I have been in the sect for less than twenty years."

Zhang Yan turned to look her up and down and said, "Impressive, to have reached the Xuan Guang Second Realm in less than twenty years; your talent is not bad."

When Shui Xiuying heard this, she pouted slightly. In her sect, everyone praised her extraordinary talent for reaching the Xuan Guang Second Realm in just fifteen years, something even disciples of the great Xuanmen sects rarely achieve. Yet from Zhang Yan, she only received a "not bad" evaluation.

Zhang Yan merely smiled and asked further, "Is Daoist Guo Lie in the palace? I haven’t seen him in decades, and I wonder what level his cultivation has reached now?"

Shui Xiuying composed herself and replied, "Uncle Guo is now at the Third Realm of Hua Dan."

In her view, apart from the Ancestor Master, Guo Lie’s cultivation was among the best in the sect. However, seeing Zhang Yan show no reaction, she felt a little upset and added, "Uncle Zhao and Junior Master Yang are currently in seclusion, pursuing profound mysteries, and are said to be hopeful of entering the Nascent Soul Realm."

Zhang Yan nodded and said, "Daoist Song and Daoist Yang both have profound root natures, so it’s likely they are hopeful of breaking through in these decades."

This was also a way of flattering them, though in reality, breaking into the Nascent Soul Realm isn’t so simple. One must first consider the quality of their pills, then the Cave Heaven Blessed Land, then look at whether there are any treasures to assist. If relying purely on refining and absorbing Evil Qi oneself, who knows how many years it might take.

Even for Nascent Soul cultivators in the Central Pillar Continent, although they lack nothing in cultivation external objects, most achieve their goals around the age of five hundred. Master Tao’s disciples, although extraordinary, within decades, might be too optimistic.

Zhang Yan hadn’t been to the Far Sea for long and casually asked Shui Xiuying a few questions, only then discovering that the Far Sea was not an otherworldly source of immortality but also had strife and slaughter.

Currently, three forces were the largest here. One was the Qingyu Sect, another was the Chongyue True Temple, and the third had some connection with the Mingcang Sect, coming from the Qu Family’s branch of the Three Pools.

Each of the three had a Cave Heaven True Master overseeing their sect. In comparison, the Qingyu Sect had the shallowest roots and the weakest influence, with few disciples, relying solely on Master Tao to sustain it.

However, over the decades, the Qingyu Sect had stood firm, with its influence not diminishing but increasing, holding its ground with the other two in the Far Sea, showing the capability of the True Master.

After walking for half an hour, the two reached the peak of Xuanling Island.

Before the steps of the Ancestor Master Hall, two White Apes, three zhang tall and extremely fierce-looking, stood guard, staring fixedly at the two.

Shui Xiuying’s eyes turned, and she said, "Uncle, the Ancestor Master is in the inner hall, I must not accompany you further, please go on your own."

Nowadays, Master Tao, as the Ancestor Master of the sect, even the four major disciples need a token talisman’s summoning before they could meet him.

These two White Apes were Exotic Beasts captured by Master Tao to guard the Mountain Gate. They were strong enough to move mountains and extremely ferocious. They could contend with Nascent Soul cultivators for several rounds even on flat ground.

In the past, a Demon King came to pay respect to Master Tao but was torn apart by these beasts because he forgot to carry a protective talisman.

Since then, Qingyu Sect’s members, whether disciples or Demon Kings, dare not come to meet Master Tao without a token.

Shui Xiuying let Zhang Yan be, not out of malice, but because, during the conversation, Zhang Yan’s tone seemed to indicate he did not hold her masters and uncles in high regard, which made her feel indignant, hence she intended to give him a scare.

She carried a talisman, which would allow her to calm the White Apes at any moment.

Zhang Yan saw through her small schemes clearly, smiling slightly, and walked inside confidently.

The two White Apes stared fiercely, emitting faint growls, poised to strike, but until his figure disappeared inside, they didn’t make any move.

Shui Xiuying’s beautiful eyes widened, showing an expression of disbelief.

She bit her lower lip and thought, "I must ask Master about this Daoist’s background when I return."

Zhang Yan entered the inner hall, identified the way, ascended the Jade Stairs, and after passing thirty-six steps, reached the second floor, and after another thirty-six steps, ascended six layers, bypassed an incense burner the height of a man, finally reaching the Main Hall.

He raised his eyes and saw a young Daoist sitting in the hall, holding a Ruyi, with a shiny-feathered green phoenix standing by his side, and two Children standing on either side, smiling faintly at him. He quickly stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Zhang Yan greets True Master Tao."

True Master Tao sighed lightly and said, "Coming from the Central Pillar Continent to my Qingyu Sect, the journey is long, fraught with tribulations, and I wondered how Daoist Cheng could have the assurance to come here. It turns out it was you who escorted him, no wonder, no wonder."

Zhang Yan couldn’t help but be surprised. His journey here, though not utterly smooth and untroubled, didn’t deserve to be described as a tribulation.

However, seeing True Master Tao seemed to have no intention to elaborate, his eyes slightly shifted, recalling what Master Cheng said earlier, and he seemed to realize something. It likely involved the secrets of a Cave Heaven True Master.

Just then, a sound came, a flash of light, and a Flying Book entered the hall. The Child beside True Master Tao reached out to take it and respectfully presented it.

True Master Tao opened it, smiled faintly, tossed the letter aside, and said, "When Daoist Zhang came, did you slay a little demon?"

...

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