Daoist Competition-Chapter 965 - 222: Tracing the Veins and Channeling Qi - Chongyue Elder (2)

A sense of caution arose in his heart; the Chongyue True Temple wouldn’t mobilize for a disciple who died many years ago, but if it involved a True Artifact, that could be a different matter.

He bowed his head in thanks and said, "Many thanks for your reminder, True Master."

After sitting for a while longer, he took his leave. Standing at the original spot, he thought for a moment and then rode the wind and clouds, crossing the void and leaving.

Over a hundred thousand miles northwest of Xuanling Island lies the Lingjuan Land Continent, one of the two continents under the Chongyue True Temple Master. From the sea, it appears to be perpetually enveloped by mist and smoke.

Yet when inside, it presents a splendid scene with jade caves cloaked in clouds, deep cliffs and perilous peaks, ancient trees thick in the air, and streams flowing continuously.

At this moment, hundreds of disciples were seated on the island’s open space, listening to Elder Shen Lintu explaining the essentials of sect Daoist Skills.

This Elder Shen had thin brows and sideburns like knife cuts, with a pair of phoenix eyes. Were it not for his tall stature and exceptionally broad shoulders, one might mistake him for a woman at first glance.

Since Elder Xu’s passing, aside from the millennia-unseen True Master Mi, he had the highest cultivation in the sect.

His voice was smooth and lingering, extremely melodious to hear, compelling one to immerse completely, oblivious to the outside world.

The disciples were listening intently, almost entranced, when suddenly a jade chime sounded, snapping them back to reality, knowing the time had come. All respectfully stood, performed a salute, and returned to their Cave Mansions for diligent cultivation.

Shen Lintu waited for everyone to disperse, then sat quietly for a while before rising and returning to his Cave Mansion.

Yet he seemed to have unresolved matters, his brows knitted tightly, subtly revealing worry. After a while, he sighed deeply to himself, saying, "I’ve lectured for over thirty years, but to this day, I remain clueless. Could it be this path truly cannot be traversed?"

Two hundred years ago, he entered the Nascent Soul Third Realm, just a step away from the Cave Heaven True Master, but this single step felt as distant as thousands of mountains and rivers, difficult to cross.

He had previously sought guidance from True Master Mi within the sect, only to receive the response, "It’s all up to one’s fate," with no further explanation.

Shen Lintu remained skeptical.

This Cave Heaven True Master had originally been adopted by a Shen Clan member, disliked due to an unfortunate appearance. Later, he gained fortunate opportunities, became a Cave Heaven True Master, moved to the Far Sea to cultivate, and reverted to his original surname, seldom interacting with sect disciples, leading Shen Lintu to suspect that he didn’t want to share the correct path.

Over the years, Shen Lintu had thoroughly read many classics and tried various methods but still found no way forward.

The Chongyue True Temple is also profound, and the sect records a method of achieving the Cave Heaven Realm using a True Artifact, but this method is exceedingly dangerous.

Back then, Elder Xu used this method, forcibly breaking through with the Yin Slaughter Saber, but the result was unfavorable. Not only did a thousand years of cultivation dissipate in an instant, but even the Primordial Spirit wasn’t preserved.

Elder Xu had a deep friendship with him, and every time he thought of this, he couldn’t help but sigh endlessly. 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

He silently sighed again; if, before his lifespan exhausted, he still hadn’t grasped the critical point, he would have no choice but to try this method again.

However, the Chongyue True Temple originally had three heavy treasures within the sect, one of which True Master Mi carried, making it impossible to contemplate, while another was worshiped in the Ancestor Hall and couldn’t be used unless the sect faced imminent destruction.

As for the Yin Slaughter Saber, it had long been lost.

While he was deep in thought, a disciple guarding the gate said from outside, "Ancestor Master, Shen Cong is here, waiting outside the cave."

Shen Lintu’s spirit was slightly invigorated, saying, "Let him come in to see me."

Soon, a cultivator with short brows, a large nose, and a fat waist entered with light steps. Upon seeing Shen Lintu, he immediately bowed deeply and said, "Disciple Shen Cong, greeting Elder Shen, wishing Elder Shen longevity."

Shen Lintu glanced at him and said, "Not bad, since your last visit, your cultivation has further improved, and within three to five years, you’ll be able to solidify a pill."

Shen Cong lowered his head respectfully and said, "If not for Elder Shen’s nurturing, how could I achieve this today?"

Shen Lintu said, "You are a clan member of the Shen Clan, and your aptitude is not bad. Reasonably, I should extend some care to you. Fortunately, you have shown ambition yourself and haven’t embarrassed me. Remember not to be like your senior brother, indulging in sect favor until arrogance led to losing his life and handing over sect treasures to outsiders."

Shen Cong replied humbly, "Yes, the disciple came precisely for this matter."

Shen Lintu’s half-open eyes suddenly released a focused gleam, his body straightened, and he said, "What do you mean?"

Shen Cong hastily recounted the incident of Zhang Yan single-handedly annihilating Bijiao Prefecture, concluding, "I don’t know who spread the rumor, claiming Zhang Yan managed to defeat Lu Yuanxing and those thirty thousand Demon Soldiers relying on our sect’s Yin Slaughter Saber."

Shen Lintu closed his eyes as if contemplating. After a while, he slowly said, "I’ve heard of this person. He should be a True Disciple of the Mingcang Sect, likely possessing some skills. The defeat of the Lu Family’s trio at his hands may not necessarily be attributed to the Yin Slaughter Saber. But leave that aside for now; capturing him to inquire will clarify things."

Shen Cong exclaimed, "Is the elder going to act personally?"

Shen Lintu self-assuredly chuckled, saying, "If he truly holds the Yin Slaughter Saber, aside from me, there are few who could handle it."

Shen Cong immediately said, "With Elder Shen stepping in, Zhang Yan is no match, and capturing him will be effortless."

Though his words were flattering, he genuinely felt this way. A Nascent Soul Third Realm Cultivator has subtly touched that threshold, possessing Dharma Powers far superior to a Nascent Soul First Realm Cultivator. The disparity between the two is immeasurable.

Shen Lintu performed a spell, and suddenly a spirit flower rose above him, followed by an identical Daoist stepping out from it. This was his Dharma Body cultivated over hundreds of years, capable of journeying thousands of miles away even if the True Body remained here for cultivation.

The Dharma Body stood before Shen Cong, eyes cold, and said solemnly, "In the next few days, dispatch several disciples to closely monitor, and if this child leaves the Qingyu Sect, report to me quickly!"

...

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