Chapter 1349: Chapter 61: Divine Gaze Disrupts the Grand Banquet (Part 2)
Elder Bai knew Du Shixun was irritable and reckless in his actions. Fearing he might create a stalemate, he quickly stepped forward to mediate, saying, "This invitation to fellow Daoists worldwide is to jointly resist Xuanyue; the Sect Leader has mentioned that as long as one is willing to work for our Zhongtai, we shall not mind their origins. Why must Shixun delve into the details?"
Du Shixun disdainfully said, "What could these people possibly achieve? Even those seated in the hall aren’t much better, or why would they lose repeatedly?"
These words insulted everyone present; whether elders or guests at the banquet, faces showed anger. One person even sneered, threw down his cup, and with a flash of light, left the hall.
Sect Leader Qiao was also somewhat displeased and said in a deep voice, "Xun’er, mind your tongue."
Du Shixun chuckled and said, "Father, if you wish to know who is worthy to ascend the stage, why bother so much? Let your child test them to find out."
After speaking, he exercised his Divine Skills, his eyes shining brightly like flames, and stared at those in the hall one by one.
Everyone who met this gaze felt their heart skip and instinctively avoided it. Yet passing by Song Yuan Chu’s seat, a young Daoist lightly smiled, calmly locking eyes with him. His gaze was profound, like a deep, immeasurable ghost water.
Du Shixun was shocked; since achieving this eye divine skill, it was the first time he encountered someone unafraid, causing him to linger on that person a while longer. Seeing him surrounded by tremendous spiritual energy, with three clusters of Gang Cloud atop his head, Du Shixun raised his eyebrows and summoned a Ritual Officer, pointing and asking, "Who is that person? Clearly, he possesses Nascent Soul Second Realm cultivation, so why is he seated in the middle hall?"
The Ritual Officer glanced over, then took out the genealogy book to check, and then reported, "Replying to True Master Du, that person is surnamed Zhang, the Master of Divine House Mountain Immortal City. Due to his lack of fame and not being a practitioner from our Zhongtai’s Lower Sect, he is arranged in the middle hall."
Du Shixun, having never heard of Divine House, felt contempt, waved him away, and said, "Just a border Loose Cultivator, you may withdraw."
He then clasped his fists at Sect Leader Qiao, saying, "Father, most of these people can’t withstand my Divine Light gaze, so how can they ascend to take the seat?"
Sect Leader Qiao nodded, saying, "What you say is true."
Elder Bai sighed inwardly upon witnessing this and instructed the Ritual Officer, "Go command the musicians to start playing."
The Ritual Officer carried out the order; soon, golden bell sounds arose in the hall, the music grand and melodious, drifting out of the hall, up the mountain, echoing continuously.
Though the banquet had singers and dancers adding to the festivities, Du Shixun’s disruption cast a gloomy atmosphere, leading many to leave halfway. Within an hour, it scattered quickly.
On the way back, the Limping Daoist lamented, "Just now in the hall, among those seated, other than Elder Bai who has some Daoist cultivation, the others’ cultivation levels weren’t high. Zhongtai, as one of the Five Great Sects of East Victory, shouldn’t have such a shallow foundation. Likely, the strong ones perished in earlier bouts, hence they must resort to inviting external practitioners."
Song Chuyuan sneered, "Du Shixun’s actions today surely offended the guests."
The Limping Daoist pondered and said, "I’ve vaguely heard that Sect Leader Qiao owes much of his position to his Daoist couple, Mrs. Zhao, who is known for her cleverness. Du Shixun is her own son; what happened in the hall might have been intentional."
Song Yuan Chu was surprised and asked, "Strange, why would he do such a thing?"
The Limping Daoist shook his head and said, "That’s not something outsiders know."
Zhang Yan slightly smiled at this moment, saying, "Zhongtai’s matters are their own; we don’t need to intervene, just wait for the Dragon Pillar Meeting three months hence."
The two quickly agreed.
After Elder Bai left the main hall, he bid farewell to several friendly Daoists and was about to return to his Cave Mansion for meditation when he saw a middle-aged Daoist approach, calling out, "Elder Bai, please stay your steps."
Elder Bai saw this person with a floating beard, a celestial demeanor, although unfamiliar, he didn’t dare belittle him, saying, "Daoist, calling upon me, for what reason?"
The Daoist bowed with a smile, saying, "I am Zeng Conglun, from Fire Hole Mountain, here to lend Zhongtai a hand against Xuanyue. As I have no sect to join, I come to recommend myself to Elder Bai."
Elder Bai, hearing his bold words, thought he might be like Yang and Gu, and said with a touch of irony, "Since Daoist has such abilities, why were they not mentioned at the banquet?"
Zeng Conglun chuckled and said, "Does Elder Bai think I fear Du Shixun? No, my abilities are not for display before others, only to discuss privately."
Elder Bai asked, "What kind of abilities might those be?"
Zeng Conglun stepped half a step forward, lowered his voice, and said, "Besides other skills, I hold the Stargazing Book, which guides to fortune and avoids disaster, charting a clear path."
"Stargazing Book?" Elder Bai was moved, inquiring further, "Is it the very item held by Liu Gongnan, Daoist Liu of old?"
Zeng Conglun proudly smiled and said, "Indeed, Liu Gongnan was my elder brother. Upon his rebirth, he entrusted this treasure to me."
Elder Bai’s heart rippled upon hearing this; the Stargazing Book is a rare treasure that can illuminate a way out of crises. With the Dragon Pillar Meeting still enthralling the sects, it holds implications for the rise and fall of their strengths. Obtaining such support undoubtedly increases their chance of victory.
He pondered internally, while saying, "Daoist Zeng, we’ve heard that using this treasure poses challenges to its owner. Whatever you require, just state it clearly."
Zeng Conglun had been waiting for this statement, delighted internally, saying, "I have no other desires; if I can govern an immortal city under Zhongtai, my wish is fulfilled."
Although Elder Bai holds significant power, this decision is beyond his authority. Nevertheless, to win him over, he said, "If Daoist Zeng can truly assist Zhongtai, the sect would not be stingy in granting an immortal city."
...
...(To be continued. If you like this work, feel free to vote for recommendations and monthly votes on Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my biggest motivation. Mobile users can read on m.qidian.com.)
