Daoist Competition

Chapter 1385: Chapter 79: A Single Scheming Word Stirs Discord (Part 2)

But they were bound by a Dharma Contract and could not leave at will. After some discussion, they decided to push someone forward to negotiate, hoping that Sect Leader Qiao would let them go.

Someone suggested, "That True Master Zhang is a Nascent Soul Second Realm Cultivator, his cultivation here is the highest. It wouldn’t hurt to ask him to step forward."

As soon as this was said, everyone chimed in. Not to mention Zhang Yan’s cultivation, just now he easily killed Jin Ling without much effort, which shows his fighting prowess is extremely strong. It’s fitting for him to take the lead now.

The person added, "Does any fellow Daoist have a connection with True Master Zhang? Could you invite him out?"

At this time, a junior female disciple whispered, "Isn’t this a betrayal?"

Hearing this, everyone looked at her unkindly. The female disciple shrunk back in fear. Beside her, a woman with a voluptuous figure shook her head and stepped forward, saying, "I once met True Master Zhang, and am willing to go speak with him."

Upon hearing this woman knew Zhang Yan, everyone relaxed a bit and said, "We entrust this task to you, fellow Daoist."

The female cultivator exchanged a few pleasantries, then used her escape skill to head to Zhang Yan’s Dharma Platform. In a moment, she arrived and gracefully greeted, "Daoist Zhang, do you remember me from our meeting at Divine House Mountain?"

Zhang Yan concentrated and immediately recognized her. On his way to open the Earth Fire Sky Furnace, he had passed by this woman’s Cave Mansion and chatted a bit. He said, "So Lady Che is also here at the Dharma Assembly. I did not see you when signing the contract."

Lady Che smiled awkwardly, saying, "True Master knows I am from the Evil Sect. There are many enemies outside, so I changed my appearance to cause less trouble."

Zhang Yan nodded and asked, "For what reason does Lady Che come here?"

Lady Che hesitated for a moment before truthfully revealing the intentions of the others.

Zhang Yan smiled and said, "Please forgive me, but I cannot agree to this matter."

While he refused, Xing Fuli showed interest. He had joined Du Shixun after previously offending Elder Lin. Now, with Du Shixun’s life uncertain, although reluctant to leave behind the gifts, he did not want to stay any longer and said, "Lady Che, I am willing to speak on behalf of the fellow Daoists. What do you think?"

Lady Che considered it. Other than Zhang Yan, Xing Fuli was the only one who had won a battle and was somewhat fitting. She said, "If Daoist Xing is willing to step forward, then it is most welcome. But I alone cannot decide. Perhaps you should return with me and discuss with the others."

Xing Fuli was impatient and said, "Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go quickly."

Lady Che bowed to Zhang Yan and, urged by Xing Fuli, hurriedly took her leave.

Xing Fuli first went to the other cultivators. Seeing him volunteer, and with him indeed having some skills, they agreed for him to take the lead.

He then hurried to the Pu Lao Flying Carriage, stated his purpose, and unexpectedly, Sect Leader Qiao did not get angry. Instead, he calmly said, "Since you all wish to leave, my Zhongtai will not force you to stay."

Xing Fuli was overjoyed, fearing Sect Leader Qiao might change his mind, and immediately said, "Please grant the seal to dissolve the Dharma Contract."

Sect Leader Qiao glanced at Elder Yan, who expressionlessly took out the contract from his sleeve and said in a deep voice, "Take it, and do as you will."

Xing Fuli snatched it and immediately used his True Power to turn it to dust, then without further ado, he stomped his foot and flew off the Dharma Platform, secretly pleased, "Completing this matter, I’ve gained a huge favor. Where else can I find such a profitable deal?"

As he passed by the Dharma Platform where he had come, he saw Zhang Yan still there, and a sneer appeared on his face, thinking, "If you want to stay here and be buried with Zhongtai, so be it, but I won’t accompany you."

After Xing Fuli left, Elder Lin complained, "Senior Brother, why did you let those people go? How can our Zhongtai compete with Xuanyue?"

Elder Yan sighed, "Junior Brother, Xuanyue is playing a psychological trick on us. If we don’t allow it and rely on the contract, although it may not lead to immediate conflict, if Xuanyue attacks, they might turn on us. It’s better to let them leave early."

Elder Lin was stunned for a moment, then sat beside him in a daze.

Just then, streams of tunneling light flew from both sides of the Dharma Platform, heading toward the opposite side. Elder Yan watched everyone gradually leave and calmly said, "Sect Leader, once these people leave, Xuanyue will surely attack tomorrow. There’s little chance of victory in this battle."

Sect Leader Qiao sighed, "I understand what Elder Yan means, but I’m not willing to admit defeat."

Elder Yan nodded. Forget about others, both he and the Sect Leader were figures Xuanyue must eliminate regardless, leaving no retreat and having to fight to the death.

At this time, Mrs. Zhao couldn’t help but say, "No, there is one way to help our Zhongtai overcome the crisis."

Sect Leader Qiao remained unsurprised, calmly saying, "Madam, are you referring to the Python Clan?"

Mrs. Zhao raised her head in disbelief, her voice trembling, "Husband, you already knew?"

Sect Leader Qiao firmly said, "Even if the Demon Cultivators came to Xisheng Mountain unbeknownst to me, how could it escape Master Zheng’s notice?"

Mrs. Zhao looked at him in a daze and softly asked, "Then what do you think, husband?"

Sect Leader Qiao waved his hand decisively, "There is no need to mention this again. Years ago, we Five Sects agreed not to let the Python Clan enter East Victory without permission. If we do this, even if we overcome the current crisis, the Southern Three Sects will have an excuse to wage war. It’s absolutely unthinkable."

Even if this battle is lost and my life is lost, I still have family and disciples. At worst, I can hide in the south and have a chance to reincarnate and cultivate again.

But if the Python Clan enters East Victory and the Southern Three Sects use it as a pretext to cause trouble, there will be no foothold left in East Victory Continent.

Mrs. Zhao lowered her eyes sadly, saying nothing further.

Elder Yan nodded secretly, thinking, "Sect Leader is right. How can we associate with cold-blooded scale insects?"

At that moment, he happened to glance down and was surprised, "Oh, why is there still a Daoist who hasn’t left?"

Everyone looked and saw a handsome Daoist, not only hadn’t he left but was flying toward them.

A moment later, he landed on the Dharma Platform. Sect Leader Qiao couldn’t help but stand up, a bit surprised and delighted, "So it’s True Master Zhang. Why haven’t you left?"

Zhang Yan looked around, bowed, and said, "I have come to lend you all a helping hand."

Sect Leader Qiao was slightly moved. Everyone else abandoned Zhongtai, but Zhang Yan alone was willing to stay. He lamented, "Your generosity is immense, but how can I, Qiao, repay you?"

Zhang Yan smiled slightly and said, "There’s no need for that. I also have my own interests. If you were all gone, where would I retrieve my compensation?"

...

...(To be continued. If you like this work, you’re welcome to vote for it on Qidian (qidian.com) with recommendation votes and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)