Daoist Competition-Chapter 1076 - 278: Each Outer Heaven Token Has Its Master

Zhang Yan just landed on the famous peak held by the Yao Yin Sect when the middle-aged cultivator from Bu Tian Pavilion followed him, mentioning that all sects were discussing matters and invited him to meet on Qingdan Peak.

He had already expected this, so he didn’t decline. After giving Wei Zihong a few instructions, he followed along without hesitation.

The two of them were swift in their flying, reaching the peak in no time.

Here stood a green stone archway, with Yingluo Golden Bells hanging on both sides, swaying in the wind and emitting a clear sound. In between, a stone staircase about a yard wide led straight upwards, ending at a Gold-plated Copper Hall looming in the cloud mist.

The middle-aged cultivator bowed and said, "True Master Zhang, all the True Masters are waiting above. You can proceed by yourself."

Zhang Yan swept his large sleeves, walked up the steps, and casually arrived in front of the hall. The two Daoist boys at the door bowed to him and sidestepped to push the door open.

Stepping over the threshold about a foot high, he confidently entered the hall. Looking around, he saw more than a dozen cushions arranged inside, with the seated individuals exuding Dao Qi, clouds forming above their heads. When they saw him enter, they all turned their gazes toward him.

The Daoist Elder Ying Ya stood up from his seat and bowed, "True Master Zhang, please sit for a moment. This old man has a few words to discuss with fellow Daoist Shen from Guangyuan."

Zhang Yan felt slightly surprised, knowing that a thousand years ago, the Guangyuan Sect was also a great sect of Xuanmen and was one of those sects that signed a contract on the talismanic script. In the past, even disciples from their sect had some conflicts with him. Unexpectedly, they also came to participate in the swordfight this time.

He turned his gaze and then saw a Daoist dressed in Eight Diagrams Robe sitting at the lower end, his expression melancholy and powerless. This subtly moved his heart.

He smiled, returned a bow to Daoist Elder Ying Ya, and then walked to an unoccupied cushion to sit down.

At this moment, he suddenly felt a gaze examining him. Unconsciously, he looked up, seeing it was a robust middle-aged cultivator sitting at the upper end. Judging from his robe and seating position, he seemed to be a disciple of Yuxiao Sect.

When their gazes met, he read a hint of hostility from the other’s eyes. His heart slightly sneered, considering not only his past grudges with the Zhou Family but even the fact he nominally worshiped under Zhou Chongju’s tutelage left no room for reconciliation with this sect.

Once Daoist Ying Ya resumed his seat, he turned his gaze towards the old Daoist from the Guangyuan Sect and softly asked, "Elder Shen, have you thought it over?"

Elder Shen initially appeared listless. Hearing these words, his body slightly trembled, and suddenly his eyes filled with anger, as though infuriated, he hoarsely said, "Fellow Daoists are all great sects of Xuanmen, why must you be so aggressive? Think of a thousand years ago, when my Guangyuan Sect was prosperous, did our ancestor Shen Chong ever oppress fellow Cultivators like this?"

Disciple Nie Zhang from the Nanhua Sect suddenly sneered, "The course of heaven has fixed cycles. Everything in existence has its trials of rise and fall. Your Guangyuan Sect comes today with only one Nascent Soul cultivator. What ability do you have to safeguard that token talisman?"

Everyone knows that for more than a millennium, the Guangyuan Sect has always been sheltered by the Nanhua Sect. Yet this old Daoist dared to come to a sword duel without saying a word, even fueling suspicions among other sect disciples that this was secretly instigated by Nanhua Sect. How could they show him any good face?

Elder Shen remained silent for a while, then quietly said, "As an old Daoist, I also have some means. To protect this token talisman, I’m willing to do my best, even at the cost of my life."

Daoist Ying Ya shook his head, "Elder Shen, please forgive this old man’s bluntness, but without the support of our Ten Sects of Xuanmen this time, you definitely won’t be able to keep that token talisman. Eventually, it would only benefit the Demon Sect. For the fortune of the Xuanmen of East Splendor Continent and for the sake of all living beings in the world, please, Elder Shen, consider the bigger picture and don’t be so stubborn."

Yang Bi from Yuan Yang Sect sighed, "Elder Shen, you also know that the Demon Tribulation has begun, and all sects of our East Splendor Xuanmen are amidst great tribulations. We cannot let the disciples of the Demon Sect continue rampaging. This sword duel is to curb their momentum. During your ancestor Shen Chong’s time, the Guangyuan Sect indeed dominated the Nine Provinces, but we are not belittling you. However, with your current incomplete Cultivation Technique against the Demon Sect disciples, how much chance of victory do you have?" 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Instantly stunned, Elder Shen’s hands trembled slightly. He hadn’t considered this before coming, but he still held a slim hope. Now, being confronted by Yang Bi’s words broke that hope, his heart sank.

Daoist Ying Ya said sternly, "Elder Shen, why must you be so obstinate? Even if not for yourself, you should think of the disciples within your sect. Why risk the wrath of the world for selfish reasons?"