Daoist Competition-Chapter 1077 - 278: Each Outer Heaven Token Has Its Master (2)

Zhang Yan watched coldly from the sidelines, aware that this spectacle was outwardly aimed at persuading Elder Shen, but the real show was meant for him.

However, he was not like Elder Shen; giving up the token talisman so easily was simply impossible for him.

The object of contention for all sects was indeed a supreme treasure between heaven and earth, refined by Great Virtue Scholars in ancient times. It had the ability to capture the "Qiantian Junyang Essence" from the Nine Realms Heavens, allowing a cultivator to aspire to advance to the position of a Grotto Heaven.

This treasure was closely linked to a scroll of talismanic script, and only those who had signed the contract on this talisman could obtain a talisman token, which allowed them to extract Essence Qi from the treasure.

Thousands of years ago, this scroll of talismanic script found its way into the hands of cultivators in East Splendor Continent, leading to a grand event of contract signing by all sects.

Now reaching the Eighteen Sects, it meant that, in due time, eighteen talisman tokens would descend from Yun Tian.

In the past, it was only necessary to determine winners within the Ten Sects of Xuanmen, but now with the advent of the Demon Tribulation, all sects had agreed to first suppress the Demon Sect disciples, ensuring they wouldn’t obtain a single talisman token, and then decide the token’s ownership.

As for the suddenly emerging Mountain Gate, it was an additional variable for them. Ignoring it would simply allow the Demon Sect disciples to claim the token talisman unopposed. Thus, they needed to pressure Elder Shen to relinquish the token talisman and withdraw from the Sword Fighting Conference.

With each disciple speaking up, Elder Shen was suddenly under immense pressure.

In his expression were anger, confusion, bewilderment, desolation, and even some reluctance.

But he also knew that under the suppression of the Ten Sects of Xuanmen, if he did not comply, not only would he face a dire fate, but he would also implicate the Guangyuan Sect. After a moment of inner turmoil, he resignedly said, "Fine, fine, let them have it."

Once those words were spoken, it was as if he had lost all his Essence Qi and Divine Soul, slumping down onto the cushion.

Ying Ya Daoist visibly relaxed; had Elder Shen stubbornly refused, it would indeed have been troublesome.

After all, they were sects of Xuanmen, and they also had their dignity. It was best to avoid confrontation if possible. Fortunately, this elder knew when to yield, avoiding a conflict.

He cleared his throat, glancing at Zhang Yan.

He understood clearly that the same tactics used on Elder Shen would not work on Zhang Yan.

The Yao Yin Sect had been in decline for millennia, and its Supreme Elder position was not regarded highly by them, but Zhang Yan held another identity as one of the Ten Disciple of the Mingcang Sect, which demanded caution.

Moreover, not only did Zhang Yan have three Nascent Soul cultivators as protectors by his side, he also had a thousand-year-old Dragon Carp comparable to a Nascent Soul Third Realm cultivator, unmatched by anyone present, so persuasion through words was the only approach.

Ying Ya Daoist put on a sincere expression and said, "True Master Zhang, during this sword fight, our Xuanmen stands united against the Demon Sect. I hope you understand the greater good and relinquish the token talisman."

Zhang Yan smiled faintly and said, "The token talisman of my Yao Yin Sect, why should I give it to others? If I were to ask all present to hand over their sect’s token talisman, would you be willing?"

Ying Ya Daoist found himself at a loss, seeking help from others with a pleading glance.

From the start, Huo Xuan had been silent, but now he raised his head and slowly spoke, "Although Junior Brother Zhang is a fellow disciple of mine, he is here today representing the name of the Yao Yin Sect, and it has nothing to do with our Mingcang Sect."

He had already thought it through, knowing this Junior Brother Zhang was adept at leveraging situations. Regardless of whether his presence today was of his own will or with someone’s backing, as the foremost of the Mingcang Sect’s Top Ten Disciples, he could not be tied down by it.

Ying Ya Daoist, hearing this, couldn’t help but feel invigorated; Huo Xuan’s words clearly indicated he would not side with Zhang Yan.

But Zhang Yan merely chuckled, shaking his robes as he stood, saying, "There’s no need for more words. The token talisman is originally the Yao Yin Sect’s, and I absolutely will not hand it over."

Ying Ya Daoist’s expression changed, "True Master Zhang, do you think you alone can contend with the Six Demon Sects?"

Zhang Yan smirked, a sharp gleam emanating from his eyes as he surveyed the room, loudly declaring, "Words are pointless. Let us rely on our swords and settle it once and for all." Having said that, he swept out of the hall.

The hall fell into a silence, until someone muttered, "Let him face some hardship, that would be good."

Another sneered, "Such arrogance and unreasonable behavior, don’t expect the Xuanmen to extend camaraderie or assistance at that time."

Xun Huaiying let out a cold laugh, standing up as well, drawing everyone’s astonished gaze.

He glanced at Huo Xuan, saying, "It’s a pity Daoist Zhang isn’t a member of our Shaoqing Sect."

He flicked his sleeves dismissively and walked out of the hall, and outside, after scanning the surroundings to discern his direction, he unfurled a fierce sword light and swiftly fled. In a moment, he caught up with Zhang Yan riding on the Gang Wind and called out, "Daoist Zhang, please wait."

Zhang Yan, upon hearing, halted his escape skill, turned back, and laughed, "So it’s Daoist Xun, are you here to persuade me too?"

Xun Huaiying shook his head, coldly laughing, "Don’t mistake me for one of those decrepit ones. Since the token talisman belongs to your Yao Yin Sect, you should take it openly and honorably. If anyone disagrees, just kill them with one sword, why bother with nonsense?"

Zhang Yan was slightly taken aback but quickly found it understandable, for the disciples of the Shaoqing Sect had always been this reckless and independent. Even if they shared the same path of Xuanmen, they wouldn’t hesitate to kill with a single stroke if wronged, regardless of who stood behind you.

He cupped his hands and said, "Daoist Xun, if you have time, you’re welcome to visit my peak."

Xun Huaiying simply waved his hand, "No need."

Then he seriously regarded Zhang Yan, solemnly saying, "Years ago, my junior brother, Ying Minzhang, was trapped among the Chen Clan for seven years. It was only through your intercession, Daoist Zhang, that he escaped. For this, I owe you a favor. During the swordfight, if you need my assistance, just say the word."

With that, he clasped his hands in a salute, let out a clear shout, and with a burst of sword light shimmering with sharpness, he disappeared in the blink of an eye.

...

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