Daoist Competition-Chapter 999 - 239: Reunion with Old Friends, News of Change (Part 2)

Zhang Yan, considering that the Dragon Carp’s flying style was too conspicuous, ordered it to rise into the clouds. With the water and clouds shrouding it, even cultivators with exceptional eyesight could only see a blue gleaming patch of seawater reflecting in the heavenly vault, without knowing what it truly was.

Once the Dragon Carp left the water, its speed was far less smooth than on the sea. Lu Daoist wanted to jest a bit, but he thought of this demon’s pettiness and that if he ever faced another danger, it might make things difficult for him. So, he held back.

Zhang Yan stood with his hands behind his back on the Dragon Carp’s back, seemingly deep in thought.

This time going to the Sword Fighting Conference, to boost his reputation, he not only wanted to bring Xu and Zhang along but also Lu Mei Niang, the Nascent Soul Demon.

However, she was the legitimate wife of Elder Yan of the Beichen Sect, and since the outcome of the journey was uncertain, he needed to explain, so it wouldn’t lead to any conflicts.

Elder Yan and his wife are both Nascent Soul True Masters, sending disciples might seem too informal, so he decided to visit the Beichen Sect before returning to the mountain gate.

After half a day’s flight, Dan Yang Mountain, the location of the Beichen Sect’s mountain gate, came into view.

Zhang Yan paused slightly, and the Dragon Carp, sensing his intention, dove down.

The Guardian Elder of Dan Yang Mountain immediately sensed the movement above. Two Hua Dan cultivators stood behind the Mountain Guarding Formation, looking up at the black clouds with the dragon-headed strange fish in awe, one of them whispered, "Brother, where did this Great Demon come from? Why is it at our Beichen Sect?"

The other person’s expression was also serious, with the Gang Wind on the Dragon Carp’s body billowing; even from afar, they could feel its immense power, like millions of acres of seawater about to pour down, he replied solemnly, "Junior Brother, quickly send the alert."

The previous cultivator didn’t hesitate, waved his hand, and immediately sent a silver sword out.

This alert quickly alarmed Beichen Sect Master Jiang Lin, who shortly emerged from Yaojing Tower in a flying carriage adorned with magnificent Hua Gai, accompanied by five groups of clear skies. On the carriage, aside from himself, there stood six children, each holding a luminous magic artifact.

Another gust of wind rose from Left River House, swirling in the air, swiftly arriving, as Elder Yan drove away the Gang Wind, stepped forward, and saluted, "Greetings, Sect Master."

Jiang Lin didn’t bother with pleasantries, said gravely, "Looks like there’s a Great Demon at the gate, Elder Yan, come with me to check it out."

Elder Yan shook his head and said, "Since we don’t know the visitor’s background, how can the Sect Master personally risk danger? Please wait here while I clarify the situation."

Jiang Lin pondered for a moment, seemingly agreeing with Elder Yan’s reasoning, did not insist further, but sternly stated, "Master Yan, since the passing of the two uncles, only you possess Nascent Soul cultivation. If the visitor harbors ill intent, do not fight it head-on; with the Mountain Gate Prohibition Array, there will be no problem."

Elder Yan stroked his beard and laughed, "Old man understands, Sect Master might as well invite Daoist Feng from the Mingcang Sect to accompany me."

Jiang Lin’s eyes flashed, immediately instructed the children next to the carriage, "Take my order and invite Daoist Feng over."

The child bowed and obeyed, stepped on the flying shuttle, and swiftly a Daoist with a steady demeanor, slightly dark complexion, arrived with smoke swirling around. He already learned what happened from the child, first performed a Daoist bow to Jiang Lin, then addressed Elder Yan seriously, "Master Yan, time is of the essence, this humble Daoist will accompany you. If indeed there are evil demons or outer Daoists here, I will send word to Brother Huo for assistance, won’t let Beichen Sect face it alone."

For over thirty years, since Huo Xuan vigorously supported the northern side sects, many sects benefited from it; because of this, they also needed to guard the four gates for the Mingcang Sect, clearing the evil demons in the territory. But if they encounter difficult Great Power Experts, the Mingcang Sect will send people to assist.

Huo Xuan also stationed many disciples at these independent sect mountain gates, so the Mingcang Sect can grasp the big picture, gather all sects’ strength to confront enemies, and know any changes promptly. The person stationed at Beichen Sect is Elder Xun’s disciple, Feng Ming.

Elder Yan and Feng Ming joined up, rushed to the mountain gate, and the two Hua Dan cultivators immediately greeted them, pointing outside, narrating what they saw and heard.

Elder Yan, hearing from their words that the visitor might not harbor ill intent, his expression relaxed a bit, said, "Two nephews, wait in the array, I will meet the visitor."

The two complied and withdrew, Elder Yan exited the Forbidden Array and headed out, suddenly seeing the Dragon Carp with golden scales and twin horns, was startled.

He had visited the East Sea when young; with a glance, he recognized the origin of this Great Demon, secretly pondering, "This old demon has cultivated overseas for a thousand years, how is it here? Judging by the looks, it seems subdued."

He knew that the one who could tame the Dragon Carp was beyond his capability, so he didn’t advance, instead bowed hundred yards away, "I am Yan Zhengting of Beichen. Dared ask, fellow Daoist, where are you from, and what brings you to our mountain gate?"

From the clouds of mist came a loud laugh, Zhang Yan, with sleeves fluttering, emerged within the wind and saluted, "Elder Yan, long time no see."

Elder Yan couldn’t help but pause, looking Zhang Yan up and down, seemingly lost, casually sighed, smiled and returned the greeting, "Forgive old man’s lapse, I didn’t expect that in mere decades, fellow Daoist has become one of us."

Feng Ming, seeing it was Zhang Yan, was also surprised, but he had only entered the Hua Dan Realm for over a decade and couldn’t ascertain Zhang Yan’s cultivation, only felt Zhang Yan’s Daoist cultivation seemed even deeper than before. Hearing Elder Yan’s words, it seemed Zhang Yan had already entered the Nascent Soul Realm, he couldn’t help revealing an incredulous expression, originally wanted to greet but opened his mouth and couldn’t speak.

Zhang Yan noticed him, smiled, "Junior Brother Feng, how come you are here?"

Feng Ming composed himself, hurriedly bowed, "Brother Zhang, I was ordered by Brother Huo to stay at Beichen."

Zhang Yan nodded in return, smiling, "Long time no see, didn’t expect Junior Brother has reached Hua Dan, congratulations."

However, Feng Ming responded strangely, was silent for a while, suddenly said, "Brother Zhang, I have something to tell you in private."

Elder Yan chuckled, "Old man has a cauldron of Elixir Pills to refine, will take my leave, you two talk slowly."

He raised his hand to salute, then gracefully turned into the mountain gate.

After he left, Feng Ming’s gaze was somewhat complex, said, "Brother Zhang, what’s your plan for returning to the mountain this time?"

Zhang Yan glanced at him, lightly smiled, said, "Naturally, go to the Sixteen Sects Sword Fighting Conference."

Feng Ming seemed to think of something, lowered his head for a moment, appeared somewhat hesitant, after a while, he finally lifted his head, said, "With Brother Zhang’s Daoist cultivation and this rapid cultivation progress, going to the Sword Fighting Conference is only natural, but you have been away from the sect, unaware of changes within, you, you might be unable to attend the Sword Fighting Conference."

...

...(To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation and monthly tickets, your support is my greatest motivation.)