Chapter 645: Struggle for Fortune (4K)

Upon hearing Daoist Yuzhuo admit defeat in person, the expressions of the many immortals and gods surrounding the Five Emperors' Altar still carried a hint of sighing.

This Daoist Yuzhuo actually admitted defeat.

He lost to that newly ascended Dihuang Daoist.

At this moment, the eyes of the Nine Emperors Daoist twitched slightly, with a hint of surprise in their depths.

Beside him, the Yuanyuan Daoist spoke calmly at this time.

"The Third Elder is indeed well-versed in the way of prudent self-preservation—preferring to admit defeat and damage his fortune rather than reveal his trump card!"

Upon hearing this, the Nine Emperors Daoist furrowed her brows and said.

"Fourth Elder, the Third Elder has already done her utmost; this battle was not due to her holding back, but because this Dihuang Daoist is simply too strong!"

Her voice was stern, her expression carrying a trace of solemnity.

Seeing this, the Yuanyuan Daoist said nothing more.

She knew the Nine Emperors Daoist already harbored suspicions in her heart.

In the distance, Yuwang and the Qingqiu Niangniang Tushan clan showed faint smiles on their faces, while many immortals of the Tongshan Dao lineage and disciples of the Zhang clan had already begun cheering.

Zhang Jian's victory over Daoist Yuzhuo was also a great triumph for the entire Tongshan Dao lineage.

"I never expected Daoist Yuzhuo to also lose to this Dihuang Daoist—it seems we can no longer judge this Daoist with the eyes of an ordinary Daoist!"

In the distance, the Tasu Daoist's expression remained unchanged as she slowly rose to her feet; beside her, the Seven Immortal Maidens and many Yaochi immortals also wore smiles.

They were closely associated with the Nine Nether Emperor's mansion, and naturally hoped Zhang Jian would win this duel.

The Tasu Daoist's eyes flickered.

She likewise understood that Zhang Jian's victory over Daoist Yuzhuo was not merely winning a duel.

As an attendant Daoist beside the Yaochi Holy Mother, she was well aware of the rules involved.

In the celestial void, there exists an unwritten rule.

Under each major power of the Yanji era, a Daoist is dispatched to participate in the struggle for Yanji fortune.

If this Daoist is defeated, it signifies that the fortune belonging to their Dao lineage will transfer and enter another Daoist.

This transfer resembles the cultivation of gu poison.

It may involve life and death, or it may not.

Small gains accumulate over time.

Eventually, they gather upon one, or several, Daoists.

Ultimately, this enables that Daoist to obtain the greatest possible opportunity for growth in this Yanji era.

This was once a game rule established by the Three Teachings Dao lineages in ancient times.

Although the majesty of the Three Teachings has faded, this unwritten game rule is still observed by many ancient Dao lineages, and even newly emerged ones.

Because this ensures that the celestial void can continually produce enough powerful beings to suppress the demon kings born from the Six Great Demon Realms.

So that demons do not flourish while the Dao declines.

But rather, the Dao flourishes while demons perish.

The fact that this Dihuang Daoist defeated Daoist Yuzhuo suggests hope for contending for the position of Dao魁 in this Yanji era.

A hint of smile appeared in the depths of the Tasu Daoist's eyes.

Zhang Jian is closely related to the Yaochi lineage, so she is willing to watch his success unfold.

After this thought passed, she instructed the Seven Immortal Maidens, and then the Tasu Daoist turned and departed.

……

At this moment, above the heavenly court, many immortals and gods who did not see the desired outcome immediately turned and left.

Only a portion of the immortals and gods under certain Daoists felt their horizons greatly broadened.

They were still discussing at this time.

Beside the Yuwang Daoist, there was now a remarkably tall immortal god wearing emperor's robes, his blood and qi blazing like pure yang sunlight; he wore loose golden robes, was tall and handsome, yet exuded a masculine vigor.

He was the Chugang Emperor, and also the disciple most hopeful of securing a public Daoist position in the heavenly court under the Yuwang Daoist.

Having personally witnessed this great battle, the Chugang Emperor laughed and said to the Yuwang Daoist.

"Master, it seems my ten thousand years of campaigning in the Jinquan Underworld were not entirely disastrous!"

The Yuwang Daoist stroked his beard slightly, glancing at this disciple.

He also blamed the other for a wavering resolve.

How could such a performance by this Dihuang Daoist fail to shake the resolve of others?

Perhaps what the Chugang Emperor said is not wrong.

Blessing relies on misfortune, misfortune relies on blessing.

By avoiding direct confrontation with this Dihuang Daoist, it is a good thing for the Chugang Daoist!

Yet the Yuwang Daoist still kept a stern face, coldly scolding.

"Are you afraid just because of this?"

The Chugang Emperor slightly shook his head, speaking respectfully.

"Master, I merely admire his achievements, but feel no fear, for I believe every person has their own karmic affinity; this Daoist is indeed stronger than me now, but will not forever be stronger than me!"

His expression was composed, his eyes glowing with intense confidence.

The Yuwang Daoist looked him up and down, and only then did satisfaction appear in his eyes.

He immediately led the Chugang Emperor away, though deep in his heart, there remained some lingering tremor.

The Dao cultivation revealed by this Dihuang Daoist is now no weaker than that of this old-guard Daoist, and may even be stronger; if possible, he would not easily provoke the other.

In the future, he must even be cautious of the other's retaliation.

After all, last time they were plotting to scheme against the other, to drive them into the Jinquan Underworld to fill that heavenly pit.

In the southwest direction, the two realm lords of the Celestial Human Royal Clan also slowly rose to their feet—Emperor Fengwu and Emperor Du'e wore complex expressions, with a hint of sigh.

Behind the two emperors, Min Hua Xianjun and Chong Hua Xianjun also showed some stirring of their Dao hearts.

The two xianjun could not help but feel a dreamlike sensation.

Especially Min Hua Xianjun, who in the past had personally clashed with Zhang Jian over Zijun Xianzi.

It has been less than a hundred thousand years.

The other party made astonishing progress in the Dao Jun realm.

While he is still striving to reach the sixth level of Taiji Perfection.

……

On the Five Emperors' Altar, Yuzhuo Dao Jun, Zhang Jian's form repeatedly manifested; Yuzhuo Dao Jun's body was surrounded by flowing divine light, as twelve Qiankun Sun and Moon Pearls transformed into streaks of invisible light that merged into her aura.

At this moment, she gazed at Zhang Jian and sighed.

"The methods of the Earth Emperor Dao friend are truly awe-inspiring—I never expected the Earth Emperor Dao friend to have cultivated the Wuji Great Bright Cloud; in this battle, this deity is utterly convinced and defeated!"

After a slight pause, she fixed her star-like eyes upon Zhang Jian.

"Since you have lost, I will also honor my promise—in a hundred years, I will deliver that innate spiritual treasure to the Three Emperors' Heavenly Realm; besides, my junior sister may select three treasures of her liking from the treasury of the Eight Wastelands Dragon Realm!"

Zhang Jian slightly clasped his hands.

"Then I thank you, Yuzhuo Dao friend!"

Zhang Jian's expression remained unmoved; he did believe in Yuzhuo Dao Jun's character.

Given Yuzhuo Dao Jun's current reputation, she would not easily ruin her own reputation over an innate spiritual treasure, nor disgrace the Water Mother Dao Palace.

A legitimate Dao lineage is ultimately not a heretical or deviant path.

Yet, gazing at this Yuzhuo Dao Jun standing so close, Zhang Jian's heart still stirred with some ripples.

After this exchange, Zhang Jian also clearly understood where Yuzhuo Dao Jun's strength lay.

This second-transformation Dao Jun's methods are not so simple.

This victory was indeed somewhat fortuitous.

He had not actually expected that the treasure exchanged from Ancestral Dragon essence blood would aid him in winning this duel at the critical moment.

Without that Primordial Jade Pearl, defeating this second-transformation Dao Jun would not have been so easy.

Yuzhuo Dao Jun now frowned slightly, then suddenly spoke.

"Earth Emperor Dao friend, I wonder if you would be interested in making a deal with this deity?"

"Oh?"

Zhang Jian's expression shifted.

Yuzhuo Dao Jun's eyes flickered as she transmitted her voice.

"I once encountered a unique opportunity tens of thousands of years ago; if this deal succeeds, it will bring great benefit to both of our cultivations!"

"However, this place is crowded and noisy; Earth Emperor Dao friend, this deity will come to the Three Emperors' Heavenly Realm in a thousand years to seek you!"

Yuzhuo Dao Jun glanced at Zhang Jian before her.

Since she could not obtain the Four Seas Pearl, this special innate spiritual treasure, she could only settle for second best and see if she could recruit Zhang Jian.

This Earth Emperor Dao Jun's fortune is like a rainbow; aligning with him might also aid in accomplishing things.

But before the transaction, there are still some matters she needs to prepare.

Zhang Jian glanced at Yuzhuo Dao Jun and then slightly nodded.

At that moment, the two agreed to enter the Tianyao Realm in a hundred years, sending Bai Li Ying to enter the Eight Wastelands Dragon Realm to select treasures.

……

The duel ended, yet the news spread with incredible speed across the myriad heavens and void.

Whether it was Yuzhuo Dao Jun or the Earth Emperor Dao Jun, in a short time, both became prominent figures in the myriad heavens and void.

Especially the Earth Emperor Dao Jun Zhang Jian—since his cultivation began in the Zhou Shan Realm, many old matters have been unearthed, and for a time, he stood unmatched in fame across the myriad heavens and void.

Three Emperors' Heavenly Realm, Tong Mountain

At this moment, the entire mountain gate, inside and out, was bustling with activity.

Zhang Jian's victory over Yuzhuo Dao Jun brought honor to the entire Tong Mountain Dao lineage.

In a short time, the prestige of the entire Tong Mountain Dao lineage rose steadily.

Yuzhuo Dao Jun is no obscure figure—she is a renowned Dao Jun who has been famous for over ten derivation eras.

At this moment, the immortals on the mountain were feasting and discussing the matter.

Even the second-generation disciples of the Tong Mountain Dao lineage wore uncontrollable smiles.

Including Tianhe Zhenren.

After Zhang Jian attained the Dao, Tianhe Zhenren rarely showed a smile—until today, when he defeated Yuzhuo Dao Jun.

This also allowed Tianhe Zhenren to see hope from within.

The Tong Mountain Dao lineage has gained such a powerful new Dao Jun; with three Dao Jun united, there is hope to seize a position in the Three Emperors' Heavenly Realm, or even the public Dao Jun quota in the Central Heavenly Realm.

The wine does not intoxicate, yet people intoxicate themselves!

In the main hall, Yu Wang this time took out the immortal brew accumulated by the Tong Mountain Dao lineage over the years, as well as part of the stores, allowing the immortals to eat and drink freely, to drink heartily.

However, in the main hall, the happiest are not only the immortals of the Fazhi lineage, but also many of the Zhang clan immortals.

Especially the Zhang clan immortals.

Their ancestor defeated an old renowned Dao Jun, and the entire Zhang clan immortal family takes pride in this.

After a round of eating and drinking, the entire main hall was already in disarray, with many immortals and deities behaving improperly, even falling into a state of 'drunkenness'.

Beside Zhang Jian, the Qi clan had already collapsed drunk.

Bai Li Ying, whose cultivation is profound and whose Dao heart is pure, calm, and self-possessed, shows only a faint blush on her face, yet still wears a smile.

While the other few immortal consorts, the Meng clan, the Yi clan, had already collapsed, the Ji clan sat to one side of Bai Liying, also fixing her beautiful eyes upon Zhang Jian.

And in a more distant place, Zhang Yi and his wife had long been drunk into insensibility.

As for Zhang Yi, Zhang Xian, and Zhang Zhao, the three sons were instead full of vigor, the brothers still engaged in lively discussion with some Zhang clan descendants and some of the Tongshan Dao Tong immortals and deities.

Gazing upon this scene, Zhang Jian also had a hint of a smile deep in his eyes.

Beside him, the Ji clan laughed and said.

"Husband, from today onward, it is feared that not only the Tongshan Dao Tong, but the Zhang immortal clan will also be able to embark on another round of expansion; whether it be Tongshan or the Zhang clan, both will thereby give birth to more immortals and deities, as well as more powerful ones!"

Bai Liying's expression remained unchanged, she merely smiled and said.

"The Zhang clan develops rapidly, yet we too must strive to grow, so as to relieve the husband's worries!"

The Ji clan cast her beautiful eyes a glance at Bai Liying and laughed, saying.

"Elder Sister Bai is now a disciple of the Shuimu Dao Palace, and has cultivated into an Innate Divine Body; it seems that among us, only Elder Sister Bai will soon be able to be of use to the husband, truly enviable!"

Hearing the Ji clan's words, the other Zhang immortals also turned their gazes over.

They naturally knew Bai Liying's current status.

They knew this second mother (grandmother) was a disciple of the Shuimu Dao Palace, bore the Xuantian Divine Position, and had inherited the Winter God authority of the Ten Thousand Heavens Void; in the future, she is destined to possess a divine position of her own in the Ten Thousand Heavens Void.

Bai Liying, upon hearing this, shook her head and said.

"The Great Dao is only arduous; we only need to be diligent and painstaking, mending and patching—what talk is there of swift progress?"

Zhang Jian glanced at Bai Liying, somewhat concerned, and said.

"Lady, this journey, for the husband to defeat the Yuzhuo Dao Lord—will it affect you?"

Zhang Jian slightly furrowed his brow.

Bai Liying, upon hearing this, laughed and said.

"Husband, you need not worry about this matter; there will certainly be an impact, but I am not one to be eaten raw—I can withstand others' schemes!"

In the depths of her eyes lay a hint of chill.

Immediately afterward, she laughed and said.

"Furthermore, there is the presiding of the master over the greater situation; the Shuimu Dao Palace is not a place where outsiders can casually strike down rivals!"

Zhang Jian nodded slightly.

Regarding Bai Liying's pursuit of the Dao, he harbored no doubt.

Having trained under the Shuimu Dao Palace gate for so long, he believed Bai Liying already possessed the ability to protect herself.

However, speaking frankly, no matter how Bai Liying's other fellow disciples might exclude her, Bai Liying remains nonetheless the direct transmission of the Shuimu Mother.

With the protection of the Shuimu Mother, there will be no issue.

Above the great hall, cups and dishes lay in disarray.

All the immortals present felt only exhilaration and unbounded joy.

Before leaving the great hall, the Yu King and the Qingqiu Mother, the Tushan clan, had a private audience with Zhang Jian and reminded him.

"A Yu, your fame is now at its peak, but for you, this is likely not a good thing; this seat advises that during this period, you had best remain low-key!"

At the great hall's entrance, the Yu King's visage was solemn.

Beside him, the Qingqiu Mother, the Tushan clan, also said.

"A Yu, your actions during this period have already been strikingly conspicuous; there is no need to undertake further unnecessary adventures—you would do well to use this time for arduous cultivation, to solidify your foundation, in preparation for surviving the second Great Calamity of Destruction!"

The Qingqiu Mother also perceived that Zhang Jian's cultivation progress is rapid.

She fears there is hope that within tens of thousands of years he may step into the Second Transformation Dao Lord realm.

If he can ascend to the Second Transformation Dao Lord within tens of thousands of years, then Zhang Jian will surely achieve great things in this Yan Ji era.

Moreover, the Yu King's admonition is also very reasonable.

During this period, Zhang Jian has already been sufficiently conspicuous.

"Wood that stands out in the forest!"

Zhang Jian nodded, he understood this principle.

Only fear that at this time, the demon lords of the Six Great Demon Realms have already set their sights upon him.

In the coming hundred years, Zhang Jian did not leave the Three Sovereigns Heavenly Realm to return to the Nine Underworlds Earth Prison for duty, but instead seized the opportunity to enter seclusion.

In this battle against the Yuzhuo Dao Lord, he also perceived many shortcomings within himself.

Regarding a portion of his Dao arts, he has also formed many ideas.

Not long afterward, Zhang Jian received news that the Yuzhuo Dao Lord had sent someone to deliver the wagered item into the Three Sovereigns Heavenly Realm.

It is a most unique innate spiritual treasure!