Chapter 149: The Duel Between Yuanqing and Kunwu

The disciples of the Yuanqing Sect were in the midst of focused cultivation—some meditating, some practicing martial arts, others listening to the Dao—when, in the middle of their concentration, they heard the Zhaowen Bell of Kuncheng Peak ring out.

Since the Zhaowen Bell had rung, there must be a matter at hand; the disciples hurriedly set aside what they were doing and rushed toward Wuji Hall.

By the time Banxia arrived, many people had already gathered at the plaza outside Wuji Hall. She was just wondering what could have happened when she heard a burst of cheers.

Could it be that the Sect Leader had a sudden whim to set up a stage here and put on a grand performance?

If one were to call it a grand performance, it truly was one, though it was a stage Lingxiang had set up to accommodate the Kunwu Sect; Shangqing Zhenren had merely provided the venue for her.

Just as Banxia was unsure of what to do, she saw Lianqiao waving at her not far away. She hurriedly squeezed over, only to discover that two people were sparring on the Yanwu Stage. Looking over, one was dressed in a blue Daoist Robe, and the other in a red Daoist Armor.

"What is this about?" Banxia asked hurriedly before she had even gotten close.

Lianqiao reached out and pulled her over: "Guests came to the sect these past two days—these very people. They said they were from the Kunwu Sect and came to exchange pointers on Daoist arts. And so, the sect arranged this."

As Lianqiao spoke, she raised her hand to gesture. Banxia followed the direction she pointed; on Wangxian Terrace, the Sect Leader and the seven Elders were all seated, and beside the Sect Leader, there was actually someone she had never seen before.

Banxia was a bit puzzled now; Lianqiao said they had arrived a few days ago, so why hadn't she heard of it?

It was at this moment that she saw Qianyuan Zhenren stand up and say to the crowd below Wangxian Terrace:

"Some days ago, our friendly sect, the Kunwu Sect, arrived for a visit, the purpose being to exchange pointers on Daoist arts and martial skills. However, there is a sequence to learning the Dao; if new disciples and old disciples were to share the stage, it would naturally be unfair. Thus, Daoist Xuan Tan and we have discussed that the newly promoted disciples shall compete, as that would be fair and just. What just took place was merely for entertainment; now that everyone has arrived, if anyone has confidence in their own cultivation, they may step onto the stage for a try. Even if you lose, it does not matter; it is merely an exchange, and participation is what counts."

"However, since it is an exchange, we must set three rules. First, do not strike too heavily; stop at the point of contact. Second, if one falls off the Yanwu Stage, it is considered a defeat. Third, this is merely an exchange between two sects; one must not harbor resentment or damage the harmony between us."

"This competition will use a winner-stays-on format, and the final winner will receive a Marrow Cleansing Pill personally refined by our sect's Fucang Elder!"

As Qianyuan Zhenren spoke, he pointed to a square table on the Yanwu Stage. On that table sat a small box, currently open, and inside there was indeed a Pill, glowing with a golden light.

This Pill looked like it was worth a fortune!

The name of Fucang Elder was not unfamiliar to those present. Not to mention the disciples of the Yuanqing Sect, even the disciples of the Kunwu Sect had heard of the purpose of this trip before they arrived.

Whoever could obtain this Pill, even if they didn't use it themselves, could trade it for a great deal of silver. It was just a pity that only newly promoted disciples could compete, though one would imagine that whoever won it would surely present it to Daoist Xuan Tan with both hands.

Under a heavy reward, there must be a brave man.

Among the Kunwu Sect disciples, a burly figure leaped onto the Yanwu Stage, bowed toward Wangxian Terrace, and said:

"Disciple Shaoyuan, I request a battle!"

The person on the stage had a dark, square face and angry, sweeping brows, looking quite fierce, which added to his imposing manner. With a flip, he took a Nine-Section Long Whip from behind his back and flicked it toward the ground; the "crack-crack" sound made it appear even more formidable.

Yet, no one from the Yuanqing Sect stepped up to challenge him, which made Zhaoming Zhenren anxious—this was a High-grade Marrow Cleansing Pill! The sect did indeed teach disciples to keep a low profile and not be ostentatious, but could they really be like this today? Even for the sake of the sect's reputation, they couldn't just remain silent, could they? If outsiders found out, wouldn't they say the Yuanqing Sect was cowardly and afraid of trouble?!

Chengkai saw his master sitting ramrod straight and knew he was anxious. He performed a flip and flew onto the Yanwu Stage, bowed to Wangxian Terrace, then bowed to Shaoyuan, and said in a loud voice:

"Yuanqing Sect's Chengkai, I am willing to accept the challenge!"

Shaoyuan was somewhat surprised to see someone of a similar build to himself. He had been at the Yuanqing Sect for several days and had only seen small-framed people; he hadn't expected there to be someone like this.

However, his expression remained calm. He simply bowed according to etiquette, said "Please enlighten me," and took his stance.

But Chengkai just stood with his hands behind his back, not taking out any weapons or magic tools. For a moment, there was not the slightest movement on the stage.

Shaoyuan was a bit puzzled: "Fellow Daoist, why do you not use weapons or magic tools to resist? Could it be that you look down upon my Kunwu Sect?"

Chengkai smiled upon hearing this: "Fellow Daoist, you misunderstand. I am a disciple under the seat of the Yuanqing Sect's Master of Arrays, Zhaoming Zhenren. Since entering the Dao, I have learned some basics of Array Formations from him. It is precisely because I am cautious that I intend to compete using array techniques."

Shaoyuan nodded upon hearing this. He had previously heard that the Yuanqing Sect's Zhaoming Zhenren was highly skilled in array techniques; the other party's behavior was clearly giving him plenty of respect.

"Since that is the case, then let us begin."

Yet, despite these words, neither of them moved. The crowd below the stage was greatly puzzled—had these two come onto the stage just to face each other and stand there like that? Or was it that their cultivation was so profound that they were actually battling with their minds?

In reality, that was naturally not the case.

For those skilled in arrays, most would secretly hide some magic tools on their person year-round, which they would not easily show in daily life. Only when an opponent made a move would they instantly pinch a seal and chant to activate them. If one did not have the certainty of a single strike, acting rashly would surely lead to defeat.

Furthermore, those skilled in arrays usually would not take the initiative to attack, so as not to expose their own abilities and give others an opportunity to exploit.

"Sigh~ what a pity... what a pity..."

Banxia and Lianqiao were watching the stage nervously when they heard a sigh beside them, accompanied by a crisp "crack" sound.

The two of them turned to look and saw Lingxiang standing beside them, peeling pine nuts as if she were watching a play. However, she didn't eat the peeled pine nuts, only placing them into a blue Pouch.

It was at this moment that Banxia realized what she had felt was missing earlier—it was Fucang Elder on the stage.

She and Lianqiao hurriedly prepared to bow, but Lingxiang stopped them.

"My current identity is inconvenient to reveal to others, so you two need not be so formal," she said, squeezing toward them. As soon as she reached them, she spoke again: "You don't need to be like this in daily life either. We are of similar age, so we can be like sisters. Just call me by my name; being called 'Elder' all day long is something I find extremely uncomfortable to hear."

If one were to ask why Banxia liked Lingxiang, it was because of this free-spirited nature of hers. She never judged others by their status, only treated them with sincerity, and was someone who never put on airs.

Lianqiao was initially unwilling, but Banxia gave her a tug.

"Since that is the case, then I will call you Lingxiang."

Hearing Banxia call Lingxiang by her name directly, without even a hint of an honorific, and without even raising her hand, Lianqiao was shocked, her eyes wide.

This...

Wasn't this a violation of etiquette?

However, seeing that Lingxiang seemed truly not to mind, she just smiled and said: "That's right!" As she spoke, she squeezed even closer to them, "There are very few women in the sect, and to be so bound by etiquette is quite boring."

Hearing this, Lianqiao finally set her heart at ease. It seemed this Fucang Elder truly did not care about such things, just as Banxia had told her in the past.

No wonder Banxia was always talking to her about this Fucang Elder; the two of them really did have compatible temperaments.

It was just that she found it hard to speak for a moment, so she had to change the subject: "Just now you said it was a pity, what was a pity?"

Lingxiang smacked her lips upon hearing this, took another pine nut from her pocket to peel, and clicked her tongue: "I think it's a pity for Chengkai's skill. I didn't expect your Uncle-Master Zhaoming to teach him array techniques. His sword style was incredibly handsome before; if he had continued to practice it until now, I'm sure he would have achieved something."

Lianqiao deeply agreed. She had seen Chengkai's sword style before, and it was indeed very dashing. However, she didn't quite understand: if one practiced array techniques, could one not practice sword style? She remembered that Chengxin Zhenren was also quite skilled in array techniques, yet she often saw him practicing with his sword.

Moreover, weren't there many times when one had to use a sword to set up an array?

The logic behind this was naturally different. Taking Chengxin Zhenren as an example, sword style was his signature skill, while array techniques were merely an auxiliary for him, which he did not use excessively.

But if one studied array techniques, the sword could not be considered a weapon in a relative sense; it would be more accurate to call it a magic tool. In that case, if a sword were used, its purpose would only be to draw out the Spirit Qi within the body to be used for setting up an array.

However, for Chengkai, it might not necessarily be so. Since Chengkai's sword style was excellent, perhaps it was not impossible for both to be cultivated to perfection; it was just unclear how Zhaoming Zhenren would train him.

Never mind, he was Brother Zhaoming's disciple anyway, so how he was taught was his own business, and it ultimately had little to do with her.

Lingxiang thought this to herself and dropped a pine nut into the Pouch.

For now, she is appearing here using the Substitute Spirit Technique and cannot enjoy these, but she can prepare them in advance; once this matter is settled, she will eat them all together, which she imagines will be quite satisfying.

Just as she was thinking this, Shaoyuan on the stage twisted his hand seals, turned around, and swung his long whip, attacking Chengkai; the whip carried a rumbling sound and was actually wreathed in streaks of electric light.

The saying goes that an inch longer is an inch stronger; since he himself had a long whip, he still had quite an advantage compared to the unarmed Chengkai, so it would be better to strike first and maximize this advantage, which might just lead to a victory in one stroke.

Seeing that whip swing toward Chengkai with thunderous light, the speed of the attack was like a bolt of heavenly lightning, and it looked as if it were about to strike him.

Yet Chengkai showed no panic; he waited until the long whip was right before his eyes, then crouched down to easily dodge it, and subsequently used his hand to weave the Five Elements Wood Character Technique.

Lingxiang was somewhat surprised to see this; they had not met for several months, and she had not expected Chengkai to already be at the Foundation Establishment level of cultivation. Although the hand seals he wove were merely the very ordinary Five Elements Formula, it was a Small Summoning Array.

This Summoning Array is a basic array that allows the practitioner to use their will to summon objects they have seen in daily life and apply them in actual combat; only those with Foundation Establishment cultivation can practice it.

It seems Zhaoming Zhenren is quite capable of teaching others; she had underestimated him.

Chengkai's hand seals flew, looking just like an old hand accustomed to the method of weaving seals; as he finished the seals, several trees suddenly sprouted from the flat ground on both sides of him.

In this way, Shaoyuan could no longer use his whip-swinging technique, and that Thunder Method could not be used either.

This move was indeed ingenious, and even the Elders on the stage had to praise it; Zhaoming Zhenren felt even more radiant, his face flushed with joy.

As for this disciple of his, he had previously struggled with how to train him, but he had not expected him to take the initiative to ask to study the art of Array Formations.

At first, Zhaoming Zhenren had indeed felt regret; he had seen Chengkai's swordsmanship, but he himself was truly not skilled in sword techniques, and he had once thought of entrusting him to Chengxin Zhenren for guidance. He had not expected that Chengkai would also be extremely talented in studying Array Formations; in just a few short months, he had been able to master some basic array techniques. Moreover, his reaction ability was excellent; even if given a random array topic, he could quickly weave the hand seals.

This disciple truly satisfied him! It was worth that Fire Spirit Bead of his.

But at the thought of the Fire Spirit Bead, Zhaoming Zhenren's cheek twitched, and that sense of pride dissipated quite a bit.

It pained him! It pained him too much!

Over there, Shaoyuan saw this scene but showed no panic; with a pull of his hand, he retracted the nine-section Soft Sword into his hand.

Since swinging the whip would not work, then he would throw it!

Thinking this, Shaoyuan turned and approached Chengkai; when there were still three or four steps between them, he threw the Soft Sword in his hand toward Chengkai. Only then did Chengkai see that the head of the nine-section Soft Sword was actually fitted with a dagger.

Seeing the dagger strike, Chengkai hurriedly channeled his cultivation method and retreated, weaving another Small Summoning Array with his hands, which was the Gold Character Technique.

Once the hand seals were set, a sword immediately appeared before Chengkai—it was the Soft Sword he had used back when he was an outer disciple. He quickly took it, swung the sword, and entangled Shaoyuan's Soft Sword on the blade.

Banxia felt a bit worried seeing this; Shaoyuan used a Soft Sword and was also proficient in the Thunder Method. By being entangled like this, wasn't he walking right into a trap?

It was not just Banxia who thought this; everyone thought the same. But based on the current situation, Chengkai could only use this as a delaying tactic.

It was at this moment that Shaoyuan set his hand seals, intending to use the Thunder Method from before. Seeing this, everyone broke into a cold sweat for Chengkai, and even Zhaoming Zhenren sat up, staring fixedly at the Yanwu Stage.

Although Shaoyuan's cultivation was not high, if one were to take this blow, it would not be light, and it was possible he would be injured.

The crowd was extremely nervous, but Lingxiang was very calm; she actually took another pine nut from her pouch and began to peel it, the 'crack' sound being particularly loud.

Naturally, she was not indifferent; she simply believed that Chengkai must have a plan.

Lingxiang was certain that Chengkai would definitely win this round.

No sooner said than done; just as the Thunder Method was about to descend, Chengkai exerted force and sent the sword flying out. The sword followed Chengkai's force and flew toward one of the trees he had just summoned, and the sword became firmly stuck in the branches.

The Thunder Method naturally struck the tree, but Shaoyuan's whip was still entangled on the sword, and before he could let go, Chengkai turned and kicked him off the Yanwu Stage.

These were all things that happened in an instant; before the crowd could react, they heard a shout of approval from somewhere, and then everyone followed suit.

The person who shouted was naturally Lingxiang, but she was currently hidden in the crowd and shouted in a lowered voice, so no one knew who it was.

Over there, Shaoyuan, who had been kicked off the Yanwu Stage, clutched his chest as he stood up and bowed to Chengkai, his face showing no sign of displeasure: "Brother Dao is very clever; I concede defeat."

Chengkai returned the bow: "You let me win!"