The Daoistâs expression changed as he watched, knowing full well the power of this divine skill. Before arriving, his senior brothers repeatedly advised him to be cautious of this technique. If struck by this divine thunder, his painstakingly cultivated "Yin Qing Rope" would surely be destroyed. Helpless, he had to abandon the idea of securing the treasure, withdraw the Green Rope, and use the wind to retreat backward, temporarily avoiding the sharp edge.
The Five Spirit White Carp Shuttle, freed from its restraints, chirped happily, and in a flash of rainbow-white light, it had already escaped.
Meanwhile, Zhang Yan seized the opportunity while the Daoist was distracted, summoned the "Blessing and Longevity Locking Yang Cicada," and spun it in the air. With a downward wrist press, it cast a clear and exquisite light, fluttering like a butterfly, and attacked the white-headed tiger.
The white tiger had just rolled over to evade the Qiankun Leafâs disturbance. Seeing two more Dharma treasures rushing at it, it was too late to dodge them again, so it lowered its head. In a puff of smoke, it transformed back into a silver flying shuttle with needle-like ends, streaking away like a bolt.
Yingwei Daoist reached out and retrieved it, feeling frustrated. This White Tiger Essence Shuttle was originally a formidable weapon, and since its creation, it hadnât encountered any opponents, but today, facing Zhang Yan, it was unable to exert its power effectively.
He couldnât help but murmur, "My Dharma treasures are not more numerous than his; I cannot defeat him. When I return and refine the Four Spirits Profound Shuttle, then I will battle him again."
Now, Zhang Yan possessed three mystical artifacts, both offensive and defensive. With these three treasures at hand, even at the Sixteen Sects Sword Fighting Conference, he could hold his ground. Though the Daoistâs technique was profound, he was momentarily forced into a corner.
Unable to surpass Zhang Yan, continuing the struggle was fruitless. The Daoist suddenly wanted to leave, ready to rise, when Zhang Yanâs gaze lowered, standing still. Suddenly, he lightly flicked his sleeve, and a thread of golden light rose, circling once around the arena before disappearing.
The Daoist suddenly froze, emitted a tragic cry, followed by a loud sound, smoke and clouds billowing and scattering. A black shadow, as thick as a barrel and several hundred meters long, shot up into the clouds. Amidst the Gang Flow, the Daoistâs voice echoed with resentment, "Junior Brother Zhang, well done; today I, Luo Canghai, have learned my lesson. I shall meet you another day."
Zhang Yan was not willing to let the person go so easily, snorted, and, with a flick of his sleeve, pursued into the clouds. However, at the horizon, a shadow appeared, fleeting like a shooting star, eluding swiftly, flashed a few times, and vanished. His gaze fixed, he spoke solemnly, "Little All Heaven Moving Technique?"
The technique the person used, though concealed, Zhang Yan discerned it, resembling one of Mingcang Sectâs Five Skills and Three Scriptures, the "Green Spirit Manifestation Yuanwei Technique," raising suspicion of the personâs identity.
With the use of this minor divine power and the mention of him as Junior Brother, the personâs identity was becoming apparent.
Zhang Yan recalled four auspicious lights following the Daoist upon arrival, turning to look at the mountaintop.
Upon closer inspection, he saw four banners fluttering in the wind, with light rays swirling, forming a brilliant cloud. From afar, they resembled cultivators flying through the air.
He inwardly sneered, indicating the opponent came prepared; otherwise, they wouldnât use such items.
This person was calculative, timing precisely after Zhang Yan battled seven from Lie Xuan Sect, clearly intending to exploit his exhausted mana for an opportunity.
Anyone hearing the personâs words would instinctively assume the person was an elder from the Zhenluo Alliance.
With this assumed identity and feigned misunderstanding, the attack was justifiable. A less cautious person might focus on explanation, easily falling prey to the plan.
If not for Zhang Yanâs meticulous thinking, discerning an anomaly from Liang Changgongâs actions, even with treasure clothes for protection, he might have suffered a loss.
Zhang Yan pondered further, curious about how the person evaded his Gold Element True Light.
Descending from the clouds to where the Daoist escaped, he looked downward and discovered a dark black python molt coiled on the ground. Roughly estimated, it stretched dozens of meters long if unfolded.
Circling around it, he mused, "This person must be the Python Spirit attaining Dao, thus leaving such a relic behind. It seems they used some death substitution technique to escape that strike."
Thinking of this, he smiled faintly; such a technique must harm the primordial qi and cannot be frequently deployed. Next time, should he encounter this person again, heâd observe their escape strategy.
A cloud floated over, and Liang Changgong landed beside Zhang Yan, approaching with lingering fear, clasping his hands in greeting, fearfully saying, "True Master Zhang, that person is definitely not an elder from our Zhenluo Alliance."
Zhang Yan nodded, smiling, "Daoist Liang, do not worry. I know this person has another origin, unrelated to your alliance."
Liang Changgong felt slightly relieved, witnessing Zhang Yan singly battling Lie Xuan Sectâs seven elders, knowing not to cross him.
Especially with the Zhenluo Allianceâs array command token in Zhang Yanâs hand, a misunderstanding could lead to unforeseen disasters.
Glancing at the sky, Liang Changgong thought, "Strange that Elder Duan, who guards near Double Moon Peak, hasnât arrived after such a long time; could there have been an accident?"
He worried again.
Unbeknownst to him, the commotion from the Golden Bridge of Transition made elders stationed around by the Zhenluo Alliance aware of anomalies.
However, with Double Moon Peak protected by a forbidden array, they initially paid little attention, remaining seated.
Only when the Flying Book from Double Moon City arrived did they realize the seven elders from Lie Xuan Sect invaded, yet the mountain guarding formation remained inactive, shocking the external elders from all sides, prompting them to advance to support Double Moon Peak.
Fearing loneliness of strength, they hesitated.
By evening, five elders converged and hurried over.
...
...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, welcome to visit Qidian (qidian.com) and vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)