Daoist Competition
Chapter 127 - 28: Green Stone Wall - True Origin Sword Scripture_2

Chapter 127: Chapter 28: Green Stone Wall - True Origin Sword Scripture_2

Zhou Chongju set down the golden book and asked, "I’ve heard that the embassy was ambushed by the Deep Pool Water Demon en route. The Su Family sent someone to rescue you, but they ended up losing a disciple themselves. Is this true?"

Zhang Yan let out a cold laugh and said, "The Su Family has truly put on a good show."

Zhou Chongju revealed a knowing expression. Seeing that Zhang Yan didn’t elaborate further, he refrained from asking more. Instead, he tapped the golden book and said, "I’ll deliver this to the Sect Leader. Since you’ve returned, why don’t you go to the Qingyan Wall at Yingluo Island to attend the lecture? Today is the day Elder Chen imparts the sect’s Flying Sword Skill. All entry-level disciples may attend and listen. This opportunity comes only once every sixteen years; you mustn’t miss it."

For entry-level disciples, sixteen years constituted a generation. This designation wasn’t based on master-disciple relationships but rather on time spent in the sect. Zhang Yan had been in the Upper Court for less than a year. By this reckoning, he was indeed part of the "youngest generation."

"Teaching the Flying Sword Skill?"

Zhang Yan’s expression shifted as he recalled Shen Yuefeng’s use of a Flying Sword to force Luo Xiao into retreat on the river—almost entirely overwhelming him. If not for Luo Xiao’s reliance on numerous Dharma Treasures and favorable terrain, confronting such an opponent would have been exceedingly difficult.

Zhang Yan had long heard that among the Sixteen Great Sects of the East Splendor Continent, only disciples of five sects could wield Sword Balls during the Ming Qi Stage, and the Mingcang Sect was one of them. Upon learning that Flying Sword Killing Techniques were being taught today, he felt it was necessary to go observe.

After saying a few more words to Zhou Chongju, Zhang Yan got up, bid farewell, and left the fishing boat, directly steering a Flying Boat toward Yingluo Island.

Half an hour later, a basin-like island encircled by mountains and dense trees appeared in front of him.

At the northernmost part of the island, leaning against a mountain, stood a massive green stele—ninety zhang tall and smooth as a mirror. In front of the stele lay a broad open area, crowded with people as far as the eye could see—likely numbering in the tens of thousands.

The elders of the Mingcang Sect held lectures annually, imparting various Marvelous Techniques from the Xuanmen. It was now Elder Chen’s turn to give a lecture, and this elder did not discriminate based on master-disciple relationships or lineage, nor whether one hailed from the cold list; all entry-level disciples could come and listen.

Upon arriving, Zhang Yan did not dare to fly recklessly. From a distance, he disembarked his Flying Boat, then walked over to the open space. He observed that each disciple was seated on a stone stool, and most seats were fully occupied. However, he noticed two vacant spots in the front row and was about to head there when a nearby female cultivator stood up and called out to him, "Senior Brother, those seats at the front belong to Brother Yun and Senior Brother Meng. There are empty seats over here."

Zhang Yan paused and turned to look. The female cultivator appeared to be around fifteen or sixteen years old, with a round face, cherry lips, and delicate features. Her bright eyes contained an innocent, lively light. There was indeed a stone stool beside her, seemingly vacated not long ago. Zhang Yan walked over with a faint smile and said, "Thank you, Junior Sister."

The female cultivator blushed slightly as Zhang Yan’s gaze fell upon her, saying, "Senior Brother is too kind. If you were to offend any of the higher-cultivation senior brothers, it wouldn’t be good."

In truth, seating was arranged according to cultivation level: the front rows were occupied by Ming Qi Second Realm and Third Realm disciples, followed by those in the Ming Qi First Realm, and finally Meridian Opening Disciples. Zhang Yan’s cultivation—honed through the Taiyin Golden Book—was carefully concealed, such that even those of higher cultivation couldn’t discern his realm. It was only natural for others to mistake him for having lower cultivation.

After sitting down, Zhang Yan cupped his hands and said, "May I ask Junior Sister’s name?"

"My name is Qin Nan. I wonder, Senior Brother..."

As the female cultivator began to ask Zhang Yan’s name, her cherry lips had just parted when a resonant chime rang out, spreading leisurely across the venue. A Daoist boy stepped forward and announced, "The time has come. Ancestor Master will begin the lecture. All disciples must refrain from talking."

Everyone immediately fell silent and focused their attention forward.

Zhang Yan raised his eyes and saw a stone platform to the left of the Qingyan Wall. A broad-faced, long-bearded old Daoist sat upright upon it—surely Elder Chen himself. He waved a horsetail whisk, and a disciple accompanying him stepped forward.

This disciple approached the green stone wall, pointed to his forehead, and a speck of white light suddenly emerged. A Sword Ball leaped into the air, hovering and spiraling around him.

The disciple looked toward Elder Chen, who slowly nodded in approval. The disciple then turned to address the crowd, loudly saying, "This swordsmanship is called the True Origin Sword Scripture. After today’s demonstration, no disciples may privately teach it to others. Violators will face strict punishment as per sect rules."

After a pause, he added, "Watch closely."

He raised two fingers and pointed, sending the white Sword Ball streaking thirty zhang forward like an arrow shot from a bow. It then began to whirl and dance in the air, its movements weaving through streams of light and shadows. In an instant, it resembled a hundred silver fish frolicking in water—mesmerizing everyone present.