Daoist Competition
Chapter 133 - 31: Chen Xun Faces Difficulties, Fish Maid Achieves Merits_2

Chapter 133: Chapter 31: Chen Xun Faces Difficulties, Fish Maid Achieves Merits_2

Although he was also an elder, it was merely because his cultivation level and years of service had reached the required threshold—he held a nominal title only. He was in no way comparable to those elders of Du Zhen Hall who were addressed with their revered titles.

While he was feeling torn about what to do, he suddenly sensed a faint tremor beneath his feet. His expression revealed a trace of joy as he looked up to the sky and smiled, saying, "Could it be Brother Xun who has arrived?"

Shortly afterward, a red light appeared in the sky, followed by a blazing fireball descending from above. The fiery glow burst and receded, revealing a tall, brawny figure with a face full of a bristling beard. This cultivator exuded a terrifying aura with every step, creating the sensation of the earth quaking and mountains trembling.

Zhang Yan felt a chill in his heart, thinking to himself, "Wind and fire follow his movements; his steps are as immovable as mountains; his breath coalesces into clouds—this is unmistakably the Second Level of Hua Dan Realm, with the palpable signs of Elixir Evil seeping outward."

Before the cultivator even approached, he burst into hearty laughter and said, "So it turns out to be Master Zhou’s disciple! Truly a young hero of remarkable talent. In that case, I, an elder, should not be stingy."

He strode toward Zhang Yan, and even before getting close, Zhang Yan could already feel waves of heat rushing toward him.

The cultivator stopped in front of Zhang Yan, towering over him by half a head, and fixed his eyes on him, saying, "Junior Brother Zhang, just earlier, I observed from the sky as you manipulated your spiritual mechanism to deliver forty-eight rotations before finally defeating Feng Ming. If my guess is correct, like Feng Ming, you too possess forty-nine streams of spiritual energy within you—a sign of outstanding natural gifts. But if your opponent were even slightly stronger, what would you do then?"

Without waiting for Zhang Yan to answer, he pointed to his own chest and abdomen, saying, "I have a mantra here called ’Creation from Nothing,’ which is one of the secret techniques of the True Origin Sword Scripture. It can grant you an additional three rotations even when your spiritual energy is entirely depleted. Since you desire this Star Sword Ball, the mantra and swordsmanship cannot be separated. However, I must first test your character. You may use any means necessary, but if you can gather one thousand Black Stone Shrimp before sundown, I will pass the mantra and the Star Sword Ball to you. If you fail, then it means you’re not destined for this swordsmanship, and naturally, the sword ball cannot be yours. What do you think?"

Black Stone Shrimp is a unique species from Dragon Abyss Marsh. Its roe can be used in elixirs and is also a fine delicacy. With careful cooking, even cultivators find it irresistibly tempting. Zhou Chongju’s fishing vessel, for example, is crafted from a Black Stone Shrimp with a lifespan of over three thousand years.

However, these fish have a membrane under their bellies, which—after prolonged cultivation—can grow into a pair of wings, enabling them to fly through water at unparalleled speeds. Their skin is tough, their scales thick, and they are notoriously cunning, fond of frolicking in the depths, making them exceedingly difficult to catch.

Although there was still more than half a day until sundown, catching a thousand shrimps within this timeframe was unquestionably challenging. Catching even ten shrimps might be impossible for someone with less luck.

Zhang Yan sneered inwardly, thinking, "It’s obvious they don’t want me to obtain the Star Sword Ball, so they’ve concocted this absurd condition. As elders, how shameless must they be to create such deliberate obstacles, all to pass the sword ball to Feng Ming—calling it a test of character while, in truth, trying to quash my aspirations."

Nonetheless, do they think I’ll simply give up because of this?

Without hesitation, he responded, "Very well, I ask the two elders to patiently wait here. This junior will return shortly."

The two elders were taken aback by his quick agreement. They exchanged glances, and Elder Xun narrowed his eyes with a smile, waving his hand, saying, "Go ahead. My senior brother and I will wait here. Whether you succeed or not depends on your own fortune."

Zhang Yan said no more and boarded his flying boat, soaring into the sky.

But instead of heading out in search of Black Stone Shrimp, he returned directly to Spiritual Paper Island. As soon as the prohibition barrier opened, Luo Xiao came out to greet him first with a bow, saying, "Welcome back, my lord."

Surveying his surroundings, Zhang Yan saw groups of Fish Demon Beauties swimming and playing in the water, splashing waves of brilliant light. Normally, the prohibition remained closed, restricting them to a five-mile radius within the waters of Spiritual Paper Island. But now, they were truly "like fish in water."

However, Zhang Yan couldn’t allow them to idle at the moment. He shouted for them to gather, explained his intentions, and issued an order. Over a hundred Mermaid Beauties responded in unison and dove deep into the water.

The Powerful Warriors living on the shore, sensing the situation, immediately sought out several tall bamboo baskets from the items brought over from Red Cloud Island and set them along the bank.

Zhang Yan nodded, waved his robe sleeve, and scattered generous rewards of elixirs among them. With his position as an inspector of the Elixir Cauldron Institute and Zhou Chongju’s lack of restrictions on his use of resources, he was never short on elixirs and dispensed them liberally.

These Powerful Warriors hadn’t seen him often since moving to the island, but now they found him even more generous than Wang Pan. Feeling they had chosen the right master, they knelt and offered their reverence.

About an hour later, the Fish Demon Beauties returned, each carrying a waterproof, intricately crafted pouch outfitted with one or two lively Black Stone Carp. However, the total count was still far from a thousand. Zhang frowned inwardly, thinking, "The people of Water Country claim the Fish Maids excel at catching fish and can dive deep into the sea. Could the rumors be misleading?"

Fish Maids were skilled in reading expressions, and upon noticing Zhang Yan’s displeasure, they dared not speak further and hastily dived back into the water, tossing aside the Black Stone Shrimp they’d just caught. One particularly bold Fish Maid emerged and said hesitantly, "Master, do not despair. We are not yet familiar with the habits of the Black Stone Carp, so our results are sparse for now. Give us another hour, and we shall gather them with ease."

Zhang Yan smiled, replying, "No matter. Even if the count falls short, I will not blame you. Do your best—that is all I ask." His resolve was firm—external resources might aid cultivation, but whether gained or lost, he remained undaunted. Failure to acquire the sword ball today would not upset him.

Encouraged by his words, the Fish Maids grew animated, as though freed from some burden. They redoubled their efforts, diving deeper with newfound vigor. Among the Water Clan, such emotional warmth was common, yet it often led to sorrow-induced harm, accounting for their relatively short lifespans.

Another hour passed, and when the Fish Maids returned again, this time each pouch contained seven to eight Black Stone Shrimps, with some bringing back over ten. Coupled with the previous haul, the total count approached two thousand—far surpassing Zhang Yan’s initial expectations. He was greatly pleased and rewarded them once more with an abundant scattering of elixirs.

Turning to the bold Fish Maid from earlier, he asked, "What is your name?"

The Fish Maid obediently replied, "This servant’s name is Shang Shang."

Zhang Yan nodded, flicked his fingers, and a Transformation Elixir landed in her hand. "I grant you this elixir to help you shed fins and scales and attain a human form."

Shang Shang froze momentarily, then stared dazedly at Zhang Yan, tears streaming down as emotions overwhelmed her. She had resigned herself to a life of servitude, never dreaming of freedom. Yet now, hope blossomed—a chance to leave behind her fish-like lower body, ascend to land, and even cultivate toward enlightenment. Overcome with gratitude, she raised her voice in song.

Her solo quickly turned into a joyful chorus as over a hundred Fish Maids joined her in jubilant singing. Their harmonious voices reverberated across Spiritual Paper Island like an enchanting melody.

Luo Xiao couldn’t help but sigh, saying, "Master, the Fish Maids’ song has the power to soften even the hardest hearts, evoke repentance in the gravest sinners, and invigorate those at the brink of despair. It is a rare gift to witness."

Zhang Yan nodded in agreement, remarking, "Indeed, it is hauntingly beautiful, an extraordinary pleasure."

But unbeknownst to him, a figure was flying high above, hundreds of feet in the air. Upon hearing the song, the individual furrowed his brows and scoffed coldly, saying, "Lewd tunes and wicked music, beguiling the heart! What is this demon doing in the depths of Mingcang Sect’s territory?"

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