Daoist Competition
Chapter 66 - 33: Secretly Implement a Crafty Plan to Slay Xuan Guang (Part 2)_2

Chapter 66: Chapter 33: Secretly Implement a Crafty Plan to Slay Xuan Guang (Part 2)_2

Du Bo’s voice seemed about to erupt, but the voice on the other side chuckled lightly and said, "Du Bo, let me speak frankly. At this moment in the Yingyun Shell Field, there are more than one individual whose cultivation surpasses yours, and Du You is in our hands. I advise you not to entertain any reckless thoughts. If you make a move, you’ll be killed here immediately, and Du You will be taken back to the mountain gate, just as several senior brothers wish!"

When Du Bo heard this, his heart immediately filled with both shock and fear. There might indeed be other disciples of the Mingcang Sect outside the shell field, ready to provide support — otherwise, the other party wouldn’t have been able to enter.

As the other party stated, if the incident of secretly swallowing the Xuanzhu were to be exposed, and Du Bo dared make a move, it would give them the perfect excuse to kill him. Coupled with his failure to protect Du You afterward, his family would likely face the wrath of the Du Family, making his death an utterly meaningless one.

Having pondered the implications clearly, he quickly abandoned his earlier life-risking thoughts. Softening his tone, he said, "Your Excellency, what is it that you truly wish for?"

The other voice drifted out leisurely, "Whatever you choose, it all depends on Master Du’s own intentions."

Du Bo couldn’t help but feel puzzled. If the other side wanted to kill him, they would have already acted. Why were they hesitating? Could it be that their cultivation wasn’t sufficient to ensure victory? That didn’t make sense either. At most, they could simply leave, taking Du You and forcing the Du Family to bow.

Intentions...

His thoughts raced, pondering deeply, and combining this cryptic statement, he finally reached a sudden realization.

So this was their goal!

With this understanding, everything became clear.

Having figured it out, he believed he had a grasp of the other party’s intentions and was no longer flustered. He said, "Your Excellency, could we perhaps discuss this?"

"Speak."

Du Bo probed, "Both of us are pursuing the path to immortality, originating from the same source. Why must we fight to the death? Besides, since the Xuanzhu has been swallowed by my nephew, I can offer you certain benefits. Would you spare both of us?"

The other side fell silent. After a moment, they finally said, "What benefits do you propose?"

Du Bo was delighted to hear this and became more assured. He said, "I’ve exhausted my stock of elixirs, but I still possess quite a few Spiritual Shells. If Your Excellency spares us, I am willing to offer you everything I have on me. What do you think?"

The other party sneered coldly, "Du Bo, you underestimate us. A mere few Spiritual Shells—what value do they hold?"

Du Bo’s expression remained unchanged. He thought to himself, as long as you’re willing to negotiate, the specifics can be worked out.

"I am willing to swear an oath that if we are allowed to leave, I will ensure a rich reward for Your Excellency."

"Oaths may be well and good, but I don’t intend to cross paths with Master Du again. As such, only things I can take in hand and consume can be trusted. Anything too distant in the future—don’t bother bringing it up."

Zhang Yan cast Luo Xiao a half-smile glance, surprised that she had mirrored the coercive words he had once used on her—quite formidable in its own right.

Perhaps recalling past grievances, Luo Xiao glared back at him venomously.

Du Bo asked again, "Then what does Your Excellency wish for?"

Luo Xiao replied unhurriedly, "I’ve heard that you, Du Bo, possess a ’Heart-shattering Arrow’ and a ’Mystic Bird Shield.’ These two Dharma Treasures complement each other in offense and defense. If you present them both, I will spare you and the Du Family."

Du Bo fell silent, evidently contemplating the proposal seriously.

Zhang Yan and Luo Xiao showed no signs of impatience—after all, the longer they delayed, the more energy Du Bo would expend.

They weren’t worried that anyone from above would come down to investigate. When utilizing True Dew for Opening Veins and the Jade Liquid Pool, the timeframe was similar—no less than a month, and there wouldn’t be any disturbances within the first half-month at least.

After a long pause, Du Bo finally spoke slowly, "This time, I only brought the Mystic Bird Shield. The Heart-shattering Arrow’s spiritual nature was damaged in a fierce battle last month and has yet to be restored."

Luo Xiao immediately stated, "I am not alone here. A single Mystic Bird Shield won’t suffice."

The meaning behind these words was clear enough—not only was she here; one Dharma Treasure wouldn’t be enough to divide among them.

Du Bo hesitated for a moment before sighing, "Fine. I also have a Purple Hidden Feather Robe, woven from Yuqing silk. It can withstand ordinary Dharma Treasure Flying Swords. It was intended as a celebratory gift for my nephew after his Opening Meridians ceremony, but I will also offer it to you. What do you think?"

Luo Xiao was about to speak when Zhang Yan softly whispered something from the side.

Luo Xiao froze briefly, then glanced at Zhang Yan with a peculiar expression, coughed, and said, "This offer is good. However, one of my companions requires no Dharma Treasures and merely despises your Du Family’s hypocrisy. Originally, he wanted to ensure Du You failed to open his meridians, but unexpectedly, the boy stumbled upon immense fortune instead. Overcome with indignation, he wished to exact his frustration by breaking Du You’s limbs. But seeing he’s merely a youth, it felt beneath his dignity. Thus, master Du, once you offer both treasures, you must also break your own legs, and this matter will then be settled."

Du Bo unexpectedly responded with striking decisiveness, saying, "Why wait for later? I can agree to Your Excellency’s terms right now!"

With two audible thuds, he struck and broke his own legs, then asked, "Is your companion satisfied now?"

This wasn’t a sign of madness or self-destructive tendencies on Du Bo’s part; it was simply because this was trivial to him. As a Xuan Guang Stage Practitioner, he could use Xuan Guang to control his body and achieve flight. Though his current stock of Xuan Guang was sparse, as long as he could sit down and breathe to adjust, he could reattach his broken legs within an hour.

Yet, he didn’t realize he’d soon regret his decision.

Luo Xiao said, "Good, Master Du keeps his word. Now, wipe your Essence Blood from the shield and send it out together."

"Wait. How can I trust you?"

"Master Du, I vow upon Heaven and Earth, should anyone reveal even the slightest detail of this matter, they will suffer divine retribution—struck by Heavenly Thunder and burned by earth fire. What do you say?"

After hearing this, Du Bo felt reassured. Cultivators’ oaths were bound by immediate cause and effect and could not afford the slightest falsehood, so he agreed at once.

Luo Xiao swiftly made her oath, showing decisive resolve—it was a matter she intended to keep confidential from the beginning.

Once the oath was sworn, Du Bo relaxed, immediately taking out his personal treasures. Grinding his teeth, he erased the Essence Blood binding them, feeling an ache in his heart, and then retrieved the Feather Robe. Using Xuan Guang to wrap them, he tossed the shield and robe outside the cave.

He exercised a bit of cunning, deliberately tossing them closer to the mouth of the cave to catch a glimpse of his opponent’s identity. Yet, before they even landed, a flash of black Xuan Guang darted by and snatched the Mystic Bird Shield and Feather Robe.

Du Bo’s heart trembled; the opponent was indeed a Xuan Guang Stage Practitioner!

He quickly relaxed, feeling reassured that the other party truly did not intend to do anything drastic. It seemed they simply wanted to extort some benefits—otherwise, with their level of cultivation, they could have easily barged in and silenced him.

He didn’t realize that he had already fallen step by step into their carefully laid trap.

With the treasures in hand, Zhang Yan and Luo Xiao exchanged glances, their hearts set.

With his Dharma Treasures gone, Du Bo was like a tiger whose teeth had been pulled, much less of a threat.

The key to this plan lay in leveraging pressure and deception, making Du Bo believe they were part of the Sect Leader’s faction, ensuring he wouldn’t dare resist and would instead seek a compromise.

In Zhang Yan’s original plan, if Du Bo insisted on refusal, they would have no choice but to engage in combat. If things didn’t go well, they could still rely on Luo Xiao’s Xuan Guang to retreat swiftly.

Of course, this was the worst-case scenario.

Judging by Du Bo’s behavior on Cangwu Mountain earlier, Zhang Yan didn’t believe this was a heated and impulsive individual who acted without regard for consequences. On the contrary, Du Bo’s personality veered towards conservatism, giving Zhang Yan some confidence in his strategy.

First, eliminate the entourage at Du Bo’s side, then swindle his treasures, forcing him to break his own legs. Now, bereft of protection and stripped of strength, he was the perfect prey for further exploitation.

Zhang Yan stood up straight, his voice turning solemn, "Luo Daoist, if not now, then when?"