Daoist Competition
Chapter 88 - 8: Comprehending the Sublime Truth through the Dispersion of Clouds and Mists (Part 2)

Chapter 88: Chapter 8: Comprehending the Sublime Truth through the Dispersion of Clouds and Mists (Part 2)

Zhang Yan wanted to examine the disparity between the two energies in his chest and that of his opponent. At this moment, he exhaled a mouthful of Lan Yun Clear Qi, but it was like snow entering a boiling pot—instantly dissolved.

He shook his head; it seemed that Lan Yun Clear Qi was indeed far inferior to Qian Spirit Clear Qi in terms of Qi Mechanism refinement.

However, his expression shifted. Being keenly attuned to Qi Mechanisms, he noticed a faint wisp of Spiritual Energy lingering in the air, neither completely dissipated nor entirely substantial.

His eyes glimmered as he exhaled a strand of Qian Spirit Clear Qi, enveloped that faint wisp of Spiritual Energy, and brought it back into his chest to scrutinize carefully.

Upon closer inspection, he realized that although most of the Clear Qi had been ground away, the remaining trace was exceptionally pure—almost akin to Qian Spirit Clear Qi refined by Fierce Fire Golden Wind. Seeing this, his eyes brightened, and an audacious idea formed in his mind.

He decided to try again.

He once more exhaled a mouthful of Lan Yun Clear Qi toward the fiery energies below. As expected, the fire ground the Clear Qi until it dissolved, leaving only a trace. As it drifted to fade away, Qian Spirit Clear Qi enveloped it once again, brought it back, and upon examination, it appeared even purer than before. Evidently, the earlier result was no fluke.

If not for being amidst a battle, Zhang Yan would have burst into laughter because he suddenly realized he might not need to rely directly on True Essence to refine Qian Spirit Clear Qi—a slow and arduous process that depended on the tri-daily bursts of Evil Qi. Instead, he could first refine Lan Yun Clear Qi, which was comparatively simple to practice—producing three to four times as much in the time required for a single strand of Qian Spirit Clear Qi—and then use the Dharma technique recorded in the Taiyin Golden Book to grind it under Fierce Fire Golden Wind. This newfound method could likely double his efficiency.

It dawned on him that both Qian Spirit Clear Qi and Clear Qi shared the same essence; what set them apart was merely the method and degree of refinement. His previous insistence on directly refining with True Essence was blind stubbornness. This revelation proved that finding the right approach could transform a winding road into a shortcut.

Elated by this breakthrough, he aimed to test this newfound method at the earliest opportunity. He no longer intended to prolong his fight with Wang Pan. Taking out the Proclamation Pen, he said, "Go!"

The Proclamation Pen moved effortlessly, traversing the area once, sweeping away half of the fiery energies with ease, shattering Wang Pan’s spell instantly.

Wang Pan was startled and immediately sensed something was amiss. Realizing disaster was imminent, he abandoned the remaining fiery energies and turned to flee. Zhang Yan, perched atop the mist, saw it clearly. With a flick of his robe sleeve, he unleashed a dart of green light aimed squarely at Wang Pan’s back.

"Snap," "Snap"—two sharp sounds echoed. Wang Pan felt the twin Lingyu Tokens on him shatter simultaneously. With a sudden realization of Zhang Yan’s exceptional Dharma Treasure, he no longer hesitated. Desperate, he bolted downhill.

Zhang Yan sneered coldly. "Do you think you can escape?"

Forming a hand seal, he directed the green light forward again. This time, Wang Pan’s Exorcism Jade Pendant automatically leaped out to protect its master but shattered like a fragile brick under the strike. The Ruyi Divine Shuttle circled once, severing Wang Pan’s legs clean off. A bloodcurdling scream rang out as his body collapsed to the ground.

Wang Pan, resilient even in dire straits, realized his life was in grave danger. Despite the intense pain from his severed legs, he dragged himself forward with his arms in a desperate bid to escape.

This time, however, there would be no escape. Suddenly, darkness descended as a stone ink slab, five zhang in size, dropped down on him. Though half his body remained outside of the slab’s crushing weight, he didn’t even have time to utter a cry before a resounding "crack" reduced his upper torso to powder—his Primordial Spirit obliterated in the process. Thoroughly dead, his soul scattered.

Retrieving his Dharma Treasure, Zhang Yan descended gracefully from the mist, walking up to Wang Pan’s remains to conduct a search.

Wang Pan was far poorer compared to Du Youhan. He didn’t possess a Qiankun Pouch—merely an ordinary sleeve bag.

Zhang Yan took several items from him, but aside from the Prohibition Token for the Cave Mansion on Red Cloud Island, nothing seemed particularly valuable. Even the Flying Sword and Copper Spear were now in Zhang Yan’s possession. However, as he finished searching, he noticed a bottle containing Elixir Pills that caught his attention.

"The Chi Life Elixir?"

A faint glow of joy appeared on Zhang Yan’s face. "I’ve heard that during the Third Realm’s transition to Yin Yang Unity, abnormal Qi is likely to arise, disrupting spiritual mechanisms. Without exceptional natural talent and the fortitude of a Great Determination Expert, it’s nearly impossible to endure such trials. The Chi Life Elixir, however, can suppress abnormal Qi, purify contamination, and dispel turbidity—this will save me considerable effort."

He carefully stored the elixir away before turning to descend the mountain.

"Apologies for keeping everyone waiting!"

The cloud mist dispersed, revealing Zhang Yan’s figure. Standing atop a tree, swaying slightly in the wind, his scarf fluttered, robe flowing, and belt flapping against the breeze. Behind him, earth fire surged skyward, smoke roiling everywhere. Yet, his expression remained calm, without joy or sorrow—a bearing akin to an Immortal, arguably surpassing one.

The crowd exchanged bewildered glances, as if trapped in a dream. Their faces showed disbelief—had Wang Pan really lost? His life and assets, gone entirely? Some displayed confusion, unable to process what had transpired.

Feng Zhen’s face darkened as if veiled by frost, but he failed to notice his sister Feng Yao, who stared unblinkingly at Zhang Yan. A faint gleam flickered in her beautiful eyes.

Turning to the group of Powerful Warriors accompanying Wang Pan, Zhang Yan declared, "Wang Pan has fallen at my hand, his remains utterly destroyed, his soul scattered. From now on, you serve me. Today, I grant you leave to settle your families and arrange your affairs. In a few days, I shall visit Red Cloud Island for an inspection. Any acts of defiance will be met with disciplinary action under sect rules. Have I made myself clear?"

In the hierarchy of Absolute Fighting, defeating Wang Pan meant inheriting everything he owned—including his Powerful Warriors, attendants, concubines, servants, Cave Mansion, Elixir Pills, Dharma Treasure Flying Boat—everything.

In his heart, Zhang Yan even considered challenging a few more well-off disciples. This seemed to be an excellent way to amass wealth.

However, he quickly suppressed this thought. Overindulgence leads to decline, excess to ruin. A subtle display of prowess was acceptable, but too much attention invited misfortune; trees towering above the forest were inevitably felled by the wind. Moreover, even Wang Pan’s inheritance was likely sufficient for Zhang Yan to utilize for a long while.

The Powerful Warriors and attendants dared not oppose him. They were personal property of Cultivators, who could kill them at whim without consequence. If they rebelled against their master, not only would sect rules punish them, but all sects and families under heaven would collectively hunt them down—leaving them no choice but submission. They promptly replied, "We shall await your arrival at the island."

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