Demon Sword Sect’s Undercover
Chapter 656 - 656 655 Settling the Score 1

656: Chapter 655 Settling the Score 1 656: Chapter 655 Settling the Score 1 Understanding the cause of the situation, the Daoist could only console, “Dao brother, perhaps your concerns stem from the fear of chaos?

This Hou Niao may indeed be skilled, but surely there must be a limit, right?

I don’t believe he has the strength to match that of a Constellation True Inheritor.

Can Shan Sect really keep him at the level of an ordinary disciple forever?

And his so-called ability to defeat higher-level Cultivators may not necessarily represent his true power.

For instance, your Black Illusion Realm, haven’t you always said that relying on such cunning tricks is not the right way for Daoist Sects?

Sooner or later, it will backfire, gained by cunning, lost in illusion…”

Both men fell silent.

Every Cultivator has their own principles: schemes and deceptions on one hand, steadfastness in their Dao Heart on the other.

In a Sect, there must be those who can engage in deceptions, but it is even more critical to have those who are genuinely upright and honest.

Balancing these aspects is the correct path for the growth and prosperity of a Sect.

Tang Yan was destined to be one of those who tread the Great Dao.

Otherwise, how could he possibly break the Heaven and Earth Chains?

Does the Heavenly Dao show leniency to the faint-hearted?

Daoist Gu admired, “Perhaps Nephew Tang is using this Hou Niao to temper himself.

With turmoil on the horizon and inevitable competition among the Constellation True Inheritors, if the clash is bound to begin, then using this man as a starter might be a good idea?”

There were those who sought to rise and those who wanted to test their blades.

To the Sects of both parties, the fight seemed somewhat contrived, but for the two opponents, there was no way back.

In the end, it was all about who would become whose whetstone.

…

Two days later, four figures appeared in the sky: Li Chuping and Hou Niao, along with North An’s An Daoist and Yan Daoist.

The two Golden Core seniors flew ahead, while Hou Niao lingered beside the woman, completely lacking the tension that should precede a great battle.

“You don’t actually need to try so hard,” said Yan Daoist.

“Both Master Xiao and Master An have plans for you.

It wouldn’t be difficult for you to secure a position as an Anhe True Inheritor, especially since it seems like you’ve already killed all your competitors?”

Yan Daoist wasn’t too worried about him, having realized over time that calamity lives for a thousand years.

“That’s not the way to say it.

They were the ones who troubled me, not the other way around.

You can’t deduce motives from outcomes.

If I am maliciously targeted, can’t I fight back?”

But Yan Daoist ignored his self-justifications, “Your fight will take place in the Pocket World, thus completely avoiding external interference.

No one would be able to pull any tricks, which is fair.”

“Why come to White Fungus Mountain then?”

“It’s a matter of ritual.

They think if you die here, it will appease the spirits.”

“The Pocket World hasn’t collapsed yet?”

“It happened a long time ago.

But it’s not exactly a collapse, just a restart.

You’ll be able to fight to the fullest extent there without worrying about damaging anything.”

“Who proposed fighting in the Pocket World?”

“I’m not sure.

You should ask Assistant Li about that.”

The two flew on, chatting intermittently, and gradually, White Fungus Mountain loomed into view, along with four figures standing in the sky.

A few Golden Core seniors gathered to discuss the details of the duel, while Hou Niao landed behind, calmly locking eyes with a Daoist across from him.

This was a gentleman, gentle as jade; his appearances belied his fame in the Cultivation World of the Continent as the Heavenly Kui Star, with an unmatched record of past victories.

Tang Yan was polite and cultured, Hou Niao nodded in greeting with a smile.

If the future history of Cultivation on the Continent were to record this battle, it might be said they respected each other; but in reality, what’s known as respect is often just another term for mutual wariness.

Birds of a feather flock together, people are known by the company they keep.

Everyone tends to gather in circles based on their abilities, and mutual admiration is predicated on being similar in strength.

For them, competing against each other is very dangerous.

Rather than a deadly struggle, it makes more sense to unite against newcomers to protect their common interests.

Tang Yan was a part of such a circle; Hou Niao was keen to join, and this was the main reason they were bound to fight.

It wasn’t necessarily against the Heavenly Kui Star, it could have been anyone—Sirius of the Duan Family or even another of Shan Sect.

There must always be a beginning, and starting with Wu Sect was at least fitting in terms of enmity.

This was Hou Niao’s first attempt to step onto the stage of the Cultivation World of the Continent, moving beyond the scope of just Shan Sect and Lizhi Sea…

The communication among the Golden Core seniors was brief, with the main direction already determined and details deemed unnecessary.

A landscape in miniature was summoned, and the four Golden Core masters filed into it for an on-site inspection, ensuring there were no special arrangements by either party.

Such arrangements were virtually impossible in a Pocket World, which followed its own operating rules independent of external influence.

Outside, four disciples of the Natural Realm split into two groups: Hou Niao and Yan Daoist flying side by side, and Tang Yan alongside Qingshan Daoist, each discreetly observing the other.

Tang Yan chose not to speak to his opponent but to Yan Daoist instead, “Sister An, we meet again.

I wonder how the Calming Salve I gave you last time is holding up?

I have a new formula, and I’ll show it to you once this matter is settled.”

Yan Daoist remained composed, “Thank you, Brother.

The Calming Salve is very effective, and my sisters and I are very grateful…”

It seemed as if they knew each other well, speaking merrily and getting along harmoniously; meanwhile, Hou Niao and Qingshan Daoist were like two silent gourds, earnestly listening without uttering a word.

The contest had already begun, starting with Tang Yan’s greetings.

A fight was never merely about the physical combat; true experts start by applying psychological pressure even before the battle commences.

Take the so-called Calming Salve mentioned by Tang Yan, for instance.

He had keenly sensed the subtle relationship between Hou Niao and Yan Daoist, subtly hinting without being overt.

Though he said little, it was enough to stir imaginations, enough to create anger in a less tolerant person, and affect their judgment and unnecessary force during the subsequent fight.

Yan Daoist was clever, diffusing his insinuation with a mention of ‘my sisters,’ leaving the rest up to Hou Niao.

If he still couldn’t move past suspicions and mistrust, then he truly wouldn’t deserve to face this man.

Hou Niao?

He was furious!

In fact, he was far from the nonchalant appearance others perceived.

But what set him apart was not an outward display of rage, but a streetwise reaction of returning the favor.

Tossing back whatever was thrown at him.

He had plenty of hats to spare, and didn’t mind handing a few out.

He much preferred sharing the joy with others.

A moment later, the four Golden Core seniors emerged from the Pocket World, their expressions indicating nothing amiss with the small world itself.