Lingyuan Immortal

Chapter 960 Starry Sky Contest Under the Three Immortal Pillars

In the afternoon, the clouds surged and billowed, and the peaks and floating islands appeared and disappeared among the vast sea of ​​clouds, like a fairy painting.

On the altar of the Two Elements Temple, Luo Feng was talking quietly with Wei Cangdong when he suddenly sensed something and looked up.

Not only the two of them, but also the Taoist nun surnamed Song and others stood up.

Ahead, amidst ripples of clouds, a Nascent Soul cultivator arrived on a beam of light, stopping atop a cloud several miles away. He bowed respectfully, his voice clearly carrying: "Is that Abbot Luo of the Two Elements Temple ahead? My Abbot Tao invites Abbot Luo to the highest heavens for a reunion."

Upon hearing this, Luo Feng did not respond immediately. Instead, he turned his head and looked inquiringly at Qi Yunsu, who was standing quietly behind him.

After Qi Yunsu nodded slightly, he laughed loudly, his voice shaking the heavens: "Fellow Daoist Tao is still so particular about pomp and circumstance. Very well, I, Luo, will go and hear what kind of excuse he can come up with this time!"

He then instructed Wei Cangdong and the Taoist nun surnamed Song, "You all stay and guard the altar. Do not move it without permission. I will be right back."

After speaking, his body emitted a burst of azure and yellow light, transforming into a long rainbow that shot straight into the heavens and instantly disappeared into the fiercely windy high sky.

As soon as we reached the highest point in the sky, a fierce wind howled.

Luo Feng looked up and saw that Tao Fengbian had arrived first, all alone, waiting there.

Luo Feng stopped his escape light, a smile on his face, and cupped his hands, saying, "Master Tao, it has been more than ten years since we last met, and you are still as charming as ever. But I wonder... if your feelings have changed?"

Tao Fengbian's expression remained calm and composed: "The outcome is still undecided, and the dust has not yet settled. Abbot Luo's words are premature."

Upon hearing this, Luo Feng chuckled and, without pressing the matter further, cut straight to the point: "Since it's not about changing one's mind, Master Tao invited me to this remote place, surely not just to admire the clouds and scenery and reminisce about the past? I wonder what advice you have for me?"

Tao Fengbian's gaze swept over the dozens of floating islands and peaks in the Three Immortals Valley, as well as the three core mountains surrounding them, and finally settled on the altar on the East Peak.

He took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "Master Luo, our two temples have been fighting for control of the Three Immortals Valley for hundreds of years, which has only wasted our resources and is not a good thing."

"Since today is the last time we will discuss the Dao through this ceremony, and both sides have gathered here to determine who belongs to whom based on their level of cultivation, why not... establish a rule that is more in line with the principles of this world and makes clearer and more decisive?"

"Oh?" Luo Feng's expression remained unchanged as he replied loudly, "What insightful opinion does Abbot Tao have? I, Luo, would like to hear it in detail."

Tao Fengbian's voice was steady and powerful, echoing through the valley, drawing the attention of all the cultivators on both sides:

“I dare not presume to offer such profound insights. However, this place is where my ancestor manifested his grotto-heaven. These three main peaks are the ‘Three Immortal Pillars’ formed from the core Daoist essence of the grotto-heaven!”

"The forty-nine floating islands and mountains around us are the 'starry chess positions' constructed by the outer energy nodes of the cave heaven and our magical restrictions. They themselves are part of the cave heaven and the inheritance of the Dao."

He paused, glanced around at his own group, then looked at the opposite side, and continued:
"Instead of engaging in empty battles and arguing over who wins and who loses, let's use these 'Three Immortal Pillars' and 'Starry Chessboard' as stakes. In each battle, the winner will gain ownership of an island or a peak."

"Ultimately, the ownership of the Three Immortal Pillars will be determined by the number of 'Star Positions' controlled. If one side obtains all forty-nine Star Positions, then the Three Immortal Pillars will naturally belong to them, without any further dispute!"

These words caused an uproar on both the east and west peaks.

Among the audience at Fusheng Spectator, apart from Yan and Fu who already knew the news, most of the others were invigorated. This rule transformed the ethereal "victory" into a real struggle for "territory," with a clear and tangible objective.

If we can gradually erode the flying islands and eventually force our way to the three core peaks, we will gain the upper hand in terms of momentum.

Look at the gleam in Fu Danian's eyes; he clearly strongly agrees with this "fight for every inch of land" approach.

On the other hand, the audience at Liangyi Temple looked somewhat surprised and doubtful.

Tao Fengbian took the initiative to propose using the core of the cave as a bet, which was amazing in its boldness, but also revealed an unusual confidence.

Wei Cangdong frowned slightly, the Taoist nun surnamed Song whispered to the person next to her, and even Qi Yunsu's eyes flickered slightly, clearly weighing the pros and cons quickly.

Luo Feng pondered for a moment and realized that this method was not entirely unacceptable. The detailed division of the last discussion on the Dao by Fu Yi actually benefited his Yin-Yang view.

However, fearing there might be aspects he hadn't seen, he raised his voice and asked, "Master Tao's method is quite innovative, but... what are the specific details? How is the outcome determined? And how are the controlled islands handed over?"

Tao Fengbian clearly had a plan in mind, and said calmly, "There are no fixed rules for magical duels. They can be one-on-one or performed by multiple people."

"At that time, both sides will take turns to designate the form of the battle and the participants, or they can reach an agreement through negotiation. However, for each battle, a specific 'Star Luo Position' or 'Three Immortal Pillars' must be designated as the prize."

"The winner can be decided when one side concedes defeat, loses its fighting ability, or is knocked out of a specific fighting area."

"Once the outcome is decided, the winning side gains control of the 'prize,' and the losing side must immediately leave the area and are not allowed to leave again, just like a chess piece that has been placed and cannot be taken back..."

After Tao Feng finished speaking, he looked intently at Luo Feng: "Master Luo, do you find this rule acceptable? Are you willing to use this 'Star-Seizing and Cauldron-Establishing' method to completely end this centuries-old conflict?"

On the western peak, Xu Rong's eyes gleamed, and she couldn't help but praise in a low voice, "Master Tao's plan is brilliant. Taking the island is like pulling out a nail, proceeding step by step..."

Guo Zizhe also had a deep look in his eyes as he gazed thoughtfully at the scattered flying islands.

Chen Mu watched the other side's reaction with great interest. These rules were indeed much more interesting than simple arena battles, and they also tested strategic vision more.

The Dongfeng Dharma Altar fell into a brief silence. Qi Yunsu closed his eyes for a moment, seemingly deducing the various possibilities under the rules.

Wei Cangdong leaned closer and whispered, "Uncle-Master, this rule seems fair, but Tao Fengbian must have a backup plan. He proposed using the Flying Island Peaks as a buffer, so that the focus of the initial struggle would be dispersed. He probably wants to take advantage of the terrain or some kind of formation."

"We should have the advantage in terms of strength and familiarity with the terrain, but the enemy has more people and is currently riding high on their luck..."

Qi Yunsu slowly opened her eyes, a barely perceptible sharpness flashing in them.

He did not answer Wei Cangdong directly, but instead transmitted his voice to Luo Feng and said, "Tell Abbot Tao that the rules are generally feasible."

"However, two points need to be added. First, the 'prize' for each duel must be jointly confirmed and announced by both parties before the battle begins, and cannot be changed on the spot. Second, to prevent endless delays, a limit should be set on the total number of duels, or a time limit should be set."

Luo Feng immediately conveyed Qi Yunsu's opinion.

Upon hearing this, Tao Fengbian quickly exchanged glances with Fu Danian and Yan Rongmu, a barely perceptible smile flashing across his lips: "Alright! It's only natural to announce the prize amount in advance, as for the time limit..."

He pondered for a moment, "How about setting a ten-day limit? Within ten days, we can fight as many matches as we can. After ten days, the winner will be determined by the 'Star Positions' controlled by each side. What do you think?"

"good!"

Qi Yunsu's voice finally came through directly. Although it was only one word, it carried an unquestionable determination. He agreed to the rules and the time limit.

With the rules set, an invisible, chilling aura instantly permeated the entire Three Immortals Valley.

The forty-nine floating islands and peaks, along with the three majestic immortal mountains, were no longer just scenery in the eyes of the cultivators on both sides, but strategic locations waiting to be stained and fought for with blood and magic power!
Every island and mountain peak can be the cornerstone of victory or the starting point of defeat.

The air seemed to freeze for a moment, leaving only the low whistling of the mountain wind passing through the peaks and valleys, and countless gazes intertwined with fighting spirit, vigilance, and calculation.

High in the sky, having reached an agreement, the two had no intention of discussing further. After setting a date for their duel, they exchanged farewells and returned to their respective formations.

Fu Danian seemed unable to contain himself and roared at Tao Fengbian, who was flying down, "Senior brother, let me take the lead on the First Island and crush their arrogance!"

Tao Fengbian raised his hand to stop them, his gaze sweeping over the seemingly chaotic floating islands, finally settling on an island near the edge of their own western peak, shaped like a reclining ox, with relatively thin spiritual energy.

"No rush. The outcome of the first battle is crucial to morale, but what's even more important is... making the first move."

A deep, calculating glint flashed in his eyes, his voice low yet clear. Fu Danian paused, seemingly recalling the matter the three had discussed earlier, and then said no more.

However, Xu Rong and the others who came to help were unaware of the details. Seeing Tao Feng's choice, they couldn't help but look at the Crouching Ox Island, and had some guesses in their hearts.

Those seemingly inconspicuous flying island peaks, their location and distribution clearly contain some kind of formation pattern.

Tao Feng's intentions may be to lure the enemy deeper by voluntarily sacrificing a few "insignificant" flying islands, or... to secretly lay a larger trap.

"But... even we can see this intention, how could the Liangyi Temple not see it after a few rounds?"

The crowd was puzzled for a moment, but since the host had made the decision, they did not want to cause any more trouble.

For a moment, everyone stopped thinking and turned their gazes like hawks to the opposite East Peak, waiting for the other side to choose the first flying island to fight for, and... the first war drum that was about to sound.

The battle for the throne, a contest of wits and power, officially began in a strange and calculating atmosphere. The intricate chessboard had been laid out, awaiting only the bloodshed...

On the altar of the East Peak, Luo Feng, having received a signal from Qi Yunsu, sat down on the high platform and looked around, saying, "The first few battles are crucial. Firstly, they can ascertain the true nature of Fusheng Temple, and secondly, they can boost our morale. Therefore, the selection of the warriors must be carefully considered..."

His gaze swept around: "Who's willing to take the lead?"

Wei Cangdong wanted to volunteer, but as soon as he moved, he saw a middle-aged cultivator with black hair and a silver robe, carrying a broadsword, stepping out from the crowd, so he stopped in his tracks.

The middle-aged cultivator stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and said in a deep voice, "I am willing to go."

"it is good!"

Luo Feng's eyes flashed with a sharp light: "It's great that Fellow Daoist Cui is willing to help. This abbot grants your request!"

The middle-aged cultivator bowed again, then rode the wind and landed between the two formations, raising his voice and shouting: "This humble Daoist, Cui Dongbai, has taken a fancy to the mountain beneath your esteemed temple. Which fellow Daoist would like to offer his guidance?"

Seeing that Liangyi Temple had already challenged them, Fu Danian stared intently at the newcomer and whispered, "I have heard of this person's name. He is from Huanzhou. Years ago, I went to his place to pay my respects and invite him, but I came up empty-handed. I never expected that Liangyi Temple would invite me."

He shifted his gaze slightly: "Senior brother, although Cui Dongbai has not yet reached the intermediate stage of the Dao Inquiry Realm, he is rumored to be quite strong. Who should we send to deal with this formation?"

Tao Feng hesitated for a moment, then turned to Chen Mu and asked, "What is Fellow Daoist Chen's opinion?"

Although Qi Yunsu has not yet made a move to cause trouble, since she has entrusted the power of dispatch to Chen Mu, it is only right to consult his opinion.

Chen Mu did not act presumptuously. He knew that he should speak out when the time was right, but this was only the beginning. Tao Fengbian and others were still in charge, so why should he rush to show off?

"Master Tao can decide for himself."

Tao Feng nodded upon hearing this, and after a brief whispered discussion with his two junior brothers, he quickly pointed out one person.

This person was not an important figure; clearly, they were sent out to test Cui Dongbai because they were unsure of his abilities.

The cultivator seeking enlightenment was also cautious. After giving his name, he did not rush to attack, but instead stepped back a few steps, his body shimmering with layers of precious light.

The umbrella-shaped magical artifact in his hand hummed, and the umbrella surface opened, transforming into a solid and heavy light screen that protected him. He seemed to shrink into a tortoise shell, seeking only to hold his ground and then launch a counterattack.

Upon seeing this, Cui Dongbai's eyes sharpened like an eagle's, showing no sign of impatience.

He did not draw his sword immediately, but slowly raised his right hand and placed it on the broad, door-like hilt behind him.

In an instant, an invisible pressure spread out from him.

The surrounding air seemed to become thick and heavy, and even the clouds rising from the valley below paused. It was not a powerful magical pressure, but a pure and extremely concentrated sword intent!
The sword intent was like a mountain about to collapse, or a deep sea surging. It was drawn but not released, yet it already made the cultivator holding the umbrella tremble violently, feeling that the broadsword would transform into a giant axe that could split the heavens and the earth at any moment.

"Duh!"

The cultivator holding the umbrella dared not wait any longer. He let out a low shout and took the lead in activating his magic power. Dozens of condensed, needle-like beams of light shot out from the umbrella ribs, tearing through the solidified air and piercing towards Cui Dongbai's vital points with a sharp whistle.

This attack is not intended to achieve any significant victory, but rather to disrupt their momentum building.

Cui Dongbai sneered, and just as the light reached his body, he moved.

The movements weren't fast, but they carried a resolute determination that cut through everything and was unstoppable!

"Qiang——!"

A clear, resonant, and powerful sword cry, capable of piercing gold and splitting stone, echoed through the sky!

The enormous sword, which was surprisingly wide, was finally drawn. Instead of gleaming with cold light, it had an ancient and somber dark gold color. The blade was thick and blunt, yet it carried a terrifying power capable of splitting mountains and shattering peaks.

Cui Dongbai held his sword with both hands, took a step forward, and delivered a direct and domineering vertical slash without any complicated sword moves!
"break!"

The dark golden sword light suddenly surged, transforming into a giant blade like a bolt of lightning, carrying the will to cleave through the void, and slashed down fiercely.

Tsk-!
The dozens of sharp beams of light, upon contact with the extremely refined dark gold sword energy, instantly melted and dissipated, like ice and snow meeting boiling oil.

The sword energy continued its relentless advance, carrying a suffocating sense of oppression, and slammed fiercely into the light barrier erected by the Xuan Yuan Treasure Umbrella.

"Buzz!"

The thick light barrier trembled violently, groaning under its strain. It held for less than a breath before the light barrier, like fragile glass, shattered in the horrified gaze of the umbrella-wielding cultivator, scattering countless fragments of light in all directions.

Although the residual force of the sword energy was barely blocked by the umbrella itself, the immense and unstoppable power was like an invisible giant hammer, slamming into the chest of the umbrella-wielding cultivator through the umbrella.

"puff!"

The cultivator holding the umbrella was struck as if by lightning. His face turned deathly pale instantly, and he spat out a mouthful of blood. Like a kite with a broken string, he was violently smashed away by the force. The light of his protective treasure flickered, and he and his umbrella flew hundreds of feet away before he could barely stabilize himself. His aura was weak, and he had obviously suffered serious internal injuries.

Cui Dongbai did not pursue, and his dark gold greatsword had long been sheathed, as if it had never been drawn.

He remained standing in the same spot, his breathing steady, not even the hem of his clothes fluttering.

He calmly cupped his hands in greeting towards the umbrella-wielding monk who was barely hovering and still in shock, and towards the direction of the Fusheng Temple on West Peak:

"Concession."

The whole process was as fast as lightning!
From the moment Cui Dongbai drew his sword to the end, it only took two or three breaths.

Before the solemn expressions on the faces of the audience could fade, their own probes had already been defeated, and defeated so cleanly and decisively that there was no doubt about it!
On the altar at West Peak, Tao Fengbian, Fu Danian, and Yan Rongmu had slightly somber expressions.

Fu Danian cursed under his breath, "What an overbearing swordsman!"

Cui Dongbai's strength far exceeded their expectations, and the power of that broadsword was even more astonishing.

The defeat in the first match, though expected as a test, still cast a shadow over the hearts of Fusheng's fans due to the opponent's strong performance...

……

(End of this chapter)