Fantasy: I, the Great Celestial Venerable of the Dao

As for the champion of this year's Seven Veins Martial Arts Tournament, Dao Xuan announced it later.

Lu Xueqi and Zhang Xiaofan will team up to challenge Xiao Yicai, the champion of the previous year and now the outstanding disciple of Qingyun Sect.

The subsequent challenges also drew the attention of all the disciples, but the outcome was not much of a surprise.

Even Lu Xueqi, whose magical powers have not yet fully recovered.

Even when Zhang Xiaofan had exhausted all his trump cards and was heavily depleted, he still faced Xiao Yicai, who was highly skilled and experienced.

Ultimately, they failed to create another miracle and were defeated one after another.

Thus, the eventful Seven Veins Martial Arts Tournament has finally come to a close.

……

The crowd gradually dispersed, and the noisy training ground returned to tranquility.

Inside the Jade Purity Hall, the atmosphere was solemn and dignified. Dao Xuan Zhenren sat in the main seat, with the heads of the other six lineages seated on either side.

In the center of the main hall stood Zhang Xiaofan, looking somewhat bewildered.

The focus of the questioning naturally fell on his strangely shaped but incredibly powerful "fire poker".

The process is exactly the same as in the original work.

Zhang Xiaofan stammered as he explained that he had obtained the stick by chance on the back mountain of Dazhu Peak.

When the short stick called the "fire stick" was passed around for inspection by the chief ministers.

Most people simply felt that this object possessed a hidden malevolent aura and was made of a peculiar material.

Although it seemed strange, I couldn't immediately see any further clues.

However, when it came into the hands of Zeng Shuchang, the head of Feng Huifeng.

This chief is known for his extensive knowledge and broad understanding.

His fingers, which were resting on the Soul-Devouring Staff, trembled almost imperceptibly.

He lowered his eyelids and carefully stroked the cold and eerie patterns on the shaft of the stick.

Deep within his eyes, a glint of light flashed like lightning in the dark night!

That sharp glint disappeared extremely quickly, almost instantly suppressed by him, as he returned to his usual composure and calmness.

He didn't say much, but like the other chiefs, he did a brief examination and then handed the Soul-Devouring Staff back.

The entire process seemed flawless.

But Dao Xuan, seated at the head of the table, had observed every single detail from beginning to end. His face remained impassive, but a smile played on his lips inwardly:

"That Zeng Shuchang is quite the cunning old fox!"

Within the Qingyun Sect, when it comes to the breadth of knowledge and the depth of understanding...

No one could surpass Zeng Shuchang.

Even his son, Zeng Shushu, who became a "know-it-all" at a young age, was deeply influenced by his father.

However, Dao Xuan was not entirely sure what earth-shattering secret the old fox had gleaned from the Soul-Devouring Staff in that brief moment.

Is that the aura of the legendary demonic cult's supreme treasure, the "Bloodthirsty Bead"?

Or is it a trace of that rare monster called "Soul Stealer"?

Or perhaps... a more forbidden secret resulting from the fusion of the two?

His mind raced, but his face remained calm and composed, befitting a sect leader.

The Soul-Devouring Staff was returned to Zhang Xiaofan, and after asking for no further information, the chief disciples each took their leave with their own thoughts.

The vast Yuqing Hall was soon left with only Dao Xuan sitting alone.

The afterglow of the setting sun shone through the tall palace gates, casting long shadows on the ground, creating a sense of emptiness and desolation in the silence.

Dao Xuan closed his eyes slightly, gently rubbing his brow with his fingers, as if processing the events of the day.

Just then, he suddenly felt a slight warmth in his sleeve.

He opened his eyes, a hint of surprise flashing in them, and then reached into his sleeve.

He took out a bead the size of a longan, perfectly round, and emitting a faint spiritual light.

It is the Spirit Communication Pearl, a secret treasure jointly crafted by six major righteous sects: Qingyun Sect, Tianyin Temple, Fenxiang Valley, Tianyong City, Shaolin Temple, and Shushan, for use in emergency communication.

At this moment, this normally quiet bead is continuously radiating warmth.

The light flickered slightly at a unique frequency.

Dao Xuan stared at the hot bead in his hand, his brows furrowing almost imperceptibly.

Fingertips gently caressed the smooth surface of the spirit bead.

As he channeled his spiritual energy, the precious pearl, which had been passed down for thousands of years, suddenly shone with dazzling brilliance.

Five figures, some real and some illusory, gradually became clear in the light.

The first to appear was Dugu Yuyun, the Sword Saint of Shu Mountain. He carried an ancient sword on his back, and his brows were filled with a chilling sword aura.

Abbot Puhong of Tianyin Temple held prayer beads in his hand, his appearance solemn and dignified.

Yun Yilan from Fenxiang Valley was dressed in a blue robe, surrounded by a faint scent of sandalwood.

The robes of Zen Master Fahai of Shaolin Temple fluttered, and a faint light of Buddha appeared;

The Taoist master Hansu of Tianyong City wore flowing Taoist robes and exuded an air of otherworldly elegance.

These five sect leaders, together with Dao Xuan, formed the pillars supporting the righteous cultivation world.

"The Southwest Moon Worship Cult has been making frequent moves recently, and has already destroyed three of my branch altars in Shushan."

Dugu Yuyun spoke first, his voice filled with suppressed anger.

"What's more troublesome is that they're secretly collecting vengeful spirits, seemingly preparing for some kind of ritual."

Zen Master Fahai clasped his hands together and said in a deep voice:

"Amitabha.

The number of demonic disturbances in various parts of the Central Plains has increased more than in previous years, and I suspect that someone is manipulating things behind the scenes.

Last month alone, Shaolin disciples performed rituals to help over seven hundred vengeful spirits find peace.

Abbot Puhong and Master Hansu exchanged a glance, both seeing the worry in each other's eyes.

"The various factions of the Western Demonic Cult have been unusually active recently, with the Blood Refining Hall, the Joyful Union Sect, and the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect all showing unusual movements."

According to reports from disciples of Tianyin Temple, they appear to be searching for some kind of ancient treasure.

After hearing this, Dao Xuan must be searching for the Blood-Devouring Pearl.

Yun Yilan stroked his long beard, his tone solemn:

"The alien tribes deep in the mountains of southern Xinjiang have been making frequent moves lately. The pressure on the garrison of Fenxiang Valley is increasing."

If..., the consequences would be unimaginable.

Dao Xuan listened quietly to the reports from all sides, his fingertips tapping lightly on the armrest. After everyone finished speaking, he slowly opened his eyes:

"Since the situation has become like this, we should split up and act separately."

Qingyun Sect, Tianyin Temple, and Shushan were responsible for eradicating the Blood Refining Hall, a branch of the Western Demonic Sect.

Tianyong City assisted Tianyin Temple in investigating the movements of the Western Demonic Cult;

The Southern Frontier will be handed over to Fenxiang Valley; Shaolin will continue to suppress the demons of the Central Plains. What do you all think?

"Master Daoxuan has made the arrangements."

Everyone echoed in agreement.

As the light faded, the Spirit Pearl returned to calm. Dao Xuan sat alone in the hall, gazing intently at the distant sea of ​​clouds.

The world is far more complex than he imagined.

The struggle between good and evil has lasted for thousands of years, and now various forces are stirring up trouble, seemingly brewing something.

However, this is also good, as it provides an opportunity to wipe out the Western evil cult in one fell swoop.

Thinking of this, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

It's time to activate that piece that's been buried for so many years.

Three days later, at dawn, as the sun rose, Dao Xuan summoned the top four disciples of the Seven Clans Martial Arts Tournament and the heads of each clan to the Jade Purity Hall.

Incense smoke filled the hall, and the disciples stood solemnly awaiting orders.

"On this trip down the mountain, you must work together with your fellow Daoists from Shu Mountain and Tianyin Temple to completely eradicate the scourge that is the Blood Refining Hall."

Dao Xuan's gaze swept over the four young disciples.

"Remember, the demonic cult members are cunning and treacherous; never let your guard down."