Zhao Zhengcheng stepped forward and ordered his disciples to arrange the table, light incense and candles, and await respectfully. Then he stood beneath the Cloud Raft. Wang Yingfang and Yang Qi also stood solemnly by his side. The surrounding Loose Cultivators saw Qingyu Sect’s preparations, knowing they were welcoming the arrival of True Master Tao, and all began to watch attentively.
Not a moment later, a piercing cry came from above. Guo Lie, riding his Peng Bird, cleared a path ahead. Upon reaching the sky above, he swerved aside and shouted loudly, "Disciples of Qingyu, why do you not pay homage to the Ancestor Master!"
Three Hua Dan Cultivators, leading nearly a hundred disciples, hurriedly stood respectfully without a trace of hesitation, and in unison said, "We pay respects to the Ancestor Master."
At that moment, the clouds above parted, spilling radiant light, with ethereal celestial music faintly audible. True Master Tao descended, riding a green phoenix, surrounded by swirling green smoke and colorful fog. Fortynine Heavenly Cranes followed, resembling flakes of white snow. Behind him were two Riding Crane Children, one holding a Golden Ring and Silver Bell along with a Seal Incense Burner, while the other held a Blessing Pine Branch and a duster Ruyi.
True Master Tao ascended onto the Cloud Raft and sat down. Smiling, he said, "The Immortal Mansion is about to emerge, and strong foes will surely arrive to seize it. Are you all prepared to confront them?"
Zhao Zhengcheng stepped forward respectfully and said, "Master, your disciple has already made all the arrangements as per your instructions. Flag Gates have been raised everywhere, and not a single error has been allowed."
At this moment, a commotion arose among the Loose Cultivators gathered outside. They observed the distant sea churning violently, stirring up fierce winds and torrential rain. The heavens darkened, peals of thunder rolled, and a thick layer of dark clouds swept toward them.
True Master Tao chuckled. Lifting his head, his eyes emitted Divine Light, a beam of blue and a beam of white flying into the clouds above. Instantly, the oppressive haze was dispersed, and sunlight reclaimed the sky.
The wild winds and dense mist ahead also dissipated, revealing four airborne towered ships, each with a Nascent Soul True Master standing atop, their forms shrouded faintly in radiance and surrounded by auspicious clouds. Behind them, hundreds of Cultivators drove their Spirit Light and steered through the clouds, advancing with an overwhelming momentum.
On the outer sea, even glimpsing a single Nascent Soul True Master was rare. Yet today, aside from True Master Tao, four had appeared together. The Loose Cultivators nearby exchanged alarmed glances and hastily retreated to make way.
Suddenly, a fluttering sound reminiscent of rainfall resounded. Over a thousand spiritual wild geese flew out from the tower ships in a dense flock, forming a Yan Bridge. The four True Masters released their radiance and stepped upon it, striding forward slowly.
Daoist Qiu pointed below with his finger and sneered coldly. "Fellow Daoists, today Tao Zhenhong, deluded by the Immortal Mansion’s True Spirit, fails to see the will of the heavens, avoids no calamity, and defies fate. The heavens wish to destroy him today. This is the perfect opportunity to strike, end his life, and reclaim the Immortal Mansion to fulfill our Great Dao."
Ye Fengbo’s eyebrows arched, and a hint of killing intent surfaced on his face. He said, "Master Qiu makes a valid point. Heavenly Mechanism rests in my hands. It is time to determine Qiankun and put this villain to the sword!"
Lin Daoist merely sighed lightly, shaking his head without speaking.
Standing to their left was a young Daoist with skin as fair as a maiden’s and bright, spirited eyes. He chuckled softly at their words. "To not take what Heaven bestows is to invite calamity," he said.
True Master Tao saw the four approaching yet remained composed. Rising to his feet, he bowed from a distance and said, "Fellow Daoists, it’s been a while. How have you all been?"
Among the four, Daoist Qiu and Ye Fengbo both returned cold smiles without moving, while Lin Daoist hesitated briefly but ultimately remained still.
Only the young Daoist returned a bow, laughing mischievously as he said, "True Master Tao, your Qingyu Sect and my Wudang Spirit Hall both established ourselves on the East Sea. I, Pei Huan, originally had no desire for enmity with you. However, I am indebted to Ye Daoist, and I could not refuse to come. If any offense arises today, feel free to retaliate viciously—I will not fault you."
True Master Tao responded with a faint smile. "Daoist Pei, you are indeed genuine and straightforward. I still hope to preserve this body for a chance to glimpse the Great Dao. If conflict arises, I too will act without regard for ties or animosities."
Daoist Qiu’s gaze turned icy. Raising his head, he noticed the brilliance surging behind True Master Tao, as sea boats and great ships stretched across a hundred miles. Flag Gates stood at attention, formations ready. Aside from a hundred disciples from his own sect, six towering Spirit Lights spiraled into the heavens unmasked, bursting with a wild arrogance. Dark Demon Clouds surged menacingly—unmistakably the presence of Demon Kings.
This imposing display startled him, and he thought to himself, "Tao Zhenhong certainly knows how to win hearts. How has he managed to gather so many followers?"
This time, though he had brought two or three Demon Kings to support him, they paled in comparison to True Master Tao’s forces.
He let out a sharp cry, stepped forward, and pointed out with his fingers. Shouting from afar, he said, "Tao Zhenhong, you’ve repeatedly violated sect precepts. The Sect Leader and Ancestor Master have already expelled you from the sect, allowing you to repent and reform. Yet not only have you shown no remorse, but you also dare to establish your own sect and now seek to seize the Sea Immortal Mansion! Your disciples are innocent—why should they bear the consequences of your actions today?"
True Master Tao’s expression remained calm as the wind and clouds. He merely said, "In the course of the Dao, is there truly a distinction between right and wrong? If Master Qiu desires the Immortal Mansion, there’s no need for excuses—it’s simply wasted breath. Let us settle this with a match, plain and simple."
Daoist Qiu choked on his words. While he wished to act, he knew the moment was not yet opportune. He could only snort coldly, fling his sleeves angrily, and remain silent.
Ye Fengbo studied the situation for a moment and whispered, "Daoist Qiu, these Loose Cultivators have only come here out of greed. They rely on Tao Zhenhong’s strength to embolden them. If we eliminate him, they will scatter like Star Flow clouds and vanish. You need not concern yourself over them."
Daoist Qiu sneered coldly and said, "Such beasts clothed in fur and horns are but trifling playthings within my Demon-suppressing Circle."
Master Pei glanced at the two and said with a laugh, "Why must you two overthink this? My Wudang Spirit Hall has brought over a hundred disciples, including several Hua Dan Cultivators. Our forces are evenly matched with Tao Zhenhong’s, and we’re more than capable of contending with him."
Lin Daoist furrowed his brow and suddenly spoke, "But Chongyue True Temple has yet to appear. We must guard against them meddling from the sidelines. Let’s not do all the work only for others to reap the rewards."
The three nodded in agreement and said, "We’ll proceed cautiously."
After their discussion, the four divided the Yan Bridge into four sections, each occupying a corner. They sat cross-legged with closed eyes, awaiting the emergence of the Immortal Mansion.
...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)