Chapter 319

Chapter 319: Immortal Sect Competition Again

The injured Disciples in the Sect gradually awoke. You You inspected each one, confirming their vitality had fully returned. Though their wounds remained, Yuan Papa and Feng Rong’s presence made recovery straightforward—a few days of rest and medicinal pills would suffice.

Relieved, You You turned her focus to sect affairs. The Demon Realm crisis demanded urgent attention across all Three Realms. Though currently dormant, the threat persisted. Strengthening the realms’ collective power offered the only lasting solution.

Even if Nether King’s claim of her being the Demon God held truth, it changed nothing. This status didn’t contradict her goal of preventing conflicts across Six Realms—wars benefited no realm.

Time pressed heavily. You You summoned Ling Qi, Qiu Zhang, Kui Bi, and other elders to discuss sect expansion and disciple training. Yet Zhen Yan Sect’s efforts alone couldn’t suffice—this concerned all Three Realms. Though celestial maidens knew of demon tribes through private talks, most ordinary Disciples remained unaware.

This couldn’t continue. The hour demanded a Three Realms summit.

Days later, invitations flew from Zhen Yan Sect to every immortal sect—a call to gather in three months for the Immortal Sect Competition.

Since Qiu Yao’s Ming Xin Sect incident, the newly established Zhen Yan Sect had skyrocketed to prominence. You You’s curse-breaking and rescue of celestial maidens cemented its status as the premier immortal sect. With two Divine Masters and renowned Master Qiu Zhang, Zhen Yan Sect’s reputation echoed across Immortal Blessing Continent—undisputed leader of immortal sects.

Timing justified the competition. As the leading sect, Zhen Yan Sect’s initiative seemed natural—until sects remembered this hundred-year-old sect was hosting its first major event. Courtesy demanded their attendance.

Three months saw frantic preparations as sects scrambled to select elite Disciples.

Finally, the Immortal Sect Competition commenced.

Zhen Yan Sect’s mountain gate welcomed endless streams of guests.

Punctual Spirit Ships arrived to witness astonishing sights—layered protective mountain formations unfolded like shimmering curtains, their intricate patterns overwhelming Nascent Soul Stage Formation Masters’ divine senses. Many Disciples winced, unable to endure the formations’ pressure.

Inside the sect, simplicity replaced external grandeur. Spirit Ships docked at a vast temporary platform conjured by spellcasting—large enough for hundreds of vessels. Four or five Disciples waited beneath each ship, guiding arrivals toward the main peak. Notably absent were Zhen Yan Sect’s elders—only ordinary Disciples handled greetings.

Esteemed sects, particularly those with celestial maidens, bristled at this perceived slight—until noticing a smaller platform nearby. From teleportation arrays emerged loose cultivators and prominent family members, greeted with equal courtesy. Top sects simmered at being treated like common guests yet held tongues—Zhen Yan Sect’s standing and past aid to celestial maidens demanded grudging compliance.

At the main hall’s entrance, authority finally appeared.

"Honored Sect Master Luo," greeted Ling Qi, Zhen Yan Sect’s head elder. "Zhen Yan Sect is privileged by Luo Shu Sect’s presence. Please enter."

As Luo Tian Nu moved forward, her four Followers stepped toward the hall—only to be blocked.

"Esteemed guests," Ling Qi gestured sideways, "kindly await in the side hall."

Followers froze. Luo Tian Nu halted, tension rising. "Why separate us?" Never before had celestial maidens’ attendants been barred entry—Ming Xin Sect’s treachery flashed through minds.

Ling Qi sighed wearily, repeating explanations made countless times that day. "Space constraints. With so many celestial maidens attending, seating suffices only for them. The side hall lies mere steps away—partition walls removed for clear visibility."

Peering past him, visitors gaped. Traditional sect halls featured orderly rows facing central authority. Zhen Yan Sect’s hall defied convention—a sea of seats packed in tiered rows around a narrow central Passage. Where a regal throne should stand sat only a chest-high box glowing with formation runes—utterly unfit for seating.