Beast Taming Immortal Clan

Chapter 520 The Foundation of a Great Sect [Please Subscribe]

Actually, it shouldn't be said that Qinglian Temple wanted to gamble; in fact, Qinglian Temple didn't want to gamble at all.

According to Yi Yang Dao Ren's original intention, the Moon Wheel Sect directly ordered the Zhou family to withdraw from Jiufeng Ridge and not to develop their influence in Lanzhou in the future.

He didn't expect the Moon Wheel Church to completely ignore the Zhou family and let the Green Lotus Temple destroy them.

However, Master Baiyue evaded the issue, always citing the Zhou family's meritorious service and their centuries-long history in Jiufeng Ridge as reasons for refusing to issue an order to force the Zhou family to withdraw from Jiufeng Ridge.

After some back and forth, Daoist Yi Yang figured out what was Baiyue Zhenren's bottom line and took the initiative to propose a wager as a solution, giving both sides a way out.

After hearing this, Baiyue Zhenren tacitly agreed to the matter.

After further discussion between the two, the details of the duel were quickly finalized.

This duel was divided into three rounds, two of which were between Golden Core stage cultivators and one between Purple Mansion stage cultivators.

If either side wins two games, that side is considered the winner.

Originally, according to Daoist Yi Yang, the betting should have been entirely among Golden Core cultivators.

However, Master Baiyue knew that Zhou Mingde was a completely incompetent Golden Core cultivator. If he were to participate, it would be tantamount to simply handing points to Qinglian Temple. Therefore, he firmly disagreed.

In the end, Daoist Yi Yang had no choice but to concede!

After explaining the rules of the duel, Su Yunniang looked at Zhou Chun with a serious expression and said, "The date for the duel is now set for one month from now. Zheng Chun, if your Zhou family wants to protect Jiufeng Ridge, you'd better plan carefully!"

"Only one month to prepare?"

Zhou Chun's expression hardened, and he quickly understood the reason behind it.

Clearly, Qinglian Temple was afraid that things might go wrong if they waited too long, and that the Zhou family might borrow powerful magic weapons or treasures from them to enhance the combat power of the fighting cultivators.

With only one month to spare, unless the Zhou family can borrow several powerful magic weapons within ten days, even if they obtain magic weapons later, they simply won't have enough time to refine and familiarize themselves with them.

Thinking of this, Zhou Chun couldn't help but look at Su Yunniang and ask, "Didn't Senior Master Baiyue ask you to bring anything, Auntie?"

Su Yunniang understood his meaning perfectly well. Upon hearing this, she shook her head and said, "The Qinglian Temple is quite familiar with the powerful magical treasures of our sect. If we lend them to your Zhou family, it would be tantamount to helping you cheat, and the Qinglian Temple will certainly not let it go!"

After saying that, he emphasized, "Moreover, this matter involves a feud between your two forces, and your opponent is a powerful force like the Qinglian Temple. I'm afraid there aren't many within the Jing Kingdom willing to get involved or dare to lend you their magic treasures!"

Hearing her answer, Zhou Chun felt an indescribable disappointment.

But since she's already brought it up, there's no point in complaining or blaming her now.

He could only nod with a grim expression and say, "I understand. Then I will inform the two elders to prepare for the competition. I won't stay with my aunt any longer!"

However, he took the initiative to tell the guests to leave.

This was the first time Su Yunniang had ever received such treatment at the Zhou family.

She frowned, shook her head, and left without saying anything more.

After seeing Su Yunniang off, Zhou Chun's face immediately turned extremely ugly.

"It's true that relying on heaven, earth, or others is never as good as relying on yourself!"

"I thought the Church of the Moon Wheel was a great tree that could shelter us from the wind and rain, but it turns out it's also a peacock that cherishes its feathers; when trouble comes, it's just as unreliable!"

He muttered to himself, his heart heavy.

A large ship is difficult to turn around; this is the current situation of the Zhou family.

Even though Zhou Chun now knows that the Moon Wheel Sect is unreliable, he still can't steer the Zhou family's ship to turn around and leave this region.

The Zhou family currently has three Golden Core cultivators, hundreds of cultivator clansmen, and numerous tamed demonic beasts.

For such a large force to relocate and find a suitable place to settle down is extremely difficult!

So even though he knew the Moon Wheel Cult was unreliable, the Zhou family could only stay in Jingguo and continue to be vassals of the Moon Wheel Cult.

This is also a problem faced by many mid-sized powers: they are neither good enough for high positions nor good enough for low ones. They face various difficulties and pressures in developing upwards and can only do their best to maintain the stability and inheritance of their power, waiting for the right time!

If the opportunity arises, and with the help of others, they might just leap into the dragon and become one of those great forces that will last for thousands of years!

If such an opportunity does not come, and one goes down a path of regression, then one can only fall apart, decline completely, or even disappear, just like the Three Absolutes Sect in the past!

Before long, Lin Hongyu, Zhou Mingde, Zhou Daoyi and others gathered at Zhou Chun's cave to discuss how to deal with the gambling match.

Actually, there's not much to discuss. The Zhou family doesn't have many options for who can fight; it can only be Lin Hongyu, Zhou Chun, and Zhou Daoyi.

With the help of the Azure Dragon, a mid-grade third-tier demonic beast, Zhou Daoyi's side has a considerable chance of winning.

However, Qinglian Temple is aware of this and will most likely take appropriate measures, so it should not be underestimated.

As for Lin Hongyu and Zhou Chun, Zhou Chun was quite confident of winning the match, even though he knew that the people sent by Qinglian Temple would definitely be full of magical treasures.

But it's hard to say about Lin Hongyu.

She herself is quite strong, but when it comes to treasures, she is no match for the people sent by Qinglian Temple.

Even if Zhou Chun temporarily lends her the [Blazing Gloves] magic weapon, she still has no advantage whatsoever.

"It's a pity that once my [Three Yang True Fire Pot] changes hands, the 'Three Yang True Fire' stored inside will dissipate first; otherwise, this treasure could have become a killing move for Fellow Daoist Lin!"

Zhou Mingde let out a long sigh of regret, knowing there was nothing he could do to help.

After considering for a moment, Zhou Chun said in a deep voice, "Then I'll hand over the [Earth Vajra Shield] to my great-aunt for refinement. She's refined this defensive magic weapon before, so it'll save her the time of getting familiar with it!"

Upon hearing this, Lin Hongyu immediately shook her head and said, "No, Zhengchun, if you give this treasure to me, what will you do?"

He then looked at Zhou Chun with a solemn expression and said, "The key to this battle does not lie with me, but with you, Zheng Chun, and Dao Yi. As long as you both win, even if I am truly inferior in skill and lose, the final victor will still be the Zhou family!"

Zhou Mingde nodded in agreement, saying, "Yes, Fellow Daoist Lin is right. Zheng Chun, you need to make sure you can secure at least one point. As for Fellow Daoist Lin, we'll just do our best!"

After being persuaded by the two, Zhou Chun did not insist any further, because he was not entirely confident of winning.

If he could use the Moon Toad Pearl, he would definitely be fully confident, since the Azure Lotus Temple would never allow a Golden Core cultivator to refine a spiritual treasure.

Moreover, even if Qinglian Temple were willing to do so, Lingbao's spirit might not be willing.

However, the third-party witness to this contest was the Moon Wheel Sect Leader, Master Baiyue, along with many other Golden Core Elders of the Moon Wheel Sect.

Even if Zhou Chun were bold, he wouldn't dare to reveal the [Moon Toad Pearl] spiritual treasure in front of the Golden Core elders of the Moon Wheel Sect.

The Zhou family, a mere family, is not qualified to possess such a spiritual treasure!

After this discussion, Zhou Chun ultimately handed over the [Blazing Flame Gloves] magic item to Lin Hongyu for refinement, and then provided Zhou Daoyi with several talisman treasures and fourth-tier magic talismans.

He then went to the wilderness and brought back all the mature and adult "Frostbees" on his person.

A month passed quickly.

On this day, Zhou Chun, Lin Hongyu, and Zhou Daoyi went together to the mountain gate of the Moon Wheel Sect.

After seeing the three of them off, Zhou Mingde sat on Tuyun Ridge with a worried expression, waiting for news.

Zhou Chun and the other two rode the Golden-Winged Tiger together towards the Moon Wheel Sect's mountain gate, and soon arrived at their destination.

Su Yunniang was still in charge of receiving the three of them, and she led them directly to the cave dwelling that the Moon Wheel Sect specially used to entertain distinguished guests.

The duel is scheduled for tomorrow, but the three members of the Zhou family came today to prepare themselves in advance.

However, after settling in, Zhou Chun still went to pay his respects to the Moon Worship Master.

"I know you must have some grievances about this duel, but rest assured, even though your Zhou family lost this time, I and our sect will definitely find a place no less beautiful than Nine Peaks Ridge to build a villa for your Zhou family in the future!"

Inside the main hall, after Zhou Chunxing finished paying his respects, Master Baiyue merely glanced at him and calmly made a promise.

But to be honest, Zhou Chun didn't take his promise seriously at all.

Only the Zhou family's higher-ups knew how important Jiufeng Ridge, this sacred place, was to the Zhou family.

Since Master Baiyue had given his opinion, Zhou Chun had to cooperate outwardly.

Immediately, a look of joy appeared in his eyes as he solemnly bowed and said, "On behalf of the Zhou family, this junior thanks the Sect Leader!"

Master Baiyue waved his hand, then looked at him meaningfully and said, "Young friend Zhou, you are a smart man with great potential. If you can cultivate to the late stage of the Golden Core realm in the future, the Zhou family's position as the number one Golden Core family in Jing Kingdom will be truly as solid as a rock. So you must never be too hasty in your actions."

"In recent years, the Zhou family has produced two Golden Core cultivators, several Purple Mansion cultivators, and numerous Foundation Establishment cultivators. They've become too prominent and attract too much attention. After this, they should be careful to maintain a steady and sustainable approach, and avoid being too ostentatious!"

These pointed words sent a chill down Zhou Chun's spine.

In fact, he himself had noticed this.

But whether he forms his own core or Zhou Mingde does, it's something that must be done.

The same applies to newly promoted Purple Mansion stage cultivators like Zhou Zhengyong.

Looking back over the history of the cultivation world in Jingguo, going back thousands of years, there is probably no other cultivation family that has suddenly produced so many Golden Core stage cultivators and Purple Mansion stage cultivators in just a few decades like the Zhou family!

Even though many people know that this is all because the Zhou family caught a good time and made a fortune from the war.

Knowing is one thing, but envy and jealousy are still inevitable.

At the same time, it will make forces like Qinglian Temple feel threatened and create unease.

At this moment, the reminder from the Moon Worship Master was not only a reminder, but also a warning.

If the Zhou family continues to expand and grow at this rate, even the Moon Wheel Sect might not be able to sit still.

There will definitely be people who want to get to the bottom of this and find out the real secret behind the Zhou family's explosive rise to power!

With a thousand thoughts racing through his mind, Zhou Chun quickly replied respectfully, "This junior understands. The Zhou family will certainly keep a low profile and cultivate our strength gradually, never causing the sect any more trouble!"

"Good that you understand. I still have high hopes for you and the Zhou family."

Master Baiyue nodded in satisfaction, and after talking with Zhou Chun for a while, he let him leave.

The next day, the people from Qinglian Temple also arrived at the gate of Yuelun Sect.

Seven people came from Qinglian Temple this time. Apart from one late-stage Purple Mansion cultivator, the other six were all Golden Core elders.

Among them, Yi Yang Dao Ren and Qing Wei Zi are both mid-stage Golden Core cultivators, while the other four are early-stage Golden Core cultivators.

Zhou Chun soon learned the identities of the three cultivators from Qinglian Temple who participated in the gambling match.

Two of them were Golden Core cultivators, whose Daoist names were Yan Lingzi and Xuan Shuangzi, respectively, while the late Purple Mansion cultivator was named Hongyang Daoren.

The Zhou family had gathered general information about the two Golden Core cultivators. Yan Lingzi had formed his Golden Core the earliest, more than 300 years ago, while Xuan Shuangzi had formed his Golden Core more than 200 years ago. One of them cultivated fire-based techniques, and the other cultivated ice-based techniques. It seemed that they were specifically targeting Lin Hongyu and Zhou Chun.

As for that Red Sun Daoist, the information gathered by the Zhou family indicates that he is a descendant of a deceased Golden Core cultivator from the Green Lotus Temple, and he may very well possess a fake magic weapon!

In short, none of them are easy nuts to crack!

At this moment, both sides, led by the Moon Wheel Sect cultivators, arrived together at a desolate mountain area outside the Moon Wheel Sect's mountain gate.

The Moon Wheel Sect leader, Master Baiyue, was already waiting here with Wei Yong and seven or eight other Golden Core stage elders of the Moon Wheel Sect.

Once both sides had arrived, Master Baiyue looked at them and said in a deep voice, "Since both of you trust our sect and are willing to let me be the witness for this contest, then I will explain the rules of this contest."

"First and foremost, when one party concedes defeat, the other party must not continue the fight; violation of this rule results in immediate defeat!"

"Secondly, both of you are pillars of the Jing Kingdom and have made great contributions in the previous war between immortals and demons. Therefore, I hope that you will stop when you fight and not kill each other."

"Thirdly, after the duel ends, everything must be handled according to the winner's decision. The loser is forbidden from seeking revenge against the winner under any pretext; otherwise, our sect will punish them severely!"

These three points have already been communicated to both parties in advance; bringing them up again now is merely as a warning.

Immediately, both Zhou Chun and Yi Yang Dao Ren, the leaders of their respective forces, expressed their agreement.

Seeing this, Master Baiyue nodded in satisfaction and said, "Alright, since both of you have agreed, let's begin the first duel between cultivators at the Purple Mansion stage!"

After speaking, Zhou Daoyi and the Red Sun Daoist exchanged a glance, then flew away from the group and stood facing each other thousands of feet apart.

Zhou Daoyi didn't hold back either, summoning the Azure Dragon before Baiyue Zhenren even announced the start of the battle.

However, to the surprise of the Zhou family, the Red Sun Daoist also patted the spirit beast pouch at his waist and released a third-tier demon beast, a mid-grade third-tier demon beast, the Golden Flame Lion!

"What's going on? Where did this golden flame lion come from? Could it be a legacy spirit beast left behind by a senior cultivator from the Azure Lotus Temple?"

Zhou Chun's expression changed slightly as he looked at the crimson-gold fire lion with surprise and disbelief, his heart sinking.

The Golden Flame Lion is also a different kind of demon beast, and its actual combat power is not much worse than that of his Golden Winged Tiger. It can hold off the Azure Dragon for the time being.

Without the help of the Azure Dragon, Zhou Daoyi would most likely be no match for that Red Sun Daoist!

None of them expected that Zhou Daoyi, who was initially thought to have a high chance of winning, would actually have the highest probability of losing!

Thinking this, Zhou Chun immediately bowed to Master Baiyue and said, "Senior Baiyue, Qinglian Temple is cheating! That Golden Flame Lion is not the contracted spirit beast of this Red Sun Daoist at all. How can Qinglian Temple allow this spirit beast to fight alongside him!"

Before Master Baiyue could respond, Daoist Yiyang confidently smiled and said, "Who said this Golden Flame Lion isn't Junior Nephew Hongyang's contracted spirit beast? Fellow Daoist Zhou, your Zhou family is renowned throughout Jing Kingdom for your beast-taming skills. Now it seems your reputation is undeserved?"

Upon hearing his confident words, Zhou Chun's expression changed.

Then, Master Baiyue nodded slightly and said, "Fellow Daoist Yiyang, there's no need for that. This Golden Flame Lion has indeed signed a contract with Young Friend Hongyang, and can now be considered Young Friend Hongyang's spirit pet!"

"Did you hear that? The words of the Moon Worship Master are law; how could they possibly be false?"

Yi Yang Daoist glanced at Zhou Chun with a smug look on his face, and said with a hint of sarcasm, "Don't think that just because your Zhou family has stumbled upon a few third-tier demonic beasts, you're the best in Jing Kingdom when it comes to beast taming. The true foundation of a major sect is far beyond what your small, insignificant family can compare to!"

Zhou Chun was speechless for a moment, filled with regret and resentment!

The Zhou family had considered many things beforehand, such as the possibility that Daoist Hongyang might possess a fake magic weapon or a fourth-order magic talisman.

However, the issue of third-tier demonic beasts was indeed not taken into account.

After all, only they themselves know how difficult it is to raise a third-tier demon beast.

But who could have imagined that Qinglian Temple would be able to make the inherited spirit beast left by the predecessors recognize Hongyang Daoist as its master again!

Generally speaking, these inherited spirit beasts left by predecessors have virtually no chance of recognizing a new master.

Firstly, it was raised by its original owner from a young age and had long regarded the original owner as its closest person. After the original owner passed away, it was impossible for it to recognize a new owner.

Secondly, as high-level demonic beasts, they already possess considerable intelligence. Even if they are constrained by their "natal beast token" and forced to become the inherited spirit beasts of a certain sect or family, they would not be willing to directly gain another master.

After all, there are still many inconveniences in using "Benming Beast Cards", and the restrictions on their freedom are not that great.

Once a contract is signed and the contract is signed, the person becomes a slave, with absolutely no room for negotiation.

But now that things have come to this, no amount of regret from Zhou Chun can change anything.

Even if he knew this beforehand, it would be useless.

He couldn't possibly transfer his own Thunder Dragon to Zhou Daoyi!

For the Zhou family's beast-taming cultivators who regard their spirit pets as family members, such a thing is simply impossible!

Let's begin!

Master Baiyue didn't pay much attention to Zhou Chun's change in expression. After confirming that the Golden Flame Lion was already Daoist Hongyang's spirit pet, he quickly announced the start.

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhou Daoyi immediately raised his hand and patted the storage bag at his waist. A bluish-purple spear transformed into a bolt of lightning and shot towards the cave of the Red Sun Taoist.

At the same time, a cyan gourd appeared in his hand, and as he activated his magic, a dark cyan wind transformed into countless wind blades that shot towards the Red Sun Taoist.

Hongyang Daoist also made his move at almost the same time.

With a flick of his wrist, a black mountain-shaped magical artifact suddenly soared into the air, transforming in the blink of an eye into a mountain several dozen feet high that hurtled towards Zhou Daoyi.

The purplish-blue spear pierced the black mountain magic weapon, barely managing to break through the layer of black light emanating from its surface before being blasted away!

The Zhou family members were right in their guess; this Red Sun Taoist did indeed possess a fake magic weapon!

After knocking away the purplish-blue spear, the black mountain-shaped magical artifact then smashed most of the oncoming whirlwind of wind blades, and still had enough power to continue smashing towards Zhou Daoyi.

Seeing this, Zhou Daoyi had no choice but to immediately activate a "Mountain-Stabilizing Seal" talisman in his hand, which transformed into a giant earth-yellow seal to withstand the attack of the black mountain peak.

But just as he blocked the black mountain peak, a pseudo-magic weapon, the Red Sun Taoist summoned a fiery red gourd talisman. The gourd's mouth spewed out crimson flames, which instantly transformed into bolts of blazing divine lightning that bombarded him.

Fortunately, Zhou Daoyi possessed an extremely exquisite third-grade high-quality defensive magic artifact, the Azure Cloud Treasure Umbrella. He opened the umbrella, and a cloud of azure light enveloped him, blocking the bombardment of the blazing divine lightning.

In conclusion, it would be difficult for the two late-stage Purple Mansion cultivators, who have received full support from their respective powerful backers, to defeat each other in a short period of time.

In most cases, they will have to use up all their consumables and trump cards, or one side will run out of mana before a winner can be determined.

While the two late-stage Purple Mansion cultivators were locked in fierce combat, a battle also broke out between two mid-grade third-tier demonic beasts.

As a wind-attribute dragon, Qingjiao has mastered the Wind Escape Technique, which undoubtedly gives it the upper hand in battle.

While continuously unleashing various third-tier wind-attribute spells to attack the Golden Flame Lion, it would also occasionally sneak up behind the Golden Flame Lion to launch close-range ambushes.

Many of the Golden Flame Lion's attacks failed to hit it.

However, as a unique type of monster, the Golden Flame Lion also possesses its own unique abilities.

The golden flames it spews are extremely hot, only slightly less intense than the inner fire of a Golden Core cultivator. Even a dragon like the Azure Flood Dragon, once touched by them, cannot withstand the burning of its scales.

At the same time, it can also use this golden flame for defense and physical attacks. If the Azure Dragon's claws and tail attack it, they will inevitably be stained with this golden flame.

Its claws and fangs can also inflict a burning golden flame effect when they attack a target.

In addition, it also possesses a sonic attack technique; the lion's roar it emits can shake the soul and break through the Azure Dragon's wind escape technique.

Therefore, although the Azure Dragon held the initiative after engaging with it, it was not so easy for it to defeat it.

But everyone present knew that Zhou Daoyi's only chance of victory against the Red Sun Daoist, who possessed pseudo-magic weapons and numerous talismans and magic charms, lay in his spirit pet, the Azure Dragon.

Only if Qingjiao joins forces with him can they possibly defeat Hongyang Daoist!

(End of this chapter)