Chapter 586: Sparring

Chen Family, Jiuyang Mountain.

In a secluded courtyard, Chen Yunyue was playing chess with Ye Rushi, the master of White Lotus Abbey.

Initially, to win over other immortal cultivation forces, they had promised a certain number of shops to those who participated in clearing the swamp. After several years of operation, Yunmeng Market flourished with numerous merchants and travelers. Following current trends, the market was set to become even more prosperous. However, they had initially given too many shops to other immortal cultivation families and now planned to reclaim some of them.

Naturally, no one was willing to give up the profits they had gained. With Core Formation cultivators backing them, they had no fear. Chen Yunyue and Ye Rushi were discussing a strategy.

“These immortal cultivation families are all backed by Core Formation cultivators. Offending all of them would make things difficult for us,” Chen Yunyue said. “I think we should stick to the old method: win over some and suppress others. For instance, families with seven shops could return four, and those with two shops could give up one. This way, the opposition would be minimal.”

Ye Rushi looked admiringly at Chen Yunyue and praised, “That’s a good idea. Let’s proceed with that.”

Just then, a middle-aged man quickly walked in. He glanced at Ye Rushi, appearing hesitant to speak.

“Speak your mind, whatever it is. Madam Ye is not an outsider.”

If it were truly urgent, he would have directly sent a sound transmission.

“Third Uncle, two seniors, a Senior Wang and a Senior Wang, have arrived from outside. They claim to be from the Wang Family of Taoshan.”

“Two Core Formation cultivators? If I’m not mistaken, didn’t the Wang Family only have one Core Formation cultivator?”

Ye Rushi shook her head and said, “That was over a decade ago. It’s possible the Wang Family now has a second Core Formation cultivator.”

“They are our guests. Please invite them in.”

The middle-aged man acknowledged and turned to leave.

Soon after, Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan entered.

Wang Changsheng’s gaze swept over Chen Yunyue and Ye Rushi. He cupped his hands at them and said with a smile, “I am Wang Changsheng, and this is my humble wife, Wang Ruyan. We greet both fellow Daoists.”

“I am Chen Yunyue. Your visit brings great honor to our Chen Family,” Chen Yunyue offered a sincere smile and said politely.

The Wang Family actually had two Core Formation cultivators. It seemed they couldn't act against them; instead, they needed to foster good relations.

Chen Yunyue felt a pang of regret. When clearing the swamp, he had taken a liking to Wang Qingshan. However, Wang Qingshan had refused, so he had forged a marriage alliance with another immortal cultivation family. But it wasn't too late to form an alliance now.

“I am Ye Rushi of White Lotus Abbey. Greetings, Fellow Daoist Wang and Madam Wang,” Ye Rushi said politely. White Lotus Abbey also had two Core Formation cultivators, the strongest being at the fourth level.

“Fellow Daoist Wang, Madam Wang, are you here concerning the market shop allocations?”

Wang Changsheng shook his head and smiled, “No. It was agreed initially that our Wang Family would receive five shops, and now three are to be reclaimed. I believe neither of you would do such a thing; it must be an arbitrary decision by someone below you. I heard that Fellow Daoist Chen’s cultivation is profound. My purpose in coming here is to spar with you. Would Fellow Daoist Chen be willing to offer guidance?”

Wang Changsheng wanted to test the power of his nascent magical treasure. Even if he lost, there would be no shame.

In the world of immortal cultivation, might makes right. He didn’t want to waste words arguing with Chen Yunyue. Even if he only managed a draw, it would make it difficult for Chen Yunyue to target the Wang Family in the future.

“A spar? Since Fellow Daoist Wang is interested, I shall spar with you.”

Chen Yunyue agreed. Wang Changsheng had come to the Chen family specifically to challenge him to a spar. Wang Changsheng was a third-level Core Formation cultivator, while Chen Yunyue was at the fifth level. If he refused, wouldn't he be looked down upon?

Before long, the four of them appeared on a wide, open plain.

Wang Ruyan and Ye Rushi stood at a distance, observing. Wang Ruyan’s expression was calm, while Ye Rushi wore an expectant look, ready to enjoy the show.

As the spar began, Chen Yunyue conjured a two-foot-long silver jade brush. He waved it in the air, causing a blue light to flicker. Soon, a giant blue swallow, about ten feet in size, materialized and flapped its wings, swooping towards Wang Changsheng.

One after another, giant blue swallows appeared from Chen Yunyue’s jade brush, assailing Wang Changsheng from all directions.

Wang Changsheng summoned his Ruyi Profound Jade Rod. A blue light illuminated his back, and a pair of ten-foot-wide blue wings materialized. Judging by their spiritual energy fluctuations, they were a nascent magical treasure.

Wang Changsheng had slain many half-demons. These Qianyuan Wings were a nascent magical treasure, providing relatively fast flight speed. The spiritual boots magical treasure he had previously acquired offered even greater speed, but were better suited for escape; he had given them to Wang Ruyan to use, as her strength was comparatively weaker.

With a gentle flap of the Qianyuan Wings, Wang Changsheng transformed into a streak of blue light, lunging towards Chen Yunyue. The Ruyi Profound Jade Rod in his hand blazed with light, rapidly growing thicker and longer.

Wang Changsheng cultivated both magic and physical prowess. While his physical body couldn't compare to specialized body cultivators, it was stronger than that of ordinary immortal cultivators.

He was two minor realms lower than Chen Yunyue. His chances of winning in close combat were higher. However, if they were to fight from a distance using spells and divine abilities, he might not be Chen Yunyue’s match.

As soon as the blue swallows approached within thirty feet of Wang Changsheng, they were smashed to pieces by the Ruyi Profound Jade Rod.

“A body cultivator!”

Upon seeing the massive Ruyi Profound Jade Rod, Chen Yunyue’s expression grew solemn.

He had originally intended to play to his strengths and defeat Wang Changsheng with his abundant spiritual power, allowing both parties to gracefully conclude the spar. He had never imagined that Wang Changsheng was a body cultivator.

Chen Yunyue flicked his wrist, and the silver jade brush blazed with light. A lifelike giant blue python materialized in the air, opening its cavernous mouth and lunging at Wang Changsheng.

Boom!

The giant blue python, formed from spiritual power, was shattered into points of spiritual light by the Ruyi Profound Jade Rod in a single strike.

At this moment, Chen Yunyue conjured a red feather fan. With a gentle wave, a large expanse of red mist flew out. It transformed into an enormous crimson giant eagle, carrying an unbearable heatwave, and swooped towards Wang Changsheng.

Only a fool would engage a body cultivator in close combat. However, ordinary spells couldn't harm body cultivators.

A sharp glint flashed in Chen Yunyue’s eyes. He tossed the red feather fan into the air and cast several incantations upon it.

The red feather fan immediately blazed with light. A soaring eagle pattern suddenly emerged on its surface.

A crisp bird cry rang out, and the red feather fan transformed into a nine-foot-tall crimson giant eagle. The eagle had two wings and three legs, appearing somewhat peculiar.

This was not a transformation formed by spiritual power, but rather by an artifact spirit. Magical treasures with artifact spirits were rare.

This Three-legged Fiery Eagle had been a third-tier high-grade demonic beast in its lifetime. Although it could only exert a fraction of its power, dealing with Wang Changsheng should be no problem.

Seeing the crimson giant eagle swoop down, Wang Changsheng remained unhurried. He summoned his Icy Cloud Bottle, which unleashed a thick white beam of light towards the crimson giant eagle.

The crimson giant eagle showed no fear. It opened its beak and spewed out a stream of crimson flames as thick as an adult’s arm.

The crimson flames and the white beam of light collided, instantly erupting in a large surge of air and a vast cloud of white mist.