World's No. 1 Swordsman-Chapter 142: Daoist Master Bu Yans Speech

"Is that the Shu Mountains' legendary Sword-Controlling Art? It truly lives up to its name. How could anyone defend against flying swords launched to kill?"

"The most impressive one was still Daoist Master Gao of the Wudang Mountains. He faced the Shu Mountains' Sword-Controlling Art head-on with nothing but a sword and himself!"

"That's not quite right. Among those three, the most dazzling had to be the disciple of Daoist Master Bu Yan. His cultivation seemed slightly inferior to the other two, yet he had just fought them to a draw!"

"The sword technique that created the starry skies is truly domineering. The power of that young man's sword art had nearly shaken even my Dao heart."

"You don't understand, do you? That was the Realm of Sword Momentum. Momentum is not only found in the Dao of the Sword, but in many Daos. Considering his disciple is already that powerful, imagine just how much stronger Daoist Master Bu Yan is. He truly deserves to be a Golden Core Realm Daoist who stands shoulder to shoulder with the Grand Celestial Master."

The opening performance was originally just meant to serve as a humble lead-in—a simple warm-up act to set the mood. No one expected the three sword cultivators to blow the whole place apart.

The swords of Heaven, Earth, and Man had just clashed. The Shu Mountains' Sword-Controlling Art, the Wudang Mountains' sword art, and a one-man formation.

Too many elements were at play during the sword duel, and it had far too many discussion points. After the applause, the many cultivators who were visibly excited immediately entered discussions.

On the central platform, the Celestial Master simply nodded and smiled. Meanwhile, standing quietly, Yuan Pu Zhenren and Fei Long stroked their beards—a manner all too common among reclusive experts.

A nearby Daoist master turned to Qing Yanzi. "I've heard that your Pure Yang Immortal Arts are boundless in power, but I didn't expect your disciple's accomplishments in the Dao of the Sword to be so profound as well! Fei Yu is so young yet already so formidable in sword technique. He has managed to stand on equal footing with two senior sword cultivators!"

Another praised, "If Fei Yu reaches the Illusory Core Realm, I don't even know whether I'd be able to withstand his sword, which falls like a cascade of stars!"

"Fei Yu's Dao of the Sword combines the strengths of many sects. Within his sword formation lies Wudang's Seven-Star Sword Intent, and he has also trained in the Shu Mountains' Sword-Controlling Art. Beyond that, he has profound insights into the Dao of the Sword that no sect has. In another ten years, he may well become the sole pillar of the Dao of the Sword in the cultivation world!"

Qing Yanzi simply waved a hand and smiled faintly. The surrounding area then fell silent as he said, "Daoist Master Fei Lianzi and my junior brother Shi Xing both could be considered the ones who guided Fei Yu in the Dao of the Sword. Most of Fei Yu's sword techniques came from his own comprehension. Though I am his master, I do not have much understanding of the Dao of the Sword myself."

Many Daoist masters were just about to speak up and praise Wang Sheng's insight and talent when the composed middle-aged Kun Daoist once again took the stage. The drum formation had already been cleared. Now, staff members were busy dividing the venue into smaller arenas.

The Kun Daoist spoke into the microphone, her gentle tone gradually quieting the venue.

"I'd like to thank the over two hundred young performers for their enthusiastic performances. We also extend our gratitude to the three Daoist masters of the Referee Committee for the marvelous sword battle they presented..."

Referee Committee?

The venue buzzed again. Quite a few cultivators had been frustrated earlier since Wang Sheng had just displayed a level of strength far beyond the norm, making it certain that he could take one of the top eight spots. Hence, upon hearing that he was part of the Referee Committee, many cultivators who cared about the top eight rankings immediately felt relieved.

"I thought that young sword cultivator would be among the top three this year. Who would've thought that he became a referee instead of competing in the tournament?"

"Heroes truly emerge young."

"It does make sense, though. Daoist Master Bu Yan was the one who gathered us for the Immortal Dao Conference. For his disciple to act as a referee is perfectly reasonable."

"One less strong opponent. Our chances of glimpsing ancient immortal mantras have just increased. I have to say, Daoist Master Bu Yan is truly generous!"

The chatter in the venue grew too chaotic, forcing the host to pause. After a moment, she continued, "Did the swordplay of the three Daoist masters stun everyone? Then let us invite them to the stage again, along with the rest of the Referee Committee. Everyone, please give them a warm welcome!"

Rhythmic Daoist music played. With Fei Lianzi leading the way, eighteen referees floated into the venue in a line. When the disciples saw their sects' Daoist masters, the applause naturally grew more enthusiastic.

Originally, Wang Sheng had been arranged to be at the forefront, but before going on stage, he had deliberately slipped to the very end of the procession. It didn't really matter, though. The moment he appeared, attention from all corners of the venue immediately converged on him.

Fortunately, everyone present was a cultivator who valued their Dao heart and Daoist realm. Otherwise, fangirls would've already been screaming.

The eighteen Daoist masters offered cupped-hand salutes to both sides before standing quietly in place. The host then introduced the eighteen referees one by one, announcing their Daoist heritage and cultivation.

When it came to Wang Sheng, she especially emphasized his Daoist age, pointing out that he had just come into contact with cultivation when the primal qi of heaven and earth began to recover. In doing so, she further highlighted Qing Yanzi's image as a masterful expert.

One of his two disciples, the immortal-like Quiet Fairy, had followed him in cultivation since childhood. Now that she had reached the Illusory Core Realm, she had caught up to the older generation of cultivators despite pursuing the difficult path of the Yin-Yang Eight Trigrams.

His other disciple, Fei Yu, cultivated with the sword. During the chaos stirred by the corrupt cultivators at the Yellow Sea, he had already proven the strength of his Sword Dao. After two and a half years in seclusion, he emerged today to make a stunning debut.

If his disciples were already so formidable, then what kind of terrifying strength and divine abilities did Daoist Master Bu Yan himself possess?

Still, the Immortal Dao Conference was a grand event for the righteous path of the cultivation world. It could not revolve entirely around a single opening performance. Hence, the host quickly shifted the topic and began explaining the eleven rules of the tournament. She also instructed the participants preparing for the preliminary matches to pay attention to their respective groupings.

Eighteen referees walked to the eight arenas and stood silently at their assigned positions. Wang Sheng, Fei Lianzi, and Gao Shixing made symbolic rounds of inspection at each arena, then moved to rest in the shaded area by the sidelines.

The host then announced the official start of the tournament and called for the cultivators numbered one to twenty in each arena to enter the field for the first wave of preliminaries.

At that moment, Qing Yanzi suddenly stood up, stunning the host. During the rehearsals, there was no speech scheduled at all!

Fortunately, the middle-aged Kun Daoist reacted quickly. She immediately stepped forward to smooth things over, bowing and apologizing to all sides.

"Fellow cultivators, I beg your pardon. I forgot the most important part before the tournament. Let us welcome Daoist Master Bu Yan, the convener of this Immortal Dao Conference, to deliver a very important speech."

Qing Yanzi gave the Kun Daoist an apologetic smile and then stepped forward. He instantly became the focus of the entire field.

Stirred by his disciple's sword duel, he had suddenly felt the urge to speak. Being a free-spirited man, he immediately acted on the thought and stood up without hesitation.

His clear and mellow tone slowly reverberated throughout the field, reaching the ears of every cultivator present. He didn't even need the sound system.

"The opportunity to invite all of you here today did not come easily. Once again, I thank you all for your support. I must also thank the Hua Republic for their full assistance throughout this event.

"Since the resurgence of primal qi, the government has paid close attention to us righteous cultivators. Their policies have been tolerant, and they have taken strong action to suppress the chaos caused by corrupt cultivators.

"The efforts they have made should be evident to all of you. Many fellow cultivators have already lent their strength to aid the government's investigation units, engage in battles of wits and strength against corrupt cultivators, and safeguard peace across various regions.

"The secular world still does not know of the cultivation world's existence, but we must be prepared for the shock it will bring when the time comes. I hope each sect and lineage will restrain their disciples and regulate their conduct and speech. Today—"

"Namo Amitabha!" a withered old monk with sharp eyes shouted from the side. He then stood up and gave Qing Yanzi a Buddhist salute. "For the past few years, I have been troubled by one question."

The majority of cultivators present, both unaffiliated ones from across the land and those from sacred mountain sects, came from Daoist lineages. The Buddhist sects had no place speaking up in the middle of the convener's speech. If it had been praise, it would have been acceptable, but the monk sounded more like he was looking for trouble.

Several Daoist masters frowned, and many Daoist elders showed their displeasure. The Special Investigation Unit members hiding among the crowd quietly sweated.

In a clear, loud tone, Qing Yanzi answered, "Please, Master, ask away."

The old monk asked, "Since both Daoist and Buddhist arts can relieve the sufferings of all beings, why do our two paths not join hands with the government to spread the methods of cultivation to the public?"

"Firstly, let us make one thing clear," Qing Yanzi replied calmly. "Whether Daoist or Buddhist, both paths are most effective when practiced from a young age. If such methods were broadly promoted now, only those under twenty-five would truly benefit.

"Secondly, cultivators walk the path of Dao by first cultivating virtue and the heart. Morality and the Dao cannot be separated. If we disregard one's character and simply disseminate the Dao, we are merely creating fertile ground for the rise of corrupt cultivators.

"Thirdly, if cultivation is recklessly promoted and everyone focuses solely on techniques instead of livelihood and production, the land and economy would collapse in a matter of days. It would be a path to destruction.

"Fourthly, several years ago, the Great Hua Republic had already invested considerable manpower and resources to improve the basic cultivation techniques. As far as I know, significant breakthroughs have already been achieved. In another ten or twenty years, these techniques will be ready for widespread implementation. People of all ages will be able to use them to prolong their lives and improve their health, but not to commit violence.

"Did my four points answer your question? If these reasons are insufficient, I can give more."

"Amitabha." The old monk let out a long sigh. "It is I who lacked foresight. Thinking back on what I just said, I find it quite laughable."

Qing Yanzi smiled. "According to the Lotus Sutra, that scripture is the secret treasure of all Buddhas and should not be casually spread or taught to others. According to Journey to the West, written during the Ming Dynasty, scriptures must neither be lightly passed on nor taken for free. In principle, it is Buddhism that should understand this reasoning best.

"Our Daoist sects strictly observe the stern rules of our forefathers. We are cautious in taking disciples, and even more cautious in passing on the Dao. What fault is there in that?"

The old monk said no more. He bowed and slowly returned to his seat.

Qing Yanzi paused briefly, then his tone began to rise in momentum. His gaze swept across the venue as he once again dominated the atmosphere.

"Though the world today is largely stable, corrupt cultivators within the Hua Republic remain a persistent threat. Beyond our borders, monsters and fiends stir restlessly, daring once more to test the might of the Great Divine Land.

"As cultivators, we pursue peace and detachment, but when our nation is in peril, we must also rise to protect the people. We must uphold the righteous qi of heaven and earth. With our Dao and our techniques, we must safeguard the peaceful lives of the billions within the Hua Republic.

"Today's Immortal Dao Conference has gathered young talents under the age of thirty-five from every sect and lineage. Here we sit and discuss the Dao, stand and compare techniques, and use this opportunity to display the strengths of our sects, deter evildoers, and showcase the power of our immortal path! I, a humble Daoist, and the esteemed Daoist masters present shall strive forward in mutual encouragement! Let the tournament begin!"

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