Chapter 1596: No-Word Heavenly Book

Chu Chuyan smiled at Zu An before explaining, "The Grand Sect Competition is a tradition established by the Nine Daoist Sects over thousands of years. Many years ago, when Daoism split into nine sects, each believed their philosophy and cultivation methods were the correct ones. Being proud and arrogant, they often clashed fiercely over disagreements, leading to heavy losses for all nine sects.

"Later, enlightened individuals within the nine sects realized this couldn't continue. It wasn't just causing the downfall of many talented individuals; it was also easily forming unresolvable blood feuds. However, the conflicts between the nine sects persisted, making a complete cessation of hostilities impossible. So, someone proposed that the nine sects jointly host the Grand Sect Competition. Disciples from each sect could duel on a platform, and with elders supervising, it would be easier to stop before fatal injuries occurred."

"The leaders of the major sects later felt that this not only resolved disputes but also motivated their disciples to cultivate diligently. Thus, this tradition of the grand competition was preserved. Considering the cultivation progress of each sect, it was typically held every ten years, and this time, it happened to coincide with the ten-year mark."

"There must be a prize for this kind of competition, right? Otherwise, it would be hard for it not to become a pointless event after so many years." Zu An thought of some basketball and football matches in his previous life, where athletes didn't put in their full effort because the honor wasn't attractive enough.

"Naturally, there is," Chu Chuyan replied with a smile, causing the Disciples of Lihentian opposite her to stare. They had never seen her smile so radiantly before.

"The sect of the winner gains ownership of the Daoist sacred treasure, the 'Wordless Heavenly Scripture,' for ten years. During this decade, they can keep it within their sect for contemplation."

Zu An was startled. "The Wordless Heavenly Scripture?"

Even King Yan and the others became interested. While appearing to converse with others, their ears subtly perked up.

"Legend has it that the 'Wordless Heavenly Scripture' was left behind by the founder of Daoism. It's rumored to contain the ultimate secrets of the Daoist path, but despite so many years, countless brilliant individuals have failed to comprehend its mysteries." A hint of longing appeared in Chu Chuyan's expression.

"Is it truly wordless, with nothing written on it?" Zu An asked.

"I haven't seen it myself, but it's said to be true," Chu Chuyan nodded slightly. "However, this book is immensely profound. Although it has no words, it seems to contain the Grand Dao of Heaven and Earth. While past generations of sects haven't fully grasped its ultimate secrets, they've gained significant insights from it. Some even say that merely being near the 'Wordless Heavenly Scripture,' without actively contemplating it, can accelerate one's cultivation speed."

"That's incredible!" Zu An thought to himself, wanting to see the Wordless Heavenly Scripture if he ever had the chance. However, he didn't voice this desire in front of the two sect leaders.

Chu Chuyan continued, "Besides the 'Wordless Heavenly Scripture,' the top ten disciples from the Grand Sect Competition can also enter the 'Daoist Secret Realm,' which opens once every ten years. For the younger generation, this is an immense opportunity, so disciples from every sect give their absolute best during each competition."

Zu An nodded. Major powers all had their corresponding secret realms. For instance, the academies in Brightmoon City used to have their own. A secret realm jointly owned by the Nine Daoist Sects must surely contain countless rare treasures, spiritual resources, and cultivation manuals. It was naturally a huge draw for young cultivators.

He suddenly felt a jolt of alarm and asked worriedly, "Aren't you supposed to compete against the Demonic Sect's Saintess? Wouldn't participating in this grand competition be very dangerous then?"

If she participated in the Grand Sect Competition first, she wouldn't be at her peak when facing Qiu Honglei. The Demonic Sect and the Daoist sects have always been at odds, so casualties were likely. Conversely, if she competed against Qiu Honglei first, then participating in the Grand Sect Competition would also be dangerous. While the Nine Daoist Sects claimed camaraderie, they viewed each other as rivals, and with such tempting prizes, it was unlikely anyone would hold back. In either scenario, she would be in great danger.

Feeling his concern, Chu Chuyan's heart warmed. "Don't worry, I don't need to participate in the Grand Sect Competition. This time, White Jade Capital's team is led by one of my senior brothers. Also, the major sects have granted me special permission: as long as I can defeat the Demonic Sect's Saintess, I will automatically secure a spot to enter the secret realm."

Hearing this, Zu An breathed a sigh of relief, but then immediately grew worried again. Chu Chuyan's future was at stake, so she absolutely had to win this duel. Yet, her victory meant Qiu Honglei's defeat. The Demonic Sect would surely offer many incentives, just like the Daoist sects, and perhaps even impose penalties for losing. Both women were dear to him; he didn't want either of them to lose.

For a moment, Zu An finally understood the helplessness of fate—some things simply couldn't have a perfect outcome for everyone.

As the two conversed, the Disciples of Lihentian opposite them were all wide-mouthed in shock, especially Zhi Yin, whose mind was buzzing.

He still remembered the first time he saw Chu Chuyan. She had come to Lihentian to deliver a message, and he was instantly captivated, falling for her at first sight.

For a moment, he even imagined names for their future children: 'Zhi Chu' for a son and 'Zhi Yan' for a daughter... No, that wasn't right. If he married her, how could he only have two children? That would be a waste of her beauty; he should have at least ten or eight. During that period, he cut off all contact with other female disciples he had flirted with, dedicating himself wholeheartedly to pursuing her.

Unfortunately, Chu Chuyan was too aloof and rarely spoke. He recalled barely remembering anything she had said to him, with the most memorable words being "Oh," "Hehe," "Okay," and "Understood."

The longest phrase was "Thank you, Senior Brother!"

Fortunately, her voice was truly pleasant; even her "hehe" sounds were a delightful experience.

What gave him an even greater sense of superiority was that Chu Chuyan spoke even less to other disciples. She spoke the most to him, totaling 78 words over the few days they interacted!

Unfortunately, this sense of superiority shattered in that instant. He never expected the taciturn ice beauty to be so talkative in front of another man. The crucial part was that gentle smile; there wasn't a hint of coldness.

What did he have that Zhi Yin didn't?!

Zhi Yin felt his blood boil and nearly coughed up blood from frustration.

Rage points from Zhi Yin +888 +888 +888...

Seeing the long string of rage points, Zu An gave him a puzzled glance. What was that pretty boy going crazy about now?

However, he lost interest after a glance and continued chatting with Chu Chuyan. At the same time, fearing Xie Daoyun would feel left out, he introduced her to Chu Chuyan. The two were already acquainted from Brightmoon City, so their conversation didn't feel awkward.

Chu Chuyan, however, was trying to guess the relationship between Zu An and Xie Daoyun, while Xie Daoyun felt that the two certainly didn't seem like divorced spouses. Beneath the calm surface, subtle undercurrents were stirring.

Yan Xuehen, on the other hand, observed with a cold gaze, thinking that Zu An's romantic luck was truly flourishing and that he deserved to be hung up and severely beaten.

Opposite them, Zhi Yin's body trembled slightly, his hands clenching tightly in his sleeves, his fingernails almost digging into his flesh.

Zhao Xiaodie, standing nearby, seemed to notice something and mumbled, "That Chu woman acts like an ice fairy on the surface, but I never expected her to be such a sycophant, so enthusiastic when she sees an important official."

Zhi Yin abruptly turned his head. "Shut up! You're not allowed to talk about her like that!"

The sudden outburst instantly drew everyone's attention. All eyes were on the two, surprised, unsure of what had just happened.