The flaming flying vessel tore through the air toward the void beyond the atmosphere. Zhang Yu transformed into an azure rainbow and followed close behind.
He fixed his gaze on the vessel ahead. Once he had drawn a little nearer, he stirred his intent. Starlight flickered behind him, and a Cicada-Wing Flowing Light flashed forth in an instant.
Daoist Cao had no intention of taking that divine ability head-on. He deftly steered the flying vessel aside and spun it around, avoiding the flowing light. Yet its speed slowed slightly as a result.
He immediately sensed that something was wrong. As the distance between them gradually closed, if such divine abilities came at him several more times, Zhang Yu might intercept him before he reached the Heavenly Gate.
He glanced at the gray-robed Daoist behind him. The latter understood his meaning, made a Daoist salute, and walked to one side. An entrance opened in the vessel's cabin before him.
He looked at the rapidly receding world outside, but did not go out himself. Instead, he glanced at a Daoist standing by the cabin door, then stepped forward and patted him on the shoulder. A faint gleam flashed where his hand touched, and he instructed, "Go test that man first."
The Daoist was plainly unwilling. "Master Cao did not order me to go."
The gray-robed Daoist said in a hoarse voice, "Since Master Cao has entrusted this matter to me, I have the authority to dispatch you. What? Are you unwilling to exert yourself for Master Cao?"
The Daoist could not help looking toward Daoist Cao. Yet the latter acted as though he had heard nothing, clearly acquiescing to this. After hesitating for a moment, the Daoist could only turn around helplessly, leap outside, and charge toward Zhang Yu.
When Zhang Yu