Daoist Competition

He glanced at the red-haired Daoist standing there in a daze, cupped his hands and said, "Brother Xiao, I shall take my leave."

The red-haired Daoist hastily returned the gesture and said, "Please go ahead, Vice Master Pan."

After the people dispersed, he sighed inwardly. It seemed he was powerless to aid Xiao He in this matter and could only let him rely on his own fortune. Standing there in thought for a moment, he decided to first inform the clan about today’s events to avoid misunderstandings when the clan saw Zhang Yan using the "Five Spirit White Carp Shuttle." Shaking his head, he activated an escape skill and returned to the sect.

Riding the wind and navigating the clouds, Zhang Yan returned to Zhao You Heavenly Pond. Upon entering the hall, he immediately summoned Luo Xiao and said, "Luo Daoist, after some deliberation, I believe the matter of the Wang Sisters becoming disciples should not be publicized. Hold off on sending the invitations for now. This gesture can be made up for later. For now, write a letter and summon Kun’er along with the Wang Sisters to the sect—I will handle the arrangements."

Luo Xiao had been preparing for this matter in recent days, but upon hearing Zhang Yan speak so seriously, he quickly responded, "I shall obey Master’s command with the utmost care."

Once Luo Xiao departed, Zhang Yan turned and retreated into the Twelve Layered Palace. Sitting upon the cloud couch, he entered meditation.

Two days later, a slight ripple appeared on the Little Pot Mirror. Zhang Yan’s eyes opened, and upon gazing into the mirror’s surface, he saw a young cultivator with a mole on his eyebrow standing at the mountain gate. Judging by his aura and demeanor, he seemed to be a Ming Qi cultivator. However, his face displayed a confident and composed air, carrying a charisma that left a deep impression.

In a low voice, Zhang Yan asked, "How long has this person been here?"

The Mirror Spirit within the mirror replied, "Master, this person came to this place the day after your return but has not spoken to request an audience. He simply stands there—shall I drive him away?"

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Zhang Yan pondered slightly and said, "There’s no need. Bring him to the residence to meet me."

Before long, the young cultivator was led into a side hall. Upon seeing Zhang Yan sitting high on the cloud couch, he immediately rushed forward a few steps, bowed and said, "Are you Brother Zhang Yan? I am Xiao Yi. Greetings to you, Brother Zhang."

Zhang Yan’s piercing gaze scanned the young man and asked indifferently, "Xiao Yi? Are you a disciple of the Xiao family?"

Xiao Yi replied respectfully, "Indeed. In my clan, I rank fifteenth, and everyone refers to me by the title ’Fifteenth Master.’ The red-haired, red-browed individual Brother Zhang saw the other day is my uncle."

"Then you are here on behalf of your uncle with a message for me?"

Xiao Yi shook his head and replied, "No, Brother. I have come seeking you for a transaction."

Zhang Yan remained silent, his gaze calm, waiting for him to continue.

Xiao Yi spread his arms and said with a bitter smile, "I imagine Brother Zhang can discern my current situation: I am merely at the Ming Qi First Realm. Though I have cultivated for over thirty years, without an extraordinary fortune in the Immortal Dao or a shift to the Demon Dao, there is no hope for me to attain the Great Dao in this lifetime. Once my lifespan is exhausted, my only option would be to entrust my spirit to one of the Xiao family descendants to reincarnate as a mere human."

As he spoke, his voice lowered involuntarily, "I have heard that Brother Zhang has imprisoned my clan brother, Xiao He. If Brother Zhang would permit, I wish to borrow his body."

Zhang Yan’s eyebrows rose slightly, a peculiar expression flickering in his eyes. He asked in a measured tone, "You wish to seize his body?"

Xiao Yi showed no hesitation in revealing his intention and replied bitterly, "Yes! Xiao He possesses talent and gifts yet wastes them recklessly. Such a fine vessel is squandered—better to yield it to one more deserving."

Staring at him, Zhang Yan said, "Have you thought this through? Body possession is fraught with difficulties—you risk the annihilation of your Primordial Spirit if there’s the slightest mistake. Even if you succeed, you would not be able to wield Xiao He’s cultivation; it would dissipate completely. The body would also suffer severe injuries and lose years off its lifespan. What would you gain from seizing it?"

Xiao Yi replied resolutely, "Even with such losses, it would far exceed my current body. Even if the cultivation dissipates, I could start anew. Using it as a foundation, I would dedicate myself to cultivation once more—I refuse to believe I cannot match Xiao He’s current achievements!"

Zhang Yan nodded faintly and said, "You are certainly determined."

Xiao Yi’s gambit was a decisive and ruthless move. After body possession, not only would the host’s cultivation dissipate entirely, but the possessor would no longer be able to reincarnate as a human. It was a path with no retreads, both forward and backward, revealing a staggering level of self-sacrifice.

Seeing that Zhang Yan seemed to have no objections, Xiao Yi’s heart grew hopeful. He quickly offered the conditions he had long prepared and said, "As long as Brother Zhang is willing to assist me, I..."

Zhang Yan raised his hand to interrupt him and said, "For this matter, I will send a manager to discuss the details with you. Whether or not it succeeds will depend on whether you can convince him—I will not interfere."

With that, Zhang Yan rose abruptly, not even bidding farewell to Xiao Yi before leaving.

Xiao Yi watched Zhang Yan leave, stunned for a moment. Then, seemingly realizing something, he still smiled warmly and bowed deeply, saying in a loud voice, "I humbly bid farewell to Brother Zhang!"

Zhang Yan did not turn back. Xiao Yi had ambitions far beyond the ordinary, but whether he could reach a point where he could truly aid Zhang Yan remained uncertain. Still, after extracting every last ounce of value from Xiao He, gifting the body to Xiao Yi might not be a bad move—for now, it served to plant a hidden move for the future.

Before long, a black-clothed scholar emerged and respectfully said to Xiao Yi, "Daoist Xiao, I am Zhang Jing—I’ve served by Master’s side for many years. Any matters you wish to discuss with Master, you may address to me instead."

"Ah, so this is Manager Zhang."

Xiao Yi was momentarily startled and quickly stood to return the courtesy, bowing deeply with repeated affirmations of "I wouldn’t dare."

As the black-clothed scholar appeared, Xiao Yi instantly sensed an absence of any aura from a living being. At least as a disciple of the Xiao family, Xiao Yi’s discerning eye was sufficient to identify the black-clothed scholar as a True Spirit of Dharma Treasure. His heart was immediately filled with immense shock.

Dharma Treasures that could manifest into such spirits were exclusively wielded by Cave Heaven True Masters within the sect. That Zhang Yan possessed one was utterly unimaginable. Xiao Yi’s heart grew reverent, and his evaluation of Zhang Yan rose to new heights, extinguishing several of his previously wavering thoughts.

...

...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation tickets or monthly tickets—your support is my greatest motivation.)