Chapter 591 - 37 Hai Zhen Has Visitors
After sending Xiao Yi off, the black-clothed scholar turned back and entered the Main Mansion. Zhang Yan, lying on the couch, slightly opened his eyes and asked, "How did it go?"
The black-clothed scholar bowed and replied, "Reporting to Master, I have agreed with this person on a three-year term. After three years, Xiao He can be handed over to him for a resolution."
He then presented a talismanic script, raising it above his head and placing it before Zhang Yan, saying, "This is a Dharma Contract established by Xiao Yi with his heart’s blood as an oath, so Master need not worry about this person reneging."
Zhang Yan couldn’t help but laugh and said, "Why should I fear him reneging? He’s just a Ming Qi Cultivator. Even regarding the Xiao Clan’s secrets, how much could he possibly know? It’s only because I see his determination in seeking the Dao that I give him this chance. Even if he succeeds in body seizing, it will take decades for him to cultivate back to the Hua Dan Realm. Before that, he is of little use."
The black-clothed scholar quickly said, "Master’s wisdom is unparalleled. It is this humble servant who misspoke."
Zhang Yan waved his hand indicating it was no problem. He did admire the man’s audacity and boldness: daring to come here to discuss body seizing was akin to handing over leverage against himself. If the Xiao Clan learned of this, they’d likely obliterate him entirely, both body and soul. If this man manages to rise in the future, he will surely be a remarkable figure.
The disciples of noble families, from the moment they are born, have their aptitude appraised and all matters of cultivation arranged by elders of the clan. The large clans have many disciples, and only those exceptionally talented can qualify to move forward and tread the path of the Great Dao.
People like Xiao Yi are countless within the Xiao Clan, unnoticed and disregarded. If they fail to find another path, they have little hope for their lifetime.
Thus, they strive for a breakthrough. Either like Han Ji, a member of the Han Clan, who broke ties early in life and turned to the Demon Sect, or like Xiao Yi, risking everything in a desperate gamble even at the cost of utter destruction. As for people like True Master Peng, who depart the clan and ascend to the Grotto Heaven, such figures are exceedingly rare.
In truth, whether it is the noble families of the Xuanmen or the lineage of masters and disciples, the majority of people lack such courage. They would rather reincarnate safely and leave their hopes to the next life than risk themselves in the current one, always believing there’s another chance awaiting.
They never consider that, though their talents may be insufficient in this life, they still have the ability to choose and act for themselves. Fierce competition may not shut all paths entirely; however, reincarnation relinquishes hope into the hands of others.
It is precisely this insight that propelled Xiao Yi to take such seemingly mad action.
Zhang Yan did not need to exert any effort, so he didn’t mind lending the man a hand. If it failed, there was no loss; if it succeeded, it might bring unexpected surprise.
Time flows like water, and another half-month passed. Outside Zhao You Heavenly Pond, three or four male and female cultivators arrived. One of the men wore a Thunder Cloth on his head, his sideburns sharp as if cut by a blade. His eyes glinted like tiger’s pupils, and beneath his chin hung a coarse black beard. Dressed in a crane-patterned robe and standing atop a Yin Yang Dharma Plate, he held a horsetail whisk in his hand, his demeanor commanding and imposing.
He raised his head to look at Zhao You Mountain, studying its majestic ridges. Unable to hold back, he praised, "This mountain indeed deserves the title ’Little Pillar Zhou,’ supporting the earth and heaven, like a pillar of the world. Magnificent, awe-inspiring!"
Behind him, a Daoist Nun with delicate features, well-proportioned nose, and an appearance as pretty as a lotus, glanced up and concurred, "Senior Brother’s words are not unfounded. In East Splendor Continent, apart from the Ten Great Spirit Caves, such worldly Cave Mansions are rare. I didn’t expect Sect Leader Qin to bestow such a Cave Heaven Blessed Land upon a disciple within the sect. His generosity and vision are truly unparalleled."
The Hu Jing Daoist nodded in agreement.
The two moved forward with the wind, conversing as they went. The Hu Jing Daoist remarked, "This Zhang Yan has achieved a First-class Elixir Formation. I heard he was once a disciple of the Elixir Dao Master Zhou Chongju. For his work on crafting this Dharma Treasure, we have no choice but to seek his assistance."
The Daoist Nun replied, "Indeed, this Zhang Yan is said not to hail from the noble families of Mingcang Sect. Yet he managed to rise from the Lower Court and become a True Disciple. He must be an extraordinary figure. Now that we approach him seeking help, proper respect must be shown when we meet him."
Yet, as their words of praise were spoken, a young girl with delicate features immediately showed dissatisfaction and snorted, pouting, "Our Hai Zhen Temple is also one of the Ten Sects of Xuanmen. If Brother Luo hadn’t entered seclusion for cultivation, why would we come to request assistance from this person?"
Beside her stood a frail Daoist who echoed her sentiment, "Senior Sister’s words hold true. Brother Luo may not necessarily be inferior to Zhang Yan."
The Daoist Nun smiled softly and gently said, "Junior Sister Jin, do not be so upset. Among the tens of thousands of cultivators in the world, who dares to claim they are supreme? If one is stronger, they are stronger; if weaker, then weaker. There’s no shame in it. A First-class Elixir Formation is rare indeed, with elixir power capable of subduing the Nine Whales. Compared to Junior Brother Luo, this is undoubtedly superior. If we can secure this person’s help, Senior Brother’s Dharma Treasure has hope for completion, and Master may also resolve one of his concerns."