Chapter 592 - 37 Hai Zhen Has a Visitor_2
The young maiden stopped speaking, yet her expression still betrayed her lingering dissatisfaction.
Hu Jing Daoist and the Daoist Nun exchanged glances and merely chuckled softly.
At this moment, they had already entered the territory of the Mingcang Sect, and within twenty miles lay the Zhao You Heavenly Pond. They could faintly sense the fluctuations of prohibition arrays, suggesting that Mingcang Sect disciples might be covertly observing their movements. Considering their purpose for this visit, they made sure to subtly drop hints about their mission during conversation, accompanied by a few half-truths and flattering words to curry favor.
These individuals belonged to the fourth generation of disciples under Hai Zhen Temple, one of the Ten Sects of Xuanmen. The man with piercing tiger-like eyes was named Zhao Houzhou, while the Daoist Nun was She Yutang, both of whom were First Realm of Hua Dan cultivators. The young maiden was named Jin Qiongniang, and the frail-looking Daoist was Yan Zhongjie, both possessing Xuan Guang cultivation.
It was because they sought to investigate an immortal mansion at a famed mountain that they needed to craft a Dharma Treasure capable of evading both water and fire. Unlike ordinary magic artifacts, the refinement of this treasure required assistance from someone with exceptional elixir power. Their prior attempts to enlist aid had all failed due to a lack of sustained effort, wasting a considerable amount of artifact materials in the process and daring not to risk losing more.
At the height of their despair, news arrived of Zhang Yan’s achievement of forming a first-class elixir, prompting equal parts astonishment and joy, leading them to decide to seek his help.
Hua Dan cultivators were typically skilled in refining various Dharma Treasures and magic artifacts. Many of the magic artifacts used by Mingcang’s lower-level disciples were crafted by Hua Dan cultivators whose pills ranked within the lower three grades.
However, certain Dharma Treasures with specialized functions were far more demanding to refine, requiring deep accumulation of elixir evil and robust elixir power. For this particular treasure, had Zhao Houzhou and his companions possessed the resources, they would have already enlisted the services of a Nascent Soul cultivator.
Before reaching Zhao You Heavenly Pond, a streak of sword light approached them. Yan Zhongjie gazed at it for a moment and exclaimed in surprise, "I’ve heard that Zhang Yan is adept at the Flying Sword skill. Could it be he is nearby?"
She Yutang scrutinized the sword light closely and chuckled softly, "Junior Brother, take another look. Though the sword light is fierce, it is driven by Xuan Guang power. I doubt this belongs to Zhang Yan."
Zhao Houzhou spoke gravely, "Indeed, the concentration of the sword light is unwavering and righteous, a hallmark of the True Origin Sword Skill. It must be one of Mingcang Sect’s disciples. Both of you, make sure not to speak recklessly later, understood?"
As he spoke, he cast a sharp glance at Jin Qiongniang and Yan Zhongjie, his tone growing stern to emphasize the importance of avoiding offense.
Jin Qiongniang snorted with indignation and turned her head aside in frustration.
The sword light streaked before the four individuals, then steadied itself as a maiden appeared, her white robes fluttering like a lotus upright in the breeze. She parted her cherry lips, bowing gracefully in salutation, and said, "This humble one is Liu Yan Yi, disciple of Mingcang Sect. May I ask from where the esteemed fellow Daoists have traveled?"
Her gaze swept over the group, noting their appearances. The first two were unremarkable, but the young maiden in the back directed a gaze at her that faintly contained hostility. Liu Yan Yi had seen this sort of expression numerous times among her peers, particularly between those whose cultivation levels were closely matched, so she paid it no further mind.
She Yutang, noting Liu Yan Yi’s elegant features and graceful figure, inwardly admired her and stepped forward with a respectful bow. "We are disciples under Hai Zhen Temple, seeking an audience with Mingcang Sect’s esteemed cultivator, Daoist Zhang Yan."
Liu Yan Yi folded her hands in return and said, "Ah, so the esteemed fellow Daoists have come to see my mentor. My master is currently in seclusion, cultivating in earnest. May I inquire as to the purpose of your visit, that it might be relayed to me?"
She Yutang said in surprise, "Oh, so you are a disciple of Daoist Zhang Yan. No wonder you are capable of manipulating sword balls. Remarkable indeed."
She exchanged a glance with her senior brother, who immediately understood her meaning. Zhao Houzhou thought to himself, "For Zhang Yan to enable even his disciple to wield a sword ball, he must hold considerable favor within his sect. Those external rumors of his strained circumstances are likely baseless. After all, for a disciple who has formed a first-class elixir, a rarity in ten thousand years, Mingcang Sect would undoubtedly treat him well."
Their Dharma Treasure refinement had previously required them to seek cultivators specializing in the top three grades of elixir formation, a task difficult in itself. Refining a sword ball, however, necessitated the painstaking focus of a Nascent Soul True Master over a span of thirty years. Without the support of the sect’s higher echelons, such a feat would be unattainable.
Earlier, they had heard rumors upon arriving here that Zhang Yan faced suppression from the Xuanmen Families within his sect due to his lack of noble lineage. But now, it seemed this narrative was far from reality.
News of Zhang Yan’s conflicts with Wan Zhang, Tu Xuan, and others had spread widely, followed by his lone confrontation against noble family disciples during the Elixir Tasting Ceremony. Thus, rumors abounded suggesting that despite his exceptional talent, his life within Mingcang Sect was fraught with hardship.
Seeing was believing, however, while hearing was deceiving. Zhao Houzhou had initially been skeptical of these rumors. If they were true, it would be advantageous for the group, as it meant Zhou Yan could be persuaded with fewer sacrifices. But the current circumstances stirred unease within him.
She Yutang smiled warmly and said, "Liu Daoist, my fellow disciples and I recently heard of Daoist Zhang Yan’s remarkable achievement of forming a first-class elixir, a feat unparalleled in history. As we happened to pass through this area, we thought it a rare opportunity to behold such a distinguished figure. Would it be possible to pay our respects?"
Though her tone was courteous, she did not disclose the true purpose of their visit. This was not out of reluctance to speak but because it was their first interaction with Liu Yan Yi. Without knowing her disposition, she might rashly reject their request. That would leave the group in a difficult position, unable to proceed or retreat. It was safer to provide a pretext to meet Zhang Yan first, then broach their actual intentions at a later stage.
Liu Yan Yi had cultivated for more than twenty years and often carried out tasks beyond the sect, such as slaying demons and performing meritorious deeds. Thus, she could easily discern such polite excuses. Smiling lightly, she was about to speak when a flying talisman emerged from Zhao You Heavenly Pond. Raising a delicate wrist, she caught it and examined the message it bore. A faint smile appeared on her face, and she lifted her head, saying, "Esteemed fellow Daoists, my mentor invites you to enter the mansion. Please follow me."
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...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)