Daoist Competition

Zhao Houzhou praised, "Daoist Zhang, you truly possess a wondrous immortal land!"

At that moment, a hearty laugh was heard. A Daoist clad in a long robe with flowing sleeves, without a Dharma crown, stepped out leisurely from behind the hall and spoke loudly, "I was unaware of the arrival of the four esteemed Daoists of Hai Zhen Temple. This humble Daoist has been remiss in welcoming you. Please, take the honored seats!"

Upon seeing the Daoist’s strikingly handsome appearance and commanding stature, which matched the rumors, Zhao Houzhou immediately recognized him as Zhang Yan. Quickly, he swept the horsetail whisk over his arm, stepped forward, and bowed deeply, saying, "Are you Daoist Zhang? I am Zhao Houzhou of Hai Zhen Temple, humbly paying my respects."

Behind him, She Yutang, Jin Qiongniang, and Yan Zhongjie also stepped forward, one by one, to present their greetings.

Zhang Yan returned their salutes with a polite smile and said, "As fellow cultivators of the Xuanmen, esteemed Daoists, there is no need for such formalities. Please, be seated."

Everyone settled themselves at the jade tables flanking the hall. Fish Maid Beauties, balancing Glazed Plates in their delicate hands, gracefully presented an array of elixir pills, fresh melons, celestial wines, delicacies, and other exotic fruits and rare herbs. These fish maids, dressed in courtly attire with colorful ribbons cascading down their forms, moved with a lightness that resembled butterflies flitting amidst flowers. Their elegance was mesmerizing, leaving everyone dazzled and overwhelmed.

Witnessing Zhang Yan’s extraordinary opulence, reminiscent of a Cave Heaven True Master, the four visitors from Hai Zhen Temple were momentarily rendered speechless with awe.

In truth, many of these treasures came from the private collection of Old Demon Gui Congyao, alongside rare items that Luo Xiao had purchased from the Immortal Market over the past few days in preparation for a disciple-acceptance banquet. However, with Zhang Yan’s sudden cancellation of the banquet, these goods were now conveniently repurposed for Zhao Houzhou and the others.

Yet, the four guests remained unaware that Zhang Yan was merely putting on a borrowed display. They mistakenly assumed that such grandeur was a regular occurrence within his residence.

Even the most confident among them, She Yutang, found herself momentarily shaken, her thoughts clouded with worry. She mused internally, "The Mingcang Sect is one of the Ten Thousand Years Mysterious Sects. Could it be that all True Disciples like Daoist Zhang live in such lavish circumstances?"

Jin Qiongniang, who initially harbored some petty schemes to pick faults, now found herself equally stunned after being seated. She stole glances at Zhang Yan, and though reluctant to admit it, she had to concede that, in terms of appearance alone, Zhang Yan far surpassed her Brother Luo—not merely by a small margin. Moreover, Zhang Yan exuded an ethereal quality that seemed untouchable. The more she compared them, the more she felt that Zhang Yan excelled in every aspect over her sect brother, leaving her both frustrated and dispirited.

After some time, Zhang Yan began urging his guests to drink. Observing their somewhat stiff and unnatural demeanor, their cautious conversation marked by restrained speech and tense posture, he grew mildly puzzled. After pondering for a moment, he discerned the reason and smiled inwardly at their thoughts. Contemplating briefly, he called upon Luo Xiao to join them and offer toasts.

Although Zhao Houzhou and the others recognized her as a Demon Cultivator, Zhang Yan’s respectful demeanor and address of "fellow Daoist" toward her left them uncertain about her status, preventing them from underestimating her.

Luo Xiao, having cultivated for over two centuries and hailing from a prestigious lineage, was a master of social grace. Her frequent prompts to drink led bursts of laughter to occasionally lighten the once-stiff atmosphere. Gradually, the four guests felt their spirits ease.

Zhang Yan engaged them in boundless conversation for quite some time. Observing that they remained silent about their purpose, he refrained from bringing it up himself. While Hai Zhen Temple ranked at the lower end of the Ten Great Profound Sects, it was still a significant sect in East Splendor, boasting many disciples and considerable influence in the northwestern region. Cultivating a cordial relationship with them carried no downsides. Moreover, if Liu Yan Yi were to venture out in search of medicinal ingredients in the future, their sect’s support could prove beneficial.

After mulling over the matter for a while and exchanging a glance with She Yutang, Zhao Houzhou finally resolved to reveal their intent. He cleared his throat softly and, awaiting Zhang Yan’s attention, bowed deeply once more before speaking, "Daoist Zhang, I must confess with a touch of shame that our visit today follows news of your exceptional achievement in First-class Elixir Formation and your prowess in overcoming the obstacle of Nine Whales. We humbly request you to aid us, as fellow cultivators of the Xuanmen, in the sacrificial refinement of a Dharma Treasure."

She Yutang immediately chimed in with a light laugh, saying, "Daoist Zhang, please rest assured, if you are willing to assist, we would not let you suffer any losses."

She raised a hand and lightly brushed her sachet, producing an incense burner, which she placed on the table before her. In a melodic tone, she said, "This is ’Treasure Sun True Sand,’ extracted from one of our sect’s High grade Evil Veins. A single grain of this is equivalent to a full gourd of ordinary True Sand."

She extended her hand again, and with a gentle motion, the Treasure Sun True Sand filled the incense burner and was placed on Zhang Yan’s table.

Zhang Yan’s gaze descended upon the offering. Though the incense burner was modest, the amount of True Sand contained within—well over a thousand grains—was more than sufficient. Even for someone with First-class Elixir Formation, it would last a whole three years. Such a gesture was undeniably impressive.

Although She Yutang appeared poised and generous when presenting the Treasure Sun True Sand, internally, she felt a pang of reluctance and sorrow.

This single container of Treasure Sun True Sand was left behind by their departed sect master and had originally been intended to help the four of them refine their elixir power to break through the Acupoint Barrier. This offering had not been their initial plan, yet after witnessing the scenes in Zhao You Heavenly Pond, they feared Zhang Yan’s standards would be too high for ordinary treasures. Thus, they opted to present this invaluable resource instead.

Zhao Houzhou, as he eyed the incense burner filled with True Sand, also felt a twinge of reluctance. Were it not for an item of utmost importance within the Immortal Mansion they sought and the necessity of refining the Dharma Treasure to proceed, he too would have hesitated to part with their late master’s legacy.

Zhang Yan, however, did not immediately touch the incense burner filled with True Sand. Instead, he smiled faintly and asked, "Esteemed Daoists, might I inquire what object you wish to refine with such treasures?"

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Relieved that Zhang Yan had shown interest in their request, suggesting a potential agreement, Zhao Houzhou adjusted his posture and said, "The item in question is named the ’Nangeling Life Protecting Banner.’ Once refined, it will guard against fire, water, poisonous evils, Yin Thunder, and wicked lightning. When unfurled, it can shelter hundreds without harm. We’ve already gathered all the materials required for its refinement, save for the need of one skilled in Elixir Evil to oversee the flames."

She Yutang sighed lightly and added, "To be frank, Daoist Zhang, previous attempts at refinement, even with assistance from sect members, faltered at this critical juncture and ended in failure. Hence, we’ve turned to you. As someone who has accomplished First-class Elixir Formation, should you be willing to lend your expertise, the refinement of this treasure should encounter no further obstacles."

Zhang Yan’s gaze swept across their faces in turn, a faint smile playing on his lips. He said warmly, "I beg your forgiveness, esteemed Daoists, but may I inquire as to the purpose behind your refinement of this banner?"

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