Daoist Competition

She Yutang let out a sigh and stepped forward to offer her thanks, saying, "Daoist Zhang, there’s no need for modesty. To speak frankly, the quality of this Dharma Treasure far exceeds our expectations. That single furnace of Treasure Sun True Sand seems almost laughable now. However, apart from that, I regret to say that we have nothing else worthy to offer..."

She turned her face toward Zhao Houzhou and said, "Senior Brother, I’ve heard that Daoist Zhang is quite proficient in the study of Erosion Texts. Before our teacher passed away, he mentioned that the Immortal Mansion still holds quite a number of Daoist Books, all transcribed using Erosion Texts left behind by an elder Immortal Master. Yet, our teacher was not adept in Erosion Texts, so he did not bring them out. If we succeed on this journey, why not transcribe a copy to present to Daoist Zhang for his reference? What do you think, Senior Brother?"

Zhao Houzhou froze, not understanding why his junior sister had suddenly brought this matter up.

In truth, those Erosion Dao Books were not kept in the Immortal Mansion; their master had brought them back many years ago. Zhao himself had looked through them a few times, but the contents were so abstruse and profound that they gave him splitting headaches. Soon after, he left them aside, gathering dust in some high cabinet, completely forgotten.

Moreover, their cultivation technique had already been derived from the writings of the Immortal Mansion’s previous master. Even if the Erosion Dao Books contained some peerless secrets, they were of little practical use to them. Giving them away wouldn’t matter much either. Thus, Zhao gave it little thought and simply echoed, "Junior Sister’s suggestion is indeed reasonable. Those Erosion Dao Books are wasted in our hands. If Daoist Zhang doesn’t mind, we’ll personally deliver them to his residence when we return."

Upon hearing these words, Zhang Yan’s eyes could not help but brighten ever so slightly.

Within the Erosion Texts are hidden many subtle principles and profound mysteries. In ancient times, each Erosion Dao Book was considered a treasure scroll. Even if one does not cultivate the techniques within, simply reading them can yield immense insights. At the very least, they could be passed down to future disciples. Moreover, considering that Zhao and She were able to cultivate to the Hua Dan Realm, the cultivation techniques derived from those texts must be extraordinary. The Erosion Texts themselves likely hold even greater secrets.

Thus, he did not feign polite refusal and instead replied straightforwardly, "Very well. Daoists, your kindness is appreciated—I shall humbly accept."

Seeing Zhang Yan accept, She Yutang felt a surge of joy in her heart.

She believed that the greatest gain from this trip was not the Dharma Treasure itself, but forging a connection with this man.

While Hai Zhen Temple has numerous disciples, since their master’s passing, they’ve been struggling, shackled in many ways, unable to operate as smoothly as before. Having someone like Zhang Yan as an ally outside the sect would be immensely beneficial to their future cultivation.

However, her keen perception had already discerned that Zhang Yan did not place much importance on the Treasure Sun True Sand they offered. His agreement seemed primarily a matter of convenience, as refining the Dharma Treasure wouldn’t take much time, and also out of goodwill between fellow Xuanmen Daoists.

This kind of relation was far from stable. She had deliberately inquired about Zhang Yan’s background before coming and learned that he was skilled in interpreting Erosion Texts. After some thought, she made the impromptu decision to offer the Erosion Dao Books in hopes of strengthening their rapport. To her surprise, this move fit perfectly with his interests.

The three continued their conversation within the refining room for a while longer. Sensing Zhao Houzhou’s impatience, though not outwardly expressed, Zhang Yan could tell from his distracted manner that he was eager to leave.

Zhang Yan smiled and said, "In three years’ time, my sect will hold a major competition. I must enter seclusion to prepare deeply for it. Thus, I shall refrain from detaining you any further."

Zhao Houzhou and She Yutang exchanged glances before they both bowed and said, "Then we shall take our leave. We will visit your residence with the Dao Books another day, Daoist Zhang."

Zhang Yan returned their salute. After exchanging polite farewells, he escorted the pair and their two companions out of his residence.

Rongyan Island, Fire Roar Palace.

In the Main Hall, a white-clothed Daoist held a bamboo scroll in his hands as he sat calmly atop his high seat.

Feng Zhen knelt on the floor, his body trembling uncontrollably, drenched in cold sweat. He had been kneeling there for an entire day. Initially, he didn’t feel much, but as time passed, fear began to gnaw at his insides, leaving him in a state of panic and dread. Despite countless thoughts running circles in his mind, he was unable to fathom what he might have done wrong.

Yet, he knew well his teacher’s temperament—when the latter didn’t speak, he dared not question.

Two days passed, and finally, a Flying Book arrived from outside. The white-clothed Daoist received it, glanced at its contents, set the bamboo scroll aside, and let his gaze fall on Feng Zhen. His voice carried a faint tone as he said, "Do you realize, if you had stayed at Pan Chi Island two days ago, the Xiao Family would have captured and killed you?"

Feng Zhen froze in shock, his ears ringing like thunder. His entire body shivered as realization hit him—his secretive spread of rumors had been discovered by the Xiao Family. He immediately kowtowed repeatedly, crying out, "Thank you, Master, for your mercy! Thank you, Master, for your mercy!"

He knocked his head against the ground over a hundred times before his master finally spoke, "Enough."

Feng Zhen ceased his motions but still didn’t dare lift his head.

"I have settled the matter for you. The Xiao Family will no longer come after you." The white-clothed Daoist cast a stern look at him and warned, "But remember, if you ever play such petty tricks again, ensure no one catches your weakness. Otherwise, you’ll bring shame upon me."

Upon hearing his teacher’s words, Feng Zhen’s tightly wound nerves finally relaxed.

With a flick of his hand, the white-clothed Daoist tossed the bamboo scroll to the ground with a crisp "pa" sound. He said coolly, "This is a Dao Technique I’ve been refining recently, one that has yet to be practiced by anyone. In three years, you will face Zhang Yan in battle. Take this and cultivate it seriously. If you lose, don’t bother returning to see me."

ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ Novᴇl_Fire(.)net

Feng Zhen dropped to the ground again, loudly declaring, "Disciple shall uphold the master’s decree!"

After a while, realizing the hall had fallen silent, he cautiously lifted his head for a glance. The seat above was now empty. Letting out a sigh of relief, he reached out to pick up the bamboo scroll, flipping through its contents. Joy and concern flickered across his face.

He was elated that his master had finally imparted a new Dao Technique after so many years, yet fearful that if he failed to defeat Zhang Yan, he might be expelled from the sect. As an auxiliary disciple of the Feng Family, he would surely lose all prospects without the protection of the sect.

After deliberating for a while, his expression hardened with resolve. He tucked the bamboo scroll into his robes, rose to his feet, and transformed into a streak of crimson smoke as he exited the Fire Roar Palace.

...

...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast recommendation votes and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)