Daoist Competition

When Zhang Yan arrived at the Spirit Mechanism Institute, Vice Master Yin personally came out to greet him and led him into the main hall to take a seat.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Zhang Yan stated the purpose of his visit.

Upon hearing that he had come for the Purple Profusion Gang Sand, Vice Master Yin paused, somewhat surprised, and gestured toward a Deacon Daoist. "Go and fetch the remaining Gang Sand," he instructed.

At the mention of the word "remaining," a faint glimmer flickered in Zhang Yan’s eyes.

The Deacon Daoist bowed slightly and turned to leave. Not long after, he returned carrying a jade box, which was placed on the table before them.

Vice Master Yin extended a hand, lifting the lid of the box. A faint, glowing purple light emanated from within, revealing dozens of Gang Sand grains shrouded in a misty haze of smoke.

He apologized, "Dean Zhang, I must ask for your understanding. The Spirit Mechanism Institute has never held a large stock of Purple Profusion Gang Sand, and much of it was recently taken, leaving only these few grains behind."

Zhang Yan glanced at the contents. The quantity was barely enough to last him a few days—far too meager to be of much use.

Still, he maintained a calm demeanor and seemed to casually ask, "May I inquire, Vice Master Yin, who among our sect has recently taken some?"

Vice Master Yin’s lips curved into a faint smile. His gaze lingered on Zhang Yan’s face for a moment before he slowed his tone and said, "A maid from Ten Peaks Mountain."

"Ten Peaks Mountain?"

Zhang Yan nodded knowingly. In this context, the only individual that title could refer to was Huo Xuan!

However, Huo Xuan did not cultivate the Purple Cloud Divine Thunder, so taking the Purple Profusion Gang Sand would seem pointless for him. The timing of this matter was also suspicious—Zhang Yan hardly needed to think further to understand that this act carried deeper intent. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have been freely revealed who had taken it.

With this thought in mind, he had no desire to linger. Rising to his feet, he bowed and said, "Thank you for the information, Vice Master Yin. I shall take my leave."

With a flick of his sleeve, he swept up the jade box and turned to stride out.

Vice Master Yin got up to return the courtesy, watching Zhang Yan exit. Stroking his beard as though deep in thought, he eventually called out, "Someone, come."

A Deacon Disciple stepped forward, asking, "What are your orders, Dean?"

Vice Master Yin narrowed his eyes and said, "Go inquire discreetly among Elder Chen’s disciples and find out what Brother Huo is planning. Remember, do not let anyone become aware, and there’s no need to mention it was on my behalf."

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The Deacon bowed and replied, "Understood."

When Zhang Yan departed from the Spirit Mechanism Institute, he immediately activated the Sword Escape Skill. A beam of radiant light streaked through the sky as he flew towards Ten Peaks Mountain.

In mere moments, he reached the Honglie Continent. Soaring upward toward the highest peak, he spotted a Daoist clad in plain hemp robes standing upon a high cliff.

It was Huo Xuan, who had evidently been waiting for him. Zhang Yan descended atop a cloud, slightly bowing his head in greeting. "Brother Huo."

Huo Xuan smiled briefly and gestured toward the Cave Mansion behind him. "I assume, Junior Brother, you are here for the Purple Profusion Gang Sand. There’s no rush—come inside, and we can talk first."

Zhang Yan clasped his hands in salute and followed him inside.

Although the summit of Ten Peaks Mountain was rich in Spiritual Energy, the place had once only hosted sect tournaments in the past. However, since Huo Xuan had become the top disciple of the Ten Peaks, he’d taken residence there and even moved many of his belongings into the cave.

Stepping inside, Zhang Yan found the Cave Mansion to be modestly sized—just five or six zhang wide—with a semicircular skylight carved into the ceiling.

The interior was sparsely furnished. Aside from a low table, a few cushions, and a single Calming Spirit Incense Burner, there was nothing else. It resembled the dwelling of an ascetic cultivator.

Zhang Yan was slightly surprised. For someone of Huo Xuan’s status, living in such a small and simple dwelling was unexpected, even more so than the accommodations of Miao Kun. It was truly surprising.

After the two sat down on the cushions, Huo Xuan pulled a small pouch from his sleeve bag. He slid it across the table toward Zhang Yan, smiling meaningfully as he said, "Cultivating Divine Skills and Daoist Techniques is no easy feat. This Gang Sand must be harvested by Nascent Soul True Masters journeying to the Extreme Sky. It’s scarce, and if someone deliberately takes it away, it can be rather difficult to replenish. This time, I can assist you, Junior Brother, but should it happen again, I may not be able to intervene. Handle it with care."

His words couldn’t have been plainer. He was informing Zhang Yan that someone was sabotaging his cultivation of the Purple Cloud Divine Thunder by seizing the materials he required. Yet, Huo Xuan had preemptively collected the Gang Sand and handed it over.

Zhang Yan immediately understood. Huo Xuan meant to sell him a favor, and there was undoubtedly an underlying motive. It certainly wasn’t out of simple goodwill.

Glancing at the pouch of Gang Sand, Zhang Yan did not reach for it. He calmly smiled instead and said, "If Senior Brother has any instructions, feel free to let me know directly."