Daoist Competition

Zhang Yan and Huo Xuan discussed and decided to set out in three days, leaving the specifics of manpower arrangements to others.

He bid farewell at the Ten Peaks Mountain Cave Mansion and returned to Zhao You Heavenly Pond.

Upon entering the main hall, he turned the Little Pot Mirror, and the reflections revealed the scenes within the array.

Seeing the Wang Sisters and Tian Kun still struggling against the demon cultivator Wang Kuijia, since there was no danger of life and death, and Weng Zhiyuan and Yuan Yan occasionally assisted from the side, his three disciples were initially restrained and tense, but have now loosened up, fighting in an admirable manner, with hints of cooperation between them.

Zhang Yan pondered, "My three disciples are far beneath this demon cultivator in cultivation realm after all, so for now, they can only practice in such a rudimentary way. Once their cultivation progresses, they can be sent out for training like Yanyi."

Thinking of this, he glanced at Weng and Yuan, a slight shift in his expression.

The combat within the array lasted for a full day, seeing his three disciples exhausted, Zhang Yan sent a command to the Mirror Spirit to take them out of the array and back to the Cave Mansion, and subsequently summoned Weng and Yuan.

These two arrived at the hall, greeted Zhang Yan respectfully, and stood with hands held properly.

Zhang Yan lowered his gaze and said sternly, "Now that both of you have cultivated to the Xuan Guang Second Realm, do you wish to go out seeking medicine and encountering opportunities, or stay within the Cave Mansion refining medicine and condensing pills?"

Yuan Yan listened but didn’t speak, only looking at Weng Zhiyuan.

She has utmost trust in this senior brother, willing to follow whatever decision he makes.

Within the Mingcang Sect, the tradition dictates disciples should venture out seeking medicine, but Weng Zhiyuan could discern the alternative in Zhang Yan’s words, offering to provide external medicine for pill refinement within the Cave Mansion.

All he needed to do was speak up, and the elixir would be within grasp, sparing him from a wearying journey; even Weng Zhiyuan, with his composure, couldn’t help but be tempted.

However, he’s rational and wise, realizing that obtaining the Hua Dan External Medicine might seem like a shortcut, a bargain even, but it could lead Zhang Yan to believe they lack sincere dedication to their cultivation, possibly never abandoning them, but certainly never prioritizing them in the future—a loss outweighing the gain.

Conversely, choosing to go out seeking medicine, despite the added trouble, might yield greater benefits in the long term.

He pondered briefly and made a decision, suppressing the temptation and said, "Pavilion Master, if possible, please allow my junior sister and I to go out seeking medicine."

Zhang Yan’s gaze remained calm, "Are you sure about your decision? Opportunities missed won’t appear again."

Weng Zhiyuan bowed and said, "The disciple has decided."

Having made up his mind, whether right or wrong, he wouldn’t change it.

Zhang Yan expressionlessly said, "In that case, I’ll command Zhang Jing to grant you each a Dharma Treasure, so when you return to your cultivation place, you may set out seeking medicine at any time."

He waved his sleeve, and a gust arose inside the hall, instantly pushing both out of the main hall.

As they regained composure, they found themselves outside the hall.

Yuan Yan showed slight concern in her brows and asked, "Senior brother, is the Pavilion Master displeased with us?"

Weng Zhiyuan smiled confidently, "Junior sister, on the contrary, we chose the right path. If the Pavilion Master were displeased, how would Dharma Treasures be bestowed upon us?"

Yuan Yan tilted her head, considering, feeling it made sense, happily replied, "Indeed, that’s true."

Since entering the pavilion, Weng Zhiyuan has maintained a relaxed appearance externally, yet internally always cautious, feeling tense like walking on thin ice, fearful of wrongdoing; now somewhat settled in mind, he exhaled deeply and relaxedly said, "Junior sister, let’s pack up, so we can go out seeking medicine promptly."

Yuan Yan seemed affected by his mood, smiled charmingly, "Yes, senior brother."

After dispatching the two, Zhang Yan called out, "Zhang Jing, bring that demon cultivator up here."

The Mirror Spirit obeyed, slightly turning the Mountain Protection Array, releasing Wang Kuijia and casting him on the floor of the main hall.

Wang Kuijia, fighting with several juniors, every attack thwarted by the array’s protection, leaving his power unused, filled with uncontained rage, suddenly saw the surroundings change, feeling disoriented, and fell hard on the ground.