Daoist Competition

If one can cultivate in this place, reaching the Nascent Soul Realm within thirty years will not be an extravagant hope.

At the moment, he saluted again, saying, "Disciple takes leave."

After bidding farewell to Sect Leader Qin, he exited the Heavenly Palace and returned to his mansion to cultivate again.

A month later, Weiguang Hua Ding Da Ming Cave Heaven.

Inside the Cave Mansion, incense smoke curled upwards, illuminating the hall. True Master Yan was meditating, his spirit wandering outside, when suddenly a child reported, "Master, True Master Zhu has arrived."

True Master Yan opened his eyes and said, "Invite him in."

Shortly after, True Master Zhu entered the hall, saluted with a bow, and then sat on a cushion in front of True Master Yan.

True Master Yan said, "Why has Junior Brother come to my place today?"

Daoist Zhu waved his sleeve slightly angrily and said, "Why does Senior Brother ask when you already know?"

True Master Yan laughed softly, "Is it about Sect Leader’s permission for Zhang Yan to borrow the Floating Heavenly Palace?"

True Master Zhu said discontentedly, "Since Zhang Yan can use it, why can’t my disciples use it? That object came from beyond the heavens, and everyone has a chance for it, so why does the teacher favor only Zhang Yan?"

True Master Yan shook his head and said, "The arrangements by Sect Leader must have deep meanings that we don’t understand. Instead of complaining here, Junior Brother, why not go back and train your disciples well? If they can pass that hurdle, opportunities will naturally arise. Why envy others?"

True Master Zhu was a bit surprised, unable to understand why True Master Yan was indifferent to the matter, which was quite different from usual. He tentatively asked, "Could it be that Senior Brother does not want to strive for it?"

True Master Yan closed his eyes and said, "We as disciples, is there any reason to dispute with our teacher?"

True Master Zhu frowned, observing his senior brother. With his understanding of this senior brother, how could he possibly have no complaints? But on the surface, nothing could be discerned. After a pause, he continued to persuade, "Why is Senior Brother stubborn? It’s natural to obey the commands of Sect Leader, but as the teacher hasn’t spoken to us, it should be fought for if there’s a fight, so why worry so much?"

True Master Yan was silent for a moment, then suddenly sighed, "It’s not that I don’t want to fight, but it’s useless to fight. You must know, regardless of Unusual, Qingyu, or Chongxuan, they are all under our master’s school, but Zhang Yan, this child, is not one of the four. If he has a chance to reach the top of Du Zhen Hall, none of the four will stop him."

The master of the Three Great Halls is divided between disciples, noble families, and teachers. However, neither side is willing to let the other take the master position of Du Zhen Hall, to prevent one side from gaining too much power and completely overpowering the other.

But now it seems that Zhang Yan is most suitable. Originally, he is not from the Cave Heaven Sect, so his foundation is shallow, and he is unstable, which is his weak point. But now, it turns out to be his advantage.

In the eyes of the noble families, if there is no better choice, giving the position of Du Zhen Hall master to Zhang Yan is an acceptable outcome.

Once he sits in this position, it would be like True Master Qin towards both sides today. Thus, in the future, the three parties can coexist peacefully.

Sect Leader Qin has intentionally spread the news of supporting Zhang Yan perhaps to test the reaction of the noble families. If their reaction is not intense and they return from the Sixteen Sects Sword Competition, it is very likely to let this matter happen."

However, the premise is that Zhang Yan must achieve Nascent Soul within these fifty-seven years, or else everything is nothing but empty talk.

True Master Zhu said with a sneer, "Does Senior Brother understand this reasoning? Do you think Junior Brother doesn’t know?"

True Master Yan couldn’t help but open his eyes and look at True Master Zhu, saying, "Junior Brother, do you mean you have a brilliant plan?"

True Master Zhu, seemingly confident, said, "If not, how could Junior Brother come to find Senior Brother?"

True Master Yan showed a bit of interest and said, "Junior Brother might as well speak frankly."

True Master Zhu leaned his body to the side, extending his finger, pointing outside with deep meaning, "True Master Qin came to find me the day before yesterday, also regarding this matter."

True Master Yan’s eyes gradually brightened, stroking his beard and pondering, "In this way, there’s a reason to act."

True Master Zhu said loudly, "Senior Brother, we were sheltered by True Master Qin in the past, preventing disaster from spreading among us disciples. Now that she has lowered her face and personally requested, how can we not respond? Even if Sect Leader knew, he would not blame us."

True Master Yan nodded, "I understand. I will make arrangements in a few days, Junior Brother, don’t worry."

Having obtained True Master Yan’s promise, True Master Zhu accomplished his purpose, saluted with a bow, and left contentedly.

True Master Yan sat on the cushion and pondered for a long time. After calculating with his fingers, he instructed the child beside him, "Go call your senior brother."

Not long after, a young Daoist with broad shoulders and a slender waist, with sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes, strode in front of True Master Yan and respectfully bowed, "Child Xiao Ao, greets the honored teacher!"

True Master Yan looked at him carefully and saw that he had already achieved Xuan Guang, comforting him, "Your progress is acceptable, but you must be wary of arrogance and impatience. Remember not to repeat past mistakes."

Xiao Ao respectfully said, "Yes, I will remember."

True Master Yan said, "I once had an agreement with Master Xiao, allowing you to be reborn in the Xiao Family. Now the time has come, you may return to your clan."

Xiao Ao bowed deeply and said with gratitude, "I will never forget the grace of rebirth and will certainly remember the entrusted task of the honored teacher."

Back then, a wisp of Fang Zhen’s remnant soul escaped from the Demon Cave. True Master Yan sought out Master Xiao. After a covert discussion, they paid a huge price to have him reborn within the Xiao Clan. Subsequently, countless spiritual medicines and treasure pills were sought for him, and with a Dharma Treasure, his foundation was stabilized. He was personally taught for nearly forty years to achieve what he has today.

True Master Yan instructed him, "If Master Xiao has a command, listen carefully and do not defy it. I will not assist you. Go now."

Xiao Ao bowed on the spot and accepted the command before leaving.

True Master Yan smiled in self-satisfaction, in the game of chess, one must not only see the present but also focus on the future. If one simply follows others’ moves and responds passively, they will always be at a disadvantage. A momentary victory is nothing. Now that he has set this piece, the outcome will be clear when the time comes.

...

...(To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to vote for recommendation and monthly tickets on Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation.)