Daoist Competition

The colorful-clothed woman listened to Liu Yan Yi and felt a great liking for her, showing a toothy smile, she said, "Liu Daoist, aren’t you afraid that the Daoist Nun will catch you again? Her artifact is quite peculiar. Being prepared this time, even if I make a move, I may not be able to stop her again."

Liu Yan Yi smiled lightly, shaking her head, she said, "It’s not of concern. The elder just now used a Dharma Treasure to capture me, which means she herself isn’t confident enough to stop the sword escape skill. That’s why I dared to boldly come back."

The colorful-clothed woman was stunned, then thought again, indeed it was the truth, but to realize this in such a critical moment requires an extremely calm and meticulous mind.

Unable to resist, she widened her beautiful eyes to look at Liu Yan Yi, secretly thinking, "No wonder my mentor ordered me to secretly assist her. Truly, his eyes see people well, never being mistaken. This fellow Daoist will surely have an extraordinary future, forming this good affinity today counts as an acquaintance between our sects."

While she was pondering, Liu Yan Yi paid her a courtesy, saying, "I have yet to inquire your esteemed name, fellow Daoist."

The colorful-clothed woman did not accept her courtesy, sidestepping a little, smiled faintly, and said, "I am under True Master Cao’s tutelage, surnamed Lu, first name Qingmei. Nowadays across East Splendor Continent, Demon Sect’s disciples have become increasingly rampant. My mentor worries it is inappropriate for you to return alone, so he instructed me to escort you."

Liu Yan Yi’s eyes gleamed with surprise and joy, she sighed lightly, and said, "So you are a disciple of Senior Cao. Last time I greatly benefited from his instructions, I have yet to express my thanks. Moreover, laboring Senior Sister to escort me, Senior’s tender care touches me deeply, and I do not know how to repay it even a little."

True Master Cao is a Nascent Soul Elder of the Lishan Sect, originally from the royal family of Wei Country, but not of the current Wei Imperial Family. Due to her exceptional talent, she was taken as a disciple by the Lishan Sect Ancestor.

It was because Liu Yan Yi was seeking medicine and reached the territory of Lishan Sect, that they happened to meet. Seeing Liu Yan Yi’s talent and thoughtfulness, resembling her younger self, True Master Cao intended to take her under her tutelage.

But after inquiring, she discovered that Liu Yan Yi was under the Mingcang Sect, a disciple of one of the Top Ten Disciples, Zhang Yan, thus she felt quite regretful and consequently gave her a few pieces of advice.

Because Liu Yan Yi was truly admired, after she left, True Master Cao had Lu Qingmei secretly escort her to prevent any mishaps and additionally hoped to earn favor with Zhang Yan.

Lu Qingmei waved her hand slightly, saying, "Just a trivial matter, Liu Daoist need not take it to heart."

Liu Yan Yi smiled briefly, saying, "Senior Sister Lu, not far from here is Zhao You Heavenly Pond, why not come to the mansion for a visit?"

Lu Qingmei shook her head gently, declining, "No need. Since you are safe, it’s a perfect completion of merit. I must return to the Cave Mansion to report, let’s not disturb the reunion of you and your teacher-disciple pair."

Liu Yan Yi did not insist, as cultivation practitioners share long lifespans, she trusted there would be a meeting in the future. She asked Lu Qingmei to convey words of blessing to True Master Cao, then bid farewell and turned towards Zhao You Heavenly Pond.

Within the Little Pot Mirror, Zhang Yan sat on a bamboo pavilion, eyes closed, practicing Mysterious Skills. Over several months, he had performed the Wood Element True Light Technique, and now was ongoing transformation and practicing.

Suddenly, the Mirror Spirit appeared, came forward joyfully, and said, "Master, Lady Liu has returned home and is waiting outside, wishing to see you."

Zhang Yan opened his eyes and smiled, saying, "Yan Yi has been gone for over a decade yet returned earlier than I expected. Bring her to see me."

The Mirror Spirit promptly obeyed, reached outside, and smiled at Liu Yan Yi, saying, "Lady Liu, please follow me,"

Turning, amidst the flickering Mirror Light, Liu Yan Yi felt a cascade of brilliant light before entering a place filled with fragrant trees and flowers, and bubbling streams.

Although being the senior disciple of Zhang Yan, it was her first time entering the Little Pot Mirror, she couldn’t help but take a few glances around at the clear pond waters, the deep blue sky washed clean, a place of unique fragrance with fluttering flowers and butterflies, playful fish in the water, clearly a realm of its own, marveling silently in her heart.

Reaching the bamboo pavilion, she spotted Zhang Yan sitting solemnly on a divan, smiling at her, she hurried to kneel on the ground and bowed, saying, "Disciple Liu Yan Yi, greets master, wishes teacher longevity."

Zhang Yan noticed the Dao Qi emanating from her, evident that she gained considerable cultivation progress during their separation, he raised a virtual hand, saying, "Child, quickly rise."

Liu Yan Yi bowed once more before standing up.

Zhang Yan gently asked, "Yan Yi, what level have you reached in your cultivation now?"

Liu Yan Yi shifted slightly, answered truthfully, "Reporting to teacher, disciple has reached the stage of Burning Points and opened twenty-four points."