Daoist Competition

"Opening twenty-four acupoints is indeed quite challenging."

Zhang Yan nodded slightly; the more acupoints a cultivator opens, the stronger the momentum of True Fire, resulting in greater achievements in refining the Golden Core. He continued, "You need to dedicate a few more days in diligent practice to open a few additional acupoints before proceeding to solidify your pill."

He pointed with his finger, and a talisman of dazzling golden light flew out, saying, "This contains the essentials for burning acupoints; you must remember them well and not underestimate them."

He opened thirty-six acupoints at that time, which was due to a fortuitous encounter, the God Contract Technique was in him, and his physical body was not comparable to ordinary cultivators. He also had the assistance of Broken Jade’s simulation, and the key breakthroughs were entirely based on self-exploration, unable to be purely imitated.

However, after he became one of the Top Ten Disciples, he was allowed to browse the books in Jingluo Courtyard, among which there was no shortage of insights into acupoint-opening techniques.

Those who could enter Jingluo Courtyard for readings had cultivation at least in the Hua Dan Realm, and their status within the sect was also high, so some Dharma techniques weren’t hidden from him.

Zhang Yan didn’t use them for himself, but he paid attention and observed, memorizing many key points.

Yet, he would not fully adopt the experiences of others.

He had the advantage of repeatedly testing Dharma techniques within Broken Jade, experimenting with success and failure; thus, he devised a set of Marvelous Techniques for opening acupoints. This spell can henceforth be passed down as a unique secret of the sect.

Liu Yan Yi, having opened twenty-four acupoints, relied on talent initially, but her progress later slowed down. She vaguely sensed that key secrets might lie ahead. Observing Zhang Yan’s teachings, she realized these were secret techniques. She composed herself with focused attention, stepped forward solemnly to receive them, and then knelt down to thank her master.

Zhang Yan laughed, "Disciple, stand up and speak."

Liu Yan Yi obeyed and stood up; she reached into the sachet, took out two porcelain bottles, and held them in her palm. She said, "Before departing, Master instructed me to pay attention to the Gold and Fire Qi, and I dared not forget, thus I paid special attention and with some luck managed to acquire them."

Zhang Yan’s spirit lifted. Rolling his robe sleeve, a wisp of vapor soared out, capturing the two porcelain bottles. He opened them and nodded, "Excellent, these are indeed the Geng Xin Gold Essence Qi and the Bing Ding Fire Essence Qi; you’ve achieved great merit this time."

Liu Yan Yi’s eyebrows showed slight worry, bowing, she said, "Serving the master is the duty of a disciple, I dare not claim credit, but these two Qi’s are extremely rare; I only have a small amount and don’t know if it’s sufficient for the master’s use?"

Zhang Yan examined the two jade bottles and smiled, "It’s enough."

He didn’t intend to refine the Supreme Mysterious True Light to Great Success, merely to demonstrate it slightly. He could then use the Nine Number True Scripture to reverse it and, by the Power of Elixir Evil, transform it anew, thereby breaking free and achieving Mystical Skill.

Upon returning home, having obtained the last two kinds of Essence Qi of Five Elements True Light, he felt immensely relieved and began detailed inquiries about Liu Yan Yi’s journey.

Liu Yan Yi answered earnestly, and also recounted the current state of East Splendor Continent.

The conversation between master and disciple consumed half a day. Zhang Yan then inquired about the origin of Gold and Fire Qi, discovering that Geng Xin Gold Qi was gifted to her by a female cultivator from Yuan Yang Sect, though Liu Yan Yi didn’t know her name.

As for Bing Ding Fire Qi, it was acquired by Liu Yan Yi at a Flying Boat Immortal Market in the southern part of East Splendor Continent. Good fortune was on her side as she brought plenty of Spiritual Shell before departure, allowing her to purchase it, which indeed was a stroke of luck.

If not for acquiring the Fire Essence Qi there, Liu Yan Yi might have been delayed for several years before returning home.

Reflecting later, Liu Yan Yi decided to inform Zhang Yan of an attack she encountered on her return.

She wasn’t seeking grievance but realized the potential impact on the sect warranted mention. Years ago, when Zhang Yan was not yet among the Top Ten Disciples, during his time searching for medicine outside, he faced situations far more challenging than the current one, yet overcame them without being overly delicate. Her concern was solely for the sect’s well-being.

After hearing her out, Zhang Yan pondered briefly and nodded, "I’m aware now, you should return and cultivate; in due time, I will personally protect you and aid in Refining Medicine and Condensing Pills."

Liu Yan Yi bowed and said, "Yes, Master, your disciple takes leave now."

After sending off the disciple from the Little Pot Mirror, Zhang Yan reflected, shaking his head slightly; it seemed unlikely for True Master Qin to send someone to trouble his disciple.

True Master Qin, being a Cave Heaven True Master, wouldn’t scheme against him merely through his disciple, as it would be a loss of stature and might damage reputations widely.

Thus, Zhang Yan suspected that Yue Longshan might have acted independently.

But if so, the hostility towards him might silently involve the Linglang Cave Heaven lineage.

His alliance with True Master Peng despite True Master Qin’s dislike was expected. Zhang Yan had anticipated this already.

Typically, any attempt to trouble him should wait for the right moment; selecting this time was perplexing.

He mused over it and realized he had left home only once recently, specifically to meet Sect Leader Qin.

Turning thoughts over, he promptly recognized the issue.

The problem might stem from Sect Leader Qin’s promise to let him practice in Floating Heavenly Palace, possibly causing True Master Qin’s dissatisfaction.

This realization clarified the sequence of events.

Also, linking with Xiao Ao’s matter—there might be hidden connections.

Zhang Yan vaguely saw a net closing in on him.

He chuckled wryly, realizing goodwill wouldn’t come to him without struggle; evidently, some trials awaited.

Yet, immediately, consideration of these matters was unnecessary; the pressing priority was refining the remaining two True Lights.

Once the Dharma technique was simulated, he could integrate the Five Elements Profound Technique into one!

Subsequently, gathering the True Imprint of Dharma Power and advancing his strength further, providing more leverage in discussions.

...

...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you are welcome to cast recommendation votes or monthly votes on Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation.)