Daoist Competition

Zhang Yan has just achieved the Third Realm of Hua Dan, and his cultivation, at this state, is only one step away from the Nascent Soul Realm.

Do not underestimate this short step; it is as distant as ten thousand mountains and rivers. He needs to exert countless efforts and forge onward before it can be achieved.

At this moment, he did not exit seclusion but pondered whether to progress further.

After condensing the True Imprint of Dharma Power, the Xuanmen Feathered Warriors consider it a great accomplishment. However, Demon Sect practitioners require an additional process—they must imprint the True Power seal into the Divine Soul.

Once done, like Taiheng Ancestor, even if the physical body is destroyed, it can be replaced by another vessel, and one does not need to relearn the spells practiced throughout their life; just a bit of cultivation is enough for application.

Though Zhang Yan does not foresee himself abandoning the physical body, the path of cultivation is fraught with danger and uncertainty. No one can predict the future, especially with the thousand-year-old demon calamity looming near; it is always wise to prepare.

With his strong Primordial Spirit, capable of bearing the True Imprint, coupled with possessing the God Contract Technique, accomplishing this is no difficult task.

Thus, he deliberately spent about three days refining the True Imprint and engrained it onto his Divine Soul, considering this the perfection of his cultivation.

He carefully sensed within, perceiving the spiritual mechanism flowing robustly, with all cultivation techniques showing progress.

Especially the "Supreme Mysterious Five Elements True Skill," which truly saved him years of arduous cultivation.

The acquired Divine Passage Skill, except for the inconsequential ones, only the Little All Heaven Moving Technique remained untouched by the Essence Qi assistance,

However, this was intentional. This Minor Divine Power was derived by Mingcang Sect’s predecessors from the Five Elements Escape Technique and serves as a supreme method of protective evasion. It’s merely challenging to conquer the Five Elements Qi hurdle, but with the foundational Five Elements True Skill, future cultivation won’t be as strenuous, and with the Sixteen Sects Sword Competition nearing, time is limited, so it’s not urgently practiced and can be reserved for later.

Zhang Yan concluded his cultivation, stood tall, exited the Little Pot Realm, took his seat in the main hall, summoned the Mirror Spirit, and inquired, "Have the disciples been diligent in cultivation over these years?"

The Mirror Spirit respectfully replied, "Following Master’s instructions, all disciples have been sitting steadily in residence, meticulously cultivating."

Zhang Yan nodded his head and continued his inquiry, learning that Liu Yan Yi has also progressed swiftly in cultivation these years, on the verge of breakthrough at the thirty-fourth aperture, likely achieving success within the month.

He pondered for a moment and said, "The Sect Leader once promised me, upon reaching the Third Realm of Hua Dan, I could borrow the Floating Heavenly Palace for thirty years of cultivation. My cultivation has reached that stage, so I must report this matter. If Liu Yan Yi exits seclusion during my absence, instruct her to send me a flying book, and I shall return to assist her in refining medicine and condensing pills."

With the thirty-year period approaching and time pressing, Zhang Yan, after dismissing the Mirror Spirit, embarked toward the Floating Heavenly Palace.

He rode the sword in flight, exceptionally swift, arriving at the Heavenly Palace shortly, exhibited the Dharma Talisman, and landed before the side hall he had visited before, expressing his intent to the Daoist boy as he waited at the door before being summoned inside.

Inside the hall, Sect Leader Qin glanced at him, waved his horsetail whisk, and instructed, "Zhang Yan, stand aside for now. Do not speak unless necessary."

Zhang Yan found this perplexing but, having a deep resolve, concealed any expression and obeyed, standing below the hall.

Sect Leader Qin remained silent, and after roughly a moment, a middle-aged Daoist entered the great hall.

This person wore a moon-white Daoist robe, crowned with Nine Yang, with restrained expression, graying temples, and height nearly akin to Zhang Yan.

Upon first glance, Zhang Yan found him quite ordinary; yet, with another look, his gaze intensified as this person, clearly standing there, exuded an ethereal, uncertain, mysteriously true-and-false presence, seemingly ready to vanish from the world without a trace.

Upon seeing this person, Sect Leader Qin rose from his seat with a deep voice, "Salutations, Junior Master Zhuo."

Elder Zhuo stood with hands behind his back, spoke indifferently, "I am unworthy of Sect Leader’s formalities. I have come for one matter and will leave after speaking."

Sect Leader Qin’s expression turned solemn, "I invite Junior Master to speak."

Zhang Yan now realized this Daoist was the Supreme Elder from Du Zhen Hall, inevitably casting another glance.

Elder Zhuo stated, "Sect Leader, lending Floating Heavenly Palace to disciples for cultivation violates the rules. I hope you will not set this bad precedent."

Sect Leader Qin’s expression remained unchanged, "I have already promised the younger generation; since spoken, how can I break my promise?"