Daoist Competition

When Zhang Yan returned to Zhao You Heavenly Pond, it was already afternoon. The Mirror Spirit was somewhat puzzled to see him return so quickly, but seeing no expression of joy or anger on his face, it dared not ask more. Instead, it approached humbly and asked if there was anything that needed to be done.

Zhang Yan merely left a sentence, "If Yanyi comes out of her retreat, report to me immediately." With a flick of his sleeve, he stepped into the Little Pot Mirror.

At this moment, he had already decided that once his senior disciple came out of her retreat, he would assist her in solidifying her pill and then head to the Central Pillar Divine Continent to collect Green Yang Gang Qi, hoping to enter the Nascent Soul Realm within thirty years.

The bamboo building in the Little Pot Mirror had previously been destroyed by his Fire Element True Light. However, this realm was self-contained and capable of transforming things. With just a thought, the building arose again out of thin air, quietly standing amidst the bamboo forest as before.

He took steps in a void, and in the blink of an eye, he was inside the building. Seated on a couch, with a thought, mysterious spells appeared before him.

This was the Five Elements Escape Technique, which he had no time to practice before, and it was now perfect for study.

Reaching into his sleeve, he held onto the Broken Jade, and his Heart and Spirit sank into it as before.

It was uncertain how much time had passed when one day, the Mirror Spirit came to report: "Master, Lady Liu has come out of retreat and is waiting outside."

Zhang Yan emerged from the Broken Jade in his mind, opened his eyes, and said, "Let her in."

Soon, Liu Yan Yi entered the mirror.

Today, she wore a lotus-white deep robe, her blue silk tied with a silver soft rope, with jade-bone and ice-clear skin, bright beautiful eyes, simple and pure as a white jade lotus, with her cultivation appearing even more refined than before.

Upon reaching Zhang Yan, she gracefully bowed, "Disciple greets Master."

Zhang Yan smiled and said, "Yanyi, no need for formalities. Rise and speak."

Liu Yan Yi acknowledged with a sound and bowed again before standing up.

Zhang Yan glanced at her, nodded, and asked, "How many acupoints have you opened now?"

Liu Yan Yi replied, "Disciple is dull and fails Master’s expectation, having only opened thirty-four acupoints so far."

Despite having the spell granted by Zhang Yan, she found it increasingly difficult, especially with the last three acupoints, which were as hard to open as impregnable citadels. No matter how she tried, it was hard to overcome, and even opening thirty-four was extremely lucky.

At the moment of burning open the acupoints, she had a vague insight that she could only stop here, so she didn’t linger, decisively cutting off any remaining obsessions and came out of retreat.

Zhang Yan comforted her, "Disciple, reaching this stage is already extremely difficult. Don’t underestimate yourself. Would you like to try again?"

Liu Yan Yi took a gentle breath, shook her head, and said, "No, disciple senses that the timing for solidifying the pill has arrived and does not wish to miss it."

After reaching a certain state, a cultivator will detect the Qi Mechanism connected with their own fortune and misfortune. However, sometimes it is just a very slight thought, easily overlooked. Only those with natural deep roots and exceptional nature, like Liu Yan Yi, can firmly decide.

Zhang Yan slightly nodded and instructed the Mirror Spirit, "Go invite True Master Lu to the main hall."

The Mirror Spirit bowed and left.

With another flick of his sleeve, Liu Yan Yi felt the scene before her change and found herself brought to the grand hall.

Soon, Lu Mei Niang arrived, and with a bow, she said, "Humble Daoist greets the Pavilion Master. May I ask why you have summoned me?"

Zhang Yan rose and returned the salute, "I called fellow Daoist here today to invite you to take a trip to Shendu Peak."

Lu Mei Niang immediately understood Zhang Yan’s intention. He wanted her to fetch the Que Jue Thunder and Hidden Marrow Refining, which must be used within ten days of obtaining them; otherwise, the Thunder Qi would dissipate, hence requiring them just before pill refining.

There was significant meaning in specifically asking her to fetch them, which she understood. She gladly said, "As Zhang Daoist commands, humble Daoist will naturally assist and set off immediately."

With those words, she bowed again, summoned a Gang Wind, and headed outside the pavilion.

These two ingredients are not rare, as Great Sects like the Mingcang Sect have set up a solitary peak north of the Long Yan Marsh to attract demon birds for thundering baths. However, those produced on Shendu Peak are still considered the best today.

Zhang Yan had high hopes for Liu Yan Yi and could not afford any mistakes, so he was extremely particular about the quality of these two ingredients.

Lu Mei Niang, being a Nascent Soul True Master, traveled swiftly and returned within five days.

After seeing Zhang Yan in the hall, she raised her hand, made a cut on her wrist, forced out a few drops of Essence Blood, took out a Jade Bottle, dripped it in, and then produced a golden plate, handing them both to Zhang Yan.