Daoist Competition

In the following days, whenever Lu Guo encountered difficulties, he would go to Zhang Yan for guidance. Zhang Yan did not refuse and would analyze everything for him one by one.

Although Lu Guo was the only person visibly present in Haoxing Temple, Zhang Yan discerned that he was someone without deep scheming. Sometimes, certain words did not seem to come from him, leading Zhang Yan to conclude that there must be another person in charge behind him.

He probed several times and found that whenever he unintentionally mentioned the Turtle-shaped Mountain, Lu Guo would unconsciously show signs of nervousness.

So Zhang Yan mused in his heart, "It seems that the Turtle-shaped Mountain is of great importance to this person, which is why he is so anxious. This is somewhat troublesome; Uncle Master Fish Drum once said that collecting Qi from this mountain is ideal. This place is also very important to me, and I must find a way to enter this mountain."

However, since he was unclear about the background of Haoxing Palace, he could not act recklessly.

But continuing to drag on like this would also be futile. He needed to quickly come up with an idea.

He thought carefully and believed that his knowledge of the Erosion Text must be of great use to Lu Guo. Otherwise, the other party would not be so attentive, so he might as well use this point to make a big issue of it, retreat strategically to force the person in charge to come forward, observe the situation here, and then make plans.

Having made up his mind, he was not in a hurry to act. Instead, he stayed, enjoying good food and drink, patiently waiting for a month under Lu Guo’s hospitality.

On this day, feeling that the time was ripe, he seized the moment after Lu Guo had asked his questions and said, "I have disturbed fellow Daoist for many days, and today I must take my leave."

Lu Guo was caught off guard and exclaimed, "Daoist, you are leaving already?"

Zhang Yan said seriously, "Indeed, I travel the world to seek opportunities, so how can I linger here?"

Lu Guo had become accustomed to seeking Zhang Yan’s guidance daily, feeling that many incomprehensible points could become clear with just a hint from him. At this exciting moment, how could he bear for him to leave? Thus, he earnestly pleaded for him to stay.

But no matter what he said, Zhang Yan remained resolute, determined to leave. Anxious, Lu Guo broke into a sweat and finally, in desperation, pleaded, "If Daoist must leave, can you at least not rush it and stay one more day, allowing me to fulfill my duty as a host?"

Zhang Yan cupped his hands and reluctantly agreed, "During these days, thanks to Lu Daoist’s hospitality, I will leave tomorrow."

After Lu Guo took his leave, he hurried to the back of the temple and complained, "Elder brother, Zhang Yan Daoist wants to leave. I said earlier that mere wine and tea are just small favors, how could they keep him here?"

The old Daoist remained seated and unmoved, asking instead, "Junior brother, have you gained much these days?"

Lu Guo nodded vigorously, saying, "I’ve gained a lot. If this Daoist Zhang were to stay a few more days, I would surely be able to break the ninth seat."

The old Daoist nodded and said, "It seems this person also has true talent and learning." He paused and asked, "Has he visited other places or inquired about anything during these days?"

Lu Guo smiled wryly, "During these days, I have been the one consulting him. This Daoist has never asked me anything, and besides that, he has not left his quarters. If there’s any plotting, it’s us wishing to learn from him."

The plump Daoist tilted his head and leaned forward, saying, "Elder brother, isn’t this too cautious?"

The old Daoist snorted, "When it comes to the mountain’s heavy treasure, no amount of caution is too much!"

Lu Guo was anxious and stamped his foot, "But if this person leaves, where will we find another who excels in Erosion Text? Do we have to wait another three hundred years? By then, I’m afraid we’ll all be dead and gone. Elder brother, you’re being muddleheaded!"

The plump Daoist was displeased and reprimanded, "Third brother, how can you speak to elder brother like that? Is there no respect left?"

Lu Guo lowered his head and cupped his hands, saying, "Elder brother, I misspoke. Please forgive me."

The old Daoist waved his hand, unconcerned, and laughed, "No matter, the third junior brother is just a bit anxious. However, he does have a point. In a few hundred years, we’ll all be dust and bones. What good is it to guard this treasured mountain? Regardless of whether this person has hidden motives or not, at this point, we can only invite him to give it a try."

Lu Guo was overjoyed upon hearing this and said, "Elder brother, are you willing to meet this Daoist?"

The old Daoist nodded and smiled, "You may invite him here. I will speak with him personally."

Lu Guo was extremely happy and, with an affirmative reply, transformed into a wisp of smoke and hurriedly went to invite Zhang Yan.

The plump Daoist found it strange, thinking that his elder brother’s words were uncharacteristic of his usual cautious demeanor, and said, "Elder brother, isn’t this too hasty?"