Daoist Competition

"Hold on!"

At this moment, a handsome young man dressed in a brocade robe stepped out. He wore a jade belt around his waist and a Prince Crown on his head. There was a faint trace of arrogance in his expression as he said, "Li Hua, you don’t need to hurry off. If you wish to see Liang Changgong, I can ask Uncle Five to inform him."

The young girl smiled gently, saying, "Brother Yin, you might not know Liang Pavilion Master’s temper; it’s not a matter of just asking to see him."

The handsome young man was unconvinced and whispered something to the person beside him. The long-term follower quickly rushed inside, and the scholar did not stop him, allowing him to go in. After a while, the long-term follower returned, crestfallen, clearly having achieved nothing.

The handsome young man angrily exclaimed, "What is this with Liang Changgong? Even Uncle Five’s face isn’t good enough for him? Infuriating!"

The young girl seemed to have anticipated this and waved her hand, saying, "E’er, let’s go."

As this group walked out, Zhang Yan was just arriving under the broad pavilion. A female attendant with bright eyes and gleaming teeth came out to greet him, giving him a Wan Fu gesture and said clearly, "If Your Excellency is here to refine Dharma Treasures, please take the left corridor. When you reach a peach blossom grove, someone will naturally attend to you."

Under Liang Changgong, there were a few disciples. Ordinary cultivators couldn’t easily request his assistance, so his disciples would refine Dharma Treasures for them. This maid did not have high eyesight and only saw Zhang Yan arriving alone, without a carriage or followers, assuming he was just a regular guest.

Zhang Yan stood with his hands behind him and casually said, "No need for such trouble, just call Liang Changgong, Daoist Liang, out to see me."

The handsome young man was originally heading out and inadvertently stopped upon hearing this, turning with a smile, saying, "Curious indeed, today someone has more audacity than myself."

The young girl also heard this and smiled reservedly. Without even turning her head, she proceeded towards the soft sedan chair parked in front of the pavilion.

In the past, there have been some who overestimated themselves, thinking Liang Changgong to be nothing but an Artifact Refining Expert and presumed they could order him around. But they did not know that his status was special; he was not only a Hua Dan Cultivator but also held an elder position within the Zhenluo Alliance—no ordinary person could just meet him.

The maid gave a slight start, then said coldly, "The Pavilion Master is too busy to see outside guests. If Your Excellency wishes to see him, then please return."

Zhang Yan chuckled lightly, waved his sleeve, and suddenly, a torrent of Gang Flow surged like ocean waves, crashing against the high pavilion’s prohibition. Instantly, there was a crackling sound, incessantly roaring, as if it were about to collapse.

Upon witnessing this scene, a gasp of surprise erupted from the crowd, and they hurried away. Even the handsome young man’s knees buckled; had his two long-term followers not supported him, he would have collapsed onto the ground. The maid’s face turned ashen, horrified beyond compare.

Such a commotion immediately alerted those inside. Soon after, a scholar with sweat on his forehead rushed out and quickly saw Zhang Yan. He cautiously stepped forward to salute and said, "May I ask, who is Your Excellency?"

Zhang Yan placed a Green Sun Gang Jade in his hand and said with a smile, "Take this to Liang Changgong; whether he sees me is up to him."

The scholar, though unfamiliar with this item, cautiously took it and bowed once more, saying, "Your Excellency, please wait a moment."

Zhang Yan knew very well that if he wanted to see Liang Changgong through ordinary protocols, it would take considerable effort and time.

He had no wish to waste time here, so he chose the most direct and effective method.

Soon, footsteps were heard, and a man in his forties stepped out. His lips were thick, nose prominent, and he sported a long mustache, carrying a scholarly elegance. His gaze fell on Zhang Yan, and his expression immediately turned solemn as he walked directly over, made a gesture of respect, and then invitingly gestured with his side, saying, "Fellow Daoist, please forgive the poor reception, please come inside."

Zhang Yan nodded slightly and followed him inside.

As his figure disappeared, those present immediately felt relieved and exhaled long-held breaths.

The young girl supported the sedan chair rod, took several deep breaths to stand straight, and with lingering fear, turned to look back. When Zhang Yan waved his sleeve earlier, it was as if the sky changed color, the earth shook—in this place, everyone was oppressed by an overwhelming aura, their breath stifled, even unable to move their bodies a bit. Such a formidable presence, she had only seen in one person before.

She took another breath and said to the maid beside her, "I don’t know who this person is; he definitely isn’t from the Zhenluo Alliance. Quickly, escort me out of the city, I must meet the grand ancestor."

Liang Changgong invited Zhang Yan inside, offered him a seat, then respectfully made a gesture of apology, saying, "True Master, I was unaware of Your grand visit; I beg your forgiveness."

Though he was an Artifact Refining Master and possessed First Realm of Hua Dan, he couldn’t adopt any airs in front of a Nascent Soul True Master.

Even within the entire Zhenluo Alliance, there were only about a dozen Nascent Soul True Masters, all of whom held esteemed positions and rarely appeared easily; he dared not be impolite.

Zhang Yan gestured dismissively and straightforwardly said, "Daoist, there’s no need for courtesy. I am here to request your assistance in refining a Dharma Treasure. Please have a look."

He indicated with a finger, releasing a beam of brilliance, and a large turtle shell appeared in the hall, covered with mysterious patterns and seal script characters.

Liang Changgong, upon seeing this item, was greatly shocked, stood up excitedly, walked around it several times, his lips trembling slightly.

With his eyesight, he could recognize which Great Demon this item came from. He patted it gingerly for a long time before finally sighing with regret, saying, "I’m afraid it’s beyond my abilities."

Zhang Yan smiled faintly and said, "I’ve long heard of Daoist Liang’s exceptional Artifact Refining methods, hence my admiration for your famous skills. For the cost in Spiritual Shell needed to refine this treasure, feel free to speak without holding back."

Liang Changgong’s expression showed slight trepidation. He wasn’t trying to be arrogant, acknowledging Zhang Yan’s Nascent Soul Cultivation; anyone with such a treasure couldn’t have a simple background. Fearing Zhang Yan’s misunderstanding, he quickly explained, "It’s not that I don’t want to; it’s just that refining this treasure is beyond what I can achieve alone."

Zhang Yan’s gaze fixed on him, asking, "Who else is required?"

Unable to withstand Zhang Yan’s gaze, Liang Changgong lowered his head in fear. After hesitating for a moment, he said, "If Wei Shudan from South Moon Peak were willing to assist, the two of us together might have a chance. However, he and I have been at odds for three hundred years; I’m afraid he wouldn’t grant this favor."

...

...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)