Daoist Competition

Liang Changgong sighed and returned to his residence.

The two of them thought they had concealed the matter, but they didn’t know that Zhang Yan had already noticed something from their words and demeanor, paying special attention to them. What they said after leaving the residence was all transmitted to his ears.

After a brief contemplation, Zhang Yan had made up his mind and called in the Daoist boy outside the door, saying, "The other day I had a meeting with Daoist Hua from the Golden Ling Sect, and I found our conversation very congenial. We agreed to visit each other someday. Do you know where he is now?"

The Daoist boy didn’t suspect anything and said, "Daoist Hua resides in the East Garden’s other palace. It’s not far from here; would you like me to take you there, Daoist?"

Zhang Yan smiled and said, "It’s only a few steps away, no need for you to come along. You may leave now."

After dismissing the Daoist boy, he flicked his sleeves and left the palace, transforming into a golden light as he headed towards the East Garden. In no time, he descended at the entrance of the other palace.

The gatekeeping disciple was not from the Dao Palace but from the Golden Ling Sect. Upon seeing Zhang Yan’s arrival, he thought Zhang Yan was an elder from the Zhenluo Alliance and hurriedly saluted, "Which elder has arrived here? May I announce your presence?"

Zhang Yan, with his hands behind his back, said, "I am Zhang Yan, here to see Daoist Hua."

This disciple’s face showed an expression of surprise, clearly having heard of Zhang Yan’s reputation. He hurriedly bowed and quickly turned inside.

Soon after, the main door opened wide, and an old Daoist with a haggard appearance and sparse hair and beard came out. Judging by his aura, his cultivation was only at the Hua Dan Realm.

Upon seeing Zhang Yan, he quickly took two steps forward and bowed, "Indeed, True Master Zhang has come to visit. Greetings from Hua Zhaofang, please come inside."

Zhang Yan, without ceremony, nodded and walked inside.

Upon reaching the hall, Hua Zhaofang first invited Zhang Yan to sit before taking his seat and cupping his hands, "I wonder what instructions True Master Zhang has for me?"

Zhang Yan said flatly, "Why feign ignorance, Daoist Hua? I’m here for the twenty pillars of ten-thousand-year-old Qingcang Wood."

Hua Zhaofang was slightly startled, then smiled, "Did Daoist Wei and Daoist Liang inform the True Master about it?"

Zhang Yan chuckled slightly, "That Qingcang Wood, which I coincidentally needed, was bought at such perfect timing. This is surely not the act of an outsider. Daoist Liang and Daoist Wei hold considerable positions within the alliance. The only person they would be so cautious of could only be Daoist Hua from the Golden Ling Sect. I can think of no one else."

Hua Zhaofang showed a look of surprise, then lowered his head to think for a moment before slowly lifting it again, cupping his hands, "True Master, there’s another hidden story within this matter. It was certainly not intended to make things difficult for you."

Zhang Yan fixed his gaze on him, waiting for the follow-up.

Hua Zhaofang sighed and said, "To not conceal from True Master Zhang, this old man has only twenty years of life left. I’ve been obsessed with the Path of Artifact Refining all my life and have always wanted to compile a ’Refining Treasure Record.’ However, due to sect rules, I’ve merely been working in isolation, without exchanging learning with fellow Daoists. Recently, upon hearing that Daoists Liang and Wei were refining a treasure together and judging by the treasure materials, they appeared extraordinary. Hence, I was seized by a desire to observe, fearing, however, that the two Daoists might not allow it. Thus, I resorted to this underhanded method, with no intent whatsoever to oppose the True Master..."

He stood up and solemnly bowed, "I am guilty and hope the True Master will forgive me."

Feiyu Dao Palace.

Che Ziyi set down the letter in his hand, lost in thought.

Since the death of Guo and Pang, the Lie Xuan Sect had been on the defensive in the west of Ping. However, recently, things had changed drastically. Disciples were frequently invading the Zhenluo Alliance’s territory, and even several elders were appearing. What exactly they intended to do was unknown.

The letter came from his friend Elder Yao, stating that at least three True Masters from the Lie Xuan Sect had infiltrated his area and was seeking assistance.

Elder Che shook his head. He had long advised this friend to just return to Double Moon Peak. Although the lands outside the mountain seemed vast, they were merely inhabited by nomadic settlements and barbarian tribes, with a population of just over a million. Even if they were all handed over to the Lie Xuan Sect, it wouldn’t cause significant harm.

Moreover, the Lie Xuan Sect was hindered by Qingshi Temple and the Golden Ling Sect in Pingdong. In time, they would surely retreat, so it wasn’t necessary to engage them in deadly battle.

Although the Zhenluo Alliance had thirteen Nascent Soul Elders, they came from various backgrounds and joined the alliance at different times. Generally, unless matters involved them directly, they would not expend much effort.

However, Elder Yao and Che Ziyi were not only from the same hometown but had also embarked on the path of cultivation together in their youth, sharing a nearly thousand-year bond. When such a request for help came, how could he turn a blind eye? Pondering over it, he decided he must make a trip.

Che Ziyi thought, "Even if I leave, Brother Huang and Brother Shang are enough to guard this place."

Having made up his mind, he ordered the Daoist boy to invite Huang Zuoguang and Shang Teng.

Before long, the two arrived at the hall, and Che Ziyi didn’t beat around the bush, explaining his intentions to go and provide assistance.

Huang Zuoguang had no objections, and surprisingly, the usually conservative Shang Teng didn’t oppose the matter either.

Che Ziyi felt a sense of relief, cupping his hands, "I must trouble you both to look after matters at Double Moon Peak once I’m gone."

Huang Zuoguang said boldly, "Elder Che, take care on your journey. With the two of us here, there will surely be no trouble."

Unexpectedly, Shang Teng then asked, "When will Brother Che return?"

Che Ziyi stroked his beard, "That will depend on when the Lie Xuan Sect retreats."

Shang Teng nodded and bowed, "Before you return, Elder, we will ensure Double Moon is safe."

Che Ziyi, feeling reassured, said, "Once I leave, there will be one less person guarding Double Moon Peak. However, since Daoist Zhang is using our Earth Fire Sky Furnace, in times of trouble, you might request his assistance, and I expect he won’t refuse."

Both nodded.

Having given his instructions, Che Ziyi tidied up briefly, then rose and flew away, riding a gust of Gang Wind, leaving the palace.

After he left, Shang Teng and Huang Zuoguang respectfully bid farewell, returning expressionlessly to their cultivation abodes. Shortly after, Shang Teng took out a previously prepared Flying Book from his sleeve, tossing it into the air, where it instantly disappeared.

...

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