Daoist Competition-Chapter 1004 - 242: Huan Yue River Banquet

The death of the Jun Yue Demon King had a profound impact on several disciples under Zhang Yan.

Especially Wang Caiting, who, since embarking on the path of cultivation, never felt any urgency.

However, seeing a Hua Dan Cultivator who had enjoyed over six hundred years of life die because he couldn’t break through, she seemed to see her own future, and a sense of fear and confusion arose in her heart.

If one does not achieve immortality, no matter how powerful or profound your mana and divine skills, it ultimately amounts to nothing, like a withered tree or faded flower, fading away.

After this incident, she restrained her playful nature somewhat, and in the past six months, she spent most of her time earnestly cultivating.

After assessing his disciples’ cultivation, Zhang Yan felt gratified and called them each to the steps for examination, giving them some pointers before dismissing them after half a day, leaving Jiang Zheng behind alone.

Jiang Zheng was somewhat anxious in his heart, unsure why his mentor wanted to keep him behind.

He was initially a registered disciple, brought back by Zhang Yan from outside the mountain. Aware he couldn’t compare to his fellow disciples, he worked extremely hard.

But since being officially admitted to Zhang Yan’s tutelage, years had passed, and he had only reached the Xuan Guang Second Realm, while Wei Zihong, who joined after him, had already reached the stage of refining medicine and condensing pills—a world of difference between them.

Even the Wang Sisters, who entered the Xuan Guang Realm later than him, had already surpassed him and had begun burning points.

Wang Caiting had even playfully teased him, saying if he continued cultivating so slowly, even the two junior disciples would surpass him in progress.

Fortunately, Jiang Zheng had great personal relationships; he was humble, courteous, and knew how to navigate situations, so no one in the sect looked down on him.

Seeing his unease, Zhang Yan smiled and said, "Disciple, do not worry. I kept you here because I have some good news to tell you."

He then elaborated on the matter of the Peng Yuan Sect, and finally said, "Disciple, I won’t hide it from you; upon arrival, Elder Mu has already bestowed the ’Chen Fire Six Imperial Techniques.’ If you agree, this technique can be conferred upon you; if not, I can refuse it for you."

Jiang Zheng carefully contemplated, realizing his teacher’s words had no forceful intentions, clearly letting him decide on his own.

If this were another sect’s disciple, they would have been overjoyed and agreed without hesitation. But

As a disciple of the Mingcang Sect and with his teacher being one of the sect’s top ten disciples, he lacked nothing in superior cultivation methods.

Moreover, the Zhao You Heavenly Pond was a Cave Heaven Blessed Land, not comparable to other sects. Just a single scroll of an uncertain Dao Technique wasn’t very significant to him.

Jiang Zheng spent half his cultivation years among common people, had a great temper but also a thoughtful mind, thinking differently from others.

He didn’t consider the matter of cultivation first; instead, he thought, "In terms of cultivation and aptitude, I am far behind my peers and staying here doesn’t relieve my mentor’s worries. But if I go to the Peng Yuan Sect, I can secure another ally for the Zhao You Heavenly Pond, somewhat repaying my teacher’s kindness."

These thoughts turned in his mind for a while, and he decisively said, "Master, I am willing to go to the Peng Yuan Sect."

Zhang Yan locked eyes with him, "Have you considered it thoroughly?"

Jiang Zheng replied earnestly, "I will not regret it."

Zhang Yan smiled, gently waved his sleeve, and a bright jade scroll flew out and landed in front of Jiang Zheng.

"This is the ’Chen Fire Six Imperial Techniques,’ a secret scroll of another sect. I will not look into it; the intricacies within are yours to ponder carefully."

Jiang Zheng reached out to take it, put it in his pouch, stepped back, and saluted, "I understand, Master, but before leaving the sect, I have some unclear points in cultivation to seek your guidance on."

Zhang Yan smiled and nodded. Jiang Zheng, indeed different from others, understood with few words, his cultivation aptitude lacking slightly, but a determined Dao Heart is more crucial on the path of cultivation. One day, he might still pursue the True Dao and longevity. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

He stood up, waved his sleeve, opened the Array Gate, and returned to the Little Pot Mirror.

A black-clothed scholar hurried out to greet him with a deep bow, saying, "Little one Zhang Jing welcomes Master back home."

Zhang Yan walked past him, directly sat on the Jade Couch, and then said, "There is something I need you to do."