Daoist Competition-Chapter 1051 - 265: Helian Wei (Part 2)

The disciple chuckled awkwardly and said, "What you said is true, Martial Uncle-Grandfather."

Helian Wei glanced at him and said casually, "But you did well too. After the grand competition of the Sixteen Sects, you may return to the Sect for cultivation."

The disciple was overjoyed. Though he had been ordered to infiltrate the Mingcang Sect, the Hun Cheng Sect hadn’t used any method to control him. Therefore, he hadn’t entirely dismissed the thought of severing ties with the Demon Sect.

However, he quickly realized that unless you were exceptionally talented and outstanding, no one would pay you any attention, nor would they pass on any profound Dharma techniques. Entering the Mingcang Sect’s Upper Court was an unattainable dream. So he could only stay obediently, hoping to make some contributions to the Sect. If he could learn a skill or two of the Daoist techniques in the future, he could venture into prosperous regions in the human realm, thus not living this life in vain.

He was holding his wine and daydreaming when he suddenly spotted a figure, exclaiming in surprise. He peeked over the table and thought to himself, "Han Zuocheng? Why is he here? I must not let him see me."

Helian Wei didn’t look back. His eyes emitted a strange light, and the image of the approaching person appeared in his mind. He asked, "This person seems to be a cultivator too. Is he from your sect?"

The disciple thought for a moment and chuckled, "I don’t have that kind of good fortune. I heard this person was accepted under Zhang Yan’s tutelage and will soon go to the Upper Court."

Helian Wei’s gaze flickered, and he said in a deep voice, "Are you saying he is Zhang Yan’s disciple? Is it certain?"

The disciple quickly said, "I wouldn’t dare speak falsehoods. This person was personally accepted as a disciple by Zhang Yan a year ago in the Lower Court. It’s well-known throughout the Lower Court."

Although Zhang Yan’s accepting disciples wasn’t a secret, Ma Shouxiang and Wang Caiwei wouldn’t publicize it. But Han Zuocheng, being only sixteen, loved to boast and inevitably spread the news around. As a result, more people tried to ingratiate themselves with him, so it became known throughout the Lower Court.

A slight smile gradually appeared on Helian Wei’s face as he said, "Greet him when the opportunity arises and find a way to lure him out to the mountains outside the town. After that, you may return to the mountain."

The disciple was sharp and immediately grasped Helian Wei’s intention. He dared not ask more questions, rose promptly, cupped his hands, and descended from the restaurant, thinking to himself, "Could Martial Uncle-Grandfather intend to capture Han Zuocheng? This person hasn’t even opened his meridians yet. There are plenty of such people in the Mingcang Sect. Losing just one disciple might not pain Zhang Yan. What’s the use of taking him?"

Though perplexed, after descending the stairs, he still headed towards Han Zuocheng’s direction. Drawing closer, he feigned unintentionally bumping into him and exclaimed joyfully, "Isn’t this Brother Han?"

Han Zuocheng had never been to the Human Realm State City and had taken remote paths to the Mingcang Sect for apprenticeship. Upon arriving in this town, everything on the streets seemed novel to him. Suddenly hearing his name called, he turned around, recognized a familiar face, and curiously asked, "So it’s Junior Brother Wu, how come you’re here?"

Junior Brother Wu scratched his head and said, "To be honest, Brother, my wife sent a letter a few days ago asking me to bring back some scented boxes and powders."

Han Zuocheng was surprised and said, "Junior Brother Wu, you’re married already?"

Junior Brother Wu showed an embarrassed expression and said, "Please don’t laugh at me, Brother. I was originally a country bumpkin, and it was an engagement arranged by my family long ago."

Han Zuocheng asked puzzledly, "Then why did you come up the mountain for cultivation?"

Junior Brother Wu sighed and said, "It’s a turbulent world now. Learning some Daoist skills is a means for self-preservation once I return."

After saying this, he bowed deeply and said, "I hope Brother doesn’t mention this to others. If fellow disciples find out, they will surely mock me, and I wouldn’t be able to stay on the mountain for long."

Han Zuocheng patted his chest and said, "Rest assured, Junior Brother. I’m not someone who talks recklessly. This matter will not be known to a third person besides you and me."

Junior Brother Wu chuckled inwardly, thinking, "I’d be a fool to trust your words."

He was skilled at gauging people’s hearts. He knew that if someone shared their secrets with another, they would feel superior, thinking they had seen through the other, thus lowering their guard.

On the surface, he put on a grateful expression, grabbed Han Zuocheng by the sleeve enthusiastically, and said warmly, "It’s rare for Brother to come down the mountain. There’s a great place for fun eighty miles from here. Let me host and take you for a good time."

Han Zuocheng hesitated upon hearing he had to leave the town. He had a nagging feeling that something was amiss and said, "Eighty miles? I can’t fly yet. Coming and going will take until tomorrow. I better not go and just wander around here instead."

Junior Brother Wu sighed and said very earnestly, "Brother, you’re not like me. You’ve seen the world and are a high disciple of True Master Zhang. There’s nothing in this town worthy of your Dharma Eye. Rest assured, that place will surely satisfy you!" 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

Being flattered this way, Han Zuocheng felt embarrassed to deny his lack of worldliness and agreed hesitantly.

Though Helian Wei remained in the restaurant, being a Demon Sect practitioner, he heard their conversation clearly, even from across the street. Junior Brother Wu and Han Zuocheng evidently had no prior relationship, but in just a few words, he gained Han Zuocheng’s trust. Helian Wei thought this person was capable, and if the matter succeeded, he wouldn’t mind rewarding him with a secret technique or two.

As Helian watched them leave the town, an hour passed before his body suddenly vanished from his seat. When he reappeared, he stood on a misty shadow amidst the clouds. His eyes shot out a bright light. After scanning the area, he snickered wickedly and transformed into a billowing black cloud, flying south.

Not long after he left, a clear Xuan Guang flew from Cangwu Mountain. Instead of descending, it circled above the small town and then pursued to the south.

...

...(To be continued. If you enjoyed this work, please vote for it on Qidian (qidian.com) with recommendation and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)