Daoist Competition-Chapter 931 - 205: Solely Relying on the Command Token as a Calming Needle (Part 2)

Chapter 931: Chapter 205: Solely Relying on the Command Token as a Calming Needle (Part 2)

Duanmu Li, the Grand Master of Kun Island, was a Nascent Soul cultivator. Rumor had it that despite being ambushed at his doorstep by Guo and Pang, he was powerless to resist due to previous injuries inflicted by this person.

At that moment, Huang Zuoguang stood up from the last seat at the banquet, raised his cup towards Zhang Yan, and said sincerely, "True Master Zhang, if it weren’t for you dealing with the traitor Shang Teng, I fear Huang would have long since perished. I must toast to the True Master, and I shall drink first as a sign of my gratitude."

Although Shang Teng captured him that day, he did not kill him, not out of kindness but because he wanted an additional bargaining chip should his deeds be exposed.

However, if the Lie Xuan Sect had successfully snatched away the Divine Beast Embryo from Zhang Yan, there would have been no need to spare his life.

Thus, saying his life was preserved due to Zhang Yan is hardly an exaggeration.

Zhang Yan replied with a smile, "Daoist Huang, you speak too highly. A fellow Daoist as blessed as you cannot be harmed by mere miscreants."

Huang Zuoguang grinned, bowed respectfully to Zhang Yan, and then sat down.

Duan Hanfeng stroked his mustache and lamented, "Having wine without song seems incomplete."

Zhang Qianqiu’s expression shifted slightly, and he glanced at Zhang Yan with a smile, "Why not ask the True Master to witness our renowned Lotus Leaf Dance from Double Moon Peak?"

Duan Hanfeng exclaimed with delight, "That proposal suits me well." Turning to Zhang Yan, he asked, "True Master, what do you think?"

Zhang Yan nodded, "The guest obeys the host; Elder Duan can make the arrangements."

Duan Hanfeng chuckled and pointed downward, where vibrant lotus flowers began to emerge from the pond within the hall, filling the air with fragrance. The fresh lotus leaves expanded to a size of several feet, each adorned with glistening dew, lush and verdant.

He then clapped his hands, and amidst the resonating sound of zithers, six women draped in sheer silk gracefully entered the hall.

These women were all slender, with jade-like skin and delicate features, their hair styled in clouds and fog. Their captivating gazes and enchanting poses made their beauty unmistakable, and notably, each possessed Ming Qi cultivation.

The six women stepped lightly onto the lotus leaves, barely a foot wide, and danced gracefully in tune with the music.

Due to the narrow space, they often intertwined limbs, their lips and necks brushing, their temples mingling, revealing glimpses of their delicate forms, making the scene intoxicatingly alluring. The music not only stirred desire but also carried a seductive undertone.

Duan Hanfeng was utterly captivated, loudly praising whenever the six dancers reached a climax, while the other five elders appeared indifferent, seemingly accustomed to such scenes.

Zhang Qianqiu kept an eye on Zhang Yan’s expression and then suggested, "True Master Zhang, you’ve come alone to our Central Continent, without even a servant at your side. These ladies, I can personally gift them to you. What do you think?"

Zhang Yan smiled faintly, offering no definite reply.

Zhang Qianqiu, observing Zhang Yan’s apparent lack of interest, did not pursue the matter further and turned his attention to the Lotus Dance.

As the wine flowed through three rounds, Zhang Qianqiu felt the timing was right to bring up the token matter. However, fearing Zhang Yan might outright refuse, leaving no room for negotiation, he signaled to Che Ziyi several times, indicating him to test Zhang Yan’s stance.

But to his chagrin, Che Ziyi pretended to be deaf and oblivious, appearing drowsy, causing Zhang Qianqiu to feel secretly annoyed.

Ouyang Xu noticed his expression and shook his head, placing his cup down and directly asking, "True Master Zhang, is the Prohibition Token from Master Cheng in your possession?"

As soon as this question was posed, the hall fell silent, with all eyes turning to Zhang Yan.

Zhang Yan calmly responded, "Indeed, it is with me."

Ouyang Xu bowed slightly and said, "This item is crucial to our alliance. Could I kindly ask True Master Zhang to return it? Otherwise, our members might find it hard to sleep peacefully."

His straightforwardness made Zhang Qianqiu slightly anxious, fearing Zhang Yan might take offense and turn hostile, complicating matters.

Yet, Zhang Yan simply chuckled, "I am not a disciple of your alliance and have long planned to return it, but not at this moment."

Ouyang Xu fixed his gaze on Zhang Yan’s face, asking solemnly, "When?"

Zhang Yan’s eyes sparkled slightly, "Daoists Liang Changgong and Wei Shudan are currently refining a Magic Artifact for me. Once the treasure is complete, and as I head east, I will surely return it."

He indeed had no intention of keeping the Command Token for himself, as it would be useless to take it to East Splendor Continent.

However, he was not at ease entrusting such potentially life-threatening items to others while he remained.

It’s better to present them upon his departure.

Though the five elders didn’t retrieve the token, they received a clear answer from Zhang Yan and felt significantly relieved, no longer needing to be on edge.

This banquet indeed ended with both hosts and guests in high spirits.

After the gathering, Zhang Yan left the hall, not seeking rest in another pavilion, but rather riding the wind out of the Flying Palace, heading directly to Luqi Mountain, landing beside the Earth Fire Sky Furnace, and seeking the spot he previously occupied, sitting cross-legged to meditate and work on his cultivation technique, awaiting the birth of the Dharma Treasure. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

A month passed like this, with no disturbances.

On this day, sudden noises erupted from within the Earth Furnace, and from its entrance emerged an old Daoist with a head full of white hair and a gaunt face.

Zhang Yan opened his eyes and looked over, surprised, "Why has Hua Daoist come out? Could it be that the Divine Statue is already refined?"

Hua Zhaofang shook his head, "To refine the Divine Statue, it may still take another year."

Zhang Yan scrutinized him for a few moments, raising his brows slightly, seemingly sensing something, and sighed, "So that is the case."

Hua Zhaofang remarked bitterly, "True Master Zhang has also observed? These past years, I have exhausted too much Essence Qi and fear that my end is near. Recently, I have felt my days are numbered, and it’s time I return to Golden Ling Sect to settle affairs."

Zhang Yan nodded.

Hua Zhaofang lowered his head, retrieved a Jade Disc from his sleeve, and handed it over, saying, "True Master Zhang, this is the ’Refining Treasure Record’ authored by this old man. With the help of Daoists Liang and Wei, I’ve corrected many errors over the past six months. Though imperfections still abound, I lack the strength to make further revisions. If True Master Zhang doesn’t mind, perhaps you can pass it on to someone fated."

...

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