Daoist Competition-Chapter 932 - 206: Shaoqing’s Lost Manuscript

Deer Antler Mountain, Earth Fire Heavenly Furnace.

On a large, smooth stone like a mirror, above Zhang Yan’s head, the Gang Cloud slowly swirled. In front of him was placed a bushel of Gang Essence, which at this moment seemed to be manipulated by invisible giant hands, transforming into clusters of brilliant crystal energy, like smoke rising, thread by thread, slowly integrating into the Gang Cloud.

After entering the Nascent Soul Realm, he no longer needed to use his mouth or nasal acupoints to draw in qi. The Gang Cloud alone could refine Spirit Essence, making his cultivation speed multiple times faster than before.

When a cultivator steps into the Nascent Soul Second Realm and attains three blossoms atop the Gang Cloud, they can absorb a vast amount of Essence Qi. By then, scattered Gang Essence will no longer suffice for their cultivation; they must ascend beyond the Extreme Sky to refine their achievements.

The Gang Essence called "White Sand Gang Essence" placed before Zhang Yan was a gift from the Zhenluo Alliance. Though it couldn’t compare to the Green Sun Gang Essence from Kunyu, it was still of high grade and did not require immediate refining upon receiving, which had its pros and cons. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

He was adjusting his spiritual mechanism, when suddenly, he saw two tunneling lights approaching from afar in the azure sky.

The first was pure and white as clouds, with sunlight revealing threads entwined into the shape of a Cloud Raft. A black-haired Daoist in a crane robe sat upon it, looking vigorous and spirited. His appearance was of Ouyang Xu, the elder from the Zhenluo Alliance whom he had seen at the banquet before.

Beside him was Huang Zuoguang, an old acquaintance who hadn’t yet arrived but whose laughter could be heard from afar.

In a moment, the two arrived above the Heavenly Furnace, lowering their cloud and standing firm before bowing towards Zhang Yan.

Zhang Yan returned the gesture with a smile, and with a flick of his sleeve, a small black wooden table appeared, complete with a teapot and cups, exquisite and elaborate, with a cushion on either side. Gesturing with his hand, he said, "My humble abode is simple, please do not mind."

The two repeatedly said, "We dare not," exchanged a few polite remarks, and then sat down peacefully.

After Zhang Yan sat, he smilingly said, "Why are Daoist Ouyang and Daoist Huang not cultivating in the palace today but instead have leisure to visit my humble place?"

Ouyang Xu, being straightforward, spoke directly, "We came today specifically to thank you, fellow Daoist."

Zhang Yan was surprised and asked, "May I know what for?"

Regarding the matter of resisting the Lie Xuan Sect, the elders had already held a banquet for him, and other than that, he couldn’t think of any reason for their gratitude.

Huang Zuoguang solemnly said from the side, "As I mentioned before at the banquet, if it weren’t for Daoist Zhang’s help, I would have lost my life long ago. This debt cannot go unpaid."

Zhang Yan understood, shook his head with a smile, not having taken the matter to heart, but Huang Zuoguang had not forgotten it.

Ouyang Xu then earnestly inquired, "I have heard that True Master Zhang is skilled in the Flying Sword skill?"

Zhang Yan was puzzled as to why this came up, thinking there must be a reason, but seeing no harm in admitting it, he responded with a smile, "I know a little bit, but how did Daoist Ouyang come to know of it?"

During his battle with the Seven Truths of the Lie Xuan Sect, he only used the Supreme Mysterious True Light and the Purple Cloud Divine Thunder. He did not prominently use the Flying Sword, so not many would know. Even after using the sword ball in Central Pillar Continent, not many could discern he excelled in this way.

Huang Zuoguang interjected, "Senior Brother Ouyang has a disciple named Yang Bingqing, also from the East Splendor Continent, who holds True Master Zhang in high regard. It was through him that we learned you once traversed the East Sea with your sword, showcasing exceptional skill."

Zhang Yan pondered for a moment, having some impression of this person, and replied, "So that’s how it is."

Ouyang Xu clasped his hands and said, "To be honest, Brother Huang once aided me in times of trouble long ago, and I never had the chance to repay him. Now that you have helped Daoist Huang out of danger, I intend to return this kindness on his behalf."

He took out two books from his bosom, placed them solemnly on the table, and pushed them towards Zhang Yan, seriously stating, "I know True Master Zhang is from a great sect, and ordinary things might not meet your eyes. Hearing you can command the Flying Sword, I offer you these books. I do not know if they will be of any use to the True Master. If not, I shall find something else."

Zhang Yan, having been in the Central Pillar Continent for decades, became somewhat familiar with the cultivation techniques used by cultivators here following his battle with the Lie Xuan Sect.

Most cultivators here relied heavily on Dharma Treasures and external objects, not paying much attention to their own cultivation. Often, cultivators assessed each other’s prowess by the quality of their treasures. Thus, hearing of them bringing out Secret Volumes did not particularly pique his interest.

He intended to simply put them away until his eye caught the name of the first book, causing a sudden stir in his heart.