Daoist Competition

Mu Bingxin suddenly stood up and asked urgently, "Is that person claiming to be a disciple of the Danyang Sect?"

Shen Dong replied, "Indeed."

Mu Bingxin said with delight, "That’s right, my disciple was in trouble, and to ensure the Precious Primordial Spirit was not lost, I sought Spiritual Medicine everywhere, and that person was the one who came to deliver the medicine to my sect."

Zhang Yan smiled and said, "Since Elder Mu has matters to attend to, I shall take my leave now."

Mu Bingxin was worried about her disciple and was in no mood to linger, so she apologized, "I have not been a good host." Turning her head, she instructed, "Someone, prepare a fine Cave Mansion for True Master Zhang."

Zhang Yan made a respectful gesture and departed, following a disciple to the left of the mountain. After a hundred or so steps, they turned into a secluded rock wall, followed a ten-yard-long vine path forward, and reached the end. Then turning to the left, they arrived at a courtyard where petals floated and warm winds blew. In the center, there stood a three-story pavilion with Jade Pearl golden bells hanging from the eaves, jingling melodiously in the breeze.

He entered the pavilion, dismissed the servants, and went up to the third floor, where he sat comfortably on a couch to meditate.

About an hour later, there was a loud voice outside the door, "True Master Zhang, Shen Shuosong, disciple of Danyang, requests an audience."

Zhang Yan thought for a moment and said, "Please come into the pavilion to meet."

Shortly thereafter, a middle-aged Daoist with ink-black hair and beard entered, and upon seeing Zhang Yan, he quickly stepped forward to bow respectfully, "Little Daoist greets True Master Zhang."

Zhang Yan looked at him a few times and smiled, "Danyang is where the Mountain Gate of the Beichen Sect is located. Are you not a disciple of Beichen?"

Shen Shuosong respectfully said, "True Master Zhang sees with clarity; I did not intentionally conceal it, but I feared provoking the Demon Sect, hence did not express it clearly in the letter."

Zhang Yan nodded and asked, "How are Elder Yan and True Master Lu?"

Shen Shuosong replied, "Elder Yan and Lady Lu are well and often speak of the True Master, saying if not for his care, the Beichen Sect would have struggled to survive the Demon Tribulation."

Zhang Yan asked sternly, "From your words, it seems the current situation within the sect is not favorable?"

Shen Shuosong sighed, "The Six Great Demon Sects cannot move against the Ten Great Profound Sects, so they often come to harass us small sects. When Huo Xuan, True Master Huo, was in charge, he also showed favor to our sect, never letting them succeed, and even had enough strength to aid other friendly sects several times. However, since last year’s grand competition within your sect, True Master Huo stepped down, and True Master Du came on, showing indifference to us small sects, calling back the disciples stationed to guard us. This move has not escaped the eyes of the Demon Sect, and thus, this past year or two has been quite difficult."

Zhang Yan nodded slightly; the methods of Demon Sect Practitioners are insidious and cunning. Especially Jiuling Sect’s practitioners, who excel at disturbing people’s minds and shaking the Divine Soul. Disciples with shallow Daoist Cultivation often let their guard down and get manipulated by them, leading many small sects to be inexplicably wiped out. This is hard to defend against, and over time, it inevitably instills fear, making it difficult for sects without strong leaders to fend off.

Huo Xuan valued personal relationships and used gentle measures with the neighboring sects, likely having heard of the good relationship between himself and Beichen, hence provided special care. Du De, coming from a noble family lineage, always revered the principle of survival of the fittest, so the Beichen Sect certainly will not have it as good as before.

The Mingcang Sect has supported many small sects for over a hundred years, but abandoning them now would render past efforts in vain. If these sects were exterminated, the Mingcang Sect would lose its outer defense, and those Profound Sect practitioners, once wiped out, would be taken for refining, indirectly increasing the strength of the Demon Sect. Therefore, he does not agree with this action.

Thinking for a moment, he said steadily, "Since you are here, you might as well convey to Elder Yan not to worry. In no less than a month, no more than half a year, the situation will surely change."

Shen Shuosong was overjoyed; he was well aware of True Master Zhang’s abilities, and if he said it, then it will most likely be done. After expressing gratitude many times, he took his leave and departed.

In the following three days, Zhang Yan stayed at Peng Yuan Sect, commanding disciples to clear out Demon Sect Practitioners, and occasionally instructed Jiang Zheng on cultivation. On the fourth day, he went to bid farewell to Mu Bingxin.

Mu Bingxin, however, said, "True Master Zhang, don’t be in a rush to leave. I wish to discuss a matter with you."

She pulled over a charming female disciple and said, "This is my disciple Cai Ai, who also has Hua Dan Cultivation. How would it be if she were to bond with Nephew Shen?"

Cai Ai’s pretty face turned slightly red, and she lowered her head. She didn’t feel any resistance since small sects often used alliances through marriage to connect with larger sects. Even if she didn’t become a Daoist couple with Shen Dong, she would eventually be paired with someone else anyway. Fortunately, she had secretly observed Shen Dong over these past few days and found satisfaction in his appearance and cultivation.

Zhang Yan glanced and laughed, "Since Shen Dong is not my disciple, how this matter is decided should be his own decision."

Mu Bingxin, seeing Zhang Yan did not oppose, was instantly joyous, believing the matter would likely succeed.

In recent days, she had already sent people to inquire. Although Shen Dong had learned superior Grade Daoist Skill, he had no master and seemed to be quite favored by Zhang Yan. If they could win him over, just like Jiang Zheng becoming Peng Yuan’s distinguished son-in-law, it would be greatly beneficial for the Mountain Gate. She said, "Then I shall go consult with Nephew Shen."

Zhang Yan smiled and said, "True Master Mu, please feel free."

Leaving the Mountain Gate of Peng Yuan, he caught the wind and boarded Dragon Country’s Ship, meeting up with his disciples and instructing the ship to set sail.

Zhao Yang looked around and said, "Pavilion Master, Shen Dong has not boarded the ship yet."

Zhang Yan waved his sleeve and said, "No need to worry about him; he will soon come on his own."

The Dragon Country’s Ship shook, surging up sea waves, heading towards the continent. In less than a moment, they saw Shen Dong flying urgently, piloting smoke from behind. After landing, seeing Zhang Yan standing at the bow, he stepped forward quickly, bowing, and seemed to want to explain something.

Yet Zhang Yan waved his hand at him and said in a calm voice, "From now on, do not falsely claim to be my disciple in your words. Do you understand?"

Cold sweat dripped from Shen Dong’s back, knowing his little cunning thoughts from that day were seen through again. He lowered his head and said, "Yes."

Zhang Yan nodded and said, "Take care of yourself." With that, he headed towards the cabin.

...

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