Daoist Competition

In the battle at Divine House Mountain, there were quite a few rumors, but the exact circumstances were known only to a few, like the three Cave Heaven True Masters of the Southern Continent. How did Little Cang Realm know that the Heavenly Demon was refined by that Heavenly Furnace?

Wei Daoist was taken aback and hesitated for a while before speaking with a hint of bitterness, "To be honest, I don’t know either. I heard it from my senior brother. Our late master always favored him, and the strange treasures left by Shaojing Cang Ancestor were mostly in his hands. Among them are several items capable of True Recognition of spiritual energy and observing spiritual mechanisms. I assume that’s how he knew."

Zhang Yan nodded, accepting the explanation.

After all, Jing Cang Ancestor was an Ascension Great Power Expert, so it was not surprising to have a few Dharma Treasures to observe Qi Mechanisms. Yet, from what was said, they still didn’t know the specifics, which evidently had limitations.

That makes sense; when True Master Tao and Shen Baishuang were nearby, anyone spying would likely have been immediately noticed.

Wei Daoist saw that he hadn’t spoken for a long time and grew anxious, asking, "Are you agreeing or not, fellow Daoist?"

Zhang Yan turned his gaze and shook his head, "Your senior brother’s plan is decent, but too wishfully thinking."

Wei Daoist was displeased by his blunt remark, snorting with a stiff voice, "Why do you say that?"

Zhang Yan smiled slightly, "Heavenly Demon treasure materials are extremely rare. If I were to share some with the three Cave Heaven True Masters of the Southern Continent, couldn’t they offer Spiritual Medicine in return? Why must it be at the convenience of your Little Cang Realm?"

Wei Daoist was momentarily stunned, feeling at a loss, "Then, doesn’t that resolve the matter?"

Zhang Yan laughed, "If we both take a step back, then there might still be room for negotiation."

Wei Daoist anxiously asked, "Then what would you suggest?"

Zhang Yan smiled gently but did not elaborate, instead reassuring her, "There’s no rush in this matter. Though I have an idea, I need to return and think it over carefully before discussing it further. Daoist Wei can stay in my mountain for a few days, and we’ll talk later," then he instructed Jing You, "Take Daoist Wei to the mountain, and find a fine Cave Mansion to settle in."

Jing You came up, bowed and gestured in a welcoming manner, "Daoist Wei, please."

Wei Daoist had no choice but to get up, bowed once, and followed Jing You down.

What Zhang Yan had said was not perfunctory; he indeed had a plan.

The refinement in the Earth Fire Sky Furnace not only produced those eight armor pieces but also left behind the ashes from the Heavenly Demon carcass, which attached to the removed Qingming Wood. This counts as rare Treasure Materials in the world, suitable to share with Little Cang Realm.

However, this wasn’t something to be spelled out; otherwise, it would be mocking them as only deserving scraps.

Even so, if given, the other party, even if they accepted, wouldn’t exchange much Spiritual Medicine, meaning he would still be at a disadvantage.

Thinking of this, Zhang Yan’s eyes twinkled slightly. If that was the case, he might as well do someone a favor.

He thought for a while, then took out a Flying Book from his Sleeve Bag, which was left by Yang Xuanlong that day. With a light flick, he unlocked the Prohibition Seal, and the Flying Book soared into the air, transforming into a beam of Spirit Light heading outwards from the mountain.

Wei Daoist stayed in the mountain for several days. Under Zhang Yan’s guidance, the Wang Sisters showed her around various beautiful places on the mountain. However, her disposition was more aloof, not being one to enjoy leisure activities, so she remained uninterested.

When she started to grow impatient, Jing You found her again, saying, "The master invites Daoist Wei."

Wei Daoist thought the matter of exchanging treasures had results, and with an uplifted spirit she said, "Please lead the way."

She followed Jing You into the mountain, but this time the path was different from before. Instead of going to the main hall, they went into the depths of the mountain, arousing her curiosity, "Where are we going?"

Jing You replied, "Daoist, please don’t worry. This is a special instruction from the master; you’ll understand shortly."

Suppressing her doubts, Wei Daoist followed him to a cave adorned with Bright Pearls, with nothing inside except a well in the center.

Jing You pointed at the well and said, "This is called the ’Yongming Well’, which can observe the lands within a hundred li and has functions for Gathering Spirit and Qi Collection. It originally belonged to the Gantang Temple of the Southern Continent but was donated to our Han Yuan Sect involuntarily due to pressure from the Fengxiang Sword Sect. Dean Wu Suquan, grateful for the master’s benevolence, voluntarily offered it."

After explaining, he drew a circle above the well, causing the muddled water to ripple and gradually reveal scenes, saying, "Daoist, take a look."

Although uncertain of its purpose, Wei Daoist’s curiosity was piqued as she leaned forward and saw that it showed the great hall halfway up the mountain. Inside, a young and elegant Daoist with bright eyes was seated.

Before long, Zhang Yan entered from outside the hall. The Daoist rose with a cheery smile to greet him, and after exchanging salutations, they each sat down again.

The Daoist spoke out loud, "I heard that Wei Shuling has been at your sect these days, which I suppose means you’ve already made a decision, fellow Daoist?"

Wei Daoist was startled to hear the conversation concerned her, so she focused intently.

Zhang Yan smiled, "Daoist Yang is indeed well-informed."

Yang Xuanlong assumed Zhang Yan sincerely wished to cooperate, beaming with more enthusiasm, laughing richly, and waving a hand, "My brothers and I have watched Little Cang Realm for over a hundred years, knowing their every move. This is nothing new,"

Hearing this, Wei Daoist was shocked, pointing and demanding, "Who is this person?"

Jing You chuckled, "Daoist Wei, please remain calm. The master will explain everything later."

Wei Daoist snorted, barely restraining herself and looked down at the scene.

Then Zhang Yan spoke again, "Little Cang Realm has stood firm in East Victory for thousands of years without being found. There must be something extraordinary about it. What does fellow Daoist plan to do?"

Yang Xuanlong replied, "I beg your forgiveness, fellow Daoist, but this involves many secrets of our sect, which I cannot divulge. You only need to invite her as usual, and I shall have a way to act upon her." Pausing, he added, "I won’t go back on my previous promise. Once the matter is done and we obtain what we seek, Little Cang Realm can be yours to take for Han Yuan. My brothers and I will leave immediately, without any regret."

...

...(To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) and vote for recommendations, monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please read on m.qidian.com)