Daoist Competition

Elder Bai departed from Xisheng Mountain and, after half a month of travel, arrived at Cangzhu Peak. On the second day, he was brought into the hall to pay respects to Zhang Yan.

After exchanging courtesies, he first stated his purpose, mentioning the desire to invite True Master Tao to serve as a Sacrifice for Zhongtai, and then added: "Sect Leader Qiao mentioned that if Master Zhang is willing to fulfill this task, our sect will offer a significant reward."

The Southern Three Sects, having been hurt in their battle with Guo Monarch, have been quietly nursing their wounds over the years without any activity. However, Zhongtai has more than one enemy; on the North Sea, the Python Clan is raring to go, ready to stir trouble.

Especially since learning of the late Master Zheng’s demise, they have frequently taken action, sending demons to circumvent Divine House Mountain and invade from the East Hao Sea.

There are rumors that the Luo Family has found Chunyu Ji, the longstanding envoy of the Xuanyue Sect in exile at sea, and is planning to join forces to reclaim their former territory within the sect.

This strikes right at the heart of Zhongtai. Years ago, when they failed to eradicate the Xuanyue elders completely, they left a significant hidden threat. Though the Xuanyue Sect was overthrown only a few decades ago, with the support of the Python Clan, it might rise from the ashes.

Zhang Yan was acutely aware that the Python Clan was still unclear about the Southern Three Sects’ stance on current events, so they were merely probing, with movements not yet too large.

But once they uncovered the details, they might officially take action, making the situation exceedingly urgent for Zhongtai.

Zhongtai’s destruction by the Python Clan wouldn’t be in his interests either.

If the situation within the continent becomes chaotic, it’s uncertain whether it would affect his cultivation. This matter should perhaps be communicated to True Master Tao.

As for whether the Cave Heaven True Master is willing to come over, that is uncertain. After all, if Luo Mengze is determined to come ashore, as long as he manages to force the Carp Tribe to act and keep Qingyu Sect in check, it could eliminate their worries.

Elder Bai, seeing that Zhang Yan was lost in thought and silent, assumed he was still hesitating, so he gave a meaningful look to a disciple standing behind him.

The disciple understood immediately and brought forth a black jade plate with two objects on it, both covered with silk cloth.

Elder Bai cupped his hands and said, "Sect Leader Zhang, of these two items, one is the Three-flavor Spirit Medicine you require, each with a Jiazi number. Upon success, there will be further rewards. The other item was specifically mentioned by Master Zheng to be given to you before he passed."

Zhang Yan, surprised, said, "Left by Master Zheng? Bring it here for me to see."

Jing You stepped forward, took the black jade plate, and presented it to him.

With a thought, a gentle breeze blew by, rolling the silk cloth to the side, revealing the items beneath.

On the left was a half-foot-high porcelain urn, while on the right was a turtle shell resembling Beautiful Jade. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be the Jade Turtle shell originally sent to Zheng Weixing. Raising an eyebrow, he asked, "Did Master Zheng say anything else?"

Elder Bai replied, "Master Zheng only mentioned to hand this item to you, without saying more."

Zhang Yan squinted his eyes slightly, wondering the purpose of this action, when he suddenly noticed Spiritual Energy glimmering beneath the seams of the Jade Turtle shell, seeming to emit radiance. Curious, he lifted it to find a talismanic script inscribed within the shell.

He did not take it but instead focused on it. The talismanic script unfolded, revealing itself to be a letter left by Zheng Weixing, stating that he had recklessly used Prohibition to extend life, thereby meeting his fate, blaming only himself, with no one else to blame.

After reading, Zhang Yan figured out its meaning.

He originally thought that Zhongtai knew the reason for Zheng Weixing’s demise but had to endure it for the benefit of the sect’s grand strategy.

Yet, having seen this letter, it was evident Zheng Weixing had not clarified the reason for his misfortune, deliberately leaving room for conciliation between the two parties. Of course, without considering his life, such a choice was still greatly beneficial for Zhongtai.

He set the letter down, glancing at the Jade Turtle shell, surprised that the item had not been used by the other party and had returned to his hands.

Looking up, he addressed those below the platform: "I understand Master Zheng’s intentions. I can convey Zhongtai’s message to True Master Tao, but as for what the True Master decides, it is beyond my control."

Elder Bai quickly responded, "Yes, yes, as long as we receive Qingyu Sect’s reply, regardless of the outcome, our sect will be deeply grateful, without complaint."

Zhang Yan inwardly smirked, realizing Zhongtai feared he would deceive them, accepting the gifts without fulfilling the duty, hence their insistence on a reply. He calmly replied, "In that case, Elder Bai, please rest first. Communication by letter will take time, and once there is a response, we will send someone to inform you."

Elder Bai, reassured by the promise, bowed deeply and led his accompanying disciples down to await the news.