Daoist Competition

He did not favor one over the other and took out eleven packets of loose medicine from his sleeve, distributing them.

Wu Lan'er lifted her fair wrist to carefully receive it without even looking at what it was. She offered a polite bow and said, "Lan'er thanks Junior Master Zhang."

The disciples below also took the loose medicine one after another. They flipped it over and examined it closely but couldn't make out what it was.

One disciple couldn't resist secretly opening a packet to inspect it. He looked at it, smelled it, and saw only a black, sticky lump. Unable to determine its nature and finding its burnt odor unpleasant, he wrinkled his mouth, dismissing it as some worthless concoction Zhang Yan was using to get rid of them.

However, with Wang Yingfang sitting at the center, he naturally did not dare mock it publicly. Yet he could not suppress a feeling of disdain in his heart.

At first, Wang Yingfang didn't think much of it either. But upon catching a whiff of the smell, she couldn't help but be moved. She abruptly stood up, picked up a packet of the demon powder to inspect it, and sighed, "Fellow Daoist, this gift is far too generous."

Hearing her comment, the disciples grew suspicious. Could this truly be something valuable? Some shrewd disciples quickly stowed the Jade Bottles securely, fearing their cheekier peers might try to take them away.

In the past, True Master Tao had spared no effort in nurturing Wang Yingfang and two other disciples, traveling across East Splendor Continent to gather countless heavenly materials and earth treasures to assist them in forming elixirs and reaching the Dao—with the cost being a hundred years of his own delayed cultivation efforts.

Like master, like disciple; Wang Yingfang spared no resources for her own disciples. Yet years of relentless efforts across the land had left her without anything of value; her savings were long depleted.

Wang Yingfang had heard Guo Lie mention that Zhang Yan carried rare items such as Han Ye Xuanzhen Grass with him—indicating he likely had a considerable fortune. Thus, upon seeing him, she sought to invest some goodwill and perhaps secure some benefits for her disciples.

However, Zhang Yan's gift was too extravagant. For cultivators, their bodies are akin to Dao Treasures, requiring absolute perfection without defect. Having this medicine in hand undoubtedly improved one's chances in forming the Dao. While these disciples now owed Zhang Yan a favor, the burden of repaying it would ultimately fall on her.

If Zhang Yan were an ordinary cultivator, it might have been manageable, but he was a True Disciple of the Mingcang Sect. According to Guo Lie, he also owned a Cave Heaven Blessed Land. Though currently holding Xuan Guang cultivation, in another hundred years, he might surpass her level entirely, leaving her with no leverage to repay the favor. How, then, could she settle the debt?

That said, since the item had already been received, returning it was simply out of the question.

Wang Yingfang noticed Zhang Yan subtly smiling, clearly deliberate in his actions. Her heart bitter with frustration, she sighed inwardly and silently resolved, "So be it. Senior Brother has been working to secure an Immortal Palace Token for this Daoist Zhang, but our master's stance remains unclear, and he has avoided making any promises thus far. If Senior Brother fails, then even at the risk of my master's punishment, I will find a way to assist this Zhang Daoist and repay this favor swiftly."

As she furrowed her brows in thought, Zhang Yan, smiling, spoke up, "Fellow Daoist need not be troubled. I happen to have a matter to request your aid with."

Upon hearing this, Wang Yingfang was not alarmed but instead pleased. She asked eagerly, "May I ask what you seek, Fellow Daoist?"

With a slight chuckle, Zhang Yan replied, "I observed that Fellow Daoist's disciples recently opened their meridians. May I inquire whether your Cave Mansion possesses excellent Jade Liquid Pools?"

Wang Yingfang exclaimed in surprise, "Do you perhaps have a younger kin or descendant needing them?"

Zhang Yan nodded and said, "Indeed. On my large ferry, a senior entrusted me with looking after one of her descendants. She is also a female cultivator, and her efforts are nearing a perfect realm as she approaches the stage of opening her meridians. Thus, I seek a suitable Hua Pool for her."

Without hesitation, Wang Yingfang promptly replied, "My Hongyan Palace has three first-class Hua Pools. If Fellow Daoist does not mind, you may select one to use."

Zhang Yan raised his hand in salute and smiled, "Thank you, Fellow Daoist. With this, a concern of mine is alleviated."

Not daring to overstep, Wang Yingfang bowed in return but secretly let out a sigh of relief. It appeared that this Daoist Zhang had planned all along, leaving herself needlessly anxious. Thinking of this, she couldn't help but cast him a sideways glance.

This glance unintentionally carried a hint of flirtation, though Zhang Yan seemed entirely oblivious.

Just then, a young girl entered the hall to announce, "Master, there is someone outside claiming to be from Demon King Xuan Tong's faction. He has brought an item as an apology for Junior Master Zhang."

Wang Yingfang's expression turned serious. Demon King Xuan Tong, though inconspicuous most of the time, was one of the hardest demonic entities for her to read.

Having heard of Zhang Yan's recent conflict with him, she had intended to mediate. But now, unsure of the demon king's intentions, she thought for a moment before saying, "Invite him to the hall."

Entering the grand hall was a refined young boy. He had his head lowered, holding a Jade Plate atop which rested a Brocade Box.

With Zhang Yan's discerning eye, it was obvious the Brocade Box contained no trace of spiritual energy, leaving the demon king's intentions shrouded in mystery.

Extending his hand, Zhang Yan summoned the Brocade Box toward himself. Upon lifting the lid, he was met with a severed head, perfectly arranged—its former beauty still faintly visible.

He immediately recognized it as none other than Yu Consort.

His expression remained composed as he raised his head to ask the boy, "When you left, did the Child Demon King say anything?"

The young boy replied crisply, "My lord said that Yu Consort was blinded by greed and offended Daoist Zhang. Her outcome was but self-inflicted. He hopes Master Zhang won't hold a grudge."

Zhang Yan pondered briefly before inwardly remarking, "What a cunning Demon King Xuan Tong!"

He closed the box lid and spoke to the boy with a smile, "Tell your lord that I've accepted this item and understand his intent. I shall pay him a visit at my convenience."

Though young, the boy was remarkably composed. After bowing deeply to Zhang Yan and saluting Wang Yingfang, he turned to leave. At that moment, a golden token talisman flew into the hall.

Wang Yingfang was taken aback. She reached out to catch it and, upon opening it with her jade fingers, her expression grew solemn. Rising from her seat, she cast a complicated gaze toward Zhang Yan and said, "My master invites Fellow Daoist Zhang to visit Xuanling Palace."