Daoist Competition

Zhang Yan raised an eyebrow, feeling somewhat puzzled. He was well aware of the temperament of these Great Sect disciples; when faced with spiritual objects that could aid in extending their lifespan, especially those in the hands of someone like Lu Tianying who lacked any backing, they would seize them without hesitation. If obstructed, they wouldn't mind killing in the process, ruthless and cold-blooded, with not a shred of compassion.

If they truly were Taihao Sect disciples, why didn't they resort to killing outright, but instead chose to intimidate?

He turned his thoughts, lifted his gaze, and said, "Junior Lu, release your Xuan Guang for me to observe."

Lu Tianying froze for a moment, then readily complied. Thinking that Brother Zhang was examining his cultivation, his face lit up with confidence. He silently operated the Essence Qi within his chest, and soon, a three-zhang-wide orb of green light emerged above his head. Its waves shimmered, crystal clear as water, resembling a jade-green spring.

Zhang Yan nodded slightly, his heart understanding—so that's why. This must likely be a calculation left behind by True Master Tao long ago.

Though Lu Tianying only possessed cultivation at the Xuan Guang First Realm, his cultivation technique was profound. It was evident at first glance that what he practiced was the orthodox skills of the Xuanmen Sect, yet its origins were obscured and untraceable.

If one knows your background, they could weigh it and respond accordingly. But if your origins remain a mystery, it becomes the most difficult to judge, making reckless actions inadvisable.

To outsiders, Lu Tianying's grinding in the mortal world, while unexpectedly cultivating to the Xuan Guang Realm, and even practicing Xuanmen skills, suggests he could very well be a hidden chess piece laid by some senior figure, someone who does not wish for their identity to be revealed. Killing him might provoke retaliation from powerful individuals; wouldn't that be unnecessarily making enemies?

Such situations are highly taboo. Therefore, Zhang Yan was certain that someone from the Taihao Sect had their eye on that Spirit Grass but noticed that Lu Tianying's origins seemed extraordinarily complex and dared not act forcefully. Thus, they sent a few juniors to test the waters first.

If Old Daoist Lu submitted, that would be best. If not, after enduring this humiliation, he would most likely seek his sect for assistance. By then, they could adapt according to the situation—retreat if they fear repercussions, act without reservation if confident—an exceptionally shrewd plan.

Zhang Yan sneered inwardly. Since he arrived here, he would not allow the other party to act unscrupulously. With a stern voice, he said, "Junior Lu, don't worry. Leave this matter to me to handle."

Lu Tianying couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. For a hundred years, he had been devoted solely to cultivation, but his heart deeply feared confrontations with others. Hesitating for a moment, he stammered, "I wonder if Brother Zhang's arrival is on behalf of our honored mentor…"

Zhang Yan saw him gazing at him expectantly, understanding that he was inquiring whether True Master Tao would formally accept him at the Mountain Gate.

Still, Zhang Yan admired Lu Daoist's perseverance and determination. For an ordinary person, waiting tirelessly for over a hundred years without contact or guidance from the sect yet persisting in hope—it was this unwavering and resolute spirit that made him worthy of being accepted by True Master Tao.

He smiled and said, "Junior Lu, I understand your intent. I'll send a Flying Talisman to the Mountain Gate shortly. At the latest, you will receive a response within half a month. Until then, rest at ease and wait patiently."

Lu Tianying's expression was filled with emotion, bowing deeply as he said, "Thank you, Brother Zhang, for granting my wish."

Zhang Yan nodded slightly and said, "I must request Junior Lu to prepare a fine quiet room for me. I will be staying here for several days."

Lu Tianying hurriedly agreed and summoned a young child to his side, giving him a few instructions before leading Zhang Yan to an eastern side chamber.

Zhang Yan entered the room and observed its pristine condition: a clean bed, spotless white walls, and an incense burner emitting a faint fragrance. Satisfied, he nodded, seated himself cross-legged on the bed, and retrieved a Flying Talisman from his sleeve.

This item, known as the "Ten Thousand Miles Smoke Wave Talisman," was used by the Qingyu Sect for communication. Channeling Spiritual Energy into the talisman, he inscribed a letter onto it. With a flick of his finger, the talisman flew out through the room, heading eastward.

After completing this task, he sat in silence for a moment before drawing a scroll from his sleeve bag. Slowly unfolding it revealed a treasure gifted to him by Demon King Xuan Tong during his time cultivating in the Qingyu Sect—a powerful artifact named "Thousand Illusion Jade Mirror Map."

The scroll contained portraits of 238 individuals—men and women, young and old—all vividly lifelike.

When utilizing this artifact, one only needed to recite a spell to transform their appearance to match one of the depicted figures exactly.

After acquiring the scroll, Zhang Yan had presented it to True Master Tao during a discussion, allowing him to perform a sacrificial refinement. Thus, once his appearance was altered through its use, even a Cave Heaven True Master probing closely would find no flaw or discrepancy.

This time, not waiting to cultivate to the Xuan Guang Third Realm before returning to East Splendor Continent, his sole purpose was to attend the Taihao Sect's Ganoderma Congress.