Daoist Competition

Zhang Yan's gaze sharpened, and with a leap, he appeared before Gongsun Mian, fixing his eyes on him and saying, "Are you the elder of those two brats?"

As Zhang Yan drew near, Gongsun Mian felt an overwhelming pressure emanating from him, akin to a fierce beast crouched nearby. When Zhang Yan's gaze fell upon him, all the hairs on his body stood on end, forcing him to nearly jump up and strike out. Fortunately, his cultivation was profound enough to suppress the urge to retreat. He replied, "Indeed."

Zhang Yan retorted coldly, "Then, I must ask—how do you discipline your juniors? My senior brother had his beard burned off by them and suffered such humiliation. This matter cannot be brushed aside so easily!"

Gongsun Mian's heart stirred as he discerned a subtle opening in Zhang Yan's seemingly aggressive words, signaling room for negotiation—a relief to him. He responded calmly, "Brother Daoist, what course of action do you think is appropriate? Please do enlighten me."

Zhang Yan waved his hand and said, "This is not the place to talk. Fellow Daoist, follow me into the room so we may discuss further."

Descending from his cloud, Zhang Yan strode toward the side room. After a few steps, he glanced back and saw Gongsun Mian hesitating, seemingly reluctant to follow. Zhang Yan stopped and mocked, "What's the matter? Daoist Gongsun, are you afraid I'll devour you?"

Gongsun Mian knew full well Zhang Yan was trying to provoke him. Yet this remark, brimming with disdain, stung enough to spark anger. Coupled with the stifling aura emitted earlier, Gongsun Mian couldn't help the thought of standing his ground. Swishing his horsetail whisk, he too descended and stepped into the room.

Although he outwardly maintained a composed and unruffled demeanor, inwardly he remained highly vigilant, ready to summon his Dharma treasure at the slightest disturbance.

Once seated inside, Zhang Yan suddenly burst into laughter, casting a sharp sidelong glance at Gongsun Mian.

Though the laugh perplexed Gongsun Mian at first, Zhang Yan's piercing gaze felt as though a blade had grazed his body, chilling him to the core. A sinking realization struck him: "Trouble's brewing!"

Earlier he had sensed an odd aura from Zhang Yan, but he'd dismissed it. Now, he suddenly recognized the overwhelming and unyielding Qi Mechanism Zhang Yan unleashed—it unmistakably belonged to a Power Dao Practitioner.

A grim regret flooded Gongsun Mian's thoughts. In his momentary lapse, he had fallen into a trap!

If they were outside the room, he could flee at will, relying on his Dharma treasure to ensure his escape. But confined in this narrow space, facing a Power Dao Practitioner capable of striking lethally without giving room to deploy treasures, he'd be defenseless—dead in one fatal blow.

With his life hanging precariously in the balance, rational argument held no sway. He'd already lost the match before exchanging a single move.

Zhang Yan's terrifying presence surged like roaring tides, wave upon wave, forcing Gongsun Mian into constant tension, cold sweat beading on his forehead. He reflected bitterly, "Today is a lesson. If I make it back alive, no matter how disgraceful, I'll never again stand beneath perilous eaves."

Taking a deep breath to suppress his unease, he forced a smile and said, "May I inquire after Your Excellency's esteemed name?"

Zhang Yan noted how Gongsun Mian still carried himself with the poise of a Great Sect Disciple and secretly approved. He rose slightly and announced boldly, "I am Li Yuanba!"

The name immediately triggered a violent burst of domineering energy from Zhang Yan, suffocating enough to force Gongsun Mian to steady his Heart and Spirit hastily, bowing and saying, "So it's Daoist Li. Might I ask which path your master comes from?"

Zhang Yan waved dismissively, saying, "My teacher's name is one I'd rather not disclose. Brother Yu Wen, it's best if you don't pry."

Gongsun Mian held his breath, frustrated at Zhang Yan's curt and unapologetic refusal to even feign politeness—as odious as it was undeniable. Forced into submission by circumstances, he inwardly cursed his missteps but could only swallow his grievances for now.

Leaning forward, Zhang Yan pushed on, saying, "Daoist Gongsun, I will speak plainly. Letting those two brats off is not impossible, but it will require you to promise me one thing."

Gongsun Mian asked, "What does Fellow Daoist have in mind?"

Zhang Yan replied sternly, "I've studied under my mentor since youth and recently reached the Condensation Stage. Hence, I wish to compete in the Lingzhi Congress to obtain a 'One Qi Ganoderma.' But I lack connections for an introduction. You, as a Taihao Sect Disciple, could sponsor me. If you agree, past grievances will be wiped clean, and the two juniors are yours to take away."

Internally, Gongsun Mian sneered. So Zhang Yan's goal was the conference token? This might be worth leveraging. Feigning reluctance, he shook his head, saying, "Fellow Daoist, you must understand this token is not easily obtained."

Zhang Yan answered with a frosty grin, "Your Excellency misunderstands me. I am not begging; I am bargaining. Do you see the Dragon Flame Tongue Herb outside the house? Tell me—does this Spirit Grass not match the token's worth? I refuse to believe no one in your sect can assess its value, aside from Your Excellency!"

Gongsun Mian's expression shifted. Zhang Yan was spot on—his sect members' penchant for treasures meant this Spirit Grass would likely sway them into compliance.

Gongsun Mian felt smothered. A single lapse in vigilance had left him completely cornered, deprived of any chance to counter. In all his years of cultivation, he'd never suffered such a crushing defeat.

Baring his teeth, he relented unwillingly, "Fine, as Daoist wishes."

The Yue siblings remained in Zhang Yan's grasp, and Gongsun Mian dared not introduce further complications to the matter. He feared Zhang Yan might take both him and the juniors hostage to trade for the token—tarnishing his dignity irreparably.

Resolutely, Gongsun Mian fished out a bamboo token from his sleeve, placed it on the table, and said, "This is the Copper Bamboo Talisman. Fellow Daoist may use this to partake in the Baozhi Conference."

Zhang Yan picked it up for inspection. Its appearance matched the rumored descriptions perfectly, and given Gongsun Mian's haste, forgery seemed impossible. Content with the outcome, Zhang Yan nodded in satisfaction.

Presenting himself as a bold and hardy figure, Zhang Yan made no effort to hide his emotions, throwing his head back in triumphant laughter.

Watching Zhang Yan bask in his triumph, Gongsun Mian seethed inwardly, his gaze flickering, and he thought, "Hmph! You truly think that token spells success? If you dare attend the conference, I'd like to see how you plan to secure the One Qi Ganoderma!"

...

...(To be continued. If you enjoyed this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation votes or monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)