Daoist Competition

Yet it seemed that Li Yuanba still needed to rely on him for the time being. If he cooperated well, he might even reap some benefits from it.

Thinking of this, he suddenly felt that this matter wasn't a bad thing after all—it might actually be a good thing.

After Lu Tianying left, Zhang Yan put the Yue sisters into the human bag and strolled in leisurely.

The words he spoke earlier were intentionally leaked for Gongsun Mian to hear. The commotion when Lu Tianying flew off was also left unhidden. This was all to intimidate the other party. Now, seeing Gongsun Mian's expression subtly change, Zhang Yan couldn't help but smile inwardly, realizing his efforts weren't in vain.

After he sat down again, he instructed the child servant to bring tea. Lu Tianying had completely abandoned his earlier Great Sect Disciple pride and proactively offered, "Brother Li, I happen to be on good terms with one of the stewards at the Treasure Meeting. It just so happens that he'll be on duty the day after tomorrow. Why don't we go together then? This way, things could be handled more smoothly."

Zhang Yan didn't respond directly. Instead, he smiled faintly and said, "Brother Gongsun, could it be that you've taken a liking to the Dragon Flame Tongue Herb in my observatory?"

Gongsun Mian's face showed a trace of embarrassment as he quickly waved his hands. "I wouldn't dare, absolutely not."

But Zhang Yan waved dismissively, exuding an air of great generosity as he said, "What's there not to dare? A mere Spirit Grass—if you like it, Brother Daoist, feel free to take it."

Hearing this, Gongsun Mian's face froze with astonishment, and he blurted out, "Brother Daoist, are you not joking?"

Seeing Zhang Yan frown slightly, as if displeased, Gongsun Mian quickly amended himself, saying, "I misspoke. Someone of Brother Daoist's stature wouldn't play tricks on me."

Though his expression was composed, inwardly he was overjoyed.

Zhang Yan's eyes narrowed slightly. First, he had used intimidation to make Gongsun Mian submit. Then, he subtly displayed hints of the formidable strength he possessed. Finally, he extended goodwill. With this series of maneuvers, Gongsun Mian's initial hostility had completely dissipated—even if Gongsun himself hadn't realized the shift in his attitude.

Initially, Zhang Yan hadn't expected things to go this smoothly. If this person hadn't cooperated, he would have simply found another disciple from the Taihao Sect. But for now, it seemed Gongsun Mian's ability to adapt and compromise made that unnecessary.

Laughing heartily, he said, "Then, Brother Daoist, stay here at Baofeng Temple for the next two days. The day after tomorrow, I'll accompany you."

Gongsun readily agreed, being astute enough to avoid mentioning the Yue siblings. After all, with those two in the other party's hands, both sides could feel at ease.

Returning to his room, Zhang Yan summoned Lu Tianying's disciples and gave them instructions. He mentioned that he was going out—at best, for three to five years, and at worst, over a decade. He told them to carry on as usual without worry.

Lu Tianying was never one to manage affairs closely, and these days, Zhang Yan had been by his side constantly, so no one had any suspicions. Moreover, that flash of golden light earlier hadn't gone unnoticed by everyone; they wondered privately if the temple master had stumbled upon some extraordinary fortune.

After making all the necessary arrangements, Zhang Yan closed his eyes and meditated for a while. Remembering that there had been no news from Zhang Pan for several days, he took out a talisman, wrote a few words using his spiritual mechanism, and flicked it with his finger, sending it flying towards Zhang Pan.

Afterward, he sat back on the couch, silently began casting a spell, and continued refining his Xuan Guang.

Obediently, Gongsun Mian stayed at Baofeng Temple for the next two days. At dawn on the third day, he came to summon Zhang Yan.

After some discussion, the two rose into the clouds and flew towards a Taihao Sect mountain gate stationed nearby.

After about two hours, they arrived.

The Taihao Sect dominates the southeastern region of the East Splendor Continent. With Four Mansions and Three Mountains under its fold, it may not rival the sheer magnitude of the Mingcang Sect, but it ranks among the Ten Sects of Xuanmen. This particular location, known as Purple Bamboo Mountain, was one of the Three Mountains.

The mountain gate was nestled deep within a valley, with a lush bamboo forest in front. The verdant green stretched as far as the eye could see, swaying with the wind. The rustling of bamboo leaves created a sound reminiscent of waves. Occasionally, birds chirped and eagles cried as they soared past.

As they approached the gate, a female disciple clad in fluttering robes rode the wind to greet them. Her clear, melodious voice called out from midair, "Which Senior Brother has come here today?"

Gongsun Mian stepped forward and saluted. "Could it be Sister Guanrong?"

The female disciple smiled lightly and said, "Oh, it's Senior Brother Gongsun. I heard you were a guest at Yue Residence. What brings you here today?"

Gongsun Mian replied, "It's nothing else. I've brought a close friend who wishes to attend the Treasure Meeting. I've come to introduce him to Martial Uncle."

The female disciple's charming eyes turned to Zhang Yan, giving him a long, appraising glance.

Zhang Yan's physical frame exuded an innate aura of martial strength and bold valor, akin to a drawn blade or towering peaks, completely unlike the ethereal, unworldly elegance typical of Xuanmen disciples. This naturally drew her gaze for a few more moments.

She chuckled lightly and said, "This Senior Brother is indeed extraordinary. Please, follow me inside."

Just as Zhang Yan and Gongsun Mian were about to descend onto the ground, a flying carriage shot past them, causing their robes to flutter.

Zhang Yan's eyes narrowed instantly. He could tell with a glance that this act was deliberate and clearly provocative.

Sure enough, the flying carriage circled around and stopped in front of them. From within, a voice rang out with a hearty laugh: "Well, well, who do we have here? Turns out it's Junior Brother Gongsun. Since Sister Guanrong says the friend you brought is extraordinary, let me see what makes him so remarkable."

The tone was openly impolite, and Gongsun Mian's expression darkened as he let out a cold grunt.

Zhang Yan glanced at the figure on the carriage. It was a young cultivator wearing a high crown and draped in white fox fur. In his arms, he held a black-and-white tabby cat. Though strikingly handsome, he emanated an air of haughty arrogance. Behind him stood four stunningly beautiful maids, all around fifteen or sixteen years old. They were adorned with ornaments and rings, their graceful figures exuding an alluring charm tinged with coquettish boldness.

The young cultivator's gaze swept over Zhang Yan. When his eyes settled on him, he visibly paused.

Perhaps due to Zhang Yan's imposing presence, the young cultivator momentarily curbed some of his contempt. Tilting his chin slightly, he asked, "May I ask which mansion or sect this Brother Daoist hails from?"

...

...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations or monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)