Daoist Competition

Zhang Yan was yet to speak when Sister Guanrong spat angrily, crossed her arms at her waist, and planted herself between the two men. She shot the young cultivator a fierce glare and then brazenly tugged at Zhang Yan's sleeve, saying, "This Brother Daoist, no need to pay him any mind. Come with me first, let's go meet Uncle Master."

The young cultivator displayed a grin that seemed unconcerned, but deep within his eyes, there was a trace of icy malice.

Seeing Sister Guanrong intervene, Gongsun Mian let out a breath of relief. Truthfully, he really didn't want to clash with this person right now.

After hesitating for a moment, he leaned close to Zhang Yan's ear and whispered, "This man's name is Yue Hongzhang, a branch disciple of the Yue Family. His father happens to be one of the elder stewards of this Treasure Meeting. Yue Hongzhang's cultivation is mediocre, but he has recruited quite a few loose cultivators to serve him, and he is wide-ranging in social connections. Previously, when I was living with the Yue Family, I accidentally offended him, so he's always been causing trouble for me. If you ever run into him in the future, Brother Li, be extra cautious."

Gongsun Mian knew he lacked the authority to influence Zhang Yan's decisions, so he could only relay the man's background as it was.

Zhang Yan gave a slight nod. Such affairs were commonplace in every family and sect; he was long accustomed to them and paid them no attention.

Observing the two whispering back and forth, Sister Guanrong turned around in dissatisfaction and said, "What are you two sneaking around saying over there?"

Gongsun Mian smiled wryly and replied, "It's nothing but that Yue Hongzhang again."

Sister Guanrong snorted, saying, "Don't worry, if he dares to step foot in Green Leaf Temple, I'll chop off his dog head with one sword."

By now, the three of them had reached the mountain gate with her leading the way. She waved her hand to dismantle the prohibition at the place, revealing a spiritual peak floating amidst the cloud mist. A roaring waterfall cascaded down, scattering countless jade pearls, while immortal cranes soared freely and colorful butterflies danced through the air, the entire valley brimming with immortal spirit qi.

Sister Guanrong led the way forward, taking the two up to a rocky mountain where Zhang Yan landed and noticed a stele beside his feet, engraved with three bold and dynamic characters that read "Treasure Rock Peak."

Without pausing her stride, Sister Guanrong guided both of them past a few jagged strange stones, unveiling in front of them a broad set of stone steps.

Looking from afar, one could faintly see ten grand halls aligned along the mountain's contours, their arrangement winding with the terrain. At the highest point loomed a hall suspended in mid-air, flanked on both sides by bridges adorned in colorful clouds.

Just as Sister Guanrong was about to proceed upward, a piercing call rang out from the peak, and a streak of silver light streaked toward her.

Startled, she extended her hand to catch it—a flying book. After skimming through its contents for a moment, she shook her head, then turned to glance over Zhang Yan with scrutiny, saying, "I don't know whether to say you two Brothers Daoist are fortunate or unfortunate—my Senior Liu wants to meet this Brother Daoist here."

Gongsun Mian's heart skipped a beat, as an unease suddenly gripped him.

Sister Guanrong addressed Gongsun Mian, "Since this is Senior Liu's arrangement, Senior Brother Gongsun, you'll wait for now in the side hall while I take this Brother Daoist to meet Senior Liu myself."

She tossed Zhang Yan a glance, saying, "This Brother Daoist, follow me. Ahead lies the Falling Wild Goose Gorge. If any illusion realms appear, guard your heart and spirit closely, advance only forward, and do not look back. If you fall into the ten-thousand-foot abyss, I wouldn't have the ability to save you."

With those words, she swayed her slender waist, lifted herself into the clouds, and flew ahead.

Gongsun Mian hurriedly came close and whispered lowly, "Brother Li, this Senior Liu of mine has a peculiar temperament. If in good spirits, he'll casually dismiss others; but if not, he'll toy with us disciples under the sect. Brother Li, be extremely cautious."

After saying this, he shot several meaningful glances at Zhang Yan.

Without speaking a word, Zhang Yan immediately understood the caution implicit within Gongsun Mian's eyes. This "Senior Liu" was certainly not as simple as he was portrayed. Gongsun Mian likely feared speaking outright might attract unwelcome attention and had chosen to hint discreetly.

With a slight nod to indicate understanding, Zhang Yan stepped forward. A billow of cloud mist surged beneath him, lifting him into the air as he pursued Sister Guanrong's figure.

Gongsun Mian paced in circles where he stood, suddenly smacking his forehead and exclaiming inwardly, "No good! Falling Wild Goose Gorge? Isn't that the place where Deng the Demon used to be imprisoned? Could Senior Liu's intent possibly mean he's uncovered Brother Li's identity?"

Gongsun Mian's body shook slightly. Although Zhang Yan had never explicitly disclosed his identity, Gongsun Mian had long believed him to be a Demon Sect practitioner.

He realized that if the sect turned the allegation of colluding with Demon Sect practitioners on him, he wouldn't be able to bear the consequences—his expulsion from the sect would be inevitable.