Daoist Competition

The maid found it strange and said with some confusion, "Since that True Master cannot be of any real help, why did you still agree to handle this matter, young master?"

Yue Hongzhang chuckled, took hold of the maid's slender jade-like wrist, and squeezed it lightly. With a playful smile, he said, "Beautiful one, you don't understand. No matter how useless Master Han Gu is, he is still an elder of our sect. How could I possibly show disrespect in his presence? No matter what, I have to agree immediately. Otherwise, it wouldn't be good to acquire a reputation for disrespecting one's elders."

At this point, his tone shifted as he continued, "Truth be told, at first I did intend to seek trouble with Gongsun Mian and that person. But tell me, if even someone like Han Guzi cannot see through that person, how could they be a simple cultivator? It's clear this person has quite a significant background. As for me, I live in this world for freedom and pleasure—what need is there to provoke enemies I cannot afford to offend?"

The maid rolled her eyes at him, her expression charming and alluring.

Yue Hongzhang smiled wryly, lifting her chin and saying, "Besides, I, the young master, love making connections with heroes from all over the world. Since this person is with Gongsun Mian, I would normally have no excuse to approach them. But now, with this pretext, wouldn't it give me the perfect opportunity to get to know them better? Haha, come to think of it, Han Guzi has inadvertently helped me pave the way."

The maid pondered something for a moment, then said worriedly, "However, although Master Han Gu's foundation has been damaged, he no doubt still has some skills. If he finds out later that you tricked him and comes to stir up trouble for you, what will you do then?"

Yue Hongzhang burst into hearty laughter and said, "When it comes to cultivation, I may not compare to my elder brothers in the clan. But when it comes to knowing all the bizarre stories of the world—the breadth and depth of my knowledge—they can't hold a candle to me. As it happens, I know this: Gu Hanzi narrowly escaped death in the past thanks to a rare piece of Elixir Jade hidden within his cave mansion, which preserved his True Qi. If he's separated from this item even briefly, he is certain to die. All we need to do is stay away from this place. What could he possibly do to me? Surely he wouldn't risk losing face by outright accusing me!"

Zhang Yan left the cave mansion and carefully reflected on the scene earlier, ensuring he had left no flaws or signs of error behind.

His current appearance had been transformed using the Thousand Illusion Atlas, a Dharma Treasure reforged by True Master Tao. Even an ordinary Phenomenon True Master might not be able to see through it—let alone someone like Gu Hanzi.

Moreover, his God Contract Mysterious Skill was derived from Ancient Demon Methods and bore no resemblance to the Demon Sect Skill of today. The discrepancies were so significant that no issues could possibly be detected.

Having cautiously reviewed the situation several times in his mind, Zhang Yan finally felt reassured and took out the Dharma Talisman given to him by Sister Guanrong.

A flash of green light erupted in his hand, and the talisman emitted a crane's cry as it darted off into the depths of the distant forest.

A short while later, Sister Guanrong arrived riding on a cloud. Upon seeing Zhang Yan, a hint of surprise flickered across her face. She smiled and said, "This fellow Daoist sure is fortunate. Of all those summoned by Senior Liu, nine out of ten never make it out alive. By the way, what should I call this fellow Daoist?"

Zhang Yan cupped his hands and said, "My name is Li Yuanba!"

Sister Guanrong chuckled and said, "Ah, so it's Daoist Li. You may call me Guanrong. Now, follow me to meet the master uncle."

Zhang Yan's gaze flickered slightly as he thought to himself, "Just now, she didn't ask my name—not out of arrogance, but because she assumed that once I entered Gu Hanzi's cave mansion, I wouldn't come out alive. Hence, no need for formalities. From this, it seems that as long as I can pass the hurdle set by Master Han Gu, I'll no longer need to worry about my life afterward."

However, at present, it seemed that the method of identifying and introducing cultivators for this gathering was different from what he had known.

And Gongsun Mian hadn't mentioned it either. Whether it was intentional or he truly remained in the dark was unclear.

Actually, this was Gongsun Mian's first time introducing a cultivator to attend this Treasure Meeting. Since he was not a True Disciple, he wasn't thoroughly familiar with the true intricacies involved.

If Zhang Yan had instead opted for a cultivator with wider connections to vouch for him, it might not have been as easy to enter the Mountain Gate.

The pair flew for roughly a quarter of an hour, nearly reaching the summit of the spiritual peak, where they landed on top of a barren cliff.

Sister Guanrong turned to glance at Zhang Yan and couldn't help but ask, "Daoist Li, upon arriving here, have you noticed anything unusual?"

Zhang Yan raised an eyebrow, thought for a moment, then shook his head.

Sister Guanrong was startled and said, "You mean to say that you neither saw nor heard anything at all?"

Zhang Yan looked slightly puzzled and asked, "Saw what?"

At that moment, a voice sounded from above the cliff, saying, "This young Daoist has a steadfast Dao Heart, impervious to distraction. Mere illusions cannot perturb him. Guanrong, you certainly cannot compare—now quickly invite this fellow Daoist up here."