Daoist Competition

After sending off Fan Changqing and the others, Zhang Yan walked over to speak with Qin Nan, smiling as he said, "Junior Sister Qin, would you have some time to visit my mansion for a while?"

Qin Nan, who had been chatting and laughing with Liu Yan Yi, turned her head casually upon hearing Zhang Yan's words. She smiled and said, "Of course, since Senior Brother invited me, I would happily oblige."

Zhang Yan chuckled lightly and said, "In that case, let me escort you, Junior Sister. Pardon me for the imposition."

With that, he let out a clear shout, waved his sleeve, and a wisp of cloud and mist rose up, supporting the two women beneath their feet. He then formed a spell with his hands and invoked the Little All Heaven Moving Technique. In the blink of an eye, the three of them left the Mountain Gate of the Mingcang Sect, heading directly toward the Zhao You Heavenly Pond.

The two women only felt the howling wind rushing past their ears and the scenery before their eyes blurring into obscurity, knowing that this was the result of Flying at an extreme speed.

In her heart, Qin Nan admired, "Senior Brother Zhang, after being away for two decades, not only succeeded in Solidifying the Pill but also learned so many superior Daoist skills. Truly impressive. It's no wonder even Master frequently praises him."

Her admiration was pure, without the slightest hint of envy.

The reason True Master Tao valued her and had taken her as her direct disciple from her previous master was due to her childlike innocence, genuine emotions, and true nature. While she was lively and bold in her daily demeanor, when she delved into Cultivation, she could naturally detach from all distractions. The impurities on her mind's surface would wash away like flowing water, leaving no trace behind.

At this moment, the two women suddenly felt their pace halt. When they looked again, they were surprised to find that in such a short moment, they had already arrived beneath the archway at the Mountain Gate of Zhao You Heavenly Pond.

Zhang Yan smiled faintly, activated the spell to open the Array Gate, and stepped inside. The two women exchanged a glance and followed suit, soon finding themselves in the grand hall of the Cave Mansion.

Zhang Yan was about to turn back to greet Qin Nan when she covered her mouth with a laugh and said, "Senior Brother, you should leave quickly. With Senior Sister Yanyi here, I have enough company. If you stay here, she won't even dare to speak loudly."

Though Zhang Yan was always warm and mild in his speech and never harsh, Liu Yan Yi couldn't help but feel a profound sense of awe and respect when facing him. She instinctively conducted herself with utmost restraint, not daring to overstep even slightly.

Zhang Yan laughed heartily, his tone carefree. "Ah, that's my fault then. Very well. Yanyi, you're practically half the landlord of Zhao You Heavenly Pond. Since you and Junior Sister Qin get along well, I'll leave it to you to take her around for a good tour. I won't linger here and intrude."

Liu Yan Yi quickly lowered her head in acknowledgment.

After parting ways with the two women, Zhang Yan exited the side hall. He thought to himself, "It's been twenty years since I last saw Senior Brother Zhou. Now that I've returned to the Mountain Gate, I must visit him. There's also much I need to discuss with him."

As he was about to set off, a thought struck him, and he remembered something. Turning back, he reentered the side hall, sat cross-legged on the couch, and called on Luo Xiao from within his heart and spirit.

Before long, Luo Xiao arrived gracefully. She performed a salutation and greeted him with a soft, alluring smile, "What urgent matter prompted Master to summon me?"

Zhang Yan said in a solemn tone, "Fellow Daoist Luo, there is an important matter that only you can handle."

Luo Xiao, upon hearing it was an important task, slightly restrained her smile and responded seriously, "Please instruct me, Master."

Zhang Yan said, "You've likely met my disciple Tian Kun. He has a mother living at Baofeng Temple on Jurong Mountain in Liang Country. Now that he's joined my sect, to ensure he can devote himself to Cultivation without distraction, his mother must be brought here and settled. This concerns his filial duty, and I can trust no one else but you to handle this matter."

Luo Xiao let out a sigh of relief, gently patting her chest, and glanced at Zhang Yan with a hint of feigned reproach. She said, "So that's all? You gave me a fright, Master. Rest assured, I'll personally make the journey and ensure Kun'er's mother is brought back safely, without a scratch."

Zhang Yan smiled lightly and said, "To ensure the journey is safe and secure, Luo Daoist, let me lend you this treasure."

He pointed with his finger, and a speck of clear light flew out and landed in Luo Xiao's hand. She picked it up and saw that it was a beautifully carved jade cicada, intricate and lifelike, exuding a spiritual nature. Raising her delicate brows in surprise, she remarked, "Why does this object feel somewhat familiar to me?"

Zhang Yan smiled faintly and said, "Have you forgotten, Fellow Daoist? Back when we journeyed together to the Zhao You Heavenly Pond, we encountered the Demon Carp Qu Chang blocking our path. After his death, this treasure was among the items he left behind. I later refined it and restored its original form. This item is called the 'Blessing and Longevity Locking Yang Cicada,' a Mystical Artifact. During combat, if an opponent's treasures or Flying Swords come into contact with it, they will be unable to break free, allowing you to take them as you please."