Daoist Competition

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Junior Master Han shook his head and sighed, "If it were anyone else, it wouldn't matter. But have you forgotten? This person is a True Disciple. He formed his elixir in merely twenty years, an astonishing speed even among those with extraordinary talent. Moreover, he possesses a Grotto Heaven; there's no telling that he doesn't have the potential to glimpse the Nascent Soul stage. If we allow him to develop further, it'll be difficult to suppress him when he's fully grown."

Zheng Chang contemplated carefully, finding some truth in these words. However, at present, Zhang Yan was still merely a Hua Dan Cultivator, and his elixir rank was only passable. The reputation he held seemed unimpressive to Zheng Chang, who did not perceive much threat. He felt Junior Master Han was exaggerating. Yet, out of respect, he aligned his words with Han's and said, "What Junior Master says is correct. Why not find a pretext to deal with him?"

Junior Master Han waved his hand and said, "That won't do! Forming a Sixth Grade Elixir and being born of True Disciple origins, even at the lowest level, he could ascend to an Elder position. He's not someone easily removed. If we truly act against him, it would give his faction an excuse to retaliate, creating losses more than gains. Such a move is not one a wise man would make."

Zheng Chang looked somewhat confused, but upon seeing Han's confident demeanor, he realized there must be a plan already in place and said, "Then, according to your thoughts, Junior Master…"

Junior Master Han chuckled lightly, his expression deeply self-assured as he replied, "There are countless ways. But as it happens, I recently encountered an old friend who offered me a brilliant strategy. If executed properly, not only could we stifle the recent aggressiveness of their faction but simultaneously diminish Zhang Yan's momentum."

Zheng Chang's face lit up, quickly assuming an attentive posture, bowing and saying, "I humbly request Junior Master to elaborate."

His encounter with Junior Master Han was no coincidence; Han had intentionally revealed himself to Zheng. This led Zheng Chang to believe that the Han Clan must have something to discuss with the Zheng Clan, prompting him to decide to stay and wait.

By now, Zheng Chang discerned that the "old friend" mentioned by Junior Master Han was merely a pretext. In truth, it was a signal from the Han Clan to the Zheng Clan, one Zheng Chang was determined to clarify.

Junior Master Han stroked his beard and spoke slowly, "Over the past decade, several outstanding disciples across the clans have formed their elixirs. However, none have yet reported to the Mountain Gate. To inspire the younger generation, it's the perfect occasion for a gathering — an Elixir Tasting Ceremony. Since Zhang Yan is a True Disciple of their faction, he cannot refuse to attend."

Zheng Chang was stunned at first but soon grew excited. He clapped his hands and exclaimed emphatically, "Brilliant! Truly brilliant!"

According to the Mingcang Sect's regulations, every few decades, True Disciples who have formed their elixirs must participate in a Dharma Assembly to measure their mana and elixir quality. In essence, this ceremony was a competition between the True Disciples of the faction and those from the Xuanmen families.

However, such assemblies had ceased in the sect due to changes within. The faction had not produced a single True Disciple in the past century, making such events unnecessary.

Since the Battle of the Three Pools, the faction had gradually pressed forward, showing signs of once again overshadowing the families. Thus, the clans had been strategizing countermeasures.

Zhang Yan's emergence represented an opportunity. As a True Disciple of the faction, the clans could seize upon his achievements to propose reviving an Elixir Tasting Ceremony—intended to intimidate the sect's disciples and remind them that the Xuanmen families remain an irreplaceable foundation of the Mingcang Sect.

Such a move, although devoid of blades and bloodshed, could strongly deter the faction.

As Zheng Chang pondered deeply, he quickly grasped the significance of the matter. This wasn't merely a spur-of-the-moment decision by the Han Clan; it was undoubtedly a coordinated effort by the Five Great Families, who had long reached a tacit agreement and were now waiting for Zhang Yan to form his elixir before taking action. In some sense, Zhang Yan refining his elixir at this moment was exactly what they wished to see.

However, given the Five Great Families' supreme position within the clans, they couldn't directly step forward, as that would push the situation too far. Thus, another family had to take the lead, and as the foremost of the Twelve Great Families, the Zheng Clan had the reputation and influence to drive the matter forward.

Zheng Chang deliberated for a long while and said, "If we truly reopen the Elixir Tasting Ceremony, selecting a few talented individuals to put forward, it would showcase our families' abundance of capable disciples and suppress the faction. This matter, I will report to the elders of my clan."

Junior Master Han chuckled, waving his sleeve and said, "Indeed, so it should be. If there are any updates, don't forget to inform me. I shall take my leave."

Zheng Chang quickly bowed deeply once more. When he raised his head, Junior Master Han had already vanished.

At this moment, Zhang Yan had just stepped off Luanming Rock. Victorious in this battle, his expression remained calm and indifferent, showing no trace of arrogance or conceit. With a light wave of his robe sleeve, he flew off leisurely. Familiar faces, such as Xie Zongyuan and Feng Ming, came around to offer their congratulations and well wishes. Taking the opportunity, Zhang Yan invited them to gather at Zhao You Heavenly Pond another day to reminisce and bid farewell.

After bidding farewell to this group one by one, Zhang Yan approached Fan Changqing, bowing respectfully and saying, "Senior Brother Fan, I have kept you waiting."

Fan Changqing returned the bow and laughed heartily, saying, "Junior Brother, congratulations on successfully forming your elixir."

Fan Changqing's earlier claims of coming on Qi Yuntian's instruction had not been entirely false. Upon hearing that Zhang Yan had killed Wan Zhang and Wen An upon his return, Qi Yuntian, ever meticulous, sent Fan Changqing to assess Zhang Yan's current cultivation level.

Since Zhang Yan had earlier entered his radar, due to his status as a True Disciple, Qi Yuntian had speculated that Zhang Yan might become a valuable ally in the future.

With the faction's revival imminent, his next move was to assist Ning Chongxuan in claiming a spot among the Top Ten Disciples.

Yet Ning Chongxuan alone might not suffice to overpower the Xuanmen families completely.

Qi Yuntian, despite being a Nascent Soul cultivator and the third-generation senior brother, and very likely the next Sect Leader, had no lack of competitors for this position. Among them were outstanding disciples within the families as well as aspirants like Zhuang Bufan, all eyeing his position. Thus, he needed strong allies within the sect to share his burden.

Having already shown significant potential, Zhang Yan had naturally become one of his candidates for inclusion in the Top Ten Disciples, following Ning Chongxuan.

However, Qi Yuntian did not rely solely on Zhang Yan. There were others within the faction whom he considered worthy contenders. Who would ultimately rise above the rest depended on their respective abilities and tactics.

This was something Qi Yuntian was eager to witness. Such competition allowed him to pit these disciples against each other, while he stood apart from them, firmly keeping them under his control and paving his way toward the Sect Leader's seat.

After carefully evaluating Zhang Yan, Fan Changqing had gained clarity. While Zhang Yan's elixir rank had not exceeded expectations, it wasn't far off either. He intended to return to Qi Yuntian to discuss the next steps for nurturing Zhang Yan.

However, Fan Changqing did not yet realize that Zhang Yan was not someone content to remain under another's thumb. Nor would he allow himself to follow the paths laid out for him.

Zhang Yan had a clear sense of his own aspirations, and long before returning to the Mountain Gate, he had already devised a strategy. Thus, when speaking, he neither drew too close to nor distanced himself from Fan Changqing.

Unintentionally, this balanced demeanor caused Fan Changqing's evaluation of him to rise another notch. After briefly conversing with Zhang Yan, Fan Changqing left with a laugh.

As he departed, he spoke with a meaningful tone, "Junior Brother Zhang, strive diligently in your cultivation. The sect will surely have a place for you in the future!"

...

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

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