Daoist Competition-Chapter 185 - 62: Disciple and True Master Show Kindness, Peng Family True Master_2

The other party originally descended with the intention of rescuing him, intending to free him from confinement. Under normal circumstances, he should have felt deep gratitude. However, upon closer inspection, he realized he could escape even without anyone’s assistance, so instead, he swiftly shifted his method of showing favor.

Still, this act brought him only benefits and no harm, and he was happy to comply. Immediately, he put on an expression of delight, clasped his hands, and said, "Many thanks, Brother, for fulfilling this!"

Qi Yuntian spoke in a deep voice, "With me here, you can focus fully on your cultivation without worry. Let’s see who dares disturb your peaceful practice!"

What he said wasn’t merely empty talk. Before entering seclusion, Zhang Yan already knew that Qi Yuntian was a Nascent Soul cultivator, a figure deserving the title of ’True Master.’ Now that he had emerged from seclusion, it was uncertain what level his cultivation had reached. Even if the Blood Essence Sect’s Hua Dan cultivators had refined the Mystic Blood Pill, should they come here, it’s unlikely they would make it back alive.

After briefly apologizing to Qi Yuntian, Zhang Yan returned to his cave mansion and sat down again, silently calculating gains and losses in his mind.

Qi Yuntian’s intention to win him over was now exceedingly clear. As his cultivation progressed, he would undoubtedly rely on various forms of support from the sect, particularly cultivation techniques and spells, which were indispensable. Joining Qi Yuntian’s faction seemed to offer more advantages than disadvantages for his advancement in cultivation.

As for the inevitable conflicts with certain individuals within the sect that would result from this alliance, he was unconcerned. On the path of the Great Dao, cultivation is everything. Once one’s cultivation is sufficiently advanced, all problems dissipate.

Having come to terms with this, Zhang Yan dismissed distractions from his mind and closed his eyes to cultivate.

This time, his cultivation proceeded smoothly. He had already advanced to the Xuan Guang Realm, so no obstacles emerged to hinder him. Within six days, a water-blue radiance burst forth from the crown of his head, illuminating the walls and surrounding the area in hazy mist. From within, faint sounds of surging waves echoed, resonating continuously.

Although his efforts were deemed a great success, Zhang Yan noticed Qi Yuntian didn’t pressure him to emerge. It seemed he intended to wait until the opening of the Sea Eye on the first day of the next month before heading out.

Having a Nascent Soul cultivator as his protector was a rare occurrence, and Zhang Yan thought to himself that this was an opportunity not to be missed. He decided to refine a few more drops of You Yin Heavy Water while he had the chance.

With his mind made up, he focused inward on his Qi Sea, circulating his spiritual energy, and began earnestly condensing You Yin Heavy Water.

Time passed unnoticed as he meditated. On the day he finished refining the second drop of You Yin Heavy Water, he exhaled quietly. Just then, he heard Qi Yuntian speaking outside, "Junior Brother, today is the fifteenth of the first month. The Sea Eye Gate has opened. Follow me."

Once the words fell, Zhang Yan felt his body drift outward. In an instant, he reached the entrance of the cave mansion, where he saw Qi Yuntian standing with his back turned on the protruding stone platform. With a quick flick of his sleeve, a green branch floated out, transforming into a pillar of green light. With a single upward thrust, it stabilized the receding column of water.

Turning slightly, Qi Yuntian gave Zhang Yan a faint smile and said, "Junior Brother, close your eyes."

Knowing that Qi Yuntian was about to utilize some mystical dharma technique, Zhang Yan complied and shut his eyes. He felt a touch on his shoulder and, in an instant, his body swayed as though immersed in a haze. Moments later, his feet were firmly planted once more.

Qi Yuntian’s voice sounded at his ear, "Junior Brother, you may open your eyes now."

When Zhang Yan opened his eyes, he was momentarily astonished to find himself standing beneath a pavilion. Nearby, within a grotto, waves surged and roared. If this wasn’t Feihe Tower within Shouming Palace, then what was?

In mere moments, he had already exited the Sea Eye. A thought crossed his mind hesitantly, "It is said that upon surpassing Hua Dan, one’s entire form is imbued with mana, enabling the use of divine skills. I wonder which dharma technique Qi Yuntian just employed?"

Seeing Zhang Yan standing still in contemplation, Qi Yuntian assumed he was awe-struck by the mystical technique and chuckled. "Junior Brother, this technique is the sect’s ’Small Movement Escape Technique,’ a minor divine power derived from the ’Five Elements Escape Technique.’ In our Mingcang Sect, aside from various true transmitted spells, there are also the Five Skills, Three Scripture, Twelve Divine Abilities, and other superior dharma techniques. You will be able to choose secret texts for cultivation in the Spirit Mechanism Institute once you’ve contributed merits."

He then lightly patted Zhang Yan’s shoulder and spoke earnestly, "Junior Brother, while your talent may not be among the highest, your temperament is exceptional. If you can remain steadfast, you will have the opportunity to achieve the Great Dao. However, on the path of cultivation, one not only requires good dharma techniques but also support from like-minded companions. This is not a path one can walk alone. Remember this."

The underlying intent to draw him in was unmistakable. Zhang Yan immediately responded, clasping his hands solemnly and saying, "I will heed Brother’s teachings!"

Qi Yuntian’s face revealed a look of satisfaction. After a brief pause for thought, he continued, "Now that you have entered the Xuan Guang Realm, if you can achieve merits in the upcoming Three Pools Battle, I will be able to elevate your standing further. As it happens, several senior brothers have exceptional disciples among their factions—they will inevitably be your future rivals. Be sure not to fall too far behind them."

Zhang Yan said little, only flashing a faint smile, his confidence evident in his demeanor.

Qi Yuntian silently nodded in approval and spoke kindly, "For now, do not rush back to your cave mansion. Follow me to meet someone."

Zhang Yan nodded in agreement.

The two of them walked out of Feihe Tower together, but the scene before them left Zhang Yan momentarily stunned. The island was bustling with people, flying boats, and aromatic carriages, with cultivators coming and going like an earthly marketplace. Within his field of vision, no fewer than a thousand cultivators seemed to have gathered here. Many wore joyful expressions. He couldn’t help but ask in surprise, "This is...?"

After glancing around, Qi Yuntian said, "Last month, True Master Peng’s efforts bore great success. From now on, our sect has gained another Cave Heaven True Master."

The nine True Masters of the Mingcang Sect had suddenly grown to ten, which signified a considerable increase in strength. Yet Qi Yuntian did not seem at all pleased.

He continued, "Before I came here, members of the Peng family had already arrived to offer congratulations. True Master Peng did not turn them away. It seems clear that familial ties have not been forgotten."

Zhang Yan detected his calm tone cloaked a hint of displeasure. After some deliberation, he quickly understood the underlying reasons.

True Master Peng was originally a member of the Peng clan. Due to internal strife, she had been expelled from her family. It was only because of the sect leader’s support that she had managed to practice cultivation within Shouming Palace. Now, having broken through obstacles to become a Cave Heaven True Master, she had allowed Peng clan members to congratulate her instead of rejecting them, revealing a deeper layer of significance. Qi Yuntian, as part of the sect leader’s direct lineage, was naturally rather irked.

However, Zhang Yan didn’t share such disappointment but instead felt a measure of joy. The stronger the opposing factions became, the more it compelled his master-disciple lineage to seek greater support—a scenario that provided him more opportunities to thrive in the sect. This thought led him to silently muse, "The sect’s internal dynamics are increasingly intricate, but this is precisely the chance for cultivators like me to rise!"

...

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

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