Daoist Competition-Chapter 189 - 64: Fierce Evil of Earth Veins, Yun Tian Comes to Visit_2

After stepping into the realm of "Spiritual Light First Illumination," he needed to absorb the golden fire poisonous qi from the earth’s veins to refine his Xuan Guang. Only by further enhancing and purifying the Xuan Guang could he achieve the Second Realm, "Day-like Night."

He walked out of the cave mansion, and with a single step, a clear cloud rose from the ground and gently carried him to the mountain summit, where he landed at the fire mouth.

Before proceeding, he glanced downward, seeing the surrounding black clouds blocking out the sun, smoke and dust suffusing the air and stifling the senses. If a normal person stood here, they would suffocate within seconds. Yet, Zhang Yan felt no discomfort; on the contrary, the golden and fiery Xuan Seeds within him became increasingly active and lively compared to usual.

With a leap, golden and red rays of light enveloped him as he rushed downward. His flying speed was swift, forcing the smoke and gold-fire around him to retreat. Soon, he reached the depths of the fire hole, sensing that he could go no further.

The surrounding walls glowed like a furnace, crimson like blood. Even with Xuan Guang protecting him, the scorching heat caused a faint burning sensation on his body.

Estimating, he had descended over a thousand zhang underground. Not only was the evil qi abundant here, but the spiritual energy was equally strong.

Opening his mouth, he took in a deep breath of the poisonous qi and sprayed it onto the Xuan Guang. With a sizzling sound, it seemed as though oil had been tossed into fire, and the Xuan Guang surged upward, glowing even brighter.

Seeing this, he was filled with joy. Spiritual Paper Island truly was a blessed land. Though perhaps not as potent as Demon Cave, when his cultivation deepened in the future and he ventured further into the earth’s belly, the spiritual energy here would likely not pale much in comparison.

Just then, he sensed a wave of fear arising from within his heart field—not his own emotions, but the change in mentality of Ao Tong, a creature connected to him through essence blood.

Zhang Yan furrowed his brows. Could it be encountering some rigid fellow disciple?

He used his sword light to ascend in an instant, exiting the fire mouth. Looking around, he saw Ao Tong obediently crouching in the water, not daring to move. Its earlier fierce demeanor was nowhere to be seen. Above it stood two cultivators gesturing and conversing—one of whom was Qi Yun Tian.

Zhang Yan’s expression changed slightly. Qi Yun Tian had arrived so quickly, and he had come personally instead of merely sending a disciple as Zhang Yan had initially assumed. He nodded silently to himself. Regardless of whether it was for appearances, as the senior disciple of True Master Meng, the head of the sect, and the top figure of the third generation, Qi Yun Tian had gone to great lengths, which was commendable.

Leaping forward, he approached and overheard Qi Yun Tian saying, "Junior Brother Fan, you’ve always had an eye for these things. Do you think this Golden Flood Dragon is a mutant from ancient times?"

Though both Qi Yun Tian and Zhuang Bufan were among the sect’s top ten disciples, Qi Yun Tian never cared about such trivial matters. He had always looked kindly upon disciples raising demons and was now evaluating the creature with great interest.

The other cultivator, with a round face and a large belly resembling a merchant more than a Daoist, replied with a laugh, "Ten thousand years ago, I heard our sect was full of such mutants, but now it’s rare to find even one. This creature flies through clouds and splits waves; it can traverse the Beiming Hanhai and the fire caves of South Cliff. If used as a mount, it would be the utmost pleasure to roam the Four Seas. Junior Brother Zhang is quite fortunate to have acquired one."

At this moment, Zhang Yan approached the two. From afar, he said, "It’s merely a Golden Flood Dragon. If Senior Brother likes it, you may take it."

The cultivator turned his head and pointed at him with a laugh, saying, "Junior Brother Zhang, don’t tease me. This Golden Flood Dragon has already confessed its allegiance to you. How could you give it away? I’ve heard you are one of Dean Zhou’s prized disciples. Perhaps you’d rather give me a few elixir pills—now that would be practical."

Zhang Yan knew he was joking. The man emanated surging True Yuan, exerting a formidable pressure, with traces of evil qi spilling out. It was clear he was a Hua Dan cultivator, needing no elixirs from Zhang Yan.

He stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "May I ask Senior Brother’s name?"

The cultivator responded with a smile and returned the gesture, saying, "Under the mentorship of Master Meng, I am Fan Changqing, of the same lineage as Senior Brother Qi."

Zhang Yan cupped his hands again and said, "So it’s Senior Brother Fan. Since both Senior Brothers are here, why not come to my cave mansion for a visit? Allow me to fulfill my duties as host."

Qi Yun Tian nodded with a smile and said, "I was just thinking the same."

Zhang Yan welcomed the two inside, arranging the seating of host and guests. He ordered Shang Shang to prepare fruits and fine wine to entertain them.

Fan Changqing glanced around and shook his head, saying, "Junior Brother lives too modestly. Although we cultivators don’t concern ourselves with such material things, a bit of decoration could showcase the elegance of disciples from a great sect. I have plenty of furnishings lying unused back home. I’ll have someone send them over another day."

When others were willing to offer gifts to establish goodwill, Zhang Yan never declined. He cupped his hands and replied naturally, "Then I’ll humbly accept, Senior Brother."

Fan Changqing noticed Zhang Yan showed no reluctance or pretense and thought to himself, "This Junior Brother Zhang is rather straightforward. That’s good—I dislike hypocritical scholars who make things difficult. It seems Senior Brother Qi has a good eye for people after all."

The three chatted idly for a while before getting to the main topic.

Qi Yun Tian smiled faintly and said, "I came specifically to inform you, Junior Brother, that after your return from the Demon Cave and completing the refining of your Xuan Guang, the sect will assign you to Three Pools to slay demons and earn merit. However, as you’ve been in the sect for less than a year and have few companions among your peers, it may not be ideal. Therefore, I’ve asked Junior Brother Fan to join you. This way, you two can support one another."

Zhang Yan understood that Fan Changqing’s cultivation far surpassed his own, so the "mutual support" mentioned was really Fan assisting him. Qi Yun Tian was merely speaking tactfully, concerned that Zhang Yan might be prideful and unwilling to accept such help.

Zhang Yan naturally would not stubbornly reject such goodwill. He smiled faintly, raised his wine cup, and said to Fan Changqing, "In the future, I’ll be counting on your guidance, Senior Brother."

Fan Changqing hastily raised his cup, replying, "I dare not claim such."

In his heart, he thought, "Senior Brother Qi personally went to the Demon Cave to retrieve this Junior Brother and, now, has come to visit in person as well. Clearly, this Junior Brother Zhang is highly valued. I’ve heard he cultivates the Lan Yun Secret Volume taught by Junior Master Sun and is even a true disciple. Evidently, he is greatly favored by his mentor and Junior Master Sun. Once his cultivation advances in the future, his status will surely surpass mine. I mustn’t put on airs and ought to establish goodwill early."

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