Chapter 18

When the Daoist child spoke, the expressions of those below varied, but no one made a move.

Zhang Yan was unsure of the Daoist child's true identity and dared not rashly believe him; Lin Yuan and the others, however, harbored doubts, wondering if the three Masters had any other arrangements besides sending this Daoist child. For a moment, they did not dare to act rashly.

Seeing no movement below for a long time, the Daoist child immediately raised the duster in his hand and shouted, "The Master's token is here. Where is Zhang Yan? Why don't you come forward quickly?"

As soon as the duster appeared, everyone's expressions changed.

Lin Yuan's face turned even uglier. He could see at a glance that it was the "Deshou Duster" that Master Shishoujing always carried with him. If they still made any moves, they would be accused of disrespecting their elders.

Not only that, but this duster was also a carefully refined magical tool. If it were really used, no one present could withstand it.

The Daoist child was also tense. Although Shishoujing had taught him how to control the duster, with his shallow internal energy, he did not know how many times he could control it. The duster was more of a deterrent than a practical tool.

Finally, after much thought, Lin Yuan still did not dare to challenge the Master's authority. He signaled to the left and right, and Chen Lan also knew that they could not do anything to Zhang Yan today. Although he was reluctant, he had no choice. He waved his hand in frustration, signaling everyone to step aside and clear the way.

The tense situation was temporarily relieved.

Seeing the people around him gradually disperse, Zhang Yan appeared calm on the surface, but he remained on high alert in his heart.

Walking up to the Daoist child, he clasped his fists and said, "Zhang Yan is here."

"Are you Zhang Yan?"

The Daoist child let out a sigh of relief. The oppressive atmosphere here had almost made him unable to breathe. He did not dare to stay any longer and spoke quickly, "Zhang Yan, come with me to the Daoist temple quickly."

Watching Zhang Yan leave with the Daoist child, Lin Yuan could not help but feel some regret.

Originally, he had planned to use words to control Zhang Yan. If Zhang Yan did not resist, they would deal with him as they saw fit. If Zhang Yan resisted, it would be just as they wished, and they could take advantage of the situation to kill him on the spot, thus avoiding any accusations.

He did not expect that this slight delay would allow the Daoist child to appear in time and save Zhang Yan. If he had known, he should have killed him on the spot!

At this moment, a muffled groan came from not far away. Everyone turned to look and saw that as soon as Zhang Yan left, Hu Shengyu also relaxed a bit. Ai Zhongwen took the opportunity to escape from his grasp. After walking a distance, he turned back and sneered, "Ai will remember the deep kindness of the senior brothers today!"

Lin Yuan and the other two exchanged glances. Chen Lan wanted to say something, but Lin Yuan waved his hand to stop him, saying, "The situation is unclear. Let's discuss this later and see how the Master arranges it."

Chen Lan pursed his lips and let out a "hey," but in the end, he did not say anything.

Hu Shengyu stood to the side, his face dark, and no one knew what he was thinking.

Shanyuan Temple was located on the main peak of Cangwu Mountain, Haojue Peak. Although Zhang Yan was a disciple of Shanyuan Temple, this was his first time coming here.

After entering the mountain gate, he had no time to observe the scenery on both sides, as he was speculating about the purpose of this summons.

By repelling the Guangyuan Sect alone, he could be said to have gained fame among the various sects. Being accepted as a formal disciple by the upper temple should be a natural progression.

However, he also knew that with the various interests at stake, even if this were the outcome, his future path would not necessarily be smooth.

But how could the path of cultivation be without obstacles? The fact that he was here today was enough to show that the path to the Great Dao required cutting through thorns and forging ahead. Hesitation and hesitation would lead to no way out.

Passing through the three main halls, the Daoist child led him to the rear of the temple and said, "Senior Brother, please wait here. I will go and report."

Zhang Yan nodded slightly, and the Daoist child disappeared inside. After a short while, the Daoist child came out again and said, "Senior Brother, the three Masters have summoned you inside."

Zhang Yan straightened his Daoist robe, adjusted the bun on his head, and walked into the main hall with his eyes fixed straight ahead.

This main hall was called the Duzhen Hall, located at the highest point of Haojue Peak. The interior of the hall was supported by four bronze pillars shaped like cranes, with stone-carved tortoises underneath.

In the center of the hall stood a purple copper incense burner, and the beams and brackets above were painted with stories from the Daoist tradition and tales of immortals. Upon closer inspection, it seemed as if a thin mist enveloped the hall, creating a mysterious and profound atmosphere.

On the raised three-tiered platform at the front, three old Daoists sat on cushions. The one in the center, with white hair, was Shanyuan Temple's head, Shishoujing. On either side were Dexiu Temple's head, Heshouyan, and Taian Temple's head, Zhenshouzhong.

As soon as Zhang Yan entered the hall, the deep, sea-like aura emanating from Shishoujing immediately caught his attention. He had felt a similar aura from Zhou Zishang, but it was not as pronounced then. Since interpreting the star stele, his sensitivity to qi had remained heightened.

He took a few steps forward and bowed, saying, "Disciple Zhang Yan, I greet the three Masters."

Shishoujing slowly said, "Zhang Yan, you have been on the mountain for more than three years, right?"

Zhang Yan replied, "Yes."

Shishoujing "hmm"ed and continued, "You have a deep understanding of the Eroded Text. Tell me, where did you learn it?"

Zhang Yan answered, "Half is a gift from heaven, half is the result of human effort."

Shishoujing was taken aback and laughed, "What a good answer, 'half is a gift from heaven, half is the result of human effort.' Heaven comes first, and then humans live. But if humans do not act, what use is the gift from heaven? You have a deep understanding indeed."

The one sitting on the right, Dexiu Temple's head, Zhenshouzhong, had been sitting with his eyes closed since Zhang Yan entered. He suddenly opened his eyes and said, "Zhang Yan, you may leave."

This action was quite sudden, and even more strangely, Shishoujing remained silent.

Zhang Yan bowed respectfully and withdrew calmly.

If it had been anyone else, they would have been nervous and uneasy after being ordered to leave after just a few words. But Zhang Yan remained calm throughout.

Shishoujing nodded inwardly in approval.

"Brother Shi, is it appropriate to accept Zhang Yan as a disciple?" After Zhang Yan left, Zhenshouzhong immediately expressed his doubts, with a hint of questioning in his tone.

Shishoujing smiled faintly and said, "Brother Zhen, you have seen that Zhang Yan has a natural talent for the Eroded Text. He single-handedly repelled the Guangyuan Sect at the foot of Dangyun Peak, showing both courage and wisdom. After this Dharma Assembly, his reputation will surely rise. If we do not accept him, other sects will criticize us for hindering the progress of those seeking the Dao. As the head of the lower temple, I must consider the interests of the sect and not let talent go to waste."

Zhenshouzhong said, "I see that Zhang Yan has a good character, but his talent is average, and his future achievements may be limited. Offending a group of disciples for his sake may not be worth it."

"No problem," Shishoujing smiled and shook his head, "Brother Zhen, what if I give Zhang Yan the Zhenzhuo Cauldron? What do you think?"

Zhenshouzhong's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he stroked his beard, saying, "That would be excellent."

As soon as Zhang Yan stepped out of the hall, the Daoist child who had led him bowed and said, "Senior Brother, please follow me."

Zhang Yan's heart stirred, and he followed the Daoist child to a side hall next to the Duzhen Hall.

After the Daoist child left, he looked around. Although the place was clean, it was cold and quiet, clearly unused for a long time.

However, he did not mind and found a cushion to sit and meditate.

After an unknown amount of time, when he emerged from his meditation, he looked up to see that Shishoujing was already sitting on the cushion in front of him. Zhang Yan was startled and immediately stood up to bow, saying, "I did not know the Master had arrived. I apologize for my lack of respect."

Shishoujing, however, was gentle and kind, a stark contrast to his previous demeanor, and said warmly, "No need for formalities, sit down."

After Zhang Yan sat down again, Shishoujing waved his duster and said, "Zhang Yan, do you understand why I have summoned you?"

"Disciple has been thinking day and night about becoming a formal disciple. Therefore, I believe this is the reason."

Shishoujing chuckled, "You are quite straightforward."

Zhang Yan felt that Shishoujing should be well aware of his thoughts. Since that was the case, why hide them? So he did not hesitate to speak his mind.

Shishoujing continued, "Come closer."

Zhang Yan moved forward a few steps and sat down three feet away from Shishoujing.

Shishoujing looked at him carefully and said, "Your talent is not high, and the path of cultivation may be difficult for you to reach the highest level. However, you have a deep understanding of the Eroded Text, and you can be considered a person of destiny."

He took out a Daoist manual from his sleeve and handed it to Zhang Yan, saying, "Take it."

Zhang Yan did not ask what it was, but stood up and respectfully received it.

Shishoujing instructed, "This manual contains a high-level method for opening the meridians. However, there are many pitfalls, and a slight mistake can destroy your foundation. But I have observed that this method is indeed a top-tier classic from an ancient orthodox school, and I cannot bear to discard it. Therefore, I am now entrusting it to you. Whether to practice it or not is your decision."

After saying this, he waved his duster and closed his eyes, saying, "I have said all I need to say. You may leave."

Zhang Yan quickly stood up to take his leave. As he walked out, the Daoist child bowed and said, "Congratulations, Senior Brother."

Zhang Yan was taken aback and asked, "What is there to congratulate?"

The Daoist child smiled and said, "Senior Brother, don't you know? Before the Master entered seclusion, he had already issued a decree. You are now the thirteenth formal disciple of Shanyuan Temple."

"Formal disciple...?"

Zhang Yan took a deep breath. He had gone to great lengths to become a formal disciple, but when he finally heard the news, his heart was calm.

He nodded and bowed to the Daoist child, saying, "Thank you, Junior Brother." He then took out a Zhengyuan Pill from his pocket and placed it in the Daoist child's hand.

The Daoist child's eyes lit up. He recognized it as a valuable item, looked around, and carefully put it away.

He leaned in a bit and whispered, "There are some miscellaneous items that the Master asked me to give you. I will send more people to deliver them to your cave dwelling. Don't worry."

Zhang Yan smiled inwardly. From the Daoist child's tone, these "miscellaneous items" were not easy to move. If it weren't for the pill, he might have had to do it himself.

"Thank you, Junior Brother."

The Daoist child beamed, "Not at all, Senior Brother, have a good walk, have a good walk!"

After leaving Shanyuan Temple, Zhang Yan did not rush back to his cave dwelling. Instead, he walked around the mountain path a few times. When it was dark and he was sure no one was following him, he returned to his cave dwelling.

Pushing the door open, he saw a large bronze cauldron neatly placed in the center of the cave dwelling!

...

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PS: First update.