Chapter 1277: Chapter 25: Zhang Mo Returns to the Mountain (2)

Sun Tong, half-believing and half-doubting, asked: "Really?"

Sun Xiucheng chuckled and said: "Even if it’s really a matter to consider, it won’t be right now. They must first cease the battle between the two sects before they can spare a hand. These two have fought three times over a thousand years, each time taking thirty to fifty years to decide the victor."

At this point, he smiled again, "Those Zuo family lads used to be so arrogant, but now they’re eager to curry favor, isn’t it all because I sided with Han Yuan Sect early on? Without yet reaping the benefits, you left in such a hurry, Father, you’re too anxious."

Sun Tong lowered his head and thought for a moment, realizing his son’s words were true. Both the Zhongtai Sect and Xuanyue Sect have abundant resources, with tens of thousands of cultivators in their ranks, and neither can suppress the other in a short time. Who knows when their conflict will end? It’s better to seize the current opportunities for benefits. He coughed, softened his tone, and sternly said: "I plan to personally visit True Master Zhang another day, and you will introduce me."

Sun Xiucheng laughed lightly and bowed deeply, saying: "I’m afraid Father is disappointed; Master Zhang is in closed-door seclusion and does not meet guests. But if the opportunity arises, I will certainly mention it."

Since Zhang Yan closed the door for seclusion cultivation, except for coming out once a month to assess disciples’ homework, he barely left his chamber, sitting on the couch daily, refining the Junyang Essence.

A year passed peacefully like this, and one day a child outside the door reported: "Sect Leader, True Master Zhang has returned to the mountain and is waiting outside the door."

Zhang Yan’s expression brightened and he said loudly: "Quickly invite Daoist Zhang in."

Shortly, Zhang Boyant strode into the cave mansion, bowed, and said: "Greetings to the Pavilion Master."

Zhang Yan appraised him from top to bottom, smiling: "It seems your cultivation has made progress, fellow Daoist."

Zhang Boyant sighed and said: "It’s also a matter of fortuitous coincidence. The cultivation technique I practice in Nether Spring Sect is not of the upper grade, making cultivation difficult and progress slow, unlike those direct disciples. Yet, on this journey, I happened to buy an item outside the mountain that proved very useful to me. With it, I can cultivate for several decades, and might enter the Nascent Soul Second Realm."

Zhang Yan laughed, cupped his hands, and said: "Then I must congratulate you, fellow Daoist."

Zhang Boyant hurriedly returned the gesture, saying: "Thanks to the Pavilion Master, but the Great Dao is hard to pursue. If there are no more great fortuitous opportunities, this generation may also stop at this point."

Zhang Yan nodded slightly; what Zhang Boyant said was truthful. Without a grotto heaven, cultivation only yields a thousand-year lifespan. Only by stepping into the Phenomenon Realm and practicing diligently can one hope to break through the void and escape this realm, but historically, few have achieved this feat.

Zhang Boyant then said: "This time, by the Pavilion Master’s orders, I traveled to an immortal city where I was invited by a cultivator who claimed to be the Sixth Prince of Chu Kingdom and lingered there for several days. Unexpectedly, I met Ancestor Hui Xuan, master of Wang Guangyuan."

Zhang Yan’s eyebrow slightly raised, and he asked in a deep voice: "Did this person make things difficult for you, fellow Daoist?"

Zhang Boyant was indeed outside the mountain to buy elixir materials but hadn’t gone far, remaining within the Chu Kingdom. After Zhang Yan slew Wang Guangyuan and others, fearing Hui Xuan Sect would persecute him, he notified through flying book, advising caution.

Zhang Boyant shook his head, saying: "Not at all. At the banquet, he even remarked that Wang Guangyuan deserved to be slain by the Pavilion Master and Qu Changzhi, having secretly colluded with the North Sea Demon Tribe, was expelled from the sect. His future actions had nothing to do with him."

Zhang Yan pondered briefly. Ancestor Hui Xuan appeared fair and just, yet he separated Wang Guangyuan from Qu Changzhi instead of expelling them together, which was intriguing. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

Zhang Boyant said: "Pavilion Master, there is also a letter here, entrusted by the Sixth Prince of Chu Kingdom for me to deliver to you."

Zhang Yan took the letter, opened it, and first saw words of greetings and admiration, expressed in a flowery and eloquent manner which he merely skimmed through. The latter content conveyed that the two sects are in fierce battle and, upon hearing that the Divine House Mountain Immortal City Master possesses profound Daoist cultivation, invites him to contribute to the Upper Sect’s efforts, promising a reward, even granting a city, should merits be achieved.

The language of the letter was carefully phrased, written very politely without any sign of coercion.

To fight for the Zhongtai Sect?

Zhang Yan shook his head with a smile. This matter isn’t unnegotiable, but the item he desires, the Sixth Prince likely cannot provide. The letter is meant as a precursor for future interaction, though presently there’s no need to overthink it. He set the letter aside and inquired about the matter of concern: "Daoist Zhang, on this trip, how much elixir material did you acquire?"

Zhang Boyant replied solemnly: "I carried the token given by the Pavilion Master, traveling through various immortal cities across Chu Kingdom this past year. Apart from two or three elusive elixir materials, most on the list have been found. Fearing the Pavilion Master’s urgent need, I hurried back."

He shook his robe sleeve, releasing a snowy mist that spread on the ground, covering several yards, and then clenched his fist to reclaim the mist, revealing hundreds of neatly arranged jade boxes.

Zhang Yan’s gaze flashed as he stood up and approached the jade boxes, picking one up for a moment and then carefully setting it down, reaching for another.

These elixir materials involve his future Dharma Body achievement, not a single oversight is allowed. He must personally inspect them to be assured.

Thus, he opened each jade box, meticulously examining them one by one, eventually nodding inwardly, thinking: "East Victory Continent truly surpasses East Splendor several times, abundant and vast, coupled with immortal cities where heavenly materials and earth treasures converge. Once these elixir materials are refined, they will suffice for over twenty years of my use. Yet, the missing two or three items need to be found soon and cannot be delayed further."

...

...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please vote on Qidian (qidian.com) with recommendation votes or monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)