Daoist Competition-Chapter 289 - 12 Unexpected Complications

Zhang Yan had noticed earlier that most of the disciples of the Chenxiang Sect carried a faint air of alluring charm, perhaps related to their cultivation techniques, yet this woman seemed completely devoid of such qualities. Despite her stunning beauty, there was an unyielding arrogance in her bearing that was almost oppressive.

Judging by her cultivation, her Xuan Guang was concentrated almost to the point of materialization. She had likely reached the pinnacle of the Third Realm Xuan Guang. At the moment, her hand rested on the floating ribbon at her waist, her phoenix-like eyes full of killing intent as she fixed her gaze on Zhang Yan, her expression wary, as though ready to engage in combat at the slightest provocation.

Though her demeanor was aggressive, Zhang Yan remained unperturbed. Standing upon the void, his mysterious Daoist robe fluttering about him, his expression carried an indescribable air of ease. He slightly cupped his hands in greeting toward the woman and said calmly, "I am Zhang Yan of the Mingcang Sect, here at the invitation of Fellow Daoist Mu Hongchen."

Upon hearing this, the woman furrowed her brows and scrutinized Zhang Yan from head to toe before letting out a cold snort. "So, you’re someone invited by Hongchen? Hmph, it seems she has quite a wide circle now; even a distinguished disciple of the Mingcang Sect can be enlisted by her."

There was an air of seniority in her words, indicating that she held a considerable status within the Chenxiang Sect.

Zhang Yan glanced at her and was about to inquire about her identity when another tunneling light streaked across the sky. Moments later, Mu Hongchen appeared before them. She first offered Zhang Yan a salute of wan fu, then bowed respectfully to the woman from afar, speaking, "Hongchen congratulates Master Aunt on her return from seclusion."

The woman gave her a faint glance and remarked, "Hongchen, you don’t seem particularly pleased to see me leave seclusion, do you?"

Mu Hongchen slightly lowered her head and responded in a soft voice, "Master Aunt jests."

Though her face was veiled, Zhang Yan keenly detected a trace of unnaturalness in her tone.

The woman flicked her sleeve and said expressionlessly, "Enough. Since he is a distinguished guest from the Mingcang Sect, you’d better attend to him well. However, this is still the Daoist Field of my Chenxiang Sect, and as the Senior Sister of your generation, you ought to clearly inform him of our sect’s prohibitions."

After saying this, she ascended her tunneling light and headed toward the palace.

Watching her leave, Zhang Yan chuckled with an amused expression and turned to ask, "Fellow Daoist Mu, may I ask who that Daoist is?"

Mu Hongchen sighed softly and replied, "She is my Master Aunt. She has always been haughty and prideful. If her words have offended you, Daoist Zhang, I hope you won’t take them to heart."

With a wave of her sleeve, she smiled and said, "I had thought you might take a few more days to arrive, but you’re here sooner than expected. Please follow me."

Zhang Yan nodded slightly and followed her lead as they flew toward the palace emitting brilliant hues of sunlight.

Along the way, Zhang Yan observed that not only on this peak but also halfway down the mountain, the Chenxiang Sect had established several palaces with black tiles and white walls. A rugged mountain path was carved into the cliffside, where many individuals struggled to ascend. It seemed these locations were specifically intended for the pastoral worshippers from below to offer their prayers.

This was not because the disciples of the Chenxiang Sect lacked mana to create more accessible roads; rather, they feared making it too easy for these worshippers to ascend the mountain, potentially diminishing their sense of reverence. Additionally, this provided an opportunity to impose various trials, enabling them to select disciples whose convictions were firm and who were suitable for cultivation. freēnovelkiss.com

Zhang Yan understood that this was due to the Chenxiang Sect’s weak foundations, necessitating such manipulative tactics to recruit disciples.

In contrast, a great sect like the Mingcang Sect boasted nine great cities within its mountain gates. Each city’s population rivaled that of the mortal world’s largest capitals. Moreover, the inhabitants were descendants or clansfolk of Mingcang Sect disciples, ensuring a steady source of disciples without concern.

As the two flew, Zhang Yan asked casually, "I noticed that the Dharma technique practiced by your Master Aunt seems quite different from your lineage, Fellow Daoist Mu."

Mu Hongchen turned her head, gathered her sleeves, and raised a thumb in acknowledgment, saying, "Daoist Zhang has sharp eyes. My Master Aunt was once the most gifted in the sect and is also a descendant of our ancestor master’s lineage. Thus, years ago, she obtained special permission from the ancestor master to abandon our sect’s Mysterious Skill and venture outside for thirty years. She discovered a Secret Volume during her travels and has since devoted herself to cultivation. Three years ago, after taking my Junior Sister Pan under her wing as a disciple, she secluded herself for rigorous study. Who would have thought your arrival today would coincide with her return from seclusion?"

Zhang Yan sneered inwardly—how could such coincidences truly exist? Even though he had only briefly interacted with the woman, he could already discern her veiled hostility toward him. Nevertheless, his aim here was merely to obtain the Bright Stone Milk and fulfill his obligations. Whatever schemes the Chenxiang Sect might have in mind were of no concern to him.

When they reached the palace, the two descended from their clouds. Mu Hongchen escorted Zhang Yan inside the hall where they took their seats. Just as they had settled down, a maid approached and said, "Senior Sister, Master Ni requests your presence to discuss an urgent matter."

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