Daoist Competition

Upon hearing Guo Lie's words, Zhang Yan smiled faintly without responding. Setting aside the truth or falsehood of the matter, he discerned a strong trace of jealousy.

However, upon closer reflection, it wasn't entirely without reason.

Guo Lie had claimed to have fought Shen Minggu several times before, each ending in a draw. Fu Yuqing was his apprentice-nephew—if Fu were to triumph this time, wouldn't it make Guo Lie seem inept?

Still, Zhang Yan had his calculations. Should Fu Yuqing falter, he wouldn't hesitate to step forward for the fight.

Not only was Chongyue True Temple a whetstone he had chosen for himself, but he could also repay a favor in the process. Why not take advantage of such an opportunity?

At this time, Dai Huan arrived leisurely outside the Treasure Pavilion, piloting tunneling light and glancing at the Vermilion Bird Talisman in his hand. He lamented inwardly, "I'm only staying here for a few days to heal a severed arm—why would Senior Brother give away such a valuable item? It's simply benefiting someone else without considering his own fellow disciples."

He looked up and saw a brutish-looking Great Han guarding the door like a servant. As a Third Generation Disciple under Tao Zhenhong, inheriting the Nanhua Sect's cultivation techniques, he recognized at once that the man was a demon in disguise. Instantly, his demeanor turned impolite, and he barked, "Where is your master?"

Zhang Pan hesitated briefly, before responding honestly, "He's in the courtyard."

Dai Huan flung his sleeves and prepared to step forward, but Zhang Pan quickly stepped sideways to block his way, saying, "Honored guest, please wait. State your purpose so that I may report it inside."

Dai Huan was already irked, and this remark made him even more displeased. Thinking, How dare a mere little demon obstruct me? He let out a cold snort, secretly weaving a spell and channeling energy into his eyes before glaring sharply at Zhang Pan.

This spell, inherited from the Nanhua Sect, was designed to suppress demon spirits. Upon meeting Dai Huan's gaze, the twin beams of light penetrated Zhang Pan's consciousness, leaving him dazed and causing him to stumble to the ground in confusion.

Dai Huan sneered mockingly and strode into the pavilion, but before he moved more than half a step, he heard a cold snort at his ear. Instantly, a weight pressed upon his chest, forcing him to stagger back two steps. At the same moment, Zhang Pan seemed to regain clarity and recovered.

Startled, Dai Huan lifted his eyes and saw Guo Lie emerge with a dark expression. Uneasy, Dai Huan stiffened and forced himself to bow respectfully, addressing, "Master Uncle."

Guo Lie's face was grim as he launched into reprimand, "You insolent brat! Is the sect's secret technique meant for bullying others here? Once you return, you shall perform the Grinding Spell a hundred times! Miss even one cycle, and I'll inflict the punishment tenfold!"

Dai Huan shuddered all over. The Grinding Spell brought unbearable pain in every cycle, a technique intended to train disciples' willpower. Ten cycles were enough to cause fainting from the agony; a hundred cycles? That'd surely cost him his life. Yet, he dared not object, replying bitterly, "Yes, Master Uncle."

Guo Lie turned around and bowed toward the interior, saying, "Brother Zhang, on my account, please forgive him this once."

Zhang Yan's unchanging voice drifted out from within, "Daoist Dai may enter."

Guo Lie glared sharply at Dai Huan once more and said, "Mind your conduct." Then, he turned and left.

Wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, Dai Huan finally stepped into the courtyard. He saw Zhang Yan standing by the window with his back turned toward him, absorbed in something unknown. For reasons he could not pinpoint, a sense of apprehension rose within Dai Huan. Stepping forward, he offered a bow and said, "Daoist Zhang, my senior brother has arrived. With his intervention, it seems there'll be no need to trouble you, Daoist. However, my senior brother requires your sea boat to recuperate for a few days. Therefore, he instructed me to deliver this item to you and hopes you'll graciously accept it."

Zhang Yan turned around, glanced at the Vermilion Bird Talisman, and nonchalantly gestured, taking it into his sleeve in one motion. He remarked calmly, "I understand Daoist Fu's intent. Since your journey aligns with mine, I am willing to ferry you along the way. Daoist Dai, please convey my words and have him rest well."

Dai Huan inwardly sighed with relief. Not inclined to linger further, he bowed and promptly retreated.

Zhang Yan mused to himself, "Zhang Pan will accompany me henceforth. In my absence, he'll still need to attend to the sea boat. Yet, his cultivation is too weak, unable even to operate the sea boat. Reduced to handling only menial tasks—why not impart a cultivation technique to him? I originally planned to find a suitable opportunity; now seems perfect."

With this in mind, he called out, "Zhang Pan, come in."

Outside the door, Zhang Pan heard the summons and hurriedly entered with his head bowed, some fear lingering on his face. He stammered, "Master, I..."

Zhang Yan cut him off directly, saying, "Listen carefully. If you wish not to be bullied in the future, you must diligently practice the cultivation technique I'm about to teach you. Pay close attention now."

Zhang Pan froze momentarily, then erupted into joy, turning eagerly attentive and straining to catch every single word without missing a thing.