Daoist Competition-Chapter 40 - 18: Master Transmits the Book, Strategic Secrets in the Cauldron_2

Chapter 40 - 18: Master Transmits the Book, Strategic Secrets in the Cauldron_2

As Zhang Yan entered the grand hall, he immediately noticed the aura emanating from Shi Shoujing's body—profound and vast like the ocean. This aura was something he had faintly sensed before on Zhou Zishang, though it hadn't been as pronounced at the time. Ever since he deciphered the Star Tablet, his sensitivity to Qi Mechanisms appeared to have remained in a heightened state.

Taking a few steps forward, he saluted and said, "Registered Disciple Zhang Yan greets the three Masters."

Shi Shoujing spoke slowly, "Zhang Yan, you've been on the mountain for over three years, haven't you?"

Zhang Yan replied, "Yes."

Shi Shoujing uttered a deep "Hmm" and continued, "You seem to have considerable insights into the Erosion Text. Tell me, where did you learn this?"

Zhang Yan answered, "Half is granted by heaven, half crafted by man."

Shi Shoujing raised his brows in surprise and chuckled, "A fine phrase, 'Half is granted by heaven, half crafted by man.' Indeed, heaven is first, and man comes after; yet if man does not act, what use is heaven's grant? You understand this deeply."

The man seated on the right was Zhen Shouzhong, the master of De Xiu Temple. He had kept his eyes closed and remained motionless since Zhang Yan entered, but at this moment, he suddenly opened his eyes and said, "Zhang Yan, you may withdraw now."

It was a startling and abrupt directive, all the more peculiar given Shi Shoujing's silence in response.

Zhang Yan respectfully performed a salute and calmly retreated.

If it had been anyone else, they might have felt uneasy or shaken at being dismissed after barely saying a few words. Yet Zhang Yan remained composed from beginning to end.

Shi Shoujing couldn't help but nod silently in approval.

"Senior Brother Shi, is it appropriate to induct Zhang Yan into the sect?" After Zhang Yan exited, Zhen Shouzhong immediately voiced his doubts, his tone carrying a hint of censure toward Shi Shoujing.

Shi Shoujing, however, smiled lightly and said, "Junior Brother Zhen, as you've seen, Zhang Yan possesses extraordinary talent in the Erosion Text. He single-handedly repelled Guangyuan at the foot of Dangyun Peak, demonstrating both courage and insight. Adding to that, after this Dharma Assembly, his reputation will undoubtedly rise. If we do not induct him, we risk criticism from other factions, accusing Shanyuan Temple of obstructing diligent seekers of the Dao. Furthermore, as the master of the Lower Court, I must consider the sect's need to gather and nurture promising talent, avoiding the regret of letting gifted individuals go to waste."

Zhen Shouzhong replied, "While Zhang Yan's temperament is indeed commendable, his natural aptitude is average at best. I fear his future achievements may be limited, and offending numerous disciples for his sake might not be worth the cost."

"No matter," Shi Shoujing said with a smile and shook his head, "Junior Brother Zhen, I intend to gift the Refining Muddling Tripod to Zhang Yan. What do you think?"

Upon hearing this, Zhen Shouzhong's eyes gleamed with sharp light. Stroking his beard, he said, "That seems most suitable."

As Zhang Yan stepped out of the main hall, the Daoist boy who had earlier guided him came forward and bowed, saying, "Senior Brother, please follow me."

Zhang Yan felt a stir in his heart and followed the Daoist boy to a side hall adjacent to Du Zhen Hall.

After the Daoist boy departed, Zhang Yan surveyed the environment. Though meticulously clean, the room felt cold and desolate, clearly uninhabited for quite some time.

He didn't mind and found himself a cushion, where he quietly sat down and began meditating.

It was impossible to say how much time had passed, but when he emerged from his meditative state, he looked up to find Shi Shoujing sitting on the cushion in front of him. Startled, Zhang Yan immediately stood and saluted respectfully, saying, "I did not know the Master had arrived. I apologize for my lack of decorum."

Shi Shoujing's demeanor was unexpectedly kind this time, completely different from his earlier attitude. In a gentle tone, he said, "There's no need for formalities. Sit."

Once Zhang Yan sat back down, Shi Shoujing waved his horsetail whisk and said, "Zhang Yan, do you know why I summoned you here?"

"Disciple has pondered day and night, longing to become an entry-level disciple. Therefore, I assume it is related to this matter."

Shi Shoujing chuckled quietly and said, "You are forthright."

At this point, Zhang Yan felt that his thoughts must already be plain to Shi Shoujing. Given this, what was the need for pretense? Thus, he spoke without reservation.

Shi Shoujing said again, "Move closer."

Zhang Yan shifted forward another few steps and sat three feet away from Shi Shoujing.

Shi Shoujing examined him carefully for a moment, then said, "Your natural aptitude is not high; the path of cultivation will likely make it difficult for you to reach Mahayana. However, your insights into the Erosion Text are rather advanced, which makes you a person of affinity."

From his sleeve, he retrieved a Daoist book and handed it to Zhang Yan, saying, "Take this."

Without asking what it was, Zhang Yan rose and accepted it respectfully.

Shi Shoujing cautioned, "This Daoist book contains an Opening Meridians Supreme Method. However, the path it outlines is fraught with pitfalls. Even the slightest misstep could lead to the ruination of your foundation. That said, this technique is a first-rate immortal sect scripture from the Ancient Orthodox, and I cannot bear to discard it. Therefore, I now entrust it to your care. Whether to cultivate it or not is entirely your decision."

With that, he swept his horsetail whisk, closed his eyes, and said, "I've said all that needs to be said. You may leave."

Zhang Yan quickly stood and withdrew. Upon stepping out of the hall, the Daoist boy at the door bowed and said, "Congratulations, Senior Brother!"

Zhang Yan paused, "Congratulations? For what?"

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The Daoist boy grinned mischievously, "Senior Brother must not know. Just before Master entered seclusion, he issued a Dharma Decree naming you the thirteenth entry-level disciple of Shanyuan Temple!"

"An entry-level disciple..."

Zhang Yan exhaled deeply. Though he had poured his efforts into attaining this, when the news finally reached him, his heart remained unexpectedly calm.

He gave a slight nod and clasped his hands toward the Daoist boy, saying, "Thank you, Junior Brother." He then retrieved a True Origin Elixir from his sleeve and placed it into the boy's palm.

The Daoist boy's eyes lit up instantly. He recognized it as a valuable item and, glancing around, carefully tucked it away.

Leaning in close, he whispered, "There are some items Master has instructed to be delivered to Senior Brother. I'll arrange for someone to transport them to your cave mansion. You needn't worry."

Zhang Yan smirked inwardly. Judging by the boy's tone, these "items" must be cumbersome. Without that elixir, he'd likely have to move them himself.

"Thank you, Junior Brother."

The Daoist boy beamed, "No trouble at all, Senior Brother! Safe travels, safe travels!"

After descending Shanyuan Temple's mountain, Zhang Yan didn't rush back to his cave mansion. Instead, he wandered the mountain paths for a while, waiting until nightfall to ensure no one was observing or following him. Then, he finally returned to his cave mansion.

Pushing the door open, he was immediately struck by the sight: a bronze cauldron placed squarely inside the cave mansion!