Daoist Competition-Chapter 286 - 10 Jiazi 4th Pentad Water_2

Zhang Yan’s thoughts turned slightly. Most noble family disciples refine their pills within their clans, yet Xiao Han ventured out seeking an elixir—this must mean the elixir he seeks is exceedingly rare.

Elder Yan saw that Zhang Yan did not show the slightest reaction after hearing the news. He secretly nodded, his appraisal of Zhang Yan elevating further, and he continued, "Our Yan family has a longstanding relationship with the Xiao family. A few days ago, Xiao Han came to me, asking about the whereabouts of the ’Sixty-Year Four-Season Water.’ I told him what I knew."

Among the Inner Three Elixirs for pill refinement, there is one called "Four-Season Water." However, Four-Season Water varies greatly in quality. Zhang Yan understood that Xiao Han specifically sought Elder Yan to inquire about the location of this "Sixty-Year Four-Season Water," which must mean this water is extraordinarily rare, far surpassing ordinary Four-Season Water.

Elder Yan stroked his beard and slowly said, "This Xiao Han will go to the East Sea at the end of next year. In that region, this water falls from the heavens—a phenomenon occurring only once every sixty years. Within merely an hour, only a few dozen drops can be obtained. It is the finest among the upper grade of Four-Season Water. Back in the day, I was guided by my demon wife to acquire it, and it was with this water that I refined my Golden Core."

At this point, he paused, focusing his gaze on Zhang Yan, and said, "If Daoist Zhang would accompany me on this journey, I would gladly share this information with you. How about it?"

Zhang Yan pondered silently. To condense a Golden Core, Outer Three Elixirs rely on the earth, Inner Three Elixirs rely on oneself, and Upper Three Elixirs rely on the heavens. While Outer Three Elixirs can be found with effort, Inner Three Elixirs depend entirely on chance encounters. Without the backing of a sect or family, finding them alone is exceptionally difficult. The Mingcang Sect’s ancestor originally established the rule of seeking elixirs outside to temper disciples’ resolve.

Having come to know about "Sixty-Year Four-Season Water," Zhang Yan was determined not to pass up this chance.

Yet his mind was crystal clear—this Elder Yan outwardly pretended to ask for assistance in rescuing Yan and Song, but in truth, his words were wrapped in layers of intent, aiming to offer Zhang Yan a favor, thus creating a personal indebtedness.

Given this, a single Four-Season Water alone would not be sufficient. Zhang Yan leisurely savored his tea, making no haste to agree.

Elder Yan noticed his reaction, and his two elongated brows rose slightly. He chuckled and said, "Why not take a few more days to think, Daoist Zhang? Behind Wangyan Peak, I have a Blessed Land located merely a few miles away. You may borrow it for secluded cultivation."

Zhang Yan, straightforward as ever, smiled and nodded before standing up to excuse himself. A Daoist boy stepped forward to guide the way, and the two began to walk along the mountain path toward the cave mansion.

After Zhang Yan had left, a gaunt white-haired Daoist appeared within the pavilion, sitting before Elder Yan. He furrowed his brow and asked, "Senior Brother, he’s merely a junior in the Xuan Guang Realm. Why place so much importance on him?"

Elder Yan gazed into the distance, his eyes seeming to pierce through layers of overlapping peaks. He solemnly said, "Junior Brother, are you aware? Over ten days ago, the Three Pools Lake Demon set up the ’Four Symbols God-Slaying Formation’ in Perch Eagle Land to contend against the Mingcang Sect. Yet in this battle, the Mingcang Sect emerged victorious. And it was within this very battle that Zhang Yan swung his sword, slaying Gui Congyao, causing the collapse of the Four Symbols Formation and leaving the entirety of the Three Pools Land falling into the Mingcang Sect’s hands."

The white-haired Daoist was utterly shocked, exclaiming, "He could slay Gui Congyao? Senior Brother, surely you jest?"

With an air of gravity, Elder Yan replied, "Junior Brother, you are unaware. The reason he managed to slay Gui the Demon Lord was that he wielded the ’Beiming Dutian Sword’ in his hand."

The white-haired Daoist was further stunned, blurting out, "Isn’t that the Mingcang Sect’s former Sect Leader’s personal sword? I’ve heard even Sect Leader Qin has yet to subdue it."

Elder Yan nodded slowly. "Blessed by the sword itself, Zhang Yan has already secured his place in the sect as unbeatable. Furthermore, he is a True Disciple. Following the formation’s destruction, Mingcang Sect’s Sect Leader Qin immediately bestowed Zhao You Heavenly Pond as his Daoist Field. Rumor has it that this Zhang Yan is on excellent terms with Qi Yuntian, and it’s not hard to imagine that when Qi Yuntian becomes Sect Leader, Zhang Yan will surely enter Du Zhen Hall and take up an elder’s position, wielding great authority."

The white-haired Daoist remained silent, but there was a thoughtful expression on his face.

Elder Yan’s eyes gleamed with sharp light. "Currently, in the Three Pools Land, aside from Surging Wave Lake being seized by several noble families, all else has fallen under the Mingcang Sect’s direct control. Sect Leader Qin is always farsighted, otherwise, he would not have claimed the Sect Leader position back then. Now that the Three Pools Land is secured, I expect his next move will be executed soon."

"Throughout thousands of years, apart from the deep-rooted Shaoqing, Mingcang, and Yuxiao Sects, which are difficult to shake, which of the others haven’t been replaced at some point?"

Radiating ambition, Elder Yan declared, "Our Beichen Sect’s founding ancestor did possess Upper Grade Mysterious Skills. Alas, all spirit lands under heaven were occupied by the great sects. No matter how refined the Dharma techniques were, it was impossible to reach greater heights. But now, chaos is brewing in East Splendor Continent, and the structure of the Ten Sects and Six Sects will undoubtedly fracture. Within the next few centuries lies our Beichen Sect’s opportunity to rise!"

The white-haired Daoist now understood. His senior brother placed great value on Zhang Yan—or rather, on the Mingcang Sect’s direct disciples. Elder Yan intended to spare no expense in forming ties with them, so that if turmoil broke out in East Splendor Continent, Beichen Sect could leverage the Mingcang Sect’s influence to ascend.

Every move his senior brother made appeared casual, yet upon reflection, each carried profound significance. Even if he had spent hundreds of years in cultivation, he couldn’t help but feel his chest surge with excitement at the prospect of Beichen Sect possibly replacing one of the Ten Sects of Xuanmen.

After mulling it over, he spoke again. "But Zhang Yan is born of a great sect. Leaving aside his ability to discern your intentions, a single Four-Season Water may not be enough to sway him."

Elder Yan smiled slightly. "No matter; this Daoist Zhang has deep scheming and did not outright refuse me. This indicates he believes the offer insufficient and is waiting for me to add more chips to the pot. Since that’s the case, it’s easier to proceed. I happen to have another item to gift him. Although it’s not for condensing pills, it should surely earn his gratitude."

...

... (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to visit Qidian.com to submit recommendation votes and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)

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