Daoist Competition
Chapter 137 - 33 Ming Qi Level 3 Refining Mystic Cloud Sand_2

Chapter 137: Chapter 33 Ming Qi Level 3 Refining Mystic Cloud Sand_2

Zhang Yan thought to himself, "Among these dozens of spirit lands, which one is truly the best? Senior Brother Zhou has been in the sect for centuries, knowledgeable and experienced. He should know a thing or two. Why not seek his advice?"

After thoroughly washing away the filth on his body, he felt refreshed and invigorated. He rose and donned the Xuanluo Daoist Robe gifted to him by Water Country’s ruler, then stepped out of his cave mansion. After instructing Luo Xiao on a few matters, he released his flying boat, riding the clouds toward the Elixir Cauldron Institute.

Having taken this path several times before, he was now well-acquainted with it. Before long, he glided over vast lakes, passed above the main halls of the Elixir Cauldron Institute, and landed near a fishing vessel.

After notifying the Deacon Daoist boy at the entrance and receiving permission, he entered the pavilion. He saw Zhou Chongju standing by the window with his hands clasped behind his back, exclaiming, "Junior Brother Zhang, you’ve been in the sect for less than a year, and yet you’ve already reached Ming Qi Third Realm. Truly, you possess extraordinary talent! The elders’ Dharma Eye did not err; our future vengeance now carries hope!"

Zhou Chongju turned around, smiling, "I had a feeling you would come looking for me these past few days. Are you here to ask about the matter of the Xuan Guang Seed?"

Zhang Yan, slightly surprised, replied, "Senior Brother has guessed correctly. That is indeed why I’m here."

Zhou Chongju chuckled, "According to sect rules, Cloud Sand should usually be handled by masters who obtain it for disciples. However, I currently don’t have any on hand, though I do know of two sources."

Zhang Yan clasped his hands in respect, saying, "I humbly ask Senior Brother to enlighten me."

Zhou Chongju’s robe billowed as he moved to sit at the desk, stroking his elegant beard, "Hmm, the first source is the sect’s Spirit Mechanism Institute. As a True Disciple, you wouldn’t have to search for Cloud Sand yourself, unlike ordinary disciples—you can simply claim a piece from there. However, the Cloud Sand stored at the Spirit Mechanism Institute is also collected by disciples, so while you might find one or two pieces of excellent quality, they are usually already picked clean. What’s left is passable but far inferior to top-grade Cloud Sand, though it would save you the trouble of searching."

Zhang Yan smiled faintly, "While this method is convenient, it would leave deficiencies in my future cultivation. I wonder what the second source is?"

The "Taiyin Golden Book" he practiced was a superior mysterious skill, and the higher its level, the more exacting its requirements during cultivation. Ordinary Cloud Sand would greatly diminish his future powers, making this method unsuitable.

Zhou Chongju seemed unfazed, as though he had already anticipated Zhang Yan’s stance, and responded calmly, "The second source, however, is quite dangerous. It all depends on whether Junior Brother dares to go."

With no hesitation, Zhang Yan immediately answered, "The path to the Great Dao is always full of peril; what reason is there to shy away? Senior Brother, please speak freely."

Zhou Chongju slapped the table and rose, "Good! If you leave the sect’s Mountain Gate and travel north, there is a place called Zhao You Heavenly Pond. A hundred feet beneath its waters lies what you seek."

"Zhao You Heavenly Pond?" Zhang Yan was slightly startled, "Isn’t this the domain of Gui Congyao, one of the Three Pools Lake Demons?"

Three Pools is just a general designation, referring to three locations: Bixue Pond, Surging Wave Lake, and Zhao You Heavenly Pond.

Gui Congyao is an ancient turtle demon who has achieved refinement over several thousand years of lifespan. He is the most advanced in cultivation among the three demon lords. To retrieve something within his domain would indeed be extraordinarily dangerous.

Zhou Chongju lowered his voice, "While this demon is one of the Three Demons, Gui Congyao is known to act alone, with no disciples or subordinates to speak of. Moreover, he is incredibly lethargic and sleeps deeply. As long as you don’t disturb him while obtaining the Cloud Sand, you should be fine. Ultimately, how you decide is up to you."

Thoughtfully pondering for a moment, Zhang Yan formulated a plan in his heart. Without saying much else, he took his leave.

As he stepped out of the building, a faint smile appeared on his face. Although Zhou Chongju had described the matter as extremely risky, if his instincts were correct, there should be more to it than meets the eye.

He then boarded his flying boat and headed back toward Spiritual Paper Island. Passing through halls and courtyards, he was still within the gates of the Elixir Cauldron Institute when he passed by Detan Pavilion and suddenly heard a familiar voice from inside. His heart stirred, and he descended from the clouds, landing in the courtyard.

During Zhang Yan’s last visit here, he captured a group of disciples related to the Six Rivers and Four Islands. As a result, the surrounding Deacon Daoist boys recognized him and quickly approached to pay their respects, each bowing and saying, "Junior Master Zhang has arrived."

Inside Detan Pavilion, a woman angrily exclaimed, "Clearly, one hundred Spiritual Shells should exchange for ten Great Origin Pills—why are there only five now?"

Chao Zhang responded leisurely, "That price was correct earlier. However, Great Origin Pills are notoriously difficult to refine, and with the sect’s grand competition approaching, all institutes and peaks are striving to nurture their younger disciples. Hence, their availability has become increasingly rare. If you don’t want them now, naturally other sect members will take them. My advice is to exchange sooner rather than later, lest you find the price worsens in a few days."

The woman’s companion, Qin Nan, tugged at her sleeve and advised, "Senior Sister Wang, why not just buy the five and be done with it?"

"No!" The woman pulled her sleeve away, slammed the counter, and said furiously, "Do you understand that I have ties with Master Cheng from the Six Rivers and Four Islands? Do you believe me when I say I’ll call him here?"

Chao Zhang sneered coldly, "Even if the True Disciple of Six Rivers and Four Islands personally comes, he must abide by the rules of Elixir Cauldron Pavilion." He thought inwardly, "You think it’s still the time of Dou Ming? Now I don’t need to care about the likes of you."

The woman had earlier boasted to Qin Nan, so now she found it hard to back down. Her face flushed red as she dragged Qin Nan along angrily, "Junior Sister, let’s leave. I’ll get Master Cheng here and see if he dares treat me like this!"

Chao Zhang’s face showed disdain, and he was about to mock them further when he suddenly heard commotion outside. Listening carefully, he froze in shock, quickly replacing his expression with a fawning smile. He rushed out hurriedly and bowed deeply, "Ah, Junior Master Zhang is here. This disciple apologizes for failing to welcome you sooner. Forgive my rudeness."

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