Daoist Competition
Chapter 147 - 40: The Sword Injury of Zhuang Ze and the Oversight of Zhengqing_2

Chapter 147: Chapter 40: The Sword Injury of Zhuang Ze and the Oversight of Zhengqing_2

As Zhang Yan drew closer, he felt the entire mountain peak was enveloped by a chilling air of steely resolve, brimming with ominous tension.

From afar, he steered his boat down through the clouds, waking Zhuang Ze and dragging him along as he strode toward the mountain gate.

When Zhuang Ze regained consciousness and saw himself before Zhengqing Institute, he was both shocked and elated. He shouted, "Zhang Yan! I am a steward of Zhengqing Institute, under Vice Master Zhuang! How dare you assault me? You lawless scoundrel, utterly arrogant! Your crimes are unforgivable! I will report to Vice Master Zhuang and have your cultivation abolished!"

Zhang Yan ignored his accusations entirely, carrying him all the way to Zhengqing Institute’s mountain gate before tossing him to the ground like discarded baggage. Zhuang Ze continued to flail and scream but was left to writhe as he pleased.

On both sides of the gate, over a hundred Golden Axe Warriors stood in formation. Hearing Zhuang Ze’s words, their gazes turned strange as they looked at Zhang Yan—this man was truly audacious, wounding a steward and then swaggering arrogantly before Zhengqing Institute’s gates?

However, Zhang Yan’s expression remained calm as if entirely unperturbed, clearly relying on something. The warriors dared not act without an order, leaving the scene eerily quiet save for Zhuang Ze’s incessant cursing.

Disciples passing by stretched their necks to watch in astonishment. Most came here to receive punishment, trembling with fear and walking on eggshells. Who would dare act as brazenly as Zhang Yan, dragging a Zhengqing steward and tossing him in front of the gate? They couldn’t help but stop to observe.

A deacon disciple noticed the escalating dispute and hurried inside to report the matter.

About the time of an incense stick burning, a middle-aged cultivator ambled out. He was broad-shouldered and round-faced, his hair tied in a Daoist bun with no cap. As he noticed Zhang Yan’s True Disciple clothing, he frowned slightly. Then, spotting Zhuang Ze sprawled on the ground, covered in blood and missing an arm, he frowned even deeper. His eyes turned sharp as he looked at Zhang Yan and asked, "Who are you? Why cause such a commotion at Zhengqing Institute’s gates?"

Before Zhang Yan could respond, Zhuang Ze screamed, "Vice Master Pan! My name is Zhuang Ze. I serve under Vice Master Zhuang as steward at Zhengqing Institute. This man is Zhang Yan. I was carrying an order from Vice Master Zhuang to purge the demoness concubine from his island. But instead of cooperating, he severed one of my arms! Please, Vice Master Pan, deliver justice for me!"

Vice Master Pan asked in a grave voice, "You claim to be a steward of Zhengqing Institute. Do you have proof?"

Zhuang Ze answered hastily, "I carry a token to prove my position, and there are those at the institute who know me."

Vice Master Pan commanded a nearby deacon disciple, "Go retrieve the token!"

The deacon disciple quickly stepped forward, took the token from Zhuang Ze, and handed it to Vice Master Pan.

After verifying the token, Vice Master Pan summoned another disciple to identify Zhuang Ze. Once confirmed that Zhuang Ze did indeed serve under Zhuang Bufan, Vice Master Pan cast a sharp glance at Zhang Yan and said, "You injured my Zhengqing Institute disciple. What have you to say for yourself?"

Zhang Yan showed no fear whatsoever. Pointing to Zhuang Ze on the ground, he said, "Vice Master Pan, since this man is said to be a Zhengqing Institute disciple, I’d like to ask—the institute’s official registry, does it contain his name?"

With this declaration, Vice Master Pan’s expression changed dramatically. His lips quivered as though about to speak, yet he seemed momentarily tongue-tied.

Zhang Yan smiled faintly. As expected, the loophole was one even Zhengqing Institute insiders would unwittingly overlook.

In Mingcang Sect, the registered number of official positions at each institute is limited—often no more than a dozen per institute, including titles like Dean, Pavilion Master, and Steward. Holding an official position entitles the bearer to substantial sect-granted resources such as Spiritual Shells, Divine Sand, and Elixir Pills. These promising benefits make these positions coveted "fat meat," long monopolized by noble families and certain master-disciple lineages.

Those holding steward positions have influential backgrounds, making it difficult for institute heads to command them directly. Unable to change this situation, the institute heads often resort to appointing alternative personnel to handle their affairs.

For centuries, this practice became normalized. These unregistered individuals might claim they serve within the institute, though their position is technically empty, nominal, and without entitlement.

This applies to Zhang Yan himself. Though nominally an inspector at the Elixir Cauldron Institute, his role is merely a title with no real authority or recorded name. Thus, he cannot claim sect-granted resources twice over. His power relies entirely on Zhou Chongju’s backing; without Zhou Chongju, his position becomes a mere decoration.

By strict interpretation of sect rules, Zhuang Ze is merely Zhuang Bufan’s servant, rendering him unqualified to call himself a Zhengqing steward. His domineering behavior derives solely from Zhuang Bufan’s support. Yet if this façade is stripped away, they’re revealed to be nothing at all.

In a chilling voice, Zhang Yan said, "Zhengqing Institute represents clarity and purity. This man is evidently not a Zhengqing steward. Why would he misrepresent himself? To intimidate a True Disciple? Clearly, Zhuang Bufan supports his actions to further his own illicit schemes. A Vice Master like Zhuang Bufan, whose own conduct is corrupt—how could he possibly enforce righteousness upon others?"

Seeing Zhang Yan’s relentless accusations pile onto Zhuang Bufan, Vice Master Pan’s expression shifted—from initial bewilderment to subtle amusement, finally breaking into an almost imperceptible smirk.

He had seen through it now. Today, Zhang Yan dragging Zhuang Ze here and throwing him before the institute was no mere act of arrogance. It was calculated to stir trouble, tarnishing Zhuang Bufan’s reputation. More importantly, it handed ammunition to those seeking to oust Zhuang Bufan.

At Zhengqing Institute, punishments were severe, and authority vast. The position of Vice Master had always been hotly contested. Zhuang Bufan had only held the role for a short time and hadn’t yet solidified his standing. Many watched him closely, waiting for a misstep. Once a weakness was exposed, they would all rise against him, jeopardizing his longevity in the role.

Vice Master Pan laughed coldly in his heart, "Zhuang Bufan—so arrogant from the day you arrived, treating us as if we were nothing, preaching door reform? Well, I never thought you’d meet your match today."

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