Daoist Competition
Chapter 46 - 22: Entry Position - Mortal Court Sacrifice

Chapter 46: Chapter 22: Entry Position - Mortal Court Sacrifice

"I have suffered severe injuries, and all the elixir pills I carried have been lost on the way. Could you help me find some elixir pills? It would be beneficial to you as well."

Although Luo Xiao had just helped Zhang Yan avoid a disaster, Zhang Yan outright refused, "Absolutely not! You must not venture out at this time. Ning Chongxuan has failed to capture you thus far, but I am certain he has not gone far. He could very well be waiting for you to walk into his trap."

Luo Xiao trembled all over, thought for a moment, and admitted that Zhang Yan’s words made sense. He cursed angrily, "That Ning Chongxuan is no virtuous character either. Now that I think about it, he had the opportunity to save those disciples but stood by watching until I had killed them before he made a move. This shows he’s plotting something sinister."

Zhang Yan shook his head. The waters of the lower court of Mingcang Sect already ran this deep; how much more complicated must the upper court be? But before he could complete Opening Meridians, such matters were still far removed from him, and he was too uninterested to bother thinking about them.

Luo Xiao paced irritably back and forth inside the cauldron, then suddenly seemed to recall something and asked, "Let me ask you, since you’re a lower court disciple of Mingcang Sect, do you have any entry-level disciples as associates?"

"Entry-level disciples?" Zhang Yan smiled faintly and said, "That would be me."

Luo Xiao froze in surprise, then burst out angrily, "You’re an entry-level disciple? Then you must be from a noble family! Why would you lack elixir pills? Or are you simply unwilling to part with them? I even revealed secrets about Heavenly Mechanism to aid your cultivation; had I known this, I’d have gone down with you instead!"

Seeing Luo Xiao’s fierce reaction, Zhang Yan hadn’t expected such a misunderstanding. He quickly clarified, "I am not from a noble family, and I only became an entry-level disciple three days ago."

"You’re not from a Xuanmen Family?" Luo Xiao was stunned. Upon hearing the explanation, a complex expression appeared in his gaze. That someone without any prestigious background could rise from the lower court of Mingcang Sect—it was unimaginable to him. After a pause, he let out a huff and said, "Well, that makes things easier."

"What’s easier?" Zhang Yan asked, puzzled.

Luo Xiao laughed heartily and replied, "You, as an entry-level disciple of Mingcang Sect’s lower court, must have countless nobles and powerful figures trying to curry favor with you. So tell me, how will you handle this?"

Zhang Yan was taken aback and was about to ask more when there came a voice from outside the door, "Brother Zhang, are you here? An old acquaintance, Zhao Yuan, requests an audience."

"Brother Zhao?"

Recognizing Zhao Yuan’s voice immediately, Zhang Yan glanced at Luo Xiao, who promptly retreated into the cauldron. Zhang Yan sealed the lid, tidied up his attire, and walked toward the door to open it.

Standing outside was none other than Zhao Yuan. However, Zhao Yuan’s expression was somewhat restrained as he greeted Zhang Yan with clasped hands, "Brother Zhang, I offer you my respects."

Zhang Yan smiled gently and said, "Brother Zhao, it has been long since you’ve visited your little brother."

He scrutinized Zhao Yuan carefully and noticed that he had still not achieved Foundation Building. His cheeks were gaunt, his eyes lacked vitality, and his temples were streaked with gray hairs—all signs of injuring his Dao Foundation in his rush for progress. Zhang Yan silently lamented, realizing Zhao Yuan likely had no hope of advancing further in his lifetime.

Noticing Zhang Yan treated him in the same amiable manner as before, Zhao Yuan let out a slight sigh of relief and showed a faint smile, "Your junior came here last time, but after Brother Zhang returned to the court, you went into seclusion, presumably to comprehend some superior Grade Daoist Skill. I dared not disturb you."

Though Zhao Yuan was older than Zhang Yan, he still addressed himself as "junior." Zhang Yan made no effort to correct him; their statuses had now shifted, and Zhang Yan had become an entry-level disciple. How could Zhao Yuan dare to assert himself as a senior? Zhang Yan decided not to dwell on how he addressed Zhao Yuan.

"Indeed, I was in seclusion for focused cultivation—my neglect of Brother Zhao was unintentional." Zhang Yan stepped aside, "Brother Zhao, please come in and speak."

Zhao Yuan entered the cave mansion, and the two sat down in the appropriate places for host and guest. Surveying the surroundings, Zhao Yuan remarked with emotion, "This place is serene. However, given Brother Zhang’s current status, it might be time to bring in a few people to help manage mundane affairs."

"I only stepped into the role of an entry-level disciple three days ago. There’s been no time to gather servants, and besides, I am singularly focused on cultivation—such trivialities have not crossed my mind."

For entry-level disciples, keeping servants was a way to exhibit one’s status. They could also handle mundane tasks and liaise with the family on the disciple’s behalf. Most servants came from families of trusted backgrounds. However, given Zhang Yan’s weak foundation, he dared not employ servants with unclear origins.

Zhang Xi was a potentially suitable candidate, but his age was advanced, and the intrigues of the lower court were fraught with danger. Since becoming an entry-level disciple, Zhang Yan could not avoid some people’s dissatisfaction. Though they might not dare act against him directly, they could very well retaliate against those close to him. Thus, for now, he set this idea aside.

"Brother Zhao, what brings you here today?"

Zhao Yuan let out a sigh, his face carrying an apologetic look as he stood and said, "Previously, my younger sister caused Brother Zhang considerable trouble..."