Daoist Competition
Chapter 78 - 3 Golden Wind and Fierce Fire, Spiritual Mechanism Soaring to the Heavens

Chapter 78: Chapter 3 Golden Wind and Fierce Fire, Spiritual Mechanism Soaring to the Heavens

The dwelling places used by cultivators are collectively referred to as "Cultivation Residences," though they are specifically divided into six categories: "Grotto Heaven, Blessed Land, True Palace, Qi Mansion, Mystic Hut, and Refined Hut." These are further distinguished by the amount of Qi Veins and spiritual mechanisms within. As for the so-called first-class through fourth-class cultivation residences, to put it bluntly, they are nothing more than the lowest-grade Mystic Hut and Refined Hut types, falling short of even the True Palace or Qi Mansion, let alone the exalted Grotto Heaven and Blessed Land.

Hearing Huang Shouhe’s words, Die’er opened her mouth as though about to argue further, but Zhang Yan raised his hand to stop her, saying, "Die’er, you may leave first."

Die’er was unwilling at first, but as Zhang Yan’s faintly cold gaze swept over her, her heart inexplicably trembled. Nervously, she mumbled, "Understood," and left begrudgingly.

Turning to Huang Shouhe, Zhang Yan said, "I do intend to have the cultivation residence."

Huang Shouhe stroked his beard and cast Zhang Yan a sidelong glance, saying, "Ah, Junior Brother Zhang, you understand the rules well. I happen to have a third-class cultivation residence. I shall retrieve the residence token for you shortly."

"Hold on."

As Huang Shouhe turned to leave, Zhang Yan called out to stop him. Taking a slow step forward, he smiled and said, "Brother, you seem to be mistaken. The residence I am here to claim is not a Mystic Hut or Refined Hut, but a Grotto Heaven Blessed Land."

"What? A Grotto Heaven Blessed Land?"

Huang Shouhe’s face darkened instantly, his sleeve flicking in anger as he rebuked, "You are merely a Meridian Opening Cultivator who has just entered the Upper Court, and you dare ask for a Grotto Heaven Blessed Land? Utterly delusional! Do you even know that only cultivators of the True Master rank or higher can reside in such places? Even those at the Xuan Guang Realm are not guaranteed a spot, let alone someone like you!"

Unperturbed, Zhang Yan remained expressionless and replied, "Brother, your words are mistaken. Perhaps others may be denied, but as someone who rose through the Lower Court as an entry-level disciple and who has now achieved the Meridian Opening and entered the Upper Court, claiming a Grotto Heaven Blessed Land is entirely appropriate and reasonable."

Huang Shouhe retorted coldly, "Even if you were a Lower Court entry-level disciple, you should still adhere to the sect rules upon reaching the Upper Court."

"If we’re talking about the rules," Zhang Yan countered with a steely smile, "then let me ask—is this rule you speak of Brother Huang’s personal rule, or the rule of Yue Xian Pavilion?"

Internally, Zhang Yan sneered. Did Huang Shouhe assume that his arrival at the Upper Court meant he knew nothing?

The affairs of the Upper Court were far less obscure than cultivation methods. Even before he sought entry into the Lower Court, Zhang Yan had thoroughly investigated these details, and had later meticulously consulted Ai Zhongwen and others about them. The sect rules and bylaws were crystal clear to him—he had dissected them to the core. If Huang thought he could deceive him with this, he was sorely mistaken.

"This..." Huang Shouhe hesitated. "...Of course, it’s the rule of Yue Tian Pavilion."

"Bang!"

A desk beside Huang Shouhe, laden with ledgers, abruptly shattered into splinters under Zhang Yan’s strike. Huang Shouhe jumped in fright and exclaimed, "What are you doing?"

Taking two more intimidating steps forward, Zhang Yan, towering over Huang Shouhe, spoke in an icy tone, "Lower Court entry-level disciples, upon opening their meridians and ascending to the Upper Court, are promoted to True Disciples. Dwelling in a Grotto Heaven Blessed Land to absorb the Heaven and Earth Spirit Mechanism is a foundational regulation of Mingcang Sect! And yet, you—a mere Deacon Daoist—dare to manipulate the rules in secret and claim that the regulations of Yue Xian Pavilion override the laws of our sect? Do you think I cannot deal with you, or that the elders and stewards of ’Zhengqing Institute’ will let you off scot-free?"

Huang Shouhe’s hands trembled slightly as he unconsciously took two steps back, struggling to maintain his composure as he replied, "Stop trying to frighten me! The elders of Zhengqing Origin are far beyond the reach of a mere Meridian Opening cultivator like you!"

Zhang Yan chuckled softly and said, "I am a True Disciple. Not only can I summon the elders, but I can also strike the golden bell and enter the hall to meet the Sect Leader himself! It would appear that Brother Huang is intent on testing the severity of ’Zhengqing Institute’s’ punishment today?"

Huang Shouhe felt a chill of fear shoot down his spine as he cursed inwardly, "Didn’t Wang Family’s fourth son say this kid was rootless and clueless about Upper Court matters? How could he be so well-informed?"

The matter of cultivation residences was never meant to fool someone knowledgeable. Huang Shouhe had served as a Yue Tian Pavilion steward for a long time, and his methods greatly surpassed those of Wang Family’s inexperienced noble heir. He had prepared a fallback plan long ago, and seeing that his initial maneuver couldn’t hold Zhang Yan, he immediately changed tactics. With an ingratiating smile, he said, "No need to be upset, Junior Brother. This humble Daoist just recalled that there happens to be an unoccupied Blessed Land. It might well have been reserved for you. It should suit you perfectly."

Reaching into his sleeve, he pretended to rummage for a moment before pulling out a token that appeared neither metallic nor wooden, handing it to Zhang Yan. "This is Lingyan Island, located southwest of Jiuyi City. This token controls the island’s prohibitions. I will assign a Deacon Daoist Boy to accompany you there."

Zhang Yan accepted the token with a smile and cupped his hands respectfully, saying, "Many thanks, Brother Huang."

"Ha-ha, Junior Brother is too polite, far too polite." Huang Shouhe waved his hands repeatedly, his face beaming, as though the prior unpleasantness had evaporated entirely.