Daoist Competition
Chapter 90 - 9: A Chance Discovery of the True Skill - Wang Mao Comes Calling_2

Chapter 90: Chapter 9: A Chance Discovery of the True Skill - Wang Mao Comes Calling_2

Thus, the crowd coldly observed, eagerly watching the Wang Family’s next move—would they fly into a shameful rage and storm over to seek trouble with Zhang Yan, or would they lower their flags and quietly retreat, turning a major event into a minor one, and ignore it altogether?

The battle between Wang Pan and Zhang Yan had originally only circulated within a small circle, but now many cultivators within the sect were paying attention. Under such circumstances, the Wang Family had no choice but to respond promptly.

Sure enough, after just a few days, the Wang Family sent someone to Spiritual Paper Island to pay Zhang Yan a visit.

"Is Master Zhang present? I am Wang Mao, grandson of True Master Wang Yuan."

The visitor appeared to be in his thirties, with a broad face, thick lips, and a chest-length beard. At a glance, he bore some resemblance to Wang Pan, but his build and appearance were rather ordinary, seemingly unremarkable.

"Ah, so you’re the grandson of True Master Wang Yuan. A pleasure to meet you."

Not daring to underestimate this man, Zhang Yan greeted him with formal politeness and personally escorted him into his Cave Mansion.

Those above the Nascent Soul stage could be addressed as "True Masters." True Master Wang Yuan was a key figure behind the Wang Family’s rise in recent years, having elevated them from a declining noble clan to a renowned family over the past century—an impressive feat. No matter how Zhang Yan felt about the Wang Family, he still respected this elder’s accomplishments.

Yet the fact that this True Master had sent his direct grandson here made Zhang Yan wonder what maneuver they were planning next.

After the two sat down and took their respective seats as host and guest, Zhang Yan remained silent, prompting Wang Mao to take the initiative. He clasped his hands and said, "Master Zhang, do not misunderstand. I am not here to accuse you, but rather to discuss a matter with you. Wang Pan was my cousin. This time, he acted recklessly out of desire and offended Master Zhang, leading to his demise. His fate was his own doing and cannot be blamed on others."

Zhang Yan waved his hand and replied solemnly, "Brother Wang, your words are mistaken. The duel between Senior Brother Wang Pan and me was an ’Absolute Fighting’ match conducted according to sect rules, a fair competition without personal animosity or grievances. There was no right or wrong involved. If I, Zhang Yan, had been the one defeated that day, it would have simply been a matter of bad fortune. No blame could be placed on Senior Brother Wang Pan."

He had to intercept Wang Mao’s narrative. Regardless of how the duel transpired between him and Wang Pan, it was officially conducted according to sect rules, with no violations on either side. If Wang Mao framed it as a private dispute over desire, the situation would change dramatically. Even if the Wang Family sought to clandestinely target him in the future, others might see it as justified. Therefore, Zhang Yan could not afford to let the discussion be steered in this direction; he needed to firmly uphold his rationale.

Wang Mao was slightly surprised. Although he had indeed intended to lay a trap with his words, Zhang Yan, despite his youth, did not let success go to his head and reacted swiftly, leaving no openings. Wang Mao silently nodded to himself, concluding that Wang Pan’s defeat at Zhang Yan’s hands was indeed not unjust.

Since both parties understood the situation clearly, there was no point in dwelling on it further. Wang Mao clasped his hands again and, with a hint of apology, said, "I misspoke earlier. Master Zhang is correct. My visit today concerns another matter."

Zhang Yan replied, "Please speak, Master Wang."

Wang Mao stroked his beard thoughtfully, seeming to deliberate over his phrasing. After a moment, he slowly said, "Since Wang Pan has lost, all his possessions rightfully belong to Master Zhang. Our Wang Family has rooted itself in the sect for over three hundred years and would never act unreasonably. However, while Red Cloud Island is a sect-affiliated Cave Mansion, it has also benefited from over a century of our Wang Family’s management. Wang Pan may hold the title of island master, but there are still more than ten Wang Family members secluded in cultivation on the island. Therefore, I would ask Master Zhang to show magnanimity. Our Hao Pu Wang Family is willing to exchange Dharma Treasure Flying Swords and Elixir Pills for the return of the Cave Mansion. Whatever Master Zhang desires, just name it."

This statement deeply moved Zhang Yan. To be honest, Red Cloud Island was merely a True Palace Cave Mansion. With Spiritual Paper Island—a Blessed Land—in his possession, he didn’t think highly of this location. Moreover, although he had defeated Wang Pan, Red Cloud Island didn’t formally belong to him, so exchanging it for practical Dharma Treasures and Elixirs was naturally the most sensible option.

Zhang Yan smiled and said, "I agree to this. However, let me make this clear: the Cave Mansion can be redeemed, but since Wang Pan has lost, everything on the island belongs to me. Although your Wang Family members are currently cultivating on the island, they have no official status within the sect. Thus, whether it’s Dharma Treasure Flying Swords or Elixir Pills and Daoist Books, they must remain."

Wang Mao also smiled faintly and said, "That is reasonable." Though his words seemed lighthearted, inwardly he felt a pang of pain. Wang Pan had left behind many resources that originally belonged to the family on Red Cloud Island. He had hoped to use the redemption of the Cave Mansion as a pretext to reclaim them, but Zhang Yan left him no room to maneuver, firmly locking him out.

Sighing inwardly, Wang Mao asked, "If that’s settled, then when can we redeem the Cave Mansion?"

Zhang Yan replied, "Within half a month."

Wang Mao thought for a moment and said, "Very well."

At this point, their discussion had concluded, and Wang Mao began to prepare to take his leave. Just as he was about to rise, Zhang Yan suddenly asked, "Earlier, Master Wang mentioned that Senior Brother Wang Pan dueled with me because of desire. Who exactly made such claims?"

Wang Mao smiled bitterly and vaguely replied, "There’s no shortage of gossipers in the world."

Zhang Yan nodded, his gaze flickering, before asking solemnly, "Let me ask Master Wang—does the Wang Family wish to reclaim its reputation?"

Wang Mao furrowed his brows and looked at Zhang Yan, sitting upright. "Master Zhang, feel free to express your thoughts."

Zhang Yan chuckled and said, "Since the rumors say this matter arose because of my beautiful maid, why don’t I hand this girl over to your Wang Family? Whether she’s punished or criticized, beaten or killed, is at your discretion. What does Master Wang think?"

Wang Mao’s expression shifted dramatically, and he blurted out, "What are your conditions?"

Zhang Yan replied leisurely, "Before his death, Senior Brother Wang Pan mentioned that he was willing to trade Elixirs and Magical Treasures for my maid. Many people should still remember this. However, I can announce publicly that I am giving this girl to the Wang Family out of admiration for your noble virtues. What does Master Wang think?"

In Zhang Yan’s mind, having defeated Wang Pan had already aligned him with Ning Chongxuan’s position. Tang Yan’s value had significantly diminished, and it was now the perfect time to rid himself of this troublemaker. By handing her over, he could smooth relations with the Wang Family and gain substantial benefits in return. Why not? As for how the Wang Family would deal with Tang Yan afterward, it was none of his concern.

Wang Mao couldn’t help but glance at Zhang Yan again. The subtle disdain he’d harbored earlier had completely vanished.

Since the matter stemmed from Tang Yan, Zhang Yan needed only to officially declare that he was offering this beautiful maid to the Wang Family. That would provide them an honorable way to resolve the issue. Moreover, in the public eye, it would appear that rather than exploiting their strength to pressure Zhang Yan, the Wang Family had acted cordially and redeemed the Cave Mansion in a dignified manner. This perceived nobility would move Zhang Yan, prompting him to voluntarily offer up the maid. In this way, not only could the Wang Family salvage their tarnished reputation, but they might even earn additional praise.

This was a proposal Wang Mao couldn’t refuse.

Wang Mao clasped his hands respectfully and said, "Master Zhang, such tactics are impressive. I am sincerely in awe."

He had heard of Tang Yan before, and Zhang Yan’s maneuvering left him with no illusions. This was an open conspiracy, and he had no choice but to accept it.

After exchanging a few rounds, Wang Mao found himself at a disadvantage. Deep down, he began to view Zhang Yan with newfound respect.

Zhang Yan returned the ceremonial gesture with a smile. "I must return the compliment—Master Wang’s noble character stands unparalleled."

The two exchanged a glance and then burst into hearty laughter together.

...

...