Daoist Competition
Chapter 91 - 10: Crimson Fire Alchemy Book - Another Lineage of Masters

Chapter 91: Chapter 10: Crimson Fire Alchemy Book - Another Lineage of Masters

A few days later, Zhang Yan arrived at Red Cloud Island. After surveying the surroundings, he couldn’t help but sigh. In comparison, his own Blessed Land appeared exceedingly sinister.

On this island, the earth veins were not only gentle but abundant without fierceness, making it a rare True Palace Qi Mansion. The scenery alone was extraordinary, with countless cascading waterfalls and flowing springs. Among them lay an enormous crimson boulder sprawled across the center of the island, which absorbed and reflected light, making all the streams shine as though molten lava was surging through them.

Moreover, whenever the twilight clouds formed in the sky, from a distance, the heavenly water and crimson hues blended into a continuous expanse resembling a fiery inferno, leaving one in awe.

This island, nurtured by the Wang Family for over a century, did not disappoint. All the paths were paved with pristine and beautiful jade, and grand palaces, pavilions, and waterside gazebos were scattered everywhere. They had even painstakingly constructed a floating islet to assert their status, which was lavishly planted with rare and exquisite flora, making it a sight to behold.

When directed by the powerful warriors on the island, Zhang Yan learned that no one could ascend the floating islet without Wang Pan’s approval. It was said that Wang Pan had even stayed there for a night before his battle with Zhang Yan.

Hearing this, Zhang Yan became intrigued and made a point to walk around the islet.

It turned out the islet was more than just a residence; leveraging its earth fire, it had been used to cultivate many rare herbs. It was no wonder the Wang Family had been so eager to reclaim it; the contents alone were invaluable. However, Zhang Yan didn’t pay it much mind. The herbs, while precious, were not yet mature and offered no immediate benefit. It was better to exchange them for something more practical.

At the center of the floating islet stood a meticulously restored three-story pavilion, surrounded by lush and verdant bamboo. It was evident that the area was frequently cleaned and maintained, as the jade stairs were spotless, without a speck of dust.

Upon entering the pavilion, Zhang Yan casually browsed through its contents. The first floor housed an assortment of golden artifacts and jade ornaments, which, at a glance, seemed to hold no spiritual energy. Uninterested, he proceeded to the second floor. Here, a Xuanwen Star Map was hung, and at its center rested a meditation cushion—likely used occasionally for sitting in contemplation.

After a glance around, he still found nothing of value until he ventured to the study on the third floor. It was here that he finally made a worthwhile discovery.

The study contained not only a collection of geographical miscellanies but also several books that Zhang Yan deemed highly valuable. These included handwritten notes by ancient practitioners, secret methods for Erosion Text Inference, and most notably, the very Red Cloud Pill Fire Scroll that Wang Pan used for cultivation.

After flipping through a few pages, Zhang Yan tucked the scroll into his sleeve, thinking to himself, "The wisdom of others can refine one’s own jade. Wang Pan’s cultivation technique has its merits, especially for training in the Gold Wind Intense Fire Locale. I might as well take this back for thorough study. Even if I can’t grasp all its intricacies, it could still give me an edge against similar opponents in the future."

Afterward, he thoroughly searched the rest of the island and ordered the powerful warriors to transport the elixir pills, alchemy books, Dharma Treasures, and Divine Sand onto the Flying Boat and back to Spiritual Paper Island.

However, to curry favor with Zhang Yan, these warriors took it upon themselves to also haul away furnishings, paintings, jade ornaments, and other decorations. Though just under Wang Pan’s name, the island had nine flying boats, and even so, it took a full day to move everything.

In the end, the Red Cloud Island that Zhang Yan returned to the Wang Family was effectively reduced to an empty shell. Anything of value had been taken away. Yet the Wang Family could not utter a word of complaint, for Zhang Yan was operating entirely within the rules. Technically, everything on Red Cloud Island now belonged to him. Even if he were to dismantle the buildings constructed by the Wang Family, they could not argue against it.

Once Zhang Yan received the elixirs, magical artifacts, and other items he desired, Wang Mao hurried back to Red Cloud Island. Seeing that the herbal garden atop the floating islet remained untouched and undamaged, he couldn’t help but wipe away the cold sweat on his brow and let out a sigh of relief. He thought to himself that Zhang Yan had indeed refrained from pushing things too far.

This venture had been immensely fruitful for Zhang Yan. With Tang Yan’s group already taken away by Wang Mao, he was in an excellent mood and decided to assign the accommodations previously used by them to the powerful warriors for their residence. Then, he unlocked all the island’s prohibitions and retreated to the cave mansion for secluded cultivation.

Pan Chi Island.

Within a humble grass hut, a middle-aged cultivator lay on a cot, his robe disheveled and sash undone. He lazily fanned his exposed belly with a large fan and asked absentmindedly, "Who exactly is this Zhang Yan?"

This man’s name was Feng Shang, an elder uncle of Feng Zhen. His cultivation level was a mystery to everyone. With his frivolous laughter and irreverent demeanor, no one was willing to associate with him. However, Feng Zhen knew that this elder was anything but ordinary. Being of a side branch and without support from the main family, Feng Zhen often sought his guidance on difficult matters.

Over the past few days, Feng Zhen had already investigated Zhang Yan’s background and now eagerly recounted everything he had learned.