At present, there are not many disciples left who can break the array. Besides Zhang Yan, only eleven remain—eight Ming Qi disciples and three Hua Dan cultivators.
If one is to attempt breaking the array, all four corners must be tried. Apart from the three Hua Dan cultivators, Zhang Yan possesses the highest cultivation, so he is undoubtedly required to go.
Upon hearing True Master Yan’s words, True Master Meng nodded in agreement, turned his gaze to Sun Zhiyan, and said slowly, "Junior Brother Sun, what do you think?"
He fully understood his Junior Brother’s intent in summoning Zhang Yan to his side. It is indeed rare for the sect to produce a disciple so gifted in the Sword Dao, especially one who does not hail from a noble family. Naturally, such a talent must be guarded carefully; in the future, he might even become a vital ally within their lineage.
If the disciples proceeding ahead can trigger an opportunity to break the array, Zhang Yan would then be spared from certain death. Thus, True Master Meng had refrained from summoning Zhang Yan earlier, granting his Junior Brother Sun some face.
Yet, circumstances have now reached this point. No matter how extraordinary Zhang Yan’s talent may be, if he is to attempt breaking the array, his death today is inevitable. Thankfully, reincarnation is possible, and in a few years, someone from the sect will surely take him as a disciple again. Though he may never reach his current level of achievement, it is still better than being among the ordinary mortals with no chance at all—whether it turns out to be fortune or misfortune remains unclear.
Master Sun, knowing that any further objections would be futile, spoke to Zhang Yan: "Zhang Yan, take care of yourself. What I promised earlier will surely be fulfilled."
It was still early, hours before noon. After a brief moment of contemplation, True Master Meng retrieved three jade talismans imbued with flowing Clear Qi. Pointing to them, he said, "These three Avoiding Tribulation Jade Talismans were painstakingly crafted by the elders in Du Zhen Hall. They can withstand a single full-force strike from the array guardians. Though they cannot truly protect you, they are better than nothing. Take them with you."
These jade talismans are said to avert three disasters and nine tribulations, but each person can only use them once in their lifetime. Otherwise, if there were more, the four True Masters themselves could have ventured to break the array.
Master Sun’s brows furrowed slightly as he barked, "Zhang Yan, go and take one."
True Master Zhu let out a cold snort, displeased. "Junior Brother Sun, Zhang Yan is merely a Xuan Guang disciple. What qualifications does he have to claim one of these jade talismans? Such opportunities should be reserved for the three Junior Brothers present, as they are Hua Dan cultivators and have a greater chance of breaking the array. Don’t be overly partial."
Master Sun chuckled softly and said, "Senior Brother Zhu, what do you mean by this? Setting cultivation aside, Zhang Yan is a True Disciple and the first to volunteer to break the array. Does he not deserve a talisman for protection? Or is Senior Brother Zhu harboring private resentment because Zhang Yan once offended Nephew Zhuang, thereby letting personal bias influence your judgment?"
True Master Zhu was stunned that his Junior Brother would cast aside the decorum between True Masters and openly accuse him of selfishness. His expression turned sour as he said, "Junior Brother Sun, why speak of such things? I am merely stating facts. Do not twist this into something personal!"
True Master Yan waved his horsetail whisk and said lightly, "Senior Brother Zhu speaks rightly. Junior Brother Sun, say no more."
Watching his Junior Brothers argue in front of him, True Master Meng furrowed his brows and barked, "These jade talismans merely extend a sliver of life force—they are no true charms against death. There is no need for disputes among you. Junior Brother Sun, the three Junior Brothers indeed have a better chance at breaking the array compared to Zhang Yan, so let us avoid further arguments and preserve harmony between brothers."
Master Sun smirked nonchalantly and replied, "As you wish, Senior Brother."
True Master Meng raised his hand and casually tossed the three jade talismans, which flew into the crowns of the three Hua Dan cultivators. The matter was thus settled.
The three Hua Dan cultivators, having already resigned themselves to certain death, showed little interest in the jade talismans. Thus, they had not been involved in the True Masters’ earlier exchange, behaving as if the matter did not pertain to them. Now, having received the talismans, they merely offered shallow bows of acknowledgment, treating them without great significance.
This indifference, however, caused True Master Meng to view them in a slightly better light. The Dao Hearts of these three Junior Brothers were undoubtedly admirable, though limited by their innate talents, they could not progress further. Nonetheless, if there were a chance to break the array, he believed that the opportunity would undoubtedly fall to them. In his eyes, Zhang Yan could not compare to these three.
Though True Master Meng often disagreed with True Masters Zhu and Yan on most matters, on this occasion, he aligned himself with their views.
Zhang Yan, unconcerned about the jade talismans, bowed to the True Masters in apology, then casually walked to the side and sat down to meditate. His demeanor remained carefree and composed, showing no signs of a man marching toward death.
The four True Masters likewise sat beneath the Hua Gai canopy, lowering their gazes in meditation.
Time flowed like water, and five hours passed in the blink of an eye.