Zhang Yan noticed his sudden change in attitude, finding it somewhat peculiar. His gaze flickered as he stood in the air and smiled, saying, "Dong Jin Daoist, feel free to speak your mind."
Dong Jinzi swept his eyes around the surroundings and said, "This is not the place for conversation. Li Daoist, come with me."
Zhang Yan readily agreed, "Alright."
Seeing his straightforward response, Dong Jinzi couldn’t help but glance at him, nod slightly, and take the lead by soaring on a cloud. After traveling for about an hour, he descended into a secluded mountain valley void of human traces.
The valley was tranquil and remote, with streams flowing gently, cliffs covered in strange flowers and grasses, and chirping birds singing amid the forest—indeed, a picturesque scene. Spotting two large stones within the valley resembling players facing each other, Dong Jinzi descended and took a seat on one stone, while Zhang Yan naturally landed on the other.
Dong Jinzi rested his hands on his knees and fixed his gaze on Zhang Yan. Once Zhang Yan settled, Dong Jinzi didn’t beat around the bush and directly said, "Li Daoist, I’ve summoned you here today to discuss the matter of the Ganoderma Ancestor’s shell. This item is of utmost importance to me. If you are willing to hand it over, I assure you that you will not suffer a loss."
Zhang Yan shook his head with a smile and replied, "This item is of great use to me. I see no reason to hand it over to you."
Seeing his firm refusal, Dong Jinzi did not grow angry. He deliberated for a moment before speaking again, "Li Daoist, I mentioned earlier that even if you obtained this item, you wouldn’t be able to take it out of the mountains. Do you know why?"
When he first heard this statement, Zhang Yan dismissed it as a mere threat and paid it no mind. But now that Dong Jinzi brought it up again, Zhang Yan sensed there might be something more beneath the surface. He lifted his gaze to look at him and said, "I ask for your guidance, Daoist."
Dong Jinzi patted his knee and spoke in a low voice, "I shall not conceal it from you. I am a Demon Sect practitioner, and what you see before you is merely one of my avatars. Due to a tribulation that I must evade, only the Ganoderma Ancestor’s shell can help me escape disaster. That is why I ventured into this mountain. However, I am aware that someone from the Taihao Sect has coveted this item for a long time. It’s merely because of the Ancestor Master’s sect rules that they haven’t taken it. This person allowed me into the mountain so easily this time, likely intending to use me to obtain the item, only to seize it afterward. Now imagine—if they realize this item is in your possession, do you think they would let you leave easily?"
"So that’s the reason," Zhang Yan replied with a hearty laugh and said, "Indeed, if I were in their position, I certainly wouldn’t let it go."
Dong Jinzi waved his sleeve and nodded, "Precisely. This individual has already achieved Nascent Soul cultivation. If they receive assistance from fellow sect members, even if I were to take the Ganoderma Ancestor’s shell and escape, I would have to carve a bloody path to succeed. As for you, such an opportunity would be utterly impossible."
At this point, Dong Jinzi closely observed Zhang Yan’s expression. Seeing his calm demeanor and lack of panic, seemingly indifferent to the news, Dong Jinzi narrowed his eyes. He thought to himself, "Could it be that Li Yuanba has another way to escape?"
He had initially assumed that these words would elicit a request for a solution, but after waiting for a while, Zhang Yan merely smiled without speaking. Dong Jinzi couldn’t help but feel a trace of impatience. After waiting even longer, unable to suppress his irritation, he finally said, "I have a method that benefits us both, as long as Daoist is willing."
Zhang Yan gave a noncommittal smile and said, "Please share your idea, Daoist."
Dong Jinzi spoke aloud, "If you’re acquiring the Ganoderma Ancestor’s shell for Core Formation purposes, I can temporarily let you hold onto it and help you safely leave the mountain. However, after you’ve formed your core, you’ll need to return the item to me. But for this, you must swear an oath before me so that I can let you go without worry."
Zhang Yan was slightly taken aback, not expecting these words from Dong Jinzi. After mulling it over further, he couldn’t help but nod to himself. This indeed was a compromise.
The One Qi Ganoderma is considered one of the condensing external elixirs precisely because it can gather a trace of pure and pristine energy from heaven and earth. After his Core Formation, the item would no longer be of use to him. Agreeing to this condition wouldn’t pose much of a problem.
When Zhang Yan remained silent for a long time, Dong Jinzi reminded him again, "Li Daoist, the Taihao Sect has a Dharma technique that can determine who possesses the Ganoderma Ancestor’s shell. You must think it through carefully!"
Zhang Yan could easily grasp the meaning behind Dong Jinzi’s words. The reason Dong Jinzi was willing to assist him was likely the fear that the Taihao Sect would seize the Ganoderma Ancestor’s shell from Zhang Yan, rendering Dong Jinzi unable to obtain it.
After weighing the pros and cons, Zhang Yan realized that cooperation with Dong Jinzi would benefit both parties, while a falling-out would harm them both. Furthermore, Dong Jinzi had explicitly stated that the item was critical for avoiding a tribulation. With the conversation reaching this point, refusing might lead to Dong Jinzi later attacking him without restraint after leaving the mountain.
After pondering for a moment, Zhang Yan nodded and said, "Your reasoning is not without merit, Daoist."
Dong Jinzi was overjoyed and said, "If you agree, then swear the oath."
Yet Zhang Yan raised his hand and waved it, smiling, "Hold on. If I’m to agree, I’ll need you to promise two things first." Original content can be found at NovєlFіre.net
Dong Jinzi hesitated upon hearing this, his gaze flashing coldly as he said in a stern tone, "Li Daoist, don’t push your luck!"
Zhang Yan replied with a soft smile, "It is you who seeks my cooperation, while I stand to lose very little."
Dong Jinzi felt a wave of suppressed frustration, twitching his lips as he flung his sleeves and bellowed, "Fine, say what you will."
In his mind, this Ganoderma shell concerned his survival amidst tribulations. As long as it didn’t touch upon fundamental matters, even excessive demands could be tolerated for the time being.
Zhang Yan spoke unhurriedly, "I gather that you are adept in Wood Element Profound Skills and must have Wood Essence Qi at your disposal. Would you share some of it with me?"
Dong Jinzi only furrowed his brows slightly before nodding, "That’s no problem. I agree. What’s the second matter?"
Zhang Yan smiled again and said, "I notice the mysterious light on your body has an effect on tempering my physical form. I’d like you to assist me with this as well."
...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast recommendation votes or monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)