The two exchanged a few more pleasantries. Under Manager Wang’s subtle probing, Zhang Yan casually talked about many past events concerning Elder Yue, which made Manager Wang feel even more reassured. His demeanor grew increasingly amiable, and finally, the conversation shifted to the golden plate.
"I might as well speak plainly to Daoist Yue. When forging this item, I used no fewer than a thousand Spiritual Shells. However, aside from capturing Thunder Radiance and extracting medicinal substances, it serves no other purpose. Once the Thunder Radiance passes through it, the item becomes useless. If Daoist Yue were to purchase it, I believe it would not be worth the investment."
Zhang Yan, though indifferent toward the thousands of Spiritual Shells, agreed with this assessment. He also wanted to discern Manager Wang’s true intention in inviting him here and followed his lead, saying, "Then, what does Manager Wang propose?"
Manager Wang sighed and said, "I have a brother who set out years ago to seek teachers and cultivate. Fortune favored him, and he barely reached the Third Realm of Xuan Guang. Now he’s searching for pills and medicinal herbs. Yet his ambition is high; he seeks a demon bird, the Owl, to prepare medicine. However, he fears others will compete for it, so he’s inviting close friends to assist."
Hidden Marrow Refining, derived from the essence of a hundred or so demon birds, relies on four species as the best sources: Heavenly Crane, Golden Eagle, Honghu, and Owl. However, many cultivators often struggle and compete for these demon birds. Manager Wang’s intention was to invite Zhang Yan to protect his brother during the endeavor.
Such a request wasn’t excessive. Typically, collecting medicine required no more than one or two hours. The area around Shendu Peak was vast, and if action was taken quickly, competition might not even occur.
However, when Zhang Yan heard this, his gaze flickered slightly with some confusion.
The Beichen Sect’s archives once stated that these four demon birds were extremely rare and difficult to find. Yet Manager Wang’s words vaguely implied that this task wasn’t as challenging as it seemed. Curious, Zhang Yan felt inclined to investigate but didn’t immediately agree, instead calmly responding, "Why did Manager Wang choose to approach me for this matter?"
Manager Wang chuckled and pointed to himself, speaking with layered meaning, "Many cultivators from all corners have crossed my path. These eyes are quite discerning. Fellow Daoist, there is much that is exceptional about you—I can clearly see that."
Zhang Yan’s unassuming conduct and ordinary appearance did not dim the confidence and composure embedded in his actions. It was the kind of bearing that someone as perceptive as Manager Wang, who had mingled with numerous disciples from prominent sects in his youth, could recognize as similar to theirs.
More importantly, Zhang Yan was likely a junior connection of Elder Yue, which reassured Manager Wang further and offered the possibility of rekindling their association.
Zhang Yan pondered deeply. According to his original plan, after acquiring the golden plate, he intended to find a secluded place to refine his remaining two apertures. During this time, he would familiarize himself with the terrains around Shendu Peak and the patterns of the demon birds’ movements. Only then would he make his move to collect medicine. Now that it seemed Manager Wang’s brother possessed a secret technique, Zhang Yan thought he might as well investigate further.
Having made up his mind, he nodded with a smile and said, "Brother Wang’s request is hard to decline. I shall accept."
Manager Wang was delighted by his agreement and called for a female attendant, saying, "Go to my wine cellar and fetch a few vats of fine wine. I wish to share a hearty drink with Daoist Yue."
"Elder brother, what joyous matter has come to pass?"
At that moment, four individuals stepped into the courtyard, consisting of both men and women. The speaker was a young man. Though his appearance was ordinary, his lavish attire bestowed some semblance of gracefulness upon him.
Manager Wang stood up and said with a smile, "Daoist Yue, this is my unworthy second younger brother, Wang Huan. Come, second brother, quickly pay respects to Daoist Yue."
Wang Huan looked at Zhang Yan with a hint of surprise. Possessing a shrewd mind, he immediately recognized Zhang Yan as no ordinary person. He stepped forward and greeted him, "Are you Daoist Yue? I am Wang Huan. Greetings to you!"
Zhang Yan smiled and returned the salute courteously.
Manager Wang spoke to Wang Huan, "Didn’t you complain that medicine gathering was difficult and asked me to invite several fellow Daoists to help? This Daoist Yue possesses profound cultivation, and his elder once shared ties with Zhenyu Building. By that connection, he is no outsider."
Wang Huan’s eyes lit up. Though he was not the manager himself, he knew that during his grandfather’s lifetime, their family had trust and relations with several disciples of prominent righteous sects. After his grandfather’s passing, those ties had gradually waned. In his mind, he thought, "If that’s the case, then this Daoist Yue has an extraordinary background."
With this realization, his demeanor grew even warmer. He repeatedly cupped his hands toward Zhang Yan and said, "Great, great—we’ll rely heavily on Brother Daoist when the time comes."
However, at that moment, a cold voice rang from behind him, "Hold it there!"
Wang Huan froze momentarily. A Wu Mei cultivator stepped forward to stand before him and said brusquely, "Brother Wang, you must understand that collecting medicine is a significant matter. We have yet to determine Daoist Yue’s cultivation level. I believe caution and discretion should be exercised."
Manager Wang’s expression darkened with visible displeasure.
"But..." Wang Huan hesitated, saying, "If my elder brother invited Daoist Yue, his cultivation must surely be extraordinary."
Wu Mei Daoist sneered coldly, "It’s not that I, Shen, am being overly cautious, but the Owl is an ancient mutant and difficult to find. If someone drags us down, we’ll be in trouble. We know each other’s capabilities, and that’s why this venture can proceed seamlessly. But not knowing this Daoist Yue’s strengths—how can we speak of mutual trust? Wouldn’t you all agree?"
His eloquence was commendable, and his reasoning was sound. Yet, these concerns could have been addressed privately. To say them aloud was akin to openly undermining Manager Wang.
Wang Huan, evidently easily influenced, nodded in agreement after this statement, saying, "Then perhaps we should ask Daoist Yue to reveal his Xuan Guang for us to see."
Manager Wang hesitated briefly but refrained from speaking, merely letting out a soft snort.
Zhang Yan was unfazed. Had he belonged to a great sect, others could discern someone’s cultivation level from their spiritual aura alone. Loose cultivators like these, however, lacked such proficiency. If the other party did not reveal their Xuan Guang, there was no way to judge the depth of their cultivation.
He smiled faintly and released a trace of Xuan Guang from the Carefree Chapter.
In an instant, everyone witnessed a flash of green light. A surge of verdant energy burst forth, full of vitality, accompanied by a fragrance that spread into the air. Even the Qi Mechanism within their bodies seemed to flow more smoothly, leaving them visibly moved. Content originally comes from NovelHub(.)net
...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations or monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)