Although Song Zhe had presented the Qiuhong Magic Sword, Zhang Yan merely stood with his hands behind his back, making no move to take it.
Song Zhe was momentarily stunned, but quickly regained his composure. Turning back around, he gave Tu Xuan a meaningful look. Tu Xuan snorted, pulled a jade box out of his sleeve, tossed it to Song Zhe, and then stormed off to sulk on his own.
Shaking his head, Song Zhe smiled and raised the jade box, saying, "This box contains the ’Heart Protecting Water Cloud Mirror.’ While not a rare Dharma Treasure, it is surprisingly effective for protection and warding off enemies. My nephews are young and ignorant; they have offended Brother Zhang. I humbly ask Brother Zhang, as we are all part of the same sect, to extend some forgiveness and leniency."
Zhang Yan cared little for these two Dharma Treasures. What mattered was that others recognized that his disciples were not to be so easily humiliated.
Whether their gestures were sincere or contrived, now that they had shown submission on the surface, his goal was achieved. He saw no reason to entangle himself further with them. With a casual shrug, a flash of light streaked out, and the three disciples he had captured were thrown aside. He then said, "Take these people back and discipline them properly, Brother Song and Brother Tu."
Song Zhe saw the flash of light, and suddenly the three of his nephews appeared before him, all unconscious. Taken aback, he hurriedly checked them one by one. Realizing they were unharmed, he let out a breath of relief and fed them several Elixir Pills. Gradually, the three woke up, and upon seeing Song Zhe, they all called out, "Second Uncle."
Patiently, Song Zhe asked a few questions, stealthily probing for clues as to what Zhang Yan had used on them. Yet the three disciples appeared utterly oblivious, their words confused and incoherent, unable to explain how they were subdued.
Since Zhang Yan stepped into the Hua Dan Realm, his mastery of the Water Element True Light had become exceptionally nimble, allowing him to employ countless variations. These three had been momentarily swept up by the Water Element True Light and fainted instantly, utterly unaware of what had transpired.
Tu Xuan strode forward and shot a fierce glare at the three of them, rebuking them harshly, "How did I end up teaching such worthless wretches as you three? You’re a disgrace to me!"
The three disciples saw their master standing nearby and became frightened, scrambling to their feet to bow respectfully. Even after being scolded so viciously, they dared not argue, lowering their heads in guilt and remaining silent.
Zhang Yan spoke indifferently, "Take your disciples back and do what you must. If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave."
He was about to sweep his sleeve and depart when Tu Xuan stepped forward abruptly, calling out, "Wait! While this incident may be resolved, I, Tu Xuan, have another matter to discuss with Brother Zhang."
Zhang Yan paused mid-step, turned back to look at him, and raised an eyebrow, saying, "What does Brother Tu wish to address?"
Tu Xuan locked eyes with him and declared, "Zhang Yan, I challenge you to a duel. Do you dare accept?"
Upon hearing this, Song Zhe was visibly startled.
Zhang Yan was slightly taken aback, but soon burst into laughter, replying, "Brother Tu, if you’re so inclined, I can oblige. However, as I am a True Disciple, are we dueling in the spirit of ’friendly contest’ or as ’absolute fighting’?"
Tu Xuan stared at him with piercing intensity and said loudly, "’Absolute fighting’ involves harming fellow disciples; I, Tu Xuan, would never stoop to such means. It will, of course, be a ’friendly contest.’"
Hearing this, Song Zhe subtly let out a breath of relief, as a friendly contest would not call for a mortal clash.
Zhang Yan’s eyes glimmered as he said, "Since it is a friendly contest, what wager does Brother Tu propose?"
Tu Xuan replied solemnly, "I, Tu Xuan, am willing to wager all the wealth I have accumulated over the past century against Zhang Yan, for one specific item."
Zhang Yan’s interest was piqued, and he remarked, "Curious. I wonder what item of mine has captured Brother Tu’s attention so greatly?"
Tu Xuan fixed an intense gaze upon him and said firmly, "I desire nothing but your half-bloomed ’Han Ye Xuanzhen Grass.’"
At those words, Song Zhe’s expression shifted, and he shot a few sideways glances at Tu Xuan before suddenly realizing something. He silently murmured to himself, "Ah, now I see. Brother Tu is usually not so impulsive; his behavior today had puzzled me. So, this was his plan all along—quite a clever maneuver, indeed."
Zhang Yan was momentarily surprised that his possession of the Han Ye Xuanzhen Grass had been discovered. However, recalling that much of it had been consumed to aid Guo Lie, he calmly responded, "Unfortunate timing. I used most of the herb years ago and now hold only half a stalk."
Tu Xuan furrowed his brow. Years ago, due to a mistake during his cultivation, his attempt to solidify his pill had failed. Yet with the Han Ye Xuanzhen Grass, he could dissolve the Small Golden Core and try to reform his Medicine Transformation Elixir. Regardless of future outcomes, it would at least extend his lifespan by several centuries. Ever since he learned of Zhang Yan possessing this rare herb, he had coveted it deeply and now seized the opportunity to challenge Zhang Yan for it under the guise of a friendly contest. Googlᴇ search noᴠelfire.net