Master Sun sneered, "Brother Yan, what do you mean by this? A disciple achieving First-class Elixir Formation is a joyous event for the sect. If not rewarded, how could we send him to such a desolate and cold wasteland? Wouldn’t that be akin to punishment or exile?"
True Master Yan calmly replied, "Not so. This matter has already stirred much commotion and has become widely known. One must realize that a tree standing out in the forest will surely be toppled by the wind. Zhang Yan may seem high-spirited now, but he is standing at the peak of danger, surrounded by untold malicious intentions. Remember, open attacks are easy to guard against, but hidden schemes are hard to prevent. Achieving First-class Elixir Formation is no small feat; sending him to the Small Cold Realm to cultivate allows him to extricate himself gracefully. Ostensibly, it is reprimand, but in reality, it shields him from sinister plots. This is a gesture of sincere protection. Junior Brother, do not misinterpret my intentions and wrongly speculate about my motives."
Master Sun frowned slightly.
True Master Meng stroked his three wispy strands of beard and said in a solemn tone, "Junior Brother Yan speaks with some degree of reason. Currently, Zhang Yan can be said to be the center of attention for the Xuanmen Family. However, sending him to the Small Cold Realm would also be inappropriate...
He clasped his hands respectfully and said, "Master, this disciple believes that we can temporarily withhold the rewards. In three years, the sect’s internal competition will take place. Issue a Dharma Decree secretly bestowing upon him a cultivation technique, instructing him to cultivate diligently within the sect without seeking undue attention. If he can display outstanding abilities at the competition, we can bring up the matter of rewards at that time. This way, it would be rightful and reasonable, ensuring the support of the sect’s disciples."
Upon hearing this, True Masters Zhu and Yan both nodded in agreement, and Master Sun remained silent.
Zhang Yan, having achieved First-class Elixir Formation, is poised to win a position among the Top Ten Disciples. But at present, they are strategizing how to counter the Xuanmen Families in the upcoming competition. If Zhang Yan unexpectedly intrudes, many prior arrangements would have to be overturned, creating numerous uncertainties.
Although these four True Masters normally contend in secret, they understand that sometimes inaction is better than action. Thus, they rarely achieve consensus, which they now surprisingly reached. Google seaʀᴄh novel·fiɾe·net
Especially in Master Sun’s view, Zhang Yan, as a True Disciple, now surpasses Ning Chongxuan in qualification for becoming one of the Top Ten Disciples due to his First-class Elixir Formation—a fact that gives him pause.
Now with True Master Meng’s proposal—to temporarily grant a modest reward to pacify Zhang Yan for a few years and make room for Ning Chongxuan to secure a Top Ten Disciple position—their earlier plans are best preserved.
Seeing that the four had reached an agreement, the Sect Leader decisively concluded, "For now, we will proceed as planned. Zhang Yan’s rewards will be postponed for future discussion. Starting today, each of you shall remain in your respective Cave Mansions and refrain from unnecessary outings before the sect’s internal competition. Violating this will result in disciplinary actions according to sect rules."
The four True Masters stood together and replied, "We humbly obey the Master’s decree."
They understood the Sect Leader’s underlying intent. Zhang Yan had disrupted the Xuanmen Families’ Elixir Tasting Conference, causing them a considerable loss of face. Yet, in reality, the families remained undamaged—this was not the opportune moment to strike further. It was time to sheath their swords and await the sect’s internal competition to address these issues collectively.
Cooling Zhang Yan’s prominence conveyed a message to the noble families to avert early conflict.
The Sect Leader waved his hand and said, "You may go."
All four True Masters replied in unison, "Sect Leader, we take our leave."
After their departure, a fleeting shadow appeared in the grand hall. A fierce-looking elder entered, skepticism flickering in his eyes as he asked, "Qin Mobai, what kind of trick are you playing? Won’t this chill that young man’s spirit? With such exceptional talent, if you cannot mold him properly, I will personally ensure your Master reprimands you harshly."
Qin Mobai smiled softly and said, "Uncle Beiming, there’s no need for anger. This boy has a keen mind and must have foreseen the consequences of his brilliance. Therefore, he himself might have intended to hold back his prominence. What I’ve implemented merely aligns with his own intent."
The fierce-looking elder thought for a moment, felt a headache coming on, then shook his head and left wordlessly.
On Rongyan Island, smoke and dust blotted out the sun, starlight scattered across the void, and one’s hand could barely be seen before their face.
In Fire Roar Palace, a white-clothed Daoist sat upon a Cloud Couch. His thin lips and sharp eyes exuded an air of coldness. His hands, as delicate as a woman’s, held a Flying Sword Transmission. After some time, he lazily remarked, "First-class Elixir Formation? Hmm, intriguing."
Feng Zhen knelt humbly before him, bowing deeply with his head pressed to the ground, "Master, if Zhang Yan is not dealt with, he will undoubtedly grow into a grave threat. Moreover, he caused the deaths of Junior Brother Tu and Junior Brother Wan—a heinous crime. Every time I recall this, sorrow wells within me, leaving me inconsolable. Master, you must seek justice for them."
The white-clothed Daoist replied indifferently, "Junior Brother Tu and Junior Brother Wan—who are they again?"
Feng Zhen froze in fear at these words, dropping to the ground with a thump. "Master, this disciple deserves punishment!"
Cold sweat trickled down his forehead. He knew his Master ranked among the sect’s Top Ten Disciples and naturally remembered his disciples. His comment was clearly a deliberate admonishment.
The white-clothed Daoist uttered a soft "Hmm," then casually patted his knee. "You’re at the First Realm of Hua Dan, correct?"
Feng Zhen lowered his head and answered, "Yes."
The white-clothed Daoist waved dismissively, "The sect’s competition is imminent. If you are so motivated, seek justice for your Junior Brothers at the competition. That will suffice. Now leave."
Feng Zhen’s stomach churned with bitterness. He originally schemed to have his Master deal with Zhang Yan, yet somehow the responsibility had shifted onto himself to confront Zhang Yan during the competition.
Nevertheless, the master’s command left no room for negotiation. Reluctantly, he bowed and said, "I humbly comply with the Master’s order."
Feng Zhen kowtowed several times, masking his unease behind a composed expression. Silently sighing, he cautiously withdrew.
The white-clothed Daoist casually cast aside the letter he had been reading, which disintegrated into ashes. Muttering to himself, he said, "First-class Elixir Formation? Cross the ’Shell Barrier’ first, then we’ll talk about anything else."
With a flick of his sleeve, he transformed into a blaze and vanished into the void.
...(To be continued. If you work, you’re welcome to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast recommendation votes and monthly votes. Your support is the greatest motivation for me.)