Wang Caiting’s beautiful eyes sparkled as she said, "Master, your disciple is willing to go."

Wang Caiwei also said, "Your disciple is also willing."

Zhang Yan gently motioned with his hand and smiled, "There is no need for you two to volunteer. After solidifying your pill, whoever achieves the higher elixir quality will represent me on this occasion."

The Wang Sisters quickly responded, and as they lowered their heads, they suddenly felt a clear breeze arise in the cave. Looking back up, the bed was already empty.

Wang Caiwei was somewhat absent-minded as she said, "Master has already reached the Nascent Soul Second Realm."

Wang Caiting chuckled lightly and teased, "Sister, perhaps you’re just guessing wildly. How could we discern our master’s cultivation with our level of Daoist cultivation?"

Wang Caiwei smiled slightly, saying, "I may not understand, but Sister Yin indeed has this ability."

It was only then Wang Caiting believed it. During their travels, they had encountered several dangers and owed their safety to the Yin Slaughter Saber, which enabled them to turn danger into safety. While the true spirit within the saber sometimes lacked understanding, it never erred in discerning a person’s realm and cultivation.

Zhang Yan descended from the peak, riding the Gang Wind at a leisurely pace towards the mountainside. Before long, he arrived at the mountainside and entered the main hall. As he glanced inside, he saw a Daoist nun standing there, holding a horsetail whisk. Her posture was like a spear, standing tall despite being a woman. She was tall with a high nose bridge, thin lips, and a long, narrow face with a slightly pointed chin. Her eyes were sharp, radiating a subtle authority.

Zhang Yan nodded slightly. A person with such demeanor must have some background and could not be compared to cultivators from small sects or factions.

As he gazed at the Daoist nun, she also scrutinized him with an appraising look. After a moment, a hint of surprise appeared in her eyes as she asked, "Are you the Han Yuan Sect Leader True Master Zhang?"

Zhang Yan bowed and said, "Indeed, I am."

The Daoist nun nodded and said, "Quite a character."

She paused, waved her horsetail whisk, and said, "I am not one for beating around the bush. I came this time because I have taken a liking to one of Sect Leader Zhang’s disciples and wish to take them as an apprentice."

Zhang Yan smiled slightly, taking a few steps to the main seat, and then gestured invitingly, "Fellow Daoist, feel free to sit and talk."

The Daoist nun furrowed her brow, flicked her horsetail whisk, and went to sit in the guest seat to the side.

Zhang Yan also sat down and said, "How should I address you, fellow Daoist?"

The Daoist nun replied stiffly, "Surname Wei, Qi Refiner from Baisui Mountain."

Zhang Yan was unperturbed and asked, "Might I inquire, what does fellow Daoist see in my disciple?"

Wei Daoist replied coldly, "That’s a minor detail, but since Sect Leader Zhang asks, I can tell you. Before entering the Dao, I was a commander in the Yue Country, proficient in sword skills. After cultivation, I diligently developed a set of Flying Saber Skills, which I believe are on par with the Fengxiang Sect’s swordsmanship..."

At this point, she couldn’t hide the pride in her words and expression, "Though I have three to four hundred years of lifespan left, I still lack a disciple to inherit my legacy. When I happened to see your disciple, their talent and nature aligned perfectly with my criteria. I hope True Master Zhang might consider allowing them to join me. Whatever conditions you have, feel free to state them."

Upon hearing the words ’Yue Country,’ Zhang Yan’s heart stirred, and he had a rough idea of her background. He bowed and said, "My disciple has informed me of this matter. I have also heard that you have helped on multiple occasions, for which I am grateful. As for changing sects, let’s put that aside." 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

Wei Daoist was silent for a while and then said, "I see that Sect Leader Zhang has profound Daoist cultivation, already at the Nascent Soul Second Realm. However, at your level of True Master cultivation, each advancement is as difficult as climbing the heavens. Given that you are not from a proper sect, you likely lack cultivation techniques for reference. I have here twelve Daoist books, six of which are superior skills and six are divine skills. Sect Leader Zhang, if you agree to let the disciple join me, you may take any two books."

Zhang Yan smiled faintly and said, "I have sect inheritances that directly address the Great Dao; there is no need to covet others’ skills."

Wei Daoist’s face showed a hint of ridicule. Even the Five Major Sects do not dare to claim direct access to the Daoist Method. How could a place like Divine House Mountain, a mere barbaric land, possess such superior skills?

She believed Zhang Yan was merely haggling, attempting to extract more benefits from her, but this suited her just fine. So she added another offer, "My sect has three Dharma Treasures, all Mystical Artifacts. If Sect Leader Zhang agrees, I can gift them to you. Is that sufficient?"

Zhang Yan slowly shook his head and said firmly, "Fellow Daoist need not trouble yourself. My words are steadfast, and my disciple will not change sects."

Wei Daoist suddenly felt a touch of impatience. She believed the conditions she offered were abundantly generous, enough to tempt even disciples of the Five Major Sects. Yet, this person refused to relent, displaying excessive greed. Still, she was genuinely interested in this disciple and was willing to pay any price. She tried to maintain a calm tone as she said, "Sect Leader Zhang, what exactly do you want? Just say it. As long as it’s available in East Victory Continent, I, Wei Shuling, can acquire it for you."

Zhang Yan smiled mildly, stood up, and said, "There’s no need to discuss this matter further. Since you have come from afar, as a guest, you are welcome to stay for a few days if you wish. I have urgent matters within the sect, so I must excuse myself." With that, he waved his sleeve and left for the rear hall.

Wei Daoist was momentarily stunned. Even after Zhang Yan left, she still seemed unable to believe it. Yet, soon a surge of anger rose within her heart. But she knew she was in someone else’s territory and could not act recklessly, lest she suffer losses. After standing there for a good while, she stomped her foot in frustration and turned into a rainbow light, exiting the hall.

...

...(To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)