To Zhang Yan, although this treasure is good, when facing those adept at escaping, it can be easily evaded once deployed, making it hard to achieve anything significant in battles. If it werenât for the seven True Masters of the Lie Xuan Sect surrounding him that day, concerned that the Heavenly Furnace Treasure had not yet emerged, this item would never have touched him.
But for Jiang Zheng, who is only at the Xuan Guang Realm, it is more than sufficient to keep him safe.
Previously, Jiang Zheng had never won a friendly match against his peers, not due to insufficient mana, but because he was always restrained by Dharma Treasures. Although he always laughed it off, it was unlikely that there wasnât some frustration in his heart.
Now, he finally has a treasure of his own. After receiving it, he quickly knelt down and expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, Master, for bestowing this treasure."
Zhang Yan smiled faintly, flicked his finger, and a talisman shimmering with golden light flew over, entering Jiang Zhengâs brow. He said, "This is the Burning Points technique from Zhao You Mansion. With your aptitude, penetrating twenty-six points is not difficult. You must remember, this technique must not be passed outside."
This Burning Points technique is derived from Zhang Yanâs Broken Jade calculations. Even within the Great Xuanmen Sect, itâs one of the top-tier secret techniques. If noble families obtained it, they could solidify the foundation of their Xuan Guang disciples even more at this stage.
Jiang Zhengâs expression became solemn, and he earnestly declared, "Rest assured, Master. I will not reveal even the slightest bit. If I violate this oath, I will surely face divine punishment."
Zhang Yan waved his sleeve and commanded, "Disciple, off you go now."
Jiang Zheng retreated a few steps, forcefully kowtowed several times, then exited the great hall and headed outside the mansion.
Not long on his path, he met a beautiful woman in a moon white Daoist robe walking towards him, recognizing her as Senior Sister Liu Yanyi.
Other than Zhang Yan, he respected this senior sister the most among all in the sect. Quickly cupping his fists, he greeted, "Senior Sister, greetings."
Liu Yanyi, smiling warmly, asked, "Is Fifth Junior Brother just returning from Master?"
Jiang Zheng nodded, sighing, "Yes, I am about to head to the Peng Yuan Sect and planned to say farewell to Senior Sister and fellow disciples."
Liu Yanyi seemed slightly surprised. Her eyes glimmered, and after pondering a bit, she retrieved an item from her sachet and handed it to him, saying, "I heard Shan Huizhen, who is a hundred-year talent from the Peng Yuan Sect, recently achieved third-grade Elixir Formation and is likely still seeking to break through the Shell Barrier. Junior Brother, why not carry this item with you?"
Jiang Zheng found the item to be three feet long, vaguely visible like a gentle smoke that seemed able to drift away at any time. Slightly sensing it, he realized it wasnât a treasure for battle arrays, and asked in surprise, "What is this?"
Liu Yanyi explained, "This item is called âLansu Silk,â and was gifted by Master Huo to Master to break the Shell Barrier. Later, Master bestowed it upon me. I have long passed this gate, so I now pass it on to you, Junior Brother."
Jiang Zheng hesitated and said, "This..."
Liu Yanyi smiled modestly and said, "Junior Brother, as you are to become Daoist couple with Dan Daoist and practice their sectâs Cultivation Technique, you ought to care for them a bit. Donât decline this gift; consider it as a present from me to Dan Daoist."
Jiang Zheng said nothing more and deeply bowed to Liu Yanyi.
He understood all too well that this senior sister was deliberately looking out for him.
Heading to the Peng Yuan Sect is different from being in Zhao You Heavenly Pond. Itâs on someone elseâs territory, and even though he hasnât met his nominal Daoist partner Shan Huizhen, Zhang Yanâs name might prevent anyone from daring to mistreat him. However, true sincerity in imparting Dharma techniques isnât guaranteed. If Shan Huizhen breaks the Shell Barrier due to this treasure, Peng Yuan Sect will owe him, thus smoothing the path of cultivation.
Jiang Zheng exchanged a few more words with Liu Yanyi before bidding farewell and visiting the Wang Sisters and Tian Kun, then headed to his junior brother Wei Zihong.
Entering, he saw a pear tree shimmering with floating light to the left, with an old white-haired ape bowing to him from the branches. With a chuckle, he circled around it, arriving at a quaint courtyard spanning several acres with two majestic immortal cranes guarding the entrance, and called out, "Is Junior Brother present?"
A joyful voice called out from inside, "Has Fifth Senior Brother arrived?"
Soon, Wei Zihong hurried from inside, joyously saying, "Fifth Senior Brother, arenât you busy practicing Dao Techniques these days? How come you have time to visit me?"
When Jiang Zheng joined Zhao You Heavenly Pond, he had already reached Xuan Guang Cultivation and was familiar with worldly matters. Soon, he became well-acquainted with fellow disciples, while Wei Zihong was merely a child of seven or eight upon entry, accompanied only by a white-haired monkey and a sickly bedridden mother.
Back then, Jiang Zheng personally ensured his mother could reside in the Nine Cities and often checked on him. Any cultivation doubts, Wei Zihong would frequently consult Jiang Zheng, thus they were very close.
Even though Wei Zihongâs cultivation now surpassed Jiang Zhengâs, he still treated him like before.
Jiang Zheng explained his purpose, lamenting, "Tomorrow, I shall descend the mountain, departing soon without knowing when I might reunite with Junior Brother and fellow disciples."
The Demon Tribulation in East Splendor Continent, after joining Peng Yuan Sect and becoming Daoist couple with Shan Huizhen, will undoubtedly limit his movements. And with pride in his chest, he vowed not to return to the mansion until forming the Golden Core.
Wei Zihong was momentarily stunned, then teasingly grimaced, "I almost forgot, Senior Brother is going to have a family. We donât know if sister-in-law is beautiful. If not, Senior Brother shouldnât settle for less. It is said that Senior Mei, under Master Ning, fancies Senior Brother. If it doesnât work out there, you can always return for another match."
Jiang Zheng knew his playful nature all too well, shaking his head and seriously stating, "Junior Brother is speaking nonsense. Itâs fine to say this in front of me, but donât say it outside. Master Ning is very strict with disciples. If it affects Senior Mei, that wouldnât be good."
Wei Zihong thumped his chest, saying, "Rest assured, Senior Brother. How could I not know this? Senior Brother, when you go to Peng Yuan Sect to cultivate, you must not show weakness for our Zhao You Heavenly Pond. If they dare oppress you, tell me, and Iâll make sure they wonât like it!"
...
...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)