When the Daoist boy spoke those words, the people below all displayed varied expressions, yet no one dared to take action.
Zhang Yan wasn't sure of the Daoist boy's authenticity and didn't dare trust him recklessly, while Lin Yuan and the others harbored doubts, unsure if the three Masters had dispatched only this Daoist boy, or whether there were other arrangements. For a while, none dared to act forcefully.
Seeing no movement below for a long time, the Daoist boy immediately raised the horsetail whisk in his hand high and shouted, "The Master Token is here, where is Zhang Yan? Come forward at once!"
As the horsetail whisk appeared, everyone's expressions changed in unison.
Lin Yuan's face grew even uglier. He immediately recognized the item as Master Shi Shoujing's personal "Longevity Duster." When such an item was presented, any movement against it would land them with an irrefutable charge of disrespecting their elders.
Moreover, the horsetail whisk was a meticulously prepared magic artifact; if it were truly wielded in battle, not a single person present would be able to withstand it.
The Daoist boy also appeared extremely tense. Although Shi Shoujing had previously instructed him on the Method of Controlling Instruments, his shallow Inner Qi would likely only allow him to use it a limited number of times. The artifact's power was more about deterrence than practicality.
Finally, Lin Yuan thought it over and chose not to challenge the Master's authority. He signaled to those beside him, and Chen Lan, understanding that today there would be no way to deal with Zhang Yan, was unwilling yet resigned. He waved his hand bitterly, directing the crowd to step aside and open a path.
The tense standoff eased somewhat.
Seeing the crowd surrounding him gradually disperse, Zhang Yan outwardly remained calm but internally didn't dare to relax, keeping his guard up in secret.
Stepping forward to face the Daoist boy, he cupped his hands and said, "Zhang Yan is here."
The Daoist boy exhaled in relief. The oppressive atmosphere here had left him nearly unable to breathe, and he dared not linger any longer. Speaking quickly, he said, "Zhang Yan, go with me to the temple immediately."
Watching Zhang Yan leave with the Daoist boy, Lin Yuan couldn't help feeling some regret.
Initially, he had planned to use words to pin Zhang Yan down. If Zhang Yan didn't dare resist, he would have been at their mercy. If he resisted, it would've served their purpose—giving them the perfect excuse to kill him on the spot. This way, there would've been no opportunity for contention.
Unexpectedly, this brief hesitation allowed the Daoist boy to appear just in time to save Zhang Yan. Had he known earlier, he would've dealt with Zhang Yan directly and resolved matters swiftly!
At that moment, a muffled grunt echoed from not far away. Everyone turned to look and saw that as soon as Zhang Yan left, Hu Shengyu, relieved, had allowed Ai Zhongwen to escape from his grasp. After walking a safe distance, Ai Zhongwen turned back, sneered coldly, and said, "Ai will remember the deep kindness and favors of you senior brothers today!"
Lin Yuan and the other three exchanged glances. Chen Lan wanted to say something, but Lin Yuan raised an arm to stop him and said, "The situation is unclear; this matter shall be discussed later. Let's see what the Masters have arranged."
Chen Lan twitched his lips and let out a "Hm," but ultimately said nothing more.
Meanwhile, Hu Shengyu stood off to the side, his face shrouded in gloom, his thoughts inscrutable.
Shanyuan Temple, located on Haohue Peak at the main summit of Cangwu Mountain, was part of the sect Zhang Yan belonged to. Yet, this was his first time coming to this place.
Upon entering the mountain gate, however, he had no time to take in the scenery on either side, as his thoughts were occupied speculating on the purpose behind his summons.
This time, his solo effort to repel the Guangyuan Sect had undoubtedly earned him renown among all sects. It would be no surprise if the Upper Court accepted him as an entry-level disciple.
But he also understood that with various factions vying for interests, even if that outcome seemed likely, his future journey would hardly be smooth sailing.
Yet, the path of cultivation was never free of obstacles. The fact that he stood here today spoke volumes—on the road to the Great Dao, progress was only achieved through braving thorns and fighting forward relentlessly. Hesitation and over-caution would yield no way forward.
Passing through the Three Great Halls along the path, the Daoist boy led him to the rear of the temple and said, "Senior brother, please wait here while I go report."
Zhang Yan gave a slight nod. The Daoist boy slipped inside. Before long, he emerged again and said, "Senior brother, the three Masters summon you inside."
Adjusting his Daoist robe and straightening the bun atop his head, Zhang Yan strode into the grand hall with an unwavering gaze.
This grand hall, named Du Zhen Hall, occupied the highest point of Haohue Peak. The structure was supported by four immortal crane copper pillars, anchored by a Stone Carved Mystical Turtle.
At the center of the hall stood a Purple Copper Incense Burner, while the high beams and brackets above were painted with ancient Xuanmen lore and immortal legends. Looking closely, there seemed to be a thin mist of clouds enveloping the scene—its air mysterious and profound.
On the raised three-tiered pedestal ahead, three old Daoists sat on cushions. In the center was a white-haired Daoist, none other than Shanyuan Temple's Master Shi Shoujing. Flanking him on either side were He Shouxuan of De Xiu Temple and Zhen Shouzhong of Taian Temple.