Zhang Yan carefully examined the ancient copper tripod. On it were three ancient characters: "Refining Muddling Tripod". Observing closely, he could perceive a faint aura unique to a Cultivator.
According to what the Daoist boy said, this large cauldron should have been sent by Master Shi Shoujing's orders.
But rather than sending elixirs or Daoist books, why send him a copper tripod? What could possibly be the intent?
The high figures in Xuanmen each had profound meanings behind their actions. Shi Shoujing would not give him something without reason; surely the tripod was meant to convey something.
Zhang Yan paced back and forth, deep in thought about its mystery. Suddenly, he halted, recalling a possibility. Could the master be implying... a Warrior?
The name "Warrior" sounds impressive, but those truly in the know think otherwise.
This is because Warriors often come from the ranks of Registered Disciples or Loose Cultivators with no foundation.
Upon reaching Foundation Building stage, if one fails to Open Meridians for a long time, as they age and miss their prime, their meridians grow weaker, making it utterly impossible to succeed.
Hence, when some disciples see no hope in their immortal pursuits, they dissipate their Primordial Qi into their limbs and body to nurture their muscles and bones, becoming a Warrior.
If one can advance further, they rely on the sect's resources to cultivate with secret medicine, infusing Golden Sand to strengthen their physical form.
The term "Carrying Tripod Strongman" refers specifically to Cultivators who become Warriors during the Foundation Establishment period.
In the Upper Court, there are terms like "Mountain Pulling Warrior", "Sea-covering Warrior", and "Sky Flipping Warrior" for different levels, seemingly powerful in combat, but completely reliant on external resources, thus barring them from further Qi Cultivation and reduced to being the sect's enforcers.
In essence, they are merely tools in others' hands.
Zhang Yan heard that since Warriors consume large quantities, they use a Large Cauldron to cook every meal. Could Shi Shoujing's gift of a tripod be an allegory for his future, hinting at the path he should choose, hoping he becomes a Warrior?
The more he thought about it, the more probable it seemed.
Shi Shoujing wanted him to concede, to hand over the cultivation resources that should belong to him to other entry-level disciples, not to compete with them.
Was this a reminder that the only way to protect oneself is to choose a path different from others?
Zhang Yan snorted, indicating that although Shi Shoujing accepted him as an entry-level disciple, he did not believe in his talent or prospects, only reluctantly taking him in for some reason.
He glanced at the Bronze cauldron, confident that when it was delivered, many people had seen it, and Shi Shoujing might have intentionally let other disciples learn about this. This clearly sent a signal: although the three Masters accepted Zhang Yan as an entry-level disciple, they did not intend to reallocate cultivation resources, instead arranging for Zhang Yan to take another path.
Thus, the gifting of the tripod, though seemingly a gentle persuasion, was actually an unalterable decision by the three Masters!
Zhang Yan gave a cold laugh, wondering how others could decide his path in cultivation?
He refused to be merely a Warrior, which is nothing but a servant or guard. What is the meaning of seeking immortality if not to transcend?
Cultivation seeks transcendence; how can one be a slave and still talk of becoming an immortal or cultivating the Dao?
As for Shi Shoujing saying his achievements would be limited, he had nothing but scorn. From being a Registered Disciple with no background, hadn't he become an entry-level disciple?
This proves that future events are not set in stone; his journey to this point is evidence!
On the contrary, like his former self, those who do not strive for advancement and only wait for others to grant opportunities, may have already been confined by the Zhou Family to serve their wife's family.
Only by continually improving one's cultivation is the true foundation; everything else is illusion!
With a cold sneer, Zhang Yan circled the tripod twice, and an idea stirred in his mind, a bold thought rising suddenly.
He could feel from the Qi mechanism that this tripod was no ordinary item, but a Magic Artifact. Without needing to test it, he knew placing food inside would purify it, removing turbid Qi and cooking the essence, avoiding the intake of a heap of useless impurities.
And at this moment, Zhang Yan saw another use for it.
This tripod itself had the effect of discarding the false and retaining the true!
With this thought, his eyes shone brightly. He immediately stepped outside, summoned many Daoist boys, and had them gather plenty of dry firewood.