Zhang Yan listened to these words and found them somewhat perplexing. Though Lu Tianying was a disciple of True Master Tao, this fact should be known to only a few. Moreover, though he was a Xuan Guang Practitioner, on the surface, he appeared to be merely a Loose Cultivator. The Taihao Sect was one of the Ten Great Sects of Xuanmen, so why would its disciples trouble themselves with him?
Zhang Yan pondered for a moment, glanced at Lu Yingtian, and said, "Junior Lu, are you familiar with the origins of the Taihao Sect?"
Lu Daoist shook his head and replied, "I, your junior, have always focused on cultivation in the temple, fearing to stir up trouble, and seldom descend the mountain. I only overheard those two youngsters claiming to be disciples of the Taihao Sect. As for the details of the Taihao Sect’s background, to be honest, I know very little."
Zhang Yan nodded, his thoughts turning inward, "It seems Junior Lu truly dedicates himself to seeking the Dao. Yet, having lived among the mundane world for so long, it’s no wonder he doesn’t recognize the figures of the Cultivation World. It’s not surprising he’s unaware of the Taihao Sect’s renown. No wonder his words carried only resentment but showed no fear—truly ignorant of the danger."
Seeking the Dao is no easy path. If he were a typical Loose Cultivator, he would likely have made connections with some peers. Not only could they search for heavenly materials and earth treasures together, but they could also support one another against powerful enemies.
Yet Lu Tianying’s experience was unique. He was once the temple master of Baofeng Temple, a mundane recluse. Later, True Master Tao passed down a cultivation technique to him, assisting him in Opening Meridians and Breaking Through. Only then did he enter the house of cultivation. Additionally, he was early on gifted with Cloud Sand, enabling him to cultivate safely for over a hundred years. Despite lacking experience, he managed to painstakingly progress to the Xuan Guang Realm.
However, being so sheltered, he remained utterly ignorant of the affairs in the Cultivation World.
Zhang Yan asked further, "Since Junior Lu devotes himself to cultivation and avoids strife, why have the disciples of the Taihao Sect come searching for you?"
Lu Tianying sighed, patting his knee, and said, "Senior Brother, you know, back then I accidentally consumed a Spirit Grass. At the time, my organs felt as though they were being scorched, and I nearly perished. By sheer fortune, my master happened to pass by. Not only did he save my life, but he also accepted me as a Registered Disciple. That Spirit Grass left behind many seeds. I buried three of them in the soil, but for over a hundred years, nothing came of it. Just last month, one of them sprouted a fresh shoot."
Zhang Yan’s heart stirred. He rose and said, "Where is this grass? Junior Lu, take me to see it."
His tone carried an undeniable authority. Lu Tianying hesitated briefly but then stood and said, "This way, Senior Brother."
The two of them exited the side chamber and made their way to the backyard. After walking for a short while, they arrived at a small patch of fenced-off vegetable beds. Lu Tianying pointed to an inconspicuous corner and said, "Senior Brother, please look. I feared someone might notice it, so I planted the grass here to obscure it from view."
Zhang Yan examined it. To ordinary people, the grass seemed entirely unremarkable, but to him, it radiated spiritual energy. As he approached, a refreshing sensation washed over him, brighter than the Star Fires of the night sky. It was no wonder it had attracted attention. Stepping closer, he sighed and remarked, "So it’s the Dragon Flame Tongue Herb."
Lu Tianying exclaimed in surprise, "Senior Brother, you recognize this herb? Even back then, my master couldn’t identify its name."
That True Master Tao couldn’t recognize the herb didn’t surprise Zhang Yan. He himself had never encountered this particular Spirit Grass either. However, having studied under Zhou Chongju, a Grandmaster of Alchemy with a comprehensive catalog of rare and exotic flora, Zhang Yan could deduce the herb’s identity with a quick mental comparison.
Zhang Yan let out a cold laugh and said, "If it’s this herb, then it’s no wonder. This Spirit Grass is one of the few in the world capable of prolonging life and extending one’s years. Yet, to this day, no one understands how to cultivate it, which explains its allure to others."
He cast another glance at Lu Tianying and thought, "Junior Lu is certainly blessed with great fortune. Though he’s lived for over two hundred years and remains at the Xuan Guang Realm, he hasn’t a single strand of white hair—surely thanks to this herb’s effects."
Lu Tianying didn’t notice Zhang Yan’s gaze but continued venting his frustration, "Those two youngsters from the Taihao Sect, merely eleven or twelve years of age, were brash and insolent. They insist this herb was left by one of their sect elders and demand I hand it over. But the Spirit Grass was clearly something I obtained over a hundred years ago. Now that it’s finally grown, it’s meant to be an offering for my master. How could I give it to them? That’s why I was so indignant and ended up fighting them. Their mana was no match for mine, but they wielded a Dharma Treasure capable of spewing fire..."
He gestured toward the mess of scorched stubble on his face and bitterly smiled, "I now look thanks to that Dharma Treasure’s damage. Those two youngsters even left a threat, saying that if I do not yield the herb, they’ll return to burn me anew as soon as my hair grows back. I’ve been avoiding even my own disciples out of shame ever since."