After interpreting the Daoist books, the entry-level disciples would always leave behind some handwritten copies. These servants secretly copied portions of them and sold them to registered disciples or wealthy families longing for cultivation, earning profits from it.
However, even in this trade, there were distinctions of quality; if the buyer was not truly from a powerful and noble household, they wouldn't even bother to pay them much attention, often using some miscellaneous texts to dismiss them.
Most of the Daoist books circulating between the three Lower Courts originated in this manner.
Although Zhao Yuan's family had accumulated generations of wealth through commerce and was considered prosperous, they still paled compared to the nobility.
The individuals that Zhang Yan had always taken caution against were precisely these "rich servants." These people wielded significant influence, often partnered with entry-level disciples, and ordinary disciples dared not offend them; even if they schemed against you, you'd be left helpless.
This time, Zhao Yuan was driven by a desperate pursuit of the Dao Heart. Upon hearing that a certain entry-level disciple was seeking out Five Elements Divine Sand and was willing to offer several "True Daoist Books" for the brothers to study, Zhao Yuan made a bold decision and tapped into that disciple's manager connections. Not only did he present a pound of Water Moon Yan Heavy Sand as tribute, but he also sent in a substantial amount of wealth, all in hopes of obtaining a True Record Treasure book.
Originally, Zhao Yuan had thought that this "Daoist Book" would undoubtedly contain immortal Marvelous Techniques, but upon returning and flipping through it, he found that it was merely a travel journal and geography records, even less useful than common qi cultivation techniques. His heart surged with regret, yet fearing he had mistakenly interpreted the Erosion Text, he spent several months and a considerable fortune consulting multiple entry-level disciples. The conclusions were identical. As despair set in, he heard in Min Lou Building that Zhang Yan excelled at interpreting Erosion Texts. In a desperate attempt and unwillingness to give up, he brought half of the Daoist book to seek Zhang Yan's advice.
"Six years on the mountain, yet today this scheme was again in vain. It seems the Daoist sect is not destined for me—better I return home and manage my trade business."
Zhao Yuan, now thirty-eight years old, found cultivation arduous, repeatedly struck by setbacks, and he couldn't help but feel dejected, sprouting thoughts of leaving the mountain. As he gazed at the half Daoist book in his hand, anger welled up from within. He grabbed it, intending to tear it in half.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Yan's eyes flickered suddenly. He reached out to grip Zhao Yuan's wrist and said, "Senior Brother, wait."
Zhao Yuan raised his head in astonishment.
Staring at Zhao Yuan, Zhang Yan said in a solemn tone, "If Senior Brother trusts me, may I take a look at the second volume of this book?"
Zhao Yuan hesitated, sensing an underlying meaning in Zhang Yan's words. He asked, "What do you mean, Senior Brother?"
Speaking earnestly, Zhang Yan explained, "Forgive my boldness, but the Erosion Dao Books are meant to be read as a whole, with the front and back illuminating each other. Separating them haphazardly renders their true essence invisible. From what I've observed in this book thus far, certain aspects seem quite profound, and perhaps..."
"Oh?" Zhao Yuan widened his eyes and stared at Zhang Yan, gradually grasping his implication. His body started trembling involuntarily. "Could it be... could it be..."
With a slight smile, Zhang Yan replied, "Do what you can and leave the rest to fate."
Clenching his teeth, Zhao Yuan stood up and stomped his foot. "Alright, I shall have Senior Brother take a look!" He had already abandoned hope for the Daoist path, but Zhang Yan's words introduced a sliver of possibility. Even if faint, how could he bear to give up so easily?
Watching Zhao Yuan hastily depart, Zhang Yan rose and paced the room, reciting softly, "In ancient times, there was Yong County, also called Chuande, its terrain lofty, where eight waters converged like a crouched tiger atop a ridge. Facing the Eastern Continent to the south, like a submerged dragon overlooking the shore, intending to merge into the North Sea..." The more he read these lines, the more convinced he felt that they held some cryptic implications. Initially, he had dismissed the book as merely a travelogue, but Zhao Yuan's mention of destiny brought forth memories of Daoist predecessors, renowned for weaving elaborate metaphors and mental barriers into their writings—perhaps there was something hidden within that he had yet to uncover.
Less than an hour later, Zhao Yuan returned, panting heavily. Without saying a word, he pulled out the second volume of the Daoist book from his sleeve and shoved it into Zhang Yan's hands.
Nodding faintly, Zhang Yan seated himself leisurely and began to read through the book. Zhao Yuan stood by, nervously watching Zhang Yan's expression, his heart riddled with uncertainty. Yet Zhang Yan's demeanor remained composed, offering no clues.
When Zhang Yan finished reading the entirety of the second volume, he thought to himself, "As I expected!"
This time, he was convinced—dragon and tiger clearly referenced the fusion of Kan and Li; eight waters symbolized eight meridians, while water movement implied meridian flow!
The Erosion Text of this Daoist book was rudimentary enough for even the most unskilled disciple to grasp a portion of its meaning. Yet the advanced Foundation Building Technique had purposefully been presented in the guise of a travelogue. Without sincere study and a constant Dao Heart, the true meaning would undoubtedly be overlooked. This Immortal Master's intentions were impressively profound.
However, now Zhang Yan faced another dilemma.
Should he reveal this truth to Zhao Yuan?
By logic, even if he claimed the text was just an ordinary travel journal, Zhao Yuan would be powerless against him, without triggering external attention.