During the two months of Zhang Yan’s cultivation, some changes had taken place on Cangwu Mountain.
Zheng Xun had returned to the Zheng Family to complete Opening Meridians. The meridian he had condensed was of a high grade, promising an infinite future. From this moment, he stepped into the Great Dao of the Immortal Gate, and he would soon proceed to the Upper Court for more advanced cultivation techniques, leaving behind any lingering attachment to the Lower Court.
Meanwhile, the Lower Court was filled with restless hearts. With Zheng Xun’s departure, an entry-level disciple spot became vacant. Registered Disciples from noble families scrambled for this position, and unsurprisingly, Lin Yuan was expected to become the new Senior Disciple of the Lower Court. The door to his residence was nearly worn out by the constant flow of visitors.
As Lin Yuan’s cousin, Lin Tong spared no effort in seeking a place as an entry-level disciple, but Lin Yuan ignored him completely.
Though the position of Senior Disciple seemed within reach, the matter had yet to be finalized. Moreover, Shi Shoujing had long been inclined toward Ai Zhongwen, who was well-connected among the disciples. If no unexpected events arose, Ai Zhongwen would undoubtedly be chosen as the entry-level disciple.
Although Lin Yuan and Ai Zhongwen harbored a subtle discord over Zhang Yan, Ai Zhongwen was, after all, a member of the prestigious Anfeng Ai Family, making it inappropriate for Lin Yuan to suppress him arbitrarily.
Failing to make progress with Lin Yuan, Lin Tong sought out Chen Lan, with whom he was well-acquainted. However, for reasons unknown, Chen Lan maintained an ambiguous attitude and refused to speak on Lin Tong’s behalf. Instead, he mentioned, seemingly unintentionally, that he lacked an Alchemy Artifact.
Lin Tong was completely puzzled. Where could he find an Alchemy Artifact?
After asking around, he learned that Chen Lan seemed to have a particular fondness for the Refining Muddling Tripod that Master Shi Shoujing had bestowed upon Zhang Yan.
Lin Tong couldn’t help but ponder in his heart, "I heard that Zhang Yan and Ai Zhongwen are close; why not ask Ai Zhongwen to convince Zhang Yan to hand over the Treasure Tripod? I could surely offer him some benefits in return..."
Little did he know, as soon as he brought it up to Ai Zhongwen, he was mercilessly berated and driven away.
Having suffered such humiliation, Lin Tong secretly vowed, "Once I become an entry-level disciple, I will surely make you pay!"
Despite pondering endlessly, Lin Tong concluded that he could not persuade Zhang Yan to relinquish the Treasure Tripod. Finally, he gritted his teeth and resolved, "I might as well steal the tripod myself!"
He had heard that Zhang Yan excelled in Combat Skills, so he dared not barge in forcefully. However, upon learning that Zhang Yan lived alone without servants to attend him, Lin Tong decided to steal the tripod while Zhang Yan was away. He planned to bury it somewhere in the mountains and retrieve it at night to deliver to Chen Lan.
"If Brother Chen receives this Treasure Tripod, he will surely put in a good word for me!"
Determined, Lin Tong discreetly loitered around Star Gazing Peak day and night, spying from afar. Yet it seemed that Zhang Yan never left his cave mansion, remaining inside and cultivating endlessly. After nearly two months of tedious waiting, just as Lin Tong was about to give up, he saw Zhang Yan being taken away by a white-clothed monk. Ecstatic, he seized the opportunity, dashed forward, and peeked into the cave mansion, confirming that Zhang Yan was indeed absent. Without hesitation, he rushed toward the Large Cauldron.
Suddenly, a chilling voice rang out from beside him, "Who are you?"
Startled, Lin Tong turned his head to find a stunningly beautiful woman standing there.
Her brows looked as though expertly drawn by a fine brush, and beneath them were captivating, soul-stealing eyes like shimmering autumn waters. Her figure was graceful and alluring, and her exposed neck showcased skin as delicate as white jade, causing one’s blood to race at just a glance.
Lin Tong froze for a moment, then sneered, "You must be Zhang Yan’s maid? Tsk tsk, such a little beauty. Why not come with me..."
At his words, the woman’s dainty eyebrows furrowed, and a flicker of murderous intent flashed in her enchanting eyes. She snapped, "Seeking death!"
Zhang Yan ascended from the base of the mountain along the pathway, pondering Ning Chongxuan’s intentions.
Ning Chongxuan’s final words implied that he recognized Zhang Yan as inheriting the lineage of master-disciple transmission. This likely meant the other party had discovered Zhang Yan’s value and was attempting to draw him in preemptively. However, this wasn’t good news—it suggested that the struggles within the Upper Court were even fiercer than Zhang Yan had imagined.
Still, it was too early to think deeply about this matter. Everything would have to wait until he completed Opening Meridians.
Returning to his cave mansion, he stepped through the door and spotted a charming woman gazing affectionately at him. As soon as Zhang Yan entered, she quickly approached, timidly holding onto his sleeve, and sobbed, "I’ve searched for you for years, young master, and today I’ve finally found you..."
Zhang Yan gave her a quick glance, his expression blank, and walked deeper inside. The woman’s eyes flickered, and she suddenly wrapped her arms around his waist, tearfully pleading, "Has Young Master Zhang forgotten about me?"
Zhang Yan’s face remained unmoved as he said, "Luo Daoist, is this drama really necessary? We see each other daily and share the same room every day—how could I not recognize you?"