Manager Hao had already inquired about Zhang Yan’s residence beforehand. After receiving the order, he headed off toward Star Gazing Peak with two attendants in tow.
Having been in the Du Family for many years, he had once practiced Qi Cultivation, but due to his limited aptitude, he was unable to break through to Opening Meridians. However, he was still adept at wielding magic artifacts.
In the Du Family’s ranks, he was originally just a servant. Accompanying Young Master Du You to the Lower Court of the Mingcang Sect, he felt that his moment to rise had finally come. And now, he even had the opportunity to personally apprehend an entry-level disciple. His heart couldn’t help but swell with pride.
Manager Hao arrived at Zhang Yan’s cave mansion door, barging in without notice. He swaggered in without giving anyone inside a proper glance, putting on airs and declaring, "Where is Zhang Yan?"
Zhang Yan had been busy dealing with Lin Tong, who had been stuffed into the cauldron by Luo Xiao. Seeing Manager Hao brazenly intrude, Zhang Yan’s expression turned icy. "Who are you?"
Manager Hao clasped his hands behind his back and raised his chin proudly. "Zhang Yan, I am the Lower Court Manager. Today, the Senior Disciple of the Lower Court, Du You, has summoned all disciples to convene in the side hall. Everyone else has attended—why have you alone ignored the summons? I am here under the orders of the Young Master to arrest you for questioning. Kneel and admit your guilt!"
Senior Disciple of the Lower Court? Du You?
Zhang Yan felt a trace of suspicion, but soon became alert.
It seemed the situation in the Lower Court had changed. Looking at Manager Hao’s mannerisms, Zhang Yan immediately grasped the context and smirked coldly. "Whether I am guilty or not is yet to be determined. I am an entry-level disciple. And you? Just a lowly servant—how dare you try to arrest me?"
"Enough nonsense! Will you bind yourself, or shall I take you myself?" Manager Hao, though holding a magic artifact, was inwardly nervous. He knew Zhang Yan’s notorious reputation, as well as his cultivation level, far surpassed his own. Zhang Yan’s imposing stature only heightened his anxiety.
As Manager Hao lifted the Confinement Ruler in his hand, Zhang Yan suddenly felt his entire body tense up, his hair standing on end. An overwhelming sense of danger emanated from the ruler—its immense Qi Mechanism alone was enough to identify it as a powerful magic artifact.
Zhang Yan’s expression darkened. He discreetly slipped his hand into his sleeve and grasped an object gifted to him by Ning Chongxuan for protection, though he wasn’t sure how effective it would be.
Seeing Zhang Yan refuse to submit, Manager Hao inwardly cursed him for seeking death. He raised the Confinement Ruler, preparing to strike. But before he could act, his hand suddenly felt empty.
The next moment, he was dumbfounded. A beautiful woman had somehow snatched the Confinement Ruler and was now casually examining it with great interest.
Manager Hao was dazed for several moments before coming to his senses. He couldn’t help but shout, "Return my magic artifact immediately!"
Luo Xiao sneered, "Hah! A crudely crafted magic artifact , dare you call it a Dharma Treasure?"
Manager Hao was furious, his rage nearly driving him mad. "You wretched maid! I am the Manager of the Du Family! Do you even understand the might of the Du Family, the Du..."
Zhang Yan shook his head, unwilling to waste words with him. Stepping forward, he grabbed Manager Hao’s arm and flung him out of the cave.
Outside the cave mansion was a narrow path along a cliffside. Manager Hao was instantly terrified to the core. Luckily, Zhang Yan controlled his strength, allowing Manager Hao to grab hold of the path at the last moment, avoiding a fatal fall. His two attendants quickly pulled him back up.
Having suffered enough, Manager Hao no longer dared linger. He fled in a panic without a second thought.
Zhang Yan’s face grew solemn. Before entering seclusion, he heard from Ai Zhongwen that Zheng Xun had returned to his family to advance to Opening Meridians. Now, it seemed Du You had taken over his prior position as Senior Disciple in the Lower Court.
He could roughly guess Du You’s intentions. It was clear—without an intimidating show of strength or status, dealing with this matter would be troublesome.
If nothing else, he might have to resort to Ning Chongxuan’s gift today.
Luo Xiao toyed with the Confinement Ruler for a while before her eyes suddenly gleamed mischievously. She giggled slyly, as if struck by a devious idea. Reaching into the cauldron, she grabbed the unconscious Lin Tong and stuffed the ruler into his sleeve.
Zhang Yan glanced at her and asked, "What are you doing?"
Luo Xiao clapped her hands proudly and replied, "If I’m not mistaken, this ruler should have a twin piece. Just watch the show unfold!"
In the grand hall, Du You had been waiting impatiently for two hours when a disheveled Manager Hao finally returned. Entering the hall, he immediately prostrated himself and wailed, "Young Master, please quell your anger! This old servant was careless and lost the Dharma Treasure to Zhang Yan. I beg your forgiveness!"
Du You’s mouth fell open in disbelief. His rage surged instantly as he pointed at Manager Hao and roared, "Nonsense! Zhang Yan is merely a Foundation Establishment cultivator. My artifact is capable of subduing anyone below the Ming Qi Stage. How could he possibly take it from you?"