Mo Daoist had also suffered losses at the hands of Zhang Yan before. Although he felt Feng Zhen was overestimating Zhang Yan, his reasoning was not without merit. Being cautious is always wise, so Mo Daoist agreed, saying, "What you say, Junior Brother, is very true. Moreover, this matter should not be delayed."
Feng Zhen silently plotted strategies. Now that he was a Hua Dan Cultivator, he held his status in high regard. Such a minor matter was not something he wanted to trouble his elder ancestor with. Thus, he was left to find a solution himself. But he was no longer the same novice cultivator from twenty years ago, just starting out from Pan Chi Island. He had gained some insight through experience and pondered for a moment before his eyes brightened. Clenching his fist into his palm, he declared, "I’ve got it!"
Mo Daoist’s spirit lifted. He asked, "Let’s hear it."
Feng Zhen cupped his hands and said politely, "This plan may have flaws. Senior Brother, with your broad knowledge, I ask you to help refine and perfect it."
Mo Daoist chuckled and said, "Junior Brother, you’re too polite. I only have a shallow understanding, but if it’s within my ability to offer insight, I will not hesitate to do so."
Feng Zhen’s eyes flickered as he said, "Senior Brother, do you remember Tu Xuan?"
Mo Daoist thought carefully and began to grasp part of the idea. He probed cautiously, "Are you suggesting sending someone to test Zhang Yan?"
Feng Zhen nodded. "Indeed. This move is nothing more than repeating an old trick."
Mo Daoist stroked his beard slowly and gravely said, "This method is feasible, but choosing the right person is not easy. Right now, Zhang Yan’s reputation is imposing. Those with higher cultivation levels harbor concerns and may be unwilling to step forward. On the other hand, those of similar cultivation levels—who would dare to confront him in hand-to-hand combat?"
After the Elixir Tasting Conference, at least on the surface, Zhang Yan had not received any inherited Mysterious Skills, Dharma Treasures, or Dao Artifacts. Moreover, the four True Masters of his disciple lineage were all in seclusion. The implicit message being sent was evident—they clearly did not wish to break alliances with the Xuanmen Family at this time.
The noble family clans naturally understood the message as well. Moreover, having recently suffered subtle defeats, the clan leaders of the Zheng, Feng, and Du families were all in seclusion. The five major surnames remained silent from beginning to end. With no one from the clans stepping forward, they could only remain in dormant quietude, waiting to take action during the major comparison competition in three years.
Under such circumstances, the noble family disciples had been ordered by their elders to focus on cultivation within their clans, ensuring no one dared to provoke Zhang Yan. On the surface, the mountain gate appeared peaceful and calm.
Feng Zhen smiled confidently and said, "No matter. I, your Junior Brother, have a plan that will force one of the families to act against Zhang Yan."
Mo Daoist leaned closer on instinct, eager to hear what brilliant strategy his Junior Brother had devised.
Feng Zhen tapped the table twice with his finger, making two soft sounds. "Senior Brother, do you recall the incident twenty years ago when Zhang Yan fought with the disciples of all sects on the outer sea?"
Mo Daoist slightly raised his broad chin, saying, "Of course I know of it. But so what? In the end, the ones who died were merely disciples of Outer Dao sects. He killed them, so be it. Do they dare come to our Mingcang Sect for revenge?"
As a noble family disciple of Xuanmen, he naturally harbored a disdain for Zhang Yan’s reputation in the outer sea. However, in his view, Zhang Yan was ultimately a disciple of the Mingcang Sect. Killing a few disciples from other sects was insignificant. If those sects dared to seek trouble here and happened to encounter him, he wouldn’t wait for Zhang Yan to act—he would kill them on the spot himself.
Feng Zhen shook his head and said, "I’m not referring to those irrelevant individuals, but rather..." He paused, lowering his voice before continuing, "...rather the Xiao Family..."
Mo Daoist’s expression shifted slightly, and as if something began to stir in his mind. Before he could think further, Feng Zhen revealed the mystery outright, saying, "It’s said that Xiao Musui and Xiao Han from the Xiao Family were present in the outer sea more than twenty years ago. Since then, they have not returned. The reason for their disappearance is likely connected to Zhang Yan."
Mo Daoist shook his head and scoffed, "I’m not trying to underestimate Zhang Yan. To deal with Xiao Han, given his cultivation at the time, maybe Zhang Yan had a chance. But to contend with Xiao Musui, a Nascent Soul True Master? That’s outright absurd." The source of this content ɪs 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝⚫𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖⚫𝕟𝕖𝕥
Feng Zhen turned his head and looked at him, saying, "Senior Brother, have you perhaps forgotten True Master Tao?"
Mo Daoist’s heart trembled, and his expression subtly changed.
Feng Zhen spoke in a slow, understated tone, "Why did Zhang Yan assist True Master Tao in seizing the Immortal Mansion in the outer sea? This matter has profound implications. If True Master Tao acted on Zhang Yan’s behalf to deal with Xiao Musui, then the two Xiao Family members were simply easy prey, their deaths inevitable."
Mo Daoist’s voice rose in shock and anger, "True Master Tao Zhenhong would dare to take such bold actions?"
Yet, as soon as the words left his mouth, he fell silent.
At the realm of Cave Heaven True Masters, battles of life and death were seldom engaged. Even if Xiao Musui had indeed been killed by Tao Zhenhong, without concrete evidence, the noble families with their Cave Heaven True Masters would not risk confronting him over such a matter. If just one of their True Masters fell, the power structure of their sects would shift drastically—a plainly unwise choice.