However, on second thought, this was merely a Foundation Building Scripture. While it was rare at the moment, compared to the long and arduous path of cultivation, it was ultimately insignificant. Doing something that neither brought benefit nor aligned with the Dao was something he would never undertake.
Zhang Yan slowly raised his head, cupped his hands, and smiled, saying, "Congratulations, Brother Zhao. The 'Yongchuan Water Walking Book' is truly the 'Yongchuan Meridian Method'—an exceptionally rare Foundation Building Scripture!"
Zhao Yuan's eyes gradually widened, his entire body trembling as he exclaimed, "Is it true?"
Zhang Yan sighed and said, "If you had placed the two volumes together for interpretation, perhaps someone would have already discovered this long ago..."
Zhao Yuan shook his head and said, "No, elder brother, you are noble-minded. Another person might not have been so forthright in telling me this. Truly, you are my fateful benefactor! Allow me to bow to you."
He bent deeply at the waist and performed a solemn salute toward Zhang Yan,
Zhang Yan hurriedly helped him up, saying, "This senior used the metaphor of water to describe qi, with profound meanings and great truths. The entire spell is presented as plainly as carving fish scales—it is a rare masterpiece. I have the ambition to give it a try; I wonder if Brother Zhao would permit me to cultivate it?"
Zhao Yuan was momentarily stunned. Judging by Zhang Yan's memory, he had clearly already memorized the entire scripture. Even if he cultivated it in secret, there was nothing Zhao Yuan could do about it. Yet, Zhang Yan still sought his consent, a clear show of respect that touched Zhao Yuan deeply. Flustered, he replied, "No, no, elder brother, your words make me feel ashamed. I have no way to repay your Great Virtue. You may cultivate this scripture as you wish."
He felt around his belongings and found that the pouch of pearls he had prepared earlier now seemed inadequate. After some thought, he retrieved a paper packet from his chest, held it with both hands, and presented it to Zhang Yan, saying, "Today I came in haste and did not bring any treasures. This is 'Yugui Sand' from the Five Elements Divine Sand, worth some silver taels. Please, brother, accept it—I will make up for it in the days to come."
Zhang Yan did not decline and accepted it with equanimity, offering a reminder, "Brother Zhao, your emotions have fluctuated greatly today; it is not suitable for cultivation." Since he had chosen to be benevolent, he would follow through to the end.
Zhao Yuan nodded quickly in thanks. He glanced at Zhang Yan, hesitated for a moment, then stepped closer and said softly, "Brother, interpreting the Erosion Text is undoubtedly extraordinary, but it might provoke envy from others..."
Hearing this, Zhang Yan's expression grew more serious. He replied earnestly, "Brother Zhao, you need not worry. I have my own plans."
Zhao Yuan nodded. Since they both understood each other, there was no need to elaborate further. Cupping his hands, he said, "If you require assistance, just say the word. I, Zhao Yuan, will not shirk from helping as long as it is within my power." With another solemn bow, he turned and departed.
Zhang Yan gazed at Zhao Yuan's retreating figure, lost in thought. It seemed that Zhao Yuan regarded him with utmost sincerity. Otherwise, he would not have mentioned such a thing unless he saw Zhang Yan as a close confidant and friend.
Interpreting the Erosion Text might seem benign, but in truth, it was like snatching food from the mouths of those entry-level disciples performing servant tasks. Normally, they would first sell the Daoist books, then sell handwritten interpretations, earning two profits in succession. Now, Zhang Yan's actions had effectively cut into their market and severed one of their revenue streams. For now, everything seemed manageable, but over time, their discontent would inevitably grow, and the consequences could become unpredictable.
Zhao Yuan's concerns stemmed precisely from this.
One might argue that Zhang Yan, with his current wealth, no longer needed to rely on interpreting the Erosion Text to make a living.
But his plans were far more intricate than that!
As a cultivator, Zhang Yan knew full well that cultivation was the foundation of everything. Earning money was merely a convenient side effect; his true objective was to use this as a way to draw the attention of the higher-ups in Shanyuan Temple.
Zhang Yan had spent seven years navigating the post-apocalyptic world and had even ascended to the core leadership of a survivor camp. He understood deeply that the fundamental differences between the upper and lower echelons boiled down to two things: control over resources and access to asymmetric information.
Although this was an entirely different world, the principle remained the same.
The Mingcang Sect, as a great Daoist sect, had over three hundred registered disciples like him in Shanyuan Temple's Lower Court alone, as well as more than a thousand miscellaneous Daoist boys. Yet, there were only a dozen true entry-level disciples.
It was this small group of a dozen disciples, along with the three Masters of the temple, who held control over all the Cultivation Classics.
Shanyuan Temple's entry-level disciples usually cultivated on the Sixth Peak, Moon Capture Peak, of Cangwu Mountain. Those who were not acquainted with this group would rarely have a chance to meet them. As for the temple's Masters, though they delivered teachings to the public once a month, anyone without a long-standing record of "sacrificial offerings" could forget about gaining access to the sect's secret spells.
Zhang Yan did not come from a wealthy or prestigious family, so this path was obviously closed to him. However, there was another route available.
And that was to make a name for himself!
With a strong reputation, even if he failed to attract the favor of a Master, he could still forge connections with the entry-level disciples. Once he entered their circle, the possibilities of gaining access to superior skills increased significantly.
His talent for interpreting the Erosion Text was precisely his ticket in.
Before these people noticed his rise, how could he possibly stop?
As for the potential dangers, he smiled faintly. Ordinarily, he wouldn't have dared to take such risks, but in recent days...
Narrowing his eyes, he looked toward the Main Peak of Cangwu Mountain, Divine Arrival Peak. The timing couldn't be better!