Chapter 4, The Explanatory Text Before Qianzhang Rock (Part 1)

Since you do not heed kind words, do not blame me for lacking compassion. Do you truly think I have no means to deal with you

Manager Bian, Zhang Yan has arrived

Bian Qiao's expression changed suddenly, as this remark subtly implied a mockery of his servile nature. He had always despised any mention of his origins, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of anger. The smile he forced onto his face became somewhat stiff.

Bian Qiao squinted and said: "You shall disperse your cultivation and descend the mountain from this point onward. From now on, you are forbidden to step into the territory of my Mingcang Sect even by half a step!"

Zhang Yan, well-versed in various texts and notes, certainly understands the value of such elixirs. Not only can they aid in fasting and health preservation, cleanse impurities, but they can also strengthen the foundation and cultivate vitality, promoting blood circulation and unblocking meridians. This is greatly beneficial for practitioners who often sit still for several days and nights. The key issue, however, is that while they are valuable, they are not readily available in the market; these elixirs are only accessible to novice disciples.

With a wave of his hand, a young attendant immediately presented a book behind him. Bian Qiao tapped the surface of the book with his knuckles and said with a forced smile, "I am also aware of your rules, Junior Brother Zhang. The rice, grain, and silver will not be lacking for you, so I kindly ask you to offer some guidance."

Zhang Yan was extremely calm and said: "Yes."

In the crowd, Zhao Ying looked at Zhang Yan agreeing and couldn't help but curl her lips in disdain. This little thief truly had no regard for his life; could he not see that Bian Qiao was setting a trap for him to fall into?

What surprised Bian Qiao even more was the subtle sheen that appeared on Zhang Yan's face. Having spent many years handling various matters by Hu Shengyu's side, he was naturally knowledgeable and could tell at a glance that Zhang Yan had not only reached the realm of "Ning Yuan Xian Yi" in the foundation-building stage, but also subtly showed signs of entering the "Yuan Cheng Ru Zhen" stage.

Zhang Yan was well aware of his thoughts, wearing a smile that was neither fully a smile nor a frown, and said: "Naturally, it cannot compare to the closeness between Brother Bian and Brother Hu"

In addition, Zhang Yan is proficient in the art of erosion script

In front of Qianzhang Rock, there are many people with various gazes; in the distance, some are pointing and gesturing. He and the books remain completely indifferent. The several servants around him are dressed in short garments, their clothes open at the chest and abdomen, their faces full of arrogance.

He does not understand that this is the inherent nature of Bianqiao Haonu, who seeks small gains and fears powerful individuals; it is only because he cannot fully grasp Zhang Yan's background that he has not taken direct action

Because many people had gathered here, disciples from the three major lower academies gradually surrounded the area. Upon hearing this, there was a chorus of exclamations, as this would completely sever Zhang Yan's path of cultivation.

Zhang Yan today donned the wide-sleeved Daoist robe gifted to him by Min Lou. Not only is he handsome in appearance, but he is also tall and well-proportioned, standing a head taller than the average person. His eyes exude a formidable presence, and as he strides over, he appears both valiant and imposing, exuding an awe-inspiring aura

Bian Qiao suddenly laughed heartily twice and said, "It is no trouble at all, no trouble at all. Since Junior Brother has considerable insights in the field of erosion literature, why not let us broaden our horizons? I, Bian, have three books here; please guide me, Junior Brother!"

Bian Qiao sneered, "I know you have been on the mountain for three years, so how could you not know that disciples of the Three Views have their own rules, and that there are designated individuals responsible for interpreting the Daoist texts? Very well, I will not make things difficult for you today. You may take an oath here that from now on, you will no longer interpret the Daoist texts for the disciples of the Three Views, and I will let you off the hook on behalf of my fellow senior brothers, forgiving you for past transgressions. What do you think?"

In the past, he relied on the reputation of Hu Shengyu to consider himself a person of significance. Now that the situation has unfolded, it would be impossible for him to back down in front of so many disciples, as it would diminish his authority.

The term "senior brother" mentioned here in Bianqiao naturally refers to those few entry-level disciples of the Shanyuan Temple

Bian Qiao smirked, feeling secretly irritated. He wondered what purpose the person who inquired about the news served. With such skills, how could they possibly be an ordinary registered disciple

Take your time

How could he not understand the intricacies involved? He stated on https://m.hetushu.com that this is a tactic of retreating to advance. In this way, it becomes not that I am unwilling to agree with you, but rather that you are being excessively unreasonable.

Zhang Yan also smiled, retracted his hand, stood up straight, and said: "Then what do you think, Senior Brother, should be done?"

Bian Qiao squinted at Zhang Yan and said coldly: "Are you truly unable to understand, Junior Brother, or are you merely toying with me, Bian? I am referring to the disciples of the Three Views; do you comprehend what I mean?"

Bian Qiao had already grown somewhat impatient while waiting. Upon hearing this, he perked up a bit, raised his head to glance casually, but upon this scrutiny, he froze with the teapot at his lips, somewhat astonished, and said: "Is that Zhang Yan?"

However, Zhao Ying did not know that although Bian Qiao appeared to be overbearing, he actually understood a bit about the principles of advance and retreat

The disciples of the three major lower houses immediately began to discuss among themselves, their eyes filled with fervor as they gazed at the bottle of elixir. However, they also understood that this was not something they could obtain. In their hearts, they were cursing, for this Bian Qiaoming was merely a steward with no significant cultivation, yet he possessed such a fine elixir. It was truly a case of a precious pearl being cast into the dark, a waste of heavenly treasures.

The disciples surrounding them listened to Bian Qiao's words; those with boldness moved closer, eager to see what abilities this Yan possessed to dare confront Bian Qiao. The disciples from Tai'an Temple and Shanyuan Temple were relatively calm, but in the eyes of the disciples from Dexiu Temple, Bian Qiao had been domineering on the mountain for many years, with no one daring to challenge him. Today, someone actually had the audacity to undermine Bian Qiao's authority, stirring excitement within them. Some even instructed their accompanying disciples to urgently seek out friends and acquaintances, ensuring they did not miss this spectacle.

Zhang Yan clasped his hands and said lightly, "In that case, I must regretfully decline your request"

Zhang Yan stood firm, casting a calm and unperturbed glance at Bian Qiao, and said: "Yes"

According to Bian Qiao's original plan, if Zhang Yan had no significant background related to books, he would naturally be taught a lesson, rendered disabled, and then thrown down the mountain.

"Senior brother, this statement is acceptable, but..." Zhang Yan, however, remained composed and said, "If that is the case, then this price cannot merely be offset by rice and grain."

He appeared refined, but after all, he was used to being arrogant, and his tone suddenly turned unfriendly. He cast a cold glance at Zhang Yan and said: "I have come to ask you, I have heard that you interpreted the eclipse text for the disciples of my De Xiu Guan? Is this true?"

Upon reconsideration, although Zhang Yan seems to have some foundation, since he was the one to break the 'rules' first, it is only reasonable for him to speak to a few senior brothers about it. Why should he be afraid?

Bian Qiao extended his hand to press on the Daoist text, his eyes fixed on Zhang Yan, and said: "I am sincerely seeking guidance. If Junior Brother Zhang misinterprets it or is unable to interpret it, how should that be addressed?"

In fact, Zhang Yan's previous personality was rather somber; he spent three years in seclusion, solely focused on diligent cultivation and intensive study of erosion texts, never having made any acquaintances among fellow practitioners. One could say he was quite unremarkable, and under the pressing circumstances, it was naturally impossible to uncover anything.

A timid Taoist priest from the Shanyuan Temple, who had been brought in to listen, peeked around and quietly pointed at the tall figure approaching in the distance

Bian Qiao observed Zhang Yan's expression closely. Noticing that he remained unfazed and indifferent upon hearing the name Hu Shengyu, Bian Qiao felt even more certain about his previous judgment. He tentatively inquired in a seemingly friendly manner, "May I ask how Senior Brother Zhang refers to the several senior brothers at Shanyuan Temple?"

Although the lower house is divided into three schools of thought, interactions are frequent. If someone obtains a scripture from the De Xiu school and then entrusts it to the disciples of the other two schools to interpret the eclipse text at Zhang Yan's place, can he still stop it? Wouldn't that be the same as not having said anything at all?

He had already made preparations before coming here. Since reconciliation was not possible, he was ready to resort to measures.

In his eyes, a named disciple was nothing significant. If it were not for the fact that this was the Shanyuan Temple, with just a word from him, someone would eagerly rush to take care of it, and there would be no need for him to personally intervene. However, upon meeting Zhang Yan, he unexpectedly found him to be quite remarkable.

He is approximately in his forties, dressed in luxurious clothing, wearing a Jiu Yang cap, and sporting a pair of thick-soled high shoes. His face is pale, round, and plump. He holds a purple clay teapot, sipping slowly, and appears to be a wealthy gentleman rather than a steward of the servants.

Generally, individuals of this sort either have disciples supporting them from behind or come from illustrious families

Bian Qiao let out a sound and shook his head, saying: "Not enough, not enough"

Zhang Yan said with a calm expression: "Senior brother may smash my signboard; from now on, I will no longer speak the words 'erode' and 'text'."

Zhang Yan coldly observed Bian Qiao's small movements, yet he remained indifferent, sitting down on the stone bench as if no one were around, picking up the Taoist scripture to browse through it.

At this thought, Zhang Yan's figure appeared profound in his eyes, and he no longer dared to act recklessly.

On one hand, he tries his best not to offend those who should not be offended; even if there are minor conflicts, others overlook them for Hu Shengyu's sake. On the other hand, he bullies and suppresses disciples who lack a background without any restraint. It is precisely because of this that he has gained the most notoriety and fear among many in charge.

Zhang Yan smiled and said, "Since Manager Bian has spoken, from now on, the disciples of Dexiu Temple will no longer interpret the Daoist scriptures with him"

Five people gathered around the pavilion in front of Qianzhang Rock, while Bian Qiao sat alone on the stone bench in the center

With business coming to his door, Zhang Yan naturally would not let it go. He took a couple of steps and reached out to grab that book.

Bianqiao chuckled and, after rummaging in his sleeve for a while, took out a white jade porcelain bottle and placed it on the stone table. "Junior brother seems to have already reached the foundation establishment stage. This is a Zhihe Dan, with a total of twenty-three pills in the bottle, each worth a fortune. What do you think, junior brother?"

She was raised by Zhao Yuan since childhood. If it were not for her, Zhao Yuan would have long ascended the mountain to seek enlightenment and would not have delayed for ten years. Therefore, she never dared to disobey Zhao Yuan's words. This time, upon seeing Zhao Yuan spitting blood, she acted willfully out of urgency and anger.

Bian Qiao was originally wary of the powerful backing behind Zhang Yan, intending for everyone to take a step back to avoid a fallout. However, he did not expect Zhang Yan to be so ungrateful and disrespectful.

Zhao Ying stood at a distance, secretly cursing Zhang Yan for his lack of awareness. Deep down, she felt a twinge of regret. Bian Qiao was known for his ruthless methods, and dealing with a mere named disciple was simply effortless. If this little thief were to be killed here, it would be one thing, but her elder brother would surely reproach her. What if her health were to suffer as a result?

Zhang Yan was indeed unexpected; I did not anticipate that Bian Qiao had not acted previously, yet now has become considerably more assertive

If Zhang Yan loses this time and no one stands up for him, then naturally he will be dealt with harshly without mercy. However, if someone intervenes on his behalf, especially if they have significant influence, he might be able to save face and, in turn, gain a favor. In any case, as long as Zhang Yan misinterprets the Daoist scriptures, whether he is punished severely or lightly will be entirely at their discretion

He forced a smile on his face, sitting there and cupping his hands towards Zhang Yan, who was approaching, and said: "I am Bian Qiao, usually managing mundane affairs for Master Hu Shengyu of the Dexiu Temple. Are you the junior brother Zhang Yan?"

Bian Qiao cupped his hands around him and said, "Alright, today there are several senior brothers present here to witness, so that it won't spread that I, Bian, am bullying others". He was also ruthless in his methods, having first used words to cut off Zhang Yan's retreat.

He initially thought that Zhang Yan was merely a poor scholar who did not understand the rules, but he did not expect the other party's appearance to greatly exceed his expectations

There is no need for further consideration; he replied at that moment: "Okay."