Chapter Six, Past Causes and Effects, Dingyang Zhoumen

His hands trembled gently in his sleeves, clearly aware of his significant defeat. Yet, he still forced himself to maintain composure, saying: "This 'Manqu Jing Shi' is profound and intricate. The interpretation by my fellow disciples is indeed swift, but whether there are any inaccuracies in it, I cannot ascertain yet. I will wait until I can discuss it with Brother Hu to determine its authenticity"

Before he could finish speaking, his face turned pale, and he immediately realized he had let something slip. His lips trembled a few times, and with a "thud," he knelt down, grasping Zhang Yan's robe, and cried out, "Young Master, the Zhou family has found me and said they know you are cultivating here. They urged me to advise you to descend the mountain; otherwise, you will experience the formidable methods of the Zhou family. Young Master, the Zhou family is powerful, and we cannot afford to provoke them."

Zhang Xi glanced at Zhang Yan, his expression revealing a hesitation to speak.

He is very clear that Zhou Youchu wants to attain the highest level of Taoism, and it is absolutely not permissible for him to become an immortal. There is no possibility of compromise for either party

Zhang Yan laughed heartily, took a couple of steps, then stopped at a certain spot. He pointed with one finger at the upper part of the cave wall and said, "Xibo, look at this poem above. It has accompanied me for three years, yet I have always seen it without recognizing it. Today, upon closer inspection, it truly resonates with me."

Zhou Zishang originally intended to directly bind Zhang Yan and take him down the mountain, but upon seeing Zhang Yan's lingering aura and jade-like complexion, it was clear that he had already reached the Foundation Establishment stage. Although he spoke dismissively, he was somewhat surprised in his heart. Could it be that Zhang Yan had caught the attention of some esteemed master on Cangwu Mountain?

Zhang Yan smiled faintly and said, "Parents and family? Whose parents, whose family?"

After much contemplation, Zhou Zishang ultimately decided to use gentle means to compel Zhang Yan to descend the mountain on his own.

As Zhang Yan was about to enter, Zhang Xi suddenly grabbed his sleeve, saying, "Ah, young master, I have something I must say to you."

Zhang Xi did not hesitate and said: "The Zhou family said..."

Zhang Xi shook his head dejectedly, saying that the young master had been overly influenced by tales of immortals and strange phenomena, and how could one trust such ethereal matters? He sighed, "Young master, your aptitude is not high, and there is no hope for cultivating immortality. Why suffer..."

Cold sweat trickled down Bian Qiao's forehead. To be honest, he could not comprehend even a fraction of these incantations. However, on that day, Hu Shengyu had personally stated that this scripture could yield a total of sixty-four chapters of Daoist incantations. Now, the writings of Zhang Yan subtly aligned with Hu Shengyu's words, which sufficiently proved that it was indeed possible to grasp the true meaning within.

Zhang Xi now has a face full of sorrow, as if he is burdened by some concerns

Zhang Yan was filled with joy and said, "Oh, is it Xi Bo? Come in quickly."

A glimmer of brilliance flashed in Zhang Yan's eyes. He shook his head and said, "Xibo, you have been deceived. If the Zhou family knew where I was, why would they need to look for you? Wouldn't that be redundant?"

With a nonchalant smile, he said, "Although you have taken it upon yourself to ascend the mountain this time, your parents and family are aware that you have been misled by others and will not hold it against you. Now, let us return quickly." His words sounded like advice, yet the tone carried an undeniable authority.

I have only heard that Hu Shengyu is extremely protective of his own interests. If one were to offend his manager, I wonder what kind of reaction there would be

Shaking his head, he cast the matter aside and focused on organizing the gains of the day. After all, the contents of the Taoist scriptures and techniques brought by Bianqiao were not something ordinary people could see, which ultimately benefited him. After all, the fundamental goal was to enhance his cultivation.

His face suddenly turned pale, and he completely failed to notice the steps of the pavilion beneath him. He stumbled and nearly fell to the ground. Although he was supported by the servants on either side, preventing him from embarrassing himself, he still lost a great deal of face. He no longer dared to stay there for even a moment longer and hurriedly left in a flustered manner

Upon thinking of this, he smiled confidently. Zhou Zishang once said something quite accurate: the pursuit of immortality is fraught with countless hardships and numerous obstacles. This not only refers to the barriers in the path of cultivation but also to the conflicts and struggles between individuals. Is not the strife and contention among people part of it?

Zhang was surprised that Zhang Yan suddenly brought up poetry. However, since the young master had an interest in poetry, he was naturally pleased. He had also read poetry and literature, so he leaned over to take a closer look. He discovered that the date on this poem was from the early years of Yongping, which meant it was already one hundred and thirty-three years ago. Yet, the handwriting was deeply engraved into the stone wall, even better than the initial carving.

Fearing that Zhang Xi would not reveal Zhang Yan's whereabouts, he ordered a servant to probe Zhang Xi. As expected, under the pressure of fear, Zhang Xi hurriedly ascended the mountain that very night. Following closely behind him, Zhou Zishang easily located Zhang Yan's residence.

Yang Xi was taken aback, seemingly feeling that she had said something wrong, and immediately became hesitant and dared not speak

However, he did not anticipate that the consequences of this matter would be far greater than he had imagined. Within just a few days, his reputation had spread throughout Cangwu Mountain, and disciples from various perspectives sought to engage and befriend him.

His previous experiences are indeed remarkable. Three years ago, when he was sixteen, he married Miss Zhou Youchu of the Zhou family from Dingyang. After the wedding, the bride astonishingly radiated brilliance all over her body, claiming to be the reincarnation of a divine goddess. She stated that, burdened with calamities, she was about to ascend to the celestial realm, leaving him to care for her earthly parents. After a hundred years, she would ensure his passage to the heavenly court to enjoy ultimate bliss.

Zhang Yan had indeed believed this statement in the past. Although his wife's family was arrogant and often treated the servants as equals, he remained without complaint or regret, wholeheartedly serving the goddess and her parents, hoping that one day he could enjoy the ultimate bliss of the heavenly way

The person outside the door called softly, "Young Master, it is Zhang Xi."

Is it indeed the Zhou family that has come to our door?

From the moment Zhou Zishang entered until his departure, Zhang Yan maintained a calm demeanor throughout, while Zhang Xi beside him appeared anxious and unsettled

Zhang Yan appeared to be deep in thought. This Zhou Zishang surprisingly did not waste his breath in forcing him to descend the mountain, but simply retreated like this

Zhang Yan looked at his expression and asked with concern, "Xi Bo, the mountain is cold and desolate at night, why are you going up the mountain at this hour?"

However, one day an old Taoist appeared at the door with a cold smile, and after pointing out a few things to him, he suddenly realized that they were not celestial beings or divine maidens, but rather practitioners of Taoism and Qi cultivation. Although there may seem to be no difference between the two in the eyes of ordinary people, it was only after the old Taoist's explanation that he understood how ridiculous it was to claim to be a celestial immortal when in fact a Qi practitioner merely cultivates the spirit to attain the Dao.

Despite the seething anger within him, Bian Qiao could only pretend not to have heard on the surface. Deep down, he harbored resentment, secretly thinking: "For now, I will let you all enjoy your moment of triumph for a few days; I will deal with you later."

Zhang Xi is the only servant he has by his side before Mount Cangwu. He grew up in his household, known for his honesty and integrity. Originally, he was his father's book boy, and in his memories, he was never regarded as a subordinate, but rather treated as an elder relative.

Zhang Xi lowered his head and said: "It has been three months since I last saw the young master. Now that spring is still chilly, and the young master has always been frail, I am deeply concerned. That is why I came to check on him."

Zhang Yan turned around and said gently, "Xi Bo, I have been raised by you since childhood; feel free to speak your mind."

He absolutely does not believe that the Zhou family would give up so easily. It seems that this cheap brother-in-law of his is not an ordinary person; there must be greater strategies waiting for him.

If he cannot even overcome this hurdle, then how can he speak of the great path

Heaven does not forsake humanity; rebirth in this world reveals the path of greatness ahead. How could he squander the opportunity bestowed upon him by heaven to return and covet worldly riches?

Zhang Yan glanced at the gloomy sky outside and thought that after today, the pressure from the Zhou family would likely come like a storm. Fortunately, his grand plan had already begun in advance. If Zhou Zishang had come a few days earlier with the books, he would have found it quite difficult to handle.

He scrutinized Zhang Yan several times, then suddenly smiled and said, "Brother-in-law, the pursuit of longevity is fraught with countless hardships and numerous obstacles. With your kind of aptitude, your achievements in life will inevitably be limited. With my sister looking out for you, you will naturally enjoy a life of peace and wealth. Why must you accompany the cold dew and wild grass in this mountain? It would be better to return home, take good care of your parents in the future, and live as an ordinary person, enjoying the rest of your life. Wouldn't that be a delightful way to live?"

Haha, my brother-in-law has made quite a bit of progress after spending a few years in the mountains

Zhang Yan smiled; he had already considered this consequence beforehand and had long been prepared to deal with it

Bian Qiao never expected that Zhang Yan would leave just like that. He got up and chased a few steps, looking at Zhang Yan's back, wanting to speak several times but swallowing his words instead. He thought about Hu Shengyu asking him for this Daoist formula in the future, and... he found himself unable to produce it.

Zhou Zishang furrowed his brow slightly, refrained from anger, ceased any further persuasion, said not a word more, and turned to leave.

Seeing that Bianqiao had clearly lost, yet still refused to admit it, the onlookers gazed at him with contempt, and some even made sarcastic remarks.

Zhang Yan's gaze flickered, and he sighed, saying: "When you arrived, how did the Zhou family treat you?"

"Xie Bolai is just right; let us stay here tonight and share some interesting stories from the foot of the mountain. Cangwu Mountain has many beautiful sights. On another day, I will bring some provisions down with those who go to buy supplies." Zhang Yan could naturally see that Zhang Xi had other reasons for coming up the mountain, but being a person of great composure, he did not rush to inquire, merely continuing to entertain.

Zhang Yan is currently a disciple of the Mingcang Sect. If he is easily abducted, it is likely to cause discord between the two sects. Furthermore, there are other mysteries surrounding Zhang Yan's ascent to the mountain, and it remains unknown who is instigating events behind the scenes

What? Zhang Xi was taken aback, "Are you saying that the Zhou family does not know you are here?"

Although Zhang Yan could not be found, it was indeed Zhang Yan who left with Zhang Xi. After some calculations, Zhou Zishang soon found Zhang Xi at the foot of Cangwu Mountain.

Until recently, she suddenly felt that the "Soul Binding Technique" cast upon Zhang Yan had abruptly vanished during her meditation. Only then did she realize something was amiss. After inquiring with the Zhou family, she learned that Zhang Yan had been gone for three years.

Upon learning that Zhang Yan was indeed cultivating on the mountain, Zhou Zishang could not help but be taken aback. Once Zhang Yan achieves success in his cultivation, the loss of the Heavenly Dao will naturally revert to his elder sister, Zhou Youchu. In this case, all previous efforts would have been in vain.

Zhang Hetushu sighed repeatedly and said: "Young Master, you have been on this Cangwu Mountain for three springs and autumns. If we count carefully, how many people have attained immortality? The old master once held the position of governor of Yunzhou, and before his passing, he had high hopes for you, wishing for you to bring glory to the family. You should have been studying for the examinations; how can you waste such precious time here"

Zhang Yan let out a cold laugh and said, "They probably knew I was in Cangwu Mountain before, but this is not their backyard; it would take some effort for them to find me. However, now that you are here, they will naturally be able to locate me with ease."

Zhang Yan let out a cold laugh and said, "In that case, this Dao formula will remain with me, and you may come to find me again once Manager Bian has verified its authenticity. Farewell." He unexpectedly took the thin paper inscribed with the inscription along with the Zhihe Dan and tucked them into his sleeve, rising without another word and leaving.

Zhang Yan smiled lightly and said: "As cultivators, we dine on the wind and drink the dew, unaffected by the cold and heat; there is no need for you to worry, Sir."

However, now when I hear Zhang Yan say, "Whose parents, whose family," there is a hint of mockery in his indifference, yet not a trace of fear is revealed. I cannot help but feel perplexed and increasingly suspect that someone is backing Zhang Yan; otherwise, where would he find such boldness

Who is the senior brother outside the door

Zhang Yan sighed, "This morning's dream of yellow millet is but a fleeting illusion; I seek not the troubles of the world, but the wisdom of the immortals. Well said, well said! Xibo, you see, this perfectly reflects the sentiments of my heart, Zhang Yan."

He recited slowly: "The golden hall is a desolate grave of yellow mud, half a cup of turbid wine to honor the nobles, this morning a dream of yellow millet, only asking the immortal, not inquiring about sorrow..."

Bianqiao is merely a servant. Although this person has followed Hu Shengyu for quite some time, his eyes are murky and his breath is heavy, making it evident at a glance that he possesses no cultivation whatsoever. Although his hair is dark and his teeth are healthy, Zhang Yan can ascertain that this is due to long-term consumption of high-quality elixirs

Strangely, Zhou Youchu was unable to deduce Zhang Yan's whereabouts, as if a master was concealing the heavenly secrets. Moreover, the person on Lingya Mountain had been in seclusion for many years, making it impossible to seek his calculations. In desperation, he ordered his third brother, Zhou Zishang, who was also cultivating on the mountain, to descend and investigate the matter.

Zhou Zishang did not dare to be negligent, as Zhang Yan was of great importance, concerning whether his second sister could cultivate superior martial arts. He had to be cautious.

On this day, Zhang Yan was fiddling with the piece of jade in his hand. He faintly felt that there seemed to be many secrets within this jade that had yet to be uncovered. Previously, due to his low cultivation level, he was unable to verify many of his speculations. Just as he was about to test his thoughts, someone gently knocked on the door from outside

With a long laugh, a valiant young man dressed in a white robe stepped in from outside. His eyes were narrow and elongated, his nose was straight, his lips were thin, and there was an air of arrogance between his brows.

Although Zhou Youchu's parents are direct descendants of the Lingya Immortal, they are ultimately mere mortals and are unaware of the obstacles involved. They would prefer that Zhang Yan were not present, so they could completely absorb the Zhang family's properties. Therefore, Zhou Youchu was unaware of Zhang Yan's departure for three years.

Life is but a fleeting century, spent in relentless pursuit of material wealth, only to end up as mere dust in the ground. Clearly residing in a treasure mountain, yet unaware, one is merely a petty creature, forsaking the essential for the trivial, greedily chasing after immediate gains.

Ah?

Is the qualification not high

If that is the case, it will indeed be difficult to handle

This time, the order was thwarted at the Bianqiao, yet Zhang Yan felt no sense of satisfaction in his heart

At the end of the You hour, the sixty-four Dao verses interpreted by Zhang Yan were fully presented before Bianqiao

At first, Zhang Yan patiently dealt with it, but later he became increasingly annoyed. He simply stopped going out to interpret the Daoist texts and instead closed the door to contemplate the teachings, which brought him a considerable sense of peace.

Zhang Yan could not help but feel surprised; ever since he claimed to be in seclusion, very few people had come to visit him.

Zhou Youchu was originally a disciple of the Lingya Master of the Yuxiao Sect. In pursuit of the supreme path, he underwent reincarnation and tribulations through exquisite methods. However, in this life, if his parents were left unattended, it would lead to moral dissatisfaction and hinder his cultivation. Therefore, he sought out Zhang Yan, a person without parents and with a vast expanse of fertile land, to support his parents and compensate for the heavenly principles.

He got up to open the door, only to see a middle-aged man in his forties, looking honest and standing shiveringly at the entrance

He secretly speculated that the person was very likely an adversary of the Master of Lingya. Such a person was certainly someone he could not provoke. However, he could not simply give up on this matter, and since it was rare for him to come down the mountain, he intended to use this opportunity to demonstrate his abilities to his master.

After Zhang Yan ascended the mountain, Zhang Xi continued to reside at the foot of the mountain. The day before yesterday, after he received a substantial amount of grain, he also sent a considerable quantity down.

Zhang Yan, who originally had a calm expression, showed a slight change in his demeanor, furrowing his brows and asking, "Xibo, where did you hear this?"

At the age of sixteen, Zhang Yan, upon learning the truth, was filled with indignation and, guided by an old Taoist, came to Cangwu Mountain, determined to pursue immortality and seek justice.

If it were not for the seasoned individual who revealed the underlying truths, then in this lifetime, Zhang Yan would not only have married a nominal wife, but would also have to struggle to support her family at the cost of his own life, not only suffering for others but ultimately ending up with nothing.