Chapter Seven, with imposing authority, leveraging names to gain influence

Lin Tong, however, paid no heed to all this. He had always been from a prominent family; the Lin family had been a distinguished clan in the Great Wei Dynasty for generations. Coupled with the support of Lin Yuan in Cangwu Mountain, he had developed a habit of looking down on others, so how could he regard Zhang Yan with any seriousness? Fueled by alcohol, he pulled Ai Zhongwen along as they left, casually tossing out the words: "Brother Bian, please wait here for our good news, haha"

Although he is arrogant, he is aware that he has encountered a fellow practitioner of profound cultivation. Ai Zhongwen's expression grew serious; he had just sensed a faint movement of clouds and mist around the other person, which was clearly an anomaly that appeared only after opening the meridians. This indicated a significant gap between them, akin to the divide between immortals and mortals. Reflecting on this, he felt a wave of trepidation. However, he thought that the person seemed somewhat familiar and mused, "Looking at this person's face, could it be Zhou Zishang of the Dingyang Zhou clan?"

The events in front of Qianzhang Rock have stirred up quite a commotion, and almost no disciple from the Lower House is unaware of them. However, the loss of face for Bian Qiao is a minor issue; the scripture poem originally had another purpose for Hu Shengyu. That day, he merely intended to use it to trouble Zhang Yan, but unexpectedly, it was taken away by Zhang Yan under the pretext of borrowing it, which has now grasped Hu Shengyu's lifeline.

His reasoning is sound; as long as the divination methods are sophisticated enough, even those with lesser comprehension can interpret the Daoist texts without much difficulty. However, such methods are not accessible to ordinary individuals. Nowadays, most are held by the prominent families of the mystical sects, each of which possesses unique techniques for interpreting the eclipse script. The deeper the foundation and the more profound the heritage of a family, the more advanced their methods are.

Ai Zhongwen glanced at Lin Tong and reminded him, "I have heard that Zhang Yan has also achieved success in the Foundation Establishment stage; Brother Lin, you must not underestimate this person."

Who is the senior brother outside

Zhang Yan's expression shifted slightly, and a faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. Although Ai Zhongwen spoke politely, it was clear that he was using the pretext of interpretation to present the Daoist texts to him. This was a means of cultivating friendship; however, the other party acted with ease and generosity, which did not provoke his displeasure

In Ai Zhongwen's view, if Zhang Yan were from a family of the Xuanmen sect, even if it were a declining family, his achievements would not be surprising at all

Is Senior Brother discussing Zhou Zishang with the library

Zhang Yan secretly speculated about Ai Zhongwen's intentions and said, "Senior Brother Ai, please take a seat inside. The cave is cold and damp, please do not take offense."

Last year, he caught a distant glimpse of Zhou Zishang while following his grandfather at the Eastern Huazhou Sect Conference. The Yuxiao Sect is indeed a major sect, comparable to the Mingcang Sect, but the positions of the two individuals are worlds apart. Zhou Zishang is a direct disciple of an elder, and the Zhou family is a prominent family in the Xuanmen. Although Ai Zhongwen hails from the Ai family of Anfeng, he is merely a collateral branch and does not possess the qualifications to engage in conversation with him.

Lin Tong was just about to step onto the plank road leading to Zhang Yan's cave dwelling when he looked up and saw a person approaching him. Impatiently, he said: "Who is blocking the way? Good dogs do not obstruct the path! Why don't you get out of the way for your Lord Lin?"

Lin Tong laughed heartily and said, "I have been climbing the mountain for nine years, guided by my elder brother Lin Yuan, and it was only two years ago that I truly understood the essence of 'condensing the original intent.' How long has Zhang Yan been on the mountain? I suspect it is mostly a case of misinformation, exaggerated by empty words!"

Ai Zhongwen clasped his hands together, said no more, and after watching Lin Yuan leave, he followed the boardwalk in search of Zhang Yan's residence

It is relatively easier to understand ordinary Daoist texts, but the interpretation of profound and complex Daoist scriptures has always been time-consuming. For instance, a text consisting of several thousand characters may take the foolish several years to comprehend. He himself possesses a copy of "Heart Inquiry," which he meticulously pondered and interpreted over five days, managing to decipher the entire text of 3,612 characters. This achievement is sufficient to boast among peers, yet it still pales in comparison to Zhang.

Not long after Zhou Zishang left, Zhang Yan had been paying attention to the movements outside, wary of any individuals Zhou Zishang might have left behind to monitor him. At that moment, he heard footsteps outside; the sound was steady and powerful, without any attempt at concealment. Thus, he took the initiative to ask a question.

In addition, there are two possibilities: one is that Zhang Yan has recently caught the attention of a master and has been secretly taught the methods of divination; the other is that Zhang Yan has concealed his origins

However, Senior Brother Zhang was present? Ai Zhongwen took a step back, looked up and down, and couldn't help but exclaim, "Senior Brother is indeed as handsome and refined as the rumors suggest."

Ai Zhongwen stared blankly at the figure of the person, and after a while, he stepped forward to help Lin Tong up, asking: "Brother Lin, are you unhurt?"

Fortunately, that person did not say much and walked straight past him

That person cast a cold glance at Ai Zhongwen, and he immediately felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over him, chilling him to the bone, leaving his hands and feet numb.

The person across from me let out a cold snort

He was also unreserved, striding inside. Halfway through, he suddenly turned around and said: "I have heard that you are particularly skilled in interpreting the inscriptions. Recently, I acquired a book titled 'Inquiry into the Law of Linyao' and would like to invite you to take a look. If you gain any insights, I would appreciate your guidance on a few points."

Oh? Zhang Yan's expression shifted slightly as he carefully scrutinized the visitor, clasping his hands and saying: "I have long admired your esteemed name, Senior Brother."

After the two individuals took their seats as host and guest, they exchanged a few words. Ai Zhongwen suddenly asked, "Junior Brother, when I arrived just now, I saw someone who looked familiar. I wonder if he is also here to visit Junior Brother Zhang?"

"Ashi Xiong, if this matter reaches the young master, it will surely cost Bian's life. I implore you, Ashi Xiong, to save me just this once." Bian Qiao bowed deeply to the young man in front of him.

Lin Tong sat up half-dazed, feeling a sudden dizziness. When he regained his senses, he found himself inexplicably lying on the mountain path. He patted his head, his eyes revealing a look of astonishment, and said: "Senior Brother Ai, who was that? Such high cultivation level?"

Ai Zhongwen's reputation had long preceded him; it was said that he had an extensive network of connections and that he was generally generous in assisting disciples who encountered difficulties. He enjoyed a good reputation on Cangwu Mountain, standing in stark contrast to Bianqiao, yet it seemed that the two had some degree of acquaintance.

Ai Zhongwen expressed his surprise, saying: "Is it gone?"

"Brother Lin," whose real name is Lin Tong, has a cousin named Lin Yuan who is a disciple at the Shanyuan Temple. He has always been on good terms with Ai Zhongwen. This time, he came to visit Ai Zhongwen for a drink and happened to stumble upon this incident

Zhang Yan was taken aback; no wonder Ai Zhongwen was so courteous to him, it turns out the roots were here

In Ai Zhongwen's mind, a thought suddenly arose as he looked at the picture and the book: could it be that the teacher, in a state of profound stillness, was inspired to take on another novice disciple?

Ai Zhongwen suddenly felt a pang of anxiety, quickly halting his steps. He saw Lin Tong lying on the ground opposite him and couldn't help but be alarmed, exclaiming: "Friend, I kindly ask you to spare me."

At that moment, a disdainful voice beside him said: "So it turns out to be just an unknown brat. I thought he was some formidable figure who had acquired superior methods of deduction from somewhere, daring to humiliate Brother Bian. Rest assured, Brother Bian, your matters are naturally my matters. I will certainly help you seek justice and let that brat know what the rules are!"

Taking a deep breath, Ai Zhongwen formulated a plan in his heart and said: "Brother Lin, although this fellow Daoist did not strike heavily just now, we cannot rule out the possibility of hidden injuries. It would be best to return early and examine the situation. I will handle this matter regarding Brother Bian, how does that sound?"

Ai Zhongwen smiled and said, "Brother Bian, do not be anxious. Let me first inquire about the origin of this Yan."

Bian Qiao's eyes flickered uncertainly. He had personally witnessed Zhang Yan's cultivation that day, and he was absolutely certain of it. However, at this moment, in front of Lin Tong, he found it inconvenient to speak out. Yet, he felt a secret joy in his heart. If Lin Tong took the lead, regardless of the final outcome, Zhang Yan the little thief would not come to a good end. If he could provoke Lin Yuan, that would be even better

Ai Zhongwen adjusted his attire, and before he could speak, he noticed a shadow flicker, and someone had already stepped out from within.

He heard that there are some prodigies in this world who can interpret the inscriptions solely relying on their innate talent and understanding, but he has never encountered one. Could it be that this Zhang Yan is such a person

Ai Zhongwen chuckled lightly, waved his hand, and said: "We, as cultivators, lie beside the spring and rest on the stone, sleeping alongside the sun and moon; how could we possess such arrogance"

He took out a book of Taoist teachings and handed it to Zhang Yan, saying, "I am aware that you have been in seclusion these past few days, so I do not wish to impose. I will leave this book with you, and we can discuss it whenever you have the time."

Although Ai Zhongwen is merely a named disciple, he comes from the prominent Xuanmen family, the Anfeng Ai clan. Furthermore, he has a wide circle of acquaintances, and he is a fellow disciple of Zhang Yan at the Shanyuan Temple. The head of the upper courtyard, Master Shi Shoujing, has expressed interest in accepting him as a disciple, making it inevitable that he will eventually become an official disciple. Therefore, most people in the three temples are willing to give him some face.

Ai Zhongwen frowned and remained silent

Not long after, he heard a deep voice asking:

Zhang Yan's expression was calm as he said: "How could I not recognize? Sanlang's elder sister is indeed my legitimate wife"

Zhang Yan smiled slightly and said, "Senior brother, you flatter me. I am Zhang Yan. May I ask how this senior brother is addressed?"

He originally intended to reclaim what was his, but unfortunately, the people around him oppressed the ordinary disciples, which could be tolerated. However, facing someone like Zhang Yan, a cultivator at the Foundation Establishment stage, would undoubtedly be a humiliation for him

Ai Zhongwen, however, was not as optimistic as Lin Tong. Upon initially hearing that Zhang Yan could interpret three different Daoist texts in a single day, and that there was no need for bamboo slips to deduce their meanings, he was greatly astonished.

This idea took him by surprise; what is the origin of this matter? Even Zhou Zishang is coming to pay a visit?

He waved his hand, and the attendant beside him understood. He checked a register on the bookshelf behind him, flipped through it, and said: "Zhang Yan, a native of Donghua Dingyang, ascended the mountain in the seventeenth year of Cheng'an."

However, upon reconsideration, associating with someone like Ai Zhongwen may eventually require entering their circle. Without a certain status, one would inevitably be at a disadvantage in conversations. Since the Zhou family is utilizing him, why not temporarily leverage the Zhou family's reputation? It could be seen as merely collecting some interest.

Zhang Yan has been quietly working in the mountains for three years, but this time he has made a remarkable breakthrough. The more he thinks about it, the more likely this possibility seems.

Although Zhang Yan was merely wearing an ordinary coarse cloth long gown, in terms of appearance and physique, few could compare to him among those Ai Zhongwen had encountered. Moreover, there was a compelling brilliance in his eyes that subtly exuded a sense of pressure; had he not been standing at the edge of the walkway, he might have been compelled to step back a few paces.

He was not pretentious; he immediately reached out to take it, uttered a polite remark, and made a gesture of "please".

Moreover, this person is indeed worth getting to know

Do you know Zhou Jialang, Senior Brother? Although he had anticipated this, Ai Zhongwen could not help but feel surprised in his heart

Lin Tong hesitated for a moment. Although he had boasted in front of Bian Qiao, his own life was more important. Forcing a smile, he said: "In that case, I would trouble you, junior brother, to make a trip."

Chang nodded slightly

Upon hearing this, Bian Qiao was overjoyed and immediately bowed down, saying: "If Senior Brother Lin is willing to intervene, I would be immensely grateful. After the matter is accomplished, there will certainly be generous rewards offered."

But what if the previous inference is valid

Observing the wise among the crowd

He glanced ahead, wondering how this Zhou Zi could possibly appear here. Could it be that he came to visit Zhang Yan

He was unaware that although Zhang Yan did not possess profound techniques, he had an exceptionally high talent for interpreting the inscriptions, and he devoted ten times the effort of an ordinary person to calculations. Even if his techniques were somewhat lacking, it would be sufficient to bridge the gap.

Ai Zhongwen smiled brightly and cupped his hands, saying: "I am but Ai Zhongwen."

This person is unremarkable in appearance, of medium build, and can be considered strong and sturdy. At first glance, one might mistake him for an ordinary passerby, but his voice is deep and magnetic, instantly evoking a sense of fondness. Moreover, his skin is smooth and warm like jade, and a glimmer of light often flashes in his eyes, indicating that he possesses a certain level of cultivation.

To discuss the selection of a husband for the daughter of the Zhou family, one must first consider her fate and fortune, then examine appearance and looks, and finally choose Zhang Yan from among millions. This alone is sufficient to demonstrate that his physique is indeed a substantial asset

Could it be that my previous inference was incorrect, and Zhang Yan is indeed someone who conceals his true abilities?

Ai Zhongwen appeared to be deep in thought. Although there are many talented individuals in the Daoist community who are proficient in the art of erosion writing, most of them are disciples from prominent Daoist families, as they have access to teachings on interpreting Daoist texts within their families. Since Zhang Yan is well-versed in erosion writing, it is natural that he must have a background. However, why had he not been heard of before?

Fortunately, Hu Shengyu has been in seclusion for many years, and being a proud individual, he does not have many friends. Therefore, until now, no one has mentioned this matter in his presence. Thus, Bian Qiao specifically came today to invite the renowned Ai Zhongwen from the San Guan Lower Academy to mediate and retrieve the scriptures. No matter what, they must first get through this immediate hurdle.

He was lost in thought, but his footsteps lagged behind, gradually creating a distance from the impatient Lin Tong.