At the end of the hour of You, the sixty-four Daoist Formulas that Zhang Yan had deciphered were laid out in their entirety before Bian Qiao.
Bian Qiao's forehead was drenched in cold sweat. Truth be told, he could barely understand even a fraction of these spell formulas. Yet, Hu Shengyu had personally claimed on that day that the scripture contained sixty-four Daoist Formulas. Now, with Zhang Yan's writing aligning perfectly with Hu Shengyu's words, it was sufficient proof that Zhang Yan truly comprehended their deeper meaning.
The hands hidden within his sleeves trembled lightly, evidence that he knew he was utterly defeated. Nevertheless, he forced himself to keep up appearances, saying with feigned strength, "This 'Man Qu Scripture' is profoundly intricate. Though your interpretation was quick, Junior Brother, I cannot be certain that there are no errors. I shall bring this to Senior Brother Hu for verification."
Witnessing Bian Qiao's refusal to admit defeat, even when it was clear, the surrounding crowd looked upon him with disdainful gazes. Some, unable to hold back, muttered sarcastically.
Though Bian Qiao's chest burned with simmering fury, outwardly, he pretended not to hear. Silently, he cursed to himself, "Let them enjoy their victory now. Soon, I'll settle accounts with them!"
With a cold laugh, Zhang Yan said, "Very well, this Daoist Formula shall remain with me. When Manager Bian verifies its authenticity, he can come seek me. Farewell." Without hesitation, he tucked the thin paper inscribed with Erosion Text and the Harmony Elixir into his sleeve, rose to his feet, and left without another word.
Bian Qiao never imagined Zhang Yan would leave so abruptly. Rising quickly, he chased after him, taking several steps before stopping. Staring at Zhang Yan's retreating figure, he opened his mouth to speak several times but swallowed his words each time, realizing the predicament he would face when Hu Shengyu eventually asked him for the Daoist Formula and he couldn't produce it...
His face turned ghostly pale. Unaware of the step at the pavilion entrance, he stumbled and nearly fell, narrowly avoiding humiliation thanks to the servants on either side who caught him. Even so, he had already lost face entirely and fled the scene in panic and disgrace.
Though forcing Bian Qiao to retreat left Zhang Yan victorious, he felt no satisfaction within.
Bian Qiao was, after all, merely a servant. Though this man had followed Hu Shengyu for a long time, his muddled eyes and heavy breath revealed instantly that he possessed no cultivation whatsoever. Despite his healthier appearance and blackened teeth, Zhang Yan could ascertain it was only due to a prolonged consumption of quality elixirs.
Life spans barely exceed a hundred years, yet many exhaust themselves chasing wealth and trivial material desires—wasn't the end result still a mound of yellow earth? Dwelling atop a mountain of treasures yet failing to recognize it, such narrow-minded fools who forsake the fundamental for fleeting gains are little more than rats scurrying in pursuit of scraps.
But then again, Zhang Yan had heard that Hu Shengyu was fiercely protective of his people, and offending his manager might provoke a reaction...
Zhang Yan chuckled softly. He had already factored this consequence into his calculations and devised countermeasures long before.
Shaking his head, he dismissed these concerns and turned his focus to sorting the day's gains. After all, the Daoist Books and spell formulas brought by Bian Qiao contained content inaccessible to most, a boon to him. At the end of the day, advancing his cultivation was the only true priority.
What Zhang Yan didn't anticipate, however, was the ripple effect of this incident, which grew far beyond his expectations. In mere days, his reputation spread across all of Cangwu Mountain. Disciples from the Three Daoist Temples sought him out, hoping to establish connections.
At first, Zhang Yan patiently humored them, but it quickly became tiresome. Afterward, he decided not to venture out to decipher Daoist Books, remaining behind closed doors to contemplate the spell formulas, finally bringing some peace to his days.
That day, Zhang Yan toyed with the Broken Jade in his hand. He had a vague sense that this piece of jade held many undiscovered secrets. Previously, his lower cultivation prevented him from verifying certain theories. Now, as he prepared to test his thoughts, faint knocks echoed from outside his door.
Zhang Yan was struck with curiosity—since claiming he had secluded himself in cultivation, visitors had become rare.
"Which Senior Brother is outside?"
The person outside called softly, "Young Master, it's Zhang Xi."
Zhang Yan's expression lit with joy. "Ah, Uncle Xi? Come in quickly."
He rose to open the door, revealing a well-mannered man in his forties hesitantly standing at the threshold.
This Zhang Xi was the only servant Zhang Yan brought with him when he ascended Cangwu Mountain. Having grown up in the family household since childhood, Zhang Xi was honest and dependable. Originally his father's attendant student, Zhang Yan had always seen him not as a subordinate but as an elder akin to family.
Since Zhang Yan's arrival on the mountain, Zhang Xi had resided at its base. Only days prior, after acquiring abundant grain, Zhang Yan sent a portion down to him.
But now, Zhang Xi's face was clouded with worry, as though burdened by troubles.
Observing his demeanor, Zhang Yan asked with concern, "Uncle Xi, the mountain air grows chilly at night—why have you come here at this hour?"