CHAPTER 695: CHAPTER 89: MASTER OF THREE DAOIST TEMPLES, THE RUTHLESS DHARMA SWORD

Zhang Yan stood with his hands behind his back atop Dangyun Peak, gazing into the majestic scenery of the Eighteen Peaks of Cangwu Mountain.

In the past, it was beneath this very peak that he defeated the disciples of the Guangyuan Sect, earned the status of a True Disciple, and subsequently entered the Upper Court, paving the way for his later achievements.

In the blink of an eye, twenty-six years had passed, and today he had returned to his old haunt.

"We pay our respects to Dean Zhang."

Three old Daoists, their hair streaked with gray, approached from behind him and bowed deeply.

Zhang Yan slowly turned around, his gaze passing over the three of them one by one. Unable to withstand the weight of his scrutiny, each lowered their heads.

He waved his hand and said, "The three of you may rise."

Only then did the three old Daoists dare to straighten themselves.

Now, Zhang Yan was one of the Mingcang Sect’s Top Ten Disciples, holding a position of great authority within the sect. He currently served as the Master of the Three Daoist Temples in the Lower Court and was the Pavilion Master of Yue Tian Pavilion. A single word from him could determine their fates, leaving them utterly respectful and humble, without a hint of impudence.

Among the three old Daoists, Zhang Yan recognized two of them. One was Zhen Shouzhong, the Master of Taian Temple, and the other was He Shouxuan, the Master of De Xiu Temple. The third was an elderly Daoist with graying hair and beard, appearing roughly in his early fifties. Zhang Yan did not recognize him and asked, "Might I inquire where Master Shi is these days?"

The old Daoist quickly stepped forward and bowed, replying, "Reporting to the Dean, Senior Brother Shi, due to his advanced years, relinquished his position twelve years ago and returned to his hometown. I’ve heard that he passed away several years ago. It is now I who serve as the Master of Shanyuan Temple."

His tone carried a deep sense of lament.

Zhang Yan nodded slightly and said courteously, "And this Master, what might your name be?"

The Daoist hastily replied, "I would not dare accept such a title from the Dean. I am but Ma Shouxiang."

Zhang Yan responded blandly, "Within an hour, gather all Lower Court disciples before Shangze Temple without fail."

Ma Shouxiang hesitated somewhat. The Lower Court disciples, mostly born of noble families, usually disregarded his commands. Summoning them all might not yield many results.

But knowing who Zhang Yan was and understanding his capability, Ma Shouxiang did not dare disobey. He immediately said, "Yes, I will handle it at once."

The three hurriedly turned and left, and before long, the resonant sound of a bell echoed across the Eighteen Peaks of Cangwu Mountain.

Although Zhang Yan had been appointed as the Dean of the Lower Court, no prior notice had been given to the noble families before his arrival.

Others might overlook this subtlety, but given Zhang Yan’s sharpness, he only needed a brief moment of calculation to realize the implications hidden beneath this arrangement. Thus, he decisively selected twelve Powerful Warriors from his Cave Mansion and made his way here without delay.

Within Cangwu Mountain, as the Lower Court disciples went about their assignments, the sudden ringing of the bell startled them. Bewildered, they did not rush to answer the call but instead sent servants to investigate.

When the return message came, they learned that the bell was rung to gather disciples due to the arrival of a new temple master from the Upper Court.

Upon hearing that someone from the Upper Court had come as Dean, the disciples found the development somewhat out of the ordinary but did not treat it too seriously. They strolled leisurely toward Dangyun Peak, while only the more cautious ones arrived early.

Zhang Yan sat atop the stone platform on the peak, with the three temple masters seated below him. To either side stood twelve towering warriors, each measuring over one zhang in height.

The Lower Court disciples, who typically lacked qualifications to observe sect-wide competitions, naturally did not recognize Zhang Yan. However, upon seeing him, an unusual impression struck them.

The aura emanating from him was vast and awe-inspiring, akin to a towering mountain and a calm abyss. It carried a heavy, oppressive force that caused them instinctively to feel apprehensive, and they obediently stood in place below.

The Lower Court had never witnessed a cultivator of such extraordinary skill. Even the three temple masters reached only the Ming Qi First Realm. The disciples were alarmed in their hearts, silently wondering, "What kind of cultivation must he have? Could he be a Xuan Guang Practitioner?"

They never would have guessed that the sect had sent one of its Top Ten Disciples, Zhang Yan, to this place.

Before long, an hour passed quickly.

Zhang Yan spoke in a deep voice, "Ma Shouxiang."

Ma Shouxiang immediately stepped forward, replying, "I am here. What are your orders, Dean?"

"How many have arrived?"

Ma Shouxiang’s expression turned grave. He unfurled the roster, cross-checked the names, then bent forward to report, "Dean, there are thirty-six disciples across the three temples, and as of now... twenty-seven have arrived."

Zhang Yan’s expression remained unchanged.

Ma Shouxiang cautiously observed his demeanor and nervously suggested, "Dean, should I send someone to urge the rest?"

Zhang Yan replied calmly, "No need. Extend it by another hour."

Ma Shouxiang nodded in compliance and stepped aside.

The disciples, initially tense due to Zhang Yan’s profound cultivation and anticipating harsh reprimands for those who hadn’t arrived, were surprised by his seeming lack of anger. Relieved, they eased their nerves. Some even began whispering quietly among themselves.