CHAPTER 703: CHAPTER 93 ONE QI RESOLVES DISPUTES, A SWIFT SWORD CUTS THROUGH CHAOS

After Fan Changqing explained the details thoroughly, Zhang Yan finally understood the cause and effect of the matter.

Back then, when Chou Kun saw his junior brother causing trouble, knowing they were in the wrong, he initially intended to admit fault and offer some injury medicine to smooth things over.

In the Shaoqing Sect, injuries during sparring are common occurrences. The disciples clash almost daily, and there’s rarely a day without bloodshed. He did not take the matter to heart.

However, Fang Zhenlu’s Daoist partner, Mrs. Chen, upon hearing of the incident, flew into a rage. She borrowed a Dharma Treasure and personally subdued Jin Minzhang, confining him in the rear courtyard. She demanded Chou Kun to summon his sect elder to personally retrieve the man.

This turn of events angered Chou Kun. He decided to leave the Mingcang Sect and build a small dwelling outside the Mountain Gate, declaring that if the Chen family refused to release the man, he wouldn’t leave. If the Chen family had the guts, they could keep Jin Minzhang imprisoned at the Mountain Gate for a lifetime—even if they killed him, there’d be no need to ask who did it. Someone would surely come to kill their disciples in retaliation.

The Shaoqing Sect has always been strong-willed and unyielding, and they never stand up for their disciples. If a disciple lacks strength, they may be killed, but given the opportunity, they would exact revenge by killing the disciples of others as well. Thus, for seven years, Chou Kun lived outside the Mountain Gate, truly adopting an attitude of complete indifference.

At this point, the Chen family felt increasingly troubled. If the situation continued, and if animosity arose between the two sects, which might prompt the Sect Leader to find an excuse to reprimand them, things would turn dire.

However, to resolve the matter in such a way would also mean a tremendous loss of face.

They couldn’t release him, nor impose any punishment. What originally could have been cleared up with a few explanations had now escalated to the point where neither side could back down, and neither was willing to swallow their pride and concede.

Fan Changqing cupped his hands and advised, "Junior Brother Zhang, since you are acquainted with Chou Kun, why not try mediating this matter?"

Zhang Yan contemplated briefly and then asked, "What does the Shaoqing Sect think of this situation?"

Fan Changqing chuckled and said, "What else could they do? They pretend not to know, of course. It’s fortunate for our Mingcang Sect; the Shaoqing Sect isn’t willing to tear relations over such trivial matters. If it were Nanhua or Yuan Yang sects, several of their wandering disciples would have already been killed by now."

Zhang Yan pursued further, "This matter dates back several years. Why bring it up only now?"

Fan Changqing scoffed and said, "Isn’t it just because the Chen Clan couldn’t swallow their pride at first? Now that they no longer want to hold onto this hot potato, they’ve softened their stance and sought help from our Senior Brother. Yet, the Senior Brother pushed it onto me, instructing me to find you and claiming that you are certain to have a solution. So here I am."

Zhang Yan pondered for a moment, then smiled and nodded, saying, "No problem, leave this matter to me."

"Ah, since... wait, wait! What did you say?"

Fan Changqing raised his head abruptly and looked at Zhang Yan, stunned and surprised.

For a situation like this, others would avoid it like the plague. Winning means creating enmity; losing means losing face. He had already prepared himself for Zhang Yan to shirk the responsibility. Unexpectedly, Zhang Yan agreed outright, leaving him in disbelief. After a moment of hesitation, he cautiously probed, "Junior Brother Zhang, have you really thought this through?"

Zhang Yan chuckled and said, "Brother Qi once granted me the use of the Golden Dust Furnace. I owe him a favor. Now that Senior Brother Fan has enlisted Brother Qi on my behalf, how could I refuse to lend my assistance? Time is of the essence; let us set out at once."

Fan Changqing was overjoyed and exclaimed repeatedly, "Excellent, excellent! Junior Brother Zhang, you are truly honorable. Let’s head to Chou Kun’s place right away."

Zhang Yan waved his hand with a smile and said, "Why go to Chou Kun? He doesn’t need to be involved in this matter."

Fan Changqing paused in confusion and cautiously asked, "Then, Junior Brother Zhang, who do you plan to approach?"

Zhang Yan smiled lightly, "To untie the bell, one must seek the person who tied it. Naturally, I am going to Jin Minzhang."

Fan Changqing’s expression shifted, becoming visibly cautious. He asked gravely, "Junior Brother Zhang, what exactly are you planning?"

He couldn’t help but worry that Zhang Yan might stir up more trouble. Ever since Zhang Yan successfully persuaded Qi Yuntian to resign and subsequently secured the position of one of the Top Ten Disciples, Fan Changqing recognized that he had underestimated this junior brother. Now, he scrutinized Zhang Yan’s every action, analyzing multiple layers of implications, not daring to overlook even the slightest detail.

Zhang Yan let out a light laugh and said, "Senior Brother Fan, if you want me to resolve this matter, there’s no need for excessive questioning. Just leave it to me."

Fan Changqing was left with no choice. Zhang Yan was now one of the Top Ten Disciples, holding a rank far above his own. He could only comply and said, "Fine. Since Junior Brother Zhang has a plan, then I, your elder brother, will refrain from asking further. Please, follow me."

Fang Zhenlu’s Cave Mansion was located in the northeastern part of the Long Yan Marsh, on Yanlong Continent Island. The two rode the wind and clouds, moving at great speed, and arrived at the destination in just a moment.