CHAPTER 706: CHAPTER 94 SUDDENLY HEARING OF THE DEMON’S TRACE AT XUANMEN_2

Jin Minzhang stood up alongside him and said cheerfully, "Brother Zhang, I admit defeat this time. Let’s compete again another day."

Zhang Yan laughed heartily, clasping his hands together and replied, "If there’s an opportunity, I will certainly oblige." He then got up and personally escorted the two out of the mansion.

Once the two had departed, he returned to the mansion.

At this moment, a maid approached and said, "Master, an elder from Shangming Hall who claims that his surname is Zhu has arrived and wishes to see you."

Zhang Yan knew exactly who it was and couldn’t help but smile faintly, thinking to himself, "So he finally couldn’t resist coming to me, huh?" He then said, "Let him meet me in the main hall."

He crossed through the Array Gate and seated himself in the main hall.

Not long after, Elder Zhu was brought to the hall by the maid. Upon looking up, he saw Zhang Yan seated in a regal position, flanked on both sides by Powerful Warriors armed with golden spears, their imposing stature adding an air of authority to the Pavilion Master. Elder Zhu hurried forward a few steps, bowed deeply, and said, "This old Daoist greets Dean Zhang."

Zhang Yan maintained a calm expression and said, "Elder Zhu, what brings you to my mansion today?"

Elder Zhu swept his long sleeves aside, sighed deeply, and then raised his head to speak, his tone filled with shame, "Dean Zhang, during the previous occasion, this old Daoist momentarily lost his senses and dared to play tricks before the Dean—not something I should have done. Lately, as I sense my lifespan nearing its end, guilt over this matter has consumed me, robbing me of sleep night after night. Thus, I’ve come today to seek your forgiveness."

After the grand competition that day, his disciples Yuan Yanhui and Weng Zhiyuan had each earned an exceptional Cave Mansion, which delighted him greatly. However, when he went to the Merit Institute to collect the allotment, he was informed that Liu Yan Yi, the top winner of the competition, had yet to choose her mansion. Therefore, it was not yet their turn.

Elder Zhu looked into the matter and discovered that Liu Yan Yi had ventured out in search of medicines and wouldn’t return for several years. This unsettled him, prompting him to personally visit the Merit Institute to demand the allotment.

But this matter was under the jurisdiction of Qi Mengjiao, who stated that since the top winner hadn’t chosen her mansion, the subsequent disciples couldn’t act out of order. She insisted they wait until Liu Yan Yi returned.

Elder Zhu tried every persuasive tactic he could think of, but to no avail.

Having few allies among his fellow disciples, and those he did know lacking the influence to contend with disciples of Yun Tian, Elder Zhu found himself powerless despite his many schemes. Left with no choice, he returned to wait patiently.

But that waiting stretched on, dragging into seven years. His lifespan was nearing its end, and the matter remained unresolved, leaving him increasingly anxious. He realized he couldn’t afford to wait any longer.

After countless deliberations, he still couldn’t pinpoint the root cause of the issue. Finally, summoning his courage, he went to see Qi Mengjiao, confronting her to understand why she persisted in making things difficult for him.

Qi Mengjiao, noticing the time was ripe, subtly hinted at the truth. Only then did Elder Zhu realize that Zhang Yan had orchestrated the situation behind the scenes.

Upon this revelation, Elder Zhu couldn’t help but laugh bitterly at himself. He thought he had been discreet in his actions back then, never imagining that Zhang Yan had seen through him and that his plans would ultimately rebound upon his own disciples.

After careful reflection, Elder Zhu decided to come personally to apologize today.

Lowering his head, Elder Zhu said, "The fault lies entirely with me, an old fool. I’m willing to accept punishment for my past misdeeds, but I beg the Dean’s mercy for my two disciples."

Zhang Yan looked at him, raising an eyebrow and said, "Since Elder Zhu has spoken openly, I won’t hold back either."

Elder Zhu, understanding that Zhang Yan wouldn’t have met with him if his motives were purely vengeful, was somewhat apprehensive. Bowing, he said, "Please, Dean, let me hear your intentions."

Zhang Yan’s piercing gaze fell upon Elder Zhu as he said, "I am currently one of the Top Ten Disciples, but my mansion lacks disciples. Your two disciples seem to have decent aptitude. What do you think of having them join my mansion for cultivation?"

Elder Zhu’s eyelids twitched, his heart sinking slightly into hesitation.

Zhang Yan remained seated quietly without pressuring him further, having planned this long before the grand competition.

With the Demon Tribulation on the rise, preparations had to be made early, cultivating disciples who could serve him effectively when needed.

While there were many disciples within their sect, few had remarkable talent. Most promising ones had already been chosen by others to serve as disciples.

Currently, Zhang Yan was devoted to his cultivation technique and had neither the time nor interest to carefully select and train disciples, so he had set his sights on Yuan Yanhui and Weng Zhiyuan.

First, both possessed commendable talent, having ranked second and third during the grand competition—outstanding achievements.

Second, Elder Zhu, nearing the end of his lifespan and lacking a significant backing, had conveniently offended him earlier, giving Zhang Yan an opportune reason to strike.

He didn’t fear rejection from Elder Zhu. This arrangement wouldn’t require the disciples to abandon their lineage, and it benefited both parties. Any sensible person would understand the choice.

After much contemplation, Elder Zhu concluded that he couldn’t refuse. Otherwise, with Zhang Yan’s current status, deliberate obstruction could lead to hardship for his two disciples and potentially ruin his own plans for reincarnation. Sighing, he said, "Very well. My two disciples being sheltered under the Dean’s guidance is their blessing. It’s certainly better than staying with an incompetent teacher like myself."

Zhang Yan, seeing him agree, revealed a faint smile and said, "Brother Zhu, you need not worry. If your two disciples follow me earnestly, I promise they won’t suffer under my mentorship."

Having decided, Elder Zhu responded decisively, bowing deeply and saying, "Once I return, I will command my two disciples to visit Master Zhang to formalize their Dharma Contracts and enter Zhao You Mansion as disciples under your tutelage."

Zhang Yan chuckled, thinking how refreshing it was to converse with sensible individuals who understood his intentions without requiring excessive explanation. He replied, "Elder Zhu, your two disciples are welcome to come to my mansion anytime. I’ve also heard that your reincarnation is imminent, so there’s no need to rush. Ensure everything is settled before sending them to me, lest they hold resentment towards me in the future."

Flustered, Elder Zhu quickly said, "Not at all, not at all. If anything, they are grateful to be chosen by the Dean. How could they be ungrateful?"

Zhang Yan merely nodded, speaking no further.

Elder Zhu recognized this as the Dean’s signal to see him out. Bowing deeply once more, he departed.

Zhang Yan reflected inwardly that with these two joining his ranks, coupled with his existing disciples, the Zhao You Heavenly Pond lineage was poised for greatness. Laughing aloud, he transformed into a wisp of smoke and returned to the Little Pot Mirror, preparing to break through the Shell Barrier with full focus!

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