Chapter 40

Chen Jiezhi looked at the young girl and nodded slowly. “I haven’t noticed that Chaoyan has such talent. We’ve misjudged her.”

The young girl named Chen Chaoyan was at a loss. “Third Uncle, are you saying that the Daoist priest’s spell just now didn’t affect me?”

Not only Chen Jiezhi, but the other Chen clan members also had their eyes on the young girl.

“The Forgotten Truth Temple’s True Nightmare Spell lives up to its name and is truly an extraordinary Daoist spell,” the old man from the Chen clan who had blocked Xie Zhao head-on said slowly.

He was at the fifth realm like Xie Zhao and had still needed to go all out to resist the Daoist’s Dharmic spell.

The old man had shouted loudly earlier, partially breaking the power of Xie Zhao’s True Nightmare Spell.

But the spell still hit the others in an instant and suppressed their souls.

The only exception was Chen Chaoyan.

She had been even more relaxed than the old man.

At this moment, even the captured Xie Zhao was glaring at the young girl.

Even though he was now a prisoner, Xie Zhao could not help saying, “Your connate soul is far beyond ordinary. If you enter my Daoist school, you will have boundless future achievements!”

Chen Chaoyan was a little confused. “Daoist school…”

Chen Jiezhi did not interrupt Xie Zhao but looked at Chen Chaoyan and nodded solemnly. “Your soul is both tough and agile. You are indeed excellent material for Daoist cultivation.”

The young girl was a little embarrassed. “Why wasn’t I affected by that Daoist priest’s spell just now? I don’t understand why.”

She looked guilty. “Third Uncle, you know that I’m not good at martial arts…”

“Just because the Martial Dao doesn’t suit you, it doesn’t mean that other cultivation formulations will be the same,” Chen Jiezhi said in a warm voice.

Chen Chaoyan blinked. “But martial arts is the foundation of our clan.”

Someone beside her whispered, “Of the four great traditions of Daoism in Eastern Dynasty, the Fortune Celebration Temple is in cahoots with the royal family, and the Xuanyi Daoism has always kept a low profile and doesn’t meddle in the matters of others. To avoid conflict with the royal family, I’m afraid it won’t dare to get involved with our Chen clan for the sake of Chaoyan. In that case, only the Azure Cloud Temple is left…”

Xie Zhao smiled bitterly as he listened.

In the four great Daoism traditions, there was still the Forgotten Truth Temple.

Now that the Chen clan sought refuge under Chang’an Fortress, and Chang’an Fortress was at odds with the Forgotten Truth Temple, it was naturally impossible for the Chen clan to consider the Forgotten Truth Temple.

“The Azure Cloud Temple has always been the top Daoist sacred ground in Eastern Tang and a thorn in the side of the royal family, so it’s suitable for Chaoyan to join the sect,” someone said.

But one person next to him then said, “But because the Azure Cloud Temple is a thorn in the side of the East Tang Dynasty’s royal family and may follow in the footsteps of our Chen clan at any time, it may not be a good idea for Chaoyan to go there.”

The former asked, “Then what do you think?”

The latter answered, “Why don’t we try our luck with the Xuanyi Daoism? That sect is often alone, but with Chaoyan’s talent, it may be convinced to take a risk.”

As everyone was discussing, someone suddenly said softly, “This place may not be a terrible choice.”

Everyone then turned silent.

They looked at each other and were silent for a while.

He was obviously referring to Chang’an Fortress…

“The Cold Mountain Sect, which cultivates the Martial Dao, and the Demon Dao experts, who cultivate the Blood Phoenix Transformation, have all benefited from this place,” Chen Jiezhi said. “Apart from the Martial Dao and the Demon Dao, there might be Daoist cultivation formulation here as well.”

Everyone nodded in silence.

At this point, the young man who had stayed in the fortress said, “Previously, when the Tang Dynasty army attacked the fortress, the Fortress Lord didn’t personally take action, but he used the refugees as puppets and controlled them. He also lent his power to the people to wipe out the Tang Dynasty army. It seems like a technique of the Demon Dao, yet it also seems to be of Daoism.”

Everyone had some thoughts.

In fact, some of them had thought about this.

But the world’s great clans were used to placing multiple bets and did not put all their eggs in one basket.

A group of martial artists was staying in Chang’an Fortress, so they subconsciously hoped that Chen Chaoyan, who was a Daoist, would go somewhere else.

“I’m afraid it will not be easy for us to ask Chang’an Fortress to teach Chaoyan the Dharmic Dao, as we’re seeking refuge under Chang’an Fortress.” An old man lamented. “Capturing the Forgotten Truth Temple disciple is considered a contribution, but we are staying in Chang’an. Such a thing is probably nothing.”

Chen Jiezhi said, “Perhaps it would be better not to beat around the bush but to be straightforward and sincere in our pleas.”

All of them were startled.

“This… isn’t very good, is it?” someone said in doubt.

“If it doesn’t work out, and we are honest with each other, some people may laugh at us for being greedy, but the Chang’an Fortress Lord and Mister Black Cloud are not so narrow-minded,” Chen Jiezhi said slowly. “If it works out, we will do our best no matter what the price is.”

He turned to look at Chen Chaoyan. “But Chaoyan, are you willing to learn Daoist spells?”

“I’m willing to try.” The young girl looked bright. “But Third Uncle, if I really get a chance to receive a reward from Chang’an Fortress, can we ask Chang’an to teach us a superior Martial Dao so that everyone in the clan can cultivate it?”

Chen Jiezhi nodded. “It’s enough that you have this intention. But whether you can get Chang’an to pass on the teachings depends on Chang’an Fortress’s decision.

“Chaoyan, you are a rare Daoist genius. You have some hope of entering Chang’an’s discerning eyes.”

“Then what should I do?” Chen Chaoyan scratched her head.

“Be frank and sincere,” Chen Jiezhi instructed her. “Go meet Mister Black Cloud first and ask him to introduce you. If you don’t have that good fortune, don’t be angry.”

Chen Chaoyan smiled and nodded. “I naturally won’t.”

“You should go alone. Everything depends on your own destiny,” Chen Jiezhi said.

The young girl then said goodbye to her relatives and friends of the same clan and went to seek an audience with Mister Black Cloud.

When Zhang Dongyun saw this, he smiled slightly.

The cooked duck flew into the pot by itself, didn’t it?

Although she was still very young, she had higher cultivation potential than the old bloody shadow demon, Chen Jiezhi, and the others.

Chen Chaoyan could not enter and stood outside the door honestly.

The old man in black projected by Zhang Dongyun said, “What is it?”

“Fortress Lord and Senior are pedant celestial beings who know all sorts of principles, but I am not talented. May I ask Chang’an to teach me Daoist canonical texts?” Chen Chaoyan said respectfully. “I will definitely cultivate diligently and serve Chang’an.”

Zhang Dongyun said calmly in the tone of Mister Black Cloud, “The Chen clan has taken down the Forgotten Truth Temple disciple. Contributions will be rewarded, but your family is seeking refuge under Chang’an for safety. That will be another matter.”

The young girl replied, “Our clan is grateful for Chang’an’s protection and dares not forget.”

“Rules are rules.” Mister Black Cloud added, “You have made a contribution today, so I will give you a chance, but only one chance.”

The young girl was delighted. “Thank you, Senior.”

Then she was suddenly in a slight trance.

In the darkness, Chen Chaoyan felt as though she had become a seed in the ground.

The seed worked hard to germinate, burst out of the ground, and then thrive.

Zhang Dongyun observed her with great interest.

The cooked duck had come to his door of its own accord, and he kindly accepted.

However, this did not stop him from testing her.

The harder the opportunity was to obtain, the more she would cherish it.

Meanwhile, Zhang Dongyun also examined the girl’s qualifications.

In Daoist cultivation, the soul was important, but not just the soul.

Right now, Zhang Dongyun was examining her physique for her ability to inspire and refine spiritual energy.

So far, despite it not being as outstanding as her soul, it was still extraordinary.

If the four Daoist sacred grounds—the Azure Cloud Temple, the Fortune Celebration Temple, the Forgotten Truth Temple, and the Xuanyi Daoism—found out about her, they would definitely fight among themselves to take her as a disciple.

The Chen clan, which had the Martial Dao as its foundation and experienced chaos and crisis due to great changes, had buried a Daoist genius.

Hold on! While examining Chen Chaoyan, Zhang Dongyun suddenly frowned.

With the addition of the Impenetrable Fortress System, he could see the secrets hidden in the depths.

Chen Chaoyan’s gifted soul seemed to be related to the Pure Yang Temple from back then.

Back then, the Twelve Tyrants had destroyed the Pure Yang Temple.

Based on her age, Chen Chaoyan was born many years after the destruction of the Pure Yang Temple.

Could she be the reincarnation of an erudite Daoist of the Pure Yang Temple?

Or is it…

Zhang Dongyun focused his gaze while he pondered.

His ninth brother, one of the Twelve Tyrants, was from the Pure Yang Temple and had betrayed his master.

He was also a direct descendant of the Pure Yang Temple.

Is Chen Chaoyan related?

Zhang Dongyun became more and more interested.

The young girl outside passed the test and was unable to contain her excitement. “Senior…”

The door opened on both sides without the wind.

Mister Black Cloud stepped out, looked at Chen Chaoyan, and nodded slightly. “Not bad.”

Without waiting for Chen Chaoyan’s reply, he added, “You have two choices now.

“First, learn the Dharmic Dao from me. I will not neglect you.

“Second, follow me to meet His Majesty and undergo His Majesty’s test.”

The old man in black examined the young girl.

“His Majesty is absolutely a thousand times greater than I am.

“But let me remind you, if you can’t pass His Majesty’s test, you don’t have to think about getting any rewards from me.

“I’ll give you the chance to choose for yourself.”