Cultivating To Immortality

Chapter 781: Decision

White Egret Cliff, Yang Wenxuan’s Immortal Cave.

Yang Wenxuan had only arrived at Dragon Pool Mountain a few days ago, but already two Cultivators were visiting his Immortal Cave.

They were two Disciples of the Qin Family, Qin Ying and Qin Zhan.

"Elder Yang, my younger brother Zhan and I have presumptuously disturbed you, also for the matter of the Dragon Pool Grand Competition’s seats."

Qin Ying’s expression remained as cold as ice, but in front of Yang Wenxuan, she maintained a respectful demeanor.

"This Disciple knows her own strength is insufficient, and has no desire to step onto the stage."

"However, my younger clan brother Qin Zhan has excellent Aptitude. If he can make a name for himself at this grand event, it would benefit both his Dao path and the Qin Family’s reputation."

Speaking of which, it was quite an "upset" that Qin Ying, this favored daughter of heaven, did not advance.

Before Disciples of Song Yan’s generation had even embarked on their Dao path, Qin Ying already had some renown in the Chu Kingdom Cultivation World.

She was often mentioned in the same breath as Cong Yuzhen of the Shooting Sun Sect. With both Fairies being exceptionally beautiful, topics of discussion naturally abounded.

However, this selection was truly a gathering of hidden talents, so her defeat was unavoidable.

Qin Ying’s expression at this moment showed little regret; she merely spoke calmly about her younger clan brother Qin Zhan’s situation.

She paused, then turned to indicate Qin Zhan: "I earnestly request Elder to mediate and help him secure a seat."

A flicker of satisfaction crossed Yang Wenxuan’s eyes. He and Qin Ying were both Cultivators of the Foundation Establishment Realm, and this female Cultivator’s respectful attitude was very pleasing to him.

However, he showed no outward expression, maintaining his usual calm and collected demeanor.

"You all have come at just the right time. When I arrived at Dragon Pool Mountain, I had already met with Elder Zhang Guangyuan and gained some understanding of the situation for this grand event."

"That Song Yan still has two spots, presumably for Han Yuan and Shao Sichao, who are at Qi Refining Perfection."

"However, I heard that Han Yuan was severely injured during the selection when he fought with a Foundation Establishment Realm Cultivator."

"I think there’s no point for Han Yuan to compete on stage anymore."

Qin Zhan, who had been respectfully keeping his eyes downcast, suddenly brightened and looked up.

Yang Wenxuan continued, "Let Song Yan give this spot to Qin Zhan. It won’t affect anything, publicly or privately. The Sect needs new talent, and the Qin Family’s Disciples are not outsiders."

Upon receiving Yang Wenxuan’s approval, the two Qin Family members immediately bowed in thanks: "Thank you, Elder Yang."

Especially Qin Zhan, who, being young and naive, had a mix of nervousness and anticipation in his brows.

He had originally come to Dragon Pool Mountain to attend the event as an accompanying Disciple with Sun Zhengfu.

Under normal circumstances, both of them were just there to broaden their horizons.

They had no qualifications to participate in the grand event.

But fortunately, the Qin Family had a powerful Elder sister like Qin Ying, and the Family was on good terms with Yang Wenxuan, an Elder of the Cave Abyss Sect.

With these two Seniors working together, it would be too simple to make that Cultivator named Song Yan give up a spot for himself.

Before coming here, he had never imagined having the Opportunity to make an appearance in such a grand event, in front of the Cultivators of the entire Chu Kingdom.

Qin Zhan was in high spirits at this moment.

The Qin Family was currently on the rise, poised to contend with the Yan Family of Bei Ya Mountain.

His own status and position naturally rose as well.

Coupled with the backing of a behemoth like the Cave Abyss Sect, Qin Zhan felt that his future Dao path was bright.

Excited, he immediately bowed and thanked, "Elder’s kindness, this Disciple will engrave it in his heart!"

"There’s no need for talk of kindness. You are an accompanying Disciple; by rights, you are considered officially attending the meeting."

Yang Wenxuan waved his hand: "Giving a spot to a young person like you for experience is reasonable and fair."

Qin Ying and Qin Zhan thanked him once more.

Just then, a Named Disciple and young Daoist boy under Yang Wenxuan’s command walked quickly, respectfully bowing to the three people in discussion.

Then he reported, "Reporting to Master, Senior Brother Song Yan’s sound transmission talisman response has arrived."

Yang Wenxuan pondered for a moment, then smiled: "It seems he has arrived."

"Perfect, since both of you are here, you can thank him in person."

Yang Wenxuan also had his own calculations.

Although Song Yan was under Qin Xijun’s tutelage, he had never heard of the relationship between this Master and Disciple being particularly close.

Furthermore, during the Sect Sword Wipe, he had used his position as an overseer to give Song Yan some trouble.

Summoning him now was also a test of this person’s obedience to the Sect.

It seemed this young man was quite sensible.

This made things easier.

"Go, bring him in."

However, from the moment the Daoist boy entered the door, he had an hesitant expression, as if he wanted to speak but held back.

He had only delayed speaking because he dared not interrupt the conversation of the three.

Now, he had no choice but to speak: "Master, Senior Brother Song Yan... didn’t come."

"Hmm?"

Yang Wenxuan’s brows furrowed.

"The person who replied was a female attendant from his Immortal Cave, named Ju Luyi. She said Senior Brother Song is currently in seclusion to Cultivate, comprehending the Dao... declining all external affairs."

The Daoist boy’s expression was evasive, and he stammered out the situation.

"What..."

In seclusion to Cultivate?

With only two or three days left until the Grand Competition, what kind of ridiculous seclusion was this?!

Yang Wenxuan sneered, his expression dark.

His words to the young Daoist boy were also tinged with anger.

"Have I not taught you how to deal with such ill-mannered Disciples?"

The Daoist boy trembled, terribly frightened.

He hastily knelt on the ground, repeatedly saying, "Master, please quell your anger. I have already sent another talisman, as per your instructions, explaining the gravity of the situation."

"But the other party’s reply..."

"Hmm?"

Yang Wenxuan frowned: "What did he say?"

The young Daoist boy cautiously glanced at Qin Ying and Qin Zhan, still hesitating.

But fearing Yang Wenxuan’s authority, he still spoke truthfully: "The reply said that Senior Brother Song Yan is preparing for the Grand Competition and is inconvenient to move."

"If there is an urgent matter, please... please go see him yourself."

Inside the Immortal Cave, a sudden silence fell.

No one spoke.

Yang Wenxuan’s sneer had frozen.

His eyes were cold, and dark clouds gathered, so much so that even the most unobservant simpleton could tell of his current rage.

Song Yan had already joined Demon Subduing Peak.

Theoretically speaking, with a valid reason, he could indeed refuse an Elder’s summons.

However, an old Elder of the Cave Abyss Sect, holding a position of real power overseeing Sect regulations...

Even several core and True Disciples whose Realm was not far from his would show him respect.

When had he ever been treated with such disrespect by these juniors?

Qin Zhan’s heart also sank, and he looked at his Elder sister, at a loss.

Seeing this, Qin Ying sighed inwardly, gave him a look, and motioned with her eyes for Qin Zhan not to speak further.

"Go see him myself..."

Yang Wenxuan was silent for a long while, then spoke grimly: "Who does he think he is, the Sect Master?"

"Heh heh."

He suddenly gave a forced smile, turning his gaze to Qin Ying and Qin Zhan: "It seems some Disciples, after making a slight advancement in Cultivation, begin to become arrogant."

"If they aren’t properly disciplined, I’m afraid their tails will be wagging up to the heavens."

He waved his large sleeve: "You two, return first."

"I’ll go see what kind of airs this Song Yan is putting on."

He slowly rose, his robes moving without wind, and coldly uttered a single word: "Go."

The Daoist boy acknowledged, then quickly followed behind him.

Qin Zhan felt a faint sense of unwillingness in his chest, but he had nothing to say, so he could only suppress his frustration and follow Qin Ying out of the Immortal Cave.

Yang Wenxuan went towards Song Yan’s residence, while the two Qin Family members slowly walked along the mountain path, leaving the temporary Immortal Cave area.

At the edge of a secluded bamboo forest.

Qin Zhan frowned, his unwillingness on his Face turning into indignation. He looked at Qin Ying and complained.

"Sister, why is this Song Yan so arrogant?"

"He’s clearly just a Cave Abyss Sect Disciple with a shallow Foundation, who luckily achieved Foundation Establishment, and now dares to disregard even Elder Yang’s Face."

The more he thought about it, the angrier he got.

Having received Yang Wenxuan’s nod, and with his powerful Elder sister assisting him, Qin Zhan had already decided in his heart that Song Yan’s extra spot belonged to him.

This spot should fall to him.

Song Yan was merely holding it for him.

However, upon hearing of this person’s attitude, he feared that Song Yan was an arbitrary individual who would not give Elder Yang Face.

Did that not mean this spot was no longer his?

For some inexplicable reason, a feeling of an Opportunity being snatched away from him arose in his heart.

"What right does he have? A mere Foundation Establishment Early Stage, daring to put on airs in front of Elder Wenxuan?!"

Qin Ying did not speak, merely frowned and glanced at Qin Zhan.

Song Yan’s Foundation Establishment was at a similar age to her own back then.

She wondered what right her clan brother had to comment on Song Yan... However, mentioning that name, she did feel surprised.

The first time she met this person was about five or six years ago during the Peach Blossom Dock incident.

At that time, he was only at the fifth layer of Qi Refining Realm.

In just a few short years, to be able to complete Qi Refining and establish his Dao Foundation, this growth rate was simply incredible.

Moreover, after the news spread that Song Yan had joined Qin Xijun’s lineage, she had specifically paid attention to information about Song Yan.

He first became famous, probably when he was involved in the conflict between the Cave Abyss Sect and the Profound Origin Sect back then.

Who knows how many people still remember that he even lost all his Cultivation because of it at the time.

Most people, after experiencing such a thing, might have already given up then.

To be able to start over and achieve his current strength...

Opportunity, Comprehension Ability, Heart-Nature, none could be lacking.

Uncompromising in the Face of Yang Wenxuan, was that arrogant?

Perhaps a little.

But for such a talented person, one could only say that he had the right to be so arrogant.

Qin Ying suddenly spoke: "You should go back on your own. I still have some matters to attend to."

"Uh... Yes, Sister."

Qin Zhan nodded and left the place.

Qin Ying, however, discerned the direction and flew by sword towards the Immortal Cave cluster of the attending Loose Cultivators... White Egret Cliff, Carefree Establishment.

Daily Cultivation had ended, and Song Yan was sitting in the Immortal Cave courtyard, holding a golden page in his hand, examining it carefully.

It was the golden chess manual page that Wang Ke had given him earlier.

After Foundation Establishment, in his leisure time, he would often take this item out to look at it, but he had never made any progress.

Suddenly, Xiao Ju walked out from the main hall of the Immortal Cave, her tone respectful.

"Master, Elder Yang Wenxuan is outside the Immortal Cave."

"Oh?"

Song Yan frowned, then let out a chuckle.

"Please invite him in. After all, he is an Elder of the Sect, and we cannot be disrespectful."

He put away the golden chess manual page.

Soon after, a gloomy aura approached, and Yang Wenxuan’s figure appeared within the Immortal Cave.

This Elder of real power from the Cave Abyss Sect unreservedly released his solid Spiritual Pressure of the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage.

His Face was ashen, and without a glance at Xiao Ju, he stepped into the Immortal Cave.

Seeing Song Yan sitting in the courtyard, he immediately sneered: "Martial Nephew Song, you certainly put on quite the airs."

"I sent you a spirit talisman, and you made excuses about being in seclusion to Cultivate, even making this Elder come to your door personally."

"I see you are quite at leisure now; it’s not as if you can’t spare the time."

"What? Now that you’ve established your Dao Foundation, do you think I, an Elder of this Sect, am not worthy of your Dharma Eye?!"

The immense power of Foundation Establishment pressed down, making it difficult for Xiao Ju to breathe.

Song Yan sat cross-legged, not rising, but slowly opened his eyes.

A more aggressive and violent aura, sharp and exposed, dissipated Yang Wenxuan’s spiritual power.

He smiled faintly: "Heh heh, Elder Yang, you exaggerate."

He raised his hand, motioning for Xiao Ju to step aside, his expression calm and unruffled.

"The Nine Pulses Grand Competition is imminent, and this Disciple is indeed in seclusion, comprehending Cultivation Techniques, making it inconvenient to attend."

"It was not intentional disrespect towards you, Elder; please forgive me."

Seeing Song Yan’s attitude, the coldness in Yang Wenxuan’s eyes deepened, and the anger in his heart grew stronger.

"Martial Nephew Song is now so influential, I wouldn’t dare to point fingers at you."

Yang Wenxuan did not wait for Song Yan to reply, and said coldly: "Enough, I won’t quibble with you over these things."

"I came today to secure a Grand Competition spot for Qin Zhan."

His tone was beyond dispute: "Although Qin Zhan is slightly lacking in strength, the champion of the Nine Pulses Grand Competition will certainly be in Foundation Establishment."

"Furthermore, with Han Yuan severely injured and unable to take the stage, giving the spot to others would be useless."

"Just give Qin Zhan a qualification, let the young man train and broaden his horizons."

"Let him take the stage, and this matter will be settled."

Song Yan put down his teacup, his expression completely unperturbed.

As expected, he came for the spot; he had indeed guessed it.

When Yang Wenxuan summoned him, Song Yan was already suspicious. He and Yang Wenxuan were not on good terms and were not of the same ilk.

Why would he summon him out of nowhere?

After much thought, he suddenly remembered a person.

That was one of the two accompanying people, Qin Zhan.

A Disciple of the Qin Family.

At this point, whether Qin Zhan could get this spot was probably no longer important.

For someone like Yang Wenxuan, what was important was whether Song Yan would obey.

"Elder Yang is joking. This attendance qualification has its own sequence."

"Even if Han Yuan and Shao Sichao cannot participate for some reason, there are still Chen Chen, Zhao Xuan, and Senior Brother Kong You as substitutes, and even Senior Brother Sun Zhengfu has a stronger claim than Qin Zhan."

"Qin Zhan performed mediocrely in the Sect Sword Wipe, and his current Cultivation is not higher than other Disciples. How can he convince the masses?"

"If you came for this... Elder Yang, please return."

Song Yan shook his head slightly, casually picked up the teacup on the table, and took a sip.

Yang Wenxuan’s Face darkened, unable to control himself any longer, and immediately showed his anger: "What grand airs!"

"Such an insignificant qualification, could it be that I, Yang Wenxuan, can no longer decide it?!"

"Elder Yang is joking again."

Song Yan’s expression was calm.

"The Grand Competition qualification was hard-won by this Disciple during the selection..."

"Naturally, I make the decisions."

He nodded gently: "But please rest assured, Elder, this Disciple knows his limits."

"Elder Yang, please return. This Disciple will not see you out."

With that, he rose and left the small courtyard, walking towards the inner chamber of the Immortal Cave.

"Xiao Ju, see the guest out."