Chapter 536: Chapter 536: Stirring Up Trouble
In the days that followed, aside from the necessary daily martial arts cultivation, Zhang Yuan devoted most of his time to accumulating Daoist Merit, frequently going out on missions for this purpose.
And recently, the Martial Pavilion Merit Hall has also released a large number of Daoist Merit tasks.
Encouraging outside samurais to quell chaos and eliminate the bizarre.
But no one could match Zhang Yuan in this regard!
As each mission was successfully completed, Zhang Yuan’s reputation in the Martial Pavilion and even the entire Upper Scenic Celestial grew immensely.
Many people know that there is a "task fanatic" in the Martial Pavilion, obsessed with doing Daoist Merit tasks, not only being much more efficient than his peers but also frequently bringing back spoils such as Evil Infants.
No matter if it’s a sect mission or a Merit Hall task, as long as Zhang Yuan takes it on, there’s nothing he can’t accomplish!
Inevitably, he also attracted some hostility.
The matter of Upper Scenic Celestial selecting a batch of Dao Generals is no longer a secret within the sect.
Because it involves various interests, the list of appointed Dao Generals has been delayed, and some have already been preparing for it.
With such an outstanding performance from Zhang Yuan at this critical moment, how could it not lead to speculation?
Even though his identity naturally puts him at a disadvantage, in these extraordinary times, anything could happen!
When Zhang Yuan stepped into the Merit Hall again, he immediately sensed several eyes watching him.
Among them were malicious intents!
Zhang Yuan completed the task handover procedures without showing any emotion and received the corresponding Daoist Merit.
He checked and found that his accumulated Daoist Merit points had exceeded five thousand!
The Daoist Merit in Upper Scenic Celestial is not easy to earn; ordinary tasks offer scant rewards. Besides completing numerous tasks, Zhang Yuan earned the rest through turning in spoils like Evil Infants.
So far, he hasn’t used a single Daoist Merit point.
Because Zhang Yuan already looked down on the items in the Martial Pavilion Merit Hall.
He plans to wait until becoming a Dao General before using these merits to exchange for treasures in the Sect Daoist Vault.
"Protector Zhang Yuan?"
After completing his business and just about to leave the Merit Hall, a rugged-looking middle-aged man stopped him.
The man was tall and thin, with prominent cheekbones and sharp eyes, exuding a commanding presence, clearly not someone easy to deal with.
Zhang Yuan halted and calmly asked, "What do you want?"
The rugged middle-aged man stared at Zhang Yuan and responded in a deep voice, "I am Liang Kui, an Inner Sect Guardian. I wonder if Protector Zhang Yuan has a moment for a private conversation?"
Although phrased as a question, his words carried an irrefutable force and determination.
To be honest, Zhang Yuan felt no goodwill towards this suddenly appearing Inner Sect Guardian.
He could even sense the hidden hostility in the other party’s eyes.
But Zhang Yuan also noticed that everyone’s attention in the Merit Hall had been drawn to them.
After a brief thought, he nodded and replied, "Alright."
The two left the Merit Hall together, but they didn’t go far, finding a secluded place nearby to talk.
Liang Kui straightforwardly asked, "Protector Zhang Yuan, are you planning to compete for the sect’s Dao General position?"
Zhang Yuan was not surprised by this Inner Sect Guardian’s question.
In fact, he was mentally prepared, chuckling as he said, "What do you want to say?"
Zhang Yuan neither admitted nor denied it.
But he certainly wouldn’t follow the other party’s lead in conversation.
Liang Kui’s eyes flickered.
Though rugged in appearance, he was not someone with only brute force and no intelligence; otherwise, he couldn’t have become an Inner Sect Guardian of Upper Scenic Celestial.
Liang Kui quickly realized Zhang Yuan’s difficulty.
He gave the latter a deep look, softened his tone, and said, "Protector Zhang Yuan, I think you should understand that with your outsider status, it is impossible to obtain a Dao General position within the sect."
Zhang Yuan nodded, "Hmm, and then?"
Even though Liang Kui was quite shrewd, he was slightly stirred up by Zhang Yuan’s calm demeanor.
Instinctively, he clenched his fist.
Zhang Yuan immediately noticed the change in the opponent’s vibe but didn’t care at all.
This Inner Sect Guardian Liang Kui was no ordinary character; his cultivation strength had reached the peak of Tier Five, only a breakthrough away from becoming a True Gang Realm expert.
But so what?
Even if Liang Kui advanced to Tier Six, Zhang Yuan could still beat him into submission!
Moreover, this was the sect’s mountain gate; Liang Kui acting recklessly would be akin to courting death.
Sure enough, Liang Kui swallowed his anger and continued, "As I know, there are only five Dao General slots for this sect selection. My qualifications are sufficient, but my Daoist Merit accumulation is insufficient."
"Protector Zhang Yuan..."
He gazed at Zhang Yuan, his tone much more sincere, "If you are willing to cooperate with me and help me acquire a Dao General position, I can secure you an Inner Sect Guardian post!"
Inner Sect Guardian post?
Zhang Yuan hadn’t expected the other party to have such intentions!
To be frank, for the vast majority of external martial artists, becoming an Inner Sect Guardian of Upper Scenic Celestial would be considered a leap to prominence, joining the sect’s hierarchy.
The benefits thereof cannot be succinctly stated.
Indeed, Zhang Yuan’s position as External Guardian of the Martial Pavilion was significantly inferior to that of Liang Kui’s Inner Sect Guardian!
However, Zhang Yuan wasn’t foolish enough to help the other snatch chestnuts from the fire!
He replied without hesitation, "Sorry, I’m not interested."
Zhang Yuan’s straightforward refusal caused Liang Kui’s expression to change abruptly.
The Inner Sect Guardian’s eyes suddenly turned gloomy, "Zhang Yuan, you should understand you can’t secure a Dao General position. I urge you to reconsider!"
After a pause, he added, "Besides the Inner Sect Guardian position, I can offer you fifty thousand gold as compensation."
Liang Kui felt he had already extended great leniency to Zhang Yuan, using both pressure and temptation. If Zhang Yuan had any self-awareness, he should realize this was the best offer.
Yet, it still couldn’t sway Zhang Yuan in the slightest: "Protector Liang, farewell!"
With that, Zhang Yuan left decisively, unwilling to utter any more nonsense with the other.
Liang Kui was infuriated, his clenched fist cracking, emitting a frightening aura.
At that moment, he genuinely felt the urge to draw his sword against Zhang Yuan.
But rationality forced this Inner Sect Guardian to calm down forcibly, coldly watching Zhang Yuan’s back, murmuring, "You brought this upon yourself!"
Although Zhang Yuan didn’t hear Liang Kui’s final harsh words, he knew this matter wouldn’t end here; the other party wouldn’t let it go easily.
He considered whether to consult Mo Huai’an for insights.
It’s unclear what the Upper Scenic Celestial leadership is plotting, with the few Dao General slots undecided, causing unnecessary trouble.
In truth, Zhang Yuan was not particularly concerned about the Dao General title, and even if he coveted treasures in the sect’s Daoist Vault, he could always obtain them through Mo Huai’an.
At most, it would just incur a little obligation.
