CHAPTER 452: CHAPTER 92 RETREAT TO ADVANCE

If Zhang Yan hadn’t encountered Bao Dingheng and his group, according to his original plan, he would have gone to the Five Peaks region of Qingcun Mountain or secretly followed those disciples of the Xuanmen Great Clans, searching for clues about the Ancestor Ganoderma.

But after being invited by Ke Xiu Jun to join forces with Bao Dingheng and the others, he accidentally discovered that Master Shi had the ability to search for the Medicine Mushroom, sparking the idea of leveraging this man’s skills to find the Ancestor Ganoderma.

Yet, the means of making this man useful to him required careful consideration.

Initially, there was no direct conflict of interest between him and Bao Dingheng’s group. Zhang Yan had planned to part amicably after temporarily teaming up, intending to build some rapport with Master Shi first and then offer a few rare treasures in exchange, so the latter would willingly help him search for the Ancestor Ganoderma.

However, Bao Dingheng’s audacity in turning his schemes toward Zhang Yan had brought about his own ruin—he couldn’t blame Zhang Yan for being ruthless.

Even though Zhang Yan had seen through their tricks, how could he allow himself to be led by the nose?

With a quick turn of thought, he devised a strategy of retreating in order to advance, forcing Bao Dingheng and the others to avoid rashly acting against him.

Zhang Yan sneered inwardly and cupped his hands deliberately, loudly announcing, "Thank you, Daoist Bao and all fellow Daoists. Since I’ve acquired this Medicine Mushroom, it’s time for Li to take his leave."

These words took everyone by surprise.

Fang He, seeing Zhang Yan retrieve the Transformed Medicine Mushroom, assumed he had lured Zhang Yan into his trap. Based on his calculations, he and Bao Dingheng would separate Zhang Yan from their party at an opportune moment, then Daoist Gao’s group of four would not be able to resist acting out of greed to seize the Medicine Mushroom. Even knowing it was bait, the temptation would compel them.

At that moment, Fang He and Bao Dingheng could intervene again to ultimately claim victory for themselves.

But how could he have anticipated Zhang Yan abruptly expressing his intention to leave? Fang He’s heart filled with anxiety as he shouted, "Li Yuanba, where are you going?"

Zhang Yan feigned surprise and, with a smile, replied, "I originally entered Qingcun Mountain solely to seek the Medicine Mushroom. Now that it’s in my hands, this journey is complete—why wouldn’t I leave? As for where I’m headed, that is a private matter. Fellow Daoist Li, there’s no need for you to know."

Fang He grew even more anxious. If Zhang Yan truly left, all his prior scheming would come to naught.

Thus, he shouted harshly, "What nonsense are you talking about? We cooperated to help you obtain this Medicine Mushroom! You haven’t contributed the slightest effort—how could you just leave?"

Zhang Yan laughed heartily and replied, "Daoist Fang, what are you talking about? We merely temporarily joined forces; talk of cooperation is exaggerated at best. I saved Daoist Bao’s life, and he chose to repay that debt with this item. Now, we are even."

"This..."

Fang He was momentarily speechless, but he possessed some cunning. In his urgency, he managed to conjure up a plausible argument, loudly exclaiming, "Li Yuanba, if you leave now, how can we be sure you won’t reveal Master Shi’s presence here to outsiders?"

These words raised the alert for everyone else. They visibly reacted with shifting expressions. Daoist Gao immediately stepped forward and said gravely, "Indeed! Master Shi’s matter is of great importance. Fellow Daoist Li, it would be better for you to stay with us."

Zhang Yan glanced at him, smiling faintly, and responded, "You may rest assured. I can swear an oath not to disclose this matter to anyone."

These words silenced the crowd once again. Fang He found himself caught in a dilemma, his face darkening as he turned to Bao Dingheng and asked, "Senior Brother, what is your opinion?"

Bao Dingheng stroked his beard silently.

He had originally invited Zhang Yan here under the belief that he was merely a Loose Cultivator whom he could control effortlessly. Even when Ke Xiu Jun praised Zhang Yan’s brilliance, Bao dismissed it as exaggeration. However, after Zhang Yan emerged victorious against Lan Yuchun, Bao reconsidered.

At that time, Bao had begun to harbor concerns. Such an uncontrollable figure with unknown origins posed a potential threat, particularly if Zhang Yan ever disclosed Master Shi’s ability to search for the Medicine Mushroom. It would undoubtedly bring disaster upon them.

Thus, while Bao had promised to let Zhang Yan select a High-Grade Medicine Mushroom as a token of gratitude for saving his life, it had also been a ploy to anchor Zhang Yan in place. Even then, his heart hadn’t truly been willing.

Therefore, when Fang He suggested eliminating both Daoist Gao’s group and Zhang Yan together, Bao secretly approved of the plan.

Now that their schemes had failed, it was clear they couldn’t instigate Zhang Yan into clashing with Daoist Gao’s group. However, Bao was equally unwilling to let Zhang Yan leave so easily.

After a moment of contemplation, Bao Dingheng slowly spoke, "Fellow Daoist Li, it might be better for you to stay. Otherwise, you’ll only make things difficult for the other Daoists."