Volume 2: The Path That Can Be Told, Chapter 124: Another Reason

As expected, after the second round of testing, only Zhang Hui and the disciple with the Red Fire constitution remained on the stage; everyone else was eliminated. The disciples of the Dao Sect withdrew from the stage, and a faceless person emerged from behind the curtain, saying to the two, “Please come in!” Though the word “please” was used, it was delivered coldly, devoid of any emotion.
Zhang Hui shivered and exchanged a glance with the man of the Red Fire constitution before stepping into the curtain together.
When the curtain was lifted, they found themselves in a garden. After walking along a corridor, the faceless man led them into a room exquisitely and elegantly decorated. As soon as they entered, a delicate fragrance filled the air, as if they had stepped into a woman’s boudoir.
Standing at the door, they saw a graceful woman emerging from the inner room. Zhang Hui was overjoyed—wasn’t this Yun Zhaoying? He had met her twice before by chance. In his heart, Yun Zhaoying had captivating eyes and seemed different from others. Now, he was just one step away from becoming the husband of this celestial beauty. He never expected, given his humble origins, to be so fortunate.
The man with the Red Fire constitution, however, appeared indifferent, completely unlike Zhang Hui. Zhang Hui glanced at him sideways and thought, “This pretty boy is also lucky. In the final test, Yun Zhaoying will likely pose difficult questions to choose her husband personally. I need to be careful.”
The faceless man had left without a trace. Yun Zhaoying smiled warmly and said, “Please sit down.” Hearing her sweet voice, Zhang Hui felt as if he were being honored, so he sat sideways on the chair, while the man sat comfortably, as if he were at home.
Yun Zhaoying took her seat at the head of the table and said, “I know this one—he’s Brother Yan Zheng from the Fire Cloud Sect. As for this one, it’s our first meeting…” Hearing this, Zhang Hui’s heart sank slightly: She doesn’t even recognize me! She says it’s our first meeting! But she knows that man!
Seeing Zhang Hui’s stunned expression, Yun Zhaoying continued, “Please introduce yourself, Brother…”
Zhang Hui stammered, “I’m from the Zhang family in the northwest, currently living in Zhongxuan City. My surname is Zhang, and my name is Hui.”

Yun Zhaoying nodded and said, “Since both of you have passed two trials, you must undoubtedly be outstanding among people. I have something to say, so I won’t hide it anymore.” At these words, a hint of sadness appeared on Yun Zhaoying’s face as she continued, “It’s not that I’m boasting. With my appearance, cultivation, family background, and status, it should have been easy for me to find a husband. But unfortunately, I was born with deficiencies and a hidden illness. From the day I was born, I’ve been constantly on the brink of death. These twenty years have been nothing but perilous. Thankfully, my great-grandfather had great powers and searched everywhere for elixirs and medicines, which allowed me to survive to this day.”
Zhang Hui listened to Yun Zhaoying recount her life story and thought to himself that life is truly unpredictable. Despite her seemingly glorious appearance that made countless women envious, she had lived such a difficult life. Thus, he felt even more affection for her.
Yun Zhaoying continued, “Our sect’s leader once said that although I, like you two, have a pure five-element constitution, I have a weak wood constitution by nature. No matter what miraculous medicine there is, it can’t restore such a body. The only solution is to find a husband with a black water constitution—” Zhang Hui’s mind went blank, and he could no longer hear what Yun Zhaoying was saying. All he could hear in his mind was a voice shouting, “She wants to marry me! She wants to marry me!”
At that moment, Yan Zheng frowned and said, “If that’s the case, Brother Zhang is exactly what you need. This matter has nothing to do with me. Why did you invite me here?” It was the first time Zhang Hui had heard of the Fire Cloud Sect, and Yan Zheng’s rude tone made him feel disgusted.
Yun Zhaoying didn’t seem offended; instead, she appeared respectful and said, “Everyone knows that water can nourish wood. A husband with a black water constitution would be perfect for my weak wood body. But our sect’s leader said that because of my special constitution, over-nourishment isn’t allowed. I must be paired with a man with a red fire constitution to ensure safety.”
Zhang Hui was completely confused. “Find a husband with a black water constitution,” “paired with a man with a red fire constitution”? Did she mean to marry two men?
Yan Zheng’s face showed anger as he said, “Absurd! Utterly absurd!”
With that, he swept his sleeves and headed for the door.
Yun Zhaoying chuckled lightly and said, “You’re too reckless. Have you forgotten this is the Dao Seeking Sect?”
Yan Zheng turned around and sneered, “So what if it’s the Dao Seeking Sect? Do you still plan to force me to marry you?” He reached the door but found himself blocked by an invisible wall and couldn’t get out.
Yan Zheng’s expression changed. Just as he was about to speak, another old man in his sixties appeared in the room. Dressed like a Taoist priest, he exuded an air of purity and detachment, making one feel as if they could soar into the heavens at a glance.

The old man spoke up, “Young Yan Zheng, calm down. I am Yun Juanshu, and I have a few questions for you.” It turned out to be Yun Juanshu, the second sect master of the Dao Seeking Sect!
Yan Zheng frowned and said, “Your granddaughter has already explained everything clearly. Is there really any other way?”
Yun Juanshu nodded. Having seen countless people, he noted that although Yan Zheng was young, he was very sharp-minded. Though the Fire Cloud Sect was obscure, Yan Zheng possessed a rare sense of pride, making him stand out among the younger generation. He said, “Though this plan may sound absurd, it would be highly beneficial for the three of you. Think about it—training in my Dao Seeking Sect, with access to any medicinal pills you desire, and the three of you complementing each other—how could that not be advantageous? Although Zhang Huii is young, she is sensible enough not to favor one over the other. She will surely serve the two of you satisfactorily. This is a situation where you can gain both fame and profit with minimal effort… Young people, think carefully before acting.”
After hearing Yun Juanshu’s words, Yan Zheng’s face showed mockery as he shook his head and said, “All in all, it still goes against human ethics.” Zhang Huii, who had heard everything, also shook his head. Though he had long admired Yun Zhaoying with genuine affection, he naturally didn’t want to share her with anyone. He said, “There’s logic to that. If that’s the case, then let it be.” With that, he stood up and stood beside Yan Zheng.
Yun Juanshu sighed and said, “Alas, acting on impulse without considering the perils of the immortal path… I arranged this meeting out of necessity, never expecting to meet youths with Black Water and Red Fire constitutions at the same time. Since fate has brought you two to me, and this matter is of great significance, don’t blame me for using force.” With that, he waved his sleeves, enveloping Yan Zheng and Zhang Huii in his spell.
Zhang Huii was caught off guard, but Yan Zheng was prepared. He secretly moved his fingers, and a faint glimmer of fire flashed in his palm before disappearing instantly.
Yun Juanshu captured the two and said with a wry smile, “Running into two fools has really put my grandson through trouble.” Yun Zhaoying retorted angrily, “They’re not fools! All this fuss for nothing.” Yun Juanshu replied, “It’s not in vain. If we hadn’t made such a fuss, I doubt so many people would have come. In this vast world, where else could one find pure Yang youths with such constitutions?” Then his face lit up as he said, “The Supreme Elder is already aware of this. I’ll go report to him now.” With that, he strode out through the back door.

On the eleventh floor of the Daoist sect, inside a small building, Yun Juanshu stood respectfully in front of it. A hoarse voice came from inside the building, saying, “The young man of Pure Yang of the Five Elements has finally been gathered; you’ve truly earned your merits.” Yun Juanshu replied, “It’s my duty to do so; I dare not claim credit.” The voice said, “Keep these two young men here. Go now.” Yun Juanshu pulled Yan Zheng and Zhang Hui out from his robe sleeves and left in a hurry, not daring to stay even for a moment longer. A figure emerged from the building, dressed in a large green robe that made it look as though a skeleton was wrapped inside. This green figure circled several times above the already unconscious Yan Zheng and Zhang Hui, muttering to itself, “If the Gate of the Five Elements is completed, I’ll have a 70% chance of escaping…”