252: Chapter 217 252: Chapter 217 The Taoist Sect Zhang Clan, rumored to be one of the Top Ten Clans, was the destination Jiang Tang reached, with the guidance of Zhang Nianjiao, on his flying arrows, carrying nine women.
Jiang Tang had previously thought the Taoist Sect was like the Immortal Sects, where disciples would wear Taoist Robes and cultivate unique Cultivation Techniques on their own.
Upon arriving at the Zhang Family, he realized this was not the case; the clothing they wore was similar to the Vestment robes that cultivators each preferred, all crafted by refining masters.
From what he learned from Zhang Nianjiao’s explanations, their cultivation methods were based on the understanding of cultivation techniques from Taoist texts.
By practicing these, they could also develop Spells from Dao Arts, just like the major families in the Cultivation World, having their unique Cultivation Techniques and Spells.
To hold their status among the Top Ten Clans in the Cultivation World, they were not only strong but also had other resources belonging to their family that weren’t limited to cultivation alone.
Jiang Tang nodded secretly, having understood from what he’d learned during his time in Immortal Venerable City, that those scholars from the past were not merely bookworms in the world of cultivation.
They could cultivate through their studies; for example, Confucianism Tao was cultivated through writing and reading.
As long as they had the ability, they too could become Immortals.
A seemingly ordinary scholar could also master Ancient Martial Arts and achieve Ascension to become an Immortal.
Each family had its own heritage, but unfortunately, in the last ten thousand years, no one had been able to ascend.
The people of the Cultivation World fought over resources, and even during the last incident, those powerhouses turned into robbers for a superior pill.
Jiang Tang covertly observed that Zhang Nianjiao had brought them to a place resembling an ancient city with the structures of a Taoist Temple.
The men were dressed as Taoists, while the women wore Taoist Nun attire, albeit with ornamental accessories far from ordinary in their hair.
Along the way, many disciples who saw them nodded in greeting, and addressed Zhang Nianjiao as senior sister.
Zhang Nianjiao nodded back, but didn’t pause her steps.
In the family territory, there were family rules, one of which was no flying.
Zhang Nianjiao led Jiang Tang and a group of women to a large Taoist Temple hall, where a middle-aged Taoist sat on cushioning with four other middle-aged Taoists at his sides.
After bringing them in, Zhang Nianjiao introduced the newcomers to the people inside and introduced the five middle-aged Taoists to Jiang Tang and his entourage.
“Zhang Family Head, four Elders, this junior has come to disturb you,” Jiang Tang said as he bent forward to give a respectful bow.
“Heh, Jiang Tang, we’ve long heard of your distinguished name.
Seeing you today, you certainly live up to your reputation,” said the Zhang Family Head politely, while the other Elders smiled and stroked their goatees, each one a shrewd individual.
“There’s no need for such formalities, Family Head Zhang.
Let’s talk candidly.
Is there anything specific that you wanted by inviting me here this time?”
Jiang Tang knew that the Zhang Family, like the others, wanted to recruit him, to offer him benefits if he would nominally take the position of an Elder in a certain hall, in exchange for access to some resources.
“Heh, we don’t beat around the bush here.
Let’s all sit down.
Our invitation for Jiang Tang to visit serves two purposes: first, to get to know each other, and second, to conduct a trade.
We would like to purchase your superior pills with money, and also hope to exchange our cultivated Spirit Grass for your superior pills.
Would you agree, Jiang Tang?”
Jiang Tang nodded to the Zhang Family Head and said, “Certainly, I am willing to be of service.”
The Zhang Family Head was very pleased with Jiang Tang’s response, finding the young man to be refreshingly straightforward and even more eager to deal with such a person.
He took out a Storage Bag and handed over its contents to Jiang Tang.
Jiang Tang did not even look at the contents and took out a Storage Bag from his own person, handing it over to the Zhang Family Head.
“Jiang, thank you so much.
Our girl Zhang Nianjiao can be quite willful, and I hope you won’t hold it against her.
Hopefully, you can become our family’s son-in-law in the future,” said the Zhang Family Head.
Zhang Nianjiao, hearing what the Family Head said, blushed and lowered her head.
The rest of the women became anxious; if Jiang Tang became the son-in-law of the Zhang Family, how could that be allowed?
Xuanyuan Mengting was especially anxious; Jiang Tang absolutely couldn’t just let himself be taken – she hadn’t even had her wedding yet, how could someone else take the lead?
Hearing the Zhang Family Head’s direct approach, Jiang Tang turned to glance at Zhang Nianjiao, seeing her shyly lowering her head.
Sometimes she was quite stubborn, yet at other times, very obedient.
“Family Head Zhang, as you know, the path of cultivation is long for us cultivators; I’m not intent on taking a wife just yet, though making friends is possible.”
Relief washed over the other women after hearing Jiang Tang’s words, each thinking thankfully, that was close.
Zhang Nianjiao looked up at Jiang Tang, then lowered her head again, not daring to question why he wouldn’t marry her sooner.
She didn’t want to just be friends.
“Alright then!
Young friend Jiang, let Nianjiao take you around for a walk.
Don’t leave too soon; we’d like to be good hosts and invite you for dinner here,” said the Zhang Family Head, not eager to consume the superior pills for cultivation.
Rather, he preferred to use the opportunity over drinks to secure Jiang Tang as a son-in-law for the family.
“Alright, thank you, Nianjiao, for showing us around,” said Jiang Tang.
Nianjiao nodded at Jiang Tang, and led them out of the reception hall.
As the group walked through the Taoist Temple’s structures, Zhang Nianjiao took them to several halls that were open to guests.
Not every part of the family’s estate was open for guests to admire; the family had its secrets.
Jiang Tang spotted a Scripture Pavilion and asked Zhang Nianjiao, “Could you take us inside to have a look?”
“That…
I’m afraid not,” she replied.
“The scriptures inside contain our family’s Cultivation Spells, and they’re not open to outsiders.
If it were just you, Jiang Tang, I could take you inside, but the others cannot go in.”