Chapter 6: Great Yan Immortal Master? Is someone Competing with Zhang Jiao?

In the streets and alleys of Guangzong County, the townsfolk gathered excitedly discussing recent events, and every topic centered around one person—Wang Yan. "Recently, in Guangzong, a Great Yan Immortal Master appeared, making buns rain from the sky." "You should have seen it. The sight of those buns falling was spectacular." "Those white buns were the most delicious, moist, and sweet." "I was lucky to grab one. The taste is unforgettable." "There was also a fierce general named Zhou Cang, who the Great Yan Immortal Master enlightened. Like being touched by an immortal, he could run on foot and chase down a horse, eventually killing the Yellow Turban general with one strike!" "The Great Yan Immortal Master promised that those who follow him would never go hungry. And he's already started taking action. Following him might lead to a good life." "That sounds better than following the Great Teacher and rebelling! The Yellow Turbans offer a faint hope, but the Great Yan Immortal Master provides real food." "I heard the court has sent a large army, led by the famous General Lu Zhi, marching towards Guangzong. Those in the Yellow Turban Army are in danger." "Well, I was thinking of joining the Yellow Turbans. Now I'm going to follow the Great Yan Immortal Master instead."

These talks quickly reached Zhang Jiao. After occupying Guangzong, Zhang Jiao turned the government office into his Taiping Daoist temple. The nearly fifty-year-old Zhang Jiao, pale and slightly coughing, sat cross-legged, looking overworked. His followers and leaders were gathered around. After Zhang Liang reported on Wang Yan, Zhang Jiao slowly opened his eyes, revealing a deep, profound gaze. In Taiping Dao, Zhang Jiao held absolute authority, like a deity. He was skilled in medicine, astrology, and geography, using these talents to heal and guide his followers, rapidly growing Taiping Dao's influence. This was partly due to his extraordinary wisdom and the three volumes of the "Heavenly Balance Techniques" he obtained from the immortal Nan Hua.

Outwardly calm, Zhang Jiao was inwardly tense. "What did Zhang Liang say? Do I hear things? Is there such a thing?" "Daring to compete with me for followers? This Wang Yan has some nerve!" "I didn't expect the son of an aristocratic governor to be so wild!" "I must find out how he performs these tricks!"

Though Zhang Jiao was more concerned with how to fend off the imperial army and the progress of his thirty-six leaders, Wang Yan's actions piqued his curiosity. "Wang Yan is a charlatan. In front of the Great Teacher, he's just a clown. He dares to challenge Taiping Dao's authority. We must capture him alive!"

Zhang Liang bowed, "Great Teacher, I will inform the leader in Qingyun Village to capture Wang Yan." The leaders nodded in agreement. Zhang Jiao coughed again, his face turning paler. "Soon, the imperial dog Lu Zhi will arrive with his army. We must prepare and gather all our followers here to resist." Zhang Liang said, "Great Teacher, we have 150,000 soldiers, but food is becoming a problem as our army grows. The aristocrats refuse to supply grain. I suggest harsh measures to set an example." Zhang Jiao hesitated. Attacking the wealthy and seizing grain would solve the short-term food issue but alienate the populace, hindering long-term growth. However, a lack of food could destabilize the army. After a moment of contemplation, Zhang Jiao reluctantly agreed. "Fine. Those who refuse to join our cause are our enemies. We must secure Guangzong at all costs. But don't harm the common people."

The leaders secretly rejoiced. The Yellow Turban Army, lacking discipline, would likely become even more uncontrollable. With most soldiers being desperate peasants, the order would lead to rampant looting and violence.

Meanwhile, on the road to Qingyun Village, nearly a thousand people followed a carriage. Despite their gaunt appearances, their faces were filled with hope, frequently glancing at the carriage. Inside, Wang Yan lay asleep on Ren Hongchang's lap. The young girl, her cheeks flushed, couldn't help but steal glances at Wang Yan, wondering why her usually respectful young master had suddenly become so bold, pulling her into the carriage to rest on her lap.

In truth, Wang Yan was exhausted. After being captured, he endured much suffering. Once he relaxed, he couldn't stay awake any longer. As he slept, system notifications appeared continuously.

[Emotion Value +99]

[Emotion Value +99]

[Follower +1]

[Follower +1]

As they neared Qingyun Village, Wang Yan awoke. Seeing the numbers on the system panel shocked him. [Emotion Value: 105959] [Followers: 521] Amazing! This must be the result of his speeches spreading. His actions generated a continuous stream of emotional points.

Ding. [Host's Emotion Value surpasses 100,000. Reward: LV2 Store item: Mafen Pill] (Made from prickly ash flowers, it induces anesthesia and hallucinations, generating high emotion values)

An extra reward? LV2 item? Anesthesia and hallucinations? Wang Yan thought of Hua Tuo's Ma Fei San. This pill could be used as an anesthetic.

The upgraded store indeed had remarkable items. He needed to accumulate more emotional points quickly. Wang Yan checked his attribute panel.

[Host: Wang Yan]

[Title: Great Yan Immortal Master]

[Strength: 71]

[Leadership: 91]

[Intelligence: 92]

[Charisma: 95]

[Speech Talent: LV1]

[Universal Store: LV1]

The other attributes were top-notch, a classic leader template, except for strength. For the strength shortfall, he hoped high-level store items could help.

"Master, you're awake." "Mm." "Did I serve you well?" "Mm?"

Wang Yan saw Ren Hongchang's flushed face, realizing he had missed the chance to enjoy the comfort of her lap due to exhaustion. "Hongchang, are your legs sore? Let me massage them." Ren Hongchang's eyes widened. The master had become bolder and even got her name wrong. The recent danger must have significantly affected him.

Determined to take better care of Wang Yan, she decided to stay by his side. Just as Wang Yan reached out to massage her legs, Zhou Cang called from outside the carriage, "Master, there's a situation ahead."

Wang Yan's heart tightened. He lifted the curtain and saw a field filled with yellow flags bearing mysterious symbols, a large assembly chanting: "The Blue Heaven is dead, the Yellow Heaven shall rise!" "The year is Jiazi; the world will be blessed!" The scene was grand and stirring.

Wang Yan didn't expect so many Yellow Turbans in the small Qingyun Village. Wang Er, sensing danger, advised caution. Wang Yan smiled, his eyes shining with excitement. "This is a treasure trove of emotion points!"