Chapter 100

Qiyun Tian and Fan Changqing stayed at Zhang Yan's place for a day before getting up to take their leave. As they were parting, Fan Changqing reminded Zhang Yan, "Junior Brother, in this battle, you must not be merciful. Use all the means at your disposal. The more credit you earn, the better. I know you have just returned from the demonic sect, so take some time to arrange your affairs. In ten days, come to the Chengwang Peak to find me, and I will take you to the Three Ponds to carry out the campaign."

After two months of preparation, the Ming沧 Sect was ready to launch a large-scale attack on the Three Ponds Lake demons. However, this could not be accomplished in one go; it required a step-by-step approach. First, some disciples with considerable cultivation would be sent to clear out the scattered tribes outside the Three Ponds, and then they would attack the star-studded water palaces and peaks.

Fan Changqing was one of the disciples sent on this initial mission.

Zhang Yan quickly responded and then stood at the entrance of his cave abode, respectfully seeing off Qiyun Tian and Fan Changqing.

After turning back and returning to his cave, he thought to himself, "If I act alone, with the Taiyi Golden Fire Light and various magical treasures at my disposal, I should be well-prepared. However, if I go with Senior Brother Fan and other fellow disciples, I need to make additional preparations so they do not look down on me."

After reaching the Xuan Guang realm, he originally intended to practice the "Five Directions Five Elements Great Profound True Light." Although this technique was profound and difficult, with the fragment of jade in his possession, he was not afraid of such a technique that required intricate changes in true qi.

However, there was one obstacle: practicing this technique required the essence of the five directions and five elements to nourish it. Where could he find the time to search for these essences? Therefore, this technique was not something he could use at present.

However, he did have other means. Besides the Yin Heavy Water, he had once obtained a book of talismans from Shen Yuefeng, which recorded various methods of using talismans. He remembered that during the battle with Shen Yuefeng, those talismans could resist magical treasures and even break through clouds and mists, which was quite remarkable.

The Guangyuan Sect was once a major sect, and even though it had declined, this technique still had its unique aspects.

Zhang Yan thought, "I might as well take advantage of these few days of leisure to practice within the fragment of jade. This way, I will have another method to use against enemies."

He reached into his sleeve, intending to take out the book, but he touched another object and thought, "Now that I am a Xuan Guang cultivator, this object can be used."

He took out the object, which emitted a yellow glow and resembled a common talisman flute. It was the "Yuan Talisman" that could absorb qi and transform it into true essence.

This Yuan Talisman had been in his sleeve for a long time without use, and the true essence originally left by Shen Yuefeng had mostly dissipated. Zhang Yan used his Xuan Guang to sweep through the talisman, removing the last bit of essence, and then sat down to infuse his own essence into it.

He thought it would take only half a day to complete, but once his true essence entered the talisman, it felt like he was in a bottomless abyss, unable to fill it. It wasn't until two days later, when a steward boy came to visit, that he stopped.

Zhang Yan took out a few pills and swallowed them, adjusting himself slightly. Then he called the steward boy in to ask what he wanted.

The steward boy was respectful and said he had been sent to deliver the special robes and jade pendants for Xuan Guang disciples, as well as various magical tools and a thousand spirit shells. Additionally, there was a vibrant green bamboo shoot.

This green bamboo shoot exuded a powerful aura, clearly having been cultivated with secret medicines. If planted, it would grow into a lush bamboo grove within a month.

Zhang Yan picked up the bamboo shoot and asked, "What is the meaning of this?"

The steward boy replied with a low bow, "Junior Uncle, with the new year approaching and a new cycle beginning, the sect has bestowed this gift, symbolizing that Senior Brother's cultivation will rise step by step, reaching new heights."

Zhang Yan smiled. The sect had shown a rare human touch, which was quite different from when he first arrived. He suddenly remembered something and asked, "Are you a disciple of the Lingji Academy?"

The steward boy replied, "Yes."

Zhang Yan understood. All the gifts from the sect were delivered through the Lingji Academy, which was under the control of Real Person Meng. However, Real Person Meng usually did not manage the affairs, so it was clear who was in charge, which explained why he had received so many benefits.

The boy continued, "Now that you are a Xuan Guang cultivator, if you have any family, you can bring them to live on the island. If you prefer a quiet place, you can settle them in one of the nine cities on the Xuan Gui Continent. Although it is within the sect, it is no different from a bustling city in the mortal world."

Ming Qi cultivators could bring a few family members to the sect, which was a way to help their family. If they were Xuan Guang cultivators, they could bring their entire clan, but there was a downside: if the cultivator died, the family would be left without protection and might be bullied.

However, there were no taxes or labor services in the sect, and they were not under the jurisdiction of the mortal government. If they were careful, they could live a carefree life for a hundred years or more, and perhaps their descendants would also gain the opportunity to become immortals. Therefore, most were willing to come and live here.

Zhang Yan shook his head. He had no family left, but he vaguely remembered having a younger brother and sister. When his grandfather went to Yunzhou to take office, they encountered a group of black-clothed bandits on the way and disappeared. Now he was the only one left, and he suspected that the Zhou family might have been involved. If that was true, he would have to investigate the matter.

He could bring Zhang Xi to the island, but the old man was stubborn and resistant to the path of immortals. Everyone had their own destiny, and he would not force the matter if it didn't work out.

However, this reminded him of Liu Tao's request to deliver the Seven-Heart Dragon Pendant. After the steward boy left, he took out the pendant. He hadn't examined it closely before, but now he saw that the back was inscribed with "Liu Yan Yi," which must be the name of Liu Tao's descendant.

He thought, "I have been out of the demonic sect for three days, and in eight days, I will go to the Three Ponds. I might as well deliver this pendant first and settle this matter quickly."

With that, he left his cave and leaped into the air, a beam of light carrying him straight to the Yingxian Island.

Yingxian Island was located in the southeast of the Longyuan Great Marsh. The island was vast, forming its own continent. The island's master was over a hundred years old and was said to be Real Person Meng's grand-disciple, leading over a thousand disciples in cultivation. The island produced beautiful jade and colorful stones, making it easy to find.

Within an hour, he saw a large island stretching for a thousand miles, with a glass-like glow rising from it. He knew he had arrived. As he approached, he saw several grand temples and palaces along the mountain ridge, and he landed in front of the highest one.

As soon as he stood in front of the temple, a steward Taoist came out to greet him. Seeing the beam of light, the Taoist knew a Xuan Guang cultivator had arrived and, seeing his true disciple attire, did not dare to be negligent. He bowed and asked, "What brings you here, Senior Brother?"

Zhang Yan glanced at him, gave a faint bow, and said, "I am Zhang Yan from Lingye Island. Was Senior Brother Liu Tao once a cultivator here?"

"Oh, so you are Senior Brother Zhang," the Taoist said. "Unfortunately, Senior Brother Liu went to the demonic sect two months ago and passed away a few days ago. You might have come in vain."

Zhang Yan said, "I came here on his behalf to find one of his descendants. Is he here?"

The Taoist was taken aback, his face showing a strange expression. After a moment, he said, "After hearing of Senior Brother Liu's passing, his descendant has already returned to his hometown."

Zhang Yan frowned. "How long ago did he leave?"

"Within three days."

Zhang Yan stared at the Taoist for a few moments, making him uncomfortable. Finally, he laughed coldly and shot a beam of light into the sky, heading towards the exit of the Longyuan Great Marsh.

Seeing Zhang Yan leave, the Taoist sighed in relief, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead. He thought, "I didn't expect Junior Brother Liu to have such connections, able to befriend a true disciple of the Xuan Guang realm. The other junior brothers made a mistake this time."

Zhang Yan pursued north, knowing that within three days, Liu Tao's descendant could not have left the Longyuan Great Marsh. However, he searched several boats without finding the person he was looking for.

About half an hour later, he saw a two-story sailboat in the distance. With his sharp eyesight, he could clearly see the faces and expressions of the people on the boat. He couldn't help but exclaim, "Ah!"

He saw a little girl kneeling on the deck, cleaning it. She was about ten years old, with a youthful face and beautiful features, somewhat resembling Liu Tao.

Zhang Yan used his Xuan Guang to land on the boat, walking slowly to the girl and asking gently, "Are you Liu Yan Yi?"

The little girl saw a beam of light, and a handsome cultivator appeared before her. She had seen many such people on the island and was not surprised. She stood up and gave a polite bow, saying, "Yes, I am Liu Yan Yi."

Zhang Yan took out the Seven-Heart Dragon Pendant and showed it to her, asking, "Do you recognize this?"

Liu Yan Yi saw the pendant, her eyes reddening, and knelt down, crying, "This is Uncle's Seven-Heart Dragon Jade. Before he left, Uncle said that if anyone came with this pendant, I should follow their instructions."

Zhang Yan nodded, realizing that the girl was Liu Tao's niece. He pointed to the ground and asked sternly, "Who arranged for you to do this hard labor? You can speak freely; I am here to protect you."

The boat captain, though he had seen flying cultivators before, had never seen one pay attention to a mortal like him, let alone board his boat. Seeing Zhang Yan's piercing gaze, he knelt down, bowing repeatedly, trembling, "I didn't know you were a cultivator's family. I am at fault, I am at fault."

Liu Yan Yi took a step forward, looking up, "It's not the boat captain's fault. He was willing to take me back to my hometown for free, so I volunteered to do the work."

Zhang Yan nodded, waved his sleeve, and dropped a few spirit shells. Using his Xuan Guang, he lifted Liu Yan Yi to a height of a hundred feet.

Liu Yan Yi was not afraid, only her bright eyes looked around curiously. Seeing the mist and clouds around her and the sparkling points below, she felt a sense of wonder and admiration.

Zhang Yan examined her closely, surprised. The girl had eyes as bright as stars, skin as smooth as jade, and a halo of cloud and mist above her. Her potential was the best he had ever seen, even surpassing Qin Nan!

No wonder the Taoists on Yingxian Island did not dare to take her as a disciple. She might be the reincarnation of a powerful cultivator, and they feared taking on the karma.

However, logically, such a cultivator would have disciples or friends who would have come to guide her long ago. Why had no one come yet? Female cultivators were different from male cultivators; waiting another year or two would mean missing the best time for cultivation.

Zhang Yan waved his hand, inviting the girl closer, and asked kindly, "Liu Yan Yi, why did you leave the Yingxian Island?"

Even in the air, Liu Yan Yi did not forget her manners. She bowed and answered, "Respected Sir, although our family has fallen, Uncle had some savings and some items used by immortals. After hearing of Uncle's passing, I saw the unkind looks of my uncles and aunts. I am young and weak and could not protect these items. I feared for my own safety, so I decided to leave early."

Zhang Yan smiled, "You are young, but you understand the principle that a person without sin can still be harmed by their possessions. That is commendable."

Thinking of how a ten-year-old girl had traveled a thousand miles alone, and how none of Liu Tao's fellow disciples had come to see her off, not even sending a disciple, he realized that her words were likely true.

Zhang Yan sighed and asked, "If so, you could have taken some gold and silver to use on your journey. Why did you work on this boat?"

Liu Yan Yi replied, "I am young, and the journey is long. I feared that some people might have ill intentions, so I asked the boat captain to let me do some work. This way, others would think I was his relative and would not harm me."

"What a clever girl!"

Zhang Yan praised her. At that moment, he couldn't help but feel a desire to nurture her talent. If he took Liu Yan Yi as a disciple, she would surely be a great help in the future!

After the incident with Liu Tao, he realized that in the path of cultivation, having a trustworthy fellow disciple was crucial. If he were injured, even if he didn't die, his family would be left without protection. Family members of noble families still had relatives to look after them, but the only ones who could be trusted were the master and the disciple.

Zhang Yan thought, "However, I need to focus on my own cultivation and don't have time to take care of her. The Lingye Island has a heavy aura, which is not suitable for her cultivation. I will take her as a registered disciple and bring her to Senior Brother Zhou to practice the Qing Qi Jing. After a few years, when she has a solid foundation, I will find her some secret manuals."

With that, he asked kindly, "Liu Yan Yi, would you like to be my registered disciple?"

Hearing this, Liu Yan Yi's bright eyes shone with joy, but then she looked sad and lowered her head, "Respected Sir, they all said that I have karma entanglements and dared not take me as a disciple."

Zhang Yan laughed loudly, the sound shaking the surrounding clouds, "If others dare not take you, I, Zhang Yan, will not be afraid!"

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