CHAPTER 698: CHAPTER 90: ACQUIRING ANOTHER RARE TREASURE JINGLUO ACADEMY_2

Do not be misled by Huo Xuan being the foremost among the Top Ten Disciples and having just achieved the Nascent Soul Realm today. In the end, he entered the Chen Family through marriage under the label of the cold list, and his position within the clan is bound to be low.

At this moment, a clear and distant cry of a wild goose suddenly echoed from above the vast sky, drawing the attention of both men as they instinctively looked up.

Huo Xuan gazed at it for a while before sighing, "Junior Brother Zhang, the Great Dao is hard to find. Even though I have entered the Nascent Soul Realm, I am merely granted a thousand-year lifespan. Stepping into this gate, there is no joy to be found; instead, I feel as though walking on thin ice. The three great tribulations—the Demon Tribulation comes first—any misstep could lead to utter annihilation. One must proceed with utmost caution."

Zhang Yan, hearing for the first time about the three great tribulations, noticed that Huo Xuan seemed unwilling to delve deeper into the matter. He silently resolved within his heart to inquire with Zhou Chongju when time permitted, to see whether he might know more.

Huo Xuan then shifted his gaze downward, looked at Zhang Yan for a moment, reached into his sleeve, removed an item, and extended it toward him, saying, "This object is called Su Lan Cloth. It was what I used back when I broke through the Shell Barrier. As a son-in-law to the Chen Family, my disciples are all members of the Chen Clan, and none align with my preferences. Keeping this treasure would serve me no purpose, so I gift it to you, my junior brother."

Zhang Yan smiled slightly, accepted it without hesitation, and cupped his hands in gratitude, saying, "Then I must thank Brother Huo for this gift."

Such gifts voluntarily presented by others were never refused by him. As for whether accepting Huo Xuan’s item might lead to misunderstandings, only the weak and petty would bother imagining so.

Now that he held the title of one of the Top Ten Disciples, his reputation was firmly established. Others were more inclined to ponder how to curry favor with him rather than fuss over such trivial matters.

Huo Xuan also smiled and said, "Junior Brother Zhang, dedicate yourself to cultivation. As the highest-ranked among the Top Ten Disciples, I am always available should you have any questions regarding your cultivation. In the future, I am confident your achievements will surpass even mine. Farewell."

With a slight bow, he soared upward, transforming into a dazzling streak of golden-red radiance that broke through the sky and vanished.

Zhang Yan pondered in his heart: Huo Xuan’s visit today must be related to his taking over the Lower Court. However, this man’s methods were astute—he refrained from using force or coercion and instead maintained warm and cordial manners throughout, without uttering a single word of persuasion.

He couldn’t help but smile. Even if Huo Xuan hadn’t come, he would have refrained from taking further actions for now.

Now possessing the official role of steward over the Lower Court, it was due to his position as one of the sect’s Top Ten Disciples. And being able to attain this position was solely attributable to his cultivation prowess. Therefore, cultivation remained the foundation, and he would not lose sight of his original intentions.

With his hands clasped behind his back, he gazed at the distant peaks. In the days ahead, he would dedicate himself wholeheartedly to cultivation, determined to break through the Shell Barrier at the earliest opportunity and enter the Second Realm of Hua Dan.

Three days later, after organizing all matters, Zhang Yan delegated the subsequent affairs to three other stewards and retrieved the Dragon Commerce Star Tripod that he’d once buried here. Then, with a carefree spirit, he stepped out of the Lower Court, ascended to the clouds, and flew southeast toward Jingluo Academy.

This academy was one of the sect’s Nine Courtyards, residing on a floating island amidst the sea of clouds. Its rules were stringent: apart from the sect’s Top Ten Disciples, only those who had rendered great merit to the sect could enter. Even then, they had to be accompanied by their mentors to visit.

Zhang Yan employed his sword escape technique with great speed. Before long, he saw a flying island ahead, rising from the clouds. Crystal-clear waters surrounded it, and aromatic trees bearing jade-like blossoms bloomed abundantly throughout.

On this flying island stood a towering mountain, crowned with an earth platform that soared into the clouds, atop which was built the Observatory Tower. Flanking its sides were three nine-realm pavilions constructed entirely of jade. Their doors were arched and bore no plaques, standing against the cliff face. The surroundings featured guided streams, gardens, and elegant platforms, with the pristine murmurs of Jade Spring filling the air, untouched by any impurities.

Zhang Yan retracted his sword aura and landed before the pavilion. He ascended the stone steps along a path paved with shattered pebbles, not knowing where the ethereal zither music drifting into his ears originated. As he listened closely, he felt a deep sense of peace and clarity, his mind tranquil and pure.

At the entrance to the mountain path, an elderly deacon Daoist swept his horsetail whisk, stepped forward, and bowed respectfully, saying, "Junior Master Zhang has arrived. Forgive us for failing to welcome you properly."

Zhang Yan glanced around before nodding slightly and stepping through the Forbidden Gate. Upon looking up, his gaze fell upon countless niches carved into the walls, each housing neatly bundled Jade Scrolls arranged in perfect order. The luminous glow radiating from them illuminated the entire space, filling it with a sacred light that was endless to behold.

In the four cardinal directions—north, south, east, and west—arched doors opened, presumably leading toward other areas of the Tower Cave.

Just as he was about to move forward, he noticed a female cultivator in a flowing pink dress standing within the left-hand corridor. Her graceful figure and serene charm caught his eye. She was holding a fragrant scroll and poring over Daoist books. Sensing someone’s gaze upon her, she turned her head slightly, her delicate brows lifting as she remarked, "Ah, it’s Junior Brother Zhang. Greetings."

Zhang Yan also bowed politely and said, "Senior Sister Han, greetings."

Han Suyi inclined her elegant head slightly. At that moment, a young girl with a delicate complexion and features akin to fine jade came running over, holding a Daoist book in her hands, cheering exuberantly, "Master, Master, the disciple has found it!"

Han Suyi furrowed her brows and scolded lightly, "There is a senior present; how can you behave so improperly? Pay your respects to Junior Master Zhang at once!"

The young girl widened her round, curious eyes, glanced at Zhang Yan, then mimicked the adults’ manner and bowed clumsily, saying, "Bixin greets Master Uncle."

Zhang Yan smiled and nodded warmly.

Han Suyi took the girl by the hand and said softly, "Junior Brother Zhang, I suppose you’ve come to search for the Five Skills and Three Scripture, haven’t you? It’s not difficult; they can be found in the North Tower Cave. However, if you’re looking for other sects’ cultivation techniques, they are harder to find. The Daoist Records here are vast as the sea, seemingly endless. Searching for a compatible Dao Skill for my disciple alone took me three entire days and drained me significantly. You will likely need some patience as well."

Zhang Yan chuckled lightly and cupped his hands, saying, "Thank you, Senior Sister, for your guidance."

Han Suyi did not say more, bowed gracefully, and left with the young girl.

Zhang Yan thought for a brief moment before smiling. He then called over the deacon Daoist and asked, "Does this place have suitable cultivation techniques for female cultivators?"

The deacon Daoist appeared somewhat hesitant, replying, "Master Zhang, this humble Daoist merely oversees this library pavilion. As for the specifics concerning Daoist books, I truly lack knowledge..."

Zhang Yan said no more, simply retrieving a bottle of Spiritual Pearls from his sleeve and handing it over.

The Daoist was momentarily stunned before his face lit up with joy. He accepted the treasure without hesitation, his demeanor becoming visibly enthusiastic as he bowed deeply, saying, "Master Zhang, the Dean has been in seclusion for some days. All miscellaneous affairs here fall to me, your humble junior. Please wait a moment; I’ll search for you immediately."

Zhang Yan waited only the time it took to drink a cup of tea before the Daoist returned in a hurry. Presenting a Jade Scroll, he smiled and bowed repeatedly, saying, "Master Zhang, this Jade Scroll contains three hundred volumes of cultivation techniques suitable for female cultivators. They are divided into upper, middle, and lower grades, and have been sorted with annotations. The technique chosen earlier by Senior Master Han and her disciple is also included within."

...

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