CHAPTER 699: CHAPTER 91: 3 DEMONS ENTER THE MANSION, SENIOR DISCIPLE TRAVELS AFAR

Zhang Yan sat in the Jingluo Courtyard for only half a day, yet he had already perused the "Five Skills and Three Scripture," committing everything to memory.

As for the "Twelve Divine Abilities," he was in no hurry to study them.

While the great methods of divine skills are certainly alluring, his Shell Barrier had yet to be broken. With no time to study them and no clue as to which ability suits him, viewing them now would only disturb his Heart Realm unnecessarily, serving no benefit. Hence, he decisively set them aside.

Within the Tower Cave, there were not only Daoist Mysterious Techniques but also secret volumes of Power Refining Techniques, and even some rare cultivation methods of the Dharma Dao. However, upon inspection, he found them incomplete, barely better than travelogues or legends. He could only shake his head and move on.

That Daoist—having benefited from Zhang Yan—was exceedingly diligent. Whatever Zhang Yan requested to review, he offered complete access, bustling about tirelessly without a moment’s rest.

At noon, Zhang Yan planned to take his leave. Considering the efforts of this Daoist, he generously gave him a bushel of Jade Pearls. The Daoist was overjoyed, wearing a broad smile as he personally escorted Zhang Yan to the exit.

Leaving Jingluo Courtyard, Zhang Yan rose into the wind, parting the clouds as he journeyed back toward Zhao You Heavenly Pond.

It didn’t take long before he returned to his Cave Mansion. A burst of tunneling light entered the main hall, lifting his gaze. There, he saw an invitation lamp hung high, Bright Pearls suspended mid-air—indicating the arrival of visitors. Pondering briefly, he cast a spell to activate the array, summoning Shang Shang over and asking, "Who has come to the mansion?"

Shang Shang bowed deeply, saluting with appropriate formality, and reported respectfully, "Master, word has spread that you’ve been named one of the Top Ten Disciples of the sect. Elder Yan of the Beichen Sect has brought his Daoist couple here to congratulate you. They are now in the reception hall, being hosted by Sister Luo Xiao."

Zhang Yan’s expression shifted slightly. "So, Elder Yan has arrived." Waving his sleeve, he dismissed Shang Shang and activated the array gate before stepping inside.

Standing in the grand hall at last, he swiftly spotted Elder Yan seated at his place, conversing cheerfully with Luo Xiao. Beside him was Bai Qiong Demon King Lu Mei Niang and her younger brother Lu Junbai. Near them stood Jun Yue Demon King Jing Miaojun.

Seeing Zhang Yan enter, Elder Yan quickly stood to greet him, laughing heartily with clasped hands. "Fellow Daoist Zhang, three years without a meeting, and your bearing has surpassed what it was before!"

With a warm smile, Zhang Yan returned the gesture and replied, "Elder Yan, your cultivation grows ever more refined as well."

Upon Zhang Yan’s arrival, Lu Mei Niang, Lu Junbai, and Jing Miaojun left their seats to offer grand salutes.

Observing their reserved demeanor, Zhang Yan thought briefly and immediately understood the reason. Smiling slightly, he raised his hand and declared loudly, "As per the agreement of days past, the three of you may cultivate within my Zhao You Cave Mansion without restriction."

The three guests visibly relaxed upon hearing this, and Elder Yan stroked his beard, smiling in satisfaction.

Especially Lu Mei Niang, who recalled how Zhang Yan had departed from the outer sea while she herself was still in the Xuan Guang Realm, holding the status of merely a True Disciple of the Mingcang Sect. Though she could treat him on equal terms then, the Zhang Yan before her today was one of the sect’s Top Ten Disciples, now also in the Hua Dan Realm. Such a transformation in standing made her fretful over whether their prior agreement still held.

In contrast, Elder Yan had no such uncertainties. Years earlier, he sent his own grandson to visit Zhang Yan and noted the mansion’s Fish Maid Beauties in plenty, confirming that Zhang Yan did not discriminate against Demon Cultivators. Moreover, as one of the Top Ten Disciples, Zhang Yan’s entourage appeared sparse, suggesting he would certainly aim to recruit both external alliances and internal disciples to strengthen his position. He would have no reason to turn away Hua Dan Demon Cultivators who sought his favor.

Jun Yue Demon King covertly stole glances at Zhang Yan from behind Lu Mei Niang.

Since entering this mansion, her composure outwardly seemed calm, but inwardly she was not nearly as tranquil. Only now did she truly grasp the splendor of a Great Xuanmen Sect.

The Zhao You Heavenly Pond indeed lived up to the title of Cave Heaven Mansion. Its Spiritual Energy was so abundant, surpassing their previous dwellings manyfold. If she could cultivate here, achieving a breakthrough to the Nascent Soul Realm would be distinctly possible. Such thoughts inevitably gave rise to anxious anticipation and uncertainty.

Fortunately, Zhang Yan’s single, straightforward declaration had eased their concerns. Lu Mei Niang’s serene visage now glowed with joy as she spoke, "Thank you, Master Zhang."

Her form of address shifted naturally, and Zhang Yan made no effort to correct it. Prior to entering the mansion, they had referred to each other as fellow Daoists. Now, however, having entered his domain, the three were considered his guests—hence, formalities needed to reflect their host-patron relationship.

After some exchange of pleasantries, they all took their respective seats. Sharing a few rounds of drinks, the banquet reached a lively climax. At that moment, Elder Yan smiled and remarked, "I have brought a gift today for you, Daoist Zhang, that I believe will suit you well."

Setting his wine cup down, Zhang Yan smiled and asked, "What might it be?"