CHAPTER 700: CHAPTER 91: 3 DEMONS ENTER THE MANSION, SENIOR DISCIPLE TRAVELS FAR_2

Elder Yan waved his hand, and a disciple standing behind him stepped forward, presenting a gift list in his hand.

Zhang Yan noticed that Elder Yan did not explain directly and insisted on handing the gift list to him personally. He guessed it must be something highly valuable.

Upon receiving it, Zhang Yan looked over the list and saw the words "Penglai Qi" catch his eye. He focused his thoughts slightly; though he had never heard of this item, its apparent rarity justified Elder Yan’s serious demeanor.

Elder Yan’s expression subtly tightened, and his lips moved slightly as he communicated the item’s functions to Zhang Yan in a secret voice. Then his demeanor became stern, and he clasped his hands respectfully, saying, "This is a secret treasure of our sect. I hope Fellow Daoist will not disclose it to others."

Zhang Yan’s smile faded. He clasped his hands in return and earnestly replied, "Rest assured, Elder. Your sect’s generous gift will not be taken for granted. I am truly humbled by this gesture."

Elder Yan nodded slightly and raised his cup. "Come, let me offer Fellow Daoist a toast!"

Elder Yan believed Zhang Yan was prudent, but due to the item’s extraordinary rarity, he felt compelled to emphasize its sensitive nature. If word of it spread outside and reached the disciples of major sects, it might invite disaster and even threats of annihilation for the Beichen Sect.

The banquet lasted until the early evening, at which point Elder Yan mentioned that affairs within his sect required his attention. He then took his leave.

Zhang Yan did not attempt to persuade him to stay, personally escorting Elder Yan to the entrance of the cave mansion before returning to settle matters regarding the Lu siblings and the Jun Yue Demon King.

Once everything was handled, Zhang Yan returned to his main mansion. He instructed his servant to summon Luo Xiao and handed her the jade scroll obtained from Jingluo Courtyard. Smiling, he said, "Luo Daoist, within this scroll are 300 mysterious cultivation techniques. You may choose one to cultivate. Take this scroll and keep it safe. If one day you wish to accept disciples under your name, feel free to pass on the technique without reservation."

Many of these techniques were authored by elders of the Mingcang Sect from various eras, but some were acquired from outside the sect. Among them were techniques capable of cultivating to the Nascent Soul Realm.

However, the path of cultivation is not solely reliant on techniques. Spirit Mansion, Dharma Treasures, Elixir Pills, and essential keys are all indispensable. For loose cultivators who only acquire a single technique without inherited secrets, it is near impossible to attain higher realms.

Take Huang Fuzhou, for example. He was fortunate to own an Immortal Mansion, which enabled his current achievements. Without the mansion, even exceptional techniques wouldn’t have elevated him significantly above ordinary disciples.

The other day, Zhang Yan had mentioned this in passing. Although Luo Xiao didn’t respond verbally, she clearly kept it in mind. Now, seeing that he had genuinely sought out mysterious cultivation techniques for her, she couldn’t suppress her joy. With her beautiful eyes flashing, she playfully remarked, "Thank you, Master. That makes four disciples under your name now. It seems I’ll need to gather a few brilliant pupils myself, so you won’t overshadow us entirely."

Zhang Yan nodded with a smile. "If Luo Daoist has such intentions, that’s indeed a good thing. Although I am among the Top Ten Disciples, the ranks beneath Zhao You Sect are still sparse compared to other sects. If you choose to accept disciples and need anything, just let me know—there’s no need to hold back."

Luo Xiao was delighted by his response, offering profuse thanks. After conversing further with Zhang Yan, she lifted her skirt hem and left cheerfully.

Once Luo Xiao departed, Zhang Yan was about to meditate when he suddenly sensed someone nearby. He called out, "Is that Yanyi? Why are you lingering outside? Come in and speak."

A graceful figure flashed at the cave mansion’s entrance. Liu Yan Yi stepped inside and advanced a few steps before abruptly kneeling on the ground. She bowed deeply with great reverence.

Zhang Yan was puzzled. "Why do you act so, disciple?"

Raising her delicate face, Liu Yan Yi solemnly replied, "Master, your disciple has thought long and hard and wishes to venture out to seek the Elixir Pills for the Hua Dan stage. I beg my Master’s permission."

Zhang Yan paused slightly and became contemplative.

Truth be told, he possessed plenty of unused elixir pills. With his current status, a mere command would suffice to gather all the necessary Outer Three Elixirs immediately.

However, he understood that for disciples of a master, venturing out to seek elixirs was not just about the elixirs themselves. It also served to temper their character and uncover fortuitous opportunities. For Liu Yan Yi to willingly face uncertainty and danger instead of enjoying what was readily available was a rare and commendable trait.

After brief consideration, Zhang Yan recognized this as an opportune moment. With the sect-wide competition concluded and no impending matters at the mansion, a calm period lay ahead. It was the perfect chance for Liu Yan Yi to embark on her journey. Thus, he nodded and said, "Your resolve is admirable, and I feel proud as your Master."

Joy flashed in Liu Yan Yi’s eyes, and she knelt again to express profound gratitude. "Thank you, Master, for granting your permission."

After pondering briefly, Zhang Yan said, "Since you are venturing out, should you come across Fire Essence Qi or Golden Essence Qi, collect some if possible. But remember, do not go out of your way to seek them deliberately."

Liu Yan Yi nodded, "Your disciple will remember."

Zhang Yan continued, "The East Splendor Continent is relatively stable for now, but with the Demon Tribulation looming, it’s inevitable for evil demons to stir trouble. I will gift you a few Dharma Treasures for your protection."

Raising his hand, he summoned a light streak that floated in mid-air before disappearing into Liu Yan Yi’s sachet. A moment later, a small array flag followed suit and also vanished within.

The first light, named "Boat Mooring Bag," was one of two mystical artifacts passed down by Gui Congyao. In battle, it could transform into a dazzling array of crystal sand to shield its user. At crucial moments, it could also render one invisible, making detection impossible.

Its most remarkable feature was its ability to transform into a tent that naturally gathered spiritual energy, ensuring cultivation would not be disrupted.

The array flag was the same "All Elements Star Three Qi Palace Flag" that had protected Tian Kun’s mother and child on that fateful day. Once the flag is set, even a Nascent Soul cultivator cannot overcome it.

Zhang Yan then called out, "Mountain and River Child, where are you?"

A child promptly appeared at his call and said respectfully, "Master, I am here."

Pointing toward Liu Yan Yi, Zhang Yan instructed, "My disciple plans to travel in search of elixirs. You shall accompany her on this journey."

The Mountain and River Child immediately responded clearly, "Understood. I shall obey Master’s command."

This type of True Artifact lacked offensive capabilities but excelled in protective techniques. It was dutiful and reliable, always complying without complaint—unlike certain slaughter-oriented True Devices that could be aloof even toward their owners, let alone younger disciples.

With a gentle tone, Zhang Yan said to Liu Yan Yi, "The Mountain and River Child is well-versed in worldly matters. Carrying it with you will make traversing the land significantly easier."

Liu Yan Yi hastily knelt again, expressing gratitude. "Thank you, Master, for your gifts."

Zhang Yan asked warmly, "Yanyi, when do you plan to depart?"

Liu Yan Yi replied, "Your disciple has already prepared the elixirs and Dharma Treasures. I intend to set off immediately after bidding farewell to my Master."

Smiling, Zhang Yan nodded. "Very well, I shall see you off."

With that, he waved his sleeve, conjuring a misty breeze that enveloped Liu Yan Yi, transporting them out of the cave mansion. In no time, they arrived atop the Zhao You Sect’s peak, where clouds swirled, the sky was a serene blue, birds soared in the air, and below, rippling ponds glimmered as fish danced in the water—a scene of breathtaking beauty.

"Master, please stay here. Your disciple shall depart now."

Determination filled Liu Yan Yi’s elegant face as she knelt and bowed deeply three times before rising. With a spell cast, she transformed into a dazzling rainbow that pierced through the clouds and mist, flying toward the heavens—a solitary journey to seek elixirs. This departure might mean she wouldn’t return for 20 or 30 years.

Zhang Yan silently watched the tunneling light vanish into the distance. Once it had disappeared entirely, he smiled faintly and returned to his Small Pot Mirror to meditate in seclusion.

...

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