CHAPTER 704: CHAPTER 93 ONE QI RESOLVES DISPUTES, A SWIFT SWORD CUTS THROUGH CHAOS_2

Zhang Yan gazed from atop the clouds, observing the land below. This corner of the world resembled the thriving splendor of the mortal realm. On the Land Continent, a small but sprawling city stretched out. Houses and buildings stood in neat rows, tightly packed like fish scales.

To the north rose a peculiar peak, adorned in hues of peach blossom and verdant willow. The intoxicating fragrance of flowers filled the air, a vision of splendid beauty. A winding river flowed from the mountain’s foot, coiling around the city like a protective ribbon.

Fan Changqing pointed down and said, "All these houses and properties belong to the Chen Clan. The residents are all Chen Clan disciples. The city is guarded by prohibitions to prevent outsiders from flying in. Let us descend and enter on foot."

Zhang Yan had no objections. After all, it was just a few steps more. For people at their level, whether they flew in or walked made little difference. The two retracted their cloud transportation technique and landed outside the city.

At this time, a disciple stationed on the city wall caught sight of the pair arriving on a cloud of mist. Recognizing them as Hua Dan Cultivators from the sect, he rushed forward to inquire.

Fan Changqing stepped up and explained their purpose. The disciple dared not delay, sending a message out at once. Soon, an elderly man dressed in embroidered robes arrived aboard a flying boat, laughing heartily. Bowing, he said, "Esteemed guests, please follow me. Madam is waiting in the fortress."

Fan Changqing noticed that merely a servant had been sent to greet them. Feeling somewhat displeased, he thought, *Fang Zhenlu might be avoiding us out of shame due to his disgraceful behavior; that, at least, is understandable. But for even Mrs. Chen to refuse to come out personally—what an arrogance!*

However, his orders from Qi Yuntian were to settle this matter properly, so he could not give in to anger and leave.

Following the servant, they entered the sprawling mansion in the city, passing through halls and courtyards until they arrived at a waterside pavilion. The lake’s surface shimmered, occasionally rippled by leaping golden carp. A maid approached, serving fragrant tea, her voice soft as she said, "Honored guests, please wait a moment. Madam will arrive shortly."

They didn’t have to wait long. Mrs. Chen soon appeared, accompanied by a burly servant. She had an oval face and willow-like eyebrows—a beauty, albeit with an air of arrogance. Reaching the pavilion, she gracefully curtsied with a polite greeting, "I have troubled the two Masters to wait."

Fan Changqing stood and returned the greeting before gesturing toward Zhang Yan. "This is Junior Brother Zhang Yan."

Mrs. Chen visibly paused, eyeing Zhang Yan with growing wariness. "So it is Dean Zhang visiting us. Pray, what brings you here?"

Zhang Yan, wanting to swiftly resolve the matter so he could return to his cultivation, was disinclined to engage further with her. He simply said, "I’ve come to mediate the dispute between your two families. Where is Jin Minzhang? Please lead me to him so the issue can be settled promptly."

Mrs. Chen initially furrowed her brows, her gaze flickering with thought. Suddenly, she clapped her delicate hands against the table and declared, "Very well. Since Dean Zhang is willing to intervene, I trust this matter will be resolved. Let me thank you in advance. Xin Yan, take Dean Zhang to the rear courtyard."

"Yes, Madam." A pretty maid stepped forward, raising her soft, jade-like hand in gesture. "Dean Zhang, please follow me."

Fan Changqing frowned. *Junior Brother Zhang has always been sharp. Why would he make such a careless promise this time? Speaking with such finality, he’s left no room for negotiation. If the matter goes unresolved, he’ll lose face entirely!*

Turning these thoughts over, he watched as Zhang Yan followed the maid and, unable to let go of his concerns, he too bowed to Mrs. Chen before hurrying after them.

The burly servant beside Mrs. Chen remarked, "Madam, do you truly believe Zhang Yan can resolve this matter?"

Mrs. Chen snorted, a hint of schadenfreude in her tone. "Those brats from the Shaoqing Sect, stubborn and inflexible as they are, refuse to yield no matter how hard or soft one presses. We’ve tried everything to no avail. What skills does Zhang Yan have? Just wait and watch him make a fool of himself."

Zhang Yan followed the maid to the rear courtyard, arriving at a delicate bamboo house surrounded by a bamboo fence. A closer inspection revealed faint traces of Prohibition Talismans flickering on the fence. Within, a boy of around thirteen or fourteen stood idly, playing with a small sword. The sword danced and flickered in his hands, gleaming silver with strands of chilling intent emanating from its blade.

Zhang Yan observed carefully and recognized it as a True Artifact. But unlike ordinary True Artifacts, it lacked the overwhelming aura of dominance. If he had to describe it, it bore some resemblance to the heavily-damaged Yin Slaughter Saber, though even weaker in power.

This sword was actually part of a Mother and Child Sword set. The Mother Sword remained in the sect, while seven Child Swords were distributed among disciples. If bonded through sacrificial refinement from a young age, it could establish a spiritual connection with its wielder. Jin Minzhang’s sword was one such Child Sword, which had only recently acknowledged him as its master, prompting him to provoke challenges.

As Zhang Yan strolled toward the boy, the little sword trembled abruptly, as if sensing an immense threat. The boy subconsciously stroked it, asking, "Ah Tong, what’s wrong?"

He seemed to sense something amiss and turned abruptly, eyeing Zhang Yan warily. "Who are you? Did you also come to persuade me to apologize? I’ve said it countless times already—forget it! If you want to fatten me up here for free while I enjoy the scenery, that’s fine by me!"

Zhang Yan glanced at him and smirked slightly. "So, you’re Jin Minzhang? I hear you’ve been seeking opponents for duels. Dare you wager with me?"

Jin Minzhang’s eyes lit up at once, momentarily forgetting his surroundings. "How do we gamble?" he asked eagerly.

With hands clasped behind his back, Zhang Yan replied, "I’ll remain standing here. You can attack with all your might. I’ll only strike once. If you withstand my attack, I’ll ensure your release. If you can’t, you must come with me to apologize to Junior Brother Fang."

Jin Minzhang’s eyes sparkled even brighter. Zhang Yan’s words were music to his ears. Having been confined for seven years, despite being a cultivator, he was still young and restless. Feeling stifled, he didn’t even question whether Zhang Yan had any real authority. He immediately raised his sword and said, "Good! Fellow Daoist, you must keep your word."

Zhang Yan smiled faintly. "Go ahead."

Jin Minzhang shouted, "Ah Tong, charge!"

He flung the small sword into the air, transforming it into a streak of light. But as he commanded it to strike, the sword trembled incessantly, as though paralyzed by fear of Zhang Yan, and simply refused to descend. Sweat broke out on Jin Minzhang’s forehead as he tried to force it.

Zhang Yan gave him a sidelong glance. "Are you ready yet? If you don’t act soon, I’m going to respond."

In desperation, Jin Minzhang abandoned the little sword. With a shout, he drew something from his sleeve bag, tossing it into the air. A Dharma Sword appeared, quivering momentarily before exploding into a cascade of silvery stars that rained down like a meteor shower.

Zhang Yan chuckled, standing his ground. Summoning his full Elixir Evil power, it surged from the top of his head like a storm. With a deafening roar, the silver shower reversed course, flung back by the force. Jin Minzhang felt a tide-like wave crash into him, sending him flying until he landed flat on his back.

Without any emotion, Zhang Yan declared, "You’ve lost."

Jin Minzhang climbed to his feet. To his credit, he accepted his defeat gracefully. "Brother, I admit my loss. I’ll go out and apologize immediately. But please, tell me your name so I know who I’ve been bested by."

Zhang Yan replied in a composed tone, "I am Zhang Yan, the one you’ve been waiting to meet." With that, he turned and left.

Jin Minzhang stood stunned for a moment. Then he burst out laughing and shouted toward the mansion, "Mrs. Chen, let me out at once! I’m ready to apologize to the Chen Clan!"

Fan Changqing, who had just arrived at the rear courtyard, heard these words before even stepping inside. Dumbfounded, he wondered if he’d misheard. This... was it over already?

For a moment, he couldn’t help but question, *Was imprisoning this brat for seven years and causing friction between the two families truly worth it?*

...

...(To be continued. If you enjoy this story, feel free to visit Qidian.com to cast your votes and support the author. Your encouragement is the greatest motivation.)