After a year apart, finally seeing the light of day again, Zhang Yan felt his chest expand with exhilaration, longing to soar through the skies and fly freely.
However, the ten-zhang-tall Flying Pavilion beside him was far too conspicuous, so he chanted a spell to store it within his sleeve.
But just then, the sword ball at the center of his brows quivered slightly, followed by a strange sensation rising within him.
His brow furrowed as he sensed that it seemed someone was hiding nearby, covertly observing him. However, the feeling quickly faded as if it had never been there.
His gaze swept across the area. Except for a few barren mountain peaks, there was nothing but an endless grassland, revealing no unusual signs.
Thinking carefully, he deduced that someone must be using a dharma treasure to spy on him from afar.
Within a few thousand li of this area, only the Chenxiang Sect existed as a cultivation sect. And those deliberately investigating the Nether River’s entrance could only be from there.
A year ago, three individuals from the Chenxiang Sect, including Zhang Yan, ventured to the Nether River together. However, Ni Qianying secretly followed, attempting to seize the Demon Storage ahead of them but was ultimately captured by Lu Ge.
Now, Mu Hongchen had already been killed by Lu Ge, and the essence qi of two women had been absorbed by the Nine Capturing Demon Scroll. They were most likely long dead and reduced to ashes.
Yet, Lu Ge had personally admitted to releasing one woman, though her identity remained unknown. However, she must have acted under his orders, returning to take control of the Chenxiang Sect and steer the entire sect toward cultivating the demon sect’s techniques, ultimately to harvest essence qi and divine souls for their use.
Zhang Yan was almost certain that the one spying on him earlier was that woman.
Immediately, he thought to himself: This woman must not be allowed to live!
To Zhang Yan, whatever happened to the Chenxiang Sect was of little concern. After all, it was an internal matter of their sect and had nothing to do with him.
Furthermore, with his status as a Great Sect Disciple, even obtaining a Demon Storage would be unproblematic. No one would criticize him; instead, they would praise his great fortune.
However, after reading the Ming Dao Can Shen Qi, he realized that this method was no trivial matter.
If this woman had seen the Demon Storage and someone managed to deduce its origins based on her descriptions, it would inevitably cause endless trouble. Thus, he had to handle this loose end thoroughly!
Meanwhile, within the Chenxiang Hall, Ni Qianying, seated, suddenly threw the copper mirror in her hand to the ground, her heart filled with shock.
A month ago, she had abruptly sensed that the prohibition spell placed within her by Lu Ge had dissipated. Her reaction was a mix of surprise and joy as she speculated wildly. However, she dared not investigate the matter directly in fear and uncertainty.
Thankfully, when Lu Ge had sent her out, he had given her a Hundred-Mile Smoke Mirror. With this item, she could observe scenes tens of li away, so she had been scanning the Nether River’s entrance daily, hoping to pick up a clue. She never expected to witness this scene today.
She had thought that Zhang Yan must have died in the Nether River long ago. To her surprise, not only had he survived, but he had also secured Lu Ge’s Demon Storage.
Privately, she speculated that Lu Ge was either dead or had fled. Otherwise, how could he allow Zhang Yan to leave alive with the Demon Storage?
However, as she thought about this, a sense of unease crept into her heart. She exclaimed internally, "Not good... When I spied on Zhang Yan earlier, it seemed like he noticed me. Would he come here to kill me to silence me?"
Thinking this, she couldn’t help but feel regret. Just then, she heard an urgent report from outside: "Sect Leader, someone has broken into the great hall..."
Ni Qianying’s heart leaped in terror. She could already see Zhang Yan’s figure in the distance and her face turned pale. Knowing that trouble was brewing, her mind turned quickly. She bit her lip, stood up, and shouted angrily at the ten or so female disciples below the hall, "This is the man who killed Nephew Mu! Everyone, join me in blocking him!"
After saying this, she shook her hand and hurled a golden ring straight toward Zhang Yan’s face, then turned and fled without a second glance.
Zhang Yan snorted coldly, pointed his finger, and a sword light shot out, cleaving the golden ring to the ground. Without stopping, the same sword light streaked forward, slashing toward Ni Qianying’s back. However, at that moment, a crimson light flashed, shielding her. The impact caused her to stumble, but she didn’t fall. She dove behind a screen and transformed into a tunneling light, fleeing toward the inner hall.
Resentful shouts echoed in the air. Zhang Yan swept his gaze around. He saw a dozen maids with furious faces lifting their magic artifacts and attacking him. Not bothering to explain, he casually unleashed a few sword strikes, killing them on the spot. Then, activating his own tunneling light, he pursued toward the rear hall.
Although Ni Qianying’s escape had been hurried, it wasn’t chaotic. Her actions were still methodical. Once she reached the inner hall, she first activated the prohibitions there. Then, she took out a golden bell, shook it forcefully, and shouted loudly, "Disciples, the enemy is upon us! Quickly, help me activate the Chaotic Star Formation! Seize the villain who killed Nephew Mu!"