After Zhang Yan extracted the Dharma technique for the "Leaving Origin Yin-Yang Flying Saber," he sealed Beigong Hao’s primordial spirit within a piece of jade.
In the future, he would inevitably interact further with the disciples of Chongyue True Temple. Thus, Beigong Hao still had his uses. If he cooperated obediently, Zhang Yan wouldn’t mind sending him off for reincarnation.
Afterward, Zhang Yan remained seated atop that mountain ridge, initiating the sacrificial refinement of the Dragon Country’s Ship.
Beigong Hao’s disappearance without return, however, sparked panic among the disciples of Chongyue True Temple. That very night, apart from leaving one disciple on the island to investigate the situation, the rest hurriedly departed. It was clear they were either fleeing for their lives or seeking reinforcements.
The commotion from the battle on the mountain ridge naturally could not escape the notice of other cultivators on the island, especially considering Beigong Hao’s reputation as a cultivator who had long dominated the outer sea.
He was not without enemies, and his every move was watched by many. Now, seeing that he appeared to have been slain, a mixture of excitement and fear spread among the witnesses. The news quickly traveled across the island, with everyone speculating on just who his opponent might be.
Close to dawn, two streaks of tunneling light, one red and one blue, flew up to the mountain ridge and landed before Zhang Yan, revealing two cultivators. One of them was a middle-aged Daoist clad in a red robe, holding a horsetail whisk in his hand. His thick lips, flat nose, and protruding forehead gave him an odd appearance. Atop his shoulder perched a black falcon, its fierce eyes flashing, with sharp talons and a hooked beak that made it seem extremely ferocious.
The other was a young cultivator wearing a feather robe and star crown. A yellow gourd hung at his waist, and a slight smile played at the corners of his mouth. However, his narrow, shimmering eyes and slightly pointed chin gave him a cold and sinister demeanor.
The two individuals saw Zhang Yan sitting there calmly, an air of composure about him. Before him rested a black box, though they could not tell what it was.
The young cultivator stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "I am Chu Jiu of the Taihao Sect. My late-night visit may be an imposition, and I hope you can forgive me for the presumption. May I know how this fellow Daoist is addressed?"
Zhang Yan’s expression shifted slightly as he glanced up at the other. Was this individual a disciple of the Taihao Sect?
The Taihao Sect was also one of the Ten Great Sects of Xuanmen, but even so, it did not elicit much regard from him. However, among the Outer Three Elixirs of Foundation Building Golden Pills, there was a particular ingredient called "One Qi Ganoderma." This herb was cultivated in abundance by the Taihao Sect, and they wisely understood the principle of harboring a treasure being a cause of misfortune. Thus, they would offer some to disciples from all sects each year. If his journey to the East Sea went smoothly, his next stop would likely be this place.
With that in mind, he could not afford to be discourteous. Rising to his feet, he returned the gesture politely and said, "I am Zhang Yan of the Mingcang Sect. Greetings to you, fellow Daoist."
Chu Jiu exclaimed in shock, "So you are a fellow Daoist of the Mingcang Sect!"
The middle-aged Daoist, who had been standing to the side with half-closed eyes, indifferent and aloof, now revealed a look of surprise upon hearing this. He cupped his hands and solemnly introduced himself, saying, "Qiu Ju of the Nanhua Sect."
However, his voice was stiff, like the sound of stone grinding against stone, making it exceedingly unpleasant to the ear.
Chu Jiu chuckled and said, "Daoist Zhang, please do not take offense. This fellow Daoist Qiu of the Nanhua Sect has always preferred the company of Spirit Birds and is not skilled in social interactions. It is not meant as disrespect toward you."
Zhang Yan naturally would not be bothered by such trifles. Smiling slightly, he replied, "Not at all. May I ask what brings the two of you here at this late hour?"
Chu Jiu glanced at Zhang Yan and said, "We heard that fellow Daoist had a conflict with the disciples of Chongyue True Temple, and later, Beigong Hao even sought you out. This man has always harbored hostility toward disciples of the Ten Sects of Xuanmen. Over the years, no fewer than three of the disciples my sect sent to the East Sea for their journeys perished by his hand. Upon hearing he suffered a setback today, we could not help but wonder which esteemed individual opposed him. Out of indignation at his actions, we decided to pay a visit to see if we might assist fellow Daoist in some way."
He glanced around and probed, "Might I ask, what became of Beigong Hao?"
Zhang Yan let out a faint laugh. If these two had truly intended to offer their aid, they would not have waited until now; their words were merely diplomatic platitudes. He replied coolly, "He has already been slain by my hand."
"What?!" Chu Jiu and Qiu Ju both exclaimed in shock.
They had crossed paths with Beigong Hao on this island a few times before. However, relying on the sharpness of his "Leaving Origin Yin-Yang Flying Saber," he was more than a match for the two of them combined. Fortunately, they each had certain life-preserving means, and Beigong Hao had his reservations as well, so they had managed to escape with their lives.
Previously, they had assumed that Beigong Hao had at most been forced to flee after a defeat, and they planned to investigate further and perhaps exact their revenge later.
But now, hearing that Beigong Hao had already been slain by Zhang Yan, they were utterly and profoundly stunned.
The two exchanged a glance. Chu Jiu, astonished by Zhang Yan’s strength, felt a surge of scheming thoughts. Inwardly, he mused, "I had originally intended to recruit this man. To my surprise, he turns out to be a disciple of the Mingcang Sect. If I could bring him into our fold, our chances of succeeding in that matter would undoubtedly rise. However, I have no prior rapport with him, so I am unsure how to broach the subject."