Zhang Yan acted with caution. While speaking with Shen Cong, he secretly instructed Zhang Pan to summon Wei Lihua. Only when she confirmed that the man in the human bag was indeed Shen Yan did he send the sweat-soaked Shen Cong out of the sea boat with a smile.
Upon returning to his room, he carefully assessed his gains from this endeavor, discovering that he now possessed nearly four thousand drops of Ren Kui Water Essence. Satisfied, he silently mused to himself, "I have profited greatly from Chongyue True Temple, yet I did not return Shen Yan. Though there are hidden factors involved, the elders of Xu Cuo’s clan will certainly not let this go easily. That Flying Boat Immortal Market of Chongyue True Temple is now off-limits to me. It would be better to seek out True Master Tao earlier to unlock the seals on those two fellow Daoists, Lu and Jing, before making further plans."
As he was contemplating this, he heard Zhang Pan call from outside the door, "Master, Daoist Guo has arrived."
Zhang Yan had intended to seek out Guo Lie, but upon hearing this, his spirit lifted. He stood up and said, "Quick, invite him in."
Guo Lie strode in swiftly, shouting as he walked, "Daoist Zhang, this is truly bizarre! What on earth did you do? Shen Minggu has always been unwilling to suffer losses, yet with just one letter from you, he returned the man. If you claim this is due to camaraderie, I, Old Guo, absolutely will not believe it."
Zhang Yan chuckled lightly but avoided discussing the matter further. Instead, he asked, "Fellow Daoist, you’ve come at the right time. I have the intention to visit True Master Tao to unlock the seals on fellow Daoists Lu and Jing, yet I have not figured out the way. Could you lend me a hand?"
Guo Lie had just learned that Zhang Yan had successfully secured Shen Yan, proving that it was right to have Zhang Yan intervene. Feeling pleased for the reputation boost this brought him before the juniors, he did not mind Zhang Yan steering the conversation elsewhere and said, "I came specifically for this matter. My master resides on a place called Xuanling Island. Without the guidance of a token talisman, it’s unlikely you could find that location even in a lifetime."
Xuanling Mountain was formed by Tao Zhenhong using Great Dharma Power to gather earth, and the island drifts unpredictably across the seas. Except for Qingyu Sect disciples who possess the token talisman, outsiders cannot access its gate.
Guo Lie retrieved a token talisman from his sleeve, flicked his fingers, and sent it flying toward Zhang Yan. He said, "Brother Zhang, refine this item."
Zhang Yan raised his hand and caught the talisman, clutching it in his palm. Without hesitation, he immediately infused it with a trace of Spiritual Energy. Shortly after, a Daoist Technique emerged from the talisman.
Examining it closely, he saw that the technique carefully detailed how to capture Qi Mechanisms and deduce the location of Xuanling Island—a crucial Dharma technique.
Seeing that the technique was ingeniously designed and not something ordinary, clearly a sect secret, he smiled and said, "Fellow Daoist, granting me this technique—are you not worried that I might leak it to others?"
Guo Lie burst into laughter and said, "Once the new year begins, my Qingyu Sect will establish itself at sea, forming a sect outside the Ten Great Sects of Xuanmen. Do you think I’d fear others coveting our mountain gate? If that were the case, it’d be better to disband sooner."
Zhang Yan nodded slightly. Although Guo Lie spoke boldly, the affairs of the world are ever-changing. For ten thousand years, only the three major Xuanmen sects—Mingcang, Shaoqing, and Yuxiao—had remained unchanged. The other major sects often experienced shifts and replacements. Who could predict what the scenario would look like in a thousand years?
The impending turmoil in East Splendor Continent might well provide an opportunity for Qingyu Sect to rise and dominate a region.
After laughing, Guo Lie turned his gaze to Zhang Yan and asked, "Brother, one more question—after unlocking the seals on those two fellow Daoists, where do you plan to go next?"
With a faint smile, Zhang Yan replied, "I left the mountain gate this time to seek ingredients for the Condensed Elixir. Now that Four-Season Water is in hand, once I refine Hua Dan Water for fellow Daoists, I will return to East Splendor Continent to seek other medicines."
Guo Lie waved his hand dismissively and said, "Brother, there’s no hurry when it comes to my matter. With the Qingyu Sect’s establishment imminent, why not stay for the ceremony?"
Zhang Yan glanced at Guo Lie, then smiled and nodded, "Your sect’s establishment is a significant occasion. I, of course, should present a congratulatory gift."
Guo Lie laughed heartily and said, "Brother Zhang, don’t fret. Listen to me—when the time comes, there will be benefits for you as well."
Still nursing injuries, Guo Lie was uninterested in lengthy discussions. After exchanging a few more words, he returned to his own room.
After Guo Lie departed, Zhang Yan’s mind began to ponder. It seemed Guo Lie hinted at something else in his final words. However, thinking about it now would be futile; the truth would naturally become clear once they reached Xuanling Island.
With this thought, he dismissed his deliberations. Forming a spell, he earnestly followed the token talisman’s Dharma technique, carefully deducing Xuanling Island’s location. With a mighty shout, he activated the token, and Dragon Country’s Ship roared loudly as its thirty-six Dragon-climbing Piles began rotating simultaneously, stirring up massive waves, displacing the air, and heading southeast at full speed.