Zhang Yan descended from the mountaintop and headed straight for Dragon Country’s ship.
After he agreed to the matter concerning the Immortal Palace, True Master Tao immediately passed him a spell and handed over a Golden Core.
The technique to harness another person’s Golden Core was quite mystical. True Master Tao only acquired it after entering the Purple Jade Immortal Palace, something unavailable elsewhere.
The origin of the Golden Core was unclear. Given Zhang Yan’s current cultivation, he couldn’t discern its original grade during its formation.
However, True Master Tao warned him that while the method was extraordinary, it could only be used three or so times. Each use would last no more than one to two hours, suitable only for crucial moments, so Zhang Yan didn’t rely on it to get through his trials.
His true reliance remained on the two sealed talismans still in his possession.
Seven days later, when Lu Junbai and Jun Yue Demon King broke their seals and emerged, they could stay to aid him.
He calculated the timing. By then, Lu Mei Niang should also return. With three Hua Dan cultivators by his side and the assistance of the Golden Core, as long as a Nascent Soul True Master didn’t attack, they would be sufficient to safeguard the Immortal Mansion Main Palace.
The only concern was the various factions at sea coveting the token talisman. Their side had only True Master Tao holding the fort, but it remained uncertain how many Nascent Soul True Masters the opposing side might have. Could True Master Tao withstand them?
He pondered for a moment. True Master Tao must have some hidden cards up his sleeve but simply wasn’t willing to disclose them to him.
He flew swiftly through the air. Before long, he reached the sea and landed on Dragon Country’s anchored ship.
Zhang Pan recognized his return and greeted him joyously, saying, "Master has returned."
Zhang Yan stood on the deck, straight and tall, one hand clasped behind his back, and said in a deep voice, "Zhang Pan, go fetch Gu Chu’er."
Zhang Pan acknowledged the command and returned to the cabin. After a moment, Gu Chu’er emerged and timidly stood before him.
Zhang Yan scrutinized her closely. Seeing that her aura surged to the crown of her head, her eyes faintly concealed brilliance, and her skin was as fine and smooth as white jade, he nodded and said, "Your progress isn’t bad. You are indeed approaching that crucial pass. Gu Chu’er, I intend to take you to a Jade Liquid Pool to open your Immortal Meridians. If successful, where you go in the future will no longer concern me."
Gu Chu’er was both astonished and overjoyed, yet still somewhat bewildered.
She was only thirteen or fourteen years old. Since Zhang Yan brought her here, she had initially been anxious and uneasy. However, seeing that Zhang Yan rarely interfered with her beyond occasionally checking her cultivation progress, she gradually relaxed.
That Jade Scroll nourished her bloodline daily, regulated her qi, and deepened her cultivation with each passing day. She could sense that this spell was exceptionally profound, far superior to anything she had learned as a Registered Disciple at Chongyue True Temple.
She had grown up in Chongyue True Temple with mediocre aptitude. The best she could hope for was to become a True Disciple’s maid. But now, with this spell, she saw a hope of glimpsing the Dao. And now, Zhang Yan even intended to take her to open her meridians. With such kindness, even if it came with ulterior motives, she was willing to accept it.
Thus, she mustered her courage and sincerely said, "Thank you, Daoist. Chu’er is willing to stay by your side, serving tea, sweeping out your Cave Mansion, pruning flowers, or even washing and folding clothes. Chu’er can do it all."
Zhang Yan glanced at her. Although Zhang Pan was loyal, he had only recently transformed, his spiritual wisdom was still budding, and he was somewhat dim-witted and clumsy. Having such an obedient maid around would indeed be convenient.
But after some thought, he dismissed the idea. This girl had been taken in due to Pu Yuzi’s gift of treasures. Furthermore, she was extraordinarily suited for Bu Tian Pavilion’s Dharma techniques and destined for significant achievements. Why should he cut off her path?
He smiled and said, "Miss Gu, there’s no need for that. You have great fortune upon you. How could you stoop to doing menial tasks for me? Focus on cultivating well. Perhaps you may someday claim your own place atop the Immortal Cloud."
Gu Chu’er seemed to half-understand and nodded.
Zhang Yan gestured for her to follow. "Come with me."
Gu Chu’er obediently stepped forward. Zhang Yan released Xuan Guang, enveloped her in a blue radiance. Together, they ascended in a flash of light and headed toward Hongyan Temple.
At this time, they were tens of thousands of miles away from Xuanling Mountain. Beneath the bright moon, a chessboard measuring ten zhang across floated in the night sky. Two Daoists, shrouded in spiraling Clear Qi, sat opposite each other.
In the northern position sat an Old Daoist, his beard long and reaching his stomach, his back hunched like a turtle, his hair white as a crane’s feathers. He wore a Fish Tail Crown on his head and the Seven Stars Stepping Battle Robe. A fierce black tiger lay crouched at his feet, its eyes closed as it adjusted its breath.
Opposite him sat a young Daoist with a jade-like face. He donned the Nine Yang Cloth on his head and a silk sash at his waist. His sleeves fluttered as if ready to dance, and his expression carried a prideful, aloof demeanor.