There is one more matter. That day, Zhang Yan had promised Master Shi to recommend one of his juniors into the Xuanmen Proper Sect for cultivation.
He had already planned this out in advance, intending to introduce this junior into the Beichen Sect. That day, he also agreed with Elder Yan to make a trip overseas and bring a few juniors back. Although there were unexpected changes to this matter, he would eventually need to explain himself upon returning. Moreover, Lu Mei Niang would soon bring her younger brother to cultivate in his Zhao You Heavenly Pond. As she is the proper wife of Elder Yan, it cannot be ignored. As for Master Shi’s junior, it would be convenient to bring them along as well.
At this thought, an idea occurred to him, his expression changed slightly, and he called out, "Where is Zhang Ju?"
In response to his shout, a delicate-featured young child emerged. Though young in age, his demeanor was calm and mature. Bowing respectfully to Zhang Yan, he said, "Master, this little one is here. What instructions might you have?"
Zhang Yan smiled and asked, "The True Spirit of that Dharma Treasure which I entrusted to you to look after—how is it now?"
Mountain and River Child replied, "Master, this True Spirit originally lacked intelligence. It was once deceived by its owner, who attempted to merge the essence of the True Spirit into themselves to break through the infant stage and achieve a Grotto Heaven position. In the end, the attempt tragically failed—its owner perished, their soul extinguished, and the True Spirit suffered severe damage to its Primordial Qi. Now, it cannot even recall who it is."
Zhang Yan pondered briefly and said, "Let me take a look."
The Mountain and River Child acknowledged with a wordless bow. Without visible action, a scroll depicting mountains and rivers unfurled beneath his feet. The painting featured mountains, rivers, flowers, trees, birds, and beasts—all intricately detailed and lifelike.
He called softly, and shortly thereafter, a girl of thirteen or fourteen emerged from within the scroll. She wore white, her black hair draped over her shoulders. Her willow-leaf brows framed a sharp chin. Her features were delicate and elegant, but her face was pallid, her petite frame frail and slim, appearing as though a faint breeze might sweep her away. As her eyes gazed around, a trace of confusion lingered within her pupils.
When her gaze fell upon Zhang Yan, her shoulders trembled, and fear flashed in her eyes. She quickly hid behind the Mountain and River Child, not daring to peek out from behind him. Her small frame quivered visibly.
Mountain and River Child offered a bitter smile and explained, "She is terrified of the Beiming Sword Spirit residing in Master’s presence, which is why she fears Master deeply. If Master wishes to refine this treasure, I fear it will be challenging."
Zhang Yan shook his head and sighed. "Who would have thought that a treasure meant for slaughter would end up in such a state?"
Mountain and River Child sighed as well, lamenting, "Several hundred years ago, I caught a glimpse of her, and back then, she was entirely un. Her Evil Qi soared to the heavens, she was ruthlessly ferocious, and she claimed countless lives wherever she appeared. Underneath her saber, countless Great cultivators met their doom. Yet now she has fallen to such a state, all due to following the wrong master."
After Zhang Yan had slain Shen Minggu from Chongyue True Temple, he discovered this "Yin Slaughter Saber" in Shen Minggu’s sleeve bag. However, the True Spirit within the blade, for reasons unknown, had become so feeble it seemed as though it might dissipate at any moment.
Zhang Yan had heard rumors of the blade’s infamous reputation—its ferocity unparalleled. If left unrefined, keeping it nearby would be exceedingly dangerous.
However, the saber was a True Artifact. Despite its severe damage, he deemed it unreasonable to discard such an item. Thus, he instructed the Mountain and River Child to lure its True Spirit into the Mountain and River Map.
If the True Spirit of a Dharma Treasure willingly entered another entity of the same type, it would effectively bind itself, rendering it incapable of exercising its power. The Mountain and River Map was not a slaughtering treasure, but being a True Artifact, its body was strong. Coupled with the fact that the Yin Slaughter True Spirit had lost all memory of itself, the Mountain and River Child easily coaxed it into the map, trapping it inside.
With the True Spirit separated from the blade’s body, Zhang Yan no longer had to worry. He confidently stored the Yin Slaughter Saber in his sleeve bag. Previously occupied with traveling East Splendor Continent in search of elixirs, he hadn’t had the time to investigate further. Now that his refining Elixir was complete, the matter resurfaced in his thoughts.
If the True Spirit of the Dharma Treasure had cultivated to the point of leaving its shell independently, the process would be simpler—he could directly refine the artifact itself. However, in its current state, mastering this True Artifact would require the True Spirit’s cooperation.
Zhang Yan contemplated for a moment, and an inexplicable notion arose within his heart. He faintly sensed that the artifact’s ultimate ownership might not belong to him after all. The thought emerged seemingly from nowhere, as if it had suddenly sprouted from the depths of his soul. Yet when he tried to delve deeper, there was nothing to uncover.
He chuckled lightly to himself. "In the end, it is nothing more than an external item. Gaining it would merely be the icing on the cake; losing it makes no real difference. Why should I dwell on it?" He turned to the Mountain and River Child and said, "Let her remain in your Mountain and River Map for now. We shall discuss this further upon my return to the mountain."
The Mountain and River Child, quick-witted, responded promptly. He and the Yin Slaughter True Spirit descended into the Mountain and River Map together. The painting scroll rolled back onto its axis and was swiftly put away.
Zhang Yan pointed a finger, and the artifact fell back into his sleeve. Shortly after, he ascended into the clouds, traveling southward on his sword light.
Previously, his journey to the Two Continent Border had taken seven days. This time, returning to East Splendor Continent, his tunneling speed had doubled, and within three days, he arrived back at the territory of Shendu Peak. Scanning his surroundings, he noticed the Flying Boat Immortal Market once more and thought, "I still have several hundred demon birds on me, but I have no more use for them. Bringing them back would be pointless. It would be better to find a place to sell them than let them occupy space in the True Light."
With this thought, he withdrew his sword light, summoning a cloud-like mist around himself before heading toward the Flying Boat Immortal Market.
At midday, the Immortal Market was bustling with cultivators coming and going. Seeing Zhang Yan tread the mist and fly straight toward the market gate caused many to change their expressions and swiftly step aside to avoid crossing his path. One cultivator, somewhat brash, noticed an empty stretch before the entrance and tried to advance. However, before he could get far, his companion pulled him back. Confused and irritated, he was about to protest loudly when his companion whispered something in his ear, glancing at Zhang Yan. The brash cultivator’s face turned pale upon realization, his footing precarious in the air. Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on N0velFire.ɴet
Zhang Yan paid them no heed. After passing through the market’s main gate, he suddenly felt a peculiar sensation. He glanced at the Mirror hanging above the gatehouse, frowned slightly, and dispelled the mist surrounding him, flying directly toward Zhenyu Building.
...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please consider visiting Qidian (qidian.com) to vote with recommendation tickets or monthly passes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)