Five days later, within Zhao You Heavenly Pond, an elder from the Merit Institute arrived, obeying the orders of the Sect Leader to personally deliver a cultivation technique to Zhang Yan.
The elders of the Merit Institute were all highly esteemed individuals with significant seniority. Typically, if a disciple made a great contribution, they would go to the Merit Institute to exchange for techniques and magic artifacts. Even then, the elders would often act high and mighty; even for True Disciples, if there was the slightest disrespect, they would be met with cold faces, let alone the notion of an elder personally delivering a technique to someone’s door.
However, in this instance, due to the Sect Leader’s special instructions not to reveal the matter of gifting the Dharma technique, they had no choice but to select an elder to personally make the trip.
Having received a Flying Sword Transmission earlier, Zhang Yan had been waiting within his cave mansion for quite some time. As the visitor stepped into the grand hall, Zhang Yan was surprised to find that it was an acquaintance. Smiling, he cupped his hands and greeted, "Ah, so it’s Elder Gong! Please, take the honored seat."
Elder Gong laughed heartily, strode forward, and returned the courtesy, saying, "Junior Brother Zhang, no need for formalities, no need at all."
Zhang Yan observed him carefully. For someone he hadn’t seen in days, the elder’s complexion looked radiant. His mostly black hair, streaked with white, seemed to shine with a polished luster, reflecting a vibrant spirit like none other.
After Zhang Yan’s resounding success at the Elixir Tasting Conference, which had greatly embarrassed the noble Xuanmen Families, Elder Gong felt as though he had released decades worth of pent-up frustration. He now carried himself with renewed pride and unparalleled ease of heart. Upon hearing about Zhang Yan’s new Dharma technique, he eagerly volunteered to personally deliver it.
The two exchanged pleasantries and took their seats. Elder Gong, smiling warmly, remarked, "The Eight Techniques include the Five Skills and Three Scriptures. Among them, the one being entrusted to you is deeply profound and abstruse. Since the foundation of the Mingcang Sect, very few have managed to cultivate it successfully. However, the Sect Leader naturally has his own considerations, far beyond the judgment of an old relic like myself. That said, if during your cultivation you encounter anything unclear, you may make a trip to the Small Cold Realm—it could prove enlightening."
Zhang Yan pondered for a moment and commented thoughtfully, "Small Cold Realm?"
Elder Gong’s expression grew serious as he nodded and confirmed, "Precisely, the Small Cold Realm."
Beyond Dragon Abyss Marsh, the Mingcang Sect holds several small realms and cave mansions, sanctuaries carved out by the great powers of ancient times. The Small Cold Realm is one of these sanctuaries.
Historically, it served as a retreat for disciples attempting breakthrough cultivation or nearing the end of their lifespan.
Within the Small Cold Realm, there exists an unspoken tradition: those who seek insights into the sect’s techniques must carve their past cultivation experiences and epiphanies into their residing cave mansion for future generations to study.
Elder Gong, knowing the difficulty of the chosen technique, especially highlighted this to Zhang Yan, suggesting he refer to the written legacies left by predecessors in case of stumbling blocks during cultivation. Whether or not they prove useful, they might offer some degree of guidance.
Understanding Elder Gong’s goodwill, Zhang Yan rose from his seat, cupped his hands, and respectfully expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, Elder Gong, for your advice."
"No need, no need," Elder Gong replied with a laugh.
He had grown increasingly fond of Zhang Yan’s modesty and humility, even after his First-class Elixir Formation success. Zhang Yan’s demeanor remained unassuming, without the slightest hint of arrogance. This resonated deeply with Elder Gong, who loathed the haughty airs often displayed by noble family disciples.
Reaching into his sleeve, Elder Gong produced a token and handed it to Zhang Yan, saying warmly, "Elder Yuan, who oversees the Small Cold Realm, shares a good rapport with me. If you have any questions, simply bring this token to find me, and I’ll take you to meet him."
Zhang Yan accepted the token generously and, with a smile, cupped his hands again, stating, "To decline a gift from an elder would be discourteous. When time permits, I shall visit you at your residence, Elder Gong." The most update n0vels are published on 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵✶𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖✶𝓷𝓮𝓽
Elder Gong responded with an uproarious laugh, saying, "Excellent, excellent! My humble abode may lack enchanting concubines and captivating spectacles, but it’s stocked with ample spiritual fruits and fine wine. Drinking alone grows tiresome; if you come, I’ll surely welcome you with open doors."
After chatting for a while, Elder Gong finally bid farewell, leaving behind a jade box containing the cultivation technique on Zhang Yan’s desk.
After Elder Gong’s departure, Zhang Yan rested for a brief moment, then picked up the jade box. With a hand gesture activating a spell, the array gate before him transformed, revealing a large doorway. Taking a step forward, he entered the main mansion.
Within, he seated himself cross-legged on the jade couch, positioned the jade box before him, and lifted its lid. Nestled atop a crimson silk cloth was a jade scroll.
Smiling subtly, he took the scroll in hand and gently activated it with spiritual energy. In an instant, the object transformed into a golden talisman glowing brightly, leaping straight to his forehead. In mere moments, countless written talismanic scripts flashed through his mind.