After the news of Zhang Yan achieving the first-class Elixir Formation spread across East Splendor, Elder Yan naturally heard of it as well. Having a private alliance with Zhang Yan, he couldn’t ignore the occasion and immediately instructed his grandson to bring many congratulatory gifts to convey their regards.
After Yan Zhenping entered the grand hall, a Fish Maid Beauty approached and served tea. He picked up the tea cup and took a light sip, feeling the lingering fragrance that refreshed his mind and warmed his spirit. His eyes brightened as if delicate hands gently stirred the spiritual mechanism within his body, adjusting his qi veins. As the flow circulated through his meridians, he felt reinvigorated. Even with his vast experience of tasting renowned teas across the world, he couldn’t help but exclaim, "What an exceptional tea! What is its name?"
The Fish Maid Beauties on either side chuckled lightly and replied, "We do not know the name of this tea, honored guest. We only know that it is part of the master’s private collection. You may ask the master later."
This tea was left behind years ago by Gui Congyao, in a considerable quantity, and Zhang Yan used it to entertain his guests.
As expected of the Cave Heaven True Master, the teas he drank regularly were extraordinary, no wonder Yan Zhenping exclaimed in admiration.
Yan Zhenping took another sip, nodded slightly, put down the tea cup, and began looking around.
He couldn’t help but feel a tinge of envy. After all, this was the Cave Heaven Mansion—its abundant spiritual mechanism was unmatched, even exceeding the Cave Mansion where his own grandfather, Yan Zhengting, cultivated. Befriending Zhang Yan earlier had undoubtedly been a wise and strategic decision on his part.
After waiting for a moment, he suddenly heard a hearty laugh in his ear, "Brother Yan, what brings you here leisurely today?"
Looking up, Yan Zhenping saw Zhang Yan emerging from the inner hall, accompanied by a tall ten-year-old boy. He quickly stood up, put on a warm smile, clasped his hands, and said, "Brother Zhang, achieving first-class Elixir Formation—upon hearing of such supreme accomplishment, I came under my grandfather’s orders to offer congratulations."
Zhang Yan gave a faint smile and said, "Elder Yan, there’s no need for such formality. Brother Yan, please have a seat."
Yan Zhenping was well aware that Zhang Yan’s current status and position in the Mingcang Sect were incomparable to before. With his own current status, in another setting, he might not even qualify for a face-to-face conversation. However, since he was representing his grandfather today, there was no need to be overly concerned about such matters.
After taking his seat, he retrieved an item from his sleeve and respectfully presented it to Zhang Yan, saying, "This humble gift is a mere token, but I hope Brother Zhang will accept it with a smile."
Zhang Yan did not make polite refusals. He accepted the gift and gave it a casual glance. Most of the offerings included servant-level Powerful Warriors and some True Sand capable of absorbing Essence Qi. However, upon seeing the last item, his eyes lit up slightly, and he exclaimed, "Elder Yan is truly thoughtful."
Yan Zhenping chuckled and said, "My grandfather remarked that this is not some extraordinary item. Among your esteemed sect’s masters and predecessors, this may only serve as a minor embellishment, nothing truly significant."
Zhang Yan smiled faintly. This item was far from an ordinary "minor gift." It was a Daoist Book recording generations of experiences and insights of Hua Dan Cultivators in the Beichen Sect as they broke through the "Shell Barrier."
Silently commending Elder Yan’s astuteness and precise judgment, Zhang Yan marveled at how the Elder delivered precisely what he needed. It was akin to offering a pillow to someone drowsy. Although Zhang Yan had other means to acquire such knowledge, this thoughtful gesture was genuinely pleasing. Thus, he remarked, "Please convey my gratitude to Elder Yan upon your return. His kindness and good intentions will not be forgotten by Zhang Yan."
Yan Zhenping beamed with joy, sensing that today’s visit had been a resounding success. He quickly said, "Brother Zhang, you flatter me, you flatter me."
At this moment, he suddenly slapped his forehead, as if recalling something. "Ah, I almost forgot. Someone came along with me and wishes to meet Brother Zhang. This person is, strictly speaking, a fellow disciple of yours. He mentioned that he had a matter to discuss but was worried about barging in abruptly. So he entrusted me to relay the message. I became engrossed in our conversation and inadvertently overlooked him."
Zhang Yan looked at Yan Zhenping with a meaningful gaze and said, "Since he is both my fellow disciple and an old acquaintance of Brother Yan, let him in." ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡•𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚•𝙣𝙚𝙩
With a wave of his hand, the Array Gate within the grand hall opened. Two Fish Maid Beauties bowed slightly, acknowledging the order, and proceeded to carry it out.
Soon after, they returned, guiding in an elderly man. This individual’s Cultivation level was not particularly high, merely a Ming Qi Cultivator. Sporting a head full of white hair, his expression was kindly, and his steps were steady. Upon seeing Zhang Yan, the elderly man immediately came forward to pay his respects, bowing deeply. "Master Zhang, this humble old man, Yang Fanghe, greets you."
Hearing how he addressed him, Zhang Yan raised an eyebrow and began to deduce his background. He nodded slightly, "Brother Yan mentioned that you are also a disciple of our sect. May I ask where you are cultivating currently?"