However, everyone knew that if Zhang Yan did not consent to this matter, it was absolutely impossible to proceed. Thus, with apprehension in her heart, she sent Luo Xiao to probe for his opinion.
Zhang Yan thought for a moment, then gently smiled and said, "Kun’er is quite fortunate. My discipleship does not impose many rigid rules, and Mrs. Chen is Kun’er’s mother. Since she has intentions, and if Kun’er himself does not resist, as his mentor, I naturally would not obstruct him. Just ensure this does not hinder his cultivation."
To him, this was but a trivial matter.
After returning from the Small Cold Realm, he felt it deeply: a teacher can guide one through the entrance, but cultivation depends on the individual. If the disciples under his tutelage only seek to live a few hundred more years and enjoy wealth and prosperity, he could facilitate it. Yet only those with steadfast Dao Hearts, solely striving for immortality, could be considered the true inheritors of the Daoist lineage.
He contemplated silently, "Kun’er is a Great Demon reincarnated. If he indeed has prospects of attaining the Great Dao, he can break free from the illusions of the worldly web of desires. However, if he’s blinded by wealth and ephemeral glory, I can still guarantee him a life of splendor, merely as a repayment of karmic debts from back then. This shall serve as a test of his character."
Upon hearing Zhang Yan’s agreement, Luo Xiao was immediately overjoyed and said, "Excellent! Since the master has spoken, this matter is settled. I shall inform Mrs. Chen shortly."
Zhang Yan cast her a glance. So impatient—clearly awaiting his response all along. However, he could empathize with Mrs. Chen’s sentiments as a parent.
Yet Luo Xiao did not leave immediately. She hesitated for a moment, then added, "Master, in this case, if one of the Wang Sisters marries Tian Kun, it would not seem proper to only accept her as a Registered Disciple, would it?" Orıginal content can be found at 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭·𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮·𝙣𝙚𝙩
Zhang Yan frowned slightly and said, "The Wang Sisters? What is this? Did Yang Fanghe find two disciples for me, both coming from the Wang Family?"
Although Zhang Yan was not particularly concerned about this matter, if Yang Fanghe were indeed using him to grant personal favors, it would not be overlooked.
Luo Xiao widened her beautiful eyes and exclaimed, "Is this not what the master instructed?"
Zhang Yan raised his eyebrows in surprise and said, "What I instructed?"
Luo Xiao sighed and said, "Master previously said the two disciples to be found should be akin to Ning Chongxuan’s disciples. However, Ning Chongxuan’s disciples comprise a pair of twelve-year-old twin sisters, reputed for their beauty and exceptional talent. So, when you insisted on such qualities—talent that isn’t inferior yet siblings born of the same mother—Yang Fanghe must have spent who knows how many sleepless nights to find this duo from the Wang family."
Suddenly, realization struck Zhang Yan, and he couldn’t help but find it amusing. Back then, he had made a casual remark, but who knew it would come to this? No wonder Yang Fanghe’s expression had appeared odd.
Shaking his head lightly, he thought briefly and said, "Very well. Let them be entry-level disciples."
He didn’t mind accepting additional disciples. Compared to other masters who take in dozens or even hundreds of disciples, his number was still considered few.
Luo Xiao rejoiced and said, "In that case, will the master choose a suitable day to invite several fellow sect members to witness the ceremony?"
It was traditional to invite peers to the ceremony when accepting disciples. Zhang Yan pondered briefly, then nodded and said, "Very well. You and Yanyi can handle the arrangements for this matter. No need to report back to me."
"Yes, master. Then, I shall take my leave." Luo Xiao curtsied with a joyful expression and left.
Returning to the Main Mansion, Zhang Yan seated himself, crossing his legs in meditation. He took out a measure of True Sand, refining and absorbing its Essence Qi. This was his daily practice, which he had not neglected even in the Small Cold Realm.
As for the Source Separation Essence Jade, he was not yet ready to utilize it. This object was meant to enhance elixir power. What he lacked now was not elixir power but the ability to transform it into Divine Skills. This object would only be of use when his Elixir Evil cultivation had reached its peak and could no longer progress further.
After a complete cycle of refinement, he absorbed all the True Sand’s Essence Qi and then entered meditation to comprehend its mysteries.
Meanwhile, on Pan Chi Island, a small flying sword entered the island’s palace and was caught by Feng Zhen. Taking it in hand and opening the message, he sneered coldly, "Hmph, so that’s why Zhang Yan vanished after entering the Mountain Gate recently—he went to the Small Cold Realm."
Acting under his master’s orders, Feng Zhen knew he would confront Zhang Yan in three years to seek justice for Tu Xuan and Wan Zhang. Thus, he had no choice but to figure out ways to learn about Zhang Yan’s background.
Although he harbored animosity toward Zhang Yan, the latter was, after all, a First-class Elixir Formation cultivator, likely possessing many abilities he did not yet comprehend. Thus, he had always monitored Zhang Yan’s every move discreetly.
Sitting opposite Feng Zhen was Mo Daoist, who had previously spectated the duel at Luanming Rock. Upon hearing this, he frowned and said, "The Small Cold Realm—what business does Zhang Yan have in that place?"
Feng Zhen speculated and said, "Perhaps to seek the insights and realizations left behind by those predecessors. While Zhou Chongju’s cultivation is remarkable, he is ultimately not originally from our sect, so his help in cultivation would be limited for Zhang Yan."
The two exchanged looks, seemingly discerning Zhang Yan’s intent for the journey. Yet, they held no trace of underestimation in their hearts. Especially Feng Zhen, whose unease instead deepened.
This action alone indicated that the direct discipleship had bestowed upon Zhang Yan certain cultivation techniques, prompting him to search for predecessor insights. However, exactly which of the Three Skills and Five Classics he had been practicing remained an enigma to outsiders.
Mo Daoist, distracted, remarked indifferently, "Worry not, junior brother. Three years—what could he possibly master within such a short span?"
Feng Zhen’s expression grew darker. Compared to Mo Daoist, he was far more familiar with Zhang Yan and understood that the man could neither be underestimated nor judged by conventional logic. Furthermore, Zhang Yan was a First-class Elixir Formation cultivator, with the strength to match Nine Whales. Sharing the same First Realm of Hua Dan, Feng Zhen felt truly uncertain about achieving victory in three years’ time.
In a fit of frustration, he slammed the table and gritted his teeth, saying, "Zhang Yan is cunning and deceptive. I must uncover which cultivation technique he practices. Without such knowledge, facing him unprepared during the sect’s grand competition will surely leave me at his mercy!"
...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)