After speaking, he flashed a kind smile at Zhang Yan, then took his entourage and flew away.

Hearing these words, Zhang Yan immediately understood. Though unintentionally offending Ge Shuo back then, he had also sown a good karmic bond.

After parting with Zhang Yan, Vice Master Pan flew swiftly back to the Zhengqing Institute, his gaze flickering with thoughts all along the way.

The reason he chose not to clash with Zhang Yan today wasn't simply because Zhang Yan had once assisted Ge Shuo. It was because he noticed that Zhang Yan had now become a Hua Dan Cultivator and a True Disciple. If a struggle broke out, he wasn't confident he could prevail.

Moreover, Wen An was Fang Hong's disciple, and Vice Master Pan had never gotten along with Fang Hong. Why should he stick his neck out for Fang Hong?

Besides, Vice Master Pan still recalled how Zhang Yan had once severed the arm of a disciple under Zhuang Bufan and tossed it before the gates of the Zhengqing Institute. That bold and reckless act, which seemed to court disaster, had not only resulted in no repercussions but nearly cost Zhuang Bufan his position as Deputy Director of Zhengqing Institute. Clearly, Zhang Yan's moves were carefully calculated. That event alone had made Vice Master Pan take Zhang Yan seriously.

Now, with Zhang Yan having decisively killed Wen An today, it was preposterous to think it was a mere moment of impulsiveness. Vice Master Pan was certain Zhang Yan had long prepared a trap for someone to step into, and he was most definitely not about to wade into such murky waters.

For the past twenty years, he had been bitterly suppressed by Zhuang Bufan, unable to make any moves. Much of his power had been stripped away. Now that Zhang Yan had returned, he sensed an entertaining storm brewing. The peace that had lingered since the eradication of the Three Pools faction would once again be disrupted. Thinking of this, he couldn't help but feel a gloating satisfaction and mused to himself, "What does any of this have to do with me? Let Zhuang Bufan and Fang Hong worry about it instead, haha…"

After watching Vice Master Pan's departure, Zhang Yan turned to Liu Yan Yi with a smile: "My disciple, during my journey, I've taken on a new student. From now on, you shall be the senior sister. Earlier, when I encountered unexpected danger, I left him behind to get here swiftly. His cultivation level is still low and he can't fly yet. You'll need to fetch him."

Liu Yan Yi said earnestly, "Master, it is a disciple's duty to shoulder such errands. How could I trouble you with such a trivial matter? I will go and fetch my junior brother."

Qiu Hanyue's eyes sparkled as she stepped forward, tugging at Liu Yan Yi's sleeve. She said, "Sister, I'll go with you."

The two exchanged a smile and took off together in a streak of light.

Watching the two depart, Zhang Yan nodded silently to himself. Having a smart, insightful, and considerate disciple was truly a blessing. There was no need for him to say much; they naturally knew what to do.

Servants like Zhang Pan could be simple-minded and dull; it mattered little as long as they completed their tasks. But for personal disciples, one must select those with both talent and spiritual nature.

As his status and cultivation level continued to rise, many matters would no longer require his direct involvement. Just a word of instruction, and there would be disciples to handle it.

Take the top ten disciples of the Mingcang Sect, for instance—they wouldn't spend their days fighting on the front lines. By their level, most of their time would be devoted solely to cultivation, leaving laborious tasks to others. If there weren't such benefits, why would anyone go to such lengths to vie for those positions?

Not long after, Liu Yan Yi and Qiu Hanyue returned, bringing Tian Kun with them. Tian Kun, now calling her "senior sister" with heartfelt warmth in every sentence, caused Zhang Yan to smile lightly and say, "Whatever you siblings have to say, save it for when we return to the cave mansion." He glanced at Qiu Hanyue and continued, "Nephew Qiu, you might as well come with us."

Qiu Hanyue had long wanted to see what the Zhao You Heavenly Pond looked like. Previously, Liu Yan Yi had promised to bring her there, but now that Zhang Yan had returned, the decision was no longer hers to make. As she wondered how to come up with an excuse to follow, hearing Zhang Yan's personal invitation filled her heart with joy. She cheerfully replied, "Yes, Junior Master."

Zhang Yan let out a hearty laugh and waved his sleeve. The group felt a light breeze lift them as they headed straight toward the Zhao You Heavenly Pond.

They hadn't traveled far when their gaze fell upon a battle in the clouds. Among those tangled in the fray was a figure of striking beauty—Luo Xiao, surrounded and besieged by three opponents, while two others pointed and gestured from afar.

One of them bellowed, "Kill this demoness, and we'll earn another credit!"

The five had originally been sent by Wan Zhang to block the path to the Zhao You Heavenly Pond. When Luo Xiao, after receiving Liu Yan Yi's token, rushed out to assist, she was stopped by them. Realizing she was a Demon Cultivator, they immediately decided to kill her for personal gain.

Zhang Yan's eyes gleamed as he took a single step forward. In a flash, he appeared before them. The three encircling Luo Xiao hadn't even had time to react before a faint shimmer of azure light glinted at Zhang Yan's shoulder. Instantly, the three vanished without a sound.

Seeing the sudden flash of light and the disappearance of her foes, Luo Xiao was momentarily stunned. Quickly looking up, she exclaimed joyfully, "My lord!"

Standing in the clouds with his hands clasped behind his back, Zhang Yan smiled faintly and said, "Luo Daoist, I trust you've been well?"

Luo Xiao's enchanting eyes shimmered. She gazed at Zhang Yan intently before covering her delicate lips with a hand, her eyes brimming with delight.

Now a Xuan Guang Third Realm Cultivator, she had almost reached the Refining Aperture stage. Bound by her blood oath to Zhang Yan, she could naturally perceive Zhang Yan's current cultivation level.

Two others, standing to the side, were thrown into uncertainty. Witnessing their companions vanish in an instant and seeing Zhang Yan conversing so nonchalantly with Luo Xiao, their nerves frayed. A green-robed cultivator with narrow eyes mustered his courage and asked, "Your Excellency, who might you be? Why did you seize our comrades without cause?"

Zhang Yan's gaze shifted, scanning the two with indifference. He replied flatly, "I am Zhang Yan. Inform your three companions' masters to come find me personally. If they don't show within three days, they need not bother at all."

Hearing him introduce himself as Zhang Yan, the two couldn't help but suck in a cold breath. The narrow-eyed cultivator bowed cautiously and said, "So it's Junior Master Zhang. We will certainly convey your words to their masters without omission."

Finishing his words, the pair dared not linger a moment longer, leaving hurriedly and visibly unsettled.

Qiu Hanyue's eyes sparkled brightly. Zhang Yan's triumph over the Six Rivers and Four Islands still inspired awe. Now, upon his return, even the slightest display of his prowess was enough to send others fleeing in fear—a sight she found utterly magnificent.

Luo Xiao's eyes twinkled playfully as she stepped up, taking Liu Yan Yi's hand. With a sweet smile, she asked, "Yan Yi, are you hurt? Let me take a good look at you."

Softly, Liu Yan Yi replied, "Aunt Luo, I feel ashamed. It was only thanks to Master's intervention that I escaped the danger."

Qiu Hanyue curiously studied Luo Xiao. From her own observations, Luo Xiao was clearly of the Demon Race. She assumed Luo Xiao was merely one of Zhang Yan's concubines left in his cave mansion.

Luo Xiao's charming eyes swept over her and exclaimed, "Such a lovely young girl! Let me guess, you must be the Hanyue Yan Yi often mentions, no? So radiant and tender—I feel fondness for you just at first glance."

Qiu Hanyue's innocent nature was no match for Luo Xiao's seasoned charm. A few sweet phrases left her grinning ear to ear, thinking this elder sister was truly wonderful.

Watching their lively chatter, Zhang Yan couldn't help but shake his head with a smile. With a wave of his sleeve, he led the group onward to the Zhao You Heavenly Pond.

…

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