The sword ball is no ordinary Dharma Treasure or Magic Artifact; it requires a Nascent Soul cultivator to painstakingly refine it over decades. Even a great sect like the Mingcang Sect cannot casually produce such a treasure.

The sword ball in Zhang Yan's possession took the Nascent Soul True Master who crafted it thirty years to refine, underscoring the difficulty of producing such an extraordinary item.

After Liu Yan Yi stood up, she let out a soft sigh.

Zhang Yan asked in surprise, "Disciple, could it be that you're displeased?"

Liu Yan Yi shook her head and said, "Master bestowed the sword ball upon me, and this disciple is naturally delighted. Yet, I cannot help but think that while I now hold this treasure, Junior Brother Tian and Uncle Master Luo still lack fitting Dharma Treasures."

Zhang Yan gazed at her earnestly for a moment and, with a nod of approval, said, "Yan Yi, you have not forgotten the bonds among sect members, and as your teacher, I am greatly pleased. You need not worry; I have already made arrangements. Go and summon your Junior Brother, Uncle Master Luo, as well as Nephews Shang Shang and Han Yue."

Upon hearing this, Qiu Hanyue realized Zhang Yan must have planned well in advance. She happily accepted the task and left, returning not long after with the others, leading them into the hall.

With a sweeping glance, Zhang Yan could discern each person's cultivation level precisely.

Luo Xiao had surpassed the Xuan Guang Third Realm and was currently undergoing the process of refining Yang Fire while cultivating apertures—though he did not know the exact stage.

Shang Shang, having benefited from the assistance of the Zhao You Heavenly Pond and diligent cultivation over the past two decades, had reached the Ming Qi First Realm. Considering her demon body as a cultivator, her progress was remarkably swift.

Qiu Hanyue, though not Zhang Yan's disciple, possessed commendable aptitude and was now also in the Xuan Guang First Realm, just like Liu Yan Yi.

After surveying the group, Zhang Yan spoke, "In my recent search for spiritual herbs, I acquired abundant Dharma Treasures. These treasures are of no use to me, so choose what you wish for yourselves."

With a shout, he swept his sleeve, causing a dazzling array of Dharma Treasures to fly forth all at once.

Binding Phoenix Vine, Xuanji Yin Mang Flying Needle, Escape Tunneling Flag, Thunder Splitting Seal, Mo Tie Ruler, Protective Spirit Mushroom, Red Copper Sand, Harmony Carrying Cover, Fate Determining Jade, Golden Magnetic Copper Mirror, Cloud Flipping Bowl, Xuanluo Daoist Robe, among others, floated amidst radiant splendor. The hall was awash with multi-colored light, treasure radiance soaring to the heavens, and spiritual energy surging—a mesmerizing spectacle that dazzled everyone's eyes and left them spellbound.

For others, to bestow even a single Dharma Treasure upon disciples is exceedingly rare, but Zhang Yan's generosity allowed them to choose freely, showcasing his unfathomable wealth. Still, some treasures were sourced from peculiar origins, and he dared not expose them, fearing their backgrounds might be recognized.

Seeing no one make a move, Zhang Yan smiled faintly and directly pointed at Liu Yan Yi, saying, "Yan Yi, you are my senior disciple; you may choose first."

Liu Yan Yi, possessing profound roots and spiritual sensitivity, quickly composed herself. Seeing so many treasures before her, she knew better than to be overly reserved.

Having originally desired a protective Dharma Treasure, her gaze settled on the Protective Spirit Mushroom. With deliberate steps, she approached and lifted it with a single motion.

The traces of essence blood within these treasures had already been removed by Zhang Yan. Liu Yan Yi gave it a quick refinement, performing a spell gesture with precision, causing the Lingzhi to vanish without a trace.

Luo Xiao glanced over the selections and took a liking to the Binding Phoenix Vine. Pointing with a delicate gesture, she said, playfully, "Master, this servant chooses this one."

Laughing wholeheartedly, Zhang Yan said, "If Luo Daoist fancies it, then take it."

"Many thanks, Master," Luo Xiao chuckled charmingly, stepping forward to claim the Binding Phoenix Vine with a flick of her hand.

Shang Shang, being acutely aware of her low cultivation level and role as a mere servant tending the gates and the mansion, felt no need for high-grade treasures. Modestly, she thought, "Since Master has always treated me generously, it would be improper for me to act presumptuously."

Her gaze roved briefly before she spotted an unobtrusive item among the treasures—a string of coral beads fashioned like a bracelet. Although it appeared ordinary, being a gift from the Qingyu Sect's Demon King, Shang Shang stepped forward and chose the item, retreating cautiously afterward.

Despite his youth, Tian Kun showed remarkable decisiveness. He immediately went straight for the Harmony Carrying Cover and returned with a satisfied expression, never casting a second glance at other treasures.

Zhang Yan nodded approvingly, as this treasure was originally gifted to him by Gui Congyao. Its return to Tian Kun now seemed fitting.

Turning his focus to Qiu Hanyue, Zhang Yan said with a faint smile, "Nephew Qiu, since you are here today, you may also select one Dharma Treasure."

Qiu Hanyue's eyes lit up brightly. "Really?"

She had admired the dazzling array of treasures with envy, but never imagined she would have the chance to claim one for herself. Overcome with excitement, her exuberant youthful spirit took hold as she darted forward, examining item after item.

After scrutinizing them with wide-eyed enthusiasm, she finally made her decision, selecting the Xuanji Yin Mang Flying Needle. Holding it close to her chest, she glanced nervously around, as if guarding against someone snatching it from her.

Seeing her antics, Zhang Yan chuckled softly and remarked, "Years ago, I slew Taihao Sect's disciple Zeng Han in the outer sea. This set of flying needles was among his possessions—twenty-eight in total. However, this treasure requires mastery of needle technique to wield effectively. Nephew Qiu, you must not regret your choice."

Qiu Hanyue crinkled her nose and pouted, saying, "Hmph! Uncle Master, you underestimate me too much. Our Mingcang Sect also has Daoist techniques related to needle arts. When I return, I'll ask my master to reforge these flying needles, making them less eerie and sinister!"

Zhang Yan smiled without further comment.

His intentions in gifting a treasure to this young woman were less about the gift itself and more about strengthening ties with Fan Changqing. As for how she managed the flying needles, he cared little. Seeing everyone had made their selections, he swept his sleeve again, gathering the remaining treasures and storing them away. Turning to Liu Yan Yi, he said, "Yan Yi, in three years, the sect will hold its Grand Competition. For the next period, you must not leave. I will take this time to guide you personally, and you must not neglect your training."

The Mingcang Sect's Grand Competition, held once every twenty-four years, was an eminent event Zhang Yan had missed the last time while searching for spiritual herbs. Over two decades had since passed, and now only three years remained before the next competition.

Having grown vigilant from years of navigating sect politics, Liu Yan Yi was constantly wary of potential schemes targeting her. However, she now felt a weight lifted, knowing her master would oversee her development. Spurred by Zhang Yan's words, her heart tightened with determination. She reminded herself that the path of cultivation is like rowing upstream; one must not slow down or regress. Resolving to temper her pride and focus wholeheartedly on training, she gripped her sword tightly and said solemnly, "Yan Yi dares not be complacent."

Qiu Hanyue, still elated with her newfound treasure, was happily fiddling with the flying needles. However, upon hearing the words "Grand Competition," something seemed to flash across her mind. She blinked several times and said, "I heard that Uncle Master will duel Tu Xuan the day after tomorrow—at Luanming Rock, no less?"

Zhang Yan chuckled and said, "Nephew Hanyue, you've certainly heard quickly."

Qiu Hanyue gasped, stomped her foot in frustration, and exclaimed, "These noble family disciples are always up to no good! That Luanming Rock is known for being treacherous. Who knows what underhanded tricks they might pull? This won't do—I must inform my master!"

With that, she hastily activated her tunneling light, transforming into a streak of rainbow-like radiance as she flew out of the cave mansion.

...

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