Back in the Demon Cave, Feng Ming believed that without Zhang Yan sacrificing himself to cover the retreat, he would have had no chance of escaping alive. This matter has always been etched in his heart, and he feels genuinely grateful to Zhang Yan, always wanting to find an opportunity to repay him. Moreover, as a disciple of the same lineage, he naturally stood out to support Zhang Yan without any hesitation.

After bidding farewell to him, Zhang Yan moved forward. At this moment, a loud laugh sounded, and a round-faced, big-bellied Daoist walked out, accompanied by a colorful young maiden. He said loudly, "Junior Brother Zhang, I have come to spectate upon the orders of Senior Brother. Rest assured in your duel; if anyone tries to meddle, I will certainly uphold justice for you."

Someone immediately recognized this person as Fan Changqing, a highly respected member among the third generation disciples. Thus, the "Senior Brother" mentioned must naturally be the third generation Senior Disciple, Qi Yuntian. Everyone was astonished and couldn't help but glance at Zhang Yan, even some noble family disciples who were not in the know were extremely surprised, once again reassessing his standing within the lineage.

However, Zhang Yan found Fan Changqing's words quite strange. With him and Tu Xuan dueling under the watchful eyes of everyone present, who would dare blatantly engage in foul play?

His gaze shifted, landing on Qiu Hanyue beside Fan Changqing. The woman smiled at him in a way that seemed she was claiming credit, noticing Fan Changqing's slight twitch at the corner of his mouth. He immediately understood, finding it amusing, and bowed his hands, saying, "In that case, thank you very much, Senior Brother Fan, and please pass my thanks to Brother Qi."

Fan Changqing waved repeatedly, laughing loudly, "No need for such formality between us brothers. Junior Brother, you're being too polite, too polite."

Zhang Yan smiled slightly, bowed his hands again, and left.

Fan Changqing let out a sigh of relief, glanced at Qiu Hanyue, and said with a wry smile, "Apprentice, are you satisfied now? What kind of astute person is your Junior Master Zhang? If he wasn't confident, why would he easily agree to this battle? You're worrying needlessly."

Qiu Hanyue was his reincarnated daughter's body engaging in cultivation, and her aptitude was indeed excellent. He usually doted on her, reluctant to impose strict discipline, unexpectedly leaving Qiu Hanyue without understanding boundaries.

Qiu Hanyue grabbed Fan Changqing's sleeve with a giggle, acting coquettishly, "Apprentice knows, Master treats Han Yue the best."

Fan Changqing looked at Liu Yan Yi standing properly behind Zhang Yan without daring to show any presumption and couldn't help but show a hint of envy. He coughed, trying to display a stern teacher's demeanor, but was tugged around by Qiu Hanyue, making it impossible for him to maintain his composure.

Zhang Yan moved forward again, when a colorful boat suddenly crossed in front. A bamboo curtain lifted, revealing a charming maiden. Her eyes were clear, and her skin like jade, she smiled slightly at Zhang Yan and said, "Brother Zhang, do you remember your little sister?"

Zhang Yan's eyes lit up. He looked up and down at her and nodded with a smile, "Junior Sister Qin, your cultivation has grown increasingly profound."

Qin Nan looked at Zhang Yan carefully, her eyelashes slightly fluttered, and she whispered, "Still not as good as Brother."

Someone among the onlookers who didn't recognize Qin Nan couldn't help but ask, "Who is she?"

Someone showed disdain and said, "You don't even know this Senior Sister? She is Master Peng's direct disciple, Senior Sister Qin Nan."

Feng Zhen, watching from a distance, took a deep breath. All the people greeting Zhang Yan along the way may have different origins, but each one represented a considerable power.

He initially thought Zhang Yan had no real foundation within the sect and was merely relying on Master Sun's favor and Zhou Chongju's care. However, he didn't expect Zhang Yan to have such extensive connections within the sect, with a much firmer foundation than he had imagined. Thinking of this, he suddenly felt a bit short of breath.

After exchanging a few pleasantries with Zhang Yan, Qin Nan waved to Liu Yan Yi, "Yanyi, come to Uncle here."

Liu Yan Yi glanced at Zhang Yan, who nodded at her. She then stepped forward to pay respects, saying, "Uncle Qin."

Qin Nan pulled her over and chuckled, "I already told you, we're like sisters; no need for these formalities."

They were close in age and often had good conversations; although they referred to each other as aunt and niece, in reality, they were like close girlfriends. The two stood hand in hand on the colorful boat, resembling spring orchids and autumn chrysanthemums, each possessing an ethereal elegance, drawing countless eyes.

After parting with Qin Nan, Zhang Yan stood in front of Tu Xuan, bowing courteously, "Brother Tu, thank you for waiting patiently!"

Tu Xuan's face darkened; Zhang Yan had covered a few miles on a cloud, yet it took him as long as burning an incense stick to arrive. Tu Xuan had already grown impatient and, without much courtesy, bluntly said, "Zhang Yan, I know your flying sword is exceptional, so I'll take advantage and strike first!"

Without waiting for Zhang Yan's response, he shouted loudly, and as his body trembled, a cloud of fiery light burst forth from his crown.

...

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