Within the array, a massive and ferocious demon crocodile was being suppressed. Its malevolent eyes flashed ceaselessly, and it kept thrashing its tail and lifting its head as if attempting to break free from the array's restraints. With each violent movement, the disciples trembled uncontrollably.

Among them was a young maiden wearing a violet blouse and skirt, her face round and bright like a full moon. Anxiety filled her heart as she noticed signs that the others were barely holding on. She immediately spoke out to encourage them, "Fellow junior brothers and sisters, hold on for just a moment longer. I have already sent signal smoke; reinforcements from the sect will arrive soon to assist us."

The group seemed slightly reinvigorated, desperately channeling the Essence within their bodies to suppress the demon crocodile again.

A young boy, gasping heavily for breath, said, "Senior Sister Mo, I can't endure much longer!"

The violet-clad maiden clenched her teeth and tossed out an elixir pill, saying, "Junior brother, quickly take this Great Origin Pill!"

She then raised her voice again, "This demon's cultivation is far superior to ours. If it breaks free, the first thing it will do is kill all of us. You must not relax your efforts!"

The demon crocodile grew increasingly agitated. Being so close to the Mingcang Sect's mountain gate and with signal smoke already sent for reinforcements, even a Xuan Guang Practitioner could easily overpower it. Seeing the situation dire, its eyes flickered craftily, and it suddenly spoke, "You juniors truly do not understand reason! This place belongs to the Mingcang Sect. If you let me go, I'll have no time to waste on revenge as I escape for my life. Why would I bother with you? You lot are mere guards—those who captured me weren't you. Even if you return me to the sect, the merit won't be credited to you. Why exhaust your Essence fighting me for nothing?"

Its words caused a moment of hesitation among the disciples.

The senior sister who had initially captured the demon crocodile had sustained severe injuries and returned to the mountain gate, leaving them here to guard it. Perhaps her absence was the reason the array had become unstable and showed signs of breaking, forcing them to intervene.

However, even if they managed to stop the demon crocodile from escaping, they indeed would gain no substantial merit. At most, they'd receive a few Spiritual Shells, which hardly seemed worth the risk of depleting their True Yuan here.

As these thoughts ran through their minds, their resolve weakened. Though they hadn't completely stopped, the array became faintly unstable.

The violet-clad maiden saw this and grew anxious. "Don't listen to the demon's lies…"

Before she could finish, a thunderous explosion erupted as the demon crocodile broke free from the array. Rolling on the ground, it transformed into a tall and muscular Great Han. He stood up and sneered viciously, "You juniors shall die by my hand!"

With the array broken, the disciples staggered backward. One of them, shocked and enraged, shouted, "Don't act so recklessly! If you won't flee for your life and still insist on provoking us, beware—senior brothers from our mountain gate will come for you!"

The Great Han laughed maniacally, "Are you truly naïve or pretending to be? Do you think I would spare you? Precisely because we're so close to the Mingcang Sect's mountain gate and I'm already injured, I can't run far even if I escape. So, the only way to survive is to take you all out! If anyone dares stop me, you'll join me in death!"

The disciples were struck by terror, realizing the demon's cunning plan. Regret overcame them, but it was too late.

The Great Han opened his mouth, plucked out a tooth, spat a mouthful of Essence Blood onto it, and chanted a spell. It transformed into a Mountain-opening Great Saber as it shimmered in the wind. Ignoring the rest, he let out a wild cry, leaped into the air, and swung the saber directly at one of them.

Yet as he ascended, a white, fog-like smoke descended from the heavens. The disciples only heard a deafening "boom" as it suppressed the demon, leaving it lying motionless on the ground when the smoke dissipated.

Above, Zhang Yan coldly smirked, then swept the cloud mist aside before turning into a clear breeze and heading directly back to Zhao You Heavenly Pond.

Suppressing a Xuan Guang Demon with cultivation only at the First Realm was effortless for him and hardly worth his attention. He had no intention of conversing with these disciples.

Seeing him easily defeat the demon, the disciples recognized the smoke's significance. It must have been one of their sect's esteemed Hua Dan elders who happened to pass by and lent aid. They were all greatly relieved.

The violet-clad maiden quickly stepped forward, bowed toward the sky, and called out loudly, "May I ask which elder from our sect has graced us with help? Junior Mo Ying expresses her heartfelt thanks."

Although she inquired, she received no response for a long while. Feeling a bit disheartened, she also understood that such aloofness was common among their elders and did not think much of it.

A clean-featured boy abruptly spoke, "Senior Sister Mo, I think the elder looked somewhat like…"

Mo Ying's eyes lit up. "You clearly saw the elder's appearance?"

Although the boy had only caught a fleeting glimpse, he spoke with great certainty, "That elder might have been Uncle Zhang Yan from Luanming Rock the other day."

At this, everyone became excited.

"Could it really be Uncle Zhang?"

"It must be! The smoke headed toward Zhao You Heavenly Pond!"

"Haha, so it was Uncle Zhang who saved us! When I tell my senior brothers and sisters back at the sect, they'll surely envy me!"

But none noticed that Mo Ying stared silently into the distance, her expression subtly complex.

Using the Little All Heaven Moving Technique, Zhang Yan traversed swiftly. A faint smoky cloud lingered behind him, and before long, he returned to Zhao You Heavenly Pond. As he descended into the main hall, a voice reached his ears, "Is it Master returning? Please wait—I have matters to report."

Turning, he saw Shang Shang lifting her dress hem as she gracefully approached. Zhang Yan smiled lightly, "Daoist Shang, what might be the matter?"

With Luo Xiao away from the mountain gate, all affairs within the residence were managed by Shang Shang. She was careful and meticulous, ensuring everything remained orderly without overstepping boundaries. Now before him, she raised her elegant hands, slightly bowed her head, and offered Zhang Yan an envelope. "Master, a Flying Book arrived just moments ago."

"Oh?"

Zhang Yan accepted the envelope, noting the seals and knew it was a message from Xie Zongyuan. He opened it, scanned the contents, and raised an eyebrow.

The letter revealed that the Zheng Clan had been reaching out to various sect families, intending to organize a True Disciple Elixir Tasting Conference. The scheme would inevitably draw Zhang Yan into it, prompting Xie Zongyuan to suggest he leave the mountain gate for a few days. This way, he could avoid entanglement in the brewing storm and sidestep the political maneuverings.

After reading it, Zhang Yan's face briefly showed thoughtful contemplation before breaking into a faint smile. With a flick of his wrist, the letter disintegrated into ashes.

...

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