Before the Mystic Water Zhen Palace, bamboo swept into the heavens, pine and cypress reached toward the sun. The gentle and forceful breeze came and went, while myriad beams of light flowed in the azure sky, wrapping in colorful arcs, illuminating the rippling water with a radiance likened to mist and rainbow. From the cold surface, a fountain surged ever upward, tracing its flow toward the heavens, like a jade dragon spewing water, dispersing auspicious light. Yet, it rose no higher than three feet, where clusters of auspicious clouds gathered, nestled at the water's edge.

Qi Yuntian sat cross-legged atop this scenery, adorned with the Pure Yang Cloth and Feather Robe, whose hems danced freely in the wind. One of his hands pressed gently into the void, and with its subtle movement, the lake beneath him pulsed as if breathing—rising and falling, surging and ebbing.

Fan Changqing stood at a respectful distance, his hands lowered, not daring to disturb him.

After some time had passed, Qi Yuntian withdrew his hand and dissolved the spell, smoothing the water's undulating momentum. Only then did he turn, smiling as he spoke, "Junior Brother Fan, how goes this journey?"

Compared to twenty years ago, his demeanor was now even more composed and weighty. When his gaze swept over, it carried the majesty of mountains shifting in unison, surveying all beings. Though Fan Changqing saw him often, he still found his breath catch momentarily under this presence and quickly bowed, saying, "It is as Senior Brother anticipated—Junior Brother Zhang has indeed succeeded in refining elixirs, attaining the Golden Core."

Qi Yuntian gave a slight nod, his eyes flashing with a profound light, as he asked, "And did you discern the grade of Junior Brother Zhang's elixir formation?"

Fan Changqing cautiously replied, "In my assessment, Junior Brother Zhang seems to have achieved beyond Sixth Grade Elixir Formation. At best, his elixir would not exceed Fourth Grade—however..."

Qi Yuntian queried with an amused smile, "However what?"

Fan Changqing's round face showed a faint grin as he said, "Junior Brother Zhang often acts unpredictably and defies reason, which means what I have seen may not necessarily reflect the truth."

At this, Qi Yuntian adopted an expression of deep contemplation. Fan Changqing, noticing his senior brother's demeanor, added cautiously, "Senior Brother, I humbly believe that someone like Junior Brother Zhang, who shares similarities with Brother Ning in ambition and aspirations, also knows how to conceal his sharpness and move thoughtfully. Thus, he is one whom we can enable but not control."

Qi Yuntian laughed heartily, shook his sleeve, and remarked, "Junior Brother Fan has spoken wisely. Junior Brother Zhang certainly harbors his own thoughts and concerns. Since he embodies bold aspirations, why should we restrain him? I too am curious to see how far he can journey."

Fan Changqing let out a breath of relief. Over the years, he had maneuvered within the sect for Qi Yuntian, winning hearts and recruiting talents. With his discerning eye, he could tell that Zhang Yan was extraordinary and not to be underestimated. He had feared Qi Yuntian might attempt to keep Zhang Yan close as a pawn, which could harm both parties. Yet, seeing Qi Yuntian's magnanimity now, Fan Changqing recognized the Senior Disciple's exceptional breadth of character, adept at yielding and asserting without narrow-mindedness.

After a moment's hesitation, he said, "When coming here, I overheard some chatter from the noble families—they seem intent on holding an Elixir Tasting Conference…"

Qi Yuntian merely savored the implication, already comprehending the underlying machination, and responded with dismissive indifference, "The power lies with us. So even if it stirs some ripples, what can it truly change? Pay it no mind; let them proceed."

Fan Changqing nodded in agreement and refrained from further elaboration.

In mere days, news spread throughout the sect that the Twelve Great Families, spearheaded by the Zheng Clan, sought to restart the Elixir Tasting Ceremony. The disciples buzzed with excitement and incessant discussion, yet the lineage of masters and disciples remained conspicuously silent. No one stood to oppose it; they seemed content to permit it.

Thus, the preparations for the ceremony went smoothly, and within half a month, the date was set.

At this moment, an invitation to the Elixir Tasting Ceremony was delivered to Zhang Yan. Upon reading the message, his eyes flickered briefly. As a True Disciple, how could he possibly avoid attending such an event? The noble families explicitly extended this invitation as a public gesture, leaving him with no room to retreat. If he refused to attend, his reputation would plummet, and his prestige would be shattered.

He chuckled to himself, tossed the letter aside, and let out a wry smile.

Just then, a ripple stirred within the Little Pot Mirror beside him, followed by a voice, "Master, two elders from Shangming Hall are visiting at the gate."

Zhang Yan glanced at the mirror, where he saw two elderly Daoists with white hair and beards, exuding an air of immortality. Recognizing them as acquaintances, he pondered momentarily before saying, "Invite them in."

He rose gracefully, took a step forward, and crossed from the twelfth tier of palaces directly into the grand hall of the first tier, where he sat cross-legged atop the jade couch.

Before long, Shang Shang led the two elders into the hall. Zhang Yan remained seated, smiled, and respectfully greeted, "Ah, so it is Elder Hu and Elder Huo. Instead of retreating to Shangming Institute for quiet cultivation, you grace my humble dwelling today. What brings you here?"

These two Daoists, Hu Zhi Li and Huo Zhiqi, had once attempted to pressure Zhang Yan on Bamboo Island, only to be humiliated by him, losing their beards to his sword before fleeing in disgrace. Their visit today naturally carried no warm sentiment.

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