Chapter 46

After a few days, Zhang Yan arrived at Chixia Island. After touring the surroundings, he couldn't help but marvel at how, in comparison, his own blessed land indeed looked extremely ominous.

This island, not only had a gentle and abundant earth vein, making it a rare true palace of qi, but the scenery alone was a marvel. Waterfalls and streams were countless, and a massive red rock lay across the center of the island, capable of gathering light and reflecting it, making all the waterfalls look like flowing lava.

Moreover, whenever the sky was filled with rosy clouds, from a distance, the sky, water, and rosy clouds would blend into one, like a sky on fire, leaving people in awe.

Furthermore, this island, which had been operated by the Wang family for a hundred years, had white and beautiful jade paths everywhere, with pavilions and terraces scattered throughout. They even went to great lengths to create a floating island that showcased their status, planted with exotic flowers and rare grasses, which were breathtaking to look at.

According to the island's laborers, no one could擅自登岛without Wang Pan's approval, and it was said that before he fought Zhang Yan, he had stayed there for one night.

Hearing this, Zhang Yan became interested and specially went up to take a look.

It turned out that this place was not only a residence but also a place where many rare herbs were grown using the island's geothermal energy. No wonder the Wang family wanted to redeem it; these things could not be easily given up. However, he didn't mind. Although the herbs were good, they had not yet matured, and taking them would be of no benefit. It would be better to exchange them for something more practical.

At the center of the floating island was a meticulously constructed three-story pavilion, surrounded by lush green bamboo, showing that it was frequently maintained. The jade steps were cleaned spotlessly, free of any dust.

After entering the pavilion, he casually flipped through the items. The first floor was filled with gold and jade decorations, which had no spiritual energy and thus did not interest him. He went directly to the second floor, where a star map with mysterious inscriptions hung, and there was a cushion in the middle, likely a place for occasional meditation.

After a few glances, he found nothing of value. It wasn't until he toured the third-floor study that he made a significant discovery. Besides various geographical notes, there were many books that he found highly valuable, such as secret texts on erosion patterns and ancient cultivators' handwritten notes. Of course, the most valuable was the scroll of "Chixia Danhuo," which Wang Pan used for cultivation.

After flipping through a few pages, Zhang Yan tucked the scroll into his sleeve and thought to himself, "A stone from another mountain can polish jade. Wang Pan's cultivation method has its merits and is particularly suitable for cultivation in a place with strong golden wind and fierce fire. I might as well take it back and study it carefully. Even if I don't fully understand its mysteries, it will be useful if I encounter a similar opponent in the future."

He then thoroughly searched the island, ordering the laborers to use flying boats to move the elixirs, books, magical treasures, and divine sand back to Lingye Island.

However, to please Zhang Yan, the laborers also transported the decorations, furniture, paintings, and jade objects. The island had nine flying boats under Wang Pan's name, but it took a whole day to move everything.

In the end, the Chixia Island that Zhang Yan returned to the Wang family was just a shell, with all valuable items removed. However, the Wang family had no grounds to complain because he was acting according to the rules. Anything on Chixia Island now belonged to him, and even if he dismantled the buildings, there would be no fault to find.

After delivering all the items Zhang Yan needed, Wang Mao hurriedly returned to Chixia Island. Seeing that the garden on the floating island was still intact and undamaged, he wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, sighed in relief, and thought that Zhang Yan indeed didn't go too far.

Zhang Yan's gains were substantial. Tang Yan and her group had already been taken away by Wang Mao. In a good mood, he arranged for the laborers to live in their former residence, lifted the island's restrictions, and went into seclusion in his cave.

Panchi Island.

In a thatched cottage, a middle-aged cultivator lay on a bed, fanning his exposed belly, and asked indifferently, "What is Zhang Yan's background?"

This person was Feng Shang, Feng Zhen's great-uncle. No one knew his cultivation level. He was often playful and unpredictable, and no one wanted to interact with him. However, Feng Zhen knew that this elder was not simple and, being from a minor branch, had no one to rely on in the clan, so he often sought advice from him.

Feng Zhen had already investigated Zhang Yan's background over the past few days and quickly recounted it.

Feng Shang, stroking his sparse beard, said, "In the past, our noble families had an agreement with the master-disciple lineage: only disciples who entered the lower academy could directly inherit the true transmission position. Those from our noble families had to first enter the lower academy and be polished for sixteen years before they could inherit the position. Zhang Yan, though of average talent, managed to stand out in the lower academy and then advance to the upper academy. This person is not simple."

Historically, entering the upper academy from the lower academy was the proper path. Other disciples entered through recommendations, which put them at a lower status compared to true transmission disciples. Even if they had high cultivation, they could not inherit the positions of elder or sect leader unless they were overwhelmingly powerful. This is why Wang Pan was so eager to become a true transmission disciple.

Feng Zhen sighed, "I am worried about this. The more extraordinary Zhang Yan is, the more uneasy I feel."

Feng Shang laughed, "Why be so troubled? You are already at the Xuan Guang realm. Why fear a cultivator who hasn't even reached the Ming Qi realm? I don't understand, I don't understand!"

Feng Zhen's expression was somewhat awkward, "I am not worried for myself, but for my younger sister."

Feng Shang was taken aback, "What's wrong with Yaoyao?"

"After returning from Lingye Island, I noticed her behavior was different. After several attempts to probe, she finally confessed that she has feelings for Zhang Yan and wants to become his dao companion." Feng Zhen sighed, "The trouble is that Father once said she could choose her own dao companion. If she insists, I have no way to stop her."

Actually, this was just one reason. Another was Feng Yaoyao's background. Although she was from the Feng family, she was a disciple of Qin Zhen from Linglang Cave Heaven. Qin Zhen was the daughter of the previous sect leader and held a high status in the sect. She was not only highly cultivated but also had extensive connections in Donghua Continent. No one from the master-disciple lineage or the noble families dared to offend her. The Wang family had invested a lot to get her to mediate, but Zhang Yan killed Wang Pan, disrupting their plans.

Feng Shang burst into laughter, shaking his head, "As you say, Zhang Yan is handsome and has exceptional intelligence and wisdom. He only lacks a status. If I were a woman, I would also choose him. Yaoyao has good taste, good taste!"

Feng Zhen was at a loss, "Great-uncle, I am discussing serious matters with you. Why make jokes?"

Feng Shang chuckled, "You don't understand. I have lived for three hundred years and achieved nothing, but I can be proud of my 'uprightness.'"

Feng Zhen was helpless. He knew that his great-uncle was sometimes extremely shrewd but often spoke nonsense, often embarrassing the elders in the sect. In his youth, he even caused trouble, which was why the Feng family treated him so poorly.

Feng Shang stretched lazily and said, "You don't need to be anxious. I think this matter is easy to solve."

"Really?" Feng Zhen's eyes lit up, and he quickly stood up, bowing, "Please, Great-uncle, give me your advice."

Feng Shang "hmm"ed, "I heard that Zhang Yan hasn't found a master yet?"

"Yes."

Feng Shang slapped his knee with his fan, "Then find him a master."

Feng Zhen was taken aback. What kind of idea was this? But he knew Feng Shang wouldn't suggest something without a reason, so he cautiously asked, "Who do you think is suitable, Great-uncle?"

Feng Shang dipped his finger in some water and wrote three characters on the table, "This person."

Feng Zhen leaned in and read, puzzled, "Zhou Chongju?"

Feng Shang squinted, "You've been on the island for too long, isolated from the outside world."

Feng Zhen blushed, "I am ashamed."

"No need to blame yourself. I wouldn't blame you. You are not from a small family, always worrying about being outmaneuvered. As a disciple of the Feng family, you should focus on cultivation without distractions. Only by being dedicated can you achieve the Dao." Feng Shang sat up and pointed to the name on the table, "Zhou Chongju is currently the head of the Dan Ding Academy. He once owed me a favor, and I have never asked him for anything. If I ask him to take Zhang Yan as a disciple, he will not refuse."

Feng Zhen was confused, "Even if he takes Zhang Yan as a disciple, it won't stop my sister's thoughts."

"Who said that?" Feng Shang glared at him, "Once he takes Zhang Yan as a disciple, no one in the sect will question it, and Yaoyao will definitely not be able to become his dao companion."

"Why?" Feng Zhen's eyes were full of surprise.

Feng Shang smiled mysteriously, "Since we're talking about it, I'll explain. Zhou Chongju and Qin Zhen from Linglang Cave Heaven were once a couple, but they later had a falling out. If he takes Zhang Yan as a disciple, Qin Zhen will definitely prevent Yaoyao from becoming his dao companion."

Feng Zhen thought about it and nodded, thinking it was a feasible plan. He then said resentfully, "According to what you said, Zhou Chongju has a significant background, which will benefit Zhang Yan."

Feng Shang chuckled, "Do you think I didn't consider this? I'll tell you, Zhou Chongju's cultivation is not high, but his alchemy skills are exceptional. He has always wanted a successor, but he is very selective. Once he takes a disciple, he never allows them to change their path. Do you understand?"

Feng Zhen was taken aback and then suddenly understood, "So, you want to force Zhang Yan to focus on alchemy, which will delay his main cultivation?"

"Exactly!" Feng Shang smiled proudly, "Alchemy is not easy. First, he must practice the tongue technique for ten years, then the