Chapter 97

Qi Yuntian flicked his wide sleeves, and without reciting any incantations, the green light that had been holding back the surging water suddenly retracted, transforming into a green branch that disappeared into his sleeve. He then looked at Zhang Yan with a kind expression and said, "According to the reports from my two junior brothers, there were seven others with you. Do you know where they are now?"

Zhang Yan sighed, his face filled with regret, and said, "That day, in order to send Senior Brother Xie and the others out, several senior brothers were lost. Later, after several battles with the Blood Soul Sect disciples, only I remain."

Qi Yuntian nodded slightly, his expression not showing much change. He had expected this result when he entered the cave and saw that only Zhang Yan was there. He asked, "Have the Blood Soul Sect disciples appeared in the past few days?"

Zhang Yan replied, "At first, I could still see them, but in the past few days, they have not been seen. I believe they are wary of the disciples sent by our Mingshang Sect, so they dare not stay long."

In fact, after sending Xie Zongyuan and Feng Ming out of the cave, most of the Blood Soul Sect disciples had already left. Only Li Weide, who was determined to avenge Li Weimin and was confident in his Xuan Guang realm cultivation, continued to pursue Zhang Yan. The few who blocked Zhang Yan that day were the last remaining.

As for the few he had killed, involving his own cultivation techniques, he naturally did not mention them.

Qi Yuntian's eyes flashed with a piercing light, and he said coldly, "The Blood Soul Sect dares to kill our Mingshang Sect disciples without cause. When I return, I will certainly report this to the Sect Master to seek justice for all the junior brothers."

Although his expression was calm, his words carried a powerful aura, making people feel a sense of trust.

Zhang Yan, however, had doubts and asked, "Senior Brother, you must have come to rescue us. But Senior Brothers Xie and Feng left the cave on the 15th of last month, and the sect should have known about it. Could there have been some unexpected event that delayed your arrival?"

Qi Yuntian sighed and shook his head, "It was also the bad luck of those junior brothers. Last month, Real Person Peng from Shouming Palace was at a critical point in his cultivation, about to break through to a new realm. To avoid any disturbances, he ordered the island to be sealed, preventing anyone from entering or leaving. Therefore, even though Senior Brothers Xie and Su had left the cave, they could not come out. It was only a few days ago, when Real Person Peng lifted the seal, that the sect received the news."

"Ah, I see," Zhang Yan nodded, his doubts suddenly cleared.

He remembered that when they first arrived on the island, Real Person Peng had shown signs of breaking through to a new realm. It was unfortunate that they had arrived just then. However, this did not really affect anything. Fang Zhen and the others could have chosen to die, and if they had followed his earlier arrangements and not forced their way out of the cave, they could have relied on the Dragon Tooth Flying Boat to protect themselves.

Qi Yuntian looked at Zhang Yan for a moment, as if thinking of something, and sighed, "When I heard about this, I thought it was too late after so many days. But Junior Brother Ning told me that while others might not escape, you would certainly be safe and might even be able to escape on your own."

When I asked him why, he just smiled and said nothing. So I made a bet with him, and it seems he was right."

Zhang Yan smiled and said, "Senior Brother Qi must have been tricked by Senior Brother Ning. My life or death, others might not know, but Senior Brother Ning certainly does."

Qi Yuntian asked curiously, "Why?"

"In the past, Senior Brother Ning gave me a Ruyi Shenling to protect me. If I died, the Shenling would certainly be taken and refined by someone else, and Senior Brother Ning would sense it. That's why he was so confident."

Qi Yuntian couldn't help but laugh, his voice echoing through the cave walls. "What a clever Junior Brother Ning, I underestimated him."

Zhang Yan smiled and bowed, "Thank you, Senior Brother, for coming to my aid. It seems I can return to the sect today."

Qi Yuntian waved his hand and smiled, "No rush. I know you came here to improve your cultivation, to earn merit and fame in the battle against the Three Ponds Lake demons. I see that the Xuan Zhong has already formed, but the Xuan Guang is about to emerge. It seems you haven't completed your cultivation yet. However, to be able to cultivate to this level under the pursuit of the Blood Soul Sect disciples is quite remarkable. It's not easy to come here, so don't miss the opportunity. Continue your cultivation, and I will protect you. When you break through to the Xuan Guang realm, we can leave."

Zhang Yan's heart stirred. It seemed his earlier speculation was correct. Qi Yuntian was indeed trying to win him over.

Originally, Qi Yuntian had come to rescue him, and under normal circumstances, he would be grateful. But now, seeing that he could escape on his own, Qi Yuntian had changed his approach to show favor.

However, this move would benefit him, and he was happy to accept it. He immediately put on a joyful expression and bowed, "Thank you, Senior Brother, for your help!"

Qi Yuntian said solemnly, "With me here, you can focus on your cultivation. I will ensure no one dares to disturb you."

He was not exaggerating. Before closing the cave, Zhang Yan knew that Qi Yuntian was already a Yuan Ying cultivator, a "Real Person." After breaking through, his cultivation level was unknown, and even if the Blood Soul Sect's Dan Hua cultivators refined the Xuan Xue Dan, they would not be able to return if they came here.

Zhang Yan apologized to Qi Yuntian and returned to the cave to sit and ponder his gains and losses.

Qi Yuntian's intention to win him over was clear. As his cultivation improved, he would need various supports from the sect, including cultivation techniques and essential knowledge. Joining Qi Yuntian's faction would likely be more beneficial for his cultivation.

As for becoming an enemy of some people in the sect, he was not concerned. On the path of cultivation, only one's cultivation level truly mattered. Once he reached a high level, all problems would be solved.

Having thought this through, he cleared his mind and began to meditate.

This time, his cultivation went smoothly. He had already entered the Xuan Guang realm, so no obstacles appeared. Within six days, a water-blue light emerged from the top of his head, illuminating the cave walls. A misty vapor surrounded him, and the sound of waves could be heard.

Although he had achieved his goal, Qi Yuntian did not urge him to leave. He must be waiting for the sea eye to open on the first day of the next month.

With a Yuan Ying cultivator protecting him, such an opportunity was rare. He decided to use this time to refine more Yin Heavy Water.

After making up his mind, he focused on his qi sea, circulated his qi, and concentrated on refining the Yin Heavy Water.

In a trance, he did not notice the passage of time. On this day, after refining the second drop of Yin Heavy Water, he slowly exhaled and heard Qi Yuntian say, "Junior Brother, today is the 15th of the first month. The sea eye is open. Follow me."

As soon as he spoke, Zhang Yan felt his body float out, and in a moment, he was at the cave entrance. He saw Qi Yuntian standing on a stone platform, his back to him. Qi Yuntian flicked his sleeve, and the green branch floated out, transforming into a green light column that held back the surging water.

He turned to Zhang Yan and smiled, "Junior Brother, close your eyes."

Zhang Yan knew he was about to use a technique and closed his eyes as instructed. He felt a touch on his shoulder, and his body swayed. In a moment, he was back on solid ground.

He heard Qi Yuntian say, "Junior Brother, you can open your eyes now."

Zhang Yan opened his eyes and was surprised to find himself standing at the base of a pavilion. Water surged from a cave nearby. It was clearly the Feihe Pavilion in Shouming Palace.

In a moment, he had left the sea eye. He thought to himself, "I've heard that once one reaches the Dan Hua realm, they can use magical powers. I wonder what technique Qi Yuntian used just now."

Seeing him standing still, as if in deep thought, Qi Yuntian thought he was impressed by his technique and smiled, "Junior Brother, this is the sect's teleportation technique, derived from the 'Five Elements Teleportation Technique.' In our Mingshang Sect, besides various cultivation techniques, there are also five major techniques, three scriptures, and twelve high-level techniques. Only after earning merit can one choose a secret text to cultivate in the Lingji Hall."

He patted Zhang Yan's shoulder and said earnestly, "I know your talent is not the best, but your character is excellent. If you can maintain your初心 (initial intention), you can achieve great things. However, the path of cultivation requires not only good techniques but also support from fellow cultivators. Remember this."

This was clearly an attempt to win him over. Zhang Yan immediately responded, "I will remember your teachings, Senior Brother."

Qi Yuntian looked pleased and then paused, adding, "Now that you have entered the Xuan Guang realm, if you can earn significant merit in the Three Ponds battle, I can help you further. However, the outstanding disciples of the other senior brothers will be your future competitors. Remember not to fall behind."

Zhang Yan did not say much, just smiled confidently.

Qi Yuntian nodded in approval and said kindly, "Let's not return to the cave yet. Follow me to meet someone."

Zhang Yan nodded in agreement.

They walked out of the Feihe Pavilion, but the scene before them made Zhang Yan pause. The island was bustling with flying boats and carriages, and thousands of cultivators were moving about, like a bustling market. Many of them looked happy, and Zhang Yan was surprised, "What is this?"

Qi Yuntian looked around and said, "Last month, Real Person Peng achieved great success in his cultivation. Our sect will have another Dongtian Real Person."

The number of Real Persons in the Mingshang Sect had increased from nine to ten, which should have been a significant boost in strength, but Qi Yuntian's tone lacked any joy.

He continued, "Before I came here, the Peng family members came to congratulate him. Real Person Peng did not turn them away, showing that he still values family ties."

Zhang Yan heard the underlying displeasure in his voice and thought for a moment, understanding the reason.

Real Person Peng was originally a member of the Peng family but was expelled due to conflicts with his family. He later received the support of the Sect Master to cultivate in Shouming Palace. Now, after breaking through to the Dongtian realm, the Peng family came to congratulate him, and he did not refuse them. This had deep implications, and as a direct descendant of the Sect Master, Qi Yuntian was naturally unhappy.

However, Zhang Yan was not worried but rather pleased. The stronger the opposing factions, the more support his own faction would need, giving him a better chance of survival. He thought to himself, "The situation in the sect is becoming more complex, but this is also an opportunity for us!"

However, he did not show his thoughts and simply nodded.

Qi Yuntian nodded in approval and said kindly, "Let's not return to the cave yet. Follow me to meet someone."

Zhang Yan nodded in agreement.

They walked out of the Feihe Pavilion, but the scene before them made Zhang Yan pause. The island was bustling with flying boats and carriages, and thousands of cultivators were moving about, like a bustling market. Many of them looked happy, and Zhang Yan was surprised, "What is this?"

Qi Yuntian looked around and said, "Last month, Real Person Peng achieved great success in his cultivation. Our sect will have another Dongtian Real Person."

The number of Real Persons in the Mingshang Sect had increased from nine to ten, which should have been a significant boost in strength, but Qi Yuntian's tone lacked any joy.

He continued, "Before I came here, the Peng family members came to congratulate him. Real Person Peng did not turn them away, showing that he still values family ties."

Zhang Yan heard the underlying displeasure in his voice and thought for a moment, understanding the reason.

Real Person Peng was originally a member of the Peng family but was expelled due to conflicts with his family. He later received the support of the Sect Master to cultivate in Shouming Palace. Now, after breaking through to the Dongtian realm, the Peng family came to congratulate him, and he did not refuse them. This had deep implications, and as a direct descendant of the Sect Master, Qi Yuntian was naturally unhappy.

However, Zhang Yan was not worried but rather pleased. The stronger the opposing factions, the more support his own faction would need, giving him a better chance of survival. He thought to himself, "The situation in the sect is becoming more complex, but this is also an opportunity for us!"