Chapter 99

In the midst of the Long Yuan Great Marsh, Tong swam about joyfully, his spirits high. He writhed and twisted, causing dark clouds to roll and turbid waves to surge to the sky.

Fortunately, Lingye Island was located to the southwest of the marsh, with only a few volcanoes within three hundred miles. The island was always shrouded in fierce flames and malevolent qi, making it unbearable for cultivators, which was why it was rarely visited by people.

Even the largest nearby island, Chixia Island, had its Wang clan members under strict orders not to venture out after Wang Pan's passing. Thus, no matter how much commotion was made, no one came to disturb.

Since Ao Tong had already recognized his master, Zhang Yan was not afraid he would run away. If he went too far, he could simply call him back with a thought. So, he let him play and returned to his cave abode.

As soon as he stepped into his cave, he heard a croaking sound like a frog's. Zhang Yan followed the sound and saw the colorful lizard that often tidied his cave. It had not appeared when everyone was around, but now that only Zhang Yan was there, it emerged, chirping joyfully.

Zhang Yan chuckled and said, "I almost forgot about you." He took a pearl from his sleeve and flicked it, sending a white line through the air. The colorful lizard's agile tongue shot out, sticking the pearl to its throat.

Its belly arched, and it croaked twice. Then, from the cave crevice behind it, two more lizards cautiously poked their heads out. They were much larger than the first, and their patterns were not as bright.

"Oh, I didn't expect you to have offspring here," Zhang Yan said, a pleased look on his face. "This is a good omen, as my cultivation is about to advance to a new level. To have offspring at such a time is truly auspicious." The ability of celestial creatures to reproduce and thrive was a sign of good fortune. The colorful lizard, which traditionally guarded the home, was often depicted on door lintels. If it gave birth in a cave, it was a sign that the owner's foundation was solid and expanding, a very good omen.

Seeing the good omen, Zhang Yan was naturally pleased. He flicked a few more pearls to the ground, and the colorful lizard, delighted, called out a few more times, bowed like a person, and then, with a flick of its tail, carried the pearls and its offspring into the rock crevice, disappearing from sight.

Zhang Yan returned to the stone platform and sat down. Glancing at the table, he saw the sleeve pouch sent by Xie Zongyuan. He wondered what was inside.

He picked it up and opened it, revealing a jade token and a bamboo scroll. Unfolding the scroll, he sighed, "Xie Senior Brother is thoughtful."

Xie Zongyuan had sent a beast saddle, a low-grade spirit artifact, knowing that Zhang Yan had obtained a golden dragon but could not ride it. The bamboo scroll contained the method to control the artifact.

Zhang Yan read the scroll in a moment, understanding the method of use. He put the scroll down and thought, "The memory of drinking under the moon with Senior Brothers Liu and Xie is still fresh, but Liu Senior Brother has already perished, his soul and essence scattered."

If a cultivator could escape with their soul, they could be reborn as a human. If enlightened by family or fellow disciples, they could still seek immortality. But Liu Tao's soul and essence were completely destroyed, leaving no trace in the world.

Zhang Yan put down the "beast saddle" and walked around, thinking, "Our Daoist sect emphasizes cultivation and refinement, ultimately not relying on external aid. But one mistake means no chance of redemption. I've heard that there is a great skill in the sect called 'Divine Spirit Parasitic Slash,' which allows the soul to be split and寄托 in an object. Even if the body is destroyed, one can start anew. I wonder how much merit is needed to learn it?" Most secrets in the Ming沧 Sect could be exchanged for contributions to the sect, but some were known only to the sect leader and a few elders of the True Crossing Hall, and were only taught to those with a special connection, regardless of how much merit they had.

Of course, "special connection" meant being close to those who knew the secret. From this perspective, Zhang Yan, being part of Qi Yuntian's faction, had a better chance.

However, where would he find opportunities to earn merit? With the impending conflict between the Ming沧 Sect and the Three Ponds Lake demons, it was the perfect time for disciples to earn merit, which explained their eagerness.

He took a few more steps, reached into his sleeve, and took out the seven-heart dragon pendant Liu Tao had asked him to deliver. He thought, "Liu Tao Senior Brother entrusted me to deliver this jade to his descendants after leaving the demon marsh. Qi Senior Brother will be coming soon, so I can't move around freely. But now that my Mystic Light is formed, I need to delve deeper into the earth to absorb malevolent qi for training. I wonder if the malevolent qi under Lingye Island suits me. I might as well go down and check."

After reaching the "Initial Enlightenment" stage, he needed to absorb the malevolent qi of gold and fire from the earth to refine his Mystic Light. Once the Mystic Light was further strengthened and refined, he could achieve the second stage, "Illuminating the Night."

He stepped out of the cave, and a clear cloud rose from the ground, gently lifting him to the mountain peak and the volcanic crater.

Looking down, he saw dark clouds blocking the sky and smoke choking the air. If an ordinary person stood here, they would suffocate in moments. Zhang Yan felt no discomfort, and the two Mystic Seeds of gold and fire in his body became more active.

He leaped down, and a golden and red light enveloped him as he plunged into the depths. He moved swiftly, the smoke and clouds parting, and soon reached the heart of the volcano. He felt the heat becoming intense, even with the Mystic Light protecting him.

Estimating that he had descended over a thousand feet, he found the malevolent qi here to be dense, and the spiritual qi equally abundant.

He opened his mouth and inhaled a breath of malevolent qi, then exhaled it into the Mystic Light. There was a hissing sound, like pouring oil into a fire, and the light became even more brilliant.

Seeing this, he was delighted. Lingye Island was indeed a blessed place. Even if it was not as good as the demon marsh, the spiritual qi would not be much different when he reached a higher level and delved deeper.

At that moment, he sensed a sense of fear from his heart field. This was not his own feeling but the change in Ao Tong's mood, who was connected to his blood.

Zhang Yan frowned. Could he have encountered a strict fellow disciple?

He shot up with a sword light and emerged from the crater. He saw Ao Tong lying still in the water, not daring to move, and above him stood two cultivators, one of whom was Qi Yuntian.

Zhang Yan was surprised. Qi Yuntian had come so quickly and in person, not just sending a disciple as he had expected. He nodded inwardly, acknowledging that as the top disciple of the sect leader and the first among the third generation, Qi Yuntian had done well.

He approached and heard Qi Yuntian say, "Junior Brother Fan, you have good eyesight. Take a look at this golden dragon. Is it an ancient breed?"

Qi Yuntian and Zhuang Bufan, though both among the top ten disciples, did not care about such distinctions. He was not bothered by disciples keeping beasts and even commented with interest.

The other cultivator, with a round face and a large belly, looked more like a merchant than a cultivator. He smiled and replied, "A thousand years ago, such breeds were common in our sect. Now, they are hard to find. This creature can ride the clouds, part the waves, travel to the Northern Sea, and explore the Southern Cliffs. If used as a mount, it would be the most carefree way to travel the four seas. Junior Brother Zhang has great fortune to have such a creature."

Zhang Yan arrived beside them and said from a distance, "It's just a golden dragon. If this senior brother likes it, take it."

The cultivator turned and smiled, pointing at Zhang Yan, "Junior Brother Zhang, don't tease me. The golden dragon has already admitted to recognizing you as its master. How can I take it? I've heard that Junior Brother Zhang is a disciple of Chancellor Zhou. It would be more practical to give me a few pills."

Zhang Yan knew he was joking. The cultivator's true essence was surging, giving off immense pressure and a hint of malevolent qi, clearly indicating he was a Core Formation cultivator. He did not need Zhang Yan's pills.

Zhang Yan bowed and asked, "May I know the senior brother's name?"

The cultivator smiled and returned the bow, "I am Fan Changqing, a disciple of Senior Master Meng, and a fellow disciple of Senior Brother Qi."

Zhang Yan bowed again, "Senior Brother Fan, since both of you have come, why not visit my cave and let me show my hospitality?"

Qi Yuntian nodded and smiled, "That's a good idea."

Zhang Yan welcomed them in, seated them, and ordered Shang Shang to bring fruits and wine to entertain them.

Fan Changqing looked around and shook his head, "Junior Brother Hua lives too simply. Although we cultivators don't care about material things, a bit of decoration can show the grandeur of our sect. I have many decorations that are unused. I'll send them over soon."

Zhang Yan, always willing to accept gifts, bowed and said, "Thank you, Senior Brother."

Fan Changqing, seeing Zhang Yan's straightforwardness, thought, "Junior Brother Zhang is a straightforward person. This is good. I was afraid he would be a hypocrite, which would make things difficult. It seems Senior Brother Qi is good at judging people."

After some casual conversation, they got to the point.

Qi Yuntian smiled faintly, "I came to inform you that after returning from the demon marsh and cultivating the Mystic Light, the sect will send you to the Three Ponds to slay demons and earn merit. However, as you have been a disciple for less than a year and lack support from fellow disciples, it would be unwise. Therefore, I have brought Senior Brother Fan to assist you."

Zhang Yan understood that Fan Changqing's cultivation was far above his own, so the "mutual assistance" was more about Fan Changqing helping him. But Qi Yuntian was being tactful, knowing Zhang Yan might be proud and refuse.

Zhang Yan would not foolishly reject such a kind offer. He smiled, raised his cup, and said to Fan Changqing, "I look forward to your guidance in the future."

Fan Changqing quickly raised his cup, "I dare not."

He thought, "Senior Brother Qi has gone to great lengths to bring this junior brother out of the demon marsh and now visits in person. This junior brother is clearly highly regarded. I've heard he cultivates the secret techniques of Senior Uncle Sun and is a true disciple, indicating he is favored by both his master and Senior Uncle Sun. Once his cultivation advances, his status will surpass mine. I must not act superior and should build a good relationship early on."