Zhou Ruying’s single avatar was dispersed in an instant. The observing middle-aged cultivator and Old Daoist Xin both changed their expressions simultaneously and retreated quickly into the distance.

Avatar Shadow Transformation is the result of a Cave Heaven True Master’s concentrated efforts using mana to refine and gather. If destroyed, it doesn’t harm the master greatly, but requires decades to reform through cultivation—they prefer not to suffer collateral damage.

The two exchanged a glance. With the outcome already determined, they had no desire to stay here. Each shook their body, transforming into a streak of rainbow light and flew away.

After the two left, Master Huang Yu slowly emerged from the air. His face showed a hint of disappointment. After glancing several times towards Zhao You Heavenly Pond, he shook his head, stomped his foot, and transformed into light to escape.

Zhang Yan initially saw Zhou Ruying coming aggressively, prepared to use the Forbidden Array to retreat. Suddenly, she was struck by a flash of thunder light, transforming into countless things that were neither light nor radiance, scattered everywhere. These had some spiritual consciousness as if trying to escape, but this was within Zhao You Heavenly Pond’s prohibition area, so they bumped around mindlessly.

At this moment, he suddenly heard a voice in his ear, saying: "This is Phenomenon True Master’s condensed essence, collect it; you will benefit from it."

Zhang Yan’s expression shifted, realizing the thunder light was Master Sun’s doing. He cupped his hands towards the sky and said: "Thank you, Master Sun, for your assistance."

Master Sun’s voice rang out again, saying: "I merely dislike Zhou Ruying’s arrogance. But you should be wary of her blaming this on you in the future."

Zhang Yan chuckled lightly, saying: "I too have a score to settle."

Master Sun laughed aloud: "Indeed, the disciples of Mingcang Sect should possess such boldness. If you encounter any difficulties in your cultivation, come to Long View Cave Heaven and ask me."

Zhang Yan cupped his hands in salute and, after a moment without any further sound, knowing Master Sun had left, turned around, activated his Water Element True Light, and swept up all that "condensed essence."

Afterward, he flicked his robe sleeve and walked through the Forbidden Array on clouds. Before long, he returned to the place where the formation had been set up, and with a beckoning hand, the seventy-two Ten Thousand Beasts Sleeping Moon Banners and Mountain and River Map transformed into flowing light and fell into his sleeve.

Within his heart and spirit, he sensed Dragon Carp Siren was still thousands of miles away and would not arrive quickly. He stopped waiting, flicked his sleeve, conjuring a Gang Wind to support his body, and returned towards Zhao You Cave Mansion.

As he was halfway there, he suddenly saw a Daoist boy riding a crane, loudly declaring in the sky: "Zhao You Pavilion Master Zhang Yan, Sect Leader Master has issued a Dharma Decree, commanding you to wait and visit the Floating Heavenly Palace."

Zhang Yan quickly steadied his posture, bowed, and said: "Disciple acknowledges the mandate."

The boy held up an object, saying: "This is the Dharma Talisman for entry and exit. Pavilion Master Zhang, keep it safe and don’t keep the Sect Leader waiting."

He tossed down the talisman and then lightly patted the neck of the immortal crane beneath him. With a clear cry, the immortal beast flapped its wings, ascending into the clouds, and transformed into a distant black dot.

Zhang Yan reached out and caught the talisman, pondering briefly. He decided returning to the mansion was not urgent. The Sect Leader likely had important matters, and he should go to pay respects first.

Considering this, he lightly struck the talisman, from which gentle radiance emerged, enveloping him, and subsequently transformed into a golden rainbow, shooting into the sky.

This talisman flew rapidly. After half an incense stick of time, it soared into the Mingcang Sect Mountain Gate. After a brief moment hovering above Dragon Abyss Marsh, its brilliance bent toward the thousand-zhang high air, quickly reaching the Floating Heavenly Palace.

After three years, returning here gave Zhang Yan a different feeling. He glanced over the Three Great Halls, pausing to look a bit longer at Du Zhen Hall.

At this moment, he suddenly felt a weight lift and press down, as the radiance before him dispersed, and he found himself at the entrance of the side hall he previously visited.

After standing firm, he saw a servant boy approach from afar, respectfully bowing and saying: "Master Zhang, Sect Leader Master says if you arrive, you needn’t report; you can enter the hall to meet him."

Zhang Yan nodded to indicate understanding, adjusted his robe sleeve slightly, and then walked boldly into the hall. Soon, he reached the inner hall, slightly raised his gaze to see the Sect Leader with a Feather Robe and Star Crown, holding a horsetail whisk, sitting high on the Star Platform. Not daring to be disrespectful, he stepped forward and bowed, saying: "Disciple Zhang Yan, pays respect to Sect Leader Master."

Sect Leader Qin observed him for a moment, nodded with praise: "Zhang Yan, you performed excellently in the swordfight."