Chapter 1223: Chapter 351: There Is a World Beyond the Mountain Gate (Part 2)

Zhang Yan slightly bowed, clasped his fists and said, "I dare not take Sect Leader’s praise, it was merely a bit of luck."

Sect Leader Qin’s eyes revealed approval, and he continued, "Other than the Yang Essence received by Huo Xuan and Qingyu, is the rest all in your hands?"

Zhang Yan did not conceal it, and calmly responded, "Correct, aside from what the Demon Sect disciple used, this time I obtained Essence Qi..."

At this point, Qin Mobai smiled, reached out his hand to stop him from speaking further, and said, "Take out one share of the Essence Qi."

Zhang Yan did not hesitate and complied, taking out a Jade Bottle from his sleeve.

Sect Leader Qin beckoned with his hand, drawing the Jade Bottle to him, and instructed, "This matter ends here, no need to mention it again in my presence. Do you understand?"

Zhang Yan’s heart stirred slightly, and he bowed, saying, "I understand."

Judging by the Sect Leader Master’s attitude at this moment, he seemed not to value this Yang Essence much, and taking a portion was merely to reassure him.

But given all the previous plotting, laying down both overt and covert paths, was it not for seizing the Essence Qi, then what was it for?

As he pondered this, Sect Leader Qin spoke again, "The reason I summoned you this time is to seek you for another important matter."

Zhang Yan bowed and said, "Please instruct, Sect Leader."

At this moment, a servant boy from outside entered and reported, "Sect Leader, Master Shen has arrived and is waiting outside."

Sect Leader Qin waved the horsetail whisk in his hand and said, "Invite him in."

After a short while, Shen Baishuang stepped into the hall, greeted with a salute, and said, "Bai Shuang greets Sect Leader Senior Brother."

Sect Leader Qin chuckled and said, "Junior Brother, no need for formality, have a seat and speak."

Shen Baishuang bowed again and went to sit at the side.

Sect Leader Qin appeared amiable and said, "Junior Brother Shen, I was just discussing that matter with Zhang Yan, you came at a good time, you may proceed."

Shen Baishuang straightened his posture, agreed, then turned to Zhang Yan and said, "Nephew Zhang, years ago when I traveled to the East Victory Continent, on the orders from the sect, I established a branch mansion there for the Mingcang Sect. However, as I return to the sect this time, I’m ready to cultivate quietly, waiting for the opportunity to break through, and will no longer venture out. But leaving that place without someone in charge is not proper. After discussion, Sect Leader Senior Brother favors you, and I also find it fitting. What do you think?"

Sect Leader Qin smiled and said, "Zhang Yan, if you do not wish to, it’s fine. Just don’t draw attention outside within a hundred years, and cultivate quietly in the mansion."

Zhang Yan’s heart was moved. Sect Leader designates him to take over the mansion established by Shen Baishuang, which contains subtle nuances. However, the latter seemed willingly to have discussed and settled it beforehand.

Thinking it over carefully again, he called out silently—wonderful indeed.

This arrangement by the Sect Leader harbors protective intentions.

Everyone knows he garnered most of the Yang Essence, but as the tallest tree in a forest, it’s bound to attract the adverse wind. Though he is unafraid, departing to the continent allows him to temporarily avoid the spotlight and settle down to cultivate well. With the Demon Tribulation underway, even if someone from the Demon Sect seeks him out, it would be merely one or two, not in grand scale.

But cultivating in the mansion doesn’t necessarily promise peace. Leaving the Xuanmen, all sects—or even elder disciples within Mingcang Sect—aware that much Yang Essence remains in his possession, would likely come to seek him, making outside cultivation a quieter option.

After contemplating for a moment, he finally made a decision, and loudly proclaimed, "With arrangements by Sect Leader and Junior Master Shen, there is no reason to refuse. I am willing to go."

Upon hearing this, Shen Baishuang seemed slightly relieved and happily said, "I took several Registered Disciples at that place, who are yet formally admitted to the sect. Nephew, when you go, please examine them thoroughly. If there are those lacking, don’t hesitate to handle them, no need to consider my reputation."

Zhang Yan was straightforward, laughingly replied, "As my Junior Master’s disciples, they would be my Junior Brothers too. I would surely supervise them well."

Sect Leader Qin nodded and said, "When you go, disciples at Zhao You Mansion will be cared for by the Mountain Gate, no need to worry. I will send someone to teach you the Divine Passage Skill without delay."

Zhang Yan was elated; just this alone was worth the trip, he bowed deeply and said, "On behalf of the sect, I thank Sect Leader."

Sect Leader Qin nodded slightly and said, "Within a hundred years at most, those four hidden Demon Caves across the world will be revealed. By then, there will surely be a confrontation between Xuanmen and Demon Sects. May your cultivation be further advanced, and return to the Mountain Gate to contribute."

Zhang Yan considered that after the recent swordfights with the Six Great Demon Sects’ failure, they will likely retreat into deeper hiding until the right time to strike again. Having waited tens of thousands of years, a mere century or two is well within patience. By then, even if he hasn’t reached Nascent Soul Third Realm, he should have already entered Second Realm.

Sect Leader Qin continued, "Previously you emerged victorious in the swordfight, even under Yao Yin Sect’s name, yet brought considerable esteem for Mingcang Sect, deserving of reward. I will first grant you a sect’s secret spell."

He raised his hand, sending a golden light talisman flying into Zhang Yan’s forehead.

Seeing this, Shen Baishuang smiled and said, "Requesting Nephew Zhang to contribute, as Junior Master, I shouldn’t dispatch you without compensation."

Extending his hand, a red light entered Zhang Yan’s sleeve. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Sect Leader Qin glanced at it surprised, "Junior Brother Shen, is that the Dharma Treasure gifted by Junior Master Zhuo when you departed years ago?"

Shen Baishuang nodded, "Indeed, however, this item is no longer useful for me. Passing it to Nephew Zhang fulfills its value."

Zhang Yan performed a Daoist bow and said, "I thank Sect Leader and Junior Master Shen for their gifts."

Sect Leader Qin waved the horsetail whisk in hand and instructed, "Do not disclose this matter externally. First return to settle in the mansion, and depart once preparations are complete."

...

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