Zhang Yan emerged from the Elixir Cauldron Institute and returned to Zhao You Heavenly Pond. After sitting down in the hall, he began contemplating the journey to East Victory Continent.

Previously, he intended to visit the Shaoqing Sect to seek out a skill in swordsmanship, but upon reflection, felt it was imprudent.

Firstly, Shaoqing is located in the extreme west of East Splendor, and his movements should not be known to too many people, thus it is inconvenient for him to go there; secondly, after witnessing Xun Huaiying’s Flying Sword Skill, he does not consider himself capable of surpassing this opponent in this art, so the timing is not right, and he can only seek another opportunity in the future.

Having been entrusted by the Sect Leader, this journey to East Victory Continent involves not only taking over Shen Baishuang’s abandoned mansion but also finding ways to strengthen it. The tasks are many and varied, and it is not enough to handle them alone; he must bring several direct disciples along to aid him.

Among his disciples, Liu Yan Yi, being the senior disciple, needs to stay and oversee the Cave Mansion, and cannot leave easily. Meanwhile, Tian Kun is rather dull and is solely focused on cultivation, which he does not favor; however, the Wang Sisters have not yet reached the Hua Dan Realm and have not learned the sect’s Divine Skills, making it suitable for them to accompany him this time.

With this thought in mind, he instructed, "Zhang Jing, go and summon Cai Wei and Cai Ting."

The Mirror Spirit followed the command, and shortly, the Wang Sisters arrived at the hall, knelt down together, and chirped, "Disciple greets Master."

Zhang Yan gestured with his hand for them to stand up and said, "I have summoned you today because your Master is about to set out on a journey, and you two shall accompany me."

Upon hearing they were going to East Victory Continent, the sisters reacted differently; Wang Cai Ting’s eyes sparkled with joy, while Wang Cai Wei appeared only slightly surprised before calming down.

Zhang Yan smiled, flicked his fingers, and a ray of light flew into Wang Cai Wei’s hand. He said, "This is Dragon Country’s Ship, a vehicle for the three of us. Cai Wei, keep it safe. Tomorrow, you two shall depart from the mansion. Remember, do not fly or evade; travel by land to the East Sea and wait there. After I complete my tasks, I will come to find you."

East Victory Continent is extremely far from East Splendor Continent and requires crossing the ocean. Although borrowing the Gang Wind in the Extreme Sky above would be more convenient, to avoid too many people noticing his movements, he decided that traveling by sea would be more appropriate.

Wang Cai Wei respectfully bowed and said, "I shall obey Master’s Dharma Decree."

Zhang Yan said no more, waved his hand, and the Wang Sisters bowed to him again before retreating.

After pondering for a moment, Zhang Yan instructed the Mirror Spirit, "Go and invite Daoist Zhang and Lu Daoist here."

Zhang Boyant and Lu Mei Niang had returned from escorting Wei Zihong several days ago and were cultivating in the grotto. Hearing that Zhang Yan was seeking them, they hurried to the hall to meet him.

After the three exchanged greetings, Zhang Yan first addressed Zhang Boyant, "Daoist Zhang, due to certain reasons, I need to travel to East Victory Continent. I will be setting off soon. Are you staying, or would you like to join me?"

Zhang Boyant laughed heartily and said, "I am a rootless person in East Splendor. I often hear of East Victory Continent’s spiritualness and grace, being several times larger than East Splendor, yet I have never had the chance to witness it. I am willing to go with Pavilion Master."

Zhang Yan smiled and said, "That’s very good." He then turned to Lu Mei Niang and said warmly, "If you see Elder Yan, please pass on a message, expressing my gratitude for the previous assistance, which I remember and will surely repay in the future."

Lu Mei Niang smiled softly and said, "Pavilion Master, you exaggerate. If not for Pavilion Master’s care, granting me residence in the Cave Heaven Blessed Land, I would not have achieved what I have today. It is actually my husband and me who owe Pavilion Master."

Zhang Yan sighed. This journey would likely take a hundred to two hundred years; Lu Mei Niang was already over seven hundred years old, and this farewell might mean they won’t meet again. He stood up, solemnly saluted, and said, "Fellow Daoist, take care."

Lu Mei Niang, knowing that her aspirations of attaining the Dao were unlikely, understood the underlying meaning in his words and quickly returned the salute, speaking earnestly, "Pavilion Master, please take care on your journey."

Zhang Yan nodded and said, "Then let us part."

He pointed his finger, instantly opened the Array Gate, and leapt, soon arriving at the peak of Zhao You Mountain. It was nighttime; he saw the Milky Way stretched across the Heavenly Vault and felt his heart open. He gazed at the Heavenly Pond Water reflecting starlight and said, "Si Daoist, I believe you are aware of my matter. Would you like to come with me?"

After a moment, he heard a splash, and Dragon Carp Si Ren poked its head out of the water, saying loudly, "This pond is too small; Master must take me along."

Zhang Yan laughed and said, "Then come with me."

Dragon Carp Si Ren shook its body, changed into the size of a tadpole, then transformed into a black thread that flew from the water and darted into his sleeve.