Chapter 1227: Chapter 353: Xifeng Mountain (2)

Zhang Yan greeted Zhang Boyant, who had just come out of the Array Gate, then activated his mana, shouted, and soared into the clouds, transforming suddenly into a streak of dazzling rainbow, flying southward.

Zhang Boyant saw this and also initiated his Escape Skill, tightly following behind.

Less than half a day after the two began their journey, a series of continuous mountain ranges appeared in their vision, with intertwined ravines and alternating cliffs, looking incredibly majestic.

Zhang Boyant was startled in his heart and thought to himself, "Going further ahead is the Guangyuan Sect’s Mountain Gate, where Xifeng Mountain is located. Ah, the Pavilion Master is likely coming to meet with Shen Yinfe."

After thinking for a moment, he hurried forward, bowed his hands, and said, "I am a Cultivator of the Nether Spring Sect, and have longstanding enmity with the Guangyuan Sect, so it is inconvenient for me to go further."

True Master Shen Chong of the Guangyuan Sect, before his Ascension, was undefeated across the Nine Provinces and truly slew many disciples and elders of the Nether Spring Sect at that time, resulting in a great vendetta between the two sects. Even though he is now a Guest under Zhang Yan’s pavilion, entering the enemy’s Mountain Gate still made him uneasy.

Zhang Yan considered this and understood his concerns, responding, "Very well, Daoist Zhang, please go ahead first, I’ll follow shortly."

Zhang Boyant agreed immediately, leaped forward, transformed into a wisp of yellow smoke, and disappeared in the blink of an eye.

Zhang Yan watched him leave, then slowly descended upon the cloud head, seeing misty fog and scattered clouds ahead, knowing that proceeding further would lead to the Mountain Guarding Formation, so he took a Flying Book from his sleeve and tossed it into the air, transforming into a white light that flew into the Mountain Gate.

Within moments, a smoky haze flew out of the Mountain Gate, quickly arriving nearby. A handsome and straight young cultivator in a white robe emerged in front of Zhang Yan, bowing respectfully and saying, "Are you True Master Zhang? The elder ordered me to come out to welcome you."

Zhang Yan nodded and said, "Lead the way."

Elder Shen did not personally come out to greet him, not out of disrespect, but because the Flying Book had informed him that his whereabouts were not to be disclosed, thus no need for a grand reception.

The young cultivator turned and took out a token, waving it at the Mountain Gate, from which a golden glow flew out under their feet. He then stepped aside, bowed again, and said, "True Master, please."

Zhang Yan stepped onto the glow, and the young cultivator shook the token again, causing the glow to retract, and soon they had passed through the Array Restriction of the Mountain Gate.

He glanced around, facing a heavenly mountain path leading straight into the clouds and mist, faintly seeing flying cranes circling above. On the mountain ridge were Golden Halls and Jade Pavilions, hundreds of parallel jade rivers hanging down from the cliffs, falling from thousands of feet high, like thunderous waterfalls, deafening and imposing. Zhang Yan couldn’t help but nod inwardly, acknowledging that the Guangyuan Sect, once a Great Xuanmen Sect, indeed boasted an impressive Mountain Gate, incomparable to small Independent Sects.

At this moment, another disciple flew in from a distance, saying, "Shen Yong, the elder is waiting at the Half Mountain Pavilion; quickly bring the distinguished guest there."

The young cultivator replied, "Understood."

He shook the token again, and Zhang Yan felt the scene before him change, arriving at a mountain cliff where green bamboo swayed, birds chirped joyfully, with a rich spring atmosphere. Among the countless green shades, there stood a Qiong tree as if made of Beautiful Jade, five zhang high, with wide-spread branches and leaves, resembling a large crown, appearing as if covered in frost and snow. Below the tree was an exquisite pavilion complete with a stone table and chairs.

Elder Shen was standing at the pavilion with two attendant children, welcoming from afar. Upon seeing him arrive, he bowed and said, "True Master Zhang, I regret not being able to greet you from afar, forgive me."

Zhang Yan shook his body, floated down, and after stabilizing his feet, smiled and returned the courtesy, saying, "Elder Shen, you are too kind."

The two exchanged pleasantries and then entered the pavilion, taking seats as host and guest. Elder Shen ordered the children to serve fine wine and fruit, and they began exchanging cups.

After three rounds, Zhang Yan put down his Jade Cup and asked, "Elder Shen, is it convenient to talk here?"

Elder Shen withdrew his smile, dismissed the attendant children, and said, "This place is my cultivation area. Aside from my few close disciples, there’s usually no one coming in; fellow Daoist, you can rest assured."

Zhang Yan nodded slightly, took the Earth Luo Gold Axis Talisman from his Sleeve Bag, and placed it on the stone table, saying, "On my return journey to the Mountain Gate, it was the Dharma Talisman from Daoist Shen that helped me avoid a disaster. Now I return it to its rightful owner."

Elder Shen sighed, "I’ve heard about this matter. For a fellow Daoist to lead those subordinates to escape with ease, who else among our contemporaries can compare?"

Zhang Yan shook his head with a smile and said, "What of it? Without entering the Grotto Heaven, I’m still but a mere pawn."

He then took out a Jade Bottle, handed it to Elder Shen, and said, "I have other pressing matters at hand and cannot linger here long. Inside is a portion of Junyang Essence; fellow Daoist, please take care of it."

Although Elder Shen had prior agreements with Zhang Yan, facing the reality of the Essence Qi before him, he couldn’t help but feel breathless with excitement.

He composed himself slightly, took the Jade Bottle, and solemnly said, "Short in ten years, long in thirty, I assure you there will be an explanation."

Zhang Yan stood up and said, "Let it be thirty years, then. I will send a disciple then." He cupped his hands once more, saying, "Farewell."

Elder Shen nodded, also stood up, returned the courtesy, then instructed the young cultivator, "Shen Yong, escort True Master Zhang out."

Zhang Yan shook his body, floated upward, stepped onto a glow, and suddenly the scenery changed again, arriving outside the Mountain Gate.

He stood in mid-air, pondered briefly, then took out a piece of Beautiful Jade and said to a slim silhouette within, "Daoist Xu, the great tribulation of the East Splendor Continent has begun. I wish to send you to the East Victory Continent to reincarnate, so you can both protect fellow Daoists and avoid disaster. What do you think?" 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Xu Daoist, originally under Chongyue True Temple, would be greeted by disciples and elders of his sect upon reincarnation, entering enlightenment. But how could this compare to joining Zhang Yan’s pavilion? So without much thought, he bowed deeply and said, "Thank you, fellow Daoist."

Zhang Yan put away the Beautiful Jade, let out a long howl, and launched into the tunneling light, like a rainbow streak, flying eastward.

...

...(To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets at Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)