After returning to the mountain, Chu Daoist immediately went to meet Zhang Yan and reported the events of his journey.

Zhang Yan praised, "Junior Brother Chu did exceedingly well, but I must ask, what is the background of the Xu Yi Sect?"

Chu Daoist said, "Xu Yi Sect Leader Sun Tong also has Hua Dan Cultivation status. He is quite close to Yong Fu’s disciple Bai Jiyin. Is the Pavilion Master worried they might have some scheme? Should I investigate first?"

Zhang Yan smiled and said, "No need, I will be going with Daoist Zhang this time."

Chu Daoist immediately felt relieved. With two Nascent Soul cultivators, there was no one in Divine House Mountain who could rival them. Even if they attempt something, there’s no need to fear. He still reminded, "Master Yong has extensive connections and possesses powerful Dharma Treasures. The Pavilion Master should be cautious."

Zhang Boyant then let out a cold laugh, seeming disdainful, causing Chu Daoist to look over in confusion.

Zhang Yan glanced at Zhang Boyant and smiled, "Junior Brother Chu’s advice is noted. I will be cautious."

Zhang Yan was set to keep the appointment tomorrow, possibly facing Yong Fu in battle. Chu Daoist dared not linger, soon bidding farewell and returning to his Cave Mansion with a light step.

First, he took out the cultivation technique key Zhang Yan had bestowed and delivered it separately to the cave mansions of Zhao Ge and Daoist Wen. Both were overjoyed upon receiving the techniques, and though Chu Daoist was equally delighted, there were still a few traces of disappointment in his heart.

After stepping out, he arranged the tasks Zhang Yan had assigned earlier and summoned a disciple, asking, "Has Zhong Yuan returned?"

The disciple replied, "Master, I have guarded the mountain gate all day, and Senior Gao has not returned."

Chu Daoist furrowed his brow, sensing something unusual.

At that moment, a flustered disciple rushed over from afar, shouting, "Master, it’s terrible! It’s terrible! One of the three Cangzhu young trees has been cut down by someone!"

"What?"

Chu Daoist’s heart skipped a beat, his expression turning extremely grim. Originally, Gao Zhongyuan was responsible for guarding these three Cangzhu Wood trees. With the issue arising and him missing, it was obvious he committed the theft himself.

He tugged at his beard and beckoned the two disciples over, his tone stern, "You two must not speak recklessly about this matter. If there’s any leak, I will question you both."

The two disciples, rarely seeing Chu Daoist so severe, responded tremblingly, "Master, we obey."

Chu Daoist shook his head, returning to his Cave Mansion. As the sound of footsteps approached lightly, a warm and enchanting figure pressed against his side. It was a beautiful and charming woman. Sensing his troubled expression, she asked with concern, "Master, why the troubled face? I heard a new sect leader has arrived, is he treating you poorly?"

Chu Daoist shook his head, saying, "Brother Zhang’s cultivation is profound, and he is kind-hearted. Even Master Shen holds him in high regard; he is far superior to me. Having him as sect leader is undoubtedly excellent, it’s just..."

He recounted Gao Zhongyuan’s affairs with a sigh, "I never thought this person to be an insider thief. Despite treating him as dearly as family, if not for the difficulty in cutting the Cangzhu Wood, they might have taken all of it today. Now, reflecting on it, this person has shown signs of betrayal for a while, but I was blind and failed to notice. Tomorrow, when the sect leader returns from the meeting, I will confess my incompetence to him."

The woman leaned in, softly advising, "Master, do not blame yourself. You’ve managed sect affairs diligently for two hundred years; some oversight is inevitable. After all, it’s just one young tree, not a major issue."

Chu Daoist responded with a bitter smile, "You don’t understand, Cangzhu Wood is unlike any other. These three, even while young, are incredibly valuable. Losing one, how can the sect leader’s cave mansion be constructed?"

The woman comforted, "The sect leader being a generous person, surely won’t blame the master."

Chu Daoist sighed, "I hope so."

Early the next day, Zhang Yan and Zhang Boyant rode the majestic Gang Wind and soared away under the gaze of many disciples, disappearing swiftly into the horizon. These disciples had never seen the grandeur of Nascent Soul cultivators, leaving them in awe.

Daoist Wen was particularly excited, saying, "The Pavilion Master’s Daoist cultivation is profound, and with Master Zhang’s assistance, this journey will surely be auspicious."

Over there, Zhao Ge nodded repeatedly, his eyes showing joy. Having received a cultivation technique yesterday, he practiced overnight and found his progress far better than usual. If cultivating at this rate, it wouldn’t take him ten years to break through the Shell Barrier and advance to the Second Realm.

Only Chu Daoist seemed preoccupied, forcing himself to wear a somewhat cheerful expression.

Zhang Yan and Zhang Boyant, their tunneling speed astonishingly swift, arrived at the front of Iron Soldier Mountain in less than half an hour.

Looking down, Zhang Yan saw amidst the snowy mountain peaks there was a valley filled with the chirping of birds and the fragrance of flowers, reminiscent of a green pearl nestled there. He marveled at the sight and pointed, saying, "That must be Suxing Valley."