Ten days later, the embassy heading to the Dang Domain Water Country was ready to depart.
Including Zhang Yan, there were about sixty people on this journey, led by a Ming Qi Third Realm Cultivator named Wu Zhen. The group would travel aboard a Flying Tower bound for the Water Country. The tower’s speed far surpassed that of ordinary flying boats, taking less than a month to reach the destination.
The Elixir Cauldron Institute had dispatched twelve alchemists in total, among whom Dou Ming was one. Originally, he had already extricated himself from these affairs, but Zhang Yan unexpectedly pulled him back into the fold. Now, without any official duties, he could only act according to Zhang Yan’s will. Thus, throughout the journey, he kept his head down and refrained from speaking, fearing the humiliation of losing face in front of others.
Zhang Yan paid him no mind. Just before their departure, however, he received a daintily written letter accompanied by a jade pendant. From the handwriting, it was evident that the sender was the same person who had previously invited him to a moonlit gathering.
The letter read: "Due to my heedlessness, I have caused trouble for you, young man. My heart is filled with unease. I offer this object as a token of apology. The road ahead is perilous; I urge you to take care."
There was no signature at the bottom.
Examining the jade pendant, Zhang Yan—well-versed in Daoist books—immediately recognized its origins. Named the "Moonlight Heart Jue," this jade was an auxiliary tool for cultivation. It was said that under the glow of a full moon, the wearer’s Qi Mechanism would flow several times faster than usual. It was indeed a valuable treasure.
Zhang Yan intended to inquire about the identity of the female servant who delivered the letter, as well as the meaning behind the claims of "causing trouble."
However, the female servant seemed to have been instructed in advance and did not answer his questions. Instead, she offered a courteous bow, turned around, and left swiftly. Watching her retreating figure, Zhang Yan chuckled lightly. Since he couldn’t fathom her identity, he decided not to dwell on it. Cultivators act according to their heart’s desires; why be troubled by such trivial matters? When the time was ripe, the truth would naturally reveal itself.
With that thought, he turned, lifted the hem of his robe, and stepped into the tower.
As soon as he entered, a powerful warrior guided him to his designated quarters. Ascending the stairs, he caught a glimpse of a vaguely familiar figure flashing past a corner. His brow furrowed slightly—this person was undeniably Feng Ji!
Zhang Yan immediately sensed that something unusual was afoot.
Surveying his surroundings, he noticed that he had been assigned to the fourth level. The arrangement was rather subtle; glancing around, he observed that both the entrances to the upper and lower levels were guarded by powerful warriors who cast their gazes toward him from time to time.
Once everyone had boarded the tower, Wu Zhen, standing at the topmost level, waved a token in his hand. The tower trembled slightly before it smoothly ascended into flight, steadily heading eastward toward the Water Country.
As Zhang Yan casually wandered about, he noted the Flying Tower consisted of seven levels, accommodating up to a hundred people. Its six angular edges featured crimson lacquered pillars, circular doors, and arched windows. Golden bells hung from the eaves, which were adorned by divine beasts. Atop the tower’s pinnacle rested a copper calabash designed for gathering energy. As the tower ascended, clouds lifted its base, spreading twilight hues and auspicious clouds—a sight so dazzling it could captivate the soul.
Yet, as he walked around, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss. After some reflection, he finally pinpointed the issue!
Among the travelers were numerous noble family disciples. Typically, wherever they went, they would be accompanied by powerful warriors and female servants. Considering the voyage would last over a year, bringing along extra attendants was perfectly reasonable. However, none of them had brought a single female servant this time, which seemed rather incongruous.
The only explanation was that they did not intend to travel far after all!
Recalling Feng Ji’s appearance here, Zhang Yan’s eyes narrowed slightly. He had learned before their departure that someone would likely attempt to harm him. Initially, he assumed they would at least wait until the group reached Dang Domain Water Country’s boundaries, but now it appeared that certain individuals were determined not to let him live long enough to get there.
Reflecting carefully on the people who had entered the tower, he considered that Wu Zhen, with the highest cultivation level, was undoubtedly the most formidable opponent. However, there might still be other cultivators with comparable prowess present—he had to be prepared for them all.
Within the sect, everyone’s actions were restrained by sect rules and various power struggles, allowing room to manipulate strategies. Outside these confines, strength became the sole determinant. One’s power dictated their influence, while weakness left one vulnerable. In this realm, all schemes and intrigues were rendered meaningless.
Zhang Yan’s eyes gleamed as he returned to his room in the tower, preparing to reach out to Luo Xiao.
Bound by the Essence Blood Oath, the two of them could sense each other’s locations and safety despite being thousands of miles apart. He had been summoning Luo Xiao ten days prior but had received no response. This time, however, he quickly felt a sudden jolt in his heart and couldn’t help but smile inwardly, realizing that Luo Xiao was now swiftly approaching.