Zhang Yan had heard before that the Guangyuan Sect was renowned for crafting talismans, but their arrogance and overconfidence had offended many other sects. A thousand years ago, after a catastrophic event, several key elders of the sect passed away, the Sect Leader disappeared, and their successors lacked exceptional talents. As a result, they were jointly attacked by several rival sects, causing severe damage to their Primordial Qi.
From then on, the sect fell from a first-rate sect to a second-rate one. Ultimately, it was the Nanhua Sect that prevented their complete downfall, but they were compelled to offer a large batch of specially crafted talismans to the Nanhua Sect every ten years, including the Primordial Talisman.
With the Primordial Talisman in hand, one could absorb Spiritual Energy and True Essence regularly, and during battles, it ensured continuous energy flow, making it indeed a valuable asset.
Zhang Yan carefully packed the items in his possession and gathered over a hundred Fish Demon Beauties once again. Noticing that the distance to step out of the range of the Earth Vein Magnetic Force wasn’t far, he decided to tread the water’s surface. After moving about twenty miles, the binding sensation on his body gradually dissipated. He then released three Flying Boats, loaded all the Fish Demon Beauties aboard, ascended into the air, and headed west toward the Mingcang Sect.
After traveling for over a month, the Dragon Abyss Marsh finally appeared in view.
During this return journey, Zhang Yan continued refining two shares of Spiritual Energy, leaving the final share on the verge of integration. This was because, as he approached the Third Realm of Ming Qi, he suddenly felt an intuition that the timing wasn’t right. Since breaking through the bottleneck was so close, he decided not to rush it now and chose to return to the sect to deliberate further.
Thus, in the remaining time, he immersed his heart and spirit into the Broken Jade, focusing on refining the You Yin Heavy Water.
It must be noted that this technique is called a "spell" because it not only requires Yin-cold energy but also involves a complex refining process. The Qi Mechanism has to circulate back and forth across the meridians, ascending and descending, purifying the dregs to extract the essence. Its complexity almost rivaled the Xuan Yuan Origin Records that he used during Opening Meridians.
According to the Lan Yun Secret Volume, refining a single drop of You Yin Heavy Water takes one hundred and eight days. In Zhang Yan’s view, unless a cultivator has a high level of proficiency with this spell, even enduring additional days wouldn’t guarantee success. Fortunately, with the Broken Jade in his possession, a month’s work could accomplish what normally would take nearly two years, and persistence would eventually yield results.
Once the Flying Boat entered the Dragon Abyss Marsh, patrolling disciples from the sect automatically came aboard to inquire. Upon discovering he was the True Disciple dispatched to Dang Domain’s Water Country, they showed utmost respect. Zhang Yan faced no obstacles along the way and first returned to Spiritual Paper Island. After lifting the prohibition, settling Luo Xiao and the Fish Demon Beauties, and making a brief stop, he headed toward the Elixir Cauldron Institute.
Now that he was back at the sect, Zhang Yan didn’t rush, guiding the boat leisurely to enjoy the scenery along the way. It was only around noon when he finally entered the Elixir Cauldron Institute.
After passing over three pavilions, Zhang Yan spotted Zhou Chongju’s fishing boat drifting in the lake’s center and promptly approached it. Upon landing on the boat, a duty-bound Daoist boy exclaimed joyfully, "Ancestor Master, Junior Master Zhang has returned!"
Zhang Yan tidied his robe outside the gate and then took steady steps into the loft.
Seeing Zhang Yan enter, Zhou Chongju set aside his book, a slight look of surprise crossing his face. He said, "Junior Brother, your trip lasted merely five months. How come you’re back already?"
Zhang Yan found a round stool and sat down, sighing, "It’s a long story. During my time in the Water Country, I encountered a Pill Master named Ren Cai. This man is highly familiar with the internal affairs of the Water Country and has deep connections with several tribal chiefs. From his words, I discerned that all tribes are now purchasing large quantities of Golden Iron Divine Weapons and Fierce Teeth Blades. At first, I didn’t pay much attention, but later, I noticed that Prince Zhen acted openly and recklessly, unlike a human master. Moreover, killing intent began to arise in the city. Therefore, I withdrew earlier than planned. Fortunately, I managed to secure the Golden Seal Book promised to our sect."
Zhou Chongju’s spirit rose, and he said, "You got the Golden Seal Book? Let me have a look."
Zhang Yan took a sealed Golden Seal Book out from his sleeve and handed it over.
Zhou Chongju flipped through the book. It held the State Seal and Prince Zhen’s Seal, but it lacked the seals of the tribal chiefs altogether. He shook his head and said, "It seems Junior Brother’s assessment was accurate. The tribal chiefs and Ji Jiushang are outwardly united but inwardly divided, chaos is imminent. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have hurriedly handed over this seal. Once the Water Country descends into internal strife, we will inevitably clash with the Three Pools Lake Demon again. Though this Seal Book is as good as meaningless, it will allow us to stand firmly on the moral high ground, making your efforts worthwhile nonetheless."
This Golden Seal Book was originally tucked inside the Xuanluo Daoist Robe and passed along to Zhang Yan. He initially found their intentions puzzling, but later he gradually understood.
It was likely that some tribal chiefs in the Water Country opposed giving the Yingyun Shell Field to the Mingcang Sect. However, Ji Jiushang was preparing to elevate Prince Zhen and feared the Mingcang Sect might turn hostile during this period. Thus, they bypassed the tribal chiefs and employed this maneuver, offering the Mingcang Sect a Heart Stabilizing Pill. Once the internal affairs of the country were settled, they would no longer fear opposition.