Although Fan Changqing spoke as he did, he was actually well aware of the true reason Ning Chongxuan was summoned back.
In the Mingcang Sect, it is quite difficult for disciples to earn merit under normal circumstances, but the conquest of the Three Pools presented a tremendous opportunity for them.
Thus, many elders hoped to send their own disciples to participate, seizing the chance to earn some accolades, especially with the sect’s full support—how could they not be eager for it?
Yet, with Ning Chongxuan’s arrival, the entire Nandang Swamp fell under Mingcang Sect’s control overnight. If this trajectory continued, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to think he could lead his current forces straight into Perch Eagle Land Continent.
With his Second Grade Elixir Formation power and an exceptional Mystical Artifact at his side, it wouldn’t be surprising if he succeeded in conquering it.
However, the further one advances, the stronger the Demon Cultivators become, which in turn intensifies their resistance. Beyond Perch Eagle Land and deeper into the inner lake of Bixue Pond, the merits that were once easily gained would demand battles of life and death—how could the elders willingly accept that?
Ordinary disciples might be bearable loss, but sending their carefully cultivated Direct Lineage Disciples to die? That was inconceivable.
After receiving reports from a few disciples discreetly, the elders convened and appealed to several Cave Heaven True Masters. To appease the situation, it was decided to send someone to replace Ning Chongxuan.
However, Ning Chongxuan was never one to submit to others easily. If another leader were appointed, it might not be sufficient to control him. Therefore, he was temporarily assigned a Steward position at the Merit Institute and respectfully invited to return, while Ge Shuo—a cultivator in the Second Realm of Hua Dan—was dispatched to oversee Bamboo Island.
After some idle chatter between Fan Changqing and Zhang Yan, as they prepared to part ways, Fan Changqing thought inwardly, "Brother Ning has been summoned back, and tomorrow Senior Brother Fang Hong will arrive. As a disciple of True Master Zhu, he might attempt to make things difficult. Though I fear no challenge, I am no longer the decision-maker here—Junior Brother Zhang may suffer a disadvantage. I might as well offer him a hint."
Clearing his throat, he casually remarked, "The elders in the sect have praised Ge Shuo for being steady and reliable, capable of assuming significant duties." With that, he turned and walked away without looking back.
Though these words were few, they succinctly explained the cause and effect.
Zhang Yan pondered privately, thinking, "Does this imply that Senior Brother Ning is considered impetuous and unfit for important responsibilities?"
Since Ning Chongxuan was summoned back and Master Ge Shuo dispatched to preside over matters, Fan Changqing’s reserved demeanor confirmed that he now lacked backing from the upper echelons. Likely, beyond this absence, others might even seek to trouble him.
Still, Zhang Yan felt little concern; whether it mattered or not, his path remained unchanged. Why waste time over such worries and needlessly harm his spirit?
He chuckled freely, summoned his tunneling light, and returned to his courtyard.
Shortly after entering his room, he sensed something and turned around to see a Xiaoze Golden Sword flying toward him from afar.
Extending his hand, he took hold of the sword, swept his sleeve to close the door, and retrieved the letter tucked within for examination.
To his surprise, the letter explained the opening and closing mechanics of the Jingluo Formation Flag. With this knowledge, he could freely enter and exit Bamboo Island, avoiding entrapment here.
Though the letter bore no signature, its sharp and commanding handwriting, akin to silver hooks and iron strokes, unmistakably suggested Ning Chongxuan as the author.
Zhang Yan’s expression showed a trace of contemplation—Ning Chongxuan’s earlier actions had been somewhat unconventional. Arriving hurriedly in the night, seemingly solely to seize Bamboo Island, his subsequent "invitation" back appeared more like a calculated retreat after completing his goals.
There seemed to be hidden motives behind all this, and giving him this Daoist Technique was evidently meant to convey something.
However, Zhang Yan found his own understanding to be lacking—too few clues to deduce anything further. Rather than waste time mulling over ambiguities, it would be better spent on studying the True Form Leisurely Chapter. At the very least, mastering this spell would guarantee an escape even in dire situations.
Clearing his mind and removing distractions, he sat cross-legged and began meditating on the spell.
As the hour of Chen arrived, the sound of bells and chimes reverberated from the Spirit Core Flying Palace atop the mountain, summoning disciples for a meeting.
Zhang Yan opened his eyes, stowed the cultivation technique away, and ascended with his tunneling light toward the grand hall.
Inside the hall, Ge Shuo sat in the primary seat. Beside him was another Hua Dan cultivator named Fang Hong.
This man had an ordinary appearance with a slightly flat nose, but his sturdy build, wide back, and thick bones conveyed an overwhelming presence. His robust aura surpassed even that of Master Ge, seated in the main position, by threefold.