Zhang Yan waited on Bamboo Island for more than ten days, yet no one from the Mingcang Sect came, as if they had entirely forgotten this place.
There was no movement from Perch Eagle Land either. These Demon Cultivators had captured nearly four hundred of Mingcang Sect’s cultivators and naturally wouldn’t dare provoke the sect any further.
Zhang Yan sat meditating in a grotto he had opened up on the island. Since the Taiyin Golden Fire Xuan Light required underground evil energy to cultivate, he found himself like a clever woman without rice, unable to proceed. Thus, besides warming the sword ball day and night, he immersed his heart and spirit into the Broken Jade, delving into the intricacies of talisman research and the marvels of the True Form Leisurely Chapter.
Three more days passed. Auspicious clouds gathered in the sky, and the sound of bells and chimes reverberated continuously. A young Daoist stood silently within the clouds, sending down two old Daoists at the Xuan Guang Realm.
These two held Jade Tokens from the Zhengqing Institute and Shangming Hall, declaring their order to take back the ten unconscious disciples and all remaining disciples on the island to the mountain gate.
These two halls served different purposes: one oversaw punishments, and the other was a place where elders cultivated. Upon verifying the tokens were authentic, Zhang Yan had no reason to intervene and allowed the two old Daoists to escort everyone off the island. However, when it was his turn to leave, one of them—a flushed-faced, short and fat Daoist—blocked his path, saying, "Junior Brother Zhang, by True Master’s command, you are instructed to remain here and guard the island well. By the way, please hand over the Prohibition Token."
Zhang Yan frowned slightly. Wasn’t this essentially confining him here in disguise? But the Mingcang Sect was entering turbulent times, and he saw no need to stir up trouble. Moreover, since he had the mantra to freely enter and exit the prohibitions, the presence or absence of the token made no real difference to him—though it would prevent others from entering. Hence, he nonchalantly handed the token over.
The two old Daoists returned to the auspicious clouds and whispered something to the young Daoist. The young Daoist, expressionless, glanced at Zhang Yan before sweeping his sleeve and departing amidst the sounds of bells and chimes.
Standing on the island, Zhang Yan watched the cloud fade into the horizon, sensing that something felt amiss. He paced back and forth, pondering briefly, before leaping off the island and leaving.
The island now had no other inhabitants. Naturally, no one cared about his comings and goings, nor did anyone know where he had gone.
When he returned the next day at midnight, the doubt in his eyes had entirely vanished. His gaze was now sharp and clear, his demeanor calm and composed, exuding an air of confidence and assurance.
Two days later, the same two old Daoists returned together. Without the young Daoist accompanying them this time, their previously cold expressions had transformed into warm, friendly smiles.
Now that Zhang Yan was the only person left on the island, their visit clearly concerned him. As he speculated on their purpose, he invited them into his grotto and served them fine tea.
Once seated, the short and fat Daoist made a respectful gesture towards Zhang Yan and said, "Last time, Junior Brother, we left in haste due to pressing matters and failed to introduce ourselves properly. I am Huo Zhiqi, and this is my junior brother, Hu Zhi Li."
Hearing this, Zhang Yan couldn’t help but be slightly surprised. Though their cultivation was not high, their backgrounds were far from ordinary.
In the Mingcang Sect, all Enlightened Disciples have a hierarchy. For example, the three Masters of the Lower Court are ranked with the character "Shou," while only disciples of the same rank as the Cave Heaven True Masters are ranked with the character "Zhi."
Though these two were not disciples of the Sect Leader nor from the same master as the four Cave Heaven True Masters—their statuses vastly different—their age and seniority were clear. Zhang Yan naturally didn’t wish to neglect courtesy and promptly stood to offer a solemn salute, saying, "So, you are two True Masters."
The cultivation of these two old Daoists was merely at the Xuan Guang Third Realm, hardly deserving the title of True Master, but who doesn’t enjoy flattery? The two smiled knowingly upon hearing his words.
Sitting to Zhang Yan’s right, Hu Zhi Li—whose thin face, long beard, crane-like hair, and youthful complexion exuded an air of immortality—held a horsetail whisk in hand. His appearance alone could convince others of his virtue when recruiting disciples. He chuckled and said, "Junior Brother Zhang, there’s no need for such formalities. You are a disciple of Dean Zhou; we should consider ourselves equals."
Huo Zhiqi likewise added, "We have been tasked to come today to ask you about certain matters that are unclear. Please be seated, Junior Brother, and we shall discuss them further."
Zhang Yan smiled, nodded, and returned to his seat.