The Mingcang Sect’s Floating Heavenly Palace.
It is situated a thousand zhang above Dragon Abyss Marsh in the sky, at the rightful position of East Splendor Continent’s Ten Great Spirit Caves. Here, immeasurable spiritual energy flows endlessly, clouds churn in wild streams, and Gang Wind roams unchecked. Without Great Dharma Power for protection, approaching even slightly would result in being swept away by the torrential currents.
Just as Zhang Yan approached, a token talisman descended, transforming into a beam of spirit light to guide him upward.
Amid the clouds, he focused his gaze and observed the palace suspended midair. Its structure resembled a pyramid, magnificently majestic, composed of nine layers stacked successively like steps climbing higher. This was the true core of the Mingcang Sect, housing Du Zhen Hall, Upper Extreme Hall, and Day Sky Hall—the Three Great Halls. Not only was this the secret cultivation ground of the sect leader but also a secluded haven for elders of profound Daoist cultivation through the ages.
After a moment’s observation, Zhang Yan found himself struck by a sense of familiarity regarding the palace. If this pyramid-like structure ascended a few more layers, it would bear an uncanny resemblance to the dharma form that had recently attempted to suppress him, stirring in him guesses about that individual’s origin.
At this moment, his figure gently swayed, the spirit light around him dissipated, and the token talisman sunk into his body, vanishing without a trace. He paid it no heed, scanning his surroundings to find himself standing before the Upper Extreme Hall at the pinnacle of the Heavenly Palace.
Seeing that Zhang Yan had been brought up by the token talisman, the servant boys outside the hall dared not show the slightest negligence. They promptly guided him into the hall. Zhang Yan adjusted his sleeves before stepping forward. In just ten zhang, he saw a hundred-zhang mirrored wall standing upright before him. Within the wall, the shadow of a giant beast, part fish and part bird, swam erratically, arousing his curiosity enough to stop and watch.
The servant boy chuckled and remarked, "This is the ancient divine beast sealed here by the sect’s founding ancestor. No one knows what it truly is, nor how many years it has been imprisoned."
Zhang Yan nodded lightly and turned past the mirrored wall. As his view cleared, he saw a Star Platform situated at the northernmost rightful position. A Daoist clad in a Feather Robe with a Star Crown sat poised with a horsetail whisk in hand. Above his head surged a seemingly infinite and resplendent galaxy, its brilliance dazzling and radiant. Upon seeing Zhang Yan enter, he chuckled warmly and said, "Zhang Yan, no need for formalities. Come up and speak."
With a faint smile, Zhang Yan leapt onto the Star Platform, bowed respectfully, and then stood upright, boldly scrutinizing the sect leader before him.
Earlier, when he saw the sect leader from the Star Platform, he thought the man resembled a kind elder. Yet upon closer proximity, he discovered that the Mingcang Sect leader was a young Daoist with sharp features, eyebrows extending to his temples, and a demeanor that was handsome and graceful. His face bore a slight smile, exuding warmth akin to sunlight in spring. However, his eyes resembled bottomless abyssal pools, unfathomable and inscrutable.
At this moment, Zhang Yan suddenly felt his brow twitch as the elder beside him emerged from his own forehead and casually sat to the side, remarking, "Qin Mobai, the tasks you entrusted to me, I’ve completed. The tasks you didn’t request of me, I’ve done as well. But tell me, did you already predict that I wouldn’t be able to resist taking action?"
The young Daoist smiled faintly and candidly admitted, "It’s impossible to hide such a matter from Beiming Master Uncle."
The elder grunted and shook his head.
The young Daoist chuckled heartily before turning to Zhang Yan and saying, "Zhang Yan, for the achievement you’ve earned today, I shall reward you accordingly. I once declared that whoever slays the Demon Lord will be granted a mansion outside the sect. Today, I bestow upon you Zhao You Heavenly Pond as your Daoist field. However, Daoist Gui’s karmic ties are for you to uncover on your own—I cannot assist in this regard."
Zhang Yan responded solemnly, "I’ve already learned where Senior Gui’s next incarnation will be. Ten years from now, I will bring him back to be accepted into the sect."
The young Daoist slowly nodded and sighed, "Very well. Daoist Gui and I shared some camaraderie in the past. Should he return as a human and join our Mingcang Sect, it would indeed be an occasion worth celebrating."
The elder suddenly exclaimed, "Hmm! Qin Mobai, you are indeed generous! To bestow a Cave Mansion so freely—are you not concerned that those noble brats will seek trouble with you?"
The young Daoist waved his horsetail whisk and replied loftily, "The circumstances today differ from before. As the sect leader of the Qin lineage, I am not someone who shirks responsibility."
The elder let out a hearty laugh, saying, "It seems that good fortune has come to your master-disciple lineage, and the tides are finally turning in your favor. Slaying that dharma form earlier was truly gratifying. Should you require my assistance for another matter, I can reluctantly agree once more."
His nature was forthright, never indulging in convoluted schemes. In his view, regardless of the complexity of one’s machinations, a single precise strike of a sword could resolve everything—why waste time thinking about pointless intricacies?
The young Daoist gave a faint smile and turned to Zhang Yan again, kindly reminding him, "Zhang Yan, while I’ve granted you this Cave Mansion, whether you can defend it in the days to come is not something I’ll monitor. It all depends on your own efforts."