That day, Zhang Yan settled into a Flying Pavilion under Manager Wang’s arrangements. Once he entered the quiet room, he did not leave, spending his days meditating behind closed doors.
A little over a month later, on the official day for herbal gathering, he was invited to the main hall by a maid.
When he arrived outside, over twenty people were already gathered. They were chattering and laughing, as if they were heading out to visit friends rather than to gather herbs. Follow current novᴇls on novel fire.net
Zhang Yan glanced around and noticed that most of them were in the Ming Qi Realm, with only five or six individuals like Wang Huan being Xuan Guang Practitioners.
Seeing Zhang Yan step into the hall, Wang Huan enthusiastically approached, clasped his hands, and said, "Ah, Daoist Yue! It has been a neglectful few days on my part. With your profound cultivation, I cannot hope for success on this mission without your assistance."
Though Wang Huan had little ability to make decisions for himself and was easily influenced by others, his personality was exceedingly charming, and his words were always pleasing and agreeable, naturally fostering goodwill in others.
From the moment Zhang Yan had demonstrated his unwavering and pure Xuan Guang, which was unmistakably of the Xuanmen Sect, Wang Huan had investigated through his elder brother and privately speculated that this Daoist Yue might not be so simple. Even if he was not a disciple of a Great Sect, he must have ties to one, far beyond what ordinary Loose Cultivators could compare to. Thus, in Wang Huan’s mind, even if he couldn’t rely on Zhang Yan completely, he knew he should not offend him lightly.
Zhang Yan smiled faintly and returned the gesture, saying, "Daoist Wang, there’s no need for such courtesy. Honestly, Yue’s level of cultivation is hardly worth mentioning."
Wang Huan laughed, "Daoist, you’re far too modest, far too modest indeed."
Wu Mei Daoist’s gaze flickered, and he coughed before saying, "Daoist Wang, if there are no other matters, I suggest not delaying further. That Evil Bird is naturally suspicious, and if we miss the timing, we risk someone else discovering its tracks, which would be most unfortunate."
Wang Huan agreed wholeheartedly, excused himself to Zhang Yan, then called out to the crowd in the hall, "Fellow Daoists, today as I set out to gather herbs, I must rely on all of you for support. If I achieve success in Condensing the Pill, I will certainly repay each of you in the future."
The crowd responded with loud agreement, declaring their willingness to assist.
Zhang Yan glanced around and understood the struggles faced by these Loose Cultivators, followers of heterodox methods. They lacked superior cultivation techniques, elixir pills, or magic artifacts and could hardly rely on their sects. Their path in cultivation was extremely difficult.
In such circumstances, solitary cultivation was almost impossible. Loose Cultivators could only move forward by supporting each other, forming alliances, and providing mutual aid.
If one among them succeeded in grasping an opportunity and achieving the Dao, the bonds and obligations built over time would naturally need to be repaid. Close friends would also gain advantages, which explained why these people were genuinely helping Wang Huan.
At this moment, Manager Wang squeezed out from the crowd, approached Zhang Yan, and whispered, "Daoist Yue, please step aside with me for a moment."
Zhang Yan nodded and followed Manager Wang out of the hall to a side chamber. Manager Wang retrieved a golden plate from his sleeve, held it with both hands, and passed it to Zhang Yan, saying, "Tonight, Daoist, as you accompany my younger brother on the herbal gathering, this item ought to be entrusted to you."
Zhang Yan accepted it without hesitation and with great ease, smiling, "Manager Wang, rest assured. Unless unforeseen circumstances arise, this trip, I shall ensure your younger brother’s safety."
Manager Wang gave him a deep bow and said, "Everything rests on Daoist Yue."
Just then, they heard Wang Huan shout loudly from the main hall. He was the first to take flight, heading to the outside. Once in the open sky, he adjusted his direction, flying south, and the others promptly activated their magic artifacts and Xuan Guang, rushing out from the floating building to follow him.
Seeing everyone had departed, Zhang Yan took leave of Manager Wang. Releasing a clear Xuan Guang, he lifted his body and swiftly exited the Zhenyu Building. Observing the streaks of light and flying shadows ahead, he gently urged his Xuan Guang forward and caught up with them.
It was the beginning of summer, with the bright moon hanging high and the Milky Way shining brilliantly in the night sky. The Immortal Market was illuminated by Bright Pearl lanterns, casting resplendent colors everywhere. The shadows of light blurred amidst the bustling cultivators coming and going.
Although Wang Huan’s group did not possess extraordinary levels of cultivation, their sheer numbers were imposing. As they flew, other cultivators moved aside, occasionally hurling curses that sparked laughter among the group.
None in the group were acquainted with Zhang Yan, so no one approached to speak with him, and he was happy to enjoy the tranquility, leisurely tailing the group from behind.
After leaving the Immortal Boat, Wang Huan suddenly changed direction, heading north.
Under the moonlit night, Shendu Peak rose like a solitary spear piercing the heavens, bathed in silvery radiance. The expansive chain of mountains sprawled beneath a sea of clouds, their silhouettes as dark and jagged as the spines of monstrous beasts, evoking an eerie, foreboding atmosphere.