The place Zhang Yan agreed to meet Dong Jinzi again was in the southwestern direction of East Splendor Continent, at a location called Lanchan Mountain.
This place is on the border of Liang Country, further west is the barbaric land, rarely visited by people. It is shrouded in mist all year round, filled with deep mountains and great lakes, covered with serpents, poison insects, spirit monsters, and exotic beasts, even cultivators rarely come here.
After Zhang Yan circled around a few times with the wind, he was reluctant to go deeper. Such desolate mountains and rivers might also be a retreat for demons, so he descended on the sunlit southern slope of the mountain, found a secluded and quiet valley, and casually opened a cave mansion for several people. A shake of his sleeve, he threw the Beauty Ganoderma onto the ground.
He took out a pair of tender green Flying Leaves from his Sleeve Bag, this item was the communication Flying Talisman given to him by Dong Jinzi. With a flick of his finger, one Flying Leaf turned into green light and flew away. He placed the other green leaf on the Beauty Ganoderma and then stepped outside the cave, waving his sleeve to throw a few talismans onto the cave door.
After arranging it hastily, he smiled faintly, not willing to stay longer, and then flew away into the sky.
That day in Qingcun Mountain, he met Dong Jinzi in the guise of Li Yuanba, realizing now he didn’t want his identity to be discovered by the other party, he naturally didn’t wish to meet again, simply leaving the Ganoderma Ancestor’s body here to wait for Dong Jinzi to collect it. Read complete version only at n͟o͟v͟e͟l͟f͟i͟r͟e͟.net
Moreover, this person was a Demon Sect practitioner, previously willing to lower his stance to negotiate terms with him because that avatar’s cultivation was on par with his own, leaving them unable to overpower each other, thus had to make concessions. Now being outside, there were no restraints, and a confrontation would be expected, so Zhang Yan had to be cautious.
Even if this person held no hostility towards him, he didn’t want any involvement, knowing the disparity in cultivation would make any talk futile.
After walking for about an hour, a hazy green light swept across the sky, accompanied by surging pine waves and fluttering green leaves, a woman dressed in blue, with jade complexion and red lips, smoky hair, and misty bangs, descended in front of the cave door. Her phoenix eyes swept around, not finding a single figure, she sneered coldly, "That junior sure left quickly."
She flicked her water sleeves, easily removing a few talismans, then entered the cave. Raising her eyes, she saw the Ganoderma Ancestor’s body standing gracefully before her, a smile of joy appeared on her face, and she murmured, "That junior indeed kept his promise."
She continued coldly, "He Mulong, Qingyao, you two dare to plot against me, just you wait, once I overcome my calamity and reach the Perfect Realm, I will definitely go to Purple Bamboo Mountain and make sure you find no peace!"
After leaving Lanchan Mountain, Zhang Yan did not fly through the clouds but landed in a county within Liang Country, buying a boat at the ferry and drifting down the river.
This journey intentionally slowed his pace, exploring the southern landscapes by day and practicing cultivation techniques by night, enjoying a carefree existence.
Two months later, the boat arrived below Linzhou City in Kangcheng County, gazing into the distance, Jurong Mountain came into view. Smiling gently, he stepped onto the water, sensing the location of the All Elements Star Formation Flag, then with a rise of mist, parted waves, and headed towards the underwater cave mansion.
Zhang Pan was sitting in the cave mansion comprehending Dao Techniques when he suddenly felt the array shift as someone entered the cave smoothly and joyously, stepping out quickly. Lifting his head, he saw Zhang Yan standing in midair on flying mist, his mood immediately elated, bowing deeply, he exclaimed, "Indeed, the master has returned!"
Zhang Yan smiled slightly, "Rise." His gaze swept around, "Where is my disciple?"
Zhang Pan replied honestly, "Operating cultivation along the river."
At this moment, Mrs. Chen heard the commotion, stepped out from the depths of the cave mansion, upon seeing Zhang Yan, her face was filled with joy, giving a deep bow, she exclaimed happily, "So it’s Zhang Daoist returned, even Kun’er plays in the water all day without properly cultivating. I’ll call him over."
Zhang Yan chuckled, "No need to hurry, Mrs. Chen, do not disturb his practice. Let him finish his cultivation, meeting later is not too late."
Mrs. Chen’s words also carried a hint of probing, seeing Tian Kun cultivating in the water every day, she felt strange, not suspecting the cultivation technique was wrong, but afraid the child might be exploring on his own and veer off path.
The master-disciple transmission of teachings has its own set of rules and taboos, while she, as a mother, it was not appropriate to question, but there was always unease in her heart. Now hearing Zhang Yan’s assurance that it was a legitimate cultivation path, she felt at ease.