However, due to the constant flow of people each day, the order of precedence is naturally determined by one’s status and identity. Upon hearing that Zhang Yan had no background, the manager assumed he was visiting relatives and thus paid him no mind.
Zhang Yan couldn’t help but chuckle. He didn’t wish to argue with a mortal and was about to reveal his identity when he saw the manager’s expression change suddenly. The manager walked over with a fawning smile to greet the dozen or so people approaching, nodding and bowing repeatedly, saying, "Are you all friends or relatives of Immortal Master Qin from Linglang Cave Heaven? The fish boat is ready. This way, please, this way, please. I, Mr. Qian, will personally navigate the boat to take you to the Land Continent."
Zhang Yan took a glance and found that among these people, a few could barely be considered cultivators, but their cultivation levels varied greatly. The one with the highest level had merely reached "Condensing Yuan and Manifesting Intent," likely from a branch of some Xuanmen family.
Facing the manager’s flattering gestures, the group nodded reservedly. One person, dressed as a scholar, paused beside Zhang Yan, turned back, and smiled, saying, "Fellow brother, meeting here is destiny. Why not join us?"
If it were someone else standing on the pier, he might not have said a word. However, Zhang Yan’s appearance and demeanor were outstanding; even in a crowd of thousands, he was easily recognizable. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call him a dragon among men, which is why the invitation was extended to him.
Zhang Yan smiled faintly and said, "Then I thank you, brother."
Once they boarded the fish boat together, the person cupped his hands politely and said, "I am Qin Gui. May I know which Immortal Master you are under, brother?"
Zhang Yan replied, "I have not taken a master."
Qin Gui was surprised. Either one has a mentor, or one does not; there’s no room for falsehood. Even those from noble families exchange nieces and nephews to be apprenticed. If unwilling to mention, one could simply remain silent. To outright deny it would be to deceive one’s ancestry, so Zhang Yan’s words indeed implied he had no master.
After exchanging a few more words, Qin Gui noticed that Zhang Yan seemed to have no background whatsoever, nor any relatives cultivating in the sect. Furthermore, Zhang Yan had mastered the art of Yuan Condensation to the point where his entire body’s qi mechanism was concealed within his bones and blood, with only a single thread of vitality emerging. It was impossible for someone of Qin Gui’s cultivation level to discern anything.
He speculated that Zhang Yan might indeed be a commoner visiting relatives. Unfortunately, such excellent appearance might be wasted on him. Thinking of this, Qin Gui’s face showed slight disdain, losing interest in Zhang Yan and turned to chat with his fellow companions.
Zhang Yan was quite content not to converse with this group. He looked ahead, seeing the rippling green waves, the shimmering lake waters, and distant islands and pavilions faintly visible, stirring a feeling of delight in his chest.
An hour into the boat journey and nearing the Land Continent, the sound of flutes, lutes, and konghous suddenly arose from across the shore. Everyone looked up.
Qin Gui appeared surprised, took two steps forward, and said, "Celestial music welcoming guests—what esteemed guest is arriving at Jiuyi City?"
A companion beside him rushes forward excitedly, "Silk canopies and jade flutes, gold bells, and copper fish, flanked by twenty-nine powerful warriors and dozens of female servants—this must be the procession of a Cave Heaven Fairy from the four great caves!"
These people all had relatives cultivating in the Mingcang Sect and knew that these Cave Heaven Fairies, nurtured within the sect’s grotto heavens, were female cultivators meant to win over talented disciples. Not only did they have significant cultivation themselves, but they also had the support of the sect leader’s faction behind them. Aside from particular reasons, they typically had much freedom. To become Daoist partners with any of them would be like stepping into heaven itself, thus the ordinary disciples in the sect were eager for such an opportunity, longing to be chosen by a Fairy. Yet, most men here typically found it nearly impossible to even catch a glimpse of them, and unexpectedly, they encountered one today.
Qin Gui couldn’t help but feel envious, saying, "It’s the Fairy herself coming to welcome guests. I wonder which brother is so fortunate to be favored by one of the great Cave Heavens!"