It turns out Xie Zongyuan failed to deliver the ssage about his entrapnt in the Demon Cave in ti. Though it was not his fault, he could not help but feel remorseful and ashad to face Zhang Yan. Thus, he sent a letter of apology along with a gift to express his regret.
Luo Xiao rolled up her sleeve, revealing a fair arm, and pointed at the desk, saying, "Master, that Sleeve Bag is right on your desk. We have not dared to peek inside."
Zhang Yan smiled and said, "You may look if you wish, it’s only so items sent by Brother Xie. Speaking of this, during my journey to the Demon Cave for cultivation, I acquired a few Dharma Treasures. I cannot use all of them alone, so it’s fitting to share them with you."
When Luo Xiao heard this, she couldn’t help but cover her mouth and exclaim, "Master, could it be that you encountered so formidable cultivator during this expedition?"
Zhang Yan shook his head and said, "It’s a long story. Co and take a look at these Dharma Treasures. Take whichever one you like."
With a flick of his sleeve, three Dharma Treasures appeared on the desk. They were the Purple Star River Moon Net, the Wind and Thunder Fork, and the Cloud Filling Bowl.
Luo Xiao’s eyes lit up at the sight of the Purple Star River Moon Net. She stepped forward, picked it up, and said gleefully, "It’s actually a High-Grade Spirit Artifact! Master, may I keep this Floating Ribbon? What do you think?"
Zhang Yan chuckled and said, "What a coincidence, I had intended to gift this item to Luo Daoist."
Shang Shang, far less favored than Luo Xiao, did not dare to act presumptuously even with the Dharma Treasures before her. She rely lowered her head and stood there motionless.
Zhang Yan cast his gaze upon her and said, "Daoist Shang, when Luo Daoist and I are out in the future, the cave mansion will rely on you to manage. Feel free to pick one for yourself—it could serve as protection."
Shang Shang softly replied, "Yes."
Without hesitation, she stepped forward, picked up the Wind and Thunder Fork, and then retreated.
Zhang Yan nodded inwardly, praising Shang Shang’s sense of propriety.
At this mont, a trace of unease appeared on Luo Xiao’s face. She bit her lip and said hesitantly, "Master, you ntioned going out with earlier. Could it be... could it be to eradicate the Three Pools?"
Zhang Yan waved his hand and said, "Luo Daoist, I understand your predicant. You need not join this battle, but you must draw a detailed map of the Three Pools’ paths to aid in the task."
Luo Xiao let out a sigh of relief. To personally kill her kin from her own tribe was indeed sothing she couldn’t bear. She pondered for a mont and said, "Although I am familiar with the paths of the Bixue Pool, there are so secret Water Mansions I do not entirely know. However, I know of a Daoist who could surely assist you, Master."
Zhang Yan was surprised and asked, "Oh? Who might that be?"
These days, Luo Xiao had been staying at the cave mansion. Being a Demon Cultivator, it was impossible for her to associate with disciples of the Mingcang Sect. Shang Shang had been purchased from Water Country and had never ventured out, so how could she be aware of the Three Pools’ true nature?
Luo Xiao smiled graciously and said, "Has Master forgotten the Daoist still waiting in the inner river to acknowledge you as his master? His original dwelling was beneath the Three Pools. Not only is he intimately acquainted with all the secret cave mansions, but he also recognizes them all."
Zhang Yan suddenly realized—it was the Golden Flood Dragon in the river. Over the past few days, he had been focused on elevating his cultivation and had entirely forgotten this matter. He then asked, "Luo Daoist, how did you learn that he is familiar with the paths of the Three Pools?"
Luo Xiao replied, "Over the past two months, I followed Master’s instructions not to tamper with the prohibitions. Feeling idle, I would occasionally visit Daoist Ao to converse. Through such exchanges, I managed to extract quite a bit of information."
Zhang Yan straightened up and said, "Good. Ti is of the essence. I will go and claim him now."
With those words, his tunneling light flickered, and he exited the cave mansion, arriving swiftly at the inner river beside the island. He called out, "Daoist, please co forth."
"Eh? How is it that after more than two months, he has beco a Xuan Guang Practitioner?" Amid the churning waves, the Golden Flood Dragon erged from the water, its enormous head surfacing as its two demonic eyes stared intently at Zhang Yan, its body alternately sinking and floating in the water.
Zhang Yan hovered in the air, supported by a water-blue radiance beneath his feet. Looking down from above, he spoke, "Do you know why I have co today?"
The Golden Flood Dragon’s eyes darted around nervously, remaining silent.
With a chill in his gaze, Zhang Yan said, "You previously agreed to recognize as your master. Do you intend to go back on your word today?"
At this mont, Luo Xiao arrived, standing by Zhang Yan’s side. Seeing the situation, she smiled enchantingly and said, "Master, please don’t be impatient. Allow to persuade Daoist Ao."
Knowing she had a plan in mind, Zhang Yan imdiately flicked his sleeve and said, "Very well then. For Luo Daoist’s sake, I will not force you for now." With those words, he turned and walked away.
After Zhang Yan left, Luo Xiao stepped closer to the Golden Flood Dragon and said, "Daoist Ao, over these days, I’ve spoken to you about many things. Have you forgotten them all? Do not think the Master desires you rely as a servant. His interest lies in your being an Ancient Mutant—he finds it intriguing. But as you’ve seen, Daoist Zhang’s cultivation progresses at lightning speed daily. In the future, when his cultivation grows stronger, and his vision expands, do you think he will still hold you in regard? If I were you, I would pledge early to the Master—perhaps then, you could gain so benefits."
She then took out the Purple Star River Moon Net and waved it lightly, saying, "Look, this is the item Master just gifted."
The Demon Race is typically impoverished, with only tribal gatherings possessing any semblance of wealth. Not everyone can share in it, and generally, they have nothing but their own physical bodies. Now, seeing Luo Xiao casually presenting a High-Grade Spirit Artifact, the Golden Flood Dragon couldn’t help but gawk.
"Let tell you this—do you think you can escape? Instead of struggling to scrape by, wouldn’t it be better to surrender sooner? As you’ve seen, has the Master ever mistreated in the slightest? The Master has been a Xuan Guang Practitioner after only one year in the sect—he is destined to ascend to immortality one day. You have failed in your Transformation. If soone else takes you, it would be to skin and dissect you, tear out your tendons and strip your scales—you’d be of no use whatsoever. Only my Master has the intention to nurture you. If I were him, I’d have devoured you long ago, to cleanse my bloodline and elevate my cultivation. Would that not be better?"
Luo Xiao laid out the stakes clearly for him. Over the past two months, the Golden Flood Dragon had already been harboring this intention. Now, it was thoroughly convinced. Its massive head nodded like a pecking chicken, saying, "Thank you, Daoist, for enlightening . Ao Tong is willing to recognize his master."
Seeing that the Golden Flood Dragon had revealed its true na, Luo Xiao knew it was genuinely committed this ti. She imdiately went to invite Zhang Yan back. The Golden Flood Dragon then forced out a drop of Essence Blood before Zhang Yan, swearing an oath.
Once the Essence Blood dissolved, Zhang Yan felt a connection forming in his mind. He promptly retrieved a token, removed the prohibition, and said with a smile, "Daoist Ao, if boredom strikes, feel free to roam the Dragon Abyss Marsh."
Ao Tong was overjoyed. Having been confined to the inner river on this island for over two months, it felt akin to a burly man being trapped in a cramped and narrow room, finding even turning unbearable. Now, finally free to explore the shallows, it let out a long cry. Rolling up a massive wave, a Golden Flood Dragon over six zhang in length leaped into the expansive marsh.
...
...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian) to vote with recomndation and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)
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