Ming Qi cultivators are permitted to bring several family mbers into the sect for settlent, which can be considered as supporting their clan. If one is a Xuan Guang Realm cultivator, however, they are eligible to bring the entire clan into the sect. Yet there is a downside—should the cultivator fall, their kin would lose protection, leaving them vulnerable to oppression and suffering.
Nonetheless, in this place, one is free from mortal taxes and labor levies, and need not endure exploitation or control by mortal officials or the court. If one is cautious, they may live freely for a century or more. It is even possible that descendants or nephews might also find fortune in immortality here. Hence, many are willing to reside in such a place.
Zhang Yan shook his head; he no longer had any family. He faintly rembered once having a younger brother and sister, but when his grandfather was en route to assu his post in Yunzhou, the caravan encountered a group of black-clad, masked bandits on the way, and from then on, their whereabouts were unknown. Now he was the only one left in the family. Perhaps there were sches by the Zhou Family behind this incident; if so, he might one day need to uncover the truth.
It might be feasible to fetch Zhang Xi here. Yet, the old man was stubborn and deeply resistant to the path of immortality. People have their own karmic predestinations; if it is not ant to be, he would not force it.
However, recalling this matter, he rembered Liu Tao entrusting him to deliver the Seven Heart Dragon Pendant. After dismissing the Deacon Daoist boy, he retrieved the jade pendant. He hadn’t examined it closely before, but now flipping it over, he saw the small characters "Liu Yan Yi" engraved on the back. Clearly, this was the na of Liu Tao’s junior relative.
He thought to himself that it had been three days since he left the Demon Cave, and in eight days, he was to head to Three Pools. He decided it prudent to deliver the jade pendant first and settle the task promptly.
With this in mind, he stepped out of the Cave Mansion and, leaping skyward, conjured tunneling light, heading straight toward Yingxian Island.
Yingxian Island lies in the southeast region of Dragon Abyss Marsh. The island is imnse, forming a small continent of its own. The Island Master is said to be over a hundred years old and the grand-disciple of True Master ng. He supervises over a thousand disciples here in cultivation. The island’s abundant production of beautiful jade and colorful stones makes it a rather recognizable location.
Within an hour, he spotted from the clouds a vast island stretching for a thousand li. A glazed light shimred from it, and he knew he had arrived. As he approached, he saw several stately temples and palaces ascending along the mountain ridge, culminating at the grand hall on the peak. Controlling his cloud, he descended onto the hall’s entrance.
As Zhang Yan stood in front of the hall, a Deacon Daoist erged from within to greet him. At the sight of the tunneling light, the Daoist knew imdiately that a Xuan Guang Practitioner had arrived. Noticing Zhang Yan’s attire as a True Disciple, the Daoist dared not show any neglect. Hastily bowing, he spoke, "What is the purpose of this visit, Brother?"
Zhang Yan gave him a light glance, and with a mild expression, cupped his hands and said, "I am Zhang Yan of spiritual paper Island. Did Senior Brother Liu Tao once cultivate here?"
"Oh, so it is Brother Zhang," the Daoist replied, sighing. "Unfortunately, Senior Brother Liu Tao ventured into the Demon Cave two months ago. News ca a few days ago that he has fallen there. Brother Zhang, I fear your journey may have been in vain."
Zhang Yan’s tone deepened, "I am here by his request to deliver sothing to one of his kin. Might this person be present?"
The Daoist was startled, his expression sowhat uneasy. After a mont of hesitation, he replied, "The relative of Senior Brother Liu... upon hearing of his demise, returned to their family ho."
Zhang Yan frowned. "How long ago did they leave?"
"Within three days."
Zhang Yan scrutinized the Daoist for a few monts, causing the latter’s expression to beco increasingly unnatural. In the end, Zhang Yan let out a cold laugh, then soared skyward in a surge of tunneling light, heading toward the exit of Dragon Abyss Marsh in pursuit.
Watching Zhang Yan depart, the Daoist finally breathed a sigh of relief, wiping the cold sweat off his brow. He secretly thought, "Who would have guessed that Junior Brother Liu had such capabilities, managing to forge connections with True Disciples from the Xuan Guang Realm? This ti, certain Junior Brothers truly ssed up."
Zhang Yan pursued northward. He knew that within three days, Liu Tao’s relative could not have left Dragon Abyss Marsh. However, even after inspecting several boats, he was unable to locate the person he sought.
About half an hour later, he spotted a two-layered sailboat in the distance. With his sharp vision, he scanned its passengers in an instant, noting their expressions, attire, and deanor in precise detail. Suddenly, he couldn’t help but let out a soft "hmm."
On the sailboat deck, a young girl was on her knees, scrubbing the planks. She looked to be just over ten years old, her childish features still evident. Her delicate eyebrows and charming complexion bore a vague resemblance to Liu Tao.
Spurring his Xuan Guang light, Zhang Yan descended onto the boat in a flash. Worried about startling the girl, he approached carefully and asked gently, "Are you Liu Yan Yi?"
The young girl, upon seeing the light streak and noting the arrival of a dignified cultivator, was unfazed. Having encountered such figures many tis on the island, she stood up, imitated the adults’ respectful deanor, and perford a polite bow. "Immortal Master, this humble girl is indeed Liu Yan Yi."
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