Zhang Yan took out the Seven Heart Dragon Pendant and shook it. "Do you recognize this object?"
When Liu Yan Yi saw the jade pendant, her eyes turned red, and she fell to her knees, sobbing. "This is Uncle’s Seven-Hearted Dragon Jade. Before Uncle departed, he said if anyone brings this jade pendant, I am to obey them in all matters."
Zhang Yan nodded slightly. So, this girl was Liu Tao’s niece. He pointed to the ground and said in a deep voice, "I ask you, who arranged for you to do such nial tasks here? While I am present, do not hesitate—speak freely."
Although the ship captain had seen cultivators who could soar through the skies and move like lightning, they usually wouldn’t even glance at a re mortal like him, let alone step onto his boat. Now, with Zhang Yan’s piercing gaze sweeping over him, he dropped to his knees in terror, bowing repeatedly and stuttering, "I did not know you were related to an immortal master. This lowly one deserves death, this lowly one deserves death."
Liu Yan Yi kneeled and crawled forward a step, lifting her head. "This has nothing to do with the ship owner, Uncle. He was willing to take back to my hotown without charging boat fare. Therefore, I willingly volunteered to do these tasks myself."
Hearing this, Zhang Yan nodded faintly. With a flick of his robe sleeve, he tossed a few spiritual shells down, then enveloped Liu Yan Yi in a sweep of Xuan Guang, ascending rapidly to an altitude of a hundred zhang.
Suddenly finding herself amidst the heavens, Liu Yan Yi did not panic. Her bright eyes curiously scanned the surroundings, noting the misty clouds nearby and the shimring points beneath her feet reminiscent of a blue cosmic river. Her expression revealed a hint of admiration and wonder.
At this mont, Zhang Yan carefully examined her. He couldn’t help but show a trace of astonishnt. This young girl’s eyes were as bright as constellations, her skin clear and radiant like jade, and atop her Hua Gai, wisps of colorful clouds spilled forth. Her exceptional aptitude was unparalleled in his lifeti—even Qin Nan was far inferior!
No wonder the Taoists on Yingxian Island dared not take her as a disciple. This girl might very well be the reincarnation of a Great cultivator; they feared accepting her and thus becoming entangled in karmic ties.
However, logically speaking, such cultivators usually had disciples or sect mbers accompanying them in their previous lives, or at the very least close friends or kin who would co to guide them. Why had no one shown up yet until now? Female cultivators, unlike male cultivators, often miss the optimal age for cultivation after just one or two years of delay.
Zhang Yan beckoned to the young girl to step closer and, with a gentle tone, asked, "Liu Yan Yi, living well on Yingxian Island, why did you choose to leave?"
Even while standing within Xuan Guang’s embrace, Liu Yan Yi didn’t forget her manners. She bowed first before answering, "Immortal Master, though the Liu Family has fallen on hard tis, my uncle left behind so savings and certain items used by immortals. After my uncle’s passing, I noticed so uncles and elders casting harsh glances my way. As I’m young and weak, unable to protect these belongings, I feared soday I might lose them—or even my life. Thus, I chose to abandon them and leave early."
Zhang Yan smiled faintly, saying, "Such a young age, yet you understand the principle that a treasure invites unwarranted harm—remarkable."
Thinking of how this ten-year-old girl had traveled thousands of miles alone to return to her hotown, and how not one of Liu Tao’s friends or sect mbers had co to see her off or even send soone on her behalf—such coldness! Her words were likely true nine out of ten tis.
Zhang Yan sighed inwardly and then asked, "Given this, why didn’t you bring so scattered gold and silver for your journey, rather than laboring on this boat?"
Liu Yan Yi replied, "I’m young, and the journey ho is long. I feared evildoers with ill intent, so I asked Uncle Ship Owner to let work on board. Outsiders who are unaware would assu I’m his relative and wouldn’t dare bully ."
"What a clever and spirited little girl!"
Zhang Yan exclaid in admiration. At this mont, he couldn’t help but feel a fondness for her talent. Liu Yan Yi possessed such rare aptitude and beauty—if he were to take her as a disciple, she would surely beco a great asset in the future!
After the incident with Liu Tao, Zhang Yan had co to understand clearly—on the path of cultivation, without a trusted sect mber, one might face grave consequences upon suffering severe injuries. At worst, one’s life and Dao could co to an end. Without any support, even one’s family might be left unprotected. Noble family disciples still had relatives to rely on, but within sects, true trust was often found only between master and disciple.
Zhang Yan pondered. However, I have my own cultivation to pursue and wouldn’t have ti to care for her. Moreover, the Evil Qi on spiritual paper Island is too heavy, unsuitable for her cultivation. Perhaps it would be better to accept her as a registered disciple and then place her under Master Zhou’s guidance to study the One Qi Cleansing Scripture. After a few years, when she has established a foundation, I can find so Secret Volus for her.
Thinking to this point, he turned to her and asked in a kind voice, "Liu Yan Yi, would you be willing to beco my registered disciple?"
Upon hearing this, Liu Yan Yi’s bright eyes lit up with joy. However, monts later, her expression grew dim as she lowered her head and said, "Immortal Master, others who have encountered said I am entangled in karmic ties and dared not take as their disciple."
Zhang Yan burst into laughter, his voice echoing through the clouds and scattering the mist around them. "Others may fear, but why should I, Zhang Yan, have any hesitation?"
...
...(To be continued. If you enjoyed this work, please visit Qidian (qidian) to cast your recomndation votes or monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)
User Comments
0 comments from readers