Chapter 729 - 106: True Master’s Relic, Red Sand Thunder Pearl
Zhang Yan saw that it was the Sect Leader himself who had personally sent the letter, and for a moment, countless thoughts swirled in his mind, guessing at its intentions.
After opening the letter, he unfolded the paper and carefully read its contents. Upon finishing, he couldn’t help but take a deep breath. Though he prided himself on his boldness, he was still startled by what was written.
The Sect Leader wanted him to assist Huo Xuan as much as possible, and the journey ahead would serve to accomplish a major task.
However, this task was extraordinarily dangerous—one misstep could result in his death and the obliteration of his soul. Therefore, the Sect Leader included a promise in the letter: if Zhang Yan carried out the matter successfully, the sect would secretly grant him another of the Twelve Divine Abilities.
Zhang Yan placed the letter down and began pacing back and forth in the hall.
Though the Top Ten Disciples were resplendent in fame, hundreds of years ago, they could safely cultivate without venturing outside, progressing to the Nascent Soul Realm with ease.
But today, with the looming Demon Tribulation, no one dared to claim they could pass through unscathed. Even if he were to remain in the sect to cultivate, Zhang Yan himself felt uncertain of his safety.
Moreover, with the approaching Sixteen Sects Sword Competition, the exact date—still unsettled by the Sect Leaders of the Ten Great Profound Sects due to the impact of the Demon Tribulation—would surely occur within the next couple decades, if not sooner. Afterward, conflict with the Demon Sect seemed inevitable.
The only thing he could do now was to strive to elevate his cultivation as much as possible in preparation to seize the slimmest chance of survival in this calamity.
Yet, to reach the Nascent Soul Realm within a century was a goal he admitted lacking absolute confidence in achieving.
Still, the God Contract Technique provided him with a glimmer of hope, illuminating another path.
This method revolved around slaughtering Demon Sect disciples to replenish himself. If he could prematurely elevate his Power Dao cultivation to the Nascent Soul Realm, his fortified body wouldn’t attract undue attention nor leave him defenseless, giving him a chance to withstand the impending catastrophe.
If he were to kill even more Demon Sect disciples, could he advance the God Contract Technique to its Fourth Realm, equating to the Nascent Soul Realm?
Zhang Yan suddenly stopped in his tracks—it seemed this journey to Gushang Lake Qingtong Mountain was inevitable.
Judging by the letter, though this expedition was fraught with perils, if what was written proved true...
His gaze fell upon the Residual Divine Contract Technique; it might provide a solution to a significant difficulty he faced.
Moreover, thinking about it in reverse, wasn’t this his opportunity? The Sect Leader assigning him this task was indicative of trust in him, was it not?
He took out the letter again, noticing three talismans attached at the end. A gleam ignited in his eyes.
This risk—was worth taking!
Given the magnitude of this venture, his heart already resolved, he naturally had to make adequate preparations.
Calculating the remaining days and reconsidering everything, he realized he lacked nothing in terms of elixir pills. After wiping out the Su Family, he had obtained over ten thousand of them, plus sporadic deliveries from Zhou Chongju. Other than keeping reserves for his disciples’ cultivation, he had more than enough to meet the needs of the journey, so there was no need to seek more.
However, the letter mentioned that at Gushang Lake, raging Yin Winds roared unabated, even surpassing the conditions of the Small Cold Realm. He would need to bring the "Spring Bottle" with him, as it contained a River Rejuvenation Wine sufficient for his use.
After mulling this over for a little longer, he called out, "Mirror Spirit, where are you?"
The Mirror Spirit promptly appeared, offering a deep bow, "Master, I am here."
Zhang Yan tossed out a sleeve bag and pointed at it, saying, "Take a look at this item; is it possible to unlock?"
This sleeve bag had been left behind by Xiao Mousui years ago. Zhang Yan hadn’t dared touch it all these years—not only for fear of carelessly activating any hidden prohibitions or tokens, which could alert the Xiao Family, but also due to concerns that his still-limited cultivation might destroy its contents if he did open it. Besides, with his abundant Dharma Treasures and Magic Artifacts, he hadn’t felt the need to examine it, so he had left it untouched.
Now, with the imminent journey to Bronze Mountain, he couldn’t overlook any potential life-saving tools. Thus, he resolved to open it and see if it contained anything that could serve as valuable support.
The Mirror Spirit glanced at the bag and smiled faintly. "Master, this sleeve bag is sealed with several trivial small prohibition techniques. If Master wishes to avoid damaging its contents, allow me five to six days, and I’ll have it unlocked."
Zhang Yan couldn’t suppress his joy. "Only five or six days? Good, take it to refine now. I’ll come to check after seven days."
The Mirror Spirit bowed again and departed to carry out the task.
Zhang Yan sat on the jade couch, calculating his next steps. Since the day of the grand competition, he had been refining Elixir Evil in his cave mansion without taking time to further cultivate the You Yin Heavy Water. With several days before venturing into such dangerous territory, he decided to seize the opportunity and get it done.