CHAPTER 693: CHAPTER 88: TAKING THE INITIATIVE IN CHESS, MOUNTAIN GATE OFFICER

After spending two days outside, Zhang Yan returned to the Zhao You Heavenly Pond. The moment he entered his residence, Liu Yan Yi led Tian Kun, the Wang Sisters, and various others from the Zhao You Heavenly Pond to come and offer their congratulations.

His teacher had become one of the Top Ten Disciples of the Mingcang Sect, and now all his disciples under him could proudly claim themselves as part of the Zhao You Sect.

The Wang Sisters were merely overjoyed because Zhang Yan’s standing within the sect had risen, but Liu Yan Yi quietly felt a deep respect. She understood how challenging it had been for her teacher to ascend to this position, how many hardships he had endured, and how much scheming had gone into achieving such success.

Luo Xiao walked up with a smile, holding out a gift ledger, and said, "Master, since your return to the residence, there have already been quite a few people bringing presents to congratulate you. Truly, being one of the Top Ten Disciples is marvelous—this servant is envious just looking at it."

Zhang Yan shook his head with a chuckle, accepting the ledger and scanning the list of names within.

He saw the names Xie Zongyuan, Feng Ming, Qin Nan prominently listed, along with the offering from True Master Peng—a hundred ships filled with True Sand.

Additionally, there were quite a few calling cards from disciples, all seeking an audience with him.

Zhang Yan naturally understood that these disciples aimed to align themselves with his rising influence. Though he indeed planned to expand his disciples in the future, now was not the optimal time. He was still contemplating how to break through the Shell Barrier, so he instructed Shang Shang to politely decline all of them.

After dismissing the disciples, Zhang Yan retained Luo Xiao alone and said with a smile, "Fellow Daoist Luo, you have followed me for some time, and I’ve often considered finding you a superior cultivation technique to further your path. Unfortunately, various matters delayed me from acting. Now that I am one of the Top Ten Disciples, I can freely peruse the thousands of Daoist books within the Jingluo Courtyard. Securing a technique ideally suited to you has become a simple matter."

Hearing these words, Luo Xiao immediately offered a respectful bow and, with noticeable delight, said, "Master, your consideration humbles me. This servant thanks you wholeheartedly."

After exchanging a few words with Luo Xiao, Zhang Yan returned to the Twelve Layered Palace, where the Mirror Spirit had been waiting for quite some time. Upon seeing him, the Mirror Spirit immediately bowed repeatedly and said, "Congratulations, Master! Many felicitations, Master!"

Zhang Yan laughed heartily and said, "You don’t need to go through all this formality."

The Mirror Spirit, being extraordinarily tactful, showed no hint of embarrassment and instead chuckled subserviently. It thought to itself, Who doesn’t enjoy hearing nice words?

Especially as a True Spirit of a Dharma Treasure, bound with unwavering loyalty to its master, it had no reason to hold back.

Once Zhang Yan was seated, the Mirror Spirit took a step forward and said, "Master, Xiao Yi has successfully seized Xiao He’s body shell. Would you wish to meet him?"

Zhang Yan was somewhat surprised. Knowing the difficulty of body seizing, he hadn’t restrained Xiao He’s Primordial Spirit at the time. For Xiao Yi to accomplish the possession was truly remarkable. Thinking for a moment, he said, "Very well, summon him to meet me."

Upon receiving the command, the Mirror Spirit activated the array and brought Xiao Yi into the chamber.

The moment Xiao Yi landed, he did not look around in confusion but immediately stepped forward and knelt down ceremoniously before Zhang Yan, saying, "Benefactor above, please accept this humble one’s reverent bow." He respectfully kowtowed on the spot.

Seated upon the Jade Couch, Zhang Yan accepted the bow graciously and said, "Rise and speak."

Xiao Yi replied, "Yes," and stood without hesitation.

Zhang Yan observed the faint pallor on Xiao Yi’s face. It was clear he had lost a great deal of Primordial Qi during the possession and was still physically weakened from the ordeal. Without proper recuperation, his Dao Foundation could be irreversibly damaged, rendering all his efforts in vain.

Considering Xiao Yi’s achievement, Zhang Yan decided to extend him further assistance. He said, "During the sect competition, Senior Brother Xiao Tang demanded to have you returned to him, and I agreed. However, given your current condition, your reputation might not fare well. Why don’t you stay here in my residence for a few days to recover? Once your body is fully healed, you can return without worry."

Xiao Yi displayed an expression of overwhelming gratitude, kneeling once more to say, "Benefactor’s grace shall be forever engraved in my heart. Should you ever need anything, I would gladly give my life without hesitating."

Zhang Yan nodded slightly and exchanged a meaningful glance with the Mirror Spirit. The latter understood immediately, activated the array gate, and sent Xiao Yi away.

With his gaze flickering faintly, Zhang Yan instructed the Mirror Spirit, "Do not hold back on Spiritual Medicine. Earlier, I had somewhat underestimated him. This person is not only resolute but also adaptable, possessing qualities beyond the ordinary. He may prove crucial in the future."

The Mirror Spirit understood the intent instantly and bowed, saying, "Rest assured, Master. This humble one will take excellent care of him."

"Hmm," Zhang Yan responded, as he withdrew a piece of Beautiful Jade from his sleeve and said, "Su Daoist, did you notice the individual earlier?"

From within the Beautiful Jade, Su YiAng emerged, revealing his form. He remarked with admiration, "Master, this humble one saw him clearly. That person has undoubtedly succeeded in body possession."

He then pounded his chest with pride and declared with confidence, "Unlike him, should Master grant me a body, my chance of success is nine out of ten."