Arrival Once Again!

After making all the necessary arrangements, Yang Yan stood up and bid farewell to Xie Xuantian.

With the support of so many top-grade spiritual crystals, cultivation techniques, martial arts formulas, and magical treasures, Yang Yan could leave with peace of mind for a while. As for Xie Xuantian, he could also enter seclusion without worries to attempt breaking through to the next realm.

Upon returning to the quarters inhabited by the Zhang family within the Azure Mystic Sect, Yang Yan briefed his father, Zhang Tai, on the matters at hand. At the same time, he handed over some residual cultivation techniques along with one million spiritual crystals to his father.

Zhang Tai accepted the items from Yang Yan without the slightest hesitation, a surge of emotion washing over him.

Never could he have imagined that the young rascal who had needed his protection for over a decade would grow to such heights in such a short span of time.

One million top-grade spiritual crystals—back in the past, their family wouldn't have been able to gather such a sum even if they spent a hundred years accumulating wealth. Yet now, Yang Yan had produced them effortlessly.

Meanwhile, within the Zhang family's camp, two figures sat with extremely gloomy expressions: Yang Yan's two elder brothers, Zhang Quan and Zhang Sheng.

In the past, due to Yang Yan's inability to cultivate and their constant fear that this outsider would covet their position as heirs to the Zhang family patriarch, the two of them had harbored hostility toward him since childhood, even going so far as to make things difficult for him on numerous occasions.

Only now did they fully realize how foolish and ridiculous their past behavior had been.

Given Yang Yan's current strength and the cultivation talent he had displayed, let alone the insignificant position of the Zhang family patriarch, even a force as formidable as the Azure Mystic Sect would likely not be held in his eyes.

Yet the unimaginable cultivation resources and conditions they were currently enjoying had all been provided, directly or indirectly, by this very outsider whom they had once despised.

This stark contrast and the reversal of their statuses left the two men feeling both absurd and helpless.

Their expressions did not escape Yang Yan's notice, but he chose to say nothing.

Given his current status and strength, apart from his connection to his father, he would likely have no further intersections with these two individuals. As for their past taunts and harassment, Yang Yan merely chose to let them go with a smile.

When a person's strength reaches a certain level, most insults and mockeries from the past are simply brushed aside with a smile rather than met with retaliation, for to retaliate would be beneath one's dignity.

Similarly, if one's strength falls short of the majority, one will inevitably draw cold glances, disdain, and even bullying. But when one's strength surpasses a certain threshold, people's attitudes transform into envy. Only when one's power exceeds the vast majority, standing like a towering existence at the apex of the pyramid, will those gazes shift to awe and reverence.

Such was the meaning of the survival of the fittest in the Tianyuan Continent. While Yang Yan's strength had not yet reached the absolute peak of the pyramid, from the perspective of Zhang Quan and Zhang Sheng, he was already an unreachable entity, for the two of them could likely never hope to attain Yang Yan's current realm even if they exhausted their entire lives.

Consequently, Yang Yan naturally saw no need to trouble himself with Zhang Quan and Zhang Sheng.

Having properly settled the Zhang family, Yang Yan planned to set off for Dalin City the following morning.

To prevent Yang Yan from sneaking away early once again, Qing'er had been waiting for him early beneath Azure Mystic Mountain.

As for Liu Zhengqing, because he and his grandfather had previously traveled to Shangzhou, members of the Liu family from Jinhuan City had also been brought over to the Azure Mystic Sect by Yang Yan. With them being away for so long, family affairs naturally required attention. His grandfather had long grown weary of managing clan affairs, making Liu Zhengqing the de facto helm of the Liu family.

Due to his heavy workload, he had not actively requested to accompany Yang Yan.

Faced with Qing'er tagging along, Yang Yan could only shrug somewhat helplessly.

"You know, wouldn't it be better for a young girl like you to obediently stay in the Azure Mystic Sect and wait for me, instead of insisting on coming along to suffer?"

Yang Yan said.

Hearing this, Qing'er simply smiled.

"You know my temperament. Although your family and uncle have been very kind to me, integrating into an unfamiliar environment takes a considerable amount of time. Besides, since you are heading to Dalin City and I also want to see Xueqing, we might as well go together."

Hearing Qing'er's words, Yang Yan's heart stirred slightly. He had almost forgotten that this girl had struck up a wonderful friendship with Xueqing from the Blacksmith Guild in just a few short days. Come to think of it, Xueqing could even be considered Yang Yan's senior sister of sorts.

"Alright, let's set off."

After a brief pause, Yang Yan did not say anything further. Since this trip held no hidden dangers, bringing Qing'er along posed no problem.

With this decision made, the two of them did not hesitate, their figures flashing as they sped toward Dalin City.

Dalin City was nearly ten days' journey away from Jinzhou, a relatively distant trek. However, with the enhancement of Yang Yan's strength, his flying speed had also seen a massive leap. After mastering the profound footwork of the Void-Roaming Clear Step, his speed increased by yet another margin.

Although Qing'er had already entered the third layer of the Spiritualizing Realm, she had never cultivated any movement-based martial arts techniques, leaving her unable to match Yang Yan's speed.

Yang Yan didn't mind, however. Whenever Qing'er grew physically exhausted, he would take her delicate hand and use the profound mysteries of his Void-Roaming Clear Step to bring her along as they soared through the sky together.

Each time Yang Yan clasped her slender hand, Qing'er's body would invariably tremble inexplicably. Outwardly she remained as cold as frost, but deep within, her heart burned with the warmth of the blazing sun.

Yang Yan was a special existence to Qing'er—the first man to ever stir her heart.

Perhaps because Yang Yan had once saved her life and the Blood-Mercenary Group, an invisible barrier seemed to persist between their relationship, preventing them from ever truly opening up and having a heartfelt conversation.

This was not to say their bond lacked depth; rather, it was precisely because they held each other in such high regard that neither dared to speak, fearing that once spoken, it would shatter the delicate relationship they had worked so hard to maintain.

Furthermore, owing to the debt of her life being saved, Qing'er always felt inferior when interacting with Yang Yan, positioning herself in a passive and humble status throughout their dynamic.

It wasn't that Yang Yan looked down upon her; it was simply a psychological hurdle she could never quite cross within her own heart—she could never place her status on the same level as Yang Yan's.

No one could help her unlock this internal shackle except herself, should she manage to think things through.

Another crucial reason was that she could not truly face the emotions blooming between herself and Yang Yan.

Deep within her heart, a complex sentiment existed toward Yang Yan.

That emotion was rather hazy and ambiguous, seemingly intertwining the feelings between a man and a woman with something else entirely, leaving even herself unable to discern whether it was mere gratitude or something more.

Yang Yan dimly sensed this dynamic between them, but he was truly unaccustomed to untangling the emotional knots of young girls. Moreover, he understood that with Ji Wuyue already in his life, it would likely be difficult to develop deeper romantic ties with other women. Whether it was Sun Zhixin or Qing'er, both found themselves in such an awkward position.

Shaking his head, Yang Yan suppressed these chaotic thoughts and quickened his pace toward Dalin City.

Thanks to Yang Yan's non-stop journey, they finally arrived at the location of the Blacksmith Guild after five days of travel.

As soon as Yang Yan and Qing'er reached the entrance of the Blacksmith Guild, they were recognized by the younger generation of blacksmiths stationed there. The disciples hurriedly stepped forward, shouting "Senior Brother! Senior Brother!" which left Yang Yan feeling somewhat embarrassed.

As for Qing'er, her striking appearance and aloof demeanor immediately drew the attention of many young men within the Blacksmith Guild.

Come to think of it, Qing'er and Xueqing shared quite a similar temperament. Both belonged to the cold-on-the-outside, warm-on-the-inside type. Initially, trying to befriend them was notoriously difficult, and even after truly becoming friends, words between you and them would remain scarce. Yet they would invariably care for you silently behind the scenes without ever voicing it aloud.

A moment later, two figures emerged from the grand gates of the Blacksmith Guild: Xueqing and Guild Master Frank.

"Little fellow, I didn't expect us to meet again so soon. Your strength?!"

The moment they met, Frank greeted Yang Yan with a smile. As he led them into the hall, however, he caught a subtle hint of something amiss, sensing a faint suppression emanating from Yang Yan.

"Guild Master Frank's eyes are like torches; indeed, nothing can escape you."

Xiao Yan replied with a smile.

Though he had suppressed his true strength deep within his body, it had still failed to escape the perception of Frank, whose soul power was immensely formidable.

As expected of a tier-5 master blacksmith. Yang Yan could now confirm that while Frank was at the same Great Accomplishment stage of the Spirit Realm as himself, the old man undoubtedly surpassed him, likely standing only a single step away from perfection, whereas Yang Yan had only just broken through.

"It seems the rumors spreading from the Liu Clan of Shangzhou and the Kunyang Sect of Qingzhou are indeed true. You truly are a surprising fellow. In just a little over a month since parting ways, you've stirred up such massive waves. Furthermore, your cultivation realm and soul power have both increased by such a staggering margin—you are a true monster."

Upon seeing Yang Yan, Frank finally verified the intelligence he had received earlier. While inwardly shocked, he could not help but sigh in admiration.

Yang Yan shrugged nonchalantly. He would have preferred to maintain a low profile, but given his growing strength and the missions he needed to accomplish, clashes with formidable immortal cultivation forces within the Flying Cloud Empire were inevitable. Making a resounding name for himself was unavoidable, even if he tried to hide it.

After exchanging pleasantries, Xueqing led Qing'er off to another area. Both girls were perceptive enough to realize that Yang Yan had matters to discuss with Frank.

Stepping into the main hall of the Blacksmith Guild, the spacious chamber emptied until only Yang Yan and Frank remained.

"You little fellow are currently riding the crest of your fame. I daresay not a single soul in the immortal cultivation world of the Flying Cloud Empire remains ignorant of your great name. What brings you to this old bone of mine today?"

Once the two were seated, Frank stroked his beard and asked Yang Yan.

"Guild Master Frank flatters me. This junior has come today primarily to ask for your help with a favor."

"Oh? Is there truly something I can assist you with?"

Frank teased with a chuckle.

Without beating around the bush, Yang Yan swept his palm across his cosmos sack, causing a slender, pale-blue sword to materialize in his hand, which he promptly handed over.

The moment the Shadow Moon Frost Blade appeared, Frank's gaze locked onto it instantly. After taking the sword and examining it closely, Frank fell into deep contemplation for a long while before finally speaking.

"Where did you acquire this item?"

Frank asked.

"I stumbled upon it by chance in a marketplace in Jinhuan City. At the time, the sword was covered in rust with nothing extraordinary about it. It only transformed into this appearance after I nourished it with my internal spiritual energy."

Yang Yan answered candidly, recounting the origins of the Shadow Moon Frost Blade in full detail.

"Your fortuitous encounters are truly remarkable, little fellow. Even random treasures picked up from street stalls turn out to be rare artifacts."

Frank could not help praising aloud.

"Could it be that the Guild Master recognizes the origin of this sword?"

Sensing this, Yang Yan's heart skipped a beat, and he hurriedly asked.

"I am not entirely clear on its exact origin, but I can conclude that this sword is indeed a rare magical treasure. It even possesses the potential to evolve into an Immortal-tier artifact."

At these words, even Frank, a master of his craft, wore a look of shock on his face.

"An Immortal-tier artifact?!"

Hearing these two words, Yang Yan was shaken to his core. Magical treasures of that caliber should be capable of generating their own sentience, and their raw combat prowess alone would match cultivators in the Spiritual Sea Realm, with the potential to advance even further toward the Life-Extinction Realm.

Such a terrifying magical treasure was naturally beyond precious.

Though he had long suspected that the origins of the Shadow Moon Frost Blade were extraordinary, Yang Yan had never imagined it could reach such heights.

"The pity is that your current weapon is incomplete. In other words, only when it fully merges with its counterpart will there be a chance for it to return to its former peak state."

At this moment, Frank shook his head slowly before speaking.