A Disciple Named Zhang Yang Pays His Respects to His Teacher!

Sea-Gazing Peak.

At the mountaintop, two young men stood with their hands behind their backs, gazing down at the Cloud Platform.

One of them, with delicate features and furrowed brows, sighed deeply, "The talents of the four regions are few, but most have been recruited by Peach Mountain, Heaven Mountain, North Sea, and Snow Ridge. I Sea-Gazing Peak Central Lands from Wanghai Peak towards the Central Plains and down to the Southern Borderlands, yet I can find very few good prospects. It's truly—"

Qin Fan looked at the dozen or so disciples on the Cloud Platform and couldn't help but shake his head.

Under heaven.

Most of it is barren land.

The cultivation resources are barely enough to satisfy even the cultivators' own needs, let alone to bestow them upon disciples and followers. Without elixirs to increase their cultivation and magical Law Power, most ordinary people with mediocre or even slightly talented abilities would find it difficult to achieve anything by relying on their own cultivation. It would simply be a waste of their energy and resources.

Therefore.

Regardless of sect or school, anyone with a modicum of knowledge will carefully select their disciples. Unless they are geniuses or have a significant background, they will never be accepted into the sect.

The same is true of Sea-Gazing Peak.

But with all the factions vying for them, how many can Sea-Gazing Peak actually manage to snatch?

Not to mention, the Great Victory Sect stands right in front of the gate, directly confronting the Sea-Gazing Peak, making it difficult for the Prison-Suppressing Immortal Sect to develop.

The two Nascent Primordial Spirit elders of the sect, along with several disciples in the Late Qi Refining, would often go down the mountain to search for qualified mortals in the Southern Borderlands and the Central Lands, and then guide them up the mountain.

But it's like looking for Ocean.

Over the years, Sea-Gazing Peak has seen a turnover of new and old members, with some dying and others leaving the mountain. Including the two Primordial Spirit Elders, in the end, there are less than twenty formal disciple left.

As a true Immortal Ancestor, it's no wonder Qin Fan is worried.

It's a pity.

Although he was True Immortal with a long lifespan, numerous calamities hung over his head like a sword, forcing Qin Fan to spend a great deal of time cultivating himself and traveling around searching for treasures.

They might refine medicine to increase their Law Power, or forge magical treasures to cope with calamities.

There is not a moment's rest.

We are truly powerless to manage the temple's operations.

In fact.

In each sect and school, mundane affairs and instruction are handled by elders of the Primordial Spirit or even disciples at the Late Qi Refining. True Immortal Ancestor mostly live in seclusion in mountains or live a carefree life, focusing on the macro-level direction and paying little attention to the details.

"In recent years, the Great Victory Sect has become increasingly prosperous and arrogant. Two years ago, they even snatched away a disciple from my Sea-Gazing Peak who was on track to cultivate to the Nascent Primordial Spirit. Recently, they have been frequently contacting disciples within the sect, and even Ocean and Zhang Shu have been courted by others."

Qin Fan grew angrier as he spoke, and said bitterly, "This time when I return to the mountain, I'm not leaving. I'm going to give these kids a good beating and have them fight the Great Victory Sect!"

Standing next to Qin Fan was another young man, with white hair tied in a Daoist bun, his face calm and serene, like a celestial being who had transcended the mortal world.

This person was none other than Zhang Yang, who had been trapped in the Lesser Weakwater Realm for a full 37,000 years.

Through tens of thousands of years of trials and tribulations, he has forged the demeanor of a master.

It is so beautiful that one is captivated at first sight.

"Inappropriate."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yang shook his head and said, "With your current Law Power and cultivation, the Thunder Calamity will surely arrive in ten to twenty or thirty years. During this time, it is best to focus on cultivation. On this trip to the East Sea, I snatched a piece of Scarlet Jade from the 'Wine Sword Immortal,' one of the Peach Mountain Three Immortals. You should refine it into your magic sword to overcome the Thunder Calamity, which will increase your chances of success."

As he spoke, he took out a piece of Scarlet Jade that emitted a faint glow from his sleeve.

One glance is enough to tell it's extraordinary.

"This disciple dares not!"

Qin Fan shook his head repeatedly.

This Scarlet Jade is an excellent material for forging flying swords; True Immortal would find it hard to obtain. Master speaks of it so lightly, but just think about what kind of person this 'Wine Sword Immortal' is?

Among all the True Immortal, he is the most outstanding. It is said that he has long since passed through the "Three Calamities Nine Difficulties" and has already entered the "Ten Tribulations" level.

Qin Fan dared not accept the treasure that his master had snatched from such a person.

"This Scarlet Jade will also benefit Master's 'Golden Ring'. My 'Heavenly Pivot Sword' is more than enough to deal with a mere Thunder Calamity," Qin Fan said to Zhang Yang with a smile.

"The Three Calamities are ominous and dangerous; we must not be careless."

Zhang Yang's expression turned serious as he said, "The Scarlet Jade is good, but the 'Golden Ring' has gone through Nine Difficulties Three Calamities me and is no longer of use."

Seeing his master's expression change, Qin Fan dared not refuse any longer and quickly accepted the gift, feeling a warmth in his heart.

Before the Great Way.

Even among master and disciple, it would be difficult for anyone to reach the level of a master.

The five fellow disciples who followed him into the master's fold, due to their limited aptitude, were still stuck at the Primordial Spirit Realm despite the master's diligent teaching.

Every five hundred years, they all turned to ashes.

Since the eldest disciple died of old age, the master has never accepted another disciple.

It must be unbearable to endure the pain of separation by Life and Death.

Zhang Yang, unaware of his disciple's thoughts, only instructed him after seeing that the disciple had accepted the Scarlet Jade, "Stay in the mountains and cultivate these days, and don't come down."

"Yes, Master."

Qin Fan nodded in agreement, then after a moment of silence, he couldn't help but ask, "Did something happen down the mountain?"

This was the first time Qin Fan had ever seen his master take such a serious matter.

He also had his doubts—

With his current level of cultivation, as long as he doesn't face figures like the "Three Immortals and Three Elders" of Peach Mountain, he might not be able to defeat them, but escaping wouldn't be difficult.

If someone with such strength needs to retreat to the mountain gate, what major event must have occurred down the mountain?

Zhang Yang didn't hide anything and said, "It's an old feud between Lion Ridge in the Southern Borderlands Frontier and Peach Mountain. Several elders in Lion Ridge have been working hard to make connections, while Peach Mountain has also contacted many righteous sects, led by the Heavenly Mountain Jade Dragon Sect, the Langhuan Heavenly Abode of the North Sea, and the Great Mount Sumeru of Snow Ridge. Sooner or later, there will be a great battle between the two sides."

It turns out to be a long-standing feud between Lion Ridge and Peach Mountain.

Qin Fan immediately understood.

Lion Ridge and Peach Mountain have clashed more than once.

Every battle results in rivers of blood, and even renowned figures at the True Immortal level often perish.

The grievances involved are too complex to explain in just a few words.

When Qin Fan cultivated into True Immortal and traveled among mortals, he had heard a few friends mention it and had also witnessed the fierce battle Lion Ridge and Peach Mountain.

I can understand my master's intentions.

As he recalled, Qin Fan suddenly remembered something a True Immortal friend from the Southern Borderlands had said. He looked up at his master, who was gazing at the Central Lands, and his eyes shone brightly. "The last time Lion Ridge and Peach Mountain fought was more than three thousand years ago. I heard that you also participated and killed three True Immortal elders of Peach Mountain in one fell swoop. Your Thunder Method shocked the world."

More than three thousand years ago is too far in the past.

Many True Immortal today have not experienced that era. For example, Qin Fan, although he has cultivated into True Immortal, is only a little over 1,700 years old.

Most of the stories about events from more than 3,000 years ago are either mentioned by elders or hearsay.

Qin Fan's friend had heard about Zhang Yang's reputation from his master, and when he mentioned it to Qin Fan, it was often as if he was verifying its authenticity.

Unfortunately, Zhang Yang never mentions the past to Qin Fan.

When the conversation turned to the old grudges between Lion Ridge and Peach Mountain, Qin Fan took the opportunity to inquire.

"It's nothing to mention, as I was asked to do it."

Really.

Zhang Yang was unwilling to elaborate, glossing over the matter in a single sentence.

Upon hearing this, Qin Fan wanted to ask his master if he would intervene this time, but seeing his master gazing intently to the north, he dared not disturb him.

At that very moment.

Qin Fan saw that a young Daoist priest had appeared from the misty Cloud Platform below.

The Daoist priest walks.

The clouds seemed to possess a spirit, parting the path for him.

Before we knew it, we had reached the summit.

Upon seeing this, Qin Fan glanced at his master's expression and noticed that his master had slightly furrowed his brows and didn't seem friendly, clearly not recognizing the Daoist priest.

"How dare you trespass!"

Qin Fan was both shocked and furious. He immediately stepped forward and shouted in a deep voice, "Who goes there? How dare you trespass on my Sea-Gazing Peak?!"

That was all.

The sound exploded, stirring up the wind and clouds.

Do not send a visiting card.

No one is allowed to inform them.

This is extremely rude; they are truly uninvited guests.

Clang!

A flying sword appeared out of nowhere and landed in Qin Fan's hand, glaring angrily at the young Daoist.

Although the Prison-Suppressing Immortal Sect is weak, it is still the result of Master's hard work, Sea-Gazing Peak is the location of Master's Daoist Domain. How can others be allowed to enter and leave at will!

The Daoist priest did not reply.

She didn't even look at him, only at Zhang Yang.

Qin Fan was even more enraged. He formed a sword incantation with his hands and shouted, "Good Daoist! Take this!"

A sword is drawn.

He was about to strike the Daoist priest.

"Hold your hand."

But then he heard a surprised and uncertain voice beside him. Qin Fan pressed down on his flying sword and turned his head to look. He saw that his master's brows, which had been slightly furrowed, had changed slightly at some point, as if he was doubtful and could not believe it.

But gradually, a smile appeared on his face.

I was both surprised and delighted.

Qin Fan was taken aback.

Before they could react, the young Daoist priest was already in front of them.

Qin Fan was on guard, subtly blocking his master's path, but a 'thump' sound came from his side and behind.

"Master."

Qin Fan turned his head and was immediately dumbfounded.

Zhang Yang knelt on the ground, his face a mixture of surprise and joy, and kowtowed deeply to the young Daoist priest, his mouth trembling as he said—

"Disciple Zhang Yang greets Master!"

Sea-Gazing Peak.

Righteous Heart Hall.

Qin Fan sat upright, stealing glances at the young Daoist priest, then at his master, feeling as if his mind was a jumbled mess, constantly asking himself—

"Where did this grandmaster come from?"

"Did I just draw my sword against my master?"

"Will Master be angry with me?"

"Will my master blame me?"

Qin Fan kept asking himself questions.

Seeing his master's unprecedented joy and excitement, Qin Fan could still clearly feel it despite his best efforts to suppress it.

He had followed Zhang Yang for over a thousand years. Apart from seeing a hint of sadness on his master's face when a few of his fellow disciples passed away, his master always appeared calm and composed.

It seemed that nothing could stir his heartstrings.

But this time—

"This tea was picked from an ancient tea tree planted on the top of Lion Ridge in Southern Borderlands. It was then processed by the elders of Lion Ridge using Eighth-Rank Immortal Spirit Cauldron. The tea has a rich aroma. Please, teacher, taste it."

Zhang Yang disliked tea ceremony, but he rummaged through some hidden corners to find the most precious tea leaves, brewed them, and presented them to his teacher.

Lu Qingfeng took it, sipped it, and said, "It's truly excellent tea."

"As long as the teacher likes it."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yang immediately laughed.

One of the three great joys in life is meeting an old friend in a foreign land.

In this desolate, inaccessible Lesser Weakwater Realm, Zhang Yang unexpectedly encountered his mentor, filling him with boundless joy. Even with his usually aloof and unflappable nature, he was momentarily flustered.

Lu Qingfeng looked at Zhang Yang.

Zhang Yang lowered his head, appearing to listen attentively.

"No need to be so formal."

"It's been many years since we, master and disciple, have seen each other. Relax."

Seeing that Zhang Yang was tense all over, Lu Qingfeng couldn't help but laugh and asked Zhang Yang to sit down to the side.

Thank you to the boss 'Wu Liuqi 567' for the 10,000 reward, and thank you all for your rewards and votes, thank you!