But if that were the case, peers would have long left me far behind, and by then the younger generation of disciples would rise as well—where would I find any place to stand? Hence, this path is not viable. In truth, there is another way, and that is to accomplish great deeds for the sect, allowing one to exchange them at the Merit Institute for substantial True Sand. Yet, pursuing such external objects would consume much time, and this is not something he would choose. Among those in the sect who can refrain from chasing after such external objects and focus solely on refining their cultivation, only the Top Ten Disciples manage this feat. Each of them has a faction supporting them from behind; all affairs are handled by others, sparing them from exhausting themselves. Just this one advantage alone leaves countless disciples of the sect far behind, and even those with the finest talent cannot compete with them. Zhang Yan understood that, ultimately, it boils down to whether the disciples have backing from others within the sect. Relying solely on oneself, it’s absolutely impossible to catch up with those individuals. Given the current landscape within the sect, the True Masters of the master-disciple lineage wouldn’t intervene and lend him a hand before the upcoming grand competition, fearing he might stir the waters. However, Zhang Yan had long expected this and reflected inwardly: "It seems the time has come to meet that person face-to-face." With his resolve made, he flicked his robe, stepped out of his Cave Mansion, and flew towards the mountain gate of Mingcang Sect. Fresh chapters posted on 𝚗𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚕·𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚎·𝚗𝚎𝚝 Not long after he departed, a dark beam of Xuan Guang swept across the expanse outside Zhao You Heavenly Pond. Standing atop it were two women, one of whom was Luo Xiao, and the other, a strikingly beautiful woman in her thirties, whom she had brought back from Nanliang Kingdom—Mrs. Chen. Mrs. Chen, traveling on billowing clouds during the journey, had seen firsthand the Immortal’s abilities. She smoothed her hair at her temple and gazed at the towering shadow of the mountain ahead, yearning with awe. She couldn’t help but ask, "Fairy Luo, isn’t this near where my son is cultivating?" Luo Xiao chuckled softly, pressing her hand against Mrs. Chen’s, and said, "Madam, I’ve mentioned before, there’s no need to call me that. I’m merely a maid by the lord’s side, and Tian Kun is the lord’s disciple. Madam can simply address me as Miss Luo. Yes, just another hundred miles, and we will reach Zhao You Heavenly Pond." Mrs. Chen, perceptive and keen, observed Luo Xiao’s enchanting demeanor—so alluring and captivating—and her lack of reserve or restraint in speech. Being entrusted by Zhang Yan to personally escort her, Mrs. Chen reasoned that Luo Xiao’s status wasn’t just that of a mere maid, but perhaps a concubine or even a Daoist couple of some importance. Hence, her tone remained extraordinarily courteous. In truth, Luo Xiao admired Mrs. Chen as well. If it were any ordinary woman, traversing the Cloud Mountains alone might leave her fainting in fear from the height. Yet, apart from some initial discomfort, Mrs. Chen was calm and composed throughout, engaging in natural conversation without any signs of distress. This remarkable steadiness earned Luo Xiao’s admiration. The hundred-mile journey passed quickly, and as the two arrived closer, they laid eyes on Zhao You Mountain, whose majesty pierced the heavens, resembling a pillar that supported the sky itself. Though Mrs. Chen was born into a wealthy and influential family and had seen much of the world, she was shaken by the awe-inspiring wonders wrought by heaven and earth. Her voice unconsciously softened with timidity as she said, "Is-Is this where my son cultivates?" Luo Xiao grinned and replied, "Correct, Madam. You were quite discerning—it is indeed here." Mrs. Chen stared at the towering mountain, sighing in admiration. "This mountain is so vast; truly, Mingcang Sect is an Immortal Sacred Land." Suddenly, Luo Xiao covered her mouth and giggled. "Madam, you are mistaken. This Zhao You Mountain is the Daoist Field of my lord alone. Mingcang Sect lies much further from here." Deeply taken aback, Mrs. Chen was utterly shocked. Such a majestic and awe-inspiring place belonged solely to Zhang Daoist? She couldn’t suppress her inner astonishment. As Luo Xiao gazed toward the distant mountain range, her enchanting eyes shimmered. Not only had she fetched Mrs. Chen this time, but she had also discreetly retrieved the Shell King hidden outside, preparing to place it into Zhao You Heavenly Pond, ensuring the sect would lack nothing from this point on. Years ago, Zhang Yan had promised to help her achieve the Dao. As his cultivation grew ever deeper, Luo Xiao increasingly felt this wasn’t some fanciful, unattainable dream. Approaching the mountain gates, she suddenly remembered something. She reached into her sachet and retrieved an Elixir Pill, saying, "Mrs. Chen, the cave mansion is steeped in cold air. Take this Elixir Pill—it will shield you somewhat." Mrs. Chen expressed her thanks and consumed the pill immediately. As the Elixir Pill entered her body, she felt a warm sensation coursing through her limbs and Hundred Veins, silently marveling at its power. Luo Xiao entered the gates with ease, passing through the Array Gate and into the mountain. Sweeping her gaze across her surroundings, she pulled aside a maid and asked, "Where is the lord now?" Lowering her head, the maid replied, "Reporting to Miss Luo, the lord left about an hour ago. Do you wish for me to summon Miss Shang?" Luo Xiao waved her hand dismissively, saying, "No need. Go to the inner gate and inform him that Kun’er’s mother has been brought here. Have him step out to meet her." The maid took the order and left. Shortly later, rapid footsteps echoed—Tian Kun dashed out in haste. Seeing Mrs. Chen, he exclaimed joyfully, "Mother!" Mrs. Chen, delighted to see her son, felt her eyes flush with warmth. Her voice choked as she said, "My child." She took a step forward, intending to approach, but her body suddenly swayed. Tian Kun, startled, hurried to support her, crying out, "Mother, what is wrong? Are you unwell?" Mrs. Chen clenched her teeth, trembling as she replied, "It’s nothing—it’s just the cold." Luo Xiao furrowed her brow, took Mrs. Chen’s wrist to examine it, and after a moment of thought, said apologetically, "It seems I’ve been careless. Kun’er, the cold air here is indeed too intense for your mother to stay long. She must be settled in Nine Cities." The cold air from Zhao You Heavenly Pond originated from the deep Abyss beneath it. For those not immersed in cultivation, enduring such chill was impossible. Had Mrs. Chen not taken the Elixir Pill earlier, she would have perished on the spot. Tian Kun firmly responded, "Mother, I will take you there immediately." Luo Xiao reached out and knocked softly on his head, laughing, "You’ve never been to Nine Cities, have you? I’ll go call for Yanyi to guide you there." Tian Kun objected loudly, "Junior Luo, my master has said that under his lineage, disciples handle tasks themselves. If the elders handle even small matters for us, what point is there in cultivating the Dao?" ...(Unfinished. If you enjoyed this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote with recommendations or monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)