Among the three rare elixir materials, quite a lot of Ghost Sunflower and Earth Lotus have been acquired, but there is still a significant lack of Snake Ring Essence. Although Zhang Boyant brought some back last time, it is merely a drop in the bucket.

Even with a first-class elixir formation, he himself does not know how much pure spirit essence of heaven and earth is needed to cultivate to the Nascent Soul Third Realm. Therefore, the more he can acquire, the better.

He thought to himself: "Apart from cultivation, I must devote most of my energy to searching for this material."

With this in mind, he instructed Jing You, who was by his side, "Go and summon Song Chuyuan."

Song Chuyuan was well aware that his own background could not see the light of day, so after entering the Han Yuan Sect, he never went out except for cultivation. He dared not perform sacrificial refinement of corpse demons here, only daring to cultivate some powerful Daoist skills recorded in the Inheritance Book. Upon hearing Zhang Yan’s summons, he dared not delay, quickly setting aside what he was doing to come and meet him.

After reaching the peak, he paid his respects formally, aware that this Sect Leader had greatly advanced in Daoist cultivation. His eyes shone bright as cold stars, spiritual energy surged around him like tides, and three clusters of Gang Cloud enveloped the entire Cave Mansion, causing him secret astonishment.

He roughly guessed why Zhang Yan was looking for him and, without waiting for the question, proactively said, "True Master, since arriving here, I have already cataloged the stores brought from the Sect."

He retrieved a Jade Scroll from his sleeve and held it above his head, "I have recorded everything here."

Zhang Yan did not move, merely invoked his mana, and drew the Jade Scroll to him. After a spiritual mechanism scanned it thoroughly, he understood immediately and said, "Fellow Daoist Song, you have been cultivating in our Sect for seven years and must know what I am searching for."

Song Chuyuan quickly bowed and said, "I have heard of it. Upon learning of this matter, I paid attention. The items the True Master needs are indeed in our Sect’s stores. We have quite a few Ghost Sunflower and Earth Lotus, and I am willing to offer them all, but as for the Snake Ring Essence..."

He gave a bitter smile, "After all, this material needs to be formed from combining two other herbs. Even when it is refined, it’s already used up. But I know of one thing, two hundred years ago, the Zhongtai Sect sought this material from us to refine a Dharma Treasure, but for some reason, it seems they didn’t succeed. I think they should have left a considerable amount; the True Master might want to inquire about it."

Zhang Yan’s eyes flickered, and Song Chuyuan’s words seemed credible. The Sixth Prince of Chu was not under an Evil Sect, so Snake Ring Essence was of no use to him, yet he could produce it so easily, indicating it was not gathered from elsewhere. From the meaning in his letter, he should still have a considerable amount left, likely for this reason.

He pondered for a moment before saying, "Fellow Daoist Song, you originally cultivated under the Corpse Pride Sect, do you know where else this material can be found?"

Though he asked casually, Song Chuyuan clearly had given this matter serious thought and replied respectfully, "True Master, there’s an immortal city in the South Guanghai Realm, although it is governed by the Kuxin Sect, one of the Five Major Sects, it was actually established by people from our Evil Sect. Though Snake Ring Essence is rare, it must exist there. I am willing to relieve the True Master’s burden by going there to purchase it."

Zhang Yan gave him a smiling glance, and Song Chuyuan quickly lowered his head.

He realized this Evil Sect cultivator had his own agenda, likely already planning to visit that immortal city. However, without exposing him, Zhang Yan simply asked, "How long will Fellow Daoist Song be gone?"

Song Chuyuan, hearing Zhang Yan seemed to have no objection, felt secretly delighted. With the Sect’s stores in hand, once he reached the immortal city, he could exchange them for many good items.

While cultivation in the Han Yuan Sect was indeed inconvenient, once outside, he could refine numerous powerful corpse demons, greatly increasing his odds at the Dragon Pillar Meeting. Pretending to contemplate, he then said, "If all goes well, one year will suffice."

Zhang Yan pondered briefly, then smiled, "Fellow Daoist Song, during your trip, you might also visit old friends. Returning late won’t matter."

Song Chuyuan realized Zhang Yan saw through his intentions, quickly bowed, and awkwardly said, "I will not disappoint the True Master."

Zhang Yan nodded and said no more. Jing You gently struck the gong hammer, and Song Chuyuan, taking the cue, gave a deep bow before retreating down the mountain.

Zhang Yan stood on the cliff for a moment before returning to the Cave Mansion to meditate and cultivate.

In the following months, there were no major events in the Han Yuan Sect. Besides refining the White Moon Ying Fruit daily, Zhang Yan instructed his disciples and occasionally guided them.

One day, while instructing two disciples, Jing You excitedly reported, "Master, Lady Da Wang and Lady Xiao Wang have returned to the mountain and await outside."

Zhang Yan smiled, "They should indeed be back now. Invite them in."

The Wang Sisters entered from outside. Both wore plain dresses, resembling two white lotuses. Upon seeing Zhang Yan, they knelt and bowed, saying in unison, "Greetings, Master."

Zhang Yan carefully observed them, noting that after venturing out, their character and demeanor had markedly changed.

Wang Caiwei was originally introverted; now her demeanor was more composed, vaguely resembling Liu Yan Yi. Wang Caiting’s eyes were bright, smiling sweetly, having shed much of her previous restlessness for a more reserved demeanor.

The Wang Sisters, having traveled and ventured for over twenty years across East Victory Continent, not only broadened their horizons but also tempered their Dao Hearts, accumulating significant cultivation advancement.

Thanks to the secret technique taught by Zhang Yan, Wang Caiwei burned twenty-eight points, while Wang Caiting, due to her better talent, managed to burn thirty points. However, they found it difficult to advance further. Reflecting that the elixir was nearly complete, they returned to the Mountain Gate together.

Seeing their significant cultivation progress, Zhang Yan nodded with satisfaction and said, "Rise."

The two complied and stood. Wang Caiting then smiled, nudging Wang Caiwei with her elbow, "Sister, you should be the one to say it."

...

...(To be continued. If you like this work, feel free to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets at Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.com.)