After Zhang Yan arranged a duel with Yong Fu, he did not rush to leave. Instead, he enjoyed the scenery in Suxing Valley for half a day. It was only in the afternoon that he leisurely returned to the Mountain Gate.

Upon his return, however, he saw Chu Daoist inexplicably kneeling alone on the peak, which surprised him. After descending, he asked, "Junior Brother Chu, what is the meaning of this?"

Chu Daoist lowered his head and said, "I’ve made a grave mistake and came here specifically to plead guilty to the Pavilion Master."

Zhang Yan’s gaze sharpened, and he asked sternly, "What happened?"

Not daring to hide anything, Chu Daoist truthfully recounted the incident of the Cangzhu young tree being cut down and Gao Zhongyuan breaking out and escaping. In conclusion, he said, "I was blind and failed to discern people, causing disciples to rebel and the Supreme Treasure to be damaged. I hope the Pavilion Master will punish me."

Having said that, he silently bowed. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

After hearing this, Zhang Yan smiled, stepped forward to help Chu Daoist up, and said, "Brother Chu, get up quickly. How could I blame you for such a minor issue?"

Chu Daoist hesitated for a moment and then said softly, "To be honest with the Pavilion Master, without this Cangzhu young tree, perhaps the hall... can no longer be constructed."

Just one Cangzhu young tree was destroyed, which wouldn’t usually make him so fearful. However, he had previously promised Zhang Yan to establish several Cave Mansions within the Mountain Gate. Even with three young trees, they could barely get by, but now with one less, it was simply impossible. It was better to come and plead guilty early.

Zhang Yan looked at him deeply and said, "There’s no need to rush the construction of the Cave Mansions. Let’s discuss it in detail once I take charge of the Immortal Mansion."

E Mountain Sect’s prosperity is due to Yong Fu being the Master of the Immortal City, with an endless supply of Cultivation External Objects. The several dozen sects on Divine House Mountain all need to revere him as Sect Master. Once he becomes Master, he can use this to grow the Mountain Gate greatly.

Chu Daoist, pleasantly surprised, said, "So the Pavilion Master has long had a plan."

Zhang Yan smiled slightly and said, "Yesterday I asked you to select a few disciples, did you find suitable candidates?"

Chu Daoist hurriedly replied, "The Pavilion Master’s instructions, how could I not take them to heart? After careful selection yesterday, I chose a total of seven disciples."

Zhang Yan nodded and said, "Have them come to see me later."

After saying that, he stepped into the Cave Mansion.

Chu Daoist watched Zhang Yan’s departing figure in a daze. He felt that he could not fathom this Pavilion Master’s thoughts. Recalling the situation just now, it seemed that he had no intention of blaming him, making him feel slightly relieved. He stomped his foot and flew down the peak.

Not daring to delay Zhang Yan’s matters, he immediately gathered the seven disciples midway down the mountain and then cast a cloud of smoke, enveloping these people as they headed towards the peak together.

The place where Zhang Yan resided was the top of Cangzhu Peak. It was surrounded by sheer cliffs, covered with ice and snow all year round, with no vine or rope for climbing. If the disciples lacked the Flying Escape Technique, they couldn’t go up or down at all. Additionally, the few Flying Boats from Han Yuan Sect had long been traded for Spiritual Shells, so Chu Daoist had to handle it personally.

Arriving outside the Cave Mansion, after announcing himself, Wang Caiwei came out and said, "The Master invites Junior Master Chu inside to speak."

After what happened just now, Chu Daoist always felt something was wrong with what he did. His instinct was to avoid Zhang Yan, so he said, "I don’t need to go in."

He then put on a stern expression and told the seven disciples, "Remember, whatever the Pavilion Master asks you to do, you must obey. If any of you disobey, there will be no mercy when you return!"

The seven disciples quickly agreed, then entered the Cave Mansion. After walking no more than thirty steps, they reached the inner room and saw Jade Pearl Bright Lamps hanging on the cave walls, illuminating the place as if it were daytime. An incense burner was placed in the center, emitting a calming fragrance. Zhang Yan sat upright on the Jade Couch, causing everyone to feel a sense of awe as they hurriedly came forward to pay respects.

Zhang Yan’s gaze swept over the faces of these disciples one by one.

The seven people immediately lowered their heads because they did not know why the new Pavilion Master had selected them, leaving them a bit uneasy.

After looking at them, Zhang Yan said, "Among the many disciples, your talents rank as low grade. Seeking Immortality in this life is hopeless for you. I have a spell here that, while it cannot extend your lives, if practiced skillfully, the benefits are endless. Are you willing to learn?"

The seven were well aware of their situations. They had been cultivating for seventy or eighty years, and since Opening Meridians, their cultivation had shown no progress for a long time. Unless they encountered a huge stroke of luck, no additional cultivation would yield results. Among them, a disciple dressed in blue stood up and said loudly, "I am willing to learn."