After Zhang Yan dealt with Qu Changzhi and the other four, he rode the wind and clouds, returning to the sect.

Sitting in the hall, he ordered the young boy to call Chu, Wen, and Zhao together and briefly recounted his journey, finally saying: "The nearshore floating boat has been destroyed by me. Except for Qu Changzhi, whose whereabouts are unknown, the other four have all been executed."

After hearing this, the three were both shocked and delighted, looking at Zhang Yan with full respect and awe.

They never expected this Sect Leader to be so formidable, taking on five and emerging victorious, appearing not even a bit fatigued, seemingly achieving victory with ease. Until now, they only vaguely recognized this senior brother’s abilities.

Chu Muran pondered deeply, stepped forward, clasped his hands respectfully, and said: "Pavilion Master, since Qu Changzhi and Wang Guangyuan colluded with the northern demon cultivators, this matter must have nothing to do with the Zhongtai Sect. Presumably, those thieves used their name falsely. I intend to spread this news to calm the hearts of the mountain’s various sects."

Zhang Yan nodded in agreement, saying: "Junior Brother Chu’s proposal is indeed wise. We must quickly ensure the disciples maintain their composure and cultivate peacefully. Proceed as you suggested."

Zhao Ge raised his head and said: "Senior Brother, I wonder if Ancestor Hui Xuan will come looking for us?"

Chu Muran stroked his beard, laughing: "Junior Brother, colluding with the North Sea Demon Tribe is a grave sin. It’s something not even Ancestor Hui Xuan would dare to commit lightly."

Zhang Yan chuckled and said: "Not necessarily. I’ve heard Daoist Yong mention Hui Xuan. It’s said his cultivation has reached the Nascent Soul Third Realm, and such figures aren’t easily constrained by common rules. If I were him, lacking an excuse, I’d find another."

Nascent Soul Third Realm cultivators are different from ordinary cultivators; aside from Cave Heaven True Masters, no one can subdue them. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

Just like Shen Baishuang back then, clearly a cultivator from the Outer Continent, blatantly occupying an immortal city, yet the nearby Zhongtai Sect ignored it, precisely for this reason.

If Ancestor Hui Xuan truly intends to avenge his disciple, even if he doesn’t dwell on this matter, he could make a move elsewhere. It’s just an excuse; could he really fear anyone stepping in his way?

Hearing this, Chu Muran’s previously relaxed mind tensed up again, along with Wen and Zhao, who also looked visibly worried.

Zhang Yan, seeing their expressions, gestured to calm them and said loudly: "No need for concern, my three Junior Brothers. Since I’ve taken action, I’m not afraid if he comes to our doorstep. Everything will proceed as usual."

Currently, the three hold great respect for this senior brother. Hearing such certainty, they didn’t think he was boasting. Chu Muran took a breath and said: "Since our Sect Leader Senior Brother has spoken so, there is nothing to worry about."

Zhang Yan nodded, "I need to immerse myself in quiet cultivation to instruct the disciples. For daily sect matters, unless extremely urgent, the three of you need not consult me. Just discuss and handle them."

He had already rearranged the mountain gate’s structure, ensuring every disciple and elder was in their place, unlike the disorder during Shen Baishuang’s time. Diverse routine matters no longer needed his daily supervision, as Chu, Wen, and Zhao could manage adequately.

With the sect stabilized, he no longer needed to focus on it, preparing to concentrate fully on his cultivation in hopes of soon reaching the Nascent Soul Second Realm.

Seeing nothing further, the three bowed, taking their leave.

Within a few days, news of Qu Changzhi’s defeat and the nearshore floating island being swept clean spread, invigorating various sect cultivators of Divine House Mountain. Having such a highly skilled cultivator overseeing Divine House Mountain meant no fear of the North Sea Demon Tribe’s intrusion.

Upon hearing the news, Yong Fu immediately instructed his disciple, Bai Jiyin: "Spread my decree: Henceforth, no disciple of the E Mountain Sect is to provoke the disciples of Han Yuan Sect."

The Sect Leader of Xuyi Sect, Sun Tong, upon being informed of the matter by his disciples, was stunned for a long moment. He then ordered his son, Sun Xiucheng, to be brought back immediately, scolding him fiercely: "You rebellious son! I told you to associate less with Han Yuan Sect disciples, and now look what trouble has come! You killed Wang Guangyuan and offended Qu Changzhi. How could Ancestor Hui Xuan possibly let Zhang Daoist be? This matter will surely implicate our Xuyi Sect. Quickly pack and come with me to Chu Kingdom to seek refuge with your martial uncle."

After a momentary shock, Sun Xiucheng burst into laughter.

Sun Tong, ashamed and angry, demanded: "Rebellious son, what are you laughing at? Am I wrong?"

Sun Xiucheng pointed outside and said: "Father, have you not seen the current situation outside the mountain? The Zhongtai Upper Sect and Xuanyue Sect are fiercely battling. A figure like Ancestor Hui Xuan, even seated in a state county immortal city, can deter foes without easily leaving. Why would he wage a campaign for a disciple who colluded with demon cultivators? Father, do you believe that not only will Ancestor Hui Xuan not come to retaliate, but he will also strive to distance himself from the matter so Xuanyue Sect can’t use it against him?"