Chapter 458: Chapter 458: Protector Mission

In the Forbidden Cave Stone Chamber, Zhang Yuan sat cross-legged on the ground.

In the small room, invisible Qi Force swirled and surged around him, continuously impacting the surrounding stone walls.

With his upper body bare, Zhang Yuan’s eyes were tightly shut, and the muscles on his arms, chest, and back were bulging, while golden-red Qilin patterns emerged on the surface of his skin.

Within him, his Qi Blood churned, radiating endless heat.

It caused the temperature in the room to rise steadily!

This situation lasted for a whole half a day before Zhang Yuan’s aura gradually calmed down.

He suddenly opened his eyes.

In the dark stone chamber, two flames suddenly blazed up!

Then they returned to darkness.

Zhang Yuan stood up and stepped out of the inner chamber into the outer room.

He flicked a bit of True Fire from his fingers, instantly lighting the oil lamp on the stone table.

This was not some kind of Magic, but rather Innate True Flame condensed from Primordial Celestial Gang True Power!

It also signified that Zhang Yuan had reached a new Realm in the Superior Cultivation Technique "Primordial Celestial Spirit True Method."

And his Cultivation had already stepped into the late stage of Tier Five!

This was one of Zhang Yuan’s greatest achievements in his year of reflection on Siguofeng.

He retrieved a garment from his Storage Space, put it on, and walked outside the stone cave.

The darkest time before dawn had passed, with the distant horizon showing a hint of dawn.

A new day was about to arrive.

For Zhang Yuan, it was also the day to leave here!

Reflecting on the past year, Zhang Yuan could only describe it in four words.

That would be routine and uneventful.

There were no surprises or disturbances, and it seemed as if everyone had forgotten him as he practiced diligently alone in the modest stone cave.

Dull, tedious, boring, lonely...

Yet this period of training tempered Zhang Yuan’s Martial Arts Will, leading to comprehensive improvement.

Looking back now, he felt a great sense of relief!

Day broke.

Zhang Yuan did not wait for the familiar Little Daoist Child, but instead, a disciple from the Upper Scenic Celestial Precepts Hall arrived.

"Zhang Yuan, you can go back now."

With just a simple sentence, it announced the end of Zhang Yuan’s year-long reflection punishment on Siguofeng.

When he returned to the Martial Pavilion, he was immediately recognized.

"Oh? Is this Zhang Yuan?"

"Ah! Didn’t they say he was already dead?"

"Who told you that? I heard he was sent to Siguofeng for reflection, and it should be over now."

"Haha, the Martial Pavilion is going to be lively again!"

"Who are you all talking about?"

A group of Martial Artists cast curious glances at Zhang Yuan, whispering amongst themselves.

A year ago, Zhang Yuan was definitely a major figure in the Upper Scenic Celestial Martial Pavilion.

The grudges and conflicts between him and the Yang Family of Qianjing were always a hot topic of discussion.

A mere Tier Five Martial Artist repeatedly dealt harsh blows to the Yang Family, causing them great embarrassment.

It was said that the events even reached Qianjing, causing a significant stir!

After Zhang Yuan went to Siguofeng, no one saw him again, and he gradually ceased to be talked about.

After all, as talents emerged in each generation, many new external Martial Artists entered the Martial Pavilion over the year.

New talents became the focus of everyone’s admiration!

Many believed that Zhang Yuan had already left the Upper Scenic Celestial or had been dealt with by the Yang Family in secret.

Only a few knew the truth.

Now, with Zhang Yuan suddenly reappearing in the Martial Pavilion, he naturally drew considerable attention.

Zhang Yuan ignored the curious glances, but he did notice some new faces.

He went directly to the upper floor of the Martial Pavilion and, after a year’s time, saw Wei Long again.

"Zhang Yuan, greetings to Master Wei!"

Wei Long had no surprise at Zhang Yuan’s arrival.

This Dharma Transmission Elder of the Martial Pavilion calmly smiled and said, "Not bad, this year’s time was not wasted!"

Zhang Yuan expressed his gratitude, "Thanks to Master Wei for your care!"

He speculated that a year ago, after he annihilated two teams from the Yang Family, receiving only a year’s reflection punishment was because this Tier Six powerhouse had interceded.

And over the past year, while he was peacefully cultivating on Siguofeng, it was likely due to Wei Long’s care!

Regardless of whether these speculations were true, his gratitude towards this Dharma Transmission Elder was heartfelt.

After all, they were not truly master and disciple.

"It’s good you know."

Wei Long did not deny it but instead said, "I have something I want to ask for your help with. Would you be willing to help me?"

So straightforward?

Zhang Yuan was taken aback, but without any hesitation on the surface, he said, "I’d be happy to hear the details!"

"It’s not a big deal."

Wei Long said casually, "A junior of mine is about to go out to travel and fight against demons, but having grown up on Spiritual Halberd Peak, he has never left the sect and lacks worldly experience."

"Therefore, he needs a Guardian to accompany and protect him!"

Zhang Yuan understood.

After thinking for a moment, he asked, "How long will it take?"

If Master Wei’s junior planned to adventure for three or five years, Zhang Yuan couldn’t possibly devote all his cultivation time in the Upper Scenic Celestial to this.

A Guardian, in essence a bodyguard’s work, was exhausting, laborious, and dangerous. Zhang Yuan needed to consider his own well-being.

He couldn’t agree blindly.

"As short as three months, as long as half a year."

Wei Long explained, "It’s considered your Protector duty and doesn’t count towards your cultivation period!"

Then there’s no problem!

Zhang Yuan felt relieved—up to half a year was entirely manageable.

Honestly, after a year of hard practice on Siguofeng, he also wanted to go out for a change of scenery.

"Moreover..."

Wei Long added, "You won’t be working for free, ten Daoist Merits a day."

Zhang Yuan smiled, "I accept the task!"

Ten Daoist Merits a day over up to six months would result in over eighteen hundred Daoist Merits.

It was definitely a high salary!

Though Zhang Yuan wasn’t in dire need of Daoist Merits at the moment.

In Upper Scenic Celestial, Daoist Merits were the only hard currency; once they’re consumed, there’s never too many.

"Good!"

Wei Long nodded, "Three days later, I’ll have him come find you, and you two can plan the details."

"Alright."

Zhang Yuan naturally had no objections.

He took the opportunity to ask Wei Long a few questions about cultivation and then left the Martial Pavilion.

Zhang Yuan headed to the Merit Hall and exchanged for a few bottles of Elixirs.

The Qi Nourishing and Yuan Cultivating Elixirs used by Qi Entry Realm Martial Artists for cultivation were extremely precious, often unable to be bought with gold and silver outside.

But in Upper Scenic Celestial, they could be exchanged with Daoist Merits.

Previously, Zhang Yuan had exchanged for some, which were now entirely used up.

In the past year, his cultivation had progressed by leaps and bounds, owing heavily to these resources!

So he had to spend when necessary.

A year later, Zhang Yuan returned to his residence at Lin Xian Manor.

He comfortably rested, or rather lazed around, for three days.

During this time, he did not cultivate but passed the time eating and drinking leisurely, thoroughly relaxing his Spirit.

Until the appearance of Wei Long’s junior—Mo Huai’an.