Chapter 1019 - 718: Hidden Dragon, Startling Sword

Chapter 1019: Chapter 718: Hidden Dragon, Startling Sword

The arrival was none other than Zhang Shixiu, the elder brother of Zhang Shifan, the current head of the Zhang Family, and a Golden Core Sword Cultivator.

Unlike his brother’s scholarly and carefree demeanor, Zhang Shixiu stood tall like a pine tree, his features handsome, appearing to be around forty years old. His eyes occasionally flashed with a sharp light, and his reserved Sword Qi, combined with the authority of one in a high position, made him someone not to be underestimated.

As he stepped into the hall, his gaze fell directly on Shen Xuan. With a warm smile, he cupped his hands and said loudly, "A distinguished guest has come from afar, and Phoenix Perch Mountain is honored! Zhang Shixiu pays his respects!"

His brother Zhang Shifan quietly followed half a step behind.

Shen Xuan glanced up, took a moment to observe, and formed a plan in his mind.

This man is at the Golden Core Middle Stage, with Sword Intent condensed but not unleashed, and his foundation is quite solid.

Everyone continued with formal greetings and took their seats again.

After some brief pleasantries, Zhang Shixiu got to the point: "I just heard from my younger brother that Pill Master Shen has just arrived at Myriad Phenomena Immortal City and is seeking a peaceful place to stay. You are interested in temporarily residing here at Phoenix Perch Mountain, despite its humble conditions?"

"Indeed so, I have come uninvited, and I hope Fellow Daoist Zhang can be forgiving."

Shen Xuan smiled and nodded, his demeanor composed.

"Why say such things, Pill Master Shen! Your decision to stay is an honor for my Zhang Family. How could it be considered an intrusion?"

Zhang Shixiu said heartily, "Then it’s settled!"

He did not inquire into Shen Xuan’s background or question the duration of his stay.

On the surface, Shen Xuan was a friend of his brother.

With this relationship, residing temporarily at Phoenix Perch Mountain was perfectly reasonable.

The length of the stay depended entirely on Shen Xuan’s wishes.

This measured approach demonstrated his adeptness in handling matters.

Three thousand years ago, the ancestor of the Zhang Family forged a Nascent Soul Sword and established the foundation of Phoenix Perch Mountain, benefiting future generations.

Although the family’s former glory has diminished, the foundation of this Spirit Mountain remains, with a Tier Three Upper Grade Spirit Vein and many vacant Tier Three Cave Mansions, making it an ideal cultivation venue.

This was also an important reason why Zhang Shifan and his wife extended their invitation.

After a while of casual conversation, Zhang Shixiu did not mention any arrangements or compensations, focusing solely on leisurely topics, maintaining a harmonious atmosphere.

In conclusion, he instructed Zhang Shifan and his wife, "Shifan, sister-in-law, you two manage the arrangements for Pill Master Shen and Fellow Daoist Gu’s establishments. Ensure you select the most satisfactory locations and meet their every need. Do not alarm others over this, I will speak with the Clan Elders myself."

He then turned to Shen Xuan and Gu Xiaoyao, genuinely smiling, "Once the two of you are settled, I shall prepare a modest feast at my home to personally welcome you. Any shortcomings in hospitality due to the sudden nature of your arrival, I hope you will overlook."

In this first meeting, Zhang Shixiu handled matters generously and appropriately.

For a Tier Three Alchemist to be willing to reside at Phoenix Perch Mountain, regardless of the reason, represented both an opportunity and prestige for the current Zhang Family.

The recognition and potential benefits of this situation were crystal clear to him.

...

Zhang Shifan and his wife led Shen Xuan and Gu Xiaoyao aboard a Flying Ship, ascending above Phoenix Perch Mountain to overlook the entire mountain, allowing for the selection of a suitable cultivation venue.

Shen Xuan stood in mid-air, his blue robe fluttering, as his gaze swept over the mountain ranges below.

He saw Spirit Peaks covered in green, shrouded in clouds and mist, with strands of Spiritual Qi rising like misty figures—truly the phenomena of a Tier Three Upper Grade Spirit Vein.

Zhang Shifan pointed to several serene valleys below, where the Spiritual Qi was dense and pavilions were faintly visible, and respectfully recommended, "Pill Master Shen, these are the top Cave Mansions of our clan, rich in Spiritual Qi and picturesque, close to the main vein, and conveniently accessible."

The recommended places were all in the core area of the Zhang Family’s territory.

Shen Xuan glanced at them and gently shook his head, "I, Shen, prefer solitude, to focus on cultivation, and wish to avoid disturbances. It would be best to find a secluded and independent place, away from the hustle and bustle."

His eyes shifted and finally settled on a vast Spirit Lake on the side of Phoenix Perch Mountain.

The lake surface was like a mirror, dotted with several islands of varying sizes.

These islands were lush with vegetation, each shimmering with Spiritual Light, clearly developed as Tier Three Cave Mansions.

"Are those islands in the lake a property of the Zhang Family?"

Shen Xuan pointed towards the center of the lake.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Shifan’s complexion paused slightly, a hint of gloom passing over his face.

Lowering his voice, he explained, "Pill Master Shen has a keen eye. This lake, called Sword-Washing Lake, is where our ancestor once refined his Lifebound Flying Sword and comprehended Sword Intent. It holds great significance for our clan. However..."

He sighed, his tone carrying a sense of helplessness: "After the family’s decline, the Ren Family on the opposite Yulong Mountain claimed that the area between the two mountains was of unclear ownership and requested arbitration from the Myriad Phenomena Daoist Palace. With the Ren Family currently having a Nascent Soul True Monarch holding office within the Daoist Palace, we, the Zhang Family, had no choice but to concede and painfully allocate the lake’s surface and over half its islands to the Ren Family."

"Presently, only three islands on the side of the lake near Phoenix Perch Mountain belong to the Zhang Family."

Shen Xuan nodded slightly, his gaze again focusing on those three islands.

They were arranged in a triangular shape, with the one in the center being the largest and highest, seemingly the leader of the three islands.

"In that case, I’ll choose the central lake island. Fellow Daoist Gu, what about you?"

Gu Xiaoyao, without hesitation, stroked his beard and laughed, "Old Daoist I will choose the small island close to the shore, for easier access, hehe."

He had determined to stay close to Shen Xuan, ensuring that the distance was not too far.

Seeing their choice, Zhang Shifan’s heart settled, and he nodded, "Pill Master Shen has chosen Frightening Sword Island, and Fellow Daoist Gu has chosen Falling Maple Island. This is excellent."

Both islands mainly feature Water Spiritual Qi, which slightly conflicts with Shen Xuan’s cultivation of Fire Techniques.

However, by setting up appropriate Array formations, the Spiritual Qi’s attributes can be adjusted to make them compatible.

It would simply require extra Spirit Stones to maintain the Array’s operation.

For him, a secluded, independent, and naturally sheltered location was far more important than mere Spiritual Qi attributes.

The somewhat additional Array costs were insignificant to a Tier Three Alchemist like Shen Xuan.