The Most Powerful Bodyguard

In just a moment, the surface of the jade plaque peeled away, unexpectedly revealing a brand new jade plaque, with its engravings appearing even clearer and visible to the naked eye.

Its surface was radiant, appearing even more translucent.

However, Yang Yan wasn’t at all inclined to examine its texture, focusing almost all his attention on the content recorded upon it.

It was inscribed with many complex routes, but numerous paths were marked as highly dangerous.

There were even indicators for erroneous paths in some places.

Clearly, the creator of these maps must have personally experienced those terrifying regions and managed to emerge successfully.

Yang Yan casually glanced at it a few times, feeling his heart and mind shaken.

Indeed, every point was a treacherous place, prompting Yang Yan to sincerely admire this person’s incredible strength.

Quickly, Yang Yan composed himself and focused on one glowing route.

No doubt, this was the correct path to Wandering Dragon Star!

Thrilled, Yang Yan immediately committed it firmly to memory.

While the map could prevent one from losing direction within the mist, Yang Yan instinctively believed that only by memorizing the correct route could he truly feel at ease.

In his excitement, Yang Yan’s spiritual power fluctuated violently, causing the entire cave residence to tremble slightly.

Fortunately, he detected it in time, preventing greater problems from arising.

Yang Yan looked toward the cave entrance, his gaze falling upon the starlit night sky, quietly saying:

"Wait for me, I’m coming back soon! Hanyun, Hanyu, Cai’Er, Ruyi, I wonder how you’re faring. Now I’m about to break through into Divinity Transformation, and when I have the ability to tear through the void and unlock the path sealing, I’ll come find you!"

Though he knew full well in his heart, his time on Wandering Dragon Star had been lengthy, even considering the time difference between here and Earth, it amounted to seven years.

After all, how many seven-year periods does one have in a lifetime?

Yang Yan wasn’t even confident that Zhou Hanyun and the other women would still be patiently waiting for his return.

He organized his somewhat chaotic thoughts, flashed out of the cave, and strode toward Jian Mingyin’s dwelling.

The entrance originally had a restriction, but that was for others; Yang Yan naturally passed through unhindered.

Seeing Jian Mingyin entirely focused on alchemy, Yang Yan naturally did not want to interfere, so he quietly withdrew.

The Nine Tribulations Divine Pill belonged to Ancient Immortal Formula; even knowing the method of its concoction was extremely difficult.

Only someone like Jian Mingyin, with exceptional alchemy talent, could manage it; otherwise, anyone else, despite having the same level, would find the formula and ample herbs futile.

According to Jian Mingyin’s estimation, it would take at least half a month to successfully refine one.

Yang Yan had to calm his restless mind, preparing to continue heading to Spirit Bamboo Peak to refine his spiritual power with the peak’s spirit vein.

This time, as an official Outer Sect disciple of Feather Spirit Sect, he was granted a special privilege to meditate here openly.

It was only then that he realized this place was originally Ling Chongzi’s retreat for meditation.

Yang Yan certainly knew the Sect Leader’s true intentions, merely hoping one day he would inherit his mantle.

Though in Yang Yan’s heart, he refused.

While he had deep affection for Wandering Dragon Star through decades of cultivation and battles, it could at most be considered his second homeland.

Moreover, back on Earth, there were a group of people deeply rooted in his heart waiting for him, hence he could never assume the role of Sect Leader.

Even the position of Alliance Leader of Wandering Dragon Alliance was just a temporary measure; once the catastrophe passed, he ultimately would abandon these roles.

Yang Yan had just stepped onto Spirit Bamboo Peak, the void suddenly fluctuated, and saw Ling Chongzi emerge from it.

Yang Yan promptly rose to greet him, but Ling Chongzi waved his hand and said gravely: "You’re truly a troublesome fellow, first provoking an Immortal and ending up crippled yourself."

"Now countless people outside Feather Spirit Sect covet your pill formula. If you leave the sect, even with me by your side, I can’t guarantee your complete safety."

Yang Yan said solemnly: "I have no intention of causing trouble, merely wishing to return to Wandering Dragon Star early. If trouble comes knocking, I am not a coward. I’ll simply cripple them one by one."

Ling Chongzi was about to nod approvingly and say some encouraging words, but the next moment, he froze.

Yang Yan suddenly shed his proud demeanor and looked pitifully at him, saying: "Sect Leader, you see I’m facing grave danger, constantly at risk of dying. How about granting me a few defensive artifacts?"

Ling Chongzi stared at Yang Yan in disbelief for a moment, then glared at him fiercely.

But Yang Yan showed no sign of embarrassment, continuing to fix him with a pitiful gaze.

Ultimately, Ling Chongzi could only shake his head helplessly, chuckling, "So, now you know to ask me? I thought you were preparing to fight against multiple Divinity Transformation cultivators alone!"

Ling Chongzi summoned a jade pendant with an ancient aura: "This is the Qiankun Shifting Talisman; if you’re outmatched, urge the jade pendant and head to the Land of Mist! That region is filled with anomalies, even Divinity Transformation cultivators face the risk of falling."

"Together with the map you’ve obtained, if used effectively, it not only provides breathing space but could also cause those greedy individuals to fall."

Yang Yan hurriedly accepted the Qiankun Shifting Talisman with both hands and carefully studied it.

Ling Chongzi looked at Yang Yan’s delighted expression and sighed softly: "You’re a talent of such outstanding brilliance, practically a prodigy. Even Feather Spirit Sect urgently needs someone like you."

"Nonetheless, this vast sect appears calm on the surface, but behind the scenes, it’s equally treacherous. Even as Sect Leader, I can’t easily impose my will."

"Otherwise, if the opportunists stir up trouble, it would certainly undermine the foundation of this sect. Not to mention, even if I gave it my all, what would it matter?"

Ling Chongzi at this moment seemed like a weary old mortal, having the will but lacking the power, seemingly weighed down by age.

Yang Yan hadn’t stayed long in Feather Spirit Sect, rarely engaging with the outside world, but he could vaguely sense the sect’s apparent tranquility was indeed fraught with potential crises, ready to erupt at any moment.

This was entirely understandable as well; other sects might have some minor secret techniques and ultimate skills, but they wouldn’t be sought so eagerly.

After all, cultivating these requires considerable talent and determination.

Unless it’s a world-class skill, for many true experts, it’s akin to a useless option not worth risking to seize.

But Feather Spirit Sect was different.

For here, the path of alchemy meant it held many precious pill formulas and rare herbs, things every cultivator dreamed of.

Hence Feather Spirit Sect appeared worshipped by countless cultivators, viewed as a holy place; yet at the slightest disturbance, nearly everyone would wish to take a bite.