Previously on Put Away Your Divine Techniques Now!...
Chen Yan learned that the Ghost Race's cultivation techniques are derived from an ancestor, who grants them comprehension of Heavenly Dao Rules. This power is not self-cultivated but a gift from the ancestor, which can be reclaimed, explaining East Sea's ability to defeat other Ghost Race cultivators. East Sea then led Chen Yan back to his old dwelling, assuring him that his days of hardship were over.
A grand earthen structure had been entirely cleared out.
Upon being escorted inside by the East Sea, Chen Yan found the main hall remarkably empty. The vibrant atmosphere, so recently alive with guests during the Heaven-Crashing Ceremony, had completely vanished.
Only a few servants clad in the attire of the Ghost Race stood within the hall. The individual at the front immediately drew Chen Yan’s attention—it was none other than Cave Maiden Zhan Li, or rather, the former Cave Maiden.
Zhan Li appeared significantly more disheveled than before. While never conventionally beautiful, her eyes had possessed a striking liveliness, akin to starlight, bestowing a unique charm upon her features.
However, in this moment, Zhan Li’s once radiant eyes were dim and vacant, resembling stagnant water, utterly lacking any spark.
She also seemed somewhat gaunter; her previously rounded face now bore the subtle hint of a pointed chin.
Noticing Chen Yan’s arrival with the East Sea, Zhan Li promptly approached. Upon reaching them, she bowed respectfully, stating, "Zhan Li greets Lord Sword Master, and greetings to Fellow Daoist Shanhe."
Chen Yan was taken aback, only then realizing that "Fellow Daoist Shanhe" was an address directed at him. He had spent three years and four months within the library where time flowed differently. During such an extended period of solitude, he had grown accustomed to his own company, and no one paid heed to whether he was Zhao Shanhe or Chen Yan. Being suddenly addressed in this manner by Zhan Li, he almost failed to respond.
Once Chen Yan regained his composure, he offered a nod and calmly replied, "Greetings, Cave Maiden."
Zhan Li's expression was devoid of emotion, and her voice was remarkably steady. "I am a condemned soul, no longer the Cave Maiden of the Black Wood Tribe. You may simply address me by my name, Fellow Daoist."
Chen Yan cast a glance at Zhan Li, spoke no further, and simply inclined his head.
"I assumed that within the Black Wood Tribe, she was the only person familiar to you, so I assigned her the duty of attending to you here. Throughout your stay, she will manage all your daily necessities."
The East Sea offered a casual explanation, then addressed Zhan Li with a detached tone, "You must be diligent; do not falter in your responsibilities."
Zhan Li lowered her head, her voice maintaining that almost deathly calm. "I shall obey Lord Sword Master's command; Zhan Li will be diligent."
The East Sea looked at Zhan Li once more, paused, and then stated, "The newly appointed Cave Master, Guen, has officially assumed the position and has also taken charge as the Chief of the Eighteen Tribes of the Ghost Race. Significant events are on the horizon for the Ghost Race, and conflicts are imminent. At that juncture, your father, Zhan Xi, will also lead troops into the fray.
Should your father achieve notable accomplishments, your family might still possess a chance for resurgence within the Black Wood Tribe."
Zhan Li, however, remained unmoved, responding, "The power and status within the tribe are ephemeral, like fleeting clouds. Zhan Li now understands this. If my father earns merits for the tribe, it is his honor, his fortune, and his testament to the ancestors.
However, these are no longer the pursuits that occupy Zhan Li's mind."
After a brief silence, she offered a solemn bow to the East Sea, her tone filled with sincerity. "Thank you, Lord Sword Master, for enlightening me that day. If an opportunity arises in the future, Zhan Li will undoubtedly repay this profound kindness!"
The East Sea narrowed his eyes as he studied Zhan Li, his expression growing more serious. After a thorough assessment, he slowly remarked, "It appears you have genuinely grasped certain truths."
"Indeed, I have come to understand a great deal more."
The East Sea nodded. "Excellent. Do you have any requests, then?"
Zhan Li contemplated for a moment before replying, "I will dedicate myself to serving the esteemed guest, Fellow Daoist Shanhe. However, I do have one plea for Lord Sword Master: after Fellow Daoist Shanhe departs, may I be granted permission to proceed to Ghost Cloud Cliff for solitary reflection?"
The East Sea’s gaze shifted. "You wish to request passage to Ghost Cloud Cliff?"
"Yes."
The East Sea’s brow furrowed. "You are aware that Ghost Cloud Cliff... is not a place of peace. Its spiritual energy is erratic, and the Primordial Qi is turbulent. Your cultivation is currently in the Celestial Human Realm, but remaining in such an environment could impede your progress, potentially causing a decline in your cultivation or even destabilizing your foundation..."
Zhan Li, however, stated with unwavering conviction, "My resolve is firm; I only ask that Lord Sword Master can grant my wish."
The East Sea nodded, his gaze fixed on Zhan Li, a peculiar smile playing on his lips. "Very well. Since you harbor such intentions, I am willing to oblige. Upon completing your service to the honored guest, I shall grant you permission to journey to Ghost Cloud Cliff for reflection, to join your teacher, Luo Xiuqing."
After a moment of consideration, the East Sea inquired, "For how long do you intend to remain there?"
"Half a year at the shortest, three years at the longest," Zhan Li stated, shaking her head. "If three years aren't sufficient, then perhaps it is fate, and I should relinquish this pursuit."
The East Sea clapped his hands with a hearty laugh, giving Zhan Li an approving nod. "Good! Excellent! Today, I truly feel that your reputation as a 'genius of the Ghost Race' is not entirely unfounded; there is substantial truth to it. I approve!"
Zhan Li inclined her head, expressing her thanks. She then formally bowed to Chen Yan, inquiring, "Does Fellow Daoist Shanhe have any particular instructions regarding daily necessities?"
Chen Yan gestured with his head, replying, "You may arrange everything as you have been doing."
After a brief pause, he added, "Prepare hot water for tonight; I intend to bathe and change my attire."
Zhan Li acknowledged his request with a nod before directing the attending servants to make the necessary arrangements.
Observing Zhan Li's retreating figure, Chen Yan raised an eyebrow. "This individual appears somewhat altered."
The East Sea responded casually, "She has grasped certain truths, but whether she can tread the path she yearns for remains contingent on destiny."
With a shake of his head, he continued, "Let us cease discussing her. I shall escort you to meet two individuals."
