Yang Fanghe's face turned red, and he said, "Ashamed as I am, I merely received some cultivation techniques granted by a Master within the sect. Privately, I have fumbled half my life in cultivation, yet now, as death approaches, I still have not had the fortune to become a disciple under any Master. At present, I am merely entrusted by several elders of Yue Tian Pavilion to manage affairs within and outside the Nine Cities."
Hearing this, Zhang Yan immediately understood and replied blandly, "Ah, so you are the General Manager of the Nine Cities. My apologies for the slight. May I ask what business brings you here?"
He found it slightly peculiar. While cultivating here in the Zhao You Heavenly Pond, he had little interaction with the sect aside from occasional visits to the Elixir Cauldron Institute. Although Spiritual Paper Island remained under his authority, it had long been sealed under prohibition, with only a few Five-Colored Spirit Lizards guarding the Mountain Gate.
Yang Fanghe hesitated for a moment, then sighed, cupped his hands, and said, "Master Zhang, though I am undeservedly the guardian of the Nine Cities, the sect rules dictate that I must plead with you to select some fine disciples to send over, so that I may give an account to the elders of Shangming Hall..."
After saying this, he bowed deeply three times toward Zhang Yan, and on the final bow, he prostrated himself fully, refusing to rise for a long time.
Zhang Yan pondered slightly and immediately grasped Yang Fanghe's intentions.
He had now achieved the Hua Dan Realm. According to the rules of the Mingcang Sect, he was required to begin taking disciples. Though he already had two disciples, they were personally chosen by him rather than assigned by the sect.
In the Mingcang Sect, when disciples reach the Hua Dan Realm, it is a mandate that they select disciples to pass down their teachings. These disciples are chosen from the Nine Cities situated on the back of the Mystical Turtle.
The Nine Cities house a combined population of two million, composed primarily of relatives and close associates of the sect's disciples from the master-disciple lineage.
Though some disciples had long since perished, their families remained rooted in the sect, expanding and flourishing. Living in the Long Yan Marsh, breathing Clear Qi, and strengthening their bodies over several generations, their physiques far surpassed those of ordinary mortals. Even some disciples who had disintegrated into reincarnation chose to be reborn here.
Disciples of the master-disciple lineage were often selected from these populations.
However, just as masters select disciples, disciples also choose their masters. Over the years, numerous prominent families had emerged in the Nine Cities. Many individuals had apprenticed themselves to renowned teachers, achieving great glory. Once someone from a family attained the Dao, the entire clan reaped the benefits.
Since the news of Zhang Yan's first-class Elixir Formation achievement spread throughout the Mountain Gate, many families in the Nine Cities set their sights on him.
To these influential families, Zhang Yan's path of cultivation was undoubtedly smooth, with the attainment of the Nascent Soul seeming imminent. Thus, they began scheming ways to align themselves with him as a powerful patron.
If they could have their descendants accepted as his disciples, not only could they prosper for a thousand years, but even four or five hundred years of prosperity would ensure their clan's thriving future.
As such, many great families within the Nine Cities prepared valuable tributes and sought out Yang Fanghe, hoping to have their younger generations sent to Zhang Yan's tutelage.
Yet, despite Yang Fanghe's apparent prestige as the steward of the Nine Cities, in the eyes of the Mingcang Sect's Inner Sect disciples, he was essentially insignificant.
To meet Zhang Yan, he had no one to introduce him. Recklessly seeking an audience was futile, as a Ming Qi Cultivator like him was entirely unqualified to enter the Mountain Gate of Zhao You Heavenly Pond.
In desperation, he sought favors from relatives and acquaintances, searching for an opportunity. By chance, Yan Zhenhua, visiting the Mingcang Sect, came to him with a request to escort a group of disciples.
Disciples from allied sects like Beichen Sect often visited the Nine Cities to select individuals discarded by the Mingcang Sect to be taken back as their own disciples. This was a frequent occurrence, and such individuals often dealt with Yang Fanghe, forming a rapport.
Yan Zhenping, prudent by nature, had not immediately sought Zhang Yan at Zhao You Heavenly Pond but instead came here first, intending to gather intelligence on the Mingcang Sect's dynamics following Zhang Yan's Elixir Formation. He wanted to avoid inadvertently stepping into a troublesome situation.
During their conversation, the topic naturally shifted to Zhang Yan.
Yang Fanghe had not anticipated that Yan Zhenping had prior ties with Zhang Yan. Overjoyed, he immediately entreated Yan Zhenping for an introduction, which left the latter visibly surprised.
Truthfully, Yang Fanghe felt a deep sense of awkwardness. To meet a True Disciple of his sect, he had to rely on the disciples of other sects for assistance. It was utterly humiliating, but at this moment, he could not afford to care about appearances. Missing this opportunity meant uncertainty about when he might get another chance to see Zhang Yan.
While others might fear the sect rules, Yang Fanghe understood well that someone of Zhang Yan's stature would not put much weight on them. Ultimately, any potential blame would fall back on him. Thus, he adopted an extremely humble demeanor, practically pleading with Zhang Yan to accept a few disciples.
After clarifying the situation, Zhang Yan chuckled and said, "Since that is the case, I will not make things difficult for you. You may send two individuals to my tutelage as Registered Disciples. However, they cannot be subpar."
He extended his hand and pointed to Tian Kun, who stood beside him, saying, "This is my second disciple, Tian Kun. The individuals you send must, at the very least, possess his level of aptitude."
Yang Fanghe, adept at identifying potential disciples for the master-disciple lineage and skilled in observing Qi and phenomena, glanced at Tian Kun a few times before sighing bitterly and saying, "Master Zhang, your disciple possesses extraordinary qualities. His stance is robust and powerful, bearing the signs of a Dragon Turtle. He must have been a Great Virtue Cultivator in a past life. Forgive my inability; I truly cannot select such exceptional disciples."
"Oh?"
Zhang Yan looked at him with some surprise. He had intentionally tested Yang Fanghe's discernment, and seeing that Yang Fanghe could indeed recognize Tian Kun's aptitude, he nodded. Just as he was about to speak further, a thought occurred to him, and he asked, "Let me ask you, Brother Ning Chongxuan achieved Elixir Formation before me. He must have started taking disciples as well, correct?"
Yang Fanghe hurriedly nodded, saying, "Yes, yes, Master Ning accepted disciples five years ago."
Zhang Yan smiled and said, "In that case, have the individuals you send me possess at least the same aptitude as Brother Ning's disciples."
He said this casually, without much concern. However, Yang Fanghe froze, his expression stiffening. Having already contradicted Zhang Yan once earlier, he dared not object this time. Furrowing his brows tightly, he lowered his head, gritting his teeth, and said, "Understood. I will ensure you are satisfied, Master."

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