Zhou Yan's strength was immense, allowing him to wield even the most basic Wudang sword techniques with unpredictable changes and formidable power.
From the outset, Zhou Yan employed the Wudang swordplay in his fierce battle against Huo Gong Tou Tuo.
Xiao Zhao watched with astonishment. She had previously sparred with Wudang disciples and hadn't perceived the Wudang sword techniques as being so powerful.
However, witnessing Zhou Yan's application of them, her surprise grew at their amplified might. She quickly asked Zhang Wuji, "Your martial uncle is truly formidable. How can he wield the Wudang swordplay with such great power? He is indeed the foremost disciple of Wudang."
"I only hope my martial uncle remains safe. Huo Gong Tou Tuo has cultivated for so many years, his strength is only a notch below that of Grand Master Uncle," Zhang Wuji worried.
"Don't worry. Look, your martial uncle is fighting evenly with that monstrous figure. He'll be fine. I have great confidence in him," Xiao Zhao said.
The more Huo Gong Tou Tuo fought, the more astonished he became. His challenge to Zhou Yan had initially seemed amusing, but as the battle commenced, he found himself unable to overcome his opponent.
"Boy, how exactly did you cultivate? How are you so powerful!" Huo Gong Tou Tuo was greatly shocked. He then stopped and said, "How about this, if you take me as your master, I will immediately teach you the 'Nine Yang Divine Skill'. What do you say?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhao quickly retorted, "I must say, you have a very shrewd plan! You clearly cannot defeat him, yet you wish to take him as a disciple this way. You are truly a man of broken promises."
"I have cultivated the 'Nine Yang Divine Skill' for decades, how could I possibly be unable to defeat a mere fledgling? Boy, take this!"
Provoked, Huo Gong Tou Tuo launched another attack at Zhou Yan. Zhou Yan also did not wish to win too easily, lest the man refuse to hand over the 'Nine Yang Divine Skill'.
Therefore, he maintained a state of neither victory nor defeat. Conversely, Huo Gong Tou Tuo grew increasingly alarmed as the fight progressed, his internal energy severely depleted.
Seeing that the time was right, Zhou Yan quickly said, "Senior's strength is remarkable, and with your limited mobility, perhaps we should call it a draw."
Huo Gong Tou Tuo, upon hearing this, became even more satisfied with Zhou Yan and feigned magnanimity, saying, "Very well, let it be a draw."
Xiao Zhao, hearing this, immediately turned to Zhou Yan and asked, "Your strength is clearly superior to his, why did you not defeat him?"
"It doesn't matter. Senior has lived alone in this dark and lightless place for so many years, and with your leg mobility issues, even victory would be undeserved," Zhou Yan replied.
These words filled Xiao Zhao with admiration for Zhou Yan. In the martial world, gentlemen like Zhou Yan were almost non-existent.
Huo Gong Tou Tuo, hearing this, was also deeply gratified. He then said, "Although we fought to a draw, I have decided to pass on the 'Nine Yang Divine Skill' to you."
"Thank you, Senior," Zhou Yan said quickly.
"No need for thanks. I am doing this because we have a connection, and I do not wish for this divine skill to be abandoned with me."
Huo Gong Tou Tuo then imparted the internal cultivation method of the 'Nine Yang Divine Skill' to Zhou Yan. After learning it, Zhou Yan suddenly discovered that the 'Yin Yang Creation Art' in his mind began to transform again.
"I never expected the 'Nine Yang Divine Skill' could perfect my techniques. It seems that the cultivation methods from different worlds each have their own merits."
Zhou Yan was overjoyed. This was an unexpected bonus. Moreover, this world also possessed the 'Nine Yin Manual'. He believed that after learning the 'Nine Yin Manual', his techniques could be further improved.
Within moments of learning it, Zhou Yan had mastered the 'Nine Yang Divine Skill', leaving Huo Gong Tou Tuo astounded. "Truly a heaven-sent talent, to master it in mere moments. It is not a disgrace to this skill."
"Senior, would you like me to escort you out?" Zhou Yan inquired.
"No, I am quite content here." Huo Gong Tou Tuo then departed.
"Let us leave here first," Zhou Yan said to Xiao Zhao.
"Mm."
They then left the area together and found a secluded spot. Zhou Yan said to Zhang Wuji, "Your Xuanming Divine Palm needs to be purged with the 'Nine Yang Divine Skill'. I will teach it to you now."
Xiao Zhao, upon hearing this, was once again filled with admiration for Zhou Yan, saying, "This is the 'Nine Yang Divine Skill'! You are actually passing it on to someone else. You are truly a magnanimous person."
Zhou Yan, hearing this, was inwardly pleased. His magnanimity was indeed vast, to the point where he wished to embrace Xiao Zhao within it.
"Martial Uncle, you have learned the 'Nine Yang Divine Skill' now, why don't you directly help me purge the Xuanming Divine Palm?" Although Zhang Wuji greatly desired it, he felt he owed Zhou Yan too much.
"Don't say so much. You have many matters to attend to, and deep-seated grudges to avenge. With the 'Nine Yang Divine Skill', you can accomplish many things. After your matters are resolved, I hope you will leave with me to a new world," Zhou Yan said.
"Thank you, Martial Uncle. After I have avenged myself, I will certainly accompany you," Zhang Wuji replied.
Since he had come to this world, if he didn't take Zhang Wuji with him, wouldn't it have been a wasted trip?
Subsequently, Zhou Yan passed the 'Nine Yang Divine Skill' to Zhang Wuji and guided him in its cultivation.
As expected of someone with protagonist's luck, he quickly learned and mastered the 'Nine Yang Divine Skill'. As he cultivated, the Xuanming Divine Palm within him began to dissipate, and his internal energy grew daily.
Xiao Zhao asked, "Where is this new world you spoke of?"
"If you wish to go, I can take you," Zhou Yan replied.
"I'm a little curious. I'll think about it," Xiao Zhao answered.
Zhou Yan, however, thought: Xiao Zhao, Xiao Zhao, you cannot escape my grasp.
In the following time, Zhou Yan continued to guide Zhang Wuji while cultivating his relationship with Xiao Zhao. Xiao Zhao was soon captivated by his various charms, and everything that could be done was done, except for the final step.
Zhang Wuji endured countless displays of affection but was consumed by his hatred, focusing all his energy on cultivating the 'Nine Yang Divine Skill' daily.
A month later, Zhang Wuji had achieved great success in his 'Nine Yang Divine Skill' cultivation. They decided to depart and arrived at an inn.
There, they saw the Xuanming Elders, a disguised Zhao Min, and Chen Kun, discussing plans to attack the Ming Cult.
Indeed, Zhao Min, disguised as a man, was remarkably stunning. She appeared heroic and spirited, drawing considerable attention.
"Don't be rash. Now is not the time to act," Zhou Yan said.
"Who is lurking in the shadows!" Lu Zhang Ke shouted, launching an attack towards Zhou Yan's location.
Zhou Yan repelled him with a single palm strike, much to Lu Zhang Ke's shock.
"Mr. Lu, do not act impulsively," Zhao Min called out, stopping Lu Zhang Ke, and then turned her gaze towards Zhou Yan.
Because Zhou Yan was exceptionally handsome and distinguished, and his previous palm strike revealed him to be a powerful and exceptional individual, she was curious about his identity.
"My apologies, my subordinate has offended you. We have no intention of causing trouble for any of you," Zhao Min said, holding a folding fan and cupping her hands towards Zhou Yan.
"It's fine. I forgot to bring money when I went out. Can you help me settle the bill? Let's consider this matter resolved, how about it?" Zhou Yan replied.
Zhao Min burst into laughter, saying, "A small sum of money is no issue. However, I wish to befriend you, sir. Would you be willing to count me as a friend?"
"Of course, I am willing," Zhou Yan replied.
"Since we are friends, I have a small token of my regard. I hope you will not refuse." Zhao Min gestured, and someone presented a tray of gifts.
Zhou Yan opened it to find it filled with gold, but he remained unmoved.
"The gifts are very precious, but I do not require so much," Zhou Yan refused.
"If that is the case, then what do you desire? I can send someone to purchase it," Zhao Min inquired.
"I want you. Are you willing?" Zhou Yan said.
This statement caused Xiao Zhao immense anger, and she wanted to say something, but Zhang Wuji stopped her.
"How dare you!" Those behind Zhao Min were displeased and were about to draw their weapons.
Zhao Min quickly intervened, saying, "Sir, you jest. I have matters to attend to at the moment. Perhaps I can invite you to my residence as a guest another time?"
"It's a deal," Zhou Yan nodded.
"A deal!" Zhao Min cupped her hands towards Zhou Yan and then departed.
As they walked down the stairs, the Xuanming Elders asked, "My Lady, why did you not apprehend that fellow? He dared to insult you so."
"You clashed with him earlier and were easily repelled, indicating his profound strength. I need more skilled individuals to work for me. Since he saw through my disguise as a man, and there is a woman of considerable beauty behind him, it suggests he is drawn to beauty. If he desires women, then it is manageable."
Zhao Min, full of confidence, said to her subordinates, "Return to the mansion and find some women. I have important use for them."
"Yes!"
Then, Zhao Min and her entourage rode away from the inn.
From upstairs, Zhou Yan saw Zhao Min glance back at him with a smile. This was a breathtaking sight, one that would leave many yearning.
"If you keep looking, your eyes will fall out," Xiao Zhao grumbled jealously from the side.
Zhou Yan quickly comforted her, "Alright, don't be angry. I said that intentionally."
"Really?" Xiao Zhao asked.
"Naturally. It's clear this woman is no ordinary person. And with the Xuanming Elders behind her, aren't you curious about her background?" Zhou Yan asked.
It is said that women in love can be foolish, and even the clever Xiao Zhao was deceived by Zhou Yan, replying, "I am indeed curious."
"Martial Uncle, you said that person was a woman earlier?" Zhang Wuji was astonished. No wonder Martial Uncle had said such things before; he now understood she was a woman.
"You only realized that now? What kind of eyesight do you have," Xiao Zhao scoffed.
"No wonder I thought she looked like my mother earlier. If she's a woman, that explains it," Zhang Wuji said.
Xiao Zhao chuckled, "Do you say every pretty woman you see looks like your mother?"
"You look quite like my mother now, too," Zhang Wuji replied.
"Then call me 'Mother' to hear it," Xiao Zhao laughed.
"Alright, enough joking. We should head to Guangming Peak now."
They proceeded towards Guangming Peak.