Zhou Yan didn't have any extra thoughts; he just deeply understood Gu Yan's feelings and could somewhat empathize.
It was like the resentment he felt in the past for his family's painstaking efforts to cultivate him—the only difference being that at that time, he lived in deception, while for Gu Yan now, everything was real.
Zhou Yan placed a Qiankun Ring in Gu Yan's palm, containing almost all the cultivation resources he had, along with a series of valuable items obtained after killings. He only kept ten high-grade spirit crystals and a hundred mid-grade spirit crystals for himself, just in case.
The remaining thirty-two high-grade crystals, three hundred sixty-seven mid-grade crystals, and nearly three thousand low-grade spirit crystals, he gave to Gu Yan.
In addition, almost all the elixirs and similar items were also gifted to Gu Yan.
This time, Zhou Yan truly cleared out all the items on him—except for the Silver Snow Sword, the Extreme Jade Cold Light Ring, and the Broken Worry Sword.
Gu Yan, upon sensing these items, felt endless gratitude, and a bit of choked-up emotion.
Everything was unspoken.
With Zhou Yan's gifts, Gu Yan left. At such a moment, having such a connection with someone like Zhou Yan, Gu Yan's existence couldn't be ignored by anyone.
Without knowing the specifics, no one dared to make a move on people around Zhou Yan.
Gu Yan was gone, and Zhou Yan watched him leave until his figure disappeared into the distance.
Zhou Yan snapped back to reality, still feeling a little hollow inside.
Due to not being strong enough, whether it was a woman or a man, those he wanted to protect would always leave his side.
Zhou Yan didn't like this result, but each separation made such a result appear again and again.
He sighed, took out the Fiery Flame Sword Heart Wine, and drank several mouthfuls.
At that moment, he concealed the cultivation power within him, allowing the liquor to rampage through his body, enjoying the feeling as if it was burning his flesh and soul.
This feeling made him feel that he was still alive.
Also, in such a sensation, the integration of soul and body became closely connected, bit by bit.
At this moment, a hint of loneliness made him think of Ning'er.
In this world, even though he had some obscure relationships with many women, the one he loved deep in his heart was probably still Ning'er.
This affection was inherently different, without any other components mixed in.
He didn't know that his series of changes made everyone present see what seemed like the rebirth of Zhou Wangchen. The more melancholic Zhou Yan became, the more similar it seemed.
If he took out a short sword and a piece of iron to engrave silently, then there would be no doubt that Zhou Wangchen had returned.
But, looking at Zhou Yan now, both Zhou Ying and Zhou Lingyi felt an inexplicable sense of desolation and loneliness.
"Zhou Yan, cultivate well. Once you're strong, the people by your side won't have to leave you anymore."
Elder Xing sighed lightly and said in consolation.
"Brother Zhou Yan, aren't we still by your side? Don't be sad."
Zhou Ying felt a pang of inexplicable heartache. From the series of events, Zhou Yan appeared to be a deeply emotional person who didn't conceal his emotions. Everything was so simple and straightforward.
Yet it was precisely this that made his performance more heartbreaking.
At least, Zhou Ying felt at this moment that if she could share some of Zhou Yan's burden, she wouldn't be as upset as she was now.
"Elder, the disciple understands."
Zhou Yan nodded, silently reining in his emotions.
"Good that you understand. Since everyone is here, let's go."
Elder Xing said, glancing at Zhou Wuzhen and others in the distance, "This time, the Zhou Family from Canglan City has produced such a talent as Zhou Yan, and the rest like Zhou Lingyi and Zhou Xian are also commendable. Hence, the Great Zhou Family will surely reward you with many family contributions; your rise is hopeful, too!
Additionally—Zhou Wuzhen, perform well in the future, and perhaps you'll have the chance to return to the family and fulfill your father's dream."
"Yes... Disciple, disciple thanks Elder for the grace!"
Zhou Wuzhen's voice came from afar, filled with excitement.
Elder Xing nodded, waved his hand, and a force swept Zhou Yan and everyone present like Zhou Gucheng, Zhou Xian, and Zhou Lingyi into the flying boat.
Then, the flying boat underwent inexplicable changes, creating a unique space like spatial distortion.
At this moment, a sound like a warble emerged, and a bizarre black sword, like a sickle, suddenly cut through the heavenly vault, as if opening a path.
"Swoosh!"
A bolt of lightning pierced through the void, with a giant ancient city seemingly standing in that fissure. Zhou Yan felt as if the space he occupied journeyed like a flying saucer traveling through the universe.
Approaching the ancient city, Zhou Yan felt an indescribable vastness.
It was a kind of indescribable, shocking sensation.
Crossing the void?
Zhou Yan felt a little envious and yearning in his heart.
Reaching the Sword Heart Realm, could one control a special sword spirit and sword array to cross the void?
He thought, glancing around.
Like him, apart from Zhou Yuan and Zhou Ting, who seemed accustomed to all this, the rest of the Zhou family disciples appeared shocked, as if this grand display of crossing the void had thoroughly awed them.
The vast ancient city gradually came closer, akin to drawing nearer from outer space.
The closer they got to this ancient city, the more Zhou Yan felt an indescribable throb of the soul. It was a mysterious feeling, as if something was calling him—a voice resonating in his soul.
Zhou Yan didn't know what was happening, but arriving here, he seemed to find a strange familiarity, as if... he had been here before, especially familiar with everything here.
Yet Zhou Yan clearly remembered that he had never been to this ancient city—never!
He had traveled to many places with his father, but never here!
Taking a deep breath, he dismissed these eerie notions, striving to regain calmness, then used his soul to sense everything about the ancient city.
This time, when Zhou Yan's soul power first touched the city, he felt an indescribable desolation.
It was an aura of heaviness, desolation, and sorrow; similar to the breath of that strange stone woman.
"Here, there seems to be an aura of that strange stone woman, doesn't it?"
Zhou Yan murmured, as if asking himself.
He wasn't saying this to anyone in particular, but seemed to be asking everyone.
"No? I can't feel it!" Zhou Yuan carefully sensed, but couldn't.
"Yeah, I don't feel it either!" Zhou Ying said after briefly contemplating.
"I can't sense it, either. Zhou Yan, are you sure it's not an illusion?" Zhou Ting also tried to sense it but felt nothing.
...
"There's a hidden fissure space here, inside which is a relic called 'Ancient Tomb Mountain.'
The strange stone woman is a kind of abnormal treasure within that tomb mountain.
This Ancient Tomb Mountain hasn't opened in many years, and it has no pattern for opening. There aren't any heaven-defying treasures inside; rather, it's extremely dangerous, so not many wish to enter even if it opens.
Zhou Yan, you unexpectedly sensed the aura of this ancient relic in the void, indicating two things. First, this Ancient Tomb Mountain might be about to open; second, your soul's comprehension and corresponding soul power are extraordinarily strong!
Zhou Yan, cultivate diligently. I believe reaching the Sword Heart Clarity Realm won't be too difficult for you."
After carefully sensing, Elder Xing spoke immediately.
Zhou Yan was slightly startled and then silently nodded, "I see. Thank you, Elder, for clarifying."
"No need for formality. If you're ever uncertain in the future, come to me!" Elder Xing said, "Once we return to the family, I'll consult the Family Head and help you obtain a Golden Sword Seal for the Book Collection Pavilion, so you can learn and understand some common knowledge there.
Furthermore, since we have two Dual Qi Pillar absolute-grade geniuses, the Sword Origin Pool requires a lot of rare medicinal materials. Therefore, the initiation to the pool might be delayed, and there could be some restrictions on the quota. The four people you brought might not be able to attend for now... This isn't aimed at you; I'm just explaining in advance to prevent any unnecessary worries."
Elder Xing's meticulousness left Zhou Yan feeling a bit emotional.
At this point, how could he not understand? Elder Xing probably intended to thoroughly acknowledge his talent and planned to nurture him.
This was likely a decision the family would ultimately make.
"Yes, I understand, as long as there's an opportunity before sixteen, there's no problem." Zhou Yan nodded, able to empathize.
After all, the transformation of dual Qi Pillar geniuses outweighed anything else.
"As long as you understand. We're about to arrive, so let me tell you about Carefree Main City."
Elder Xing nodded with relief, his gaze fixed on the colossal ancient city in the distance, and he softly said, "Carefree Main City used to be called Cangxiao City! However, the former City Lord of Cangxiao exhausted himself in cultivating the Sword Heart Realm, only to have his sword heart shattered and his soul dissipated.
Later, Lee Xiaoyao, the Patriarch of the Lee Family—now the Master Xiao Yao—after achieving the Triple Realms of the Sword Heart Clarity Realm, defeated the Yang Family Patriarch in one move, as well as our Zhou Family's Patriarch, gaining the position of Cangxiao City's City Lord.
Thus, Cangxiao City was renamed Carefree Main City, reigning over one hundred and eight sub-cities.
Carefree Main City houses four top-ranking families. These four families are considered prominent in the Water Domain's one hundred and eight main cities.
Ranked by strength and status, these four are the Da Li Family, the Great Zhou Family, the Great Yang Family, and the Da Xia Family.
In the Lee family, there was once an awe-inspiring figure... Today, the Lee family rightfully holds the first position, boasting unmatched fame in the Water Domain!
Members of the Lee family can impose their will in other main cities with ease...
Therefore, when you encounter members of the Lee family, exercise restraint. The Lee family is always arrogant but has no conflict with the Zhou family; instead, there's some rapport, so the Lee family rarely troubles Zhou family members.
But there are always exceptions to any rule, so don't assume you can act as you wish because of this minor rapport between the families, nor should you provoke members of the Lee family out of this."
Elder Xing explained the general forces within Carefree Main City at this point, and everyone saw Carefree Main City fully unveiled before them.