The pathway leading to the inner mansion was not surrounded by a bamboo forest, but by a diverse range of vegetation—plants so rare that even the outside world seldom saw them.
One of the former slaves slowed his steps, eyes wide with awe as he looked around.
This place was not merely serene.
Every tree radiated vigor, branches heavy with lush green leaves. Amid the greenery stood several towering trees with pale bluish trunks, rising higher than the rest like silent sentinels.
"By the Holy Mandate of Heaven…" one of the victims whispered hoarsely. "That's an Azure Heart Banyan Sapling."
Yan Qing, hovering low in the air ahead of them, heard the exclamation and turned slightly.
"Oh? You recognize that tree?"
"Yes, Young Immortal Master," the youth said respectfully. "This humble one has studied medicinal herbs. I once aspired to become a traveling doctor, to help those in need."
[Reporting. Based on ocular focus, tone stability, and body language, truth probability: 86.75%.]
Yan Qing nodded silently.
"Then how do you know this is the Azure Heart variant?"
The youth swallowed, excitement flickering across his battered face.
"Young Immortal Master, please look at the trunk. That faint blue glow—only the Azure Heart variant possesses it. No other tree of the same species has such a mark."
"I was completely mesmerized when I read about it in my late master's sutra."
He hesitated, then continued earnestly, "The leaves of the Azure Heart Banyan can soothe meridians and internal injuries. No complicated refinement is needed—one can consume them raw."
[Reporting. Target traits match Azure Heart Banyan Sapling characteristics.]
[Congratulations, Host. First disciple candidate probability detected.]
"Disciple?" Yan Qing asked inwardly. "You mean I'll establish a sect?"
[Eventually. Not in the near future. Host has only recently emerged from ten years of seclusion.]
Yan Qing acknowledged the response.
"So," he said aloud, "what is your name?"
The youth straightened despite his injuries. "This humble one is Luo Qinghe, Young Immortal Master."
"Then call me Brother Yan Qing."
Luo Qinghe's eyes widened in panic.
"I—I cannot! That would be improper. To address one's life savior as brother—especially an Immortal Master—this humble one dares not!"
Yan Qing paused. "Then what would you consider an appropriate form of address?"
"…Lord Yan Qing."
Yan Qing sighed lightly. Very well.
He nodded and resumed hovering ahead of the group.
After some time, the small convoy—twelve carriages, twelve drivers, and fifteen former slaves—passed through the dense greenery and arrived before the inner gate.
Two towering silver poles carved with coiling dragons stood silently on either side, imposing and dignified.
Beyond them stretched a bright crimson bridge, wide enough for four carriages to travel abreast.
Beneath the bridge flowed a stream so clear and pure it seemed unreal.
"That… that's a spiritual spring…" a former slave stammered. "How is this possible? How can a spiritual spring form an entire river?"
Another young man stared in disbelief.
"Spiritual water flowing like a river… and there are even spiritual fish inside. This is comparable to a celestial palace."
Luo Qinghe, seated in the carriage behind, leaned forward to see for himself, his breath catching.
[Host. Carriage pavilion detected at the far end of the bridge, directly behind the Azure Heart Banyan Sapling.]
Yan Qing raised his voice. "Everyone, drive the carriages across the bridge. Behind that Azure Heart Banyan is a place to park."
"Yes, Young Immortal Master!" the drivers replied in unison.
[Host. Between the outer and inner estate lies another guarding formation.]
[Classification: Minor formation. Derivative of Yaoguang branch of the Beidou lineage.]
"Oh?" Yan Qing asked. "Should I dismantle it the same way as before?"
[Negative. Yaoguang governs Light and Fire. This array is designed to incinerate intruders alive.]
[Suggestion: Modify array structure to San Guang—Three Luminaries.]
"The instructions are in the tome?"
[Affirmative.]
Yan Qing skimmed the tome with his consciousness, quickly locating the section on the Three Luminaries.
Raising his hand, he began to draw in midair using pure intent.
In less than a minute, a faint glow gathered at his fingertip. It grew steadily brighter before drifting forward, gentle and unhurried.
When the light touched the edge of the existing formation, the space trembled.
A complex circular rune blossomed outward, its core glowing softly like moonlight bathed in serenity.
From the center of the array, eight luminous vines extended, shooting outward in all directions before embedding themselves into the formation itself.
The array dimmed.
A cool breeze rich with spiritual qi flowed out from the inner courtyard.
"Young Immortal Master is incredible!" one of the drivers shouted in awe.
[Reporting. Environment stabilized.]
[Host may now safely deploy Thousand-Petal Life Restoration Array.]
[Breach rate: minimal.]
Yan Qing glanced at the old tome in his hand.
"Oh? A major array from the Southern Dipper lineage."
[Affirmative.]
He turned to the group. "Please help your companions—and the father and daughter—sit or lie down beneath the Azure Heart Banyan."
Though confused, the former slaves obeyed without hesitation.
Before beginning, Yan Qing spoke calmly, his voice steady.
"I will now deploy a major formation to restore your health. This is my first time using it in practice. If anyone feels reluctant or wishes to refuse, I will fully understand."
Consent, he believed, mattered—even here.
The former slaves exchanged glances.
"Lord Yan," one of them said firmly, "we understand the risks. Even so, we are willing to entrust ourselves to you."
The carriage drivers stared in disbelief.
Since when did a cultivator—especially one so wealthy—ask mortals for permission?
"Very well," Yan Qing said. "Thank you for your trust."
He opened the tome.
Its pages flipped at blinding speed, leaving only afterimages in mortal eyes. Yan Qing pressed his thumb against one page and drew it outward.
A leaf materialized at his fingertip.
Then another.
And another.
Soon, it became a cascading stream of green—a small waterfall of leaves.
The moment the first leaf touched the ground, it shot skyward. Thousands followed, swirling violently through the courtyard.
Yan Qing moved even faster.
Only faint afterimages marked his path as he circled the formation, hands weaving ancient runes into the invisible barrier formed by the storm.
With the final symbol complete, he retreated several steps and thrust both palms forward.
Radiant crimson-gold qi erupted, striking the heart of the swirling leaves.
From outside, nothing could be seen—only blinding light and spinning petals.
Inside the formation, however, the sensation was gentle.
Every breath they took, every breeze brushing their skin, restored them. Torn muscles regenerated. Broken bones healed. Damage from years of torture vanished—without pain.
The father and daughter stirred. Color returned to their cheeks. Their once-ashen lips flushed with life.
"Break."
Yan Qing's command echoed.
The formation shattered gracefully, dispersing into thousands of crimson petals that drifted to the ground.
Realizing their bodies had returned to full health, the former slaves—except the still-recovering father and daughter—fell to their knees.
"We thank Lord Yan Qing for this boundless grace!"