340: pseudonym

The main hall of Holy Son Peak.

Outside, the sunlight was warm and gentle, casting a cozy glow as a refreshing breeze carried the sweet scent of flowers.

The brightness outside contrasted with the slightly dim interior.

This was an intentional arrangement by Zhou Yan; the feeling of cooling off indoors on a summer afternoon made him feel very relaxed.

However, this setting seemed to have no effect on Zhang Wei, who remained extremely nervous.

He sat upright with a stiff expression, waiting for Zhou Yan to speak.

"Zhang Wei, you really don't need to be so nervous."

Hearing Zhou Yan speak, Zhang Wei hurriedly scratched the back of his head and forced a smile he thought was friendly.

"N-n-n-n-no, I'm not?"

Seeing the other party vibrating like a phone on silent mode, Zhou Yan felt helpless.

"You're bleating like a sheep, and you say you're not nervous?"

"Besides, the tea I poured for you is on your left. What you're stuffing into your mouth right now is my tea pet."

Zhang Wei looked down abruptly at his hand, seeing the tea pet modeled after Yuan Chenling that he had been suckling on, currently held to his lips.

He hurriedly and carefully set the tea pet down, then moved to bow deeply, but was held up by Zhou Yan's spiritual power.

Seeing him like this, Zhou Yan was quite surprised.

During their last meeting, the other party had been a somewhat foolish playboy, but now he was suddenly so respectful that Zhou Yan found it hard to get used to.

In fact, Zhou Yan had noticed him as soon as Jiang Hongyue brought him to the foot of the mountain and had intended to speak first.

But just as he was about to speak, he was choked back by Zhang Wei's posture, looking like he was about to kowtow immediately.

When they met again, the opening lines he had prepared were stunned out of him by the other's song and dance performance.

After several such displays, he couldn't even finish a complete sentence.

"I told you, don't be nervous."

"You were indeed a bit of a playboy before, but haven't you changed quite well over these past few years?"

"I can see that since that incident in the Secret Realm, you've grown quite a bit."

Hearing this, Zhang Wei actually relaxed.

Indeed, what kind of figure was the other person? Although he didn't understand Zhou Yan, Zhou Yan might very well understand him.

Since he was working under him and hadn't been made things difficult for, it was clear that Zhou Yan had long since stopped holding a grudge. On the contrary, if he cared too much, it might actually make the other person angry.

Having indeed made some progress over the years, Zhang Wei quickly figured this out. Thus, while he still felt some awe, he was no longer as constrained as before.

"Yes, yes, yes, it's all thanks to the Saint's good guidance."

"Since then, we have thoroughly repented, turned over a new leaf, and become new people, helping old ladies cross the street..."

"Stop, stop right there."

Seeing that the other party was no longer stiff but had suddenly started listing his good deeds like a model youth, Zhou Yan quickly called a halt. He had already seen this with Niu Zhiyuan and didn't intend to watch the same plot twice.

"I've already looked into your affairs; I'm quite clear on them."

"I called you here today first to inform you that West River will also start participating in the pre-prepared meals project in Taiyi City."

"Jiang Hongyue will still be your primary contact; he will introduce you to the people from Butian Pavilion. From now on, the two of them will be responsible for your trade between the Northern Border and West River."

"I have high hopes for you. Just do your job well and don't forget your original intentions."

Gazing into Zhou Yan's trusting eyes, Zhang Wei felt a sudden weight on his shoulders, while an indescribable excitement surged through his entire body.

He had long thought that the business might expand to West River, but he hadn't expected it to happen so quickly, nor that it would be taken over by a power from one of the Three Sects.

This meant that pre-prepared meals could truly become a massive business spanning all Four Regions, and the Heaven and Earth Society would truly become a power spanning Four Regions. Even if he was just a lackey, this level was something he hadn't dared to imagine before.

One should know that even his father, who was in the Soul Transformation Stage, might not necessarily get such a job, yet it had fallen into his hands.

This sudden sense of happiness made Zhang Wei suddenly realize that his Family tree might need a separate page just for him.

Immediately after, Zhang Wei excitedly poured out all his visions, concepts, and ambitions.

Zhou Yan merely nodded with a smile, occasionally offering a few pointers that made Zhang Wei's blood boil with excitement, completely forgetting his past nightmares and leaving him with nothing but anticipation.

To the point that when he went back to share the news with his brothers and sisters in the society, facing their angry, confused, or fearful expressions, when someone asked, \"Big Brother, what should we do? How should we face Zhou Yan?\", he only replied calmly.

"I admire Zhou Yan."

One sentence, nothing more.

From then on, all grudges were settled, leaving only mutual fulfillment.

However, Zhou Yan calling Zhang Wei over was naturally not entirely for these matters; otherwise, he could have let Jiang Hongyue speak for him, and there would be no need to see him in person.

When he first heard of the Heaven and Earth Society and Zhang Wei, he hadn't thought much of it. It was only after investigating that he learned Zhang Wei was actually one of the people he had "guided" back in the Secret Realm.

And Zhou Yan's investigation into Zhang Wei was also for his subsequent plans.

By now, a week and a half had passed since the end of the Three Sects Martial Competition.

Seeing everyone setting off one after another, it was time for him to prepare to leave as well. However, the Karma accumulated at the moment was indeed quite significant.

Not to mention Wang Defu's side—it was as if he didn't have this son; there hadn't been a peep for a whole year. There was no guarantee he wouldn't use Murphy's Law to give him a "surprise" when he left the Northern Border.

Just mentioning Ma Hao, who had already become a "Bridge-Blocking Master" in Shi Suiyan's intelligence, was enough to give him quite a handful.

Therefore, Zhou Yan needed to find a way to leave naturally, while also stopping by Taiyi City to make some arrangements to prevent Wang Defu from suddenly pulling some stunts.

That was why he had summoned Zhang Wei.

Zhou Yan's plan was simple: to blend in with the crowd.

The Eastern Region would definitely take advantage of the large number of Prodigies passing through to cause trouble. There was no need to question why they would do this knowing it would provoke public outrage; those with brains wouldn't do anything, while those without brains wouldn't even spare the locals of the Eastern Region.

Since they had no brains, there was nothing to question.

At that time, low-level demonic and evil cultivators would surely be active, and with so many Prodigies passing through, it would be enough to muddy the waters.

Calculating the time, things should have already started becoming chaotic by now.

And right now, he could use the channel for transporting pre-prepared meals to take a shortcut and arrive at the latter half of the Eastern Region first. Fortunately, Taiyi City was located in the lower-middle part of the Eastern Region; once there, he could enter the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains after another stretch, easily shaking off Ma Hao's pursuit.

As for the return journey, there was no need to worry much. Going there was to follow Karma, so he might still be able to act brazenly.

But upon returning, if the other party still dared to intercept, they would have to weigh the consequences against the Elders leading the teams from various sects who would already be waiting at the Eastern Extreme.

After Zhang Wei finished his non-stop talking, Zhou Yan offered a few more words of encouragement and patted him on the shoulder.

"Also, there is one more thing I need to trouble you with."

"I have a friend who also needs to go to Taiyi City."

"Her trip is to strengthen ties with Taiyi City. After all, even if demonic cultivators are inclined toward the Righteous Path, it's hard to guarantee there won't be any slips. Plus, with the business about to expand to the Four Regions, it's a critical moment and someone needs to conduct field research; that is my friend's primary goal."

"But since it's an undercover visit, the actions must be as discreet as possible for it to be effective. And with the Eastern Region about to become chaotic again, I'm not comfortable entrusting this to anyone else."

"So, consider this a test for you all. Don't let me down."

Having said that, Zhou Yan walked to the door.

Under the interplay of light and shadow, his back appeared increasingly profound.

Zhang Wei, on the other hand, was full of excitement.

How could this be hard!

It's just delivering a person; how troublesome could it be?

"Rest assured, Saint! This subordinate will surely handle such a small matter. Never mind one person, even delivering a hundred would be no problem!"

Seeing Zhang Wei grinning like a blooming chrysanthemum, Zhou Yan only gave a faint smile.

"No need, no need. Just one will do."

Zhang Wei asked casually.

"I wonder how this Fellow Daoist is addressed? Where should I pick him up?"

Zhou Yan already had his story ready; hearing this, his smile deepened.

"Her name is Kong Xuan."

"She will be waiting for you at the Northern Border exit."

While Zhang Wei was still wondering what kind of person Kong Xuan was, Zhou Yan, with his back turned, could no longer suppress the upward curve of his lips.

Old geezer! Now I've even changed my gender, let's see how you intercept me!

A moment later, Zhang Wei's steps were walking on air as he left Holy Son Peak.

Without even meeting up with Jiang Hongyue first, he urgently contacted his father.

Although it was just delivering a person, which seemed no different from the usual cargo delivery, the situation in the Eastern Region was quite chaotic now. Coupled with the Saint's special request, he had to fully utilize his Family's connections just to be safe.

Furthermore, after returning, he would also convene the brothers and sisters of the society, mobilize all resources, and personally oversee everything to ensure perfection. He had to complete this task and do it well!

Soon, the communication was connected.

"You little brat, why are you using the emergency communication all of a sudden? If you don't have a good reason, see if I don't teach you a lesson!"

Hearing the gruff voice from the other end of the communication, Zhang Wei merely gave a crooked smile.

"Father, I am currently at the Qingxu Grotto-Heaven."

"Dad, call me 'Dad' first, and then I'll tell you some good news."

"Pfft—!"

At this moment, Zhou Yan, who was still eavesdropping from the top of Holy Son Peak, spat out a mouthful of tea upon hearing this sentence, splashing it all over Yuan Chenling, who was lounging nearby.

[The author says there is an Easter egg in this chapter.]