He directly approached a seemingly middle-aged figure, about fifty years old, from the group, and with a salutation, he said:
"Brother Zhang, may I have a word?"
"Brother Chen?"
Caught off guard by Chen Changâanâs call, Zhang Xuandao was a bit puzzled.
But, after a moment of doubt, he nodded and said:
"Of course."
Zhang Xuandao was not disrespectful and followed Chen Changâan to a deserted spot:
"Does Brother Chen need anything?"
Zhang Xuandao, the Peak Master of Tongtian Peak of the Tianshui sect, was, by generation, a fellow disciple of Sect Master Li Daoran.
He was approximately three to four hundred years old.
He had cultivated the five organs within his body to perfection and was a Great Cultivator in the late stage of the Fifth Realm, nearing perfection.
The purpose of his journey to Tai Xuanâs secret realms was to assist Chen Changâan in leading the disciples.
"Brother Zhang, hereâs the thing,"
Chen Changâan said:
"Brother surely knows that Iâve practically always stayed within the Sect, never venturing down the mountain to train."
"I know very little about the outside world."
"I am clueless about managing a team."
"So, I wish to ask you to temporarily assist me in guiding the disciples. If youâre willing, that is?"
Hearing Chen Changâanâs words, Zhang Xuandao was taken aback:
"Are you intending to leave, Brother Chen?"
"Yes, Brother, I indeed have to go and take care of some matters." Chen Changâan nodded and then explained his intentions.
Although not verbose, his intentions were clear.
In essence, Chen Changâan felt that something was drawing him in ever since he entered Tai Xuanâs secret realms.
His intuition told him that this thing was crucial.
If obtained, it might help remove his misfortune and enhance his future prospects. Thus, Chen Changâan wanted to break off from the group and seek it out on his own.
Moreover, Chen Changâan stated that he felt his lack of experience was a hindrance in fulfilling the Sectâs task of leading the disciples through Tai Xuanâs secret realms.
In contrast, Zhang Xuandaoâs experience was far superior to his.
Hence, Chen Changâan wanted to request Zhang Xuandao to help him.
After Chen Changâanâs explanations, Zhang Xuandao had a clear understanding of Chen Changâanâs intentions.
Truthfully, he supported Chen Changâanâs decision.
At present, within the Tianshui Sect, Chen Changâan was undoubtedly the stabilizing force.
If he could breakthrough, it would bring immense joy to the Tianshui Sect.
However, while he approved, Zhang Xuandao firmly opposed to Chen Changâan setting off alone.
In Zhang Xuandaoâs view, even in a large group, the Tai Xuanâs secret realms were filled with dangers, and going alone would be even riskier.
It was unacceptable, absolutely unacceptable.
Not to mention, it seemed like his fellow disciple was severely injured by the Dao and could expire at any moment.
This was absolutely unacceptable.
Zhang Xuandaoâs thoughts were simple - even if it meant his death, Chen Changâan must be safe.
Therefore, he didnât agree with Chen Changâan setting off alone.
Zhang Xuandao shook his head vigorously and said;
"Brother Chen, no, I canât agree with you venturing out alone. Itâs too perilous."
"If something were to happen to you, I donât know how I would face Sect Leader Elder Brother, and the Great Elder once we return."
Hearing Zhang Xuandaoâs words, Chen Changâan nodded and said:
"Brother Zhang, I understand your concerns."
"But, if I donât go, I wonât rest easy."
Next, he changed his tone and clarified his determination.
Seeing Chen Changâan unwavering, Zhang Xuandao knew he couldnât convince him to stay.
Instantly, he contemplated a compromise:
"Then, Brother Chen, how about you take the group of Brother Qingxuan and others with you when you go? Would that be acceptable?"
The Brother Qingxuan and others Zhang Xuandao referred to, were the group of Mountain Lords and Elders who accompanied them this time.
They had considerable cultivation, around the Fifth Realm.
Zhang Xuandao wanted Chen Changâan to take Qingxuan Dao and others with him when he left to provide additional security.
"Brother, thereâs no need for that." Chen Changâan shook his head, refusing Zhang Xuandaoâs suggestion.
He then added:
"Brother, itâs not that I donât want to take Brother Qingxuan and others with me."
"Itâs just that the place Iâm going to is extremely dangerous. They wonât be much help even if they go."
"I might have to split my focus to take care of them."
"So, I think itâs better if I go alone."
Chen Changâanâs words left Zhang Xuandao speechless .
Although he was reluctant to admit it, he understood that Chen Changâan was telling the truth.
While Qingxuan Dao and others were not weak, compared to Chen Changâanâs stature of a Great Scholar, they come up just short.
If they were to follow Chen Changâan, it was uncertain who would end up taking care of whom.
"Then, Brother, what about the disciples of the Sect?"
"Without you around, Iâm worried that some petty crooks would target us."
"Like the Ten Thousand Swords Sect and the other factions outside the Central Continent that have always been coveting our Sect."
To retain Chen Changâan, Zhang Xuandao changed the topic.
However, while he was trying to keep Chen Changâan with this topic, it was indeed a matter the people of the Tianshui Sect were actually facing.
Among their current team, only Chen Changâan was at the Six Realm.
If Chen Changâan left, then they would be left without a Great Cultivator of the Six Realm.