When Zhang Yuan appeared at the Martial Pavilion with the Gray-toothed Lynx, he immediately attracted countless gazes of attention.

Curiosity, surprise, bewilderment, doubt, envy...

All sorts of emotions.

Martial Artists rarely keep fierce beasts as pets.

Because fierce beasts are very difficult to tame, requiring immense time and effort to cultivate, and the resulting beast companion often falls short of expectations.

Yet, having a fierce beast companion by your side is undeniably impressive.

Zhang Yuan’s Gray-toothed Lynx looked mighty and imposing, clearly not an ordinary creature at first glance.

It followed alongside Zhang Yuan, displaying an extraordinary spirituality, which drew envious, jealous eyes from many.

And even furtive covetous glances!

But Zhang Yuan ignored these looks and proceeded according to procedure within the Martial Pavilion to register the Gray-toothed Lynx as his beast companion.

The process was very smooth.

He quickly passed the Martial Pavilion’s review and obtained a Beast Taming Token.

Granting his Gray-toothed Lynx an official identity.

Allowing it to roam freely within the Upper Scenic Celestial Peak Gate!

If Zhang Yuan were just an ordinary outsider Martial Artist, it wouldn’t have been this simple.

But his current status as an Outer Guardian afforded him considerable convenience.

Of course, should the Gray-toothed Lynx cause any trouble or harm, he would also need to bear the corresponding responsibility!

"Senior Brother Zhang."

Just as Zhang Yuan walked out of the Martial Pavilion, a beautiful female cultivator blocked his way, her eyes filled with emotion and a charming smile: "We meet again."

Seeing her, Zhang Yuan, though a bit surprised, showed little emotional fluctuation: "Junior Sister Yuan, is there something you need?"

This female cultivator was Yuan Zishan!

Ever since Su Jingyao left the Upper Scenic Celestial Peak for Langya Heaven, Zhang Yuan hadn’t seen her again.

He thought Yuan Zishan had lost interest in him, and over time, he had almost forgotten this True Disciple from Cyan Mist Peak, skilled in Charm Technique.

Zhang Yuan didn’t believe he would have any interaction with her again.

Unexpectedly, Yuan Zishan had come seeking him again.

There’s a saying that nothing happens without a reason, and Zhang Yuan didn’t have much fondness for Yuan Zishan, even feeling instinctively wary.

This "enchantress" approaching him probably wasn’t with good intentions!

Yuan Zishan keenly sensed Zhang Yuan’s caution and alienation, lightly biting her lower lip with pearl-like teeth, putting on a pitiful look: "Senior Brother Zhang, can we find somewhere to talk?"

Zhang Yuan hesitated briefly but still agreed.

There were many people coming and going in the Martial Pavilion.

And both he and Yuan Zishan were well-known figures.

It was too easy to draw a crowd here!

Zhang Yuan disliked trouble.

Yet Yuan Zishan was a downright troublesome person.

Zhang Yuan decided to have an open confrontation with her this time.

So, the two of them went to a tea house in Lin Xian Manor together.

After sitting down, Zhang Yuan frankly asked: "So, what exactly is the matter?"

Yuan Zishan didn’t answer directly. Her gaze landed on the Gray-toothed Lynx, squatting obediently by the tea table, and she said enviously, "Senior Brother, your lynx companion is truly adorable, could you let it go to me?"

She raised her delicate hand, spreading her five fingers: "I’ll give you five hundred Daoist Merits!"

As soon as Yuan Zishan finished speaking, the Gray-toothed Lynx immediately stood up, showing its sharp teeth at her.

A growling sound came from its throat!

"Xiao Hui."

Zhang Yuan reached out and stroked the big cat’s head, calming its angry mood.

Then, he impatiently said to Yuan Zishan: "Junior Sister Yuan, my patience is limited!"

He didn’t believe she approached him solely to buy the Gray-toothed Lynx.

He also disliked such roundabout and dragging communication methods!

Yuan Zishan’s smile stiffened.

With her outstanding appearance and innate charm, she had always been the most eye-catching presence among her peers. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

Almost no young men could resist Yuan Zishan’s closeness.

But Zhang Yuan before her was definitely an exception!

He harbored immense wariness towards Yuan Zishan, rejecting her friendliness, completely unmoved by her allure.

As cold and hard as a stone.

One could say Zhang Yuan was indifferent to women, yet partial to Su Jingyao alone.

This left Yuan Zishan embarrassed several times!

Yuan Zishan’s thoughts rapidly turned, and she once again displayed a charming smile, saying: "Senior Brother Zhang, do you know that you are currently in great danger?"

Zhang Yuan looked at her coldly, without answering.

Yuan Zishan, feeling helpless, continued: "The Yang Family of Qianjing has issued a death warrant, vowing to have you torn to pieces and their humiliation washed away. You may guarantee safety within the mountain gate, but after a few years, you’ll eventually have to leave, right?"

"At that time, will be your death date!"

She decided to clarify everything in one breath: "Senior Brother Zhang, I have a Guard quota. If you are willing to serve me for ten years, not only will you obtain this quota, but you can also join the Outer Courtyard afterward and become a member of the Outer Sect!"

Guard means Defender of the Dao, similar to Zhang Yuan’s previous role as Guardian, but the latter was only a temporary combat partner, while the former was akin to a household general or attendant.

But in Upper Scenic Celestial, only True Disciples and Elders have the qualification to possess an official Guard quota.

Just like Yuan Zishan’s situation, after the Guard’s term, if there’s no issue in performance, one can become a formal member of Upper Scenic Celestial.

An instant leap to the top!

One must know it’s extremely difficult for an external Martial Cultivator to enter the sect of Upper Scenic Celestial, even for an Outer Disciple, which is a dream for many.

Yuan Zishan, staring at Zhang Yuan, raised the stakes: "Senior Brother Zhang, as long as you agree, I can double the Guard’s benefits, and considering an opportunity for Divine Entry isn’t out of the question either!"

"You should know, my father is the head of Mingxiu Peak!"

A Peak Head is equivalent to a Peak Master. When Yuan Zishan talked about her father, her tone was full of pride and confidence.

After listening, Zhang Yuan coldly smiled and said: "Is he your father or your uncle-in-law?"

Su Jingyao had once told him that Yuan Zishan’s mother and her mother were sisters, making Yuan Zishan her cousin and stepsister.

"You!"

Yuan Zishan’s face instantly flushed scarlet!

This was her first genuine moment of being upset.

Yuan Zishan clearly hadn’t expected that Su Jingyao would reveal such matters to Zhang Yuan.

At this point, she completely realized she absolutely couldn’t win over Zhang Yuan.

Zhang Yuan was akin to a rock in a latrine pit.

Both stinky and hard!

This True Disciple from Cyan Mist Peak abruptly stood up and declared with deliberate articulation: "Zhang Yuan, don’t regret this!"

After speaking, she stormed out of the tea house.

Regret?

The word ’regret’ didn’t exist in Zhang Yuan’s vocabulary.

He lifted the teacup and took a sip leisurely.

Zhang Yuan knew perfectly well that this time, he had completely offended Yuan Zishan.

Considering her popularity and followers in Upper Scenic Celestial, Zhang Yuan now found himself surrounded by enemies.

But even so...

So what!