The Changyuan River was a river on the border between Qing State and Yu State. It flowed through the territories of both states, but its current wasn’t particularly strong. During the dry season, it would even run dry.
The river had dried up during the great drought that previously struck Qing State, but this year, its flow was considerable.
The Changyuan River wasn’t far from Tan City, which Yang Chan had visited before. That was where he had dealt with the members of the No-Life Evil Cult who came from Yu State.
Naturally, Yang Chan had returned to this area.
He chose the Changyuan River precisely because he had been here before.
The Qingyuan River would have actually been a better choice, but due to Taiyin Heaven, the Spiritual Qi in the vicinity had surged, attracting many people and potentially causing trouble.
So, Yang Chan didn’t choose the Qingyuan River. Instead, he opted for the more remote Changyuan River to save himself a lot of hassle.
After preparing the necessary materials, Yang Chan announced he was entering secluded cultivation, then quietly slipped away from the Cyan Yuan Sect.
He wasn’t sure how much of a commotion the Taixuan Sacrifice Array would create, so it was safer to be far away from the Cyan Yuan Sect.
It was best not to expose his home base, of course.
He had a disguise prepared, making it impossible for anyone to recognize him. In this regard, Yang Chan was thoroughly prepared, determined to avoid having his identity discovered.
"Will this location do?"
Yang Chan found an open area near the Changyuan River and posed the question to the Profound Yin Hanging Bead.
He had lifted the restrictions on the Profound Yin Hanging Bead, allowing the Black Dragon to perceive the outside world. When it came to choosing a site, it was only natural to ask the Black Dragon.
’After all, professional matters should be left to the professionals.’
’The Black Dragon knows the requirements for setting up the Taixuan Sacrifice Array better than I do, so it’s best to let him take a look.’
"The terrain is acceptable, but it lacks concealment and could be easily discovered. If you’re not in a hurry, Master, we could walk around a bit more and check out some other nearby places!"
"There’s still time before we have to set up the Grand Array at nightfall, so we can look around more. If we don’t find another suitable spot, this one can serve as a backup!"
The Black Dragon appeared, observed its surroundings, and frowned slightly.
It was possible to set up the Grand Array here, but there were quite a few problems.
Knowing Yang Chan’s cautious nature, he acted accordingly. Otherwise, if he had followed his own original personality, he would have chosen the absolute best location and wouldn’t have cared a bit about being conspicuous.
’If anyone who isn’t afraid of death comes along, just slap them dead. That solves all problems.’
Even though his strength was now greatly diminished, his personality was still the same.
However, after following Yang Chan—and especially after being taught a lesson with the Secret Technique from within the Profound Yin Hanging Bead—he had come to terms with reality.
’A dragon must keep a low profile and act according to his current master’s will. Otherwise, he’s just asking for trouble.’
"I also feel the terrain is good, but it’s a bit too close to the main road. It’s very likely someone would discover what’s happening here, and that would be very bad!"
Yang Chan said with a nod after observing the surroundings.
’This wasn’t my first choice anyway, but I can use this opportunity to gauge the Black Dragon’s attitude and see how seriously he’s taking the deployment of the Taixuan Sacrifice Array.’
As its master, Yang Chan was pleased. ’The Black Dragon has matured quite a bit.’
’He’s finally not just a brute.’
"Then I’ll look around some more!"
Yang Chan set off to search again.
The Changyuan River was very long; the distance it spanned across two states was considerable. Yang Chan had chosen the border region, but he wasn’t restricting himself to the territory of Qing State. Setting up in Yu State wasn’t out of the question either.
Yu State was currently in a state of chaos. Its former hegemon, the Xuanqing Palace, had grown weaker and weaker, long since losing control over the state. After the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty forced the major Sects to go to the border and fight, their losses had become even greater.
Although Xuanqing Palace wasn’t the only power in Yu State that had to send reinforcements—other factions went as well—the conscription was a devastating blow for the Sect. It had nearly exhausted its foundation.
Previously, the alliance between the No-Life Evil Cult and other Sects had already greatly weakened the Xuanqing Palace, making it difficult for them to control Yu State. After the conscription, their remaining Intermediate Pharmacists were forced to the front lines and never returned, making the situation even more dire.
With its foundation all but depleted, it naturally had little control over Yu State, which only made the situation there more chaotic.
The Court simply watched from the sidelines, allowing the various factions to fight amongst themselves. The final victor would gain power over Yu State, and a portion of the benefits would have to be offered as tribute to the Great Zhou Imperial Family. Since the benefits would come to them regardless, there was no need for the Great Zhou Imperial Family to get involved.
As for the common people, few cared. As long as there wasn’t a large-scale massacre of civilians, no one would interfere, and that included the Government Office.
The current chaotic situation was a tacitly accepted state of affairs.
Therefore, Yang Chan could choose a spot closer to Yu State, but he couldn’t go too deep. Otherwise, he might have to kill someone, and then he would have to clean up the traces.
A chaotic situation also meant there were many minor factions, and with them came reckless people who didn’t know their place.
Yang Chan walked along the Changyuan River and found several potential locations. Each had its pros and cons, and the trade-offs were easy to weigh.
These spots included locations in both Qing State and Yu State. Some places even had a few households—families who made their living by the river.
Yang Chan didn’t interact with these people or go up to ask questions; he just focused on finding a suitable location.
He had a map of the Changyuan River in his hand, so he knew exactly how long it was.
"Master, I still think the area by the river with the forest is better. It’s more remote, no one lives nearby, and basically no one ever goes there. If there’s any commotion, we can retreat into the woods, and no one will discover any trace of the Taixuan Sacrifice Array!"