Zhang Yun'an chuckled, and both he and Zhang Daofeng smiled at Zhang Yang, leaving Zhang Yang completely bewildered.

"Uncle, Grandfather, please be clearer. What about me is worth investing in? Even if I break through to the late Fourth Layer later, I'll only be at the same level as a Guardian. I believe Shaolin must have people at that level already; there's no need to put so much effort into cultivating me, is there?" Zhang Yang asked quietly, genuinely confused.

Zhang Yang didn't know Shaolin's exact current location or strength, but a sect that could casually produce a Fourth Layer expert and had such an ancient lineage would certainly have Guardians. Even if he reached that level, he would only be one strong figure among many. It didn't seem worth investing heavily in winning him over now, especially since he was only in the early Fourth Layer.

"Hahahaha!"

Zhang Daofeng and Zhang Yun'an burst into laughter. After their mirth subsided, Zhang Daofeng looked at Zhang Yang and spoke softly, "Yangyang, do you know what the prerequisites are for an inner energy practitioner to break through to the Fifth Layer?"

"Prerequisites?" Zhang Yang paused slightly, then quickly replied, "First, reach the Great Perfection realm of the Fourth Layer, and then completely grasp the Way of Nature. Only then can one break through to the Fifth Layer. The most crucial element for advancing to the Fifth Layer is the comprehension of the Way of Nature!"

Zhang Pinglu, the Guardian of the Zhang family, had already explained to him how to advance. The breakthrough from the Fourth to the Fifth Layer depended not on the depth of inner energy, but on a complete understanding of the Way of Nature.

"You are correct, but there is one crucial point you missed!" Zhang Daofeng nodded with a smile, continuing, "That is age. Legend says that every practitioner who has broken through to the Fifth Layer achieved the late Fourth Layer state before the age of sixty. In other words, age is also a limiting factor for entering the Fifth Layer!"

Before the age of sixty, the late Fourth Layer?

Surprise flashed in Zhang Yang's eyes again. It was already difficult enough to reach the Fourth Layer before sixty; to become a late Fourth Layer master by then would mean reaching the Fourth Layer around forty? People who reached the late Fourth Layer before sixty were absolute rarities. Coupled with this being merely a possibility, it explained why Fifth Layer experts were so few; it came with such a demanding condition.

Looking at Zhang Daofeng, a sharp glint crossed Zhang Yang's eyes, and his expression became even more astonished.

"Grandfather, are you suggesting that Shaolin's investment in me isn't based on my potential to reach the Great Perfection, but because I hold the hope of breaking through to the Fifth Layer?"

Zhang Yang was not dull. The Great Perfection of the Fourth Layer was formidable, but not absolute. A grand sect like Shaolin must have Guardians, and the only thing that would prompt them to single him out and make an emotional investment in advance was the prospect of him reaching the Fifth Layer. Zhang Yang reached the Fourth Layer at twenty; reaching the late Fourth Layer before sixty seemed feasible for him. If Zhang Yang truly could break through to the Fifth Layer, even if he wasn't formally part of Shaolin, their preparatory investment and established relationship would be of considerable benefit to them in the future. An inner energy Fifth Layer master was unquestionably a supreme existence.

"You are correct. The Great Revival Elixir of Shaolin is exceedingly difficult to refine; even Shaolin probably has fewer than five in stock. Giving one to you is a massive favor, which must be because they see your immense potential!" Zhang Daofeng said with a smile, while Zhang Yun'an remained silent, clearly agreeing with Zhang Daofeng's assessment.

Looking at Zhang Yang, Zhang Daofeng suddenly inquired, "Yangyang, do you know why Shaolin, despite its immense fame and surviving several great calamities across history, has managed to endure until this day while remaining powerful?"

"It must be because they timely withdrew from the world, avoiding the corrupting influence of secular society, thus preserving themselves!" Zhang Yang knew little about sect practitioners. Interaction between family lineage practitioners and sect practitioners was rare, and since the overall number of practitioners was currently dwindling, his knowledge was even scarcer. In fact, this was the first time Zhang Yang had encountered sect practitioners directly.

Zhang Daofeng smiled faintly and shook his head. "That is part of the reason, but not the whole story. In fact, Emei and Kongtong also once retreated into seclusion, but they ultimately perished!" He continued, "Another very important reason Shaolin has survived this long is that a super expert who reached the Fifth Layer of inner energy once emerged from Shaolin. The birth of a Fifth Layer master is not just an increase in personal power; the wealth they leave behind is also crucial!"

"Shaolin produced a Fifth Layer expert?" Zhang Yang exclaimed, this information being absent from the Zhang family's secret manuals. Even he was hearing this for the first time. He was too young; in his previous life, his grandfather hadn't revealed so much because his strength hadn't been high enough—some knowledge was useless until one reached a certain level. Now that he was in the Fourth Layer, he could begin learning these previously unknown things.

"Yes, the founding patriarch of Shaolin, Bodhidharma, was a super expert who broke through to the Fifth Layer!" This time, it was Zhang Yun'an who spoke. Fifth Layer masters appearing in history were too few, and the time span was too long; practitioners below the Fourth Layer might not be aware, but those above the Fourth Layer knew.

Zhang Daofeng nodded. "Yun'an is right. Shaolin's Bodhidharma was indeed a Fifth Layer expert. It is said that he left behind many important items; these are the most critical things enabling Shaolin to survive to this day. As for the specifics, we are unaware; that is Shaolin's highest secret!"

"Shaolin has produced a Fifth Layer master, meaning their understanding of the Fifth Layer is far deeper than ours. Yangyang, since Shaolin holds you in such high regard, it proves you truly have the hope of breaking through to the Fifth Layer. You must work hard in the future!" Zhang Yun'an spoke, a hint of excitement on his face. Previously, he had only dared to think about it vaguely, as breaking through to the Fifth Layer was incredibly difficult. Even reaching the late Fourth Layer before sixty didn't guarantee a breakthrough to the Fifth; achieving the former was already rare, and even among such geniuses, perhaps one in a hundred might reach the Fifth. People like Long Feng, Hua Tian of the Hua family, and Shi Fang, whom they met today, all had the potential to reach the late Fourth Layer before sixty. But asking them to attempt the breakthrough to the Fifth Layer—perhaps even they lacked the confidence. That was why Zhang Pinglu had previously only mentioned Zhang Yang reaching the Great Perfection for the Zhang family to have two Guardians and relive their glory, without heavily emphasizing the Fifth Layer breakthrough.

But the situation was different now. Shaolin's actions, in particular, gave Zhang Yun'an higher, greater hopes. Shaolin understood the Fifth Layer far better than they did. The fact that even they considered Zhang Yang to have a chance at the Fifth Layer and invested accordingly greatly boosted Zhang Yun'an's confidence in him.

"Yun'an is right, Yangyang, you must strive hard!" Zhang Daofeng added. He hadn't held strong hopes for Zhang Yang's Fifth Layer breakthrough initially; him reaching the Fourth Layer Great Perfection was already extraordinary. But Shaolin's actions were giving them a new, much larger hope.

"Uncle, Grandfather, rest assured, I will certainly work hard!" Zhang Yang nodded. He wasn't as effusive as they were, but a small surge of excitement stirred within him. Shaolin sending envoys to congratulate him definitely wasn't due to his engagement. Suddenly showing favor without any prior connection could only be an investment—a preemptive one. This meant Shaolin truly held him in high regard. Shaolin wasn't like the Zhang or Long families, ancient lineages spanning millennia; they were an ancient sect that had produced a Fifth Layer master and possessed inside knowledge about the Fifth Layer. If even they saw promise in him, it meant he genuinely had hope in that area.

Zhang Yang's words made both Zhang Daofeng and Zhang Yun'an smile. They didn't leave immediately; Zhang Yang welcomed them into the villa, where they stayed temporarily. As soon as they arrived, even the usually arrogant Zhuifeng immediately became subdued. Two Fourth Layer experts—even with its speed, it dared not provoke them lightly. It wasn't one, but two, one of whom was mid-Fourth Layer. If they joined forces, Zhuifeng wouldn't easily escape.

Long Feng was also surprised by their arrival. Including Zhang Yang, the Zhang family now boasted three Fourth Layer experts, plus that mysterious Guardian. The Zhang family's strength was no less than any of the other major families. Viewed this way, the family's previous decision had been a massive failure. Fortunately, they had managed to make amends in the end, but alas, the old relationship could never be fully restored.

Zhang Daofeng and Zhang Yun'an stayed at Zhang Yang's place for two days before departing. They both had their own affairs to attend to. Given Zhang Yang's current strength, he could go almost anywhere, save for a few forbidden locations and the mountain gates of the most prestigious sects. During those two days, their main focus was instructing Zhang Yang on applying his Fourth Layer inner energy. Zhang Yang had only recently broken through and was not yet fully adept in its utilization. Their guidance led to rapid progress. He even fought Zhang Daofeng in a joint effort with his three spirit beasts and managed to achieve a draw. Zhang Daofeng was not like the Huyan elder whose mid-Fourth Layer status relied on secret arts; he was a genuine mid-Fourth Layer expert. Zhang Yang fighting him to a standstill sufficiently proved that his strength was now comparable to that of a mid-Fourth Layer master. With this level of power, they departed with greater peace of mind.

Some of Mi Xue's relatives stayed in Changjing for a few days of sightseeing, while others returned to Lie Mountain the same day. Zhang Yang arranged accommodation for those who stayed, and Mi Xue personally saw off those who left. Mi Zhiguo and Wu Fenglan stayed for two days, only leaving after Zhang Daofeng and Zhang Yun'an departed. Their daughter's engagement was a major event, and with work not being pressing, staying longer was fine. Zhang Yang and Mi Xue had already decided not to return to Lie Mountain for the Lunar New Year.

Gu Fang and Cai Zhe led their groups until the twenty-ninth of the twelfth lunar month before returning to Shanghai. As they left, both extended invitations on behalf of their elders for Zhang Yang to visit Shanghai after the New Year. Zhang Yang did not refuse. He was already planning a trip to Shanghai—partly because Elder Wu's treatment was about to begin, and partly to take Mi Xue to see their house in Shanghai. Having just gotten engaged, it was indeed remiss that Mi Xue hadn't seen her future home in Shanghai. It was the perfect opportunity to take her along.

Second update. Little Yu will rest now; there is another coming tonight, expected around midnight!