As Zhang Yan entered the grand hall, he immediately noticed the aura emanating from Shi Shoujing's body—profound and vast like the ocean. This aura was something he had faintly sensed before on Zhou Zishang, though it hadn't been as pronounced at the time. Ever since he deciphered the Star Tablet, his sensitivity to Qi Mechanisms appeared to have remained in a heightened state.
Taking a few steps forward, he saluted and said, "Registered Disciple Zhang Yan greets the three Masters."
Shi Shoujing spoke slowly, "Zhang Yan, you've been on the mountain for over three years, haven't you?"
Zhang Yan replied, "Yes."
Shi Shoujing uttered a deep "Hmm" and continued, "You seem to have considerable insights into the Erosion Text. Tell me, where did you learn this?"
Zhang Yan answered, "Half is granted by heaven, half crafted by man."