Volume 1 Volume 6 Chapter 9

Volume 6 Chapter 9: Undercurrent (Part 2)

There were many matters to consider, such as the change in status of the "Mercy Cloud Temple" after two masters arrived, the upcoming decisive battle with the Southern Wasteland demon beasts, and how his recent breakthrough would enhance his influence. All these changes needed Xu Qingfan’s careful thought.

However, Xu Qingfan did not want to think too much. Too many matters always gave a feeling of wanting to escape. Since the day he left the bamboo cottage where Master Jiuhuan had passed away, he had stayed in his own room, avoiding visitors, focusing on his training, and refining the newly acquired magical tools. He was preparing for future secret missions.

To avoid responsibility, one must learn to understand and utilize people wisely. Xu Qingfan let Dongfang Qingling control the Jiuhua forces, had Jin Qinghan keep an eye on Li Yuhan, and allowed Wang Zegang to manage his other powers outside of Jiuhua, making it easier for himself.

This period of retreat lasted a full two years.

The new magical tools he acquired were the "Rainbow Ruler," "Earth Mirror," "Five Spirit Bell," "Spirit Binding Rope," and "Tianyu Robe." Among them, the "Rainbow Ruler" and "Earth Mirror" were the easiest to refine, as they were already Xu Qingfan’s tools, merely upgraded with some rare materials. Before breaking through to a new level, Xu Qingfan had already mastered the use of these two magical tools.

However, it is much more difficult to fully refine the "Five Spirit Bell" and the "Spirit Binding Rope" for personal use. The "Spirit Binding Rope" is a new item, and the "Five Spirit Bell" is almost like being reshaped. Xu Qingfan’s connection to it has weakened a lot, and since it is too high in rank, he spent a whole six months to refine them.

The most difficult one is undoubtedly the "Tianyu Robe." Among all the magical items, it is the highest in rank and also a new item. To refine it for himself, Xu Qingfan took a whole year. Refining the "Tianyu Robe" made Xu Qingfan even more determined not to refine the "Dragon Summoning Order" for now. The "Dragon Summoning Order" is much higher in rank than the "Tianyu Robe." To fully refine it would take at least four or five years, and by then, he would miss out on many things. Furthermore, the "Dragon Summoning Order" is not something Xu Qingfan can use right now. Even if he could barely use it, he wouldn’t last long. A top magical treasure in Xu Qingfan’s hands is no better than a useless item.

As for the "Ice Spirit Jade Pendant," it is not a magical item; it works just by being worn, so Xu Qingfan does not need to refine it specially.

After two years, when Xu Qingfan emerged, his own strength did not increase much, but he had completely mastered two high-level heavenly magical items and three mid-level heavenly magical items, which actually increased his power significantly.

Thus, after two years of closed training, Xu Qingfan was finally ready to go to the Southern Wasteland.

At first, Xu Qingfan was worried that spending time in closed training to refine items would delay his opportunity to go to the Southern Wasteland. If he went after the battle between the Righteous Alliance and the Southern Wasteland demon beasts, it would be not very useful and would increase many risks.

However, after Xu Qingfan emerged, he learned that during his closed training for two years, the fierce battle between the Righteous Alliance and the Southern Wasteland demon beasts had not yet taken place. First, the masters of the Righteous Alliance were plotting something, staying in closed training at the top of "Ronghua Mountain," and without a master to lead, the people of the Righteous Alliance dared not confront the Southern Wasteland demon beasts. Second, it seems that there were some disputes within the Southern Wasteland demon beasts. For some reason, the two leaders, the nine-tailed demon fox and Kui, were fighting every day, which also delayed the battle.

It is a pity for the countless beings on the Shenzhou Continent, as many of them have become food for the demon beasts due to this delay. With the changes at the "Eight Wilderness Hall," the disaster of the "Beast Madness cultivator," and now the attack from the Southern Wasteland demon beasts, only about two to three parts of the human population on the Shenzhou Continent remain.

However, all signs indicate that the duel between both sides is about to begin. The masters are spending more and more time away from the top of "Ronghua Mountain." It seems that what they are doing is nearing completion. While Kui is on par with the nine-tailed demon fox in strength, their intelligence is far from equal, and Kui is already being completely suppressed by the nine-tailed demon fox.

Xu Qingfan also began to gather his people, including Jin Qinghan from Jiuhua, Dongfang Qingling, Lv Qingshang, Li Yuhan, and five rogue cultivators and skilled practitioners from small sects he had met recently, to share his plans and help everyone get to know each other’s cultivation methods and techniques, preparing for their upcoming battle together.

Unknowingly, three months passed.

One day, after finishing a discussion with Wang Zegang and Jin Qinghan, Xu Qingfan returned to his room, only to find Mr. Liu waiting for a long time.

As usual, Mr. Liu never had the habit of knocking or waiting for the owner to arrive before entering; he was currently enjoying Zhang Ningmei’s tea skills and Bai Yu’s flattery, looking quite pleased. Meanwhile, Ting’er stood quietly with a cold expression, silently observing everything in the room.

"Master."

"Master."

"Uncle."

Seeing Xu Qingfan return, Zhang Ningmei, Bai Yu, and Ting’er hurriedly came forward to greet him.

He slightly nodded in response, and with a wave of his hand, the three disciples each stepped back, leaving only Xu Qingfan and Mr. Liu in the room.

Xu Qingfan knew that Mr. Liu’s sudden appearance meant there was something to discuss.

After greeting him, Xu Qingfan walked in front of Mr. Liu and quietly made him tea. Although he learned tea-making from a disciple, he did quite well.

Mr. Liu happily picked up the tea Xu Qingfan made and took a sip, raising his eyebrows slightly. It seemed that Xu Qingfan’s tea-making skills were indeed much worse than Zhang Ningmei’s.

"Back then, Jiuhuan plotted against you and later paid you back, even going so far as to give you the relic that was formed after death. Do you understand the meaning behind it all after all these years?"

Suddenly, Mr. Liu, who was savoring his tea, raised his eyebrows and asked softly.

"I understand."

Xu Qingfan replied calmly. For more than three years, he had been thinking about this question and finally found the answer.

"Tell me."

Mr. Liu said.

"I only started to learn about divination in recent years, so I don’t know much about it, but Master Jiuhuan has been studying these things for many years. I believe he knows much more than I do."

Xu Qingfan began to brew another cup of tea for Mr. Liu, using "Phoenix Spirit Fire" boiling water lavishly, and said softly.

"This is natural; no one can compare to him in this regard."

"With Master Jiuhuan’s level, he wouldn’t trouble someone like me, a small cultivator, and I have no right to make him scheme against me. Every action he takes must have deep meaning and a hidden plan. Master Jiuhuan can see futures that we cannot, and those futures must be very bad. The divination turtle shell he made for me can only be used three times, but those three times will allow me to see the future very clearly. Since I can see the future, I also have the chance to change it. So, Master Jiuhuan plotting against me isn’t personal; he wants to change my fate to alter the future he has seen." As Xu Qingfan spoke, a hint of self-mockery appeared on his face, and he added, "I always thought I understood my position well—I neither overestimate nor underestimate myself—but I never expected my fate would also affect the future of the Shenzhou Continent."

After a moment of silence, Mr. Liu said calmly, "You shouldn’t belittle yourself. Your current position in the Righteous Alliance is quite important. Moreover, everyone’s fate is connected to the future."

"Then why did he seek me out specifically?"

"Who can truly see the arrangements of the Heavenly Way? Maybe one day in the future, you will become very special."

Xu Qingfan sighed and added, "The Heavenly Way is elusive yet has endless authority. To change the cycle of the Heavenly Way will undoubtedly come at a great cost. Since Master Jiuhuan is determined to act, it shows that the future he sees must be very bad. Trying to change that future will likely lead to rejection and backlash from the Heavenly Way, manifesting as many misfortunes and perhaps even a legendary Heavenly Tribulation. And the reason Master Jiuhuan gave me his Sharira wasn’t just to compensate for my limited use of the divination turtle shell but to make up for pushing me into a dangerous situation by altering my future."

After Xu Qingfan finished speaking, Mr. Liu looked at him deeply. Seeing Xu Qingfan’s quiet resignation, a glint of appreciation flashed in his eyes, and he said with a faint smile, "I originally wanted to discuss these matters with you, but I did not expect you to have figured it all out; you have certainly grown a lot over the years."

Xu Qingfan continued to brew tea, this time for himself, but he stayed silent about Mr. Liu’s praise. He understood what he needed to, and the initial frustration faded into calmness, yet Xu Qingfan still did not like the feeling that others could easily change his fate.

"Since you have figured these things out, I suppose you also know what to do about your future?"

Seeing Xu Qingfan silent, Mr. Liu smiled gently and asked.

"What do you think I should do?"

Mr. Liu replied calmly, "Let the future change as it will, and let fate unfold as it should. Trying to change fate on your own will bring consequences that you can’t handle now. If the future truly turns bad, us old folks will take care of it; how can we let you, a younger one, do it? Even if you want to, I’m afraid you might not be able to."

Xu Qingfan understood that Mr. Liu meant well and was thinking of him, so he said nothing and just nodded slightly in agreement.

Seeing Xu Qingfan agree, Mr. Liu seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. He really worried that Xu Qingfan might try to be a hero. At this stage, Mr. Liu preferred that Xu Qingfan grow up safely.

After chatting a bit more, Mr. Liu left. Before he went, he told Xu Qingfan that in a month, the Righteous Alliance would be fully mobilized to fight the Southern Wasteland demon beasts, and Xu Qingfan’s task would begin then.

As he watched Mr. Liu’s figure disappear beyond the gate, Xu Qingfan’s expression became even more somber.

Just now, he tricked Mr. Liu. He didn’t want to change the future recklessly, but when he saw the image of himself turning evil during his fortune-telling, he could not let that happen.

The future must still be changed.

This day was destined to be busy with visitors. After sending off Mr. Liu, Xu Qingfan was just about to go back to his room when the Three Talents arrived.