Volume 1 Volume 6 Chapter 10

Volume 6 Chapter 10: Undercurrent (Part 3)

Just as Xu Qingfan was about to return to his room, he suddenly felt three powerful yet faint presences rushing towards him. When he turned to look, he found that Taoist Crane, Scholar Qing Song, and Master Wan Shi, the Three Talents who had recently been gaining fame in the Righteous Alliance, were now standing not far behind him, and Xu Qingfan was utterly unalert.

Taoist Crane was one thing; after all, he was a newly promoted Mahayana Stage master. But the fact that Xu Qingfan couldn’t even notice the approach of Scholar Qing Song and Master Wan Shi, who were both Golden Core Stage cultivators, was truly surprising.

"Oh, it is the three seniors, Crane, Song, and Shi."

Though surprised by the mysterious cultivation methods of the Three Talents, Xu Qingfan hid his astonishment deep inside and politely bowed.

"Taoist friend, you are too kind. Given your current status, there is no need to be so polite to us rogue cultivators."

Although the esteemed Taoist Crane is a master, he carries no pride and greets with a gentle smile.

"All three of you are the seniors of the younger generation; it is only right to show respect."

Scholar Qing Song, who had been standing silently to the side, suddenly spoke up after hearing Xu Qingfan, "In the cultivation world, there are no ranks among the millions of cultivators. However, due to countless pointless discussions over the years, the originally equal cultivation world has divided into levels. Lower-level cultivators must bow to higher-level cultivators, and higher-level cultivators may ignore them. Smaller sect cultivators must first bow to larger sect cultivators, who may merely nod in response. Take the last time when the Taoist friend achieved enlightenment as an example; thousands of years ago, when one person attained enlightenment, any cultivator who sensed it would rush to pay their respects, regardless of whether they were at the Mahayana Stage or Qi Refining Stage. But now? Only those at the Golden Core Stage and masters may express their congratulations, while cultivators of slightly lower levels feel too humble and dare not approach. This shows that many rules and rumors passed down in the cultivation world are not necessarily correct; what do you think, Taoist friend?"

Hearing Scholar Qing Song’s words, Xu Qingfan quickly understood the purpose of the three visitors. He smiled slightly but did not reply, simply raising his arm and saying, "I have neglected to have you three esteemed guests stand outside to speak; let us go inside and talk."

The Three Talents exchanged glances and nodded before following Xu Qingfan into the courtyard.

Once inside Xu Qingfan’s room, the hosts and guests took their seats. After Zhang Ningmei served tea and stepped back, Xu Qingfan first took a slow sip of the tea before asking, "It is said that the Tianyu lineage has a mysterious cultivation method, gathering the wisdom of many. In its prime, it was the greatest sect in the cultivation world, rivaled only by the demonic sect of that time. Currently, it seems true; I had just thought that the Tianyu lineage had been destroyed by the cultivation world eight thousand years ago, but I did not expect there are still three heirs."

As Xu Qingfan finished speaking, the Three Talents momentarily paused in their movements, then regained their calm. Taoist Crane looked up with a wry smile and said, "You truly have discovered us, but how does the Taoist friend view our identities?"

To this day, there have been nine great catastrophes in the cultivation world, eight of which were due to a certain evil sect wreaking havoc. Righteous cultivators cared for the people and united to fight back, a never-changing story. However, the disaster of the ‘Tianyu Gate’ was different.

The calamity of ‘Tianyu Gate’ was the story of the Tianyu lineage opposing the entire cultivation world, but ‘Tianyu Gate’ was not an evil sect; instead, they often engaged in good deeds. The reason this sect was unaccepted by the entire cultivation world was due to their principles.

It is said that the disciples of the "Tianyu Gate" believe that becoming an immortal is very difficult. Relying on just one sect or one person makes great achievement hard. However, each sect has its own special and advantageous cultivation methods. If they could combine the best of all these methods into one amazing cultivation method, never seen before, then everyone could achieve enlightenment. Even the legendary path to immortality would not be impossible.

Under this belief, almost everyone in the cultivation world started to yearn for it. First, many rogue cultivators entered the "Tianyu Gate," followed by small sects merging into it. Later, even many talented disciples from large sects came to "Tianyu Gate," bringing with them the profound cultivation methods from their own sects. In a short time, "Tianyu Gate" gathered the cultivation methods of hundreds of sects, with tens of thousands of cultivators, becoming the largest sect in the cultivation world.

As this situation developed, it finally angered all the sects in the cultivation world, leading them to unite against the "Tianyu Gate." However, since the "Tianyu Gate" was newly established and lacked a strong foundation, it could not withstand the attacks from all the sects in the cultivation world. After a fierce battle, it disappeared from the cultivation world.

Earlier, Xu Qingfan was very curious about the relationship between Taoist Crane, Scholar Qing Song, and Monk Wan Shi. Although they belonged to the Daoist, Confucian, and Buddhist groups, they referred to each other as brothers. Their cultivation methods were very different when practiced, yet they clearly shared a common heritage, which was quite strange. It is important to note that currently, apart from Penance Valley, there is no other cultivator in the cultivation world belonging to these three groups.

Later, when Xu Qingfan advanced to the middle stage of the Golden Core Stage, he sensed that Taoist Crane, who was breaking through to the Mahayana Stage, had energy merging with the world that showed traits from many ancient sects. This led to his speculation. Scholar Qing Song’s earlier words confirmed Xu Qingfan’s guess even more, which is why he made that statement.

When Taoist Crane asked him a question, Xu Qingfan smiled slightly and replied, "It has been eight thousand years. Is there any cultivator in the cultivation world who has lived for eight thousand years? Even among sects that have lasted for eight thousand years, very few remain after repeated calamities. The past grievances between your sect and the cultivation world have long faded into history. Even the sects that attacked your sect back then have disappeared. The current major sects have thrived for five thousand years, with no conflicts with your sect. As long as you do not repeat what your sect did in the past, everything will be peaceful."

After hearing Xu Qingfan’s words, the Three Talents nodded slightly; they had thought about this long ago. Even though eight thousand years have passed, people in the cultivation world still had concerns about the sects that had started the calamities back then. Through confusion and rumors, the Tianyu Gate, which could be seen as a proper sect with different ideas, had been turned into an evil cult, illustrating how a false story can take on a life of its own. Under such circumstances, the three of them dared not reveal their identities.

Seeing that the Three Talents still looked a bit uncertain, Xu Qingfan added, "Also, you underestimate the great masters and sect leaders. First, do you really think they can be misled by worldly rumors? Second, it is more important: if I can sense something is wrong, how could they not? I believe the great masters and sect leaders have probably already noticed your backgrounds, but they simply haven’t mentioned it. Not to mention Master Bo Guangyan, who attained enlightenment at the same time as Elder Crane. Instead of trying to silence me and Master Bo Guangyan, you would be better off explaining yourselves to the great masters. First, it shows that you are open-hearted. Second, a great battle is approaching, and we must not provoke unnecessary conflicts internally. You are the main force in this battle, and the great masters and sect leaders will not make things difficult for you. This is a good opportunity."

Listening to Xu Qingfan, the Three Talents showed looks of deep thought. As the saying goes, those involved often cannot see clearly. Over the years, the three had been focused on concealing their identities, but Xu Qingfan’s words were a fresh perspective they hadn’t considered.

"I have learned."

After a moment, the three stood up together and bowed to Xu Qingfan to show their thanks.

"I wouldn’t dare say that. These matters are something you three experienced individuals would have thought of eventually; it’s just that those involved are often confused."

Xu Qingfan quickly returned the gesture politely.

※※※※

After sending the Three Talents away, Xu Qingfan was lost in thought, reflecting on the events of the past few days.

"At Tianyu Gate, every cultivator who joins deeply believes in the ideas of the sect. How could someone like the Three Talents abandon these beliefs? But now is the time to let them grow; I can deal with things later. I think the masters feel the same way. The idea of the ‘Tianyu Gate’ is good, but it’s too extreme to be realized. It will only cause shock and chaos in the cultivation world."

Lost in thought, Xu Qingfan slowly entered his room and sat cross-legged on his bed, no longer thinking about the Three Talents, as that felt too distant. Instead, he began to consider how to handle the situation going forward.

"On that day, I read my future and saw a vision of myself becoming a demon. Although Mr. Liu said not to foolishly change the Heavenly Way, I must not let that scene come to pass. Becoming a demon… I wonder how I will become one according to the Heavenly Way’s design in the future. Could it be that I’m attacked by external demons, or is it the internal demons causing trouble?"

In his thoughts, Xu Qingfan suddenly felt a slight movement in his heart, remembering the relic Master Jiuhuan had given him. Wasn’t it a treasure that could control the evil creatures?

Thinking of this, Xu Qingfan took out the relic and examined it closely. After a moment, he remembered he also had another treasure that could control the evil creatures, the "Holy Spirit Stone." He then took out the "Holy Spirit Stone." If he truly was facing an external force or an inner demon that could turn him into a monster, then these two items were very important to him.

However, just as Xu Qingfan took out the "Holy Spirit Stone," something strange happened.