Volume 1 Volume 6 Chapter 66

Volume 6 Chapter 66: Persuasion, Transformation, and Rebirth

"Yes, it has been a long time, but I wonder how long I have been locked up here?"

Bai Qingfu smiled gently and asked softly. His words were gentle, but the feeling of deep sadness could not be hidden.

"It’s been over a hundred years."

Xu Qingfan replied.

"Just over a hundred years?" Bai Qingfu said with surprise. "I thought it was much longer."

Xu Qingfan suddenly smiled slightly and said, "Over a hundred years is a long time."

Bai Qingfu also smiled a little. After their conversation, he had completely adjusted to the light from the Phoenix Spirit Fire on Xu Qingfan’s head. He looked directly at Xu Qingfan for a long time and then suddenly asked, "You didn’t come here just because you think I’ve been here too long and wanted to chat with me, did you?"

Xu Qingfan sighed and said, "No."

"Do you want to let me go?"

Bai Qingfu seemed to remember something and asked with a smile.

"It all depends on how you, Senior Brother Bai, choose."

Xu Qingfan faced Bai Qingfu, speaking honestly and not trying to take control of the conversation. He believed that with Bai Qingfu’s cleverness, their talk did not need to be so complicated.

Sure enough, Bai Qingfu quickly guessed the reason and asked, "Is it about Zhang Xusheng?"

Xu Qingfan nodded and said, "We want to know more details about him."

Xu Qingfan thought Bai Qingfu would think for a moment before answering, but to his surprise, after getting a nod from Xu Qingfan, Bai Qingfu answered right away, "I see. Considering the time, Zhang Xusheng should indeed take action against Jiuhua again. I’ve already stayed here long enough. However, I cannot agree to your terms."

As he said this, Bai Qingfu let out a soft sigh.

Hearing Bai Qingfu’s refusal, Dongfang Qingling, who had been quietly standing behind Xu Qingfan, was taken aback and asked, "Why?"

Upon hearing Dongfang Qingling’s question, Bai Qingfu first nodded and greeted, "Junior Martial Sister Dongfang, it’s been a while."

Although the person in front of her was a traitor to Jiuhua and a spy for Zhang Xusheng, looking at Bai Qingfu now, Dongfang Qingling couldn’t help but feel no dislike towards him. She forced a nod and said, "It’s been a while."

After greeting Dongfang Qingling, Bai Qingfu slowly explained why he was unwilling to cooperate with Xu Qingfan and the others.

"The reason I cannot tell you about Zhang Xusheng is for three reasons."

"First, as I told you, I grew up in a very dark cave, where Zhang Xusheng changed my body, but I never left and never saw what was outside the cave. Later, Zhang Xusheng brought me directly here, so I don’t know much more than you do. Even if I wanted to tell you, there is not much to say."

"Second, although Zhang Xusheng once heartlessly abandoned me, he was still my former master. Without him, I would have long been a mere skeleton. Now, I have been imprisoned here for over a hundred years for him, and I was also undercover in Jiuhua for him, which I see as a way to repay his kindness to me. But even so, I still do not wish to have anything to do with him, nor do I want to join you in attacking or harming him."

At this point, Bai Qingfu paused, looking directly at Xu Qingfan, and said with a sigh, "Third, and most importantly, even if you truly knew something, you could never harm Zhang Xusheng. Zhang Xusheng cannot be defeated. Though I am imprisoned here, I am at least still alive."

Hearing Bai Qingfu’s explanation, Xu Qingfan fell silent for a moment. Clearly, after over a hundred years of imprisonment, Bai Qingfu’s mind remained sharp, but he had lost the motivation to change his situation and was considering just getting through life as it is.

Thus, both sides fell silent.

Just as Bai Qingfu thought Xu Qingfan would turn and leave, Xu Qingfan suddenly spoke.

"Senior Brother Bai, you have been imprisoned for too long. The cultivation world and even the Shenzhou Continent are completely different from before you were imprisoned."

Bai Qingfu’s eyes showed a look of thought. After a moment, he suddenly asked, "Is the Ninth Great Catastrophe finally starting? Did Zhang Xusheng cause it?"

Xu Qingfan replied, "It is not the catastrophe that Zhang Xusheng caused, but the harm caused by Zhang Xusheng is even greater than the catastrophe itself. Also, the catastrophe is not as simple as we thought before."

After pausing, Xu Qingfan added, "I mentioned that we want to know about Zhang Xusheng, but when I say ‘we,’ I do not mean just me and Junior Martial Sister Dongfang, nor do I mean the Jiuhua faction, but the entire righteous path."

Then, Xu Qingfan recounted to Bai Qingfu everything that had happened in the cultivation world and the whole Shenzhou Continent since Bai Qingfu’s imprisonment over the years, even including the final goal of the "Ming" organization and the matter of Zhang Xusheng seizing the "Four Spirit Sky Map." It is important to know that even most cultivators in the Righteous Alliance are still unaware of these events.

Upon hearing Xu Qingfan’s words, even Bai Qingfu’s eyes were filled with shock. He obviously did not expect the situation to be so serious, with the entire human race facing the danger of extinction.

"This is how things are. The Shura Clan may return at any time, and we must stop them. However, to stop the Shura Clan, we must first find the headquarters of the ‘Ming’ organization and take back the ‘Four Spirit Sky Map’ from Zhang Xusheng. Otherwise, even if we find the headquarters and leaders of the ‘Ming’ organization, we will still be unable to prevent the return of the Shura Clan. Time is running out for all humanity. Once we find Zhang Xusheng, not only can we reclaim the ‘Four Spirit Sky Map,’ but we will also know the location of the ‘Ming’ organization’s headquarters, and all our problems will be solved."

Xu Qingfan spoke about the seriousness and importance of the situation, while Bai Qingfu remained silent, his eyes flickering, clearly contemplating how to decisively act.

Xu Qingfan knew that Bai Qingfu’s nature is to seek the light. He does not like to hide in the shadows and scheme against others; he longs to be recognized as a righteous person by the world, free and unrestrained. Yet, fate has brought him into the cultivation world through Zhang Xusheng.

With Bai Qingfu’s character, he would never just sit back and watch humanity face extinction.

Seeing that Bai Qingfu seemed to be moved, Xu Qingfan said, "Senior Brother Bai, there are currently fourteen masters in the Righteous Alliance. They can definitely handle Zhang Xusheng, so you don’t need to worry about failure. The Righteous Alliance can completely protect you. Also, if you help the Righteous Alliance now, everyone in the world will owe you a favor. No one will bring up your past actions, and you will be recognized by everyone in the world."

Upon hearing what Xu Qingfan said, Bai Qingfu remained silent, but his gaze was no longer flickering. Xu Qingfan knew that Bai Qingfu had made up his mind.

Sure enough, after a long silence, Bai Qingfu said, "I truly don’t know much, and I don’t know if I can help you. Should I tell you what I know, or should we go to the Righteous Alliance first?"

Hearing Bai Qingfu say this, Xu Qingfan sighed with relief and smiled. "You can tell us, but you also need to come with us to ‘Ronghua Mountain.’ I believe the masters of the Righteous Alliance will come to see you and ask you questions. Don’t worry. There, no one will treat you as a cultivator of the evil sect. You are still my Jiuhua disciple, even an elder."

Sometimes, just describing a beautiful future isn’t enough, so Xu Qingfan also made promises to Bai Qingfu about his future status.

Earlier, when Xu Qingfan was talking about the situation in the cultivation world over the years, he hinted at his current position in the Righteous Alliance and Jiuhua. Although he didn’t say it directly, Bai Qingfu guessed some things. Moreover, Xu Qingfan’s cultivation level was now above that of the Master of Jiuhua and Supreme Protector from the time Bai Qingfu was imprisoned.

"Then let’s go. From what you said, we don’t have much time left."

Bai Qingfu finally felt at ease, stood up, and said.

When Bai Qingfu said the word "we," Xu Qingfan also felt relieved, knowing that Bai Qingfu had finally entrusted his fate to himself.

In this way, Xu Qingfan led Dongfang Qingling and Bai Qingfu out towards "Detention Cliff." Along the way, Xu Qingfan carefully answered Bai Qingfu’s many questions about his experiences over the years, the details of the calamity in the cultivation world, and the strength of the Righteous Alliance.

When the three of them reached outside "Detention Cliff," Bai Qingfu began to tell Xu Qingfan and Dongfang Qingling what he knew.

As Bai Qingfu said, he did not know much. Zhang Xusheng was truly meticulous in his work, and even his own people had very little information.

However, Xu Qingfan still felt he had learned a lot. Through his inquiries, Xu Qingfan discovered details about the size of the place where he was reformed, its geothermal conditions, rock formations, and even the plants and flowers that grew among the rocks.

With this information, although Xu Qingfan could not pinpoint Zhang Xusheng’s exact location, he had significantly narrowed it down to a few specific areas, which would undoubtedly make the future searches by Righteous Alliance cultivators much more effective.

While they were talking, the three had already arrived outside "Detention Cliff." Bai Qingfu turned around and quietly looked at the place that had imprisoned him for nearly two hundred years, letting out a faint sigh but saying nothing more as he silently followed Xu Qingfan away.

Xu Qingfan knew what Bai Qingfu was thinking. Besides feeling grateful to finally see the light of day, he also thought of his brother, who was still imprisoned in "Detention Cliff," hidden from the world. The reason he ultimately chose to cooperate with Xu Qingfan was also to seek justice for his brother after making a contribution.

After a small sigh, Bai Qingfu flew towards the front mountain of Jiuhua along with Xu Qingfan. Seeing Jiuhua now barren and empty of people, Bai Qingfu couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia, just like when Xu Qingfan and Dongfang Qingling first returned to Jiuhua.

However, at this moment, Bai Qingfu was still viewed as a traitor of Jiuhua. Xu Qingfan could not trust him as much as he did Dongfang Qingling. Therefore, after arriving at the front mountain of Jiuhua, he sealed Bai Qingfu’s six senses and brought him to the top of Jiuhua Mountain, then left Jiuhua through a secret passage.

…

"Junior Brother Xu, are you not coming back to the Righteous Alliance with us?"

After arriving outside Jiuhua, Xu Qingfan told Bai Qingfu about his plans, and Bai Qingfu asked in surprise.

Although Xu Qingfan had recorded his plans on a green slip for Dongfang Qingling to take to the Righteous Alliance, Bai Qingfu felt a bit uneasy without Xu Qingfan, especially after nearly two hundred years; the world he faced was completely different.

Xu Qingfan reassured him, "Senior Brother Bai, don’t worry. I am currently managing Jiuhua, and I have explained everything in detail on the green slip. When the Sect Master sees it, they will make arrangements and will not hold any bias against you."

Hearing this from Xu Qingfan, Bai Qingfu’s unease did not lessen much, but he did not push Xu Qingfan, knowing that some things had to be faced eventually, so he nodded in agreement.

After they had made their plans, Xu Qingfan said goodbye to Dongfang Qingling and Bai Qingfu, letting Dongfang Qingling take Bai Qingfu to the Righteous Alliance while he flew alone towards the blood-colored valley that left a deep impression on him.

Watching Xu Qingfan’s figure gradually fade away until it disappeared at the horizon, a trace of worry crossed Dongfang Qingling’s eyes. Maybe too many things had happened in the Southern Wasteland, and seeing Xu Qingfan leave alone filled her heart with an inexplicable concern.

Seeing Dongfang Qingling’s worried expression, Bai Qingfu seemed to understand something. He smiled and comforted her, "Junior Martial Sister Dongfang, don’t worry. With Junior Brother Xu’s current abilities, there is no one in the cultivation world, except for those masters, who can challenge him. Besides, even if we followed Junior Brother Xu, we wouldn’t be able to help him much."

Dongfang Qingling sighed quietly. Bai Qingfu had been imprisoned for over a hundred years and did not understand the current state of the cultivation world. Now, in the cultivation world, times were chaotic, and many powerful experts had emerged. It was no longer the time when a Golden Core Stage expert could freely roam the cultivation world.

Just then, Xu Qingfan had just left, and Dongfang Qingling was not very interested in explaining. She simply said to Bai Qingfu, "Well then, Senior Brother Bai, let us hurry to the Righteous Alliance."

"Alright."

As they spoke, the two of them rode on clouds and quickly flew towards "Ronghua Mountain."

…

Meanwhile, as Xu Qingfan flew towards the Blood Valley, Zhang Xusheng had finally completed his research.

Deep in the Southern Wasteland, at the place where Xu Qingfan had fought the demon, the transformed Zhong Ling was still unconscious. His body, which had been dissected, was gradually healing.

"I see."

Zhang Xusheng nodded with a smile. He had finally clarified the reason for Zhong Ling’s transformation into a demon. Xu Qingfan knew that resentment had caused the deathly transformation, which changed Zhong Ling into this form. Zhang Xusheng naturally understood as well, but his research went deeper. For instance, he explored the characteristics of Zhong Ling’s body after becoming a demon and the insights for his dark magic research.

"I never expected that my visit to Southern Wasteland would bring me such good fortune. This has opened up several new paths for my cultivation method. Does the Heavenly Way still not give up on someone as wicked as me? Truly, it is hard to predict the will of the heavens."

Zhang Xusheng pondered and spoke to himself.

Zhang Xusheng was so proud that he never saw anyone as his equal, which made him develop the habit of talking to himself. There might be other reasons, but we do not know them at this moment.

While Zhang Xusheng was talking to himself, the monster finally began to slowly wake up.

The countless eyes on its body and its own two eyes opened together. When it saw Zhang Xusheng right in front of it, it was startled and jumped back, running far away while looking tense and on guard.

Zhang Xusheng left a deep and terrifying impression on it. Although it had lost its reason, even in its fury, it still did not dare to confront Zhang Xusheng, not even to escape.

After checking its body, it found that aside from being dissected, nothing else had changed. Its most valued "Purgatory Staff" was still within, which made the monster breathe a sigh of relief.

As for being dissected, with its strong self-healing ability, it was nothing more than a minor fall for a mortal; it was only slightly painful.

"You don’t need to worry; I have lost interest in you," Zhang Xusheng said with a smile, looking at the anxious monster before him. "You should go and do what you are supposed to do now. I think you should be able to sense it."

As he spoke, Zhang Xusheng suddenly vanished from the spot and lost all trace.

After standing still for a long time without seeing any sign of Zhang Xusheng, the monster dared to slowly move its body. Once it confirmed that Zhang Xusheng was truly gone, it finally felt relieved.

Just as it relaxed, its body suddenly trembled, and it felt an inexplicable sensation—a presence it deeply hated—far away, thousands of miles distant. Although the distance was great, the feeling was very clear.

Madness and killing gradually filled the monster’s mind. The earlier fear of Zhang Xusheng disappeared, and with a sudden roar, it flew swiftly towards the source of the presence.

Ten days later, Xu Qingfan finally arrived at the place he had promised Zhang Yi long ago.