Volume 1 Volume 7 Chapter 41

Volume 7 Chapter 41: Preparation (Part 3)

"Does Senior Brother Bai have something to do?"

Xu Qingfan was slightly surprised to see that Bai Qingfu had not left and asked.

Bai Qingfu looked deeply at Xu Qingfan, then suddenly turned and faced Ting’er’s house in the distance, where Dongfang Qingling was staying.

Through the window shadow, one could faintly see silhouettes of people, but it was unclear if they were Dongfang Qingling’s or Ting’er’s.

After a long time, Bai Qingfu turned to Xu Qingfan and asked, "Junior Brother Xu, are you planning to keep Junior Martial Sister Dongfang in the dark like this?"

Xu Qingfan was slightly taken aback, but soon fell silent. After a long while, he said, "You have seen her condition; she is sensitive and weak, not suited for this. Moreover, she is doing very well as she is. I don’t want her to change. These matters will only tire her out until she can’t take it anymore, and this is just fine."

Bai Qingfu said, "Have you considered that keeping her out will make her suffer even more, maybe… hate you? By doing this, you are treating her like an outsider who is of no use."

Xu Qingfan replied firmly, "I would rather she feel pain or even hate me. Pain is temporary, and so is hate. But if she gets involved in these schemes, the impact on her will be truly far-reaching. I don’t want her to turn out like me, unable to trust anyone, always guarding herself, calculating, worrying about interests and losses, needing to think three steps ahead with every move, considering everything and neglecting nothing. Once you start thinking about these interests and goals, you can’t stop. This kind of pain and exhaustion will affect her for a lifetime once she gets involved."

Bai Qingfu smiled gently and said, "So to protect her, you let me, Wang Zegang, Liu Ziqing, and your disciples get involved?"

Hearing Bai Qingfu’s words, Xu Qingfan smiled slightly and said, "Where did my disciples get involved? They simply act on my orders, only knowing a little while not seeing the whole picture, so they won’t have any impact. As for you, you were already caught up in these complicated schemes when you infiltrated Jiuhua as an undercover. Now, whether you avoid it or join in, what difference does it make to you? And Liu Ziqing, he probably enjoys the feel of this back-and-forth game. As for Taoist Friend Wang Zegang, he is strong-willed; even if he knows the whole situation, he won’t think too much. He just focuses on doing his work and practicing, different from others."

Bai Qingfu originally just wanted to tease Xu Qingfan about his attitude towards Dongfang Qingling, but he did not expect Xu Qingfan to say so much all at once. Clearly, he had thought about this countless times before.

The playful smile on Bai Qingfu’s face disappeared as he stared blankly at Xu Qingfan. Only now did he realize how weary Xu Qingfan had been beneath his seemingly relaxed life. Not to mention the constant torment from the "Qi of Demonic Death," and the thoughtful plan to return to the Shenzhou Continent, he was also protecting the people around him, ensuring their safety and lives, teaching them their skills and future, and guarding the peace in their hearts.

All the pressure, fatigue, and negative impacts were shouldered solely by Xu Qingfan.

Bai Qingfu originally thought he understood Xu Qingfan well, but now it seemed that his understanding was far from deep enough.

After a long while, Bai Qingfu sighed and said, "Junior Brother Xu, I am here too; you don’t have to bear everything alone."

Xu Qingfan smiled, his expression calm and peaceful, and said softly, "Since I became the Deacon Elder of Jiuhua, I have gotten used to all of this. In fact, I have nothing to adapt to; Senior Li Xuhan taught me for thirty years at the top of Jiuhua, and during those thirty years, he taught me no supernatural powers or cultivation methods, only these kinds of schemes."

Bai Qingfu thought he would see helplessness and pain in Xu Qingfan’s smile, but in fact, all he saw was tranquility, an incredibly natural tranquility.

Just then, a faint breath suddenly came from outside the door, like the evil Demon King breaking free from hell and descending to the world, bringing death wherever he went, or like a hungry tiger that had not eaten for days, seeing every creature as his food and a powerful target.

It was Chou; before, Xu Qingfan had asked Tian Zhenxian Tian Zhenling to call Chou. But he did not expect Chou to arrive so quickly.

Although Bai Qingfu was already familiar with Chou’s presence, and he knew that Chou would not harm him at this time, he still felt his body tremble slightly.

But after all, it was Bai Qingfu. In the next moment, he had returned to normal.

"Chou has arrived. Liu Ziqing will probably be here soon as well. If that’s the case, Junior Brother Xu, I will head back now."

Xu Qingfan nodded, watching Bai Qingfu stand up and push the door open, while Chou stood quietly outside the door, waiting.

Bai Qingfu nodded to Chou; however, Chou did not respond. When the door in Bai Qingfu’s hand closed, Chou still stood outside and did not enter.

Seeing this scene, Bai Qingfu was slightly taken aback and looked at Chou in confusion.

"Is it Chou? Please come in."

As Xu Qingfan’s voice echoed and faded, Chou slowly pushed open the door before him and entered respectfully.

Bai Qingfu was increasingly surprised. At this moment, Chou had reached the early stage of the Astral Projection Stage among human cultivators, making him the second strongest in the Rainbow Spirit Seven Islands, just after Xu Qingfan. If Liu Ziqing did not have a good magical treasure, he would not be a match for Chou. Even Xu Qingfan, at this point, could only defeat Chou, but not kill him.

However, as Chou’s strength grew stronger, he showed no arrogance at all; instead, he became even more respectful and humble towards Xu Qingfan. This respect felt less like that between a teacher and a student and more like that between a master and a servant.

It is important to note that Xu Qingfan’s other disciples were not nearly as respectful as Chou. Even Zhang Ningmei, when Bai Qingfu opened the door, just walked in casually. As for Bai Qingfu and the Tian family brothers, they would probably push the door open without even saying hello, and Xu Qingfan never found this strange.

Yet this Chou…

"He truly becomes harder to understand."

Bai Qingfu murmured to himself as he flew towards Tianshu Island.

Suddenly, he remembered how Xu Qingfan had intentionally sent Chou away before the battle with the Hualong Snake Dragon to prevent Chou from taking the opportunity to help Xu Qingfan and swallow these two heavenly-level demon beasts. Clearly, Xu Qingfan wanted to start limiting Chou’s level of evolution.

Was Chou’s current behavior meant to ease Xu Qingfan’s worries? Or to confuse Xu Qingfan? Or was Chou truly this loyal and respectful towards Xu Qingfan?

While lost in thought, Bai Qingfu gradually flew farther away.

…

On the other side, after Chou entered the room, he stood right in front of Xu Qingfan. Before Xu Qingfan could speak, Chou did not say a word.

Xu Qingfan also did not say anything; he just quietly looked at Chou, his gaze deep and distant.

"I didn’t let the flood dragon and the transforming dragon swallow you. Do you blame me?"

After a long time, in a strange silence, Xu Qingfan suddenly spoke.

"I dare not blame you."

After a moment of silence, Chou said coldly.

"Dare not blame? Haha…"

After hearing Chou’s words, Xu Qingfan suddenly smiled.

"You dare not complain, but still you do?"

Xu Qingfan asked again.

Chou said nothing more, just stayed silent.

But Xu Qingfan was not in a hurry; he seemed to not know that Chou did not want to answer the question at all, and just quietly watched Chou, waiting for his answer.

After a long time, a glimmer of red light flashed under Chou’s black hood, and he finally spoke.

"Master, I know I have grown too fast, faster than you can imagine. Even before your plans began, I had already gained power that could challenge you. The strength you gave me is like a natural enemy to all living things in the world, too dangerous, and I have been too extreme. Over the years, I have used all kinds of methods to increase my power. You do not feel safe; you fear you can no longer control me, so you want to limit my growth."

Xu Qingfan did not expect Chou to break this tension; surprise briefly crossed his face. However, this surprise faded quickly, and he nodded, saying, "That’s true, your discovery is beyond my imagination. Your Yaoguang Camp is a development path I never thought of before, and Yaoguang Camp is gradually leaving my control. Your character is too extreme; you will do anything to achieve your goals, even sacrificing everything, including me and Rainbow Spirit Seven Islands. So I must limit your growth."

Since Chou was honest, Xu Qingfan also stopped hiding and directly shared his thoughts.

However, Chou’s next move surprised Xu Qingfan once again.

Chou took off the hood that he always wore, revealing a strange and terrifying face covered in green scales, with three eyes and sharp teeth, and horn-like spikes for hair, right in front of Xu Qingfan.

Although Chou had strong healing abilities from fighting the two Fish Dragon Beasts, his injuries had not healed, and many scars were still visible, with broken spikes making him look even more fearsome.

Chou pointed at his face and said to Xu Qingfan, "Master, do you really think I want you to change me into this just to betray you once I grow stronger?"

After a pause, Chou continued, "Master, everything I do is for revenge! I seek revenge on the Shura Clan because you gave me the power, you taught me how to use this power, and you gave me hope for revenge. I know that you bestowed this power upon me not just to help me take revenge easily. Though I do not know your plan, I also understand that you created me for other reasons, and that reason is the most important. Before you created me, you told me that you gave me this power mainly to use me."

As he spoke, Chou suddenly grinned, revealing countless sharp teeth in his fierce mouth, sharp on all sides.

"To be honest, if back then you had said you took me as your disciple because you respected me and gave me that power because you trusted me, I would have looked down on you. Since you were so honest with me, I will be honest with you now."

While speaking, Chou put the hood back over his head, hiding his terrifying face in darkness again, and continued, "Yes, revenge is everything for me. To achieve it, I can sacrifice everything. But Master, as long as you are also targeting the Shura Clan and want to destroy them, as long as you do not stop me from taking revenge, I will always stand behind you, willingly becoming the sword in your hand. Wherever you point, that will be the direction of my attack, and when you tell me to stop, I will not say a word and will hide right behind you."

As he spoke, Chou knelt before Xu Qingfan and said, "As long as you let me take revenge, as long as you help me take revenge, I will be your most loyal disciple. Even if others offer the same conditions, what Chou does after revenge depends on your words; I will never resist."

Each word was spoken clearly and strongly.

Xu Qingfan suddenly smiled.

"We are about to return to the Shenzhou Continent."

Hearing Xu Qingfan’s words, a bright red light surged in the darkness under Chou’s mask.

"But when I return to the Shenzhou Continent, my first target is not the Shura Clan, but the Zhong family. Before I eliminate the Zhong family, I might even meet with the Shura Clan and retreat. In this situation, can you hold back?"

The bright red light flickered intensely, and after a long time, it faded. With a serious voice, Chou said, "I can."

"After defeating the Zhong family, I may have to hide for a while. During this time, you might suddenly find that your power is even greater than most of the Shura Clan. Defeating the Shura Clan will no longer be impossible for you. In this case, can you hold back?"

"I can!"

"When I truly set out to deal with the Shura Clan, I might also have to face another force at the same time. At that moment, can you resist the desire for revenge against the Shura Clan and only follow my orders?"

"As long as I can take revenge, I can endure anything."

"Since that’s the case, that’s good. You can get up now."

Xu Qingfan sighed.

As Chou respectfully stood up, Xu Qingfan slowly said, "The reason I didn’t let you devour the Jiaolong and transform this time is not because I want to limit your evolution. Long ago, I knew it was impossible to limit your growth. The reason I took action myself this time is, first, to calm people’s hearts and gain reputation among the cultivators in Rainbow Spirit Seven Islands, and second, the resources of Rainbow Spirit Seven Islands have been nearly exhausted due to my impatience over the years. I must keep those two heavenly level demon beasts intact; there is too much that can be made from their materials, and if I leave it to you, nothing will be left."

"Yes."

Just then, Liu Ziqing’s elegant yet slightly soft voice was heard.

"Taoist Friend Xu, I have come as promised. May I come in?"

"Please come in."

As Xu Qingfan’s words fell, Liu Ziqing pushed the door and entered.

After entering Xu Qingfan’s room, Liu Ziqing was surprised to see Chou standing respectfully in front of Xu Qingfan. He smiled and nodded to both Xu Qingfan and Chou. Xu Qingfan nodded back, but Chou did not show any reaction.

"Please excuse my friend Chou. He does not understand what it means to be polite or to respect his elders. Please, have a seat."

Xu Qingfan said with a smile.

"It’s okay."

Liu Ziqing did not mind at all and sat down with a smile.

Xu Qingfan said again, "Chou, why don’t you sit down too?"

However, Chou stood there without moving.

Xu Qingfan sighed with a faint smile, then looked up at Liu Ziqing and said, "The reason I called you and Chou here today is because of a hidden danger related to my Rainbow Spirit Seven Islands."

Liu Ziqing asked with confusion, "Right now, all the East Sea Demon Monsters within three thousand miles of the Rainbow Spirit Seven Islands have been wiped out by us. The Shenzhou Continent is still in chaos, and there’s no attention on us. What kind of hidden danger are you talking about?"

Xu Qingfan replied, "Azure Dragon, the one that was injured and escaped after our battle. From what I observe, it is about to break through to the heavenly level. When that time comes, it may come back to trouble me at Rainbow Spirit Seven Islands. I’m afraid no one will be able to stop it."

Liu Ziqing frowned and said, "Really? That Azure Dragon is about to break through to the heavenly level, but after such a serious injury, it has lost a lot of its strength. When a demon beast attempts to break through, it is very dangerous, and its body must be in perfect condition for a chance of success. In its current state, the day it tries to break through may also be the day it meets its end. How could that be considered a threat?"

Xu Qingfan smiled and said, "I know that too, but I’m not afraid of a thousand things; I’m just afraid of one possibility. Even though only one in ten thousand will succeed in this situation, what if that Azure Dragon is the one? To be safe, I am seeking help from you, Taoist Friend Liu."

"What do you mean?" Liu Ziqing asked.

"As far as I know, Taoist Friend Liu is skilled in tracking, and my disciple has a remarkable memory for the aura of all living beings. I would like to invite Taoist Friend Liu and my disciple to help me hunt down the Azure Dragon. What do you think?"

Hearing Xu Qingfan’s words, a flash of bloodlust crossed the eyes of Chou. Xu Qingfan’s statement meant he allowed him to devour that Azure Dragon.

When Liu Ziqing heard Xu Qingfan’s request, he was slightly taken aback. After hesitating for a moment, he suddenly stood up and said, "Having been at Rainbow Spirit Seven Islands for so many years and accomplished nothing, I feel embarrassed. Taoist Friend Liu is giving me a job, which is great."

Chou then bowed and said, "I accept the command."

Xu Qingfan nodded with a smile and casually took out a list from his hand, handing it to Chou. He said, "You haven’t fully recovered from your last battle, so rest for a month before chasing after it. That Azure Dragon is seriously injured, so it can’t escape too quickly. Moreover, the people listed here are all from Rainbow Spirit Seven Islands. Those marked in red are Zhang Xusheng’s subordinates; you should kill them all. The ones in green are probably Immortal Zizhen’s followers; you should capture them. As for the first person… bring him to me, and don’t let anyone know."