Volume 1 Chapter 13

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Volume 1 Chapter 13: Aftermath

When the sudden sound came from afar, everyone in Changchun Residence, except for Xiao Huazhe, was startled. They knew that Lu Huayan’s death would surely alarm the elders of Jiuhua Gate, but they did not expect the Sect Master to arrive so quickly.

As the sound rang out, Xu Qingfan and the others saw dozens of dazzling lights shining from the horizon, swiftly flying towards Changchun Residence. In no time, they reached the sky above the entrance of Changchun Residence.

Seeing this scene, Yue Qingru quickly led Xu Qingfan and Nangong Qingshan outside to greet them. However, Xiao Huazhe simply let out a disdainful snort and did not move, waiting in the room.

When Xu Qingfan and the others arrived at the entrance of Changchun Residence, they found dozens of elderly figures standing on clouds, quietly hovering in the air at the entrance. Although these elders had white hair, they all exuded an extraordinary presence, clearly being formidable masters at the Condensed Core Stage.

Among this group of masters, two elders standing at the forefront stood out the most. Not only were they at the front, but their aura was also noticeably stronger than that of the others.

One of these two elders, dressed in a yellow robe, had a full head of silver hair and a kind expression. However, his wandering gaze made it impossible to discern his true thoughts at that moment. Additionally, the smoking pipe he held was quite conspicuous for a cultivator. The other elder, dressed in a black robe, had a stern expression and sharp, cold eyes that made it hard for anyone to meet his gaze.

Through Yue Qingru’s discreet introduction, Xu Qingfan learned that these two were the Sect Leader Zhang Hualing and the Supreme Protector Zhou Huahai, who oversaw punishments at Jiuhua Gate. Their status in Jiuhua Gate was very high, and their powers were slightly above those of their master, Lu Huayan.

Since Lu Huayan had never shown much respect to the Jiuhua Gate sect leader, his disciples only followed his training and did not take on roles managing worldly affairs in Jiuhua Gate like the other "Qing" generation disciples did. They rarely even left the Changchun Residence. Therefore, it was the first time Xu Qingfan and Nangong Qingshan had seen these highly esteemed sect leader guardians and elders from Jiuhua Gate.

Just as Xu Qingfan and the others stood at the door, bowing respectfully to greet them, the elders descended, led by Zhang Hualing and Zhou Huahai.

"No need for too much formality," Zhang Hualing said to Xu Qingfan and the others, his tone showing the appropriate sadness for the passing of a fellow disciple. "We old folks have come to see your master for the last time."

With that, he led the elders and elites of Jiuhua Gate towards the main hall of the Changchun Residence.

Upon entering the main hall of the Changchun Residence, Zhang Hualing was surprised and saluted Xiao Huazhe, saying, "I didn’t expect that Brother Xiao would arrive here first."

"As a person without power or position, I certainly don’t have the status of sect leader like you. There’s no need for extra help; I can easily come alone," Xiao Huazhe replied lightly. It seemed he held a grudge against the Jiuhua Gate Sect Master, as his tone was filled with sarcasm.

"Please forgive me, Brother Xiao," Zhang Hualing took Xiao Huazhe’s sarcasm calmly, offering a faint smile before going to pay respects to Lu Huayan. But Zhou Huahai beside him let out a cold grunt, his voice as imposing as his appearance, likely the one who had just announced, "Sect Master has arrived."

After offering incense, Zhang Hualing bowed three times before Lu Huayan’s spirit, sighing with deep sorrow, "Martial Brother Lu, you have left us. From now on, Jiuhua Gate has lost a powerful expert and a highly respected elder. As the sect leader, my heart feels heavy. The absence of a master like Martial Brother Lu makes it even more difficult for Jiuhua Gate."

As he spoke with deep emotion, Zhang Hualing even shed a few tears, looking extremely sorrowful.

"Sect leader, please do not be too sad. Although we have lost a master like Martial Brother Lu, I believe that under your leadership, Jiuhua Gate will surely shine." Seeing Zhang Hualing’s sad expression, Zhou Huahai quickly comforted him from the side.

After hearing Zhou Huahai’s comforting words, Zhang Hualing simply sighed softly and did not say much more.

Then, Zhou Huahai and the others began to take turns offering their respects to Lu Huayan’s spirit tablet, while Yue Qingru, Xu Qingfan, and Nangong Qingshan knelt in front of the coffin, expressing their gratitude as disciples.

As for Xiao Huazhe, after Zhang Hualing arrived, he snorted coldly and waved his sleeve to leave, seeming very disdainful of being in the same place as Zhang Hualing.

Seeing Xiao Huazhe’s demeanor, Xu Qingfan felt a bit curious. He thought that Zhang Hualing was a nice person who showed enough respect for his master, but he did not understand why martial uncle Xiao Huazhe disliked him so much.

After the memorial service, Zhang Hualing and the others did not leave immediately but took their seats in the guest area, as if there was still something to discuss. Xu Qingfan and the others stood respectfully to the side, waiting for the Sect Master to speak.

"Back in the day, when I studied with your master, I entered four decades later than Martial Brother Lu. At that time, I received much care from Martial Brother Lu. I can still vividly recall those scenes. Who would have thought that now, everything has changed, and even someone as talented as my senior brother could not withstand fate. Sigh…" After a moment of contemplation, Zhang Hualing slowly sighed to Xu Qingfan and the others.

"Please accept our condolences, Sect Master." Upon hearing Zhang Hualing’s sigh, Xu Qingfan and the others further increased their admiration for him and quickly comforted him in unison.

"After your master passed away, were there any belongings left behind?" Zhang Hualing did not respond to Xu Qingfan’s words of comfort, but suddenly asked.

"Replying to Sect Master, we have arranged the belongings that Master often used when he was alive. We will wait until the seventh day after Master passes to bury him." Yue Qingru quickly and respectfully responded after hearing the sect leader’s question.

"Take me to see it, seeing the belongings reminds me of the person." Zhang Hualing said.

"Yes, please follow me, sect leader and respected elders." After hearing Zhang Hualing’s words, Yue Qingru didn’t think much and hurriedly led everyone to Lu Huayan’s room.

Things have changed, this was Xu Qingfan’s immediate feeling after arriving at Lu Huayan’s room. He still clearly remembered how Lu Huayan used to teach him in this room and how he gave him the Ruler of Wither and Flourish here. The room remained, but the person was gone.

Lu Huayan’s personal belongings were collected by Yue Qingru and placed on Lu Huayan’s bed. There were many items, including everyday things Lu Huayan used often, like that set of tea pots and cups; and also items Lu Huayan refined and collected during his life, like the green rope he used to bind the Mountain Spirit Wood Monster and the "Three Meters Green Silk" that Xu Qingfan was most familiar with. The many items together gave off colorful lights and strong Spirit Qi, making people feel a little dizzy just by looking at them.

Seeing Lu Huayan’s belongings, Zhang Hualing sighed first, then waved his long sleeve, and all the magical items were quickly absorbed into his sleeve.

"Sect Master, what are you doing?" Seeing all his master’s magical items being taken away by Zhang Hualing, Xu Qingfan asked loudly in anger.

"Impudent! Does the sect leader need to report to you, a disciple at the Inedia Stage?" Zhou Huahai was furious at Xu Qingfan’s rudeness towards the sect leader and scolded loudly. His voice, filled with powerful Spirit Qi, echoed in Lu Huayan’s room, making Xu Qingfan’s blood boil and almost suffer a heavy blow. Under that mighty and authoritative voice, Xu Qingfan even felt the room tremble slightly.

Zhou Huahai is truly the Supreme Protector of Jiuhua Gate, with deep skills; just one sentence from him held such power!

Zhang Hualing first waved his hand to stop the furious Zhou Huahai from talking. Then he said softly to Xu Qingfan, "Sigh… Now Jiuhua Gate is not as strong as before, and there are many enemies nearby. Without experts like Martial Brother Lu, it is even harder. These magical tools are the proud creations of Martial Brother Lu over many years. Instead of letting them be buried with him, it would be better to use them for Jiuhua Gate. I believe Martial Brother Lu’s spirit would be comforted by this."

After hearing Zhang Hualing’s words, Xu Qingfan wanted to say something more, but he was repeatedly pulled back by Yue Qingru. Xu Qingfan stopped arguing not because of Yue Qingru’s interference, but because he realized that with his current status, nothing he said could change what was happening.

Even though Zhang Hualing had received all of Lu Huayan’s magical tools, he did not show any signs of happiness; instead, he remained sorrowful, seemingly still grieving Lu Huayan’s death. But now, no matter what, Xu Qingfan could not feel fondness for him.

Finally, having achieved his goal, Zhang Hualing prepared to leave with everyone. Before he departed, he seemed to remember something suddenly and turned to Xu Qingfan and the other two, saying, "Now that Martial Brother Lu has passed away, it seems unfair for only you three disciples to occupy the Changchun Residence. Moreover, without guidance from an elder, your training will also be hindered. From now on, let Junior Martial Brother Xu manage the Changchun Residence. He also has many students, and his original dwelling is too small, causing inconvenience during training. You three should transfer your studies under Junior Martial Brother Xu."

Upon hearing Zhang Hualing’s words, Xu Qingfan and the other two were stunned. Their master had only died less than a day ago, and this sect leader had already started to seize the inheritance? Not only had he taken all of Master Lu Huayan’s magical tools, but now he wanted to take away their master’s residence and force his disciples to transfer to someone else?

"I will follow Sect Leader’s orders," said a short, plump elder who stepped forward from the many elders behind Zhang Hualing, speaking respectfully and unable to hide his joy.

"These three disciples of Martial Brother Lu will now be under your guidance. You must teach them well and strive to…"

"Sect Master, I have something to report," Xu Qingfan suddenly knelt on the ground and said loudly as Zhang Hualing spoke to Elder Xu.

Even though Xu Qingfan usually remained calm, he was enraged by Zhang Hualing’s series of actions. He knew he could not change anything, so his voice sounded quite calm. Only his trembling hands showed how excited and angry he truly felt.

"Oh? If you have something to say, just say it. Out of respect for the late Martial Brother Lu, I will do my best to meet your request," Zhang Hualing said with a smile as he looked at Xu Qingfan.

"First of all, my master’s mourning period has not yet passed, so I kindly ask Sect Master to wait until after the mourning period to take back Changchun Residence. Let my master rest in peace," Xu Qingfan spoke while trying hard to keep any anger off his face. Right now, everything was about Lu Huayan’s mourning period. If he angered the sect leader and caused his master’s coffin to be taken away today, Xu Qingfan truly would have no face to meet his master’s spirit.

"Of course, everything is for the deceased," Zhang Hualing said firmly after hearing Xu Qingfan’s words, without showing any signs of anger.

"Furthermore, the ancients said, ‘Once a teacher, always a father.’ How can one change fathers midway? So, I ask Sect Master to withdraw his order. Having one master in this life is enough for me; I do not wish to change to another," Xu Qingfan declared with determination.

"Oh? You must think carefully. Without the guidance of elders in your training, it will be very difficult to make progress. I do all of this for your sake," Zhang Hualing said. At first, he seemed slightly taken aback, but then he looked at Xu Qingfan seriously. Xu Qingfan couldn’t tell if it was his imagination, but he felt a hint of appreciation in Zhang Hualing’s expression.

"I have thought this through very clearly, so I ask Sect Master to withdraw his order."

"Do you two think the same way?" Zhang Hualing looked at Yue Qingru and Nangong Qingshan.

"My thoughts are the same as Junior Brother Xu’s," Yue Qingru replied without hesitation.

"I am willing to change my master to Elder Xu." Nangong Qingshan, however, did not follow his two senior brothers, nor did he glance at them. Instead, he bowed to Zhang Hualing and spoke.

"Well, everyone has their own ambitions, so I won’t force you any longer. After this, you two can train on your own," Zhang Hualing said helplessly to Xu Qingfan and Yue Qingru. Then he turned to Nangong Qingshan and said, "From now on, you will train under Junior Martial Brother Xu."

After handling everything, Zhang Hualing, along with the group of elders and experts, stepped on the clouds and flew away. As he left, his expression remained sorrowful, but Xu Qingfan could not tell how much of it was real and how much was pretended.

Before leaving, Supreme Protector Zhou Huahai looked deeply at Xu Qingfan, as if he wanted to remember Xu Qingfan’s face, making Xu Qingfan feel a slight chill in his heart.