Volume 2 Chapter 28

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Volume 2 Chapter 28: Past Affections

"Venerable Xuan Xian, please show mercy!" Upon clearly seeing Naxiu’s appearance at this moment, Xu Qingfan’s body trembled suddenly, and he shouted sharply. Saying so, he quickly ran towards Xuan Xian and Naxiu.

At this time, Xuan Xian’s blue flaming index finger was just half an inch away from Naxiu’s forehead. Hearing Xu Qingfan’s shout, he paused in surprise, stopping the descending gesture. Seeing Xu Qingfan running over, Xuan Xian recognized him as one of the young cultivators who had previously assisted Xuan Xiu and Bao Wei in resisting the demon soldiers. He slowly withdrew the Nanming Li Fire from his finger, smilingly asked, "What is it, young Taoist friend?"

At this moment, Xu Qingfan had already reached Xuan Xian and Naxiu’s side, but he ignored Xuan Xian’s questions and just kept staring at Xuan Xiu, lying on the ground. He examined him carefully again and again, as if he couldn’t believe it. After a long time, childhood memories began to merge with the appearance of the person before him. Xu Qingfan seemed finally certain, yet his face turned pale, and his thoughts were in complete disarray.

The man before him, although his face had aged considerably and was marked with faint, indigo flame patterns, even in his unconscious state, looked ominous. Yet clearly, this face belonged to Xu Qingfan’s cousin—Xu Lin!

During Xu Qingfan’s childhood, he was greatly influenced by the Second Elder, found joy in poetry and books, and showed little interest in Xu family’s foundation in the Southern Wasteland—martial arts. He would hide in his room all day reading the books borrowed from the Second Elder, practicing martial arts only when absolutely necessary. His behavior was considered very unusual in the naturally rugged Southern Wasteland and, as such, he was not liked by other elders beside the Second Elder and had no friends within the family. The older generation was angry at his lack of effort, and those of his age were disdainful of speaking with "weak" Xu Qingfan. The only exception was the Xu Lin before him now.

Xu Lin was considered the most talented martial artist in the history of the Xu family, even though he was only two years older than Xu Qingfan. At a young age, he had already mastered the seventh level of the Xu family’s "Tiger-Dragon-Leopard" technique, making him an idol among his peers and a personal disciple of the highly revered Grand Elder, who taught him advanced martial arts secrets. His fame shone brightly within Xu Family Village and even on the outskirts of the Southern Wasteland. He was praised for his wisdom and decisiveness and was publicly recognized as the next leader of the Xu family.

Even at his young age, Xu Lin had great influence and leadership skills. He was very dissatisfied and disappointed with Xu Qingfan, who spent his days reading rather than practicing martial arts. He often counseled Xu Qingfan in private, but when Xu Qingfan wouldn’t change, Xu Lin sternly reprimanded him in front of others. Every morning, Xu Lin forcibly dragged Xu Qingfan to train with fists, spears, and swords with the other Xu family members, making Xu Qingfan both resent and fear him.

Later, Xu Family Village was destroyed by a Blue-eyed Cloud-foot Beast over a maturing Millennium Lingzhi. At that time, all the adults and elders in the village resisted the rampaging beast, while the younger members like Xu Qingfan were instructed by the Second Elder to flee. Leading the young Xu family members in their escape was Xu Lin, who was becoming the new leader of their generation in Xu Family Village.

In the event that followed, Xu Qingfan was separated from Xu Lin and the others. By chance, he became a disciple of Lu Huayan and officially became a cultivator. As a cultivator, Xu Qingfan sometimes recalled his days in Xu Family Village and realized that besides his parents and the Second Elder, he missed his strict cousin the most. With experience, Xu Qingfan understood that Xu Lin was harsh because he was frustrated with Xu Qingfan’s lack of effort; he insisted on forcing Xu Qingfan to practice martial arts to give him a means of self-preservation in the dangerous Southern Wasteland. All of this was just another form of care and protection.

Before coming to the Southern Wasteland this time, Xu Qingfan had fantasized about finding Xu Lin alive and how surprised his stern cousin would be to discover Xu Qingfan had become a cultivator. But Xu Qingfan never imagined their meeting would happen in such a manner.

The unconscious Naxiu in front of him, while his face remained ominously expressive, bore none of Xu Lin’s former dignity and integrity.

"Perhaps he just looks very much like Cousin Xu Lin, but how could Cousin Xu Lin be here in the Barbarian village? Besides, knowing Xu Lin’s character, he wouldn’t do anything to harm the Southern Wasteland." Xu Qingfan tried to convince himself, but he knew deep down that while there might be two people in the world who look very similar, the layout of the Barbarian village, exactly the same as it was twenty-seven years ago, and the secret martial arts technique of the Xu family that Naxiu just used, all pointed to the fact that this evil Naxiu was indeed the stern but caring Cousin Xu Lin from twenty-seven years ago!

As if to confirm his thoughts, Xu Qingfan crouched down and slowly reached out to support Naxiu, seeming to want to shake him awake to deny Xu Qingfan’s suspicions.

Seeing the young cultivator in front of him not only avoid answering his question but also reach out to Naxiu as if to try and rouse him, Xuan Xian couldn’t help but frown.

"Could it be that this young Taoist friend has unknowingly been bewitched by Naxiu?" Seeing Xu Qingfan’s strange actions, Xuan Xian suddenly considered the possibility and was startled. He hesitated no longer and softly called out, "Young Taoist friend!"

Xuan Xian’s soft call carried vast spiritual power, capable of shaking one’s soul. As his voice rang out, Xu Qingfan’s hand trembled slightly as he reached for Naxiu, and his eyes cleared from confusion.

Only then did Xu Qingfan realize what he had just done and, seeing Xuan Xian and the other Penance Valley cultivators looking at him oddly, he blushed slightly, quickly stood up, and bowed apologetically to Xuan Xiu, saying, "I was reckless just now; please forgive me, Venerable Xuan Xian."

Xuan Xian scrutinized Xu Qingfan closely but noticed no signs that Xu Qingfan was under an evil spell, which puzzled him. He asked, "Why did you behave like that just now, young Taoist friend?"

Hearing Xuan Xian’s question, Xu Qingfan hesitated for a moment before smiling wryly and said, "If I’m not mistaken, this Naxiu might be my long-lost cousin."

"What?" Even with Xuan Xian’s centuries of experience, he couldn’t help but be surprised by Xu Qingfan’s words. How could there be such a coincidence in this world?

It wasn’t just Xuan Xian; nearly a hundred cultivators from Penance Valley in the sky also made various sounds of surprise after hearing Xu Qingfan’s words, clearly finding it unbelievable.

Seeing Xuan Xian’s astonished expression, the bitter smile on Xu Qingfan’s face grew stronger. Then he slowly recounted the events between him and Xu Lin to Xuan Xian.

After listening to Xu Qingfan’s story, Xuan Xian sighed slightly and said, "I suppose your cousin accidentally obtained the magic pearl somewhere in the Southern Wasteland after fleeing the Xu Family Village, which ended up changing his nature."

"Therefore, I kindly ask Venerable Xuan Xian and the elders to allow me to get some answers from him, at least to know the whereabouts of the other members of the Xu family. After that… I’ll leave it up to you to decide his fate." As he spoke, a deep sorrow appeared on Xu Qingfan’s face.

Hearing Xu Qingfan’s request, Xuan Xian pondered for a moment but did not immediately respond; his lips moved slightly as if he was consulting with the other Penance Valley cultivators in the sky.

After a long while, Xuan Xian slowly said, "Young friend, though your request is unreasonable, it is emotionally understandable. My fellow taoist friends and I cannot refuse you. However, even though Naxiu has lost his magic powers, his nature has long been changed. Be careful not to be too soft-hearted."

"Thank you, Venerable Xuan Xian," Xu Qingfan bowed slightly to Xuan Xiu, then bowed to the many Penance Valley cultivators in the sky because he knew that Xuan Xian’s grace this time was a collective decision by all Penance Valley cultivators.

Xuan Xian smiled and said, "No need to be so formal, young taoist friend." As he spoke, Xuan Xiu stepped back a few paces, indicating that for the time being, Naxiu was at Xu Qingfan’s disposal for questioning.

Seeing Xuan Xiu’s gesture, Xu Qingfan nodded gratefully, squatted down in front of Naxiu again, and placed his hands on Naxiu’s Baihui point, slowly channeling the remaining Spirit Qi from his body into Naxiu. Under the influence of the Spirit Qi, Naxiu let out a slight groan and then slowly opened his eyes.

After Naxiu opened his eyes, he first looked at Xu Qingfan with confusion, then noticed Xuan Xian standing quietly in the distance. His gaze returned to its former madness and ferocity as he shoved Xu Qingfan aside, stumbled to his feet, and rushed towards Xuan Xian. Clearly, even at this moment, Naxiu was still thinking about reclaiming the magical pearl.

Watching Naxiu stumble towards him, Xuan Xian’s expression remained unchanged, for he knew that without the demonic energy, Naxiu was merely a strong mortal and posed no threat to him.

Meanwhile, Xu Qingfan’s expression became complex as he observed Naxiu’s hateful and fierce demeanor. Though Xu Qingfan had countless words ready, he found himself unable to speak them, until after Naxiu had staggered a dozen steps towards Xuan Xian. It was then that Xu Qingfan slowly and with difficulty asked, "Should I call you Naxiu now, or Xu Lin?"