Volume 2 Chapter 43

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Volume 2 Chapter 43: Returning to the Mountain

"Junior Brother Xu, why are you here? What happened?" Just as Xu Qingfan was about to speak, Zhao Qingxuan’s voice suddenly rose from within the crowd.

Upon hearing Zhao Qingxuan’s voice, Xu Qingfan sighed slightly, knowing that this time he wouldn’t be able to teach Tian Huan a lesson, because once Zhao Qingxuan appeared, his identity as a Jiuhua Mountain disciple would be unquestionably revealed, and given Tian Huan’s character, he certainly wouldn’t dare to offend Jiuhua Gate.

So, when he saw Zhao Qingxuan approaching, Xu Qingfan smiled wryly, then retracted the Blade Grass from Tian Huan’s neck, completely ignoring Tian Huan’s surprised look as Zhao Qingxuan appeared, and respectfully said to Zhao Qingxuan, "Senior Brother Zhao, you caught me making a fool of myself."

While greeting Zhao Qingxuan, Xu Qingfan used the "Sound Conducting Technique" to explain what had happened earlier to him.

After listening to Xu Qingfan’s explanation, Zhao Qingxuan glanced at Tian Huan and also used the "Sound Conducting Technique" to say to Xu Qingfan, "Junior Brother Xu, let bygones be bygones. Tian Huan’s ‘Xuan Ling Sect’ has a deep connection with the ‘Five Elements Sect’ among the six Holy Lands. Although our Jiuhua Gate isn’t afraid of them, offending them needlessly serves no purpose."

Then, Zhao Qingxuan politely addressed Tian Huan, "Are you Martial Brother Tian Huan of the ‘Xuan Ling Sect’? Our Jiuhua Gate and the ‘Xuan Ling Sect’ have always maintained a good relationship; why don’t we laugh off this misunderstanding?"

Seeing Zhao Qingxuan propose reconciliation on his behalf, even though Xu Qingfan knew it was for his own good, he couldn’t help but frown. For Xu Qingfan, since Tian Huan had hurt Ting’er, he must teach him a lesson. Though Xu Qingfan usually adhered to the principle of staying friendly and avoiding unnecessary trouble, it was different when his loved ones were harmed.

On the other side, Tian Huan’s expression kept changing upon Zhao Qingxuan’s arrival. Unlike Xu Qingfan, Zhao Qingxuan’s moon-white robe clearly signified his identity as a Jiuhua Gate disciple. So, upon hearing Zhao Qingxuan’s polite words, Tian Huan, despite Zhao Qingxuan’s cultivation level being far inferior to his own, courteously responded, "Of course. May I ask which Junior Brother of Jiuhua Gate I have the pleasure of speaking to?"

Tian Huan now spoke in a polite manner, with no trace of his earlier arrogance.

"I am Zhao Qingxuan, responsible for purchases at Jiuhua Gate," Zhao Qingxuan introduced himself, then pointed to Xu Qingfan and Ting’er, saying, "This is my junior brother Xu Qingfan, and his niece Ting’er."

"So it is Brother Zhao and Junior Brother Xu from Jiuhua Gate. I was quite rude earlier; please don’t hold it against me," Tian Huan said, bowing respectfully to them despite his higher cultivation.

Seeing Tian Huan bowing to him in apology, Zhao Qingxuan quickly insisted it was unnecessary, and Xu Qingfan, observing Tian Huan’s gesture, felt it inappropriate to trouble him further.

After apologizing to Zhao Qingxuan and Xu Qingfan, Tian Huan approached Ting’er, disregarding Little Green’s threatening growls, bowed slightly, and said, "Miss Ting’er, I shouldn’t have acted so harshly earlier, injuring your pet and accidentally hurting you. It was my fault, and I apologize."

Seeing Tian Huan put aside his pride and bow to apologize, Ting’er remained calm and silent, merely turning to Xu Qingfan, as if waiting for him to decide.

Seeing Tian Huan apologize to Ting’er, Xu Qingfan found it hard to stay upset and could only clasp his hands and say, "Martial Brother Tian Huan, you’re too polite. I was also at fault for hastily challenging you."

Tian Huan politely replied, "Oh, Junior Brother Xu, there’s no need to say that. I was also too rash, attacking your pet and niece without thinking. But your skills have truly impressed me. Jiuhua Gate, as one of the six great Holy Lands, has a unique cultivation method, leaving me without a chance to fight back, making me admire it deeply."

"Brother Tian, you flatter me," Xu Qingfan remarked, sensing another meaning in Tian Huan’s words, but unable to discern it, he could only lightly exchange pleasantries.

Then, Tian Huan exchanged a few polite words with Xu Qingfan and Zhao Qingxuan, bade them farewell, and didn’t continue his display.

Watching Tian Huan’s departing figure, Xu Qingfan felt a faint apprehension. Although Tian Huan lacked real-world experience, he was skilled in dealing with people. He decisively apologized to Ting’er after realizing Xu Qingfan was from Jiuhua Gate, disregarding his own pride as a cultivator. This way, though he lost face, Xu Qingfan couldn’t find fault with him, nor would he damage the relationship between Jiuhua Gate and Xuan Ling’s sect. Instead, Jiuhua Gate might gain a reputation for using pressure.

With this in mind, Xu Qingfan felt a slight chill. If Tian Huan was truly intimidated by Jiuhua Gate’s power, it was fine, but if he merely pretended to yield while secretly harboring resentment, his cunning would pose a future threat.

As Xu Qingfan frowned at Tian Huan’s retreating back, Zhao Qingxuan suddenly smiled and asked, "Junior Brother Xu, are you perhaps upset with me for taking charge earlier?"

Although Zhao Qingxuan wasn’t exceptionally powerful, he had managed Jiuhua Gate’s procurement affairs for many years, understanding people and situations far better than Xu Qingfan. He guessed Xu Qingfan’s thoughts the moment he saw him frown and, not wanting to strain their relationship over this matter, straightforwardly asked right after Tian Huan left.

Seeing that Zhao Qingxuan had perceived his thoughts, Xu Qingfan blushed. After all, Zhao Qingxuan had acted in his best interest, so he quickly said, "How could I dare, Senior Brother Zhao, you are joking."

Not minding Xu Qingfan’s denial, Zhao Qingxuan looked at him seriously and said, "Though you joined the sect later than I did and thus should call me senior brother, Junior Brother Xu, your abilities surpass mine, and your standing in the gate is higher. Normally, I wouldn’t dare to advise you, but today you were indeed reckless."

Surprised at Zhao Qingxuan’s seriousness, Xu Qingfan said, "Please enlighten me, Senior Brother Zhao."

Zhao Qingxuan said, "It’s good that you care for your family, but didn’t the sect leaders advise you to be kind to others when you left the mountain gate? You should be aware of the current situation of Jiuhua Gate. Although we have the reputation of being one of the six Holy Lands of the Immortal Realm, our strength has long declined. We are not only much weaker compared to the other Five Holy Lands, but many other sects in the Immortal Realm have also quietly caught up to us in strength. What’s even more frightening is that many sects have long been coveting our cultivation methods and millennia of resources. It’s only because our sect leader has worked hard to maintain a tolerant attitude over the years, giving them no excuse to create trouble, that we have had hundreds of years of peace."

When he reached this point, Zhao Qingxuan sighed and continued, "Although we’ve regained some strength after years of rest and recovery, it’s still only enough to defend ourselves. That’s why every disciple who leaves the sect is strongly advised to be kind to others to avoid giving other sects a reason to cause trouble. You’re lucky you didn’t harm Tian Huan this time, otherwise, even if it didn’t lead to conflict with other sects, the sect would have severely punished you for it."

Hearing Zhao Qingxuan’s words, Xu Qingfan was struck. Before leaving the sect, Li Yuhan and Sheng Yushan did remind Xu Qingfan not to engage in fights with disciples from other sects. But Li Yuhan thought Xu Qingfan was gentle and calm, not someone who seeks fights, so he didn’t emphasize it. Xu Qingfan also never imagined he would get into a conflict, so he didn’t pay much attention and eventually forgot about it. Now, after Zhao Qingxuan’s words, Xu Qingfan realized he had indeed been too reckless.

Earlier, Xu Qingfan had many other ways to resolve the issue, but seeing Ting’er injured filled him with anger and guilt towards Ting’er. His usual calm demeanor was long gone.

So Xu Qingfan bowed to Zhao Qingxuan sincerely and said, "Thank you, Senior Brother, for your guidance."

Seeing Xu Qingfan bow to him, Zhao Qingxuan quickly supported him and said with a smile, "No need to be so polite, Junior Brother. I have no real teachings, just some experience from being out and about often."

Hearing Zhao Qingxuan’s response, Xu Qingfan didn’t insist further. For Xu Qingfan, gratitude was something to remember in the heart, not necessarily to be spoken repeatedly. So he let go of the earlier incident and asked with a smile, "How did Senior Brother Zhao fare this time? Have you gathered the Spiritual Herbs needed by the sect?"

Hearing Xu Qingfan’s question, Zhao Qingxuan smiled wryly and said, "I managed to acquire some, but the sect needs a lot of Spiritual Herbs. How can it be gathered in one go? I still need to visit a few more markets to collect everything."

Hearing Zhao Qingxuan’s comments, Xu Qingfan had a slight idea and said, "Senior Brother Zhao, on my trip to the Southern Wasteland, I happened to get a Millennium Lingzhi. Do you need it?"

Hearing Xu Qingfan’s offer, Zhao Qingxuan was overjoyed and asked, "Are you willing to part with it, Junior Brother?"

A rare spiritual herb like the Millennium Lingzhi is worth dozens of ordinary herbs. Obtaining just one could save Zhao Qingxuan a lot of trouble. Zhao Qingxuan had thought of trading for Xu Qingfan’s Lingzhi but gave up because Xu Qingfan had a Blue-eyed Cloud-foot Beast that loved spiritual herbs. Such a herb is also a treasure for cultivators to enhance their power. It was unexpected when Xu Qingfan offered to trade it.

Little did Zhao Qingxuan know, Xu Qingfan had plenty of elixirs from Medicine King Valley and didn’t value the Millennium Lingzhi. He never considered giving it to Little Green, as he had to guard against its constant attempts to steal it. Grateful for Zhao Qingxuan’s earlier warning, trading with Zhao Qingxuan seemed the best choice.

After Xu Qingfan confirmed with a nod, Zhao Qingxuan pondered and then said, "This Lingzhi appears to be a rare herb, possibly growing for a thousand years. I brought high-level talismans, high-level spirit stones, and protective arrays from my sect for trade. What do you want?"

Xu Qingfan smiled gently and replied, "I lack all these things, but I’m not very aware of the Lingzhi’s value, so it’s up to you to decide."

After hearing Xu Qingfan’s words, Zhao Qingxuan thought for a moment and said, "I’ll trade thirty high-level talismans, a hundred high-level spirit stones, and two defensive arrays. Does that suit you?"

Xu Qingfan nodded with a smile and said, "Certainly suitable."

Xu Qingfan took out the Millennium Lingzhi from his pocket, disregarding Little Green’s anxious growls, and handed it to Zhao Qingxuan, who carefully placed it in a jade box before storing it in his sleeve. Xu Qingfan knew the jade box was a magical tool to preserve herbs and prevent them from losing their Spirit Qi.

After giving Xu Qingfan the talismans, arrays, and spirit stones, Zhao Qingxuan laughed heartily, saying, "Junior Brother Xu, you’ve done me a great favor, saving me countless days of searching. Now I just need to visit a few more markets to gather all the herbs."

Xu Qingfan smiled gently and said, "Senior Brother, you’re joking. We are making a fair trade; there’s no help involved."

Hearing Xu Qingfan say this, Zhao Qingxuan decided not to say more and instead asked, "I’m going to the next market to trade for spiritual herbs now. Where are you headed next, junior brother? Are you going back to the mountain gate?"

Xu Qingfan replied, "I have an appointment with someone here, so I might be delayed in returning to the mountain gate."

After hearing Xu Qingfan’s words, Zhao Qingxuan didn’t ask any more questions and simply nodded, saying, "Then I will head to the next market to gather spiritual herbs. After all, the sect’s mission is important."

"Alright, see you back at the sect," Xu Qingfan said with a smile.

Zhao Qingxuan didn’t say anything further, laughed heartily, and turned to leave. Xu Qingfan stood in place, quietly watching Zhao Qingxuan’s back, knowing he had made a friend in the Jiuhua Gate.

※※※※

Nine months later.

Under the bright sky of Middle-earth, a white cloud drifted across, seeming slow but moving fast, vanishing from sight in an instant.

On this cloud stood Xu Qingfan and Ting’er, with Little Green still cradled in Ting’er’s arms.

Gazing at the white cloud beneath his feet, Xu Qingfan nodded with satisfaction. This cloud didn’t mean he had mastered the "Cloud Riding Technique," a Taoist spell only achieved by masters at the Condensed Core Stage. Instead, the cloud was actually a magical artifact called the "Nimbus Cloud." It was crafted for Xu Qingfan by the Old Beggar using the four white hooves of a Blue-eyed Cloud-foot Beast, and it was a high-level Human artifact specifically designed for flight, making it faster than the "Three Meters Green Silk" Xu Qingfan had used before.

After parting ways with Zhao Qingxuan nine months ago, Xu Qingfan had been waiting in the market for the Old Beggar to appear. Unexpectedly, even after the agreed month had passed, there was no sign of the Old Beggar. With no other options, Xu Qingfan decided to wait another month. Just when Xu Qingfan thought he had been deceived, the Old Beggar finally appeared, looking both energetic and weary. He handed Xu Qingfan four magical artifacts, with the "Nimbus Cloud" being one of them.

After receiving Xu Qingfan’s materials, Old Beggar was struck with inspiration and experimented with many new techniques he’d developed over the years during the crafting. He proudly introduced the results to Xu Qingfan.

Over a thousand blue scales of the Blue-eyed Cloud-foot Beast were used by Old Beggar to create a high-level Human defensive artifact called the "Green Spirit Arm Shield." It usually appears as an arm shield attached to the arm, and when infused with Spirit Qi, it can change size and quantity, protecting autonomously with strong and tight defenses. However, Xu Qingfan reckons the artifact should have only used about three hundred scales, with the other seven hundred likely wasted during Old Beggar’s experiments.

The eyes of the Blue-eyed Cloud-foot Beast were refined by Old Beggar into two "Evil Exorcising Pearls," another high-level Human artifact meant for support. These pearls can dispel illusionary fog; under their glow, ghostly and divine entities of the five elements become visible, making them quite fascinating.

As for the Blue-eyed Cloud-foot Beast’s four white hooves, Old Beggar wasted two, but the remaining two were crafted into Xu Qingfan’s current flying artifact, the "Nimbus Cloud."

What Xu Qingfan regretted deeply was that the sharp horn and fangs of the Blue-eyed Cloud-foot Beast were all wasted by Old Beggar, without making any offensive artifacts.

Left with little choice, Xu Qingfan traded one "Evil Exorcising Pearl" in the market for a tiny "Wood Spirit." The "Wood Spirit" is the essence of wood energy from nature, capable of enhancing wood-type artifacts. With its help, Old Beggar re-smelted Xu Qingfan’s "Ruler of Wither and Flourish," upgrading it to a high-level offensive artifact, slightly compensating for Xu Qingfan’s lack of attacking artifacts.

By this point, Xu Qingfan had spent a full three months in the market.

In the remaining half-year, Xu Qingfan, along with Ting’er, flew towards Jiuhua Mountain while carefully collecting various rare flowers and plants from the Shenzhou Continent, which delayed them quite a bit. It was only now that they reached the vicinity of Jiuhua Mountain.

Finally, the imposing and majestic image of Jiuhua Mountain appeared in front of Xu Qingfan. Looking at the mountain he had left a year ago, Xu Qingfan felt a wave of emotion, like a traveler returning home.

It must be said that after living on Jiuhua Mountain for nearly thirty years, Xu Qingfan had unconsciously come to regard it as home.

"Ting’er, we are home."

Xu Qingfan gently patted Ting’er’s head and said softly.