Volume 3 Chapter 10

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Volume 3 Chapter 10: Departure

Suddenly, a heavenly melody echoed through the sky. Everyone looked up to see beautiful lights appearing on the horizon. From the glow, a group of elder guardians with white hair flew towards the crowd, led by Zhang Hualing and Zhou Huahai, riding the clouds.

"Welcome, Sect Master, welcome elders," they said in unison as Zhang Hualing and the others landed before them. Hundreds of voices joined together, creating a powerful sound.

Zhang Hualing smiled at everyone before him and said warmly, "There’s no need for such formality." Despite his gentle voice, it easily quieted the crowd of hundreds.

Upon hearing Zhang Hualing’s words, Xu Qingfan and the others stood straight. As they rose, Xu Qingfan took a chance to glance at the elders. He recognized some, like Elder Weichi, Jin Qinghan’s master, Elder Xu, Nangong Qingshan’s master, and Lv Qingshang’s elder master. Most of Jiuhua Mountain’s "Hua" generation elders were present, except for a few who were long in seclusion.

Zhang Hualing maintained his kind demeanor, smiling at the elite disciples of Jiuhua Mountain like a friendly neighbor. Zhou Huahai, usually stern, seemed deep in thought, with a softer gaze than usual.

Amongst the elder guardians, a plain-looking middle-aged man caught Xu Qingfan’s attention. Though younger than those around him, his aura was just as strong, clearly a master of high skill. Xu Qingfan guessed he was Bao Qingfang, the revered student of Zhou Huahai and the top disciple of Li Yuhan and Sheng Yushan.

It’s said that Bao Qingfang has been recognized by many elders as the next sect leader of Jiuhua Gate. He not only possesses great skills, but his abilities surpass many elders of the "Hua" generation. More importantly, he is dependable and efficient in his work, which is why not only the elders of Jiuhua Gate hold him in high regard, but many disciples of the "Yu" generation and even those of the "Qing" generation also see him as a role model.

Yet, possibly due to Bao Qingfang’s intense and thoughtful demeanor, Xu Qingfan always felt something peculiar about him.

Just then, Zhang Hualing spoke again.

"Feng Qingtian, Jin Qinghan, Xu Qingfan, Lv Qingshang, Wang Qingjun." Zhang Hualing kindly scanned the faces of the five diverse disciples standing before him, naming them one by one with a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.

"We are here," Xu Qingfan and the others stepped forward and replied in unison.

Zhang Hualing carefully observed the five again, then said seriously, "Over the past decade, I’ve seen your progress and it brings me comfort. You are now about to represent our sect in the joint Newcomer Comparison held by the six Holy Lands. Remember, do not be arrogant; there are other talented disciples in other sects. You must give your best effort and bring honor to our sect. Do you understand?"

"We will give our best," Xu Qingfan and the others replied together after hearing Zhang Hualing’s words.

Zhang Hualing nodded, then looked at the other disciples behind Xu Qingfan and the others, and gently said, "As for the rest of you, you are the future elites of Jiuhua Gate, and the future of Jiuhua Gate depends on you. However, staying in Jiuhua Mountain only practicing isn’t enough. So, I’ve discussed with the elders and decided to take you along to watch the Newcomer Comparison. Take this opportunity to meet senior brothers from other sects and gain more knowledge, but try to avoid conflicts with the disciples of other sects. Do you understand?"

Upon hearing Zhang Hualing’s words, the disciples in the square couldn’t help but show a trace of excitement in their eyes, quickly answering loudly. After the response from the hundreds of disciples, Zhang Hualing nodded in satisfaction, then said to Zhou Huahai beside him, "Junior Brother Zhou, now tell them what to be aware of when going out."

Hearing Zhang Hualing’s words, Zhou Huahai calmly nodded in agreement. Zhang Hualing then said to Xu Qingfan and the others, "You five come with me."

With that, Zhang Hualing turned and walked toward Linghua Hall behind him. Xu Qingfan and the others quickly followed his lead towards Linghua Hall. The remaining disciples stayed in the square to listen to Zhou Huahai’s instructions.

"When you go out, avoid conflicts with others lightly, and don’t become arrogant just because you belong to a Holy Land sect…"

As Xu Qingfan stepped into Linghua Hall, Zhou Huahai began addressing the other disciples in the square behind him. Listening to Zhou Huahai’s words, Xu Qingfan couldn’t help but feel puzzled. Zhou Huahai usually spoke in a stern manner, but his tone now seemed more restrained, and Xu Qingfan didn’t know why.

However, as he walked into Linghua Hall, Xu Qingfan quickly set aside his doubts and focused on observing the hall in front of him.

Linghua Hall, like the Linghua Bell above it, is one of the symbols of Jiuhua Gate. It is generally used for the sect leader and the elders of Jiuhua Gate to discuss matters and receive guests. Despite this, ordinary disciples of Jiuhua Gate rarely have the opportunity to enter it, making Linghua Hall a mysterious place for most.

As soon as Xu Qingfan entered Linghua Hall, he began to observe carefully, and the expressions of others like Jin Qinghan, Lv Qingshang, and Wang Qingjun were similar. However, Feng Qingtian’s expression became strange the moment he entered Linghua Hall, looking somewhat disdainful, yet as if he remembered something, his brow slightly furrowed.

After carefully examining the grand hall in front of him, the sight left Xu Qingfan somewhat surprised.

The grand hall was several dozen feet wide and long, and about six to seven feet high. More than a dozen thick stone pillars were neatly standing around the hall, with many intricate totems carved on them. Upon closer inspection, Xu Qingfan realized these designs depicted Jiuhua Gate’s history over thousands of years. In the center of the hall hung a large plaque with thirteen ancient script characters that read, "Follow the natural order, lose the way no constant, follow the path to grow."

The hall’s decor was not as splendid as Xu Qingfan had imagined; the floor was made of plain black stone slabs, and the roof was the same. Inside, there were dozens of ordinary chairs, clearly the seats for the elders during usual times. Around the hall, there were several large windows providing ample light, making the hall appear bright, with an elegant and simple dignity.

After Zhang Hualing walked into Linghua Hall, he went straight to a larger chair in the center of the hall and sat down, silently watching Xu Qingfan and the others. Then Xu Qingfan and the four others stood quietly by the side once Zhang Hualing was seated.

"Ah…"

Suddenly, Zhang Hualing, who had been silent all along, let out a slight sigh, and then slowly asked Xu Qingfan and the others, "You all know about the events from eight hundred years ago, right?"

Eight hundred years ago, the top master of Jiuhua Gate, Zhang Xusheng, was discovered researching dark arts by his fellow disciples and betrayed Jiuhua Gate. When he defected, many of Jiuhua Gate’s experts surrounded and attacked him. Unfortunately, Zhang Xusheng had mastered both righteous and evil arts by then and was nearly invincible. Those who besieged him were all slaughtered, marking the beginning of Jiuhua Gate’s decline.

Xu Qingfan and the others knew a bit about these events, but they wondered why Zhang Hualing suddenly brought them up.

"Eight hundred years ago, our Jiuhua Gate had five Mahayana Stage masters and nearly a hundred top-level Condensed Core Stage experts, along with many talented junior disciples. We were truly a gathering of talent. Even among the Six Holy Lands, our strength was among the best. But since then, our power was greatly diminished. Many of our masters and ordinary disciples were killed or injured, and several supreme skills were lost due to that calamity. Even after eight hundred years of rest and recovery, we now have only a little over sixty Condensed Core Stage experts, and not a single Mahayana Stage master. With such strength, we are nowhere near the other Five Holy Lands, and even some other sects are no longer beneath us."

"Although the Newcomer Comparison is jointly held by the Six Holy Lands, many sects with some strength in the cultivation world have also participated. Over these eight hundred years, our sect has taken part in the Newcomer Comparison seven times, but each time our results have been quite poor. Not only have we been left far behind by the other Five Holy Lands, we have often been surpassed by sects like Liuhe Gate and Bahuang Sect, which has been a complete loss of face. In the eyes of others, the title of ‘Holy Land’ has become almost meaningless."

"To be honest, I have high hopes for the five of you. Among all the disciples of Jiuhua Gate who have participated in the Newcomer Comparison over the past eight hundred years, you five have the best talent and strongest abilities. Therefore, I hope you can give it your all and achieve a good result to defend the dignity of our sect. Remember, this Newcomer Comparison is not only an opportunity for newcomers in the cultivation world to compete, but also a way for each sect to probe each other’s strength."

Hearing Zhang Hualing’s words, Xu Qingfan and the others bowed deeply to him and said in unison, "We will give it our all."

After hearing their assurance, Zhang Hualing did not show any signs of relief, nor did he have the usual smile on his face. Instead, a deep weariness appeared in his expression, clearly showing that managing the gradually declining Jiuhua Gate over the years had exhausted him. He did not hide this from Xu Qingfan and the others, nor did he say much more, merely waving them away silently.

Seeing Zhang Hualing’s gesture, Xu Qingfan and the others bowed to him once again and slowly retreated from the hall.

"Xu Qingfan, stay here. I have something to tell you."

Just as Xu Qingfan was following the others to leave the hall, Zhang Hualing’s voice suddenly spoke again.