Volume 3 Chapter 49

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Volume 3 Chapter 49: No Regrets

Right? Wrong?

For most people, this is the only standard they have in mind when doing things.

However, those who act based on "right" and "wrong" ultimately receive the label of being mediocre or overly rigid.

Because in this world, there is no absolute "right" or "wrong." What is considered right or wrong often depends on the person involved.

And as for the formidable figures, like the leader of the ‘Spirit Purging Cult’ from three thousand years ago, the honorable Spirit Purging Master, or the Demon Lord who once rampaged through the entire cultivation world, or even the Demon Ancestor who pushed cultivators to the brink ten thousand years ago, their standards were of a different kind.

It was simply—what I want to do, and what I don’t want to do.

That’s all.

They acted freely, without constraints, living carefree yet inevitably causing turmoil in the world.

That’s why they became formidable figures.

As for the so-called "heroes," their standards for action were quite different.

What I should do, and what I shouldn’t do.

It’s just as simple.

But sometimes, there’s only a thin line between a conqueror and a hero.

…

After the black clouds parted, Jiuhua Gate’s Supreme Protector Zhou Huahai appeared. The cultivators of Jiuhua Mountain who had just rushed back from Zhantai were all greatly astonished, and for a moment, there was a buzz of disbelief in their voices.

Wasn’t Zhou Huahai taken as a hostage by Zhang Hualing and left in Zhantai? How could he appear here now?

And what happened to Jiuhua Mountain’s protective array? Why are we engulfed in endless black fog?

What on earth happened at Jiuhua Mountain?

Faintly, a sense of foreboding grew in the confused hearts of these Jiuhua disciples and elders.

But Zhang Hualing didn’t seem surprised by Zhou Huahai’s appearance; he just gave Zhou Huahai a deep look, and Zhou Huahai met Zhang Hualing’s gaze without hesitation.

As the two locked eyes, the surrounding cultivators gradually stopped their surprised discussions and silently watched the two.

Time seemed to come to a standstill as they gazed at each other.

Perhaps just a moment passed, or maybe a long time, when Zhou Huahai seemed to realize something; his eyes flickered slightly before he looked away from Zhang Hualing.

"You finally came," Zhou Huahai said slowly, looking at the dark mist around him.

Hearing Zhou Huahai’s words, even the slowest disciples realized something was amiss.

In the past, as the Supreme Protector of Jiuhua Mountain, Zhou Huahai was in charge of the rewards, punishments, and training of all the lower-level disciples, making him the second most important person after Zhang Hualing on Jiuhua Mountain.

Although he held a high position and was usually stern and serious, Zhou Huahai was always very respectful toward Master of Jiuhua, Zhang Hualing. He would bow and greet him respectfully, calling him "sect leader senior brother," and was very careful about details of respect and rank. He would become even angrier than Zhang Hualing himself at any disrespectful behavior towards Zhang Hualing, handing out severe punishments.

So, Zhou Huahai’s respect and loyalty to Zhang Hualing was famous not only on Jiuhua Mountain but also throughout the entire cultivation world. Some ill-intentioned people even mockingly called Zhou Huahai "Zhang Hualing’s Loyal Dog."

At this moment, the so-called "loyal dog of Zhang Hualing" not only showed no respect towards Zhang Hualing, didn’t bow, but addressed him as "you" and spoke in a rather overbearing manner.

It’s no wonder the cultivators of Jiuhua Mountain felt something was off.

However, Zhang Hualing wasn’t the least bit upset by Zhou Huahai’s disrespect, just like he wasn’t surprised at Zhou Huahai’s sudden appearance. He simply nodded slightly and said, "Yes, I’m here. Have you been waiting long for this day?"

Looking at Zhang Hualing’s still calm face, Zhou Huahai felt a sudden wave of anger, much like a playwright who, after pouring their heart into a script, finds the actors are performing nothing as imagined.

Yet, Zhou Huahai quickly subdued his anger, the furious expression briefly flashed in his eyes and then returned to calmness, softly replying, "Yes, it’s been a long wait, three hundred and ninety-one years and two hundred and twenty days."

Upon hearing Zhou Huahai’s words, Zhang Hualing finally showed surprise, exclaiming, "I didn’t expect you were dissatisfied from the very first day I became Master of Jiuhua, nor did I realize how deep your dissatisfaction ran."

Three hundred and ninety-one years and two hundred and twenty days – for Zhou Huahai to remember the time so precisely speaks volumes about the depth of his resentment.

Seeing the surprised look on Zhang Hualing’s face should have made Zhou Huahai happy, yet upon hearing Zhang Hualing’s words, the anger Zhou Huahai had just barely managed to suppress flared up once again.

"Yes, ever since Master named you as the new sect leader of Jiuhua Mountain, I’ve been dissatisfied, extremely dissatisfied, even to the point of anger!" After saying this slowly, Zhou Huahai’s voice suddenly rose. "We entered the sect together; why are you the senior brother and I the junior? Later, when we began cultivating, my skills surpassed yours, my reputation among the juniors was higher, so why did the elders favor you? When Master secluded himself, wasn’t I the one managing everything at Jiuhua Mountain? Wasn’t every task I handled done perfectly? So why, in the end, did you become the sect leader while I was beneath you? Just because you could express some odd opinions that pleased Master? And so, after you became the sect leader, how could I be satisfied? How could I accept it? Tell me!"

As Zhou Huahai spoke, his emotions grew intensely agitated, his voice rising louder and louder. By the end of his roar, the endless black clouds within the "Nine Pole Array" quivered violently, and his usually dignified expression appeared twisted and ferocious.

It seemed as if the accumulated resentment of over three hundred and ninety years was about to be unleashed in this single outburst.

After the roar, Zhou Huahai’s emotions finally calmed once more, as if those words had convinced himself. His eyes met Zhang Hualing’s, and he spoke deliberately, "It’s been nearly four hundred years. I’ve endured long enough. Now, everything that once belonged to me, I will take back with my own hands."

When he said this, his expression was calm, his tone indifferent, but the bitterness contained within was far stronger than the previous outburst, chilling the hearts of all the cultivators from Jiuhua Mountain who listened.

Meanwhile, Zhang Hualing merely listened silently to Zhou Huahai’s roar. He neither contradicted nor grew angry; a quick flash of sorrow and regret flickered in his eyes.

Behind him, the Jiuhua elders and elite disciples of Jiuhua Mountain all looked shocked, even more so than when they first learned of the abnormalities on Huandao Island. During Zhou Huahai’s roar, they were unconscious of the tumultuous pain in their chests and stomachs caused by the power.

Zhou Huahai, once known as "Zhang Hualing’s loyal hound," now sought to contend for the position of sect leader with Zhang Hualing? For the cultivators of Jiuhua Mountain who were used to Zhou Huahai’s unwavering support for Zhang Hualing, this was the most unlikely event.

Yet now, this most unlikely event had finally occurred.

Perhaps, in this world, there is truly nothing that cannot happen. Some things may seem impossible only because the possibility lies hidden very deep, just like Zhou Huahai’s four hundred years of resentment towards Zhang Hualing.

Behind Zhang Hualing, some of the elders showed angry expressions upon hearing Zhou Huahai’s words. They were about to scold Zhou Huahai but swallowed their words when they saw his dark and crazy eyes.

Zhang Hualing remained silent for a moment and then finally spoke again.

"I always thought you betrayed me because your rigid nature couldn’t tolerate the patience I’ve shown over the centuries in managing Jiuhua Mountain. I never expected it to be because of this," Zhang Hualing sighed. "Now, I just want to ask you three things."

A hint of pride appeared on Zhou Huahai’s face as he said, "Do you want to ask why, despite being left on Zhantai, I am here now?"

Zhang Hualing shook his head and calmly replied, "No, the Zhou Huahai on Zhantai is just a double. I knew that long ago. Leaving them on Zhantai was to prevent them from suddenly attacking the innocent disciples at this crucial time."

Hearing Zhang Hualing’s words, Zhou Huahai’s face remained calm, but inside, he felt a storm of shock, sensing that things were slipping out of his control. His original confidence wavered, and he didn’t like this feeling.

But thinking about the arrangements he had made recently, Zhou Huahai regained his calm and asked solemnly, "You knew all along that the person on Zhantai was my double? And you also knew I would betray you?"

Zhang Hualing nodded slightly and said softly, "Not only that, but I’ve also figured out roughly what happened on Huandao Island. You collaborated with that person, right? Only that person could create a double so convincing that even I couldn’t tell. It seems after all these years, his research has made a significant breakthrough. Aren’t you afraid this will backfire on you?"

Zhou Huahai suppressed his inner shock and slowly asked, "How did you know I was working with that person?"

Zhang Hualing sighed and said, "Every time you discussed cooperation plans with that person’s representative outside Yangling Mountain near Jiuhua Mountain, I was hiding and watching. Naturally, I know all about these things."

A flicker of shock passed through Zhou Huahai’s eyes as he incredulously asked, "You knew everything? Then why didn’t you stop me all these years?"

Zhang Hualing said softly, "It was my mistake. I thought that although you wanted to overthrow me, it was only because you couldn’t stand the strategies I implemented at Jiuhua Mountain over the years. So, even though you would betray me, you would never harm the entire Jiuhua Mountain. Besides, after working together with you to manage Jiuhua Mountain for so many years, I was reluctant to take action against you. Also, although I knew you were cooperating with that person, I was unaware of the specific plans. It seemed better to keep the danger within the scope I knew instead of dealing with you prematurely and allowing that person to implement other plans I didn’t know about. That’s why I didn’t act against you for decades."

Zhang Hualing paused and then continued, "But the facts have shown that I was wrong. Due to my misjudgment and tolerance toward you, I’ve now placed Jiuhua Mountain in such great harm." At this point, a trace of sadness appeared on Zhang Hualing’s face, and he continued, "Junior Brother Zhou, let me advise you, you know how dangerous that person is. You’re using him, but isn’t he also using you? Collaborating with him is like negotiating with a tiger—there’s a very real chance he could control you and leave you unable to rise again."

As Zhang Hualing spoke, Zhou Huahai’s expression constantly fluctuated, seemingly showing a hint of regret. But ultimately, he slowly said, "It’s too late for words now. I’m determined to have Jiuhua Mountain. And as for that person, you don’t have to worry; I’ve already planned my countermeasures while working with him."

Zhou Huahai then locked his gaze onto Zhang Hualing’s eyes and continued, "Originally, I planned to trap you within the ‘Nine Pole Array’ until death, but considering our years of acquaintance, I felt you deserved a clearer end, so I couldn’t help but come out to see you one last time. I didn’t expect you to understand everything already."

With that, Zhou Huahai looked away again, saying, "You mentioned you had three questions. Go ahead and ask now. Once I answer, I’ll leave, but if you manage to survive in this ‘Nine Pole Array,’ I’ll wait for you at ‘Linghua Hall’."

After hearing Zhou Huahai’s words, Zhang Hualing simply nodded silently, without further attempts to persuade, as if he had given up hope, and asked, "First question: By doing this, even if you succeed, you’ll only end up with a tarnished and weakened Jiuhua Mountain, not to mention the loss of its status as a Holy Land. Have you considered these costs?"

Zhou Huahai chuckled lightly and replied nonchalantly, "Why does everyone underestimate my wisdom? Master did it, and now you do too. Do you think anything you can foresee, I wouldn’t have thought of? Don’t you know? Soon after you leave Zhantai, my substitute will blame everything that happened on Huandao Island on you. They’re now leading all the cultivators from Zhantai towards Jiuhua Mountain."

"By the time they arrive, you will likely already be dead, but that’s okay. That person has already prepared a substitute for you. Then, in front of all the world’s cultivators, my substitute will kill your substitute, creating a grand spectacle of righteousness. At that time, not only will I rightfully become the new sect leader of Jiuhua Mountain, but I will also silence all the gossip and preserve Jiuhua Mountain’s reputation. Naturally, the position of Holy Land will remain secure."

"As for the significant reduction in strength you mentioned, you know that person’s research has made great strides over the years. He has provided me with a method that can greatly increase the power of a low-level cultivator in a short time. By then, Jiuhua Mountain’s strength will not suffer any loss; it will grow significantly stronger. I won’t just become the sect leader of the Holy Land, but also the leader of the greatest sect in the world."

Seeing the hint of madness in Zhou Huahai’s face as he spoke, Zhang Hualing sighed once more but did not refute anything. He simply asked, "The second question, what have you done with the elders who remained on Jiuhua Mountain? Is the body of Junior Brother Ma on Huandao Island real? And I know Junior Brother Hou wouldn’t deceive me; why did he do that earlier?"

Zhou Huahai replied calmly, "Those who follow me will prosper, and those who oppose me will perish. Haven’t you heard this before? Those old folks who stayed at Jiuhua Mountain and supported me are doing well and have grown stronger. As for your loyal supporters, I’ve sent them all into the cycle of reincarnation. Old Ma Huaguang not only refused to accept me as the new sect leader but wanted to go to the Zhantai to complain about me to you, so I let him go. I don’t know if he ever managed to reach you. As for Junior Brother Hou, he was indeed loyal to you, but as the guardian elder, the ‘Nine Pole Array’ cannot do without him in the short term, so I had no choice but to use a ‘Mind Taking Technique’ to control him."

Hearing Zhou Huahai’s words, Zhang Hualing couldn’t help but flash a look of anger in his eyes, knowing that the elders left on Jiuhua Mountain must have suffered greatly, and the vitality Jiuhua Mountain had painstakingly restored over four hundred years was once again severely damaged. Thinking of this, Zhang Hualing’s lips moved slightly as if wanting to reprimand but ultimately held back, knowing that reprimand couldn’t solve anything at this point.

Zhang Hualing and Zhou Huahai, once the golden duo of Jiuhua Mountain, now could only have one remain starting from today.

"The final question, if you succeed in killing me this time, how do you plan to deal with them?" Zhang Hualing coldly asked, pointing at the elders and elite disciples behind him.

Hearing Zhang Hualing’s question, Zhou Huahai paused slightly and said, "I almost forgot about them if you hadn’t asked."

As he spoke, Zhou Huahai shifted his gaze to the Jiuhua elders and a group of elite disciples behind Zhang Hualing, and said slowly, "I can tell you very clearly that from today, I am the new sect leader of Jiuhua Mountain, and Zhang Hualing is destined to die today. Because I have now mastered the ‘Nine Pole Array,’ and you all know the power of the ‘Nine Pole Array.’ With your abilities, you cannot survive inside it. Now, you must consider carefully whether to follow me and become famous in the entire cultivation world, or to follow Zhang Hualing and end up without a burial place."

Upon saying this, Zhou Huahai gave a slight smile, waved his long sleeve, and a pile of black elixirs appeared in his hand. He then continued, "If you choose to follow me, come and take a ‘Sky Spiritual Pill’ from here and swallow it. I will then increase your power. If you decide to follow Zhang Hualing, stay where you are and wait quietly for the ‘Nine Pole Array’ to begin. I will give you ten seconds to decide."

After Zhou Huahai finished speaking, everyone finally snapped out of the shock from the conversation between Zhou Huahai and Zhang Hualing. Seeing Zhou Huahai’s cold gaze directed at them made the cultivators unable to believe that such a drastic change was really happening at Jiuhua Mountain.

Although cultivators do not dream, they felt as if they were in a dream, with everything seeming so unreal.

Especially Zhou Huahai’s apprentices, Li Yuhan and Sheng Yushan, who were even more incredulous than the others, looked between Zhou Huahai and Zhang Hualing with uncertain expressions.

But Zhou Huahai did not give them time to hesitate and began coldly counting, "Ten!"

No one moved, still frozen in shock.

"Nine!"

Still, no one moved.

"Eight!"

The cultivators finally reacted, and a slight commotion arose in the crowd, yet still, no one moved. People kept glancing back and forth between Zhou Huahai and Zhang Hualing, just like Sheng Yushan and Li Yuhan, their expressions filled with hesitation.

Meanwhile, Xu Qingfan in the crowd was also considering his own path.

The "Nine Pole Array," which has protected Jiuhua Mountain for thousands of years, is undeniably powerful. Even with the care of elders like Zhang Hualing, the hope of survival within it is extremely slim.

But betraying Zhang Hualing and siding with Zhou Huahai? Setting aside Zhou Huahai’s ruthless disregard for others, which Xu Qingfan despises, there’s no telling when he might be abandoned. Xu Qingfan is convinced that the "Sky Spiritual Pill" Zhou Huahai possesses is not for enhancing a cultivator’s power but likely a deadly poison to control the cultivators of Jiuhua Mountain.

If he turns to Zhou Huahai, he would become a puppet under his control, forced to do things he never wished to do, which is no different from dying.

Staying by Zhang Hualing’s side, relying on his strength and wisdom, still offers a slim chance of survival.

With these thoughts, Xu Qingfan’s gaze became firm. Feeling the questioning looks from Jin Qinghan and Lv Qingshang, Xu Qingfan slowly shook his head.

…

Still, no one moved.

"Three!" At this moment, Zhou Huahai’s voice already carried a hint of anger.

And just then, finally, someone swiftly flew towards Zhou Huahai, taking a black pill from his hand and swallowing it, then stood respectfully behind Zhou Huahai without daring to glance at Zhang Hualing.

This person’s actions seemed to trigger a chain reaction, with more and more people quickly approaching Zhou Huahai, taking the black pill and standing behind him, including some normally highly respected elders.

Suddenly, half of the disciples and elders behind Zhang Hualing were gone. But those who remained were steadfastly loyal to Zhang Hualing.

Zhang Hualing did not attempt to stop this, but his expression grew somewhat desolate.

"Two!"

As Zhou Huahai uttered this number, a highly respected elder from Jiuhua Mountain slowly stepped out from behind Zhang Hualing and walked towards Zhou Huahai.

Seeing this elder’s action, a slight smile appeared on Zhou Huahai’s face, while Zhang Hualing visibly trembled, highlighting the elder’s significance.

But just three steps away from Zhou Huahai, an unexpected change occurred.

"Traitor, die!" The elder suddenly emitted a powerful and dazzling golden light, and a golden dagger, under his control, swiftly stabbed toward Zhou Huahai!