Volume 4 Chapter 11

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Volume 4 Chapter 11: Preparation

If it had been Liu Huaxiang from five years ago, seeing the fruits of his life’s labor so easily destroyed by Xu Qingfan, he might not have been petty with Xu Qingfan given his status as a Mahayana Stage master, but a lesson would certainly have been in order.

However, at this moment, Liu Huaxiang was severely injured, constantly enduring the agony of a soul-tearing pain, facing a dire situation with little hope. As people often say, before death, they see things more clearly. Thus, Liu Huaxiang was only thinking about how to nurture a suitable successor for Jiuhua Mountain and help it survive the next calamity in the cultivation world. Therefore, after the initial anger subsided, he was not as disappointed as one might expect and had no intention of demanding that Xu Qingfan compensate him with the seeds of his exotic plants. He understood that even if Xu Qingfan could gather those seeds, he didn’t have time to wait for them to grow.

So, Liu Huaxiang simply sighed quietly, checked on the situation in Xu Qingfan’s hut, and from the change in the barrier, realized Xu Qingfan was in seclusion again, showing that his first attempt to merge with the Wutong branch hadn’t succeeded. He nodded slightly, calmed Ting’er, who had been startled awake by his previous screams (as per custom, to hide that secret tunnel, he had used his powers to render Ting’er unconscious upon returning to the mountain), and then went to "Linghua Hall" to find Zhang Hualing.

He intended to inform Zhang Hualing of the strange happenings outside the mountain over the years and everything unusual he had discovered, urging Zhang Hualing to prepare more.

From his observations over the years of the changes in the cultivation world outside the mountain and even in the mortal realm, Liu Huaxiang felt that the impending calamity in the cultivation world might be more complex than he previously imagined. If the calamity erupted, the dangers would likely surpass those of previous ones.

…

During Xu Qingfan’s second retreat, time flowed silently like a river, eroding all that it touched. Everything subtly changed in the face of time.

Unnoticed, five years had passed since Xu Qingfan went into seclusion again.

Over these five years, the world outside Jiuhua Mountain remained chaotic, with the cultivation world in turmoil. In the world of cultivation, various sects mysteriously vanished overnight, while the power and influence of the "Eight Wilderness Hall" kept growing, subtly surpassing the six great Holy Lands. Despite their desire to suppress this rise, the six Holy Lands found themselves powerless due to the isolation of Jiuhua Mountain and the ambiguous stances of Liuhe Gate and Qingxu Gate. Meanwhile, in the ordinary world, wars expanded in scale, leading to countless deaths.

Amidst this backdrop, a significant event was about to unfold at Jiuhua Mountain.

This event was the impending emergence of the young elite of Jiuhua, who had been cultivating in seclusion within the "Jiuji Cave."

During this period of seclusion, how many of these thirty-three elite disciples, seen as the future hope of Jiuhua Mountain, would reach the Condensed Core Stage? How many would require a second or even third retreat to achieve this stage? Among those who reached the Condensed Core Stage, which elder would they receive the sacred teachings from? Remember, receiving guidance from Xiao Huazhe, Jiuhua’s top master, is vastly different from the teachings of other elders.

Even those who usually paid no mind to worldly affairs on Jiuhua Mountain held great expectations for this.

At the summit of Jiuhua Mountain, Liu Huaxiang, however, had another concern—his observations suggested that Xu Qingfan’s second period of seclusion was about to conclude.

On this day, abnormal grey clouds loomed over Jiuhua Mountain, making the air feel oppressed and cool, as if a heavy rainstorm was imminent.

Yet, the summit of Jiuhua Mountain remained shrouded in a scarlet glow, with scorching temperatures and dry air. Despite Liu Huaxiang’s diligent care, many resilient plants withered during Xu Qingfan’s second seclusion.

At this moment, Liu Huaxiang couldn’t afford to lament over them. Instead, he stood quietly with Ting’er and Little Green outside Xu Qingfan’s hut, seemingly waiting for something. Even with Liu Huaxiang’s elevated cultivation rank, he felt an unexpected hint of nervousness.

Suddenly, the red light at the top of Jiuhua Mountain began to ripple like flowing water, then quickly moved with the heat in the air towards the grass hut where Xu Qingfan was, as if the red light were flowing rivers and Xu Qingfan’s hut were the vast ocean gathering all the waters.

In an instant, the red glow and heat that filled the air quickly vanished, while a phoenix’s cry, seemingly able to shake one’s soul, suddenly echoed from Xu Qingfan’s hut. Following this, a powerful aura burst forth from the hut.

This aura was so powerful that even Little Green, who had the strength of an advanced Lingji Stage cultivator, couldn’t help but step back in its presence.

Could it be that, after the second seclusion, Xu Qingfan has successfully merged with the "Wutong branch" and reached the Condensed Core Stage?

This thought quickly flashed through Liu Huaxiang’s mind, but after using his Divine Sense, he sighed slightly. He discovered that although Xu Qingfan had indeed fully integrated with the "Wutong branch" after two training sessions and his power had greatly increased, he hadn’t formed the Core successfully. His cultivation was higher than the late Lingji Stage, but still far from the Condensed Core Stage.

"It seems I’ll really need to use the secret technique on Qingfan."

Liu Huaxiang thought to himself.

Almost at the same time as Liu Huaxiang sighed, the powerful aura inside the hut suddenly withdrew, and a sigh similar to Liu Huaxiang’s of regret was heard. Then, the door of the hut opened on its own, and Xu Qingfan walked out slowly.

At that moment, Xu Qingfan’s long hair flowed freely; though his face hadn’t changed, those who looked at him felt his features were incredibly ethereal, as if he was shrouded in mist. Only the phoenix pattern at the corner of his eye appeared vividly clear and lifelike, as if it might take flight from Xu Qingfan’s face at any moment.

In Xu Qingfan’s usually calm eyes, a sharp glint occasionally flashed, a result of the sudden increase in Spirit Qi within him, to which he was not yet accustomed, thus unable to effectively restrain it.

After stepping out of the grass hut, Xu Qingfan did not greet Liu Huaxiang and Ting’er. Instead, he instinctively looked toward a certain spot on Jiuhua Mountain.

Liu Huaxiang also keenly noticed that at the location Xu Qingfan was focusing on, several extremely powerful auras suddenly erupted, even stronger than Xu Qingfan by a considerable margin.

…

Elsewhere on Jiuhua Mountain, Zhang Hualing was quietly waiting with a group of elder disciples. Surprisingly, Zhou Huahai, who betrayed Jiuhua Mountain ten years ago and was used by Zhang Xusheng, was standing behind Zhang Hualing, gazing at the empty space with a complex expression.

Suddenly, the air in front of them began to ripple violently, and then a black hole materialized in the previously empty air. From it, dozens of figures swiftly emerged—those were the thirty-three elite disciples and seventeen Jiuhua elders who had entered "Jiuji Cave" for training.

Among them, both disciples and elders appeared utterly exhausted. Although cultivation within "Jiuji Cave" was swift, the risks and hardships were unimaginable to the average person. Over the past ten years, almost every one of the thirty-three elite disciples experienced multiple instances of Qi deviation. If not for the timely assistance of the Jiuhua elders, it would have been fortunate for even ten of them to return safely.

Within the group, several young disciples stood out prominently. Their aura was no less than some elders around them. They were Feng Qingtian, Jin Qinghan, Lv Qingshang, Li Yuhan, Sheng Yushan, Dongfang Qingling, Wang Qingfeng, and a middle-aged man with a weathered face.

These eight were the elite disciples among the thirty-three, who, after ten years of seclusion and training in "Jiuji Cave," successfully reached the Condensed Core Stage.

The other twenty-five disciples, although they haven’t reached the Condensed Core Stage, have clearly shown increased confidence, indicating their power has grown considerably. Perhaps after retreating in the "Jiuji Cave" once or twice, they may also achieve the Condensed Core Stage.

Among everyone, Feng Qingtian emerged from the "Jiuji Cave" without even glancing at Zhang Hualing and the others waiting for him, instead, he was drawn to gaze at the peak of Jiuhua Mountain.

"I didn’t expect his cultivation to have risen so high already. Although he hasn’t reached the Condensed Core Stage, he’s not far from it. I’ve only reached the Condensed Core Stage through arduous training in the ‘Jiuji Cave.’ I wonder what kind of serendipity he encountered to advance so quickly in his cultivation. Ah, it must be because he merged the ‘Spirit Purging Sutra’ with the ‘Wutong branch.’"

Feng Qingtian thought to himself.

Ever since those two strange events, a mysterious bond has developed between Feng Qingtian and Xu Qingfan, both physically and spiritually. Even when apart, they can clearly sense each other’s location and state, and sometimes even have a vague understanding of each other’s thoughts and feelings, which is remarkably wondrous.

Just then, Zhang Hualing’s voice suddenly broke through Feng Qingtian’s thoughts.

"Feng Qingtian, Jin Qinghan, Lv Qingshang, Dongfang Qingling, Wang Qingfeng, Li Qingxian, Li Yuhan, Sheng Yushan, you eight have advanced to the Condensed Core Stage after enduring the trials of the ‘Jiuji Cave,’ becoming masters of the cultivation world and the future hope of Jiuhua Mountain. Next, six elders will each perform the Grand Empowerment Technique on you to further enhance your powers. We hope that with your increased strength, you will do your utmost to assist Jiuhua Mountain and give it your all. Do you understand?"

"Yes, we understand," Feng Qingtian and the others replied in unison.

Then, Zhang Hualing sighed lightly and slowly said, "Next, I will explain the arrangement for the empowerment."

The initiation not only meant that the six disciples would greatly increase their power, but it also implied that six Jiuhua elders were about to leave this world.

Collecting his thoughts, Zhang Hualing continued, "You must all be tired after this period of seclusion, so the next three months will be your time to rest. After three months, you will collectively receive the initiation. Feng Qingtian, you will receive initiation from Brother Zhou, Zhou Huahai’s junior, and Jin Qinghan, you will receive initiation from Elder Xiao Huazhe Xiao. Lv Qingshang, you will receive initiation from Elder Liu…"

The eight elders Zhang Hualing mentioned were the top-level elders who had taken the "Sky Spiritual Pill."

After arranging the initiations, Zhang Hualing paused and said to the other twenty-five elite disciples, "Since there are not many spirit stones left in the mountain, aside from maintaining the normal operation of the ‘Nine Pole Array,’ there’s only enough to open the ‘Jiuji Cave’ once more. So I hope you won’t waste the next opportunity and strive to reach the Condensed Core Stage after the next seclusion. Among you, the first nine to reach the Condensed Core Stage will receive initiation from the remaining nine elders. You should also be aware that these elders do not have much time left. The next opening of the ‘Jiuji Cave’ will be in one year."

Turning to the eight Condensed Core Stage disciples, Zhang Hualing said, "One year later, after receiving the initiation, you must continue training in the ‘Jiuji Cave’ to further enhance your skills. This time, however, no one will protect you. If you can come out of the ‘Jiuji Cave’ safely next time, I will grant you the position of Jiuhua elder. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Master," the disciple replied.

The thirty-three elite disciples responded in unison.

Zhang Hualing waved his hand and said, "Then go and rest."

As the disciples went away, Zhou Huahai, standing behind Zhang Hualing, hesitated and cautiously asked, "Senior sect leader, are we really going to initiate Feng Qingtian? You must know that they are from the Feng family, and if they find out about the events of two hundred years ago, then…"

Then another elder spoke in a strange tone, "Oh… Brother Zhou, you’re actually concerned about our Jiuhua’s matters? Are you afraid Feng Qingtian will betray us, or are you worried that after your initiation, you might not have long to live?"

This elder previously took the "Sky Spiritual Pill" because of Zhou Huahai, and saw his life’s cultivation drained away and his life at risk. Helpless, he could only perform initiation for the younger generation of Jiuhua disciples. He held a grudge against Zhou Huahai in his heart and, even though he shared similar concerns as Zhou Huahai, couldn’t help but retort after hearing Zhou Huahai speak.

When Zhou Huahai heard the elder’s sarcastic remark, his eyes flashed with anger. But in a moment of reflection, he seemed to remember his current status and past actions, so he merely sighed softly and said nothing more.

Zhang Hualing remained silent for a long time before slowly saying, "Feng Qingtian, as the foremost disciple of Jiuhua’s ‘Qing’ generation, is exceptionally gifted and destined for great achievements in the future, no cause for regret. As for the events two hundred years ago, if we do not speak of them, who else will know?"

Upon hearing Zhang Hualing speak this way, the other elders nodded silently.

…

As Feng Qingtian withdrew his gaze, Xu Qingfan also pulled back his gaze and began to carefully observe the two people and one beast before him.

"Ting’er has grown, she’s become a young lady now, even I couldn’t recognize her at first glance. This girl truly is a cultivation genius not inferior to Feng Qingtian. Although I don’t know how long I’ve been in seclusion this time, it surely hasn’t been more than fifteen years, yet I didn’t expect she’s already in the middle stage of the Inedia Stage. Aside from her own exceptional talent, being personally guided by Martial Uncle Liu must have benefited her greatly too."

"I wonder how many Spiritual Herbs Little Green has consumed over the years; compared to before my seclusion, its power has grown significantly. I suppose it has undergone another evolution? I wonder what it will turn into if it keeps evolving like this."

Xu Qingfan thought quietly to himself.

When Xu Qingfan turned his gaze to Liu Huaxiang, he was greatly surprised. Liu Huaxiang had already appeared quite old after the Jiuhua chaos ten years ago, but now he looked even more aged than the last time Xu Qingfan saw him. Not to mention his noticeably hunched figure and completely lost hair and teeth, his face was covered in wrinkles and age spots. Xu Qingfan could clearly sense the life force quickly fading from this elder.

"Martial Uncle Liu…"

Xu Qingfan walked up to Liu Huaxiang and murmured, feeling a deep sadness in his heart. Seeing Liu Huaxiang’s appearance now, he understood that during the Zhang Xusheng chaos, this elder had suffered injuries that couldn’t heal, and perhaps he didn’t have much time left.

Liu Huaxiang seemed to have anticipated Xu Qingfan’s thoughts and waved his hand to interrupt what Xu Qingfan was about to say, smiling as he asked, "Young one, you’ve fully merged with the ‘Wutong branch,’ but it hasn’t helped you reach the Condensed Core Stage. Now, are you ready for me to use the secret technique on you?"

Hearing Liu Huaxiang’s question, Xu Qingfan paused for a moment, feeling warmth flowing through his heart. He bowed deeply and respectfully said, "Martial Uncle, I am ready. You can use the secret technique on me anytime."

Liu Huaxiang confirmed, "No matter success or failure, life or death, there’s no turning back?"

Xu Qingfan replied solemnly, "No matter success or failure, life or death, there’s no turning back!"

Hearing Xu Qingfan say this, Liu Huaxiang nodded in satisfaction, then laughed and said, "Don’t get too excited. Although I’ve prepared the materials needed for the secret technique over the years, there are still many preparations to complete before it can be performed. You may have to wait a few more months. During these months, you must keep your mindset and body in the best condition at all times. Do you understand?"

From beginning to end, Liu Huaxiang kept talking about Xu Qingfan’s condition, without mentioning his own health even once.

Xu Qingfan nodded in reply and then asked worriedly, "Martial Uncle Liu, how is your health…?"

Liu Huaxiang chuckled and said, "Fate is determined by the heavens. How my health is, has already been decided. You’re not the heavens, so why worry about it?"

Despite the carefree nature of his words, Liu Huaxiang’s demeanor seemed less like an experienced cultivator and more like a superstitious old man nearing the end of his life. Yet to Xu Qingfan, it felt genuine and sincere.

Then, pointing to Ting’er, Liu Huaxiang said to Xu Qingfan, "Ting’er has changed a lot in these two years. She was already taller than me five years ago. You haven’t seen each other for ten years, so take some time to catch up."

Hearing Liu Huaxiang say this, Xu Qingfan realized that his two times in seclusion had taken ten years. He couldn’t help but feel the impulse to remark on how time flies like water and the years pass swiftly, just like how time seems to vanish in the mountains and cultivating seems timeless.

As he spoke, Liu Huaxiang didn’t wait for Xu Qingfan to persuade him to stay and simply walked away into the distance.

Watching Liu Huaxiang’s hunched back and unsteady steps, Xu Qingfan felt a wave of sadness.

After a sigh, Xu Qingfan turned to Ting’er and smiled gently, "Have you been well these past years, Ting’er?"

Since Xu Qingfan stepped out of the straw hut, Ting’er had been watching him intently. When she heard Xu Qingfan’s question, she nodded obediently, then continued to watch him, lost in thought.

…

In the days that followed, Xu Qingfan returned to a leisurely life—reading, sipping tea, helping Liu Huaxiang cultivate various rare flowers and plants (dozens of times a day, treated like a laborer), teaching Ting’er the art of cultivation (though some of his views were severely criticized by Liu Huaxiang, who called them misleading, resulting in Liu Huaxiang teaching both Xu Qingfan and Ting’er, while Xu Qingfan resigning to teaching Ting’er how to read), and amusing Little Green (who either roared at Xu Qingfan or ran to hide behind Ting’er for protection).

Cultivation, rest, cultivation, rest.

Over the years, Xu Qingfan’s life became so full of routine, but often a routine life means a dull one. Yet, Xu Qingfan, being a rather dull and bookish person, found joy in such a life.

Cultivation was his dream and goal, and enjoying books, tea, and the company of Ting’er and Liu Huaxiang were what Xu Qingfan delighted in.

During this time, Xu Qingfan thought about going down the mountain to chat with friends like Jin Qinghan and Lv Qingshang, but Liu Huaxiang mentioned that they were exhausted from leaving the "Jiuji Cave" and were preparing for initiation, so Xu Qingfan dismissed the idea and continued his monotonous life.

Despite just one or two months passing, Xu Qingfan witnessed Ting’er’s incredible progress under Liu Huaxiang’s guidance. Her astounding talent fully emerged; she mastered any technique as soon as she learned it.

To test just how exceptional Ting’er’s talent was, Xu Qingfan, momentarily forgetting his promise to Feng Qingtian, taught her the first technique of the Feng family’s three secret arts, "Flame Phoenix." Astonishingly, Ting’er mastered it in just over ten days. Though she summoned a black "Inferno Phoenix," her adeptness in execution was no less than Xu Qingfan’s. Even though it was the simplest among the three arts, it left Xu Qingfan secretly amazed.

(In truth, before learning the three great secrets of the Feng family from Feng Qingtian, the Flame Phoenix that was performed wasn’t authentic. It was merely a natural transformation formed by the phoenix spirit within the ‘Wutong branch’, having only its form but missing its essence.)

Liu Huaxiang spent most of his time preparing to use that secret technique. For example, he made spirit pills with strange energy fluctuations using spiritual herbs he had collected over the years, along with some blood-red potions, or set up peculiar formations with materials even Xu Qingfan rarely understood.

What Xu Qingfan didn’t know was that Liu Huaxiang used the blood and unjust souls of no fewer than ten thousand people when setting up these formations and making those spirit pills and potions. He didn’t explain this to avoid resistance in Xu Qingfan’s heart and to keep Xu Qingfan calm and natural while undergoing transformation from the secret technique.

During his free time from setting formations, Liu Huaxiang would also discuss the current changes in the cultivation world and the mortal realm with Xu Qingfan. He would use these opportunities to teach Xu Qingfan the perspectives and responses a sect leader should have, subtly aiming to change the weaknesses in Xu Qingfan’s character.

However, Xu Qingfan’s immaturity on some viewpoints exceeded Liu Huaxiang’s expectations, so they often debated over certain views. Although it seemed like neither could convince the other, Xu Qingfan did mature a bit and learned about making necessary choices at crucial times.