Volume 4 Chapter 21

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Volume 4 Chapter 21: Anointment

And so, Xu Qingfan’s first magical power, "Wind of Desolation," was officially created. After a decade, Xu Qingfan finally stepped into the Condensed Core Stage, becoming a true Condensed Core Stage cultivator.

Xu Qingfan estimated that tomorrow, his companions, such as Jin Qinghan and Lv Qingshang, would once again gather at the peak of Jiuhua Mountain to congratulate him.

Seeing Liu Huaxiang’s aged yet gentle face, Xu Qingfan felt a slight stir in his heart and asked, "Martial Uncle Liu, with such deep understanding of the Heavenly Way, how many magical powers have you comprehended by now?"

Liu Huaxiang mentioned that Jiuhua’s top expert, Xiao Huazhe, had only comprehended five or six rules of the Heavenly Way to create five or six magical powers. Yet, Xu Qingfan always felt that the powers Liu Huaxiang created probably far surpassed Xiao Huazhe’s.

However, when Liu Huaxiang heard Xu Qingfan’s question, he only smiled slightly and said, "Instead of focusing on others, it’s better to work on yourself. In short, kid, you need to know you still have a long way to go."

Saying this, Liu Huaxiang turned and walked back to his room without lingering.

This was the first time Liu Huaxiang hadn’t answered Xu Qingfan’s question.

But Xu Qingfan felt that the mysterious smile on Liu Huaxiang’s face carried a hint of bitterness.

Watching Liu Huaxiang’s hunched figure gradually disappear into his thatched cottage, Xu Qingfan sighed softly, then gestured to Ting’er to return to her house, and he too began walking towards his own home.

The state he entered while creating his divine power was incredibly profound, and Xu Qingfan was eager to return to his house to experience it again.

…

On the mountainside of Jiuhua Mountain, Feng Qingtian, like other Core Formation cultivators of Jiuhua Mountain, felt a sense of connection when Xu Qingfan created his divine power. He no longer meditated but instead walked to the highest point of the Feng family’s old house as usual, silently gazing at the peak of Jiuhua Mountain.

His gaze seemed vacant, yet it appeared to pierce through the darkness, clearly reflecting Xu Qingfan’s figure in his eyes. He could even distinctly feel the waves of Phoenix Spirit Qi faintly emanating from the top of Jiuhua Mountain.

After a long time, when Xu Qingfan finished creating his divine power and the unusual phenomenon at the mountain’s peak gradually calmed down, Feng Qingtian murmured, "I didn’t expect Xu Qingfan to create his own divine power. Feng Qingtian, if you can’t even surpass Xu Qingfan, what ability do you have to seek revenge against Zhang Xusheng and Zhang Hualing? You still haven’t worked hard enough."

With that, Feng Qingtian did not linger and turned to walk deeper into the Feng family’s old house.

From Feng Qingtian’s tone, it seemed as if he had also created his own divine power by now.

However, when a cultivator creates divine power, it is often due to a celestial sense that causes disturbances sensed by cultivators at the Condensed Core Stage and above. Yet, how Feng Qingtian managed to create his divine power without anyone realizing remains unknown.

How many secrets are still hidden within the once-glorious Feng family?

…

Before the next day even arrived, as dawn began to break, Jin Qinghan Lv Qingshang and others rushed to the top of Jiuhua Mountain to congratulate Xu Qingfan. In the following days, apart from his routine of meditating and sensing the Heavenly Way, Xu Qingfan devoted all his remaining time to practicing and mastering the divine skill "Wind of Desolation," along with expanding and refining its new purposes.

For instance, Xu Qingfan had already mastered the three great secret techniques of the Feng family. Over these days, by building on the Feng family’s technique "Thunderbolt Thunder Fire," which can transform into Thunder Fire, he developed a technique that allows him to become Wind of Desolation. In this way, although the attack power is slightly less than "Thunderbolt Thunder Fire," when becoming Wind of Desolation, both speed and agility are greatly enhanced. More importantly, the wind is formless and without substance, so unlike "Thunderbolt Thunder Fire," it doesn’t suffer increased damage from water magic when in the form of Wind of Desolation.

Additionally, because Xu Qingfan grasped the divine wind skill, his already exceptional speed among cultivators increased dramatically. Now, it’s not that Xu Qingfan couldn’t enhance his speed further; rather, he found that when he unleashed his full speed, his reflexes struggled to keep up, showcasing just how fast he had become.

Once, Xu Qingfan had a sudden idea and asked Liu Huaxiang about his understanding of the Heavenly Way and the divine skills he had created, dreaming that by learning them, his understanding of the Heavenly Way would significantly increase, and he would gain seven or eight divine skills at once, becoming nearly unbeatable in the world.

But Liu Huaxiang merely replied calmly, "What I have understood is my Heavenly Way, and the divine skills I created are tailored to my situation and belong to me alone. You have your Heavenly Way, and the divine skills you create will differ greatly from mine due to your circumstances. How can you learn them?"

After a pause, Liu Huaxiang added, "Moreover, understanding is understanding; it can be experienced but not fully explained. Speaking of it turns it into dross, not true insight. There are no shortcuts in the matter of the Heavenly Way; one must rely on personal experience and knowledge to comprehend it."

Helpless, Xu Qingfan had no choice but to return to his room, somewhat dejected, to continue comprehending the Heavenly Way.

Another interesting thing happened. Maybe it was because Xu Qingfan’s mastery of the Heavenly Way inspired him. Just ten days after Xu Qingfan created his power, Jin Qinghan also understood the rules of "Unbreakable and Unstoppable," though no one knows what new power he created. When Xu Qingfan asked him, Jin Qinghan just smiled without saying a word.

In the blink of an eye, the three months Zhang Hualing mentioned had passed. On this day, a light streak appeared at the top of Jiuhua Mountain. When the light faded, it revealed Gongsun Huasa, Jiuhua’s new sect leader, who had come to inform Xu Qingfan that he must receive a special initiation.

The elder who would initiate Xu Qingfan was named Niu Hualian, skilled at the early Golden Core level. Although he could not compare to Xiao Huazhe, who initiated Jin Qinghan, or Zhou Huahai, who initiated Feng Qingtian, among the remaining elders forced to take the "Sky Spiritual Pill," Niu Hualian’s abilities were among the most advanced.

Led by Gongsun Huasa, Xu Qingfan flew towards an elegantly decorated cave on the side of Jiuhua Mountain.

"This is the place. You should go in yourself," Gongsun Huasa quietly said to Xu Qingfan, pointing at the cave.

Hearing Gongsun Huasa’s words, Xu Qingfan was surprised. He thought Gongsun Huasa would personally escort him to Elder Niu Hualian.

But looking at Gongsun Huasa, he seemed uncomfortable just standing outside the cave, as if he couldn’t get along with Elder Niu Hualian, even though he was merely at the entrance.

With no other choice, Xu Qingfan nodded in agreement and walked alone into the depths of the cave.

Gongsun Huasa seemed relieved. Once Xu Qingfan headed towards the cave, he transformed back into a streak of light and returned to Zhang Hualing to report.

Seeing this scene, Xu Qingfan nodded helplessly and was about to continue walking deeper into the cave when a young Jiuhua disciple suddenly approached him.

The young disciple came up to Xu Qingfan, bowed respectfully, and said, "Hello, Senior Brother Xu. My master has been waiting for you for a long time."

Xu Qingfan nodded and said solemnly, "Please, Junior Brother, lead the way."

The disciple nodded and then led the way into the depths of the cave, while Xu Qingfan followed him at a steady pace.

Before long, the young disciple brought Xu Qingfan into an elegant room, where more than ten people were waiting for him.

Among these people, there were young and old, fat and thin, each with a different appearance. The most noticeable was an elder sitting cross-legged in the middle of the group.

This elder was very tall, with a thick beard and hair, leopard-like eyes, and a bullish nose. Although his face was full of gloom at the moment, it couldn’t hide his natural imposing presence.

Xu Qingfan knew that the mighty elder before him should be Elder Niu Hualian, who was about to give him a blessing, and the people around him were clearly Niu Hualian’s direct disciples or inner circle. Though he was surprised that such a rugged person would design the cave so elegantly, he remained composed, bowed to Niu Hualian, and said, "Uncle Niu, I have arrived."

Niu Hualian looked up at Xu Qingfan and suddenly asked, "Ten years ago, there was a Jiuhua disciple who successfully reached Core Formation outside the ‘Jiuji Cave’. Was that Jiuhua disciple you?"

Xu Qingfan was momentarily taken aback, but still respectfully replied, "Reporting to Martial Uncle, it is indeed me."

Niu Hualian then asked, "About ten days ago, I sensed an unusual fluctuation at the top of Jiuhua Mountain, as if someone had comprehended the Heavenly Way and established their own power. Could that person be you?"

Xu Qingfan answered, "It was merely a fortunate coincidence for me."

Niu Hualian chuckled, "Opportunities abound in the world, and cultivators have long lifespans. In such a long life, who hasn’t had one or two opportunities? But few can seize them and turn them into achievements."

Saying this, Niu Hualian examined Xu Qingfan closely, then nodded and said, "It seems that Zhang Hualing finally did something right by having me pass my skill to you, without further delay."

However, Xu Qingfan was unaware that Elder Niu, among all the elders of Jiuhua, was the most openly opposed to Zhang Hualing. His bold nature often disapproved of Zhang Hualing’s policies as sect leader. Among the sixteen elders who took the "Sky Spiritual Pill," he was one of the few to voluntarily join Zhou Huahai, believing that with Zhou Huahai as the sect leader, Jiuhua would have a brighter future. However, he did not anticipate Zhou Huahai being manipulated by Zhang Xusheng, leading to severe losses for Jiuhua and his own life being cut short due to the "Sky Spiritual Pill." He had no choice but to pass his Spirit Qi, cultivated over nearly a thousand years, to the promising young disciple, Xu Qingfan.

As he spoke, Niu Hualian addressed the disciples surrounding him, "You all step outside now. I’m going to bestow my power upon Martial Nephew Xu."

Hearing Niu Hualian’s words, his disciples trembled, all knelt down before Niu Hualian, calling him master, as if trying to stop him from transferring his power to Xu Qingfan, because once the process was complete, it meant Niu Hualian would soon enter the cycle of reincarnation.

Yet Niu Hualian seemed unfazed, instead commanding, "When I tell you to leave, you leave. Stop acting like daughters. Out!"

Upon hearing Niu Hualian speak this way, his students felt helpless. They could only leave one by one, with sadness on their faces as they looked at Niu Hualian. It seems Niu Hualian, despite his rough nature, has truly won the hearts of his disciples.

To Xu Qingfan’s surprise, some of Niu Hualian’s students even glared at him angrily before leaving, as if he had forced their teacher into a corner.

Initially, Xu Qingfan wasn’t very keen on the initiation ceremony. In fact, if possible, he would prefer to advance through his own efforts, step by step, leaving more opportunities for other students.

Unfortunately, when Xu Qingfan mentioned this to the ever easy-going Liu Huaxiang, he was met with firm opposition. According to Liu Huaxiang, the current situation in the cultivation world is peculiar, with a catastrophic event occurring every 2800 years rapidly approaching. Xu Qingfan wouldn’t know when he could possibly break through by relying solely on his efforts. In these uncertain times, strengthening one’s powers by any means is the right course. Left with no choice, Xu Qingfan accepted the initiation but didn’t expect it to anger some of Niu Hualian’s disciples.

Naturally, Niu Hualian noticed his disciples’ expressions, so after they left the room, he turned to Xu Qingfan and said, "Qingheng and the others understand it’s not your fault regarding the initiation. They’re just caught up in the moment, they’ll be fine in a few days. I hope you won’t mind."

Xu Qingfan quickly replied, "I wouldn’t dare."

Niu Hualian, however, waved his hand and said, "In a few days, you’ll also take on the role of Elder Jiuhua. By then, we’ll hold the same position, so there’s no need for such formality."

Xu Qingfan responded, "Soon, we’ll both be Elders of Jiuhua, but for now, I’m just an ordinary disciple. Regardless of how my position changes, you’ll always be my Martial Uncle, and I should maintain the proper respect."

Niu Hualian nodded slightly and, changing the subject, asked, "Qingfan, if you accept my initiation, would you then be considered half a disciple of mine, inheriting my teachings?"

Xu Qingfan was slightly surprised and replied, "Yes."

Niu Hualian asked again, "Then, Martial Nephew Xu, can you agree to a request from me?"

Xu Qingfan said, "Martial Uncle, please tell me. As long as it’s within my capabilities, I will certainly agree."

Niu Hualian sighed slightly and asked instead, "Your previous master was Lu Huayan Martial Brother Lu, right?"

Xu Qingfan nodded in agreement.

Niu Hualian asked again, "Then when your master died, you should remember clearly everything Zhang Hualing did, right?"

Hearing Niu Hualian say this, Xu Qingfan immediately understood his meaning.

Fifty years ago, Xu Qingfan’s master, Lu Huayan, passed away. After Zhang Hualing paid his respects, he immediately claimed Lu Huayan’s estate for Jiuhua Mountain. Even Lu Huayan’s former residence was given to others. When Xu Qingfan and Yue Qingru refused to accept Zhang Hualing as their new master, they had nowhere to stay. Although Xu Qingfan now understands that Zhang Hualing did this to preserve the strength of Jiuhua Mountain as much as possible, at the time, Xu Qingfan hated him intensely.

And now, after Niu Hualian bestowed his knowledge to Xu Qingfan, he too will soon pass away, and Zhang Hualing will likely repeat his actions, seizing Niu Hualian’s treasures and gifting his discipleship to others.

Niu Hualian mentioned this to Xu Qingfan probably to have him protect his estate, dwelling, and disciples after his death.

Thinking of this, Xu Qingfan hesitantly said, "Martial Uncle Niu, I am of little influence and may not be able to persuade the Sect Master…"

But Niu Hualian waved his hand and said, "I don’t want you to protect my disciples and belongings. Things like the dwelling and its artifacts, you can’t take them with you when you die. If Zhang Hualing wants to reclaim them, let him. Helping Jiuhua is worth it. As for the disciples, it’s fine if they join others. No need to hinder their future."

At this point, Niu Hualian sighed slightly and continued, "However, most of my disciples have personalities like mine, very strong-willed. I fear they won’t be willing to join another and may end up alone on Jiuhua Mountain. If that happens, I ask you, Martial Nephew Xu, to assist them if you can."

From the start, when Xu Qingfan entered the room, Niu Hualian seemed relaxed and unconcerned about life and death, though his expression was somber. But it was only now, thinking about the future of his disciples, that he showed a hint of worry and attachment, a mark of a sincere person.

Hearing Niu Hualian speak in this way, Xu Qingfan was put at ease and respectfully bowed towards Niu Hualian, saying, "I will do my best to help my fellow disciples."

Niu Hualian appeared to sigh slightly in relief, then said to Xu Qingfan, "I have no more matters to attend to. Let us begin."

Under Niu Hualian’s guidance, Xu Qingfan sat cross-legged in front of Niu Hualian, closed his eyes, and focused his mind, guarding his Divine Sense. Suddenly, a powerful aura erupted from Niu Hualian, and his body floated upward, hovering above Xu Qingfan’s head. He then flipped upside down, aligning his head with Xu Qingfan’s, and Xu Qingfan felt a vast rush of Spirit Qi flow into his body.

This Spirit Qi was so immense, it was over twice as dense as the Spirit Qi in Xu Qingfan’s body. Although the ritual only transferred one-third of the Spirit Qi, being a Golden Core stage cultivator, even less than a third of Niu Hualian’s Spirit Qi was much denser than what Xu Qingfan himself had cultivated.

These streams of Spirit Qi divided into ten waves, each entering Xu Qingfan’s dantian. With each wave, the Spirit Qi would naturally seal itself.

Xu Qingfan knew that once he reached the required level and skill in the future, these seals would gradually be lifted and merge with the Spirit Qi he cultivated himself, thus making his progress more than twice as fast as other cultivators.

He didn’t know how long the empowerment lasted, but when Xu Qingfan awoke, he found everything had ended. Inside his dantian, there was an enormous amount of Spirit Qi that was sealed away. It was exactly the Spirit Qi transmitted to him by Niu Hualian.

Suddenly, Xu Qingfan remembered something, turned around, and saw Niu Hualian already fallen on the bed, his body rigid, face ashen, and lifeless.

Xu Qingfan stood up, bowed respectfully to the elder who had passed his powers to him, then straightened his body and quietly left the room.

Outside, Niu Hualian’s disciples had been waiting for some time. Upon seeing Xu Qingfan emerge, they rushed inside without asking questions.

"Master!"

Moments later, a series of pained cries echoed, as the disciples discovered their master had passed away.

Hearing these cries, Xu Qingfan sighed softly, recalling the pain he and Yue Qingru felt fifty years ago when Lu Huayan died. Yet he did not enter to comfort anyone, because he knew that when someone is truly mourning, comfort has no effect, so instead, he quietly walked away.

As for his promise to Niu Hualian, Xu Qingfan did not mention it to the disciples, but when it came time to lend a helping hand, Xu Qingfan would not hesitate.