Volume 4 Chapter 28

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Volume 4 Chapter 28: Lost Greatly

Even though the young elders were busy registering the magical items they were taking from Xu Qingfan, they all noticed Gongsun Huasa’s arrival and Zhang Hualing’s unusual behavior. Especially after seeing Zhang Hualing’s alarmed departure, they realized something big might have happened at Jiuhua Mountain. So when they saw Gongsun Huasa’s serious expression as he walked towards Xu Qingfan, they quickly made way for him.

As Xu Qingfan saw Gongsun Huasa’s solemn face, an intense feeling of foreboding suddenly arose in his heart.

Gongsun Huasa walked directly up to Xu Qingfan, moved his lips slightly, and transmitted a message, "I’ll take care of things here for now. You must return to the top of Jiuhua Mountain immediately."

Xu Qingfan asked, "Is something wrong?"

A hint of sorrow appeared on Gongsun Huasa’s face as he said with difficulty, "Li… Martial Brother Liu might not last much longer."

Upon hearing Gongsun Huasa’s words, Xu Qingfan was taken aback. Despite always prioritizing manners, he didn’t even greet Gongsun Huasa and the others before quickly running towards the exit of the secret vault, leaving the young elders stunned and confused, looking at each other.

…

While flying towards the top of Jiuhua Mountain, Xu Qingfan’s mind was in turmoil, unable to form any clear thoughts.

Just that morning, Liu Huaxiang had greeted him calmly. The night before, during meditation, Xu Qingfan had turned red with embarrassment from Liu Huaxiang’s teasing over an incident. Liu Huaxiang had promised to give him a gift once Xu Qingfan became the Deacon Elder of Jiuhua Mountain. It was all so clear…

But in just half a day, how could Liu Huaxiang not hold on any longer?

The unpredictability of fate—this was the only feeling in Xu Qingfan’s heart now.

Once, Xu Qingfan would see Liu Huaxiang waiting outside patiently each morning. His face covered in wrinkles, showing signs of aging day by day, until now, resembling something otherworldly and hunched over.

At that time, Xu Qingfan was very worried that the old man might suddenly disappear from his life one day.

However, even though the old man was visibly aging each day, he continued to live strong-willed. His hair had fallen out, his teeth were all gone, his face was covered with age spots and wrinkles, and his skin had a grayish tone. But whenever Xu Qingfan thought he wouldn’t withstand the passing of time, he’d find the old man standing in the early morning mist when he woke up, ready to teach him something, whether life skills, or mystical arts, or just setting up a chessboard with two cups of tea for them to share.

Amidst this continuous worry and reassurance, time slipped away day by day, and the old man repeatedly defeated Death, living on stubbornly, as if there were too many things in the world he couldn’t let go of.

Xu Qingfan, too, gradually became accustomed to the old man’s repeated victories over Death, and came to assume he would continue to triumph, until it became routine, until it became eternal.

People, of course, cannot defeat Death, even if they win for a while, a single unexpected loss would make all previous efforts in vain. Even for a cultivator, unless he truly reaches the legendary state of immortality.

Xu Qingfan knew this as well.

Despite knowing this, Xu Qingfan still held onto the hopeful illusion of an impossible, everlasting victory. Because Xu Qingfan could hardly imagine what his life would be like without the old man one day.

Although it was only less than thirty years, Xu Qingfan had grown accustomed to the old man waiting for him every morning, to his occasional laughter and scolding, to his raspy voice explaining the changes of life, the ways of the world, and to their endless debates where he repeatedly lost and continued to argue.

What would happen to Xu Qingfan’s life if one day, the old man was no longer there?

It’s not that life was completely devoid of joy, nor was it as unbearable as being better off dead—terms that seem to belong to the romances found in worldly novels, often used specifically for lovers. But a very important part of Xu Qingfan’s heart was destined to suddenly disappear, as if it had been gouged out in an instant, leaving only a bloody scar that he didn’t know when it would heal.

In his urgency, Xu Qingfan pushed his speed to the limit, dashing from the secret chamber to the peak of Jiuhua Mountain in less than the time it takes to brew a cup of tea.

However, Xu Qingfan had no time to marvel at the improvement in his skills and speed; he just swiftly ran towards the house where Liu Huaxiang was.

Outside the house, Ting’er and Little Green stood quietly waiting, with a hint of confusion on their faces.

Xu Qingfan had no time to ask questions. He pushed the door open and quickly went inside, only to find Zhang Hualing standing quietly beside the bed with a complex look on his face, while on the bed lay Liu Huaxiang, eyes gently closed, motionless, his face ashen and devoid of life.

Suddenly, Xu Qingfan realized that the elderly man lying quietly before him was the only elder left he could call family in this world.

Having grown accustomed or perhaps numb to grief, Xu Qingfan looked at the scene before him without overwhelming sorrow or tears streaming down his face; his expression unchanged, just a bit dazed.

Silently, he walked to the bedside and fixed his gaze on the departed elder, his heart suddenly becoming hollow.

…

Liu Huaxiang’s funeral was arranged at the top of Jiuhua Mountain, a place where he had lived for countless years.

The funeral was as cold and desolate as the snow and chilly winds of Jiuhua Mountain. Perhaps it was because Liu Huaxiang had been reclusive in life, or perhaps it was due to Zhang Hualing commanding all Jiuhua elders to remain in seclusion, so no one came to pay their respects.

Only Xu Qingfan, Ting’er, and Little Green, two people and one beast, kept vigil for the passing of the silent old man.

The seventh day is said to be the time when the soul of the deceased roams the human world. One wonders what Liu Huaxiang would think if he saw this scene?

Or perhaps, with Liu Huaxiang’s disposition, he would merely give a gentle smile.

During these seven days, besides keeping vigil for Liu Huaxiang, Xu Qingfan also set up the three institutes of Heaven, Earth, and Man for Jiuhua Mountain, arranged for more than nine hundred Jiuhua disciples who had lost their masters, assigned the seventeen young Jiuhua elders, excluding himself, to be teachers of the three institutes, and with his suggestion, Jiuhua now had a new officer—the Missionary Elder. When Zhang Hualing officially appointed him as head of the three institutes, he accepted without showing any emotion.

Everything seemed so calm, as if Xu Qingfan had not changed at all because of these events. Only those familiar with Xu Qingfan, like Jin Qinghan, noticed a hint of coldness appeared on his usually composed face.

After the seventh day, Xu Qingfan buried Liu Huaxiang in the Jiuhua Mountain ancestral tomb, poured a cup of tea before the grave, bowed three times, and then returned to the top of Jiuhua Mountain, entering Liu Huaxiang’s former cottage, quietly observing everything familiar yet strange.

Suddenly, Xu Qingfan’s expression shifted slightly, he turned around to find Zhang Hualing standing silently behind him, watching him.

"Sect Master." Xu Qingfan guessed the purpose of Zhang Hualing’s visit. Even though he understood, his tone remained indifferent.

Zhang Hualing observed the change in Xu Qingfan’s expression, showing a slight, unnoticed sense of relief on his face, which soon returned to indifference. He softly said, "Deacon Xu, the seven-day mourning period for Martial Brother Liu is over. We should reclaim this Herb Garden for Jiuhua. I hope you won’t mind."

Xu Qingfan gently nodded and said, "I understand, Master."

Zhang Hualing continued, "Once you’ve packed up, please move out. I’ve already arranged your new residence…"

But Xu Qingfan suddenly interrupted, saying, "There’s no need to trouble the sect leader about my residence. My original residence in the back mountain is fine—it’s quiet, and the Spirit Qi is abundant."

Zhang Hualing nodded and, seeing Xu Qingfan turning to leave, spoke again, "Deacon Xu, please wait a moment."

Xu Qingfan turned back and asked, "Is there anything else, Sect Master?"

Zhang Hualing suddenly pulled a letter and a crystal stone, the size of a fist, from his robe and handed them to Xu Qingfan, saying, "These were left for you by Martial Brother Liu."

Xu Qingfan was slightly startled, but then his expression returned to calm. After taking the items from Zhang Hualing, he bowed slightly and went back to his room with Ting’er to pack.

…

Watching Xu Qingfan quickly leave with Ting’er and Little Green, Zhang Hualing stood still at the top of Jiuhua Mountain, his expression complex.

After a long time, he suddenly asked, "Master, is it appropriate to do this? You’ve only taught him for less than thirty years. Can he meet your expectations?"

It seemed like he was asking himself, or perhaps questioning someone else.

After a while, an incredibly old voice suddenly reached his ears.

"Even though it’s been less than thirty years, I’ve taught him everything I could. The rest depends on his own experience and understanding. I can’t do more. Besides, if I don’t take this step, he will never reach the level I desire."

"I don’t understand, Master. Can you explain it clearly?"

The old voice replied again, "Do you remember my comments about Xu Qingfan’s flaws?"

Zhang Hualing said, "I remember, Master. Kind-hearted, indecisive, fanciful, and disinterested in mundane affairs."

"Over the past thirty years, although these weaknesses still exist, they have gradually started to improve. What he lacks is simply experience and insight. Yet, in these years, I have discovered two more flaws in him."

"Oh? What flaws?"

"He prefers to act passively and relies on others to solve problems. He is uncomfortable with solitude. Only by learning to be alone can he solve problems by himself. Only by learning to rely on himself can he gradually become proactive. As long as I’m around, he will unconsciously depend on me, and his character will never change. So I must leave, especially when the pressure builds on his shoulders. Besides, in recent years, my bodily functions have severely declined, and my time is running out. I won’t live much longer; it’s just that I’ll leave him a few years sooner."

"Master…"

"Don’t show too much emotion. If I don’t mind, why should you be sad? It’s also good to find some peace. I estimate that with my current condition, I have less than three years left to live. The ‘Soul Splitting Technique’ has harmed me more than I imagined. In these remaining three years, I’ll spend my time in the Herb Garden. Jiuhua Mountain is sealed, and nothing significant will happen in these three years, so you don’t need to come looking for me."

After Zhang Hualing’s heartfelt persuasion failed, he left with deep sadness. When only snow and cold winds remained on the peak of Jiuhua Mountain, the old voice spoke again, as if lamenting to the heavens or whispering to itself.

"For someone like me, a living ghost, it’s more fitting to depart this world in solitary peace."

Meanwhile, with a touch of chill, Xu Qingfan returned to the secluded cave dwelling he hadn’t visited in nearly thirty years, holding two relics of Liu Huaxiang.