Volume 4 Chapter 54

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Volume 4 Chapter 54: Spying

"I am Qingxu Liu Ziqing, requesting to meet Taoist Friend Xu. May I see him?"

Hearing the voice outside, Xu Qingfan awakened from his meditation, slowly opened his eyes, a hint of seriousness flashing across them.

"Liu Ziqing? The one who quietly controls the ‘Qingxu Gate’? Although I’ve always been curious about him, isn’t it too soon to meet him without any preparation?"

Even though he thought this, Xu Qingfan still stood up from his bed as soon as the gentle voice faded, walked quickly to the door, and opened it.

Based on the information Xu Qingfan had, this Liu Ziqing was definitely not a simple person. The changes in Qingxu Gate over the years were subtly controlled by him. So without thorough preparation, Xu Qingfan wasn’t sure he could meet him without leaving any flaws. But since Liu Ziqing personally came to request a meeting, Xu Qingfan couldn’t refuse.

Opening the door, he saw a man in white quietly waiting outside. The man appeared to be around thirty years old, with delicate features and a calm expression. His eyes were as deep as the sea, and he held a purple folding fan in his hand, toying with it, opening and closing it in a peculiar rhythm. He embodied a free-spirited yet steady demeanor, cultured yet reserved, which naturally made one feel favorable upon seeing him.

Xu Qingfan knew that this man in white must be Liu Ziqing. In terms of charisma, Liu Ziqing was second only to Zhang Xusheng, whom Xu Qingfan had previously met.

"So it was Elder Liu who has graced us with your presence, it is truly an honor."

After taking a quick look at Liu Ziqing, Xu Qingfan promptly clasped his hands and spoke.

As Xu Qingfan was observing Liu Ziqing, Liu Ziqing was also subtly observing Xu Qingfan. His eyes, which were originally calm, fluctuated as if his mind was stirred, but in a moment, he regained his composure. With a gentle laugh, he said to Xu Qingfan, "’Elder’ is too much of a title for me to bear. Since Taoist Friend Xu is a rogue cultivator, the seniority of my ‘Qingxu Gate’ need not concern you. Besides, I was only taken in as the final disciple by Immortal Zizhen four hundred years ago. In terms of cultivation time, I’m not much more advanced than Taoist Friend Xu, so it’s better if we consider each other equals."

Hearing Liu Ziqing’s words, Xu Qingfan was secretly astonished, never having expected that Liu Ziqing was Immortal Zizhen’s final disciple. This detail was not mentioned in the Jiuhua Gate’s records or by Zhang Pei Dai Guan. It was known that while Immortal Zizhen did have many registered disciples at Qingxu, there were no indoor disciples. As for direct disciples, Xu Qingfan knew of only one, Qinglingzi. The title "final disciple" meant not only that Liu Ziqing was Immortal Zizhen’s last disciple but also proved he was Immortal Zizhen’s direct disciple.

Based on Xu Qingfan’s judgment, Qinglingzi was undoubtedly imprisoned, and there was a high possibility that Immortal Zizhen was trapped and unable to leave his secluded retreat; otherwise, he would have already appeared. Yet Liu Ziqing played an extremely important role from beginning to end.

Then, what reason could Liu Ziqing have had to go through so much trouble to either imprison or confine his senior brother and master? After all, it did him no good.

This thought flashed briefly in Xu Qingfan’s mind, but he didn’t show any sign of it on his face; instead, he laughed heartily and said, "In that case, I’ll humbly accept."

With that, Xu Qingfan promptly stepped aside to let Liu Ziqing enter the room and take a seat.

After Liu Ziqing entered first, Xu Qingfan followed behind him, his expression reflecting a serious demeanor.

Xu Qingfan knew that the moment he accepted Xuan Ling’s invitation, he was like walking on a tightrope; one misstep could lead to complete disaster. For "Qingxu Gate," sacrificing an unknown rogue cultivator like him wouldn’t be a problem if it meant preserving their reputation. And the sudden disappearance of a rogue cultivator like Xu Qingfan wouldn’t cause any waves in the entire cultivation world.

The current issue is that during Xu Qingfan’s visit to "Qingxu Gate," he didn’t reveal any flaws. Hence, the people of "Qingxu Gate" are merely suspicious of him. They hesitate to act rashly, as they don’t understand Xu Qingfan’s background or if anyone is guiding him. Yet, if Xu Qingfan slips up, it’s likely that many from Qingxu Gate will soon come to capture him, leaving Xu Qingfan with no escape.

Liu Ziqing, according to Dai Guan Zhang Pei’s previous words, is said to be the most strategic person in "Qingxu Gate." While this might be an exaggeration, Liu Ziqing’s visit undoubtedly presents the toughest challenge for Xu Qingfan at "Qingxu Gate." Although Xu Qingfan was mentally prepared for such a challenge, he didn’t expect it to come so swiftly.

"From now on, I must imagine myself as a rogue cultivator who has never seen the world and must not reveal any weaknesses."

Xu Qingfan thought to himself silently.

While Xu Qingfan was pondering quietly, Liu Ziqing had already entered the guest room and taken a seat first. Xu Qingfan quickly gathered his emotions, placed a calm smile on his face, and slowly sat down across from Liu Ziqing.

After Xu Qingfan sat down, Liu Ziqing spoke first, "I heard from Brother Xuan Ling that during the ‘Qingxu Preach,’ he met a master among rogue cultivators whose cultivation methods are so unique that few in the cultivation world can match. Out of curiosity, I couldn’t resist coming to visit. I hope Taoist Friend Xu doesn’t mind my intrusion?"

Xu Qingfan laughed, "How could I mind? I’ve been in retreat in the Southern Wasteland for many years and have just entered the cultivation world, eager to make new friends. I’m delighted that Taoist Friend Liu came looking for me."

Hearing Xu Qingfan’s response, Liu Ziqing seemed very pleased, his smile growing wider as he played with a purple folding fan in his hand. Moments later, he suddenly asked, "Earlier, I happened to run into Dai Guan Zhang Pei’s juniors, and they mentioned that Taoist Friend Xu seemed very interested in me while asking about ‘Qingxu Gate.’ You asked the most questions about me, it seemed."

"So, it was him who instructed Zhang Pei to reveal Qingxu’s secrets? No wonder, it’s indeed the easiest way to expose my flaws, it’s just that ordinary people don’t dare to use it carelessly. I suppose the previous probe increased my suspicion, and now Liu Ziqing is coming to make the final confirmation, right? It seems I need to handle this more cautiously," Xu Qingfan thought to himself.

Even though Xu Qingfan was thinking this, he maintained a calm expression and didn’t deny anything. He simply replied, "Indeed, during the ‘Qingxu Preach’, I heard some cultivator friends mention the ‘Qingxu Gate’. Everyone talked about how remarkable Xuan Ling and Huanlingzi were, but rarely mentioned Taoist Friend Liu. However, when Zhang Pei and Dai Guan introduced Taoist Friend Liu, they praised him highly, placing him almost on par with Xuan Ling and Huanlingzi. I couldn’t help but be curious, so I hope Taoist Friend Liu won’t mind."

Xu Qingfan knew the two major flaws he had made earlier.

One was during the "Qingxu Preach" when he suddenly mentioned Immortal Zizhen to Xuan Ling without much thought. Although he created many lies, they were unverifiable, which is often the easiest way to arouse suspicion. More importantly, Xu Qingfan claimed he wanted to express gratitude to Immortal Zizhen, but after learning that Immortal Zizhen was in seclusion, he never mentioned it again. Generally, he should have asked Xuan Ling to convey his thanks on his behalf. Unfortunately, Xu Qingfan’s mind was preoccupied with Xuan Ling’s thoughts at that time, causing him to overlook this, and now he regrets it deeply.

The second flaw was being tricked by Liu Ziqing not long ago. Zhang Pei deliberately spoke too much, making Xu Qingfan’s interest in Qingxu’s secrets seem much greater than that of ordinary visiting cultivators, giving an impression of ulterior motives.

So during this conversation with Liu Ziqing, Xu Qingfan needs to not only handle Liu Ziqing’s probing without revealing flaws but also cover his previous mistakes seamlessly. For Xu Qingfan, who isn’t skilled in intrigue, this is as mentally exhausting as breaking through to the Real Golden Core Stage.

Just now, Xu Qingfan attributed his second flaw to curiosity. Although this explanation may not seem very credible, it at least provided some reasoning, reducing the suspicion Liu Ziqing had towards him.

Hearing Xu Qingfan’s words, Liu Ziqing chuckled lightly and continued to fan himself. His expression showed neither belief nor doubt, and he simply said, "I see, but those are just rumors. Xuan Ling and Huanlingzi reached the Golden Core Stage when I started cultivating, and their power must be greater now. I’ve only just barely reached the late stage of the Real Golden Core Stage, so how could I compare to them?"

Xu Qingfan replied with a smile, "How could that be? Taoist Friend Liu’s brilliance is unmatched in my life, truly a world-class figure. As for cultivation, Taoist Friend Liu has been cultivating for a shorter time, and I believe it won’t be long before you reach the Golden Core Stage, too. Besides, if Senior Brother Liu feels insecure at the late stage of the Real Golden Core Stage, then how should I feel at the middle stage of the Fake Golden Core Stage?"

Liu Ziqing solemnly shook his head and slowly said, "If we’re talking about charisma, I met someone long ago who surpasses even me."

Upon hearing Liu Ziqing’s words, Xu Qingfan, for some reason, suddenly thought of Zhang Xusheng. Yet, knowing Liu Ziqing’s status, he was sure they wouldn’t know each other. With curiosity, he asked, "Oh? There’s someone whose charisma surpasses Taoist Friend Liu? Could you tell me about him? I’d love the chance to meet them."

Liu Ziqing’s face turned somber as he slowly said, "Since we parted that day, I haven’t seen that old friend for many years."

Xu Qingfan sighed with regret.

Suddenly, Liu Ziqing seemed to remember something and asked, "By the way, I’ve found it strange since just now. Has Taoist Friend Xu always been cultivating in the Southern Wasteland?"

Xu Qingfan felt a slight tension, nodded, and acknowledged. Then he asked, "Indeed, I’ve spent a hundred years cultivating in the Southern Wasteland without any breakthroughs. That’s why I decided to travel. What does Taoist Friend Liu find strange?"

Liu Ziqing smiled at Xu Qingfan, then casually asked, "It’s nothing much, really. I just found it peculiar that given your background as a rogue cultivator who has been in solitary retreat for such a long time, based on my experience, rogue cultivators usually aren’t very talkative when they first enter the cultivation world. But I find Taoist Friend Xu to be quite eloquent, which differs greatly from what I knew before."

As he spoke, Liu Ziqing seemed to become very interested in the fan he held, playing with it and no longer looking at Xu Qingfan. But Xu Qingfan could clearly feel that even though Liu Ziqing seemed indifferent, he was observing him closely, with eyes as sharp as a sword.

Hearing Liu Ziqing’s question, Xu Qingfan’s expression remained calm, but inside, he was suddenly shocked. He realized that his ability to communicate fluently was a flaw, making him unlike a rogue cultivator who had been secluded for years.

Xu Qingfan had never considered this before, but now it seemed to be such an obvious flaw.

While silently lamenting in his heart, Xu Qingfan laughed heartily and said to Liu Ziqing, "That’s not surprising. Before my master and I started cultivating immortality, we came from a scholarly background. So, besides cultivating, we often debated about various philosophical issues, which kept my eloquence sharp despite the monotony of cultivation. After my master’s passing, I spent over a hundred years secluded in the Southern Wasteland, yearning for company in my loneliness. After coming down from the mountain and not finding any other cultivators, I spent half a year in a small town among ordinary people, so I didn’t stutter when speaking with others."

After speaking, Xu Qingfan discreetly wiped a cold sweat from his brow. Although Liu Ziqing’s question was simple, it pointed directly at Xu Qingfan’s flaw. Fortunately, Xu Qingfan had some quick wit and had no choice but to lie again to cover the gap. Naturally, this lie was also one that couldn’t be verified.

"It seems I still lack experience. I’m just not cut out to be a spy, revealing such an obvious flaw without realizing it," Xu Qingfan thought to himself. "Moreover, in the future, even under interrogation, I shouldn’t lie excessively. Not only am I not good at lying, but the more lies I tell, the more flaws there are."

Liu Ziqing appeared intrigued and softly asked, "Oh? Taoist Friend Xu spent half a year traveling in the human world? Alas… since becoming the last disciple of Immortal Zizhen, I’ve been cultivating on ‘Ronghua Mountain’ and have long forgotten the human world. Could Taoist Friend Xu enlighten me a bit?"

Xu Qingfan smiled slightly and began to describe the current state of the human world to Liu Ziqing. Fortunately, Xu Qingfan had seen some of it before; otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to answer Liu Ziqing’s question.

After Liu Ziqing heard Xu Qingfan’s explanation of the current great forces in the human world, he sighed slightly and showed a trace of pity on his face. He then asked Xu Qingfan some more detailed questions that one wouldn’t notice without living in the human world. Xu Qingfan, having read many books in his leisure time, had come across descriptions of the chaos in the human world during wars. Both in history and reality, the scenes during chaotic times were quite similar, so Xu Qingfan picked out a few to answer Liu Ziqing’s questions.

Once Xu Qingfan barely managed to get through this wave of questions, Liu Ziqing suddenly smiled brightly and said, "These topics are too heavy. Let’s discuss something lighter."

"Oh? What topic?" Xu Qingfan was internally on guard but showed a curious expression on his face.

Liu Ziqing chuckled, "I have also studied the classics extensively. How about we debate some doctrines?"

Xu Qingfan smiled, "Please let Taoist Friend Liu choose the topic."

Then Xu Qingfan and Liu Ziqing began debating the doctrines. After neither could convince the other, Liu Ziqing asked Xu Qingfan about some matters related to the Southern Wasteland. Xu Qingfan, having claimed earlier to be a rogue cultivator from the Southern Wasteland, was prepared for this. He proceeded to share various details about the Southern Wasteland with Liu Ziqing.

Just as their conversation was flowing, Liu Ziqing suddenly asked, "By the way, there is something I’ve always wanted to ask Taoist Friend Xu. Your residence is in the Southern Wasteland, and ‘Penance Valley’ is nearby, a place that regularly invites skilled cultivators from all over. Why haven’t they invited you, Taoist friend?"

Hearing Liu Ziqing’s words, Xu Qingfan replied with a smile, "Perhaps it’s because neither I nor my martial ancestors have often left the residence."

Liu Ziqing gently closed the folding fan in his hand and said with a smile, "I see."

Afterward, they discussed various other topics. Realizing it was getting late, Liu Ziqing stood up to take his leave.

Xu Qingfan rose to see Liu Ziqing out, and as they reached the door, something seemed to occur to Xu Qingfan. Suddenly, he said to Liu Ziqing, "I remember you mentioned that you are the last disciple of Immortal Zizhen. I would like to make a request of Taoist Friend Liu. Would you be willing to hear it?"

Liu Ziqing was slightly taken aback but then laughed, "We have become fast friends, no need for formalities. Please speak your mind."

A look of hesitation appeared on Xu Qingfan’s face, then after a moment, he slowly said, "This is how it is. I suppose Taoist Friend Liu already knows? My master once owed his life to Immortal Zizhen’s kindness. So, could you please thank Immortal Zizhen on my behalf?"

After a pause, Xu Qingfan added, "I previously mentioned this to Senior Xuan Ling, but perhaps my request to meet Immortal Zizhen was too abrupt, so Senior Xuan Ling didn’t say much about it. Naturally, I dared not bring it up again. But this is one of my master’s last wishes, so I must ask Taoist Friend Liu for help."

A look of realization appeared on Liu Ziqing’s face, and he smiled and agreed.

As the door gently closed, the light-hearted expressions on both Xu Qingfan inside the room and Liu Ziqing outside disappeared, replaced by serious and thoughtful looks.

Xu Qingfan turned, slowly walked to the bed, sat down cross-legged, and pondered with a frown for a moment before thinking to himself, "In the conversation with Liu Ziqing earlier, I didn’t reveal any flaws. I’ve even found ways to cover the two previous mistakes. Qingxu Gate’s suspicion of me should lessen considerably. However, suspicion, once it arises, is hard to eliminate. I must be careful in the future."

Then Xu Qingfan thought, "But that Liu Ziqing is truly formidable, not only with his keen observations but also in identifying the mistakes related to ‘Penance Valley,’ which I hadn’t considered before but were recognized by him. More impressively, he wasn’t swayed by my words, yet he could strike from subtle details. If it weren’t for my extensive knowledge of worldly affairs, my religious studies, and having grown up in Southern Wasteland, I would have exposed myself. Although my earlier words might fool others, to completely erase Liu Ziqing’s suspicion is impossible. I must be exceedingly cautious with Liu Ziqing in the future."

However, Xu Qingfan didn’t know that while he secretly speculated about Liu Ziqing, Liu Ziqing’s face also relaxed, as if the one with a guilty conscience during the probing wasn’t Xu Qingfan, but himself.

After the door closed, Liu Ziqing first let out a gentle sigh, then a fierce intent appeared in his eyes, though it was fleeting and quickly replaced by contemplation.

"The ripple from Xu Fan, though lacking some of its sinister nature, can’t be mistaken. Xu Fan is an underling of that person. Could it be that my detention of Qinglingzi hinted at my identity, prompting him to send someone to investigate? I’ve acted so discreetly all these years, yet he still found a flaw?"

Thinking of this, a hint of panic appeared on Liu Ziqing’s face.

After calming down, Liu Ziqing muttered to himself, "In any case, we absolutely cannot touch Xu Fan now. Otherwise, it will only lead to more trouble. It seems I must first dispel the doubts in others’ hearts. But young Xu Fan isn’t doing too badly—although his last-minute explanation was a bit unnecessary, he handled the probing without revealing a single flaw and even covered up previous mistakes. It seems the talent under him is really growing, and I must also quicken my pace."

Then, Liu Ziqing sighed softly, turned around, and flew towards the "Qingxu Hall" at the top of "Ronghua Mountain."