Volume 4 Chapter 60

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Volume 4 Chapter 60: Waiting Quietly

Although Xu Qingfan’s voice was not loud, the Spirit Qi within was astounding. As the voice echoed, the white mist before him rippled and only calmed after a long while, but the force was not diminished.

Shortly after Xu Qingfan’s voice faded, the previously calm mist surged again, even more intensely than before. In a moment, the scene cleared, and the mist parted to reveal the mountain within.

From the parted mist, two elders appeared with a group of cultivators to greet Xu Qingfan. The elder with a bright complexion, exuding wealth, was the Sect Master of "Qinghan Gate," Venerable Xuhan. Beside him was the silver-haired elder known as the top rogue cultivator around "Qingxu Gate," except for those within the gate—Iron Old Man.

Upon appearing, Venerable Xuhan laughed heartily and greeted Xu Qingfan with clasped hands from afar, saying, "Taoist Friend Xu, you are true to your word. I was worried you might be enchanted by the beauty of ‘Ronghua Mountain’ and forget our agreement, but I was mistaken."

Xu Qingfan laughed, "The scenery of ‘Ronghua Mountain’ is indeed enchanting, but how could it compare to the invitation of a senior? Discussing the Dao and immortality with the Taoist friend Xuhan is much more important than lingering over the scenery."

As he spoke, Xu Qingfan gathered with Venerable Xuhan, Iron Old Man, and others. Xu Qingfan bowed respectfully to Venerable Xuhan and then greeted Iron Old Man, saying, "I didn’t expect Taoist friend Iron to be here as well."

After returning Xu Qingfan’s bow, Iron Old Man nodded with a smile and said, "I am here specifically waiting for you, my young friend. Our previous conversation, though brief, was quite enlightening for me. Naturally, I couldn’t miss this opportunity when you’re visiting ‘Qinghan Gate’. Besides, the seniors of ‘Qingxu Gate’ are often secluded in ‘Ronghua Mountain’ and are not inclined to discuss the Dao with small sects or rogue cultivators. Talking with the same old fellows gets tiresome, so I’ve set my sights on you, my young friend."

Hearing Iron Old Man’s words, Xu Qingfan laughed heartily, knowing that Iron Old Man was being sincere. For rogue cultivators, exchanging cultivation insights with equally skilled cultivators is quite difficult, so Xu Qingfan admired Iron Old Man’s honesty.

After exchanging pleasantries, Xu Qingfan, along with Venerable Xuhan and Iron Old Man, led a large group of ‘Qinghan Gate’ cultivators flying toward the mountains. Venerable Xuhan took the chance to introduce some of his prized disciples to Xu Qingfan. Among them were Ning Hai and Han Wei, whom Xu Qingfan had previously rescued.

Observing Venerable Xuhan’s other disciples, Xu Qingfan noticed they had the same demeanor as Ning Hai and Han Wei. Though they were cultivators, they had a touch of worldliness. Compared to the earlier emotional cultivator he’d seen, Xu Qingfan sighed inwardly. He knew this was a common trait among small sects in the cultivation world; lacking resources, they craved external goods more than disciples from larger sects. However, if they couldn’t rid themselves of this material greed, they’d never become a top sect.

With new juniors around him, Xu Qingfan and the group finally passed through the mountain protection formation, entering ‘Qinghan Gate’.

The mountain where ‘Qinghan Gate’ resided, called ‘Niufu Mountain’, wasn’t as beautiful as ‘Ronghua Mountain’, yet it was charming in its way. Led by Venerable Xuhan on a tour of ‘Niufu Mountain’, they eventually arrived at a grand hall located midway up the mountain, sitting as host and guests, and began to discuss.

Venerable Xuhan was evidently curious about Xu Qingfan’s invitation to stay at ‘Qingxu Gate’ by Xuan Ling. He asked first, "Taoist Friend Xu, how was your experience staying at ‘Qingxu Gate’?"

Xu Qingfan smiled and said, "As expected of the most renowned among the six Holy Lands, the scenes within are truly impressive. With the respect and devotion this sect has for the Heavenly Way, I dare say that unless it faces a great catastrophe, this ‘Qingxu Gate’ will surely endure for thousands of years and eventually regain the glory from the time of Immortal Qingxu."

As he spoke, Xu Qingfan sighed softly in his heart because he knew that the ‘Qingxu Gate’ was about to face inevitable internal turmoil.

However, Venerable Xuhan and Iron Old Man were unaware of Xu Qingfan’s thoughts. Instead, due to their close ties with the ‘Qingxu Gate,’ they both felt proud and nodded happily at Xu Qingfan’s praise.

Venerable Xuhan hesitated slightly, then asked cautiously, "Taoist Friend Xu, do you know why our esteemed Xuan Ling invited you to stay briefly at the ‘Qingxu Gate’? Were you just visiting for a few days?"

Xu Qingfan shook his head and said slowly, "Besides staying for three days at the ‘Qingxu Gate,’ I had the chance to meet some senior figures there and engaged in discussions about immortality, which was very enlightening."

Seeing the envious expressions on Venerable Xuhan and Iron Old Man’s faces, Xu Qingfan hesitated for a moment before continuing, "And then, early this morning, invited by the esteemed Xuan Ling, I gave a discourse to everyone at the Qingxu Gate."

Initially, he hadn’t planned to mention his lecture at the ‘Qingxu Gate,’ as it might come across as bragging. But considering the close connection between the two in front of him and the sect, he realized they would soon find out about his Qingxu Preach. Thus, it would be better not to conceal it and he decided to share after a moment of hesitation.

To Xu Qingfan’s great surprise, Venerable Xuhan and Iron Old Man’s reactions were unexpected.

"What?"

The two people were initially shocked, forgetting their usual demeanor in front of the younger generation, and stood in stunned silence for a moment. Then they finally understood the meaning behind Xu Qingfan’s words. Their expressions showed disbelief, yet they knew Xu Qingfan wouldn’t lie about such a matter, so they didn’t know how to react for a while.

Seeing their doubt, Xu Qingfan sighed and handed them the Qingxu jade tablet given by Xuan Ling. Only then did they truly believe Xu Qingfan’s words.

Suddenly, the Iron Old Man stood up, bowed to Xu Qingfan, and respectfully said, "I didn’t expect Taoist Friend Xu to have such profound knowledge. I was presumptuous in trying to debate with you earlier. Please forgive me, Taoist Friend."

On the other side, Venerable Xuhan also bowed to Xu Qingfan alongside the Iron Old Man.

Xu Qingfan was greatly surprised. He hadn’t expected them to react in such a way upon hearing he was preaching for Qingxu, nor did he expect the person preaching Qingxu would be so respected by them. He humbly tried to decline their respect until they finally sat back down.

However, the atmosphere among the three had completely changed with Xu Qingfan’s words.

Initially, the two were casually seated and relaxed, creating a good mood for discussing the mystical arts. But now, they sat upright, as if facing someone of senior rank, not just an unknown rogue cultivator from the Southern Wasteland.

Their gaze, initially a mark of respect for a Condensed Core Stage cultivator, had shifted to one of deference to an elder, making Xu Qingfan feel uneasy.

It’s no wonder their attitude changed so significantly. Xu Qingfan might not understand the significance of preaching for the Qingxu lineage, but these two surely did.

Throughout history, those invited to preach at Qingxu have always been renowned masters of the land. For instance, the last time someone spoke at Qingxu was three hundred years ago, when Master Huai Hai from the secluded "Mercy Cloud Temple" was invited by Qinglingzi, the then Qingxu sect leader, creating a grand event in the cultivation world at the time. Going back even further, nine hundred years ago, when Jiuhua Gate was at its peak, five Mahayana Stage experts, including the Master of Jiuhua Li Xuhan, gathered at Qingxu Preach due to Li Xuhan’s friendship with Immortal Zizhen, the Qingxu sect leader at that time—a celebrated story that has been passed down through the ages.

According to the recollections of Venerable Xuhan and Iron Old Man, historically, those who preached at Qingxu had at least reached the early Golden Core Stage. However, one such cultivator became famous because he invented a technique called "Hundred Flower Gathering," which earned him fame in the cultivation world.

Compared to these previous esteemed figures, the seemingly ordinary, unknown rogue cultivator before them, with only mid-stage Fake Golden Core Stage power, was invited to Qingxu Preach as well?

Although they found it hard to believe, they could not deny it, as they had already heard rumors that Qingxu Gate had once again invited a master to preach at Ronghua Mountain’s peak this morning after three hundred years. It was said that this expert only possessed Fake Golden Core Stage mastery, which seemed unimaginable. They had been discussing this matter just before Xu Qingfan paid homage, and it turned out to be Xu Qingfan, whom they had previously met. Furthermore, with Xu Qingfan holding a Qingxu jade token and considering his level as a Condensed Core Stage cultivator, they had no choice but to believe him.

Even though Xu Qingfan could not compare to Master Huai Hai of three hundred years ago or the five Grandmasters of Jiuhua Gate from nine hundred years ago, Venerable Xuhan and Iron Old Man believed that since Xu Qingfan was invited by Qingxu to preach, his insights into the Heavenly Way and cultivation must be exceptional for a Condensed Core Stage cultivator, possessing unique qualities. They also believed that although Xu Qingfan was unknown now, the news of this Qingxu Preach would soon make him famous across the land.

Recalling their earlier attitude when Xu Qingfan humbly spoke, boasting about their centuries of cultivation experience, and promising to guide him during the discussion, they felt an indescribable sense of shame.

Finally, Xu Qingfan couldn’t bear the awkward atmosphere any longer and said, "I was invited by Xuan Ling to Qingxu Preach not because I am extraordinary, but because my cultivation methods differ from those commonly spread in the cultivation world, and my understanding is somewhat unique. Therefore, Predecessor Xuan Ling invited me. Why are you two fellow Taoists so surprised?"

Hearing this, Venerable Xuhan and Iron Old Man exchanged a glance, a hint of complexity in their eyes. The honor of Qingxu Preach wasn’t as simple as Xu Qingfan made it sound.

Iron Old Man said solemnly, "One who excels should lead. Since Taoist Friend Xu was invited to Qingxu Preach, your understanding of the Heavenly Way must be exceptional. It is not inappropriate for us to treat you with the respect due to a senior. However, we treated you as an equal before, and although you hid your capability, it was indeed reckless of us."

Venerable Xuhan was nodding continuously beside them.

Watching the two like this, although knowing it’s indeed like this in the cultivation world, he still smiled bitterly.

Then Venerable Xuhan asked, "I wonder how long Taoist Friend Xu plans to stay at our ‘Qinghan Gate’? So that I can make some preparations."

Hearing Venerable Xuhan’s voice was full of respect, but lacking the original closeness, Xu Qingfan sighed softly in his heart and said, "I wanted to discuss this with Taoist Friend. I recently made some progress in my skills, so I wish to stabilize my level here if Taoist Friend wouldn’t mind?"

According to the agreement between Xu Qingfan and Immortal Zizhen, he was to wait here for Immortal Zizhen’s message, which is why he spoke like this.

Hearing Xu Qingfan’s words, a trace of joy appeared in Venerable Xuhan’s eyes, and he immediately agreed. After hesitating for a moment, he addressed Xu Qingfan, "I have a request, but I wonder if Taoist Friend would agree?"

"Please feel free to ask," Xu Qingfan replied.

"It’s like this. I wonder if it would be convenient for Taoist Friend, like preaching for Qingxu, to give a lecture for our ‘Qinghan Gate’ before you leave?" After speaking, Venerable Xuhan looked at Xu Qingfan expectantly.

Xu Qingfan smiled and said, "Of course, no problem."

Upon hearing Xu Qingfan’s words, a greater joy sparkled in Venerable Xuhan’s eyes.

Then, Xu Qingfan began to discuss immortal tales with Venerable Xuhan and Iron Old Man. Perhaps intimidated by Xu Qingfan’s reputation as the Qingxu Preacher, the discussion turned into Xu Qingfan speaking, while Venerable Xuhan and Iron Old Man kept nodding in agreement, not daring to interrupt, fearing any ridicule from Xu Qingfan, which might have made him feel disinterested.

Finally, after dealing with Iron Old Man and Venerable Xuhan, Xu Qingfan returned to the room Venerable Xuhan had arranged for him and closed his eyes to rest.

"Judging by the power of the ‘Death Spirit Pearl,’ Immortal Zizhen will be freed within this month. What I need to do now is wait quietly within the ‘Qinghan Gate’ for news of Immortal Zizhen."

Just before his mind sank into nothingness, Xu Qingfan thought to himself.