Volume 4 Chapter 63

Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW

Volume 4 Chapter 63: Zizhen

Upon hearing Immortal Zizhen’s words, Xu Qingfan was taken aback. His mind raced, urgently thinking of a response.

"How did Immortal Zizhen discover I am a cultivator of Jiuhua? Although I truly am, I have never systematically practiced Jiuhua’s cultivation methods. If he has confirmed my identity, it’s easy to explain; but if he only suspects, should I admit it?"

"Moreover, if Immortal Zizhen has indeed confirmed my identity as part of Jiuhua Gate, what will he think? Aside from my previous deceit, considering I’m a cultivator of Jiuhua yet involved in Qingxu Gate’s matters, knowing so many secrets, even if I helped Immortal Zizhen escape, it still breaches the taboos of the cultivation world. Even if he’s grateful, his gratitude might be mixed with caution."

As Xu Qingfan pondered, Immortal Zizhen’s stern expression suddenly softened, and he smiled, "You truly are from Jiuhua Gate, otherwise you would have instantly denied it."

Hearing this, a bitter smile flickered across Xu Qingfan’s face. Although Immortal Zizhen was repeatedly outwitted by Liu Ziqing, Xu Qingfan, in comparison, lacked experience. Just a moment of hesitation revealed his flaw.

Since Immortal Zizhen had seen through him, Xu Qingfan decided not to hide anymore. He bowed respectfully and said, "Junior Jiuhua Xu Qingfan, greets the senior."

After a pause, Xu Qingfan continued, "The situation with Qingxu Gate is known to the senior. Moreover, with Jiuhua currently in isolation, I had no choice but to conceal my identity. I ask for your understanding. As for Xu Fan, it is indeed my real name, but from before my cultivation."

Hearing Xu Qingfan, Immortal Zizhen remained expressionless, calmly saying, "Xu Fan, Xu Qingfan, I did not expect Jiuhua Mountain’s ‘Qing’ generation to have someone like you. Liu Huaxiang indeed found a worthy successor."

Xu Qingfan felt a surge of happiness upon Immortal Zizhen’s words, realizing he did not mind his involvement in the Qingxu Gate affair as someone from Jiuhua Gate.

Just as Xu Qingfan was starting to relax a little, Immortal Zizhen casually asked, "Oh, a month ago, you heard my conversation with Brother Xuanzhen, didn’t you?"

Immortal Xuanzhen was actually another identity of Liu Ziqing.

Hearing Immortal Zizhen’s question, Xu Qingfan was more shocked than when his identity was exposed earlier. He knew that night Liu Ziqing’s conversation with Immortal Zizhen involved many unknown secrets. Many of these secrets were incredibly important for Qingxu. Xu Qingfan had no doubt that Immortal Zizhen would detain him to keep them hidden.

Just as he was about to deny it, he paused, realizing the trap in Immortal Zizhen’s words. If Xu Qingfan truly hadn’t heard that conversation, he wouldn’t know Immortal Xuanzhen’s real identity, so he couldn’t deny it directly. When Immortal Zizhen revealed Xu Qingfan’s identity earlier, it was likely intended to shock him into responding without thinking.

Many thoughts flashed through his mind in an instant, but then Xu Qingfan looked up and asked blankly, "Senior Zizhen, are you referring to Senior Xuanzhen? Wasn’t he missing long ago?"

Immortal Zizhen stared intently into Xu Qingfan’s eyes, and after seeing no sign of evasion, sighed slightly and said, "You heard it."

After a pause, Immortal Zizhen spoke with even more certainty, "You did hear it."

Without waiting for Xu Qingfan to explain, Immortal Zizhen continued speaking, "As far as I know, when you came to Qingxu Gate a month ago, you stayed for three days and two nights. On the second night, you threw the ‘Death Spirit Pearl’ into the giant tree where I’m confined, meaning you were exploring my location on the first night. That night was exactly when Brother Xuanzhen talked with me. Mo Ziliang told me you appeared twice to talk about it that night. I suspect you weren’t just there to discuss but to cover for your Dark Crow, right? This means you were probing my location, which matches the time Brother Xuanzhen was seeking me out."

After finishing, Immortal Zizhen stared intently at Xu Qingfan, with eyes sharp enough to pierce his soul.

Hearing Immortal Zizhen’s analysis, Xu Qingfan felt turbulent waves in his heart, but his face remained a picture of surprise and confusion, saying, "Indeed, I sent spirit beast Little Black to find your traces, and I did discover them on that night, but I did not meet Elder Xuanzhen, nor do I know what Elder Xuanzhen discussed with you."

Xu Qingfan knew that there were some things he must never admit, even though he had a debt of gratitude to Immortal Zizhen. When it came to choices, Xu Qingfan could not guarantee what Immortal Zizhen would do, as those secrets were far too important. At the very least, if they were revealed, Zhang Xusheng and "Ming" would never spare the Qingxu Gate.

Hearing Xu Qingfan’s denial, Immortal Zizhen sighed softly and said slowly, "I understand your thoughts. I, too, have considered them but ultimately gave up. Regardless of what you may have heard or how much you’ve heard, some things must remain buried deep within your heart. Do you understand?"

Hearing these words from Immortal Zizhen, Xu Qingfan breathed a sigh of relief, understanding that Immortal Zizhen would not pursue the matter further, but Xu Qingfan must keep the secret.

Even so, the bewildered look on Xu Qingfan’s face remained unchanged. He bowed helplessly to Immortal Zizhen and said, "I assure you that I will say no more about the Qingxu matter, with heaven and earth as my witness."

Hearing Xu Qingfan’s words, Immortal Zizhen’s expression relaxed slightly. Suddenly, the sternness on Immortal Zizhen’s face disappeared in an instant, becoming warm and friendly. Xu Qingfan was taken by surprise.

Immortal Zizhen laughed and said, "Now that business is over, shall we discuss something personal? Do you have Liu Huaxiang’s letter with you?"

Hearing this, Xu Qingfan snapped out of his surprise, no longer pondering Immortal Zizhen’s sudden change of attitude. He quickly took out Liu Huaxiang’s letter from his sleeve and respectfully handed it over with both hands.

With a slight beckoning of Immortal Zizhen’s right hand, the letter in Xu Qingfan’s hand flew steadily into Immortal Zizhen’s hand in a blink of an eye.

Immortal Zizhen opened the letter and read it carefully, but Xu Qingfan could not tell what the letter contained. As Immortal Zizhen began reading, his body trembled slightly, followed by a look of intense seriousness, eyes filled with both joy and worry.

After a long time, Immortal Zizhen slowly tucked the letter into his robes and smiled at Xu Qingfan, saying, "I understand about this matter. By the way, how is Liu Huaxiang doing now? Is he still fussing over all those flowers and plants as before?"

Xu Qingfan’s face showed sadness, and he said with a heavy voice, "Martial Uncle Liu passed away more than thirty years ago."

Hearing this, Immortal Zizhen’s body trembled again, and after a long pause, he sighed, "It’s truly a pity."

Then, Immortal Zizhen chatted with Xu Qingfan about various matters in the cultivation world and learned more about the current situation of Jiuhua Gate and Liu Huaxiang’s past. He wore a kind smile throughout, in stark contrast to his earlier stern interrogation, making Xu Qingfan almost suspect that the renowned Immortal Zizhen had a dual personality.

After a while, Immortal Zizhen suddenly asked, "Taoist Friend Xu, did Xuan Ling give you a Qingxu Order token?"

Xu Qingfan nodded in affirmation.

Immortal Zizhen said with a smile, "My young friend, may I take a look?"

Xu Qingfan quickly took out the Qingxu Order token from his sleeve and respectfully handed it to Immortal Zizhen with both hands.

The token slowly flew into Immortal Zizhen’s hand, where a cyan flame suddenly rose, enveloping and burning the token. Under Xu Qingfan’s amazed gaze, the token gradually began to change in size within the blue fire. When the flames receded, the token had transformed into a different appearance.

Immortal Zizhen nodded in satisfaction and with a slight wave of his right hand, sent the token back to Xu Qingfan. Upon closer inspection, Xu Qingfan noticed the token was slightly smaller and more exquisite than before, engraved with many symbols he could not understand.

"Senior, this is…?"

Xu Qingfan asked in confusion.

Immortal Zizhen smiled and said, "This is proof of being an Honorary Elder of Qingxu. With this, your authority in Qingxu will be equal to all the other Qingxu elders."

"What?" Xu Qingfan was shocked and hurriedly declined, "Senior, I cannot accept this honor."

Immortal Zizhen waved his hand and replied, "I am not giving this token to you, but to the Southern Wasteland rogue cultivator Xu Fan. Do you understand?"

Xu Qingfan quickly understood Immortal Zizhen’s intention. This time, he had, in a certain way, saved Qingxu Gate, and they needed to offer something in return. Granting the position of Honorary Elder of Qingxu was most appropriate, but the one who saved Qingxu was the rogue cultivator Xu Fan, not Jiuhua Gate’s Xu Qingfan. If news spread that Qingxu was saved by a Jiuhua disciple and that disciple became an elder, it would be laughable.

Qingxu Gate could be saved by an unknown rogue cultivator but could not be saved by a Jiuhua Gate disciple from another Holy Land. Though it might sound odd, it was true. It would mean Jiuhua would always have the upper hand over Qingxu, and Qingxu would owe Jiuhua a great favor that could never be repaid.

Knowing Immortal Zizhen’s thoughts, Xu Qingfan sighed softly in his heart, understanding that he couldn’t refuse at this time. This was not only Immortal Zizhen’s gratitude towards him but also his promise to Immortal Zizhen, ensuring he would not speak of the Qingxu Gate matters to anyone in the Jiuhua Gate.

Seeing Immortal Zizhen’s gaze, Xu Qingfan finally accepted the token, bowing in thanks. After all, with this token, it would greatly benefit him personally, allowing him to receive additional offerings at Qingxu Gate.

Immortal Zizhen shook his head with a smile, saying, "No matter what, this time you helped me escape. It’s only right for me to do this. You don’t need to thank me."

Saying this, Immortal Zizhen hesitated slightly, then with a gentle wave of his hand, a jade box appeared before Xu Qingfan. "This pill is of no use to me, but it can still be helpful to you now. Take it."

Hearing Immortal Zizhen, Xu Qingfan took the jade box with both hands. Seeing the inscription on the box, he exclaimed, "Ascension Pill?"

Immortal Zizhen nodded slightly, smiling, "Eight hundred years ago, I was kind to Medicine King Valley, and their master gifted me this ‘Ascension Pill’ in return. However, this ‘Ascension Pill’ was of no use to me nor suitable to give to any younger ones. Seeing you’re in the late stage of the Fake Golden Core Stage, it would be perfect for you. It’s yours."