Volume 5 Chapter 10

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Volume 5 Chapter 10: Analysis

As Xu Qingfan was thinking about how to explain things to Jin Qinghan and the others, a dazzling light suddenly appeared from the direction of the front mountain and swiftly flew toward the group.

In just a moment, the light landed in front of everyone. When the light faded, Jiuhua’s Supreme Protector Gongsun Huasa appeared before them.

As Gongsun Huasa appeared, he merely glanced at Jin Qinghan and the others without greeting them and directly said to Xu Qingfan, "Deacon Xu, the Sect Master wants to see you."

After saying that, Gongsun Huasa finally nodded slightly at the group as a farewell, then silently transformed back into a light and flew toward the front mountain.

Watching Gongsun Huasa’s demeanor, Xu Qingfan sighed inwardly, knowing that the conflict between his generation of young elders and the older generation was growing more intense.

This wasn’t what Xu Qingfan wanted, but he felt helpless about it.

The conflict between the two generations of elders is centered around the offerings Jiuhua receives each decade and the control the young elders have over the three courtyards.

After Jiuhua Shut Down, most of the sect’s savings had to be used to maintain the reversal of the "Nine Pole Array," and the offerings to the elders inevitably decreased. Even when Jiuhua reopens more than a decade later, the depletion of savings accumulated over thousands of years means this situation will persist for a long time.

For cultivators at the Condensed Core Stage, although their progress in cultivation no longer heavily relies on external resources like at the Foundation Establishment Stage, they still need spiritual pills for gifting disciples, calming pills for self-cultivation, spirit stones for setting formations, and materials for crafting and alchemy in greater quantities. It is also crucial for their pursuit of immortality.

After Jiuhua was Shut Down and they couldn’t go outside, the elders became more dependent on the offerings from Jiuhua.

But once Jiuhua Shut Down, the limited resources left became a point of contention between the two generations of elders over who should receive more or less offerings.

Previously, the younger elders had much lower status and influence compared to the elder generation, so their offerings each decade were less than a third of what the elder generation received.

This situation was initially acceptable, as the younger elders had less cultivation and fewer disciples, so receiving fewer offerings was reasonable.

However, since the establishment of the three courtyards, the younger elders’ status and influence have greatly increased, and their contributions to Jiuhua have grown. They have also gradually gained disciples, including many Jiuhua disciples who lost their mentors during the catastrophe and have turned to the younger elders. With the rapid increase in power, such as Jin Qinghan reaching the Real Golden Core Stage, and Jiuhua disciples who trained in the "Jiuji Cave" finally breaking through to the Condensed Core Stage over the years, some have become new Jiuhua elders, unavoidably taking much of the offerings that previously belonged to the elder generation.

As time goes on, the younger generation of elders also feel their offerings are insufficient, and they harbor discontent toward the elder generation who rely on seniority to keep their offerings low.

Among cultivators, there is usually harmony, and any conflicts can be resolved. However, when it comes to resources that aid in improving their skills, it’s a different matter altogether. After all, seeking the way to immortality is every cultivator’s most crucial endeavor.

Many of the older generation’s disciples, feeling they are not under their elders’ control, have joined the three institutes. In such situations, apart from a few carefree individuals, the elders have never shown a friendly face to the younger generation.

Because of this, Xu Qingfan, despite disliking the conflicts between the two generations of elders, was unable to mediate. Moreover, as a leader of the younger generation of elders, he had no position to intervene and could only watch the disputes grow with time.

"We’ll have to slowly find a solution in the future," Xu Qingfan thought silently, as he watched Gongsun Huasa leave and noticed the displeased expressions of Jin Qinghan and the others.

Seeing Jin Qinghan and the others turn their gaze to him, Xu Qingfan pondered briefly and then said, "Everyone, please gather at Junior Brother Jin’s abode. After meeting with the sect leader, I will join you there, and we will discuss any matters then."

Hearing Xu Qingfan’s words, everyone nodded reluctantly in agreement. Led by Jin Qinghan, they quickly flew to Jin Qinghan’s abode, while Xu Qingfan, after contemplating for a moment, flew toward the front mountain of Jiuhua.

…

After these years of buffering, the shadow of Jiuhua’s past disaster has faded in the hearts of the disciples. Jiuhua has gradually regained its vitality and, with renovations over the years, the front mountain’s scenery has also partially restored to its former beauty.

However, Xu Qingfan couldn’t enjoy the scenery as he was preoccupied with thoughts about Zhang Hualing’s purpose for summoning him and how to respond during their meeting.

After a short while, Xu Qingfan arrived in front of the "Linghua Hall."

By now, Xu Qingfan was a Deacon Elder of Jiuhua. What once seemed so mysterious to him, the "Linghua Hall," was now a familiar place he could enter without announcement.

As he wandered into the "Linghua Hall," he saw Zhang Hualing standing quietly with his back to the entrance, looking weary, lost in thought.

Noticing Xu Qingfan’s entrance, Zhang Hualing slowly turned around, surprising Xu Qingfan. He found Zhang Hualing’s face looking much younger than the first time they met, despite the fatigue, and none of the old age from using the "Substitute for Heaven" was visible.

"I didn’t expect Zhang Hualing to have mastered Martial Uncle Liu’s secret technique to such an extent. Fortunately, he seems clear-minded and hasn’t been affected by it."

Xu Qingfan was secretly amazed, but his face showed no emotion. He simply bowed and greeted Zhang Hualing respectfully.

Zhang Hualing nodded slightly in acknowledgment, then sat back in the main seat, gesturing to the seat beside him and said, "You sit down too."

Xu Qingfan bowed again and sat beside Zhang Hualing.

Once Xu Qingfan sat, Zhang Hualing silently observed him for a while. Seeing Xu Qingfan’s calm and peaceful expression, unaffected by Feng Qingtian’s severe attack, he nodded with satisfaction and slowly asked, "This time, it seems you have found fortune in misfortune."

Xu Qingfan nodded slightly and said with a smile, "But next time, we might not be so lucky."

Zhang Hualing started by not asking about the details and reasons for the conflict between Xu Qingfan and Feng Qingtian. Instead, he mentioned Xu Qingfan’s breakthrough and newfound abilities, indicating his wish for Xu Qingfan to keep the peace and avoid further conflict with Feng Qingtian.

Xu Qingfan’s words, however, seemed to push Zhang Hualing to continue pursuing the matter.

What Xu Qingfan said was true. Since he accidentally learned various secret techniques of the Feng family, he thoroughly understood Feng Qingtian’s methods. However, the Feng Qingtian who knew Xu Qingfan was still thinking of the Xu Qingfan from the Newcomer Comparison, unaware of the many changes over the years. Xu Qingfan had evolved significantly. The previous "Formula of Wither and Flourish" had disappeared, replaced by the more powerful and mysterious "Formula of Life and Death." The wonder of "Flourish Qi" and "Withered Qi," two external avatars, and Little Black’s abilities were beyond Feng Qingtian’s imagination. Because of this, with careful planning, Xu Qingfan barely managed to fight Feng Qingtian for such a long time, mostly by luck, and if Feng Qingtian came again, Xu Qingfan wouldn’t be so fortunate.

Hearing Xu Qingfan speak this way, the weariness on Zhang Hualing’s face grew deeper. Both Xu Qingfan and Feng Qingtian were crucial figures in his plan for the revival of Jiuhua, and Zhang Hualing was greatly reluctant to see them in constant conflict.

After a moment of silence, Zhang Hualing spoke slowly, "Feng Qingtian has already promised me that he will not trouble you again in the future."

Xu Qingfan smiled slightly and asked, "Sect Master, don’t you want to know the reason for my duel with Feng Qingtian?"

Zhang Hualing replied softly, "Over the years, your reputation among the younger generation in Jiuhua has surpassed Feng Qingtian’s, making you the top of the younger generation. Feng Qingtian, who has always been proud and ambitious, feels discontent, as expected."

Xu Qingfan asked, "Is that Feng Qingtian’s explanation to you?"

Zhang Hualing nodded silently.

Xu Qingfan, after pondering for a moment, suddenly looked up and asked, "This is indeed a possibility, something I hadn’t thought of before. However, if this is Sect Master’s speculation, I will not question it and will pretend it never happened. But if it’s something Feng Qingtian said, that would be entirely different."

Seeing the serious expression on Xu Qingfan’s face, it seemed he saw something deeper regarding Feng Qingtian’s matter, beyond personal grievances, and he asked, "Is there a problem?"

Xu Qingfan sighed softly and explained slowly, "This explanation is quite reasonable, but hearing it from Feng Qingtian is inappropriate. Feng Qingtian is prideful and solitary; he would never admit such things. His usual response would be silence, no matter how you question him."

Zhang Hualing was slightly taken aback and finally recognized the underlying issue thanks to Xu Qingfan’s reminder. Usually, with his experience, he would’ve noticed this earlier, but he was preoccupied with thoughts of secret cultivation techniques.

"Do you mean…"

"The reason Feng Qingtian nearly killed me this time wasn’t due to an inability to stop during a spar, but because he genuinely harbored murderous intent towards me."

When Zhang Hualing finally asked, Xu Qingfan carefully explained his earlier analysis to him.

As Xu Qingfan continued, Zhang Hualing’s expression grew more serious. First, he hadn’t realized the mysterious connection between Xu Qingfan and Feng Qingtian, capable of sensing each other’s intense emotions. Second, he thought of the secret behind the Feng family’s decline and, linking it with Xu Qingfan’s analysis, formed a troubling suspicion.

"Are you saying that Feng Qingtian wanted to kill because he didn’t want you to sense his future thoughts, as a preparation for something he plans to do?"

Zhang Hualing already understood Xu Qingfan’s thoughts but couldn’t help confirming again.

Xu Qingfan nodded, noticing the serious and heavy expression on Zhang Hualing’s face, as if he had thought of something important, and asked, "Sect Master, have you guessed Feng Qingtian’s purpose?"

Zhang Hualing murmured, "That shouldn’t be. Feng Qingtian absolutely shouldn’t know about this, unless someone informed him, but those who know this wouldn’t tell him. Could it be…"

Zhang Hualing’s expression grew even more serious, and he suddenly said to Xu Qingfan, "Come with me."

With that, Zhang Hualing walked out ahead towards "Linghua Hall," and Xu Qingfan, slightly taken aback, quickly followed despite not knowing Zhang Hualing’s intention.

After leaving "Linghua Hall," Zhang Hualing led Xu Qingfan to a secluded area behind Jiuhua mountain. When they landed, Xu Qingfan saw a chaotic cemetery, knowing it was the burial ground for Zhang Xusheng’s demon followers after Jiuhua’s catastrophe.

Zhang Hualing formed a hand sign and commanded, "Open!"

With Zhang Hualing’s voice, the entire cemetery erupted instantly, revealing the demon skeletons within. Zhang Hualing inspected thoroughly before finally stopping beside a particular grave.

In this grave, a person lies quietly. Although the body has begun to decay, judging by the clothes, it is actually Zhang Xusheng’s subordinate, the traitor of Jiuhua Mountain, Bao Qingfang, who previously committed suicide in front of everyone in the "Linghua Hall"!