Volume 5 Chapter 20

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Volume 5 Chapter 20: Internal Demon

After that night of confiding and listening ended, both Xu Qingfan and Ting’er, or perhaps just Ting’er, tacitly pretended as if nothing had happened. Of course, this was also because Ting’er didn’t know that Xu Qingfan had eavesdropped on her confessions that night. They carried on with their usual activities, seemingly focused.

However, after that night, something quietly changed among the people. Some barriers disappeared, but new ones emerged.

The exact feelings might be indescribable even for those involved.

Among them, Xu Qingfan’s expression remained unchanged. He continued speaking to Zhang Ningmei and Bai Yu as usual, as if the events of that night had been forgotten. Yet, his gaze occasionally drifted towards Ting’er, though it was unclear what he was thinking or worrying about concerning her.

Ting’er, on the other hand, seemed unaware that Xu Qingfan had accidentally overheard her confiding in Zhang Ningmei that night. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be sitting so openly in front of Little Green, staring blankly at Xu Qingfan while he spoke. She seemed to be troubled by the dilemma of whether or not to form the Core or seek revenge, her brow furrowing as her mind mirrored her conflicted emotions.

Zhang Ningmei was the most anxious of all, frequently glancing at both Xu Qingfan, who was speaking, and Ting’er, who was daydreaming. Her eyes were full of contemplation as she tried to think of how to untangle Ting’er’s heart, but even after much thought, she found no solution. This was especially true when Xu Qingfan remained inscrutable, further intensifying her concern. Despite her limited cultivation experience, she knew how dangerous it would be for Ting’er to attempt to break through to the Condensed Core Stage in her current state. Yet, she was unsure how much of Xu Qingfan’s lecture Ting’er had absorbed.

Bai Yu and Little Green, the slow-witted pair with their complicated rivalry, were entirely oblivious to the tension among the other three. Usually, they would get along fine, but whenever they met by chance during their free time, they would eye each other menacingly, leading to an hour or so of stand-off. The other three, preoccupied with their own thoughts, paid no attention to the bickering duo, who, due to their mutual reservations, did nothing more than glare.

It’s worth mentioning that, perhaps due to lack of power or the passage of time, Little Green had come to see Bai Yu as the most despicable person, replacing Xu Qingfan in that role. Upon seeing Bai Yu, Little Green would growl and glare, ignoring Xu Qingfan altogether.

By chance, Xu Qingfan read in a book that while "Qiongqi" and "Taotie" are both among the four ancient fierce beasts, they are also ancestral enemies. Bai Yu carries the bloodline of "Qiongqi," while the Blue-eyed Cloud-hoofed Beast, like Little Green, is said to be a descendant of "Taotie."

No wonder…

※※※※

In fact, Xu Qingfan was not as calm as he appeared. After hearing what Ting’er said that night, his emotions were fluctuating as much, if not more, than anyone else’s.

Feelings of compassion, guilt, and relief mixed together made it difficult for Xu Qingfan to meditate for two days.

Xu Qingfan understood Ting’er’s situation. With a mind like that, attempting to break through in isolation was just as dangerous for a cultivator as a complete energy explosion.

Although anxious, Xu Qingfan couldn’t just go and talk to Ting’er right now.

Ting’er’s struggles were partly connected to Xu Qingfan, but mostly they were his own. Until he could let go of his inner obsessions, it was necessary to give Ting’er time to figure things out on his own.

If Xu Qingfan approached Ting’er now, knowing Ting’er’s personality, it would be harder for him to remain calm after realizing Xu Qingfan knew his thoughts. It wouldn’t help Ting’er and might even make things worse.

Though Xu Qingfan seemed composed these days, he was constantly contemplating how to untangle Ting’er’s problems without leaving any traces and not causing embarrassment, which might affect their future relationship.

Although it was challenging, Xu Qingfan did not believe it was impossible.

However, Xu Qingfan hadn’t done nothing. The reason Ting’er had an internal demon was because in her heart, she felt her father and clansmen were quietly watching her, urging her to seek revenge.

"Ting’er, would you like to know something about your father? From before he was transformed by the demon orb."

One day, Xu Qingfan suddenly approached the daydreaming Ting’er and asked softly with a smile.

Ting’er was a little surprised, but in the end, she nodded gently.

Thus began the days when Xu Qingfan frequently and casually chatted with Ting’er, avoiding any mention of matters between them and instead, sharing stories of his time in Xu Family Village with Ting’er’s father.

Ting’er and her father were both transformed by the demon orb when they were still young. Her memories of her father were only of him standing on an altar, with a dark night behind him, and in front, thousands of demon-orb-transformed clansmen bowing to him. But what was her father like before the transformation? Was he honest and steady? Weak and easy to bully? Or malevolent and bloodthirsty like after the transformation? Ting’er had no recollection.

In truth, even after so much time, Xu Qingfan’s interactions with Ting’er’s father in Xu Family Village were limited, so his impressions of her father before his transformation were quite vague.

Yet despite this, when Xu Qingfan spoke about her father to Ting’er, he depicted him as a kind and gentle elder brother. He talked about how he cared for the clanspeople, how he influenced those jealous of him to stand by his side, and how he sacrificed himself to save others in times of crisis.

In short, all the wonderful qualities Xu Qingfan observed in Xu Family Village were attributed to Ting’er’s father. Even though he felt guilty for deceiving the girl, seeing Ting’er’s engrossed expression as she listened to his fabrications and her slightly lighter steps afterward made Xu Qingfan feel it was all worthwhile.

In short, Xu Qingfan aimed to ensure that in the month ahead, Ting’er would be instilled with the belief that the Xu transformed by the magic pearl wasn’t his real father. His father was a benevolent elder and brother who would never force him to seek revenge.

Though it was deceitful, it was a well-meaning deception.

After recounting the tales of Ting’er’s father, Xu Qingfan would always comfort himself upon seeing the slightly brighter look in Ting’er’s eyes.

"And besides, leaving Ting’er with a beautiful memory wouldn’t be so bad."

Later on, Xu Qingfan arranged for Zhang Ningmei to inquire about Ting’er. Zhang Ningmei reported that recently, during her meditation, the appearances of her deceased kin and father had markedly diminished.

※※※※

Once more, after finishing the story, Xu Qingfan looked at Ting’er, whose expression had considerably brightened, and couldn’t help but recall Ting’er’s innocent yet slightly naive words.

"So, I don’t want to reach Core Formation. If things stay like this, without Core Formation I won’t have the strength for revenge, and so I won’t need to seek revenge…"

Although the darkness had lessened somewhat, the internal demon had already taken root, and resolving it completely wouldn’t be something Xu Qingfan’s stories alone could achieve.

"Core Formation… revenge…"

Xu Qingfan looked at Bai Yu and Zhang Ningmei, who were listening to him attentively, and then glanced at Ting’er, who was staring blankly into the distance, and he thought silently.

※※※※

One month later.

During this month, many things happened to Xu Qingfan.

For example, the speed at which Zhang Ningmei refined her Divine Sense far exceeded Xu Qingfan’s expectations. Initially, Xu Qingfan thought Zhang Ningmei would need at least another six months to balance her refined Divine Sense with the energy within her body. However, just one month later, which was about eight or nine months after she began training under Xu Qingfan, the consumption of energy by her Divine Sense had already balanced with the energy supply in her body.

This meant that Zhang Ningmei could now officially cultivate immortality alongside Bai Yu and Xu Qingfan.

Through Xu Qingfan’s testing, it was found that Zhang Ningmei’s body was suited to absorb water-based Spirit Qi of the five elements, retaining about thirty to forty percent of the ambient Spirit Qi, barely meeting the standard for an inner disciple.

However, Xu Qingfan didn’t mind this point. When he was cultivating immortality, his aptitude was nowhere near Zhang Ningmei’s current level, yet he still succeeded in Core Formation. Although Zhang Ningmei retained less Spirit Qi compared to Bai Yu and Ting’er, her temperament was excellent, and with her extraordinary Divine Sense, her future achievements might surpass others.

After Xu Qingfan told Zhang Ningmei about her potential, Zhang Ningmei seemed a bit disappointed but didn’t care much. Having lived on the edge of life and death since childhood, she developed a calm and adaptable nature.

For example, during this time, Bai Yu reached the middle stage of the Qi Refining Stage and was quickly working towards the late stage. Bai Yu’s situation is quite unique; his body can absorb both metal and earth Spirit Qi without interference, but Xu Qingfan also discovered something unusual. When Bai Yu tries to use techniques, his Spirit Qi cannot be released outside, as if his body is isolated from the outside.

All the metal and earth Spirit Qi accumulates within Bai Yu, and as his internal Spirit Qi becomes more abundant, his offensive and defensive abilities grow stronger. It’s as if his entire body is made of gold and stone, with incredible strength, sharp attacks, and solid defense. But the fact that he cannot perform even the simplest technique leaves Xu Qingfan puzzled.

The most meaningful and important thing for Xu Qingfan was that as the one-month adjustment period ended, Ting’er was about to finish her seclusion.

On this day, the weather was pleasant, with a clear sky.

Xu Qingfan, Zhang Ningmei, and Bai Yu stood quietly outside Ting’er’s room. Ting’er approached Xu Qingfan, bowed respectfully, and softly said, "Master, I’m going in now."

After a month of reflection and guidance from Xu Qingfan, Ting’er’s beautiful face seemed a bit worn and tired, yet more mature and sensible.

Nearby, Zhang Ningmei looked anxious. Though Ting’er had overcome many of her internal demons and obsessions thanks to Xu Qingfan’s stories, she hadn’t fully let go. Seclusion still posed a danger, and Zhang Ningmei didn’t understand why Xu Qingfan allowed Ting’er to do so at this time.

Xu Qingfan, however, seemed unaware of Zhang Ningmei’s worry. He just smiled and asked Ting’er, "Are you fully prepared for your seclusion?"

Ting’er’s eyes flickered as if she wanted to say something, but in the end, she lowered her head and softly said, "I’m ready."

Then, Xu Qingfan did something unexpected and surprising that no one anticipated.