Volume 5 Chapter 60
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Volume 5 Chapter 60: Teaching
He walked leisurely out of the room, passed the several barriers outside, and saw his three disciples, Ting’er, Zhang Ningmei, and Bai Yu, standing respectfully outside, waiting quietly.
In fact, ever since Xu Qingfan broke through to the late stage of the Real Golden Core Stage, causing various phenomena, the three – Ting’er and the others – had known Xu Qingfan was about to emerge. They had been waiting outside since then. Even though Xu Qingfan had not appeared immediately after the phenomena ceased, leaving them puzzled, they said nothing and continued waiting patiently, as it was expected for disciples to wait for their master.
About an hour later, an incredibly powerful and terrifying aura suddenly emanated from the room. This aura was filled with deathly stillness, and one could faintly hear the howling of vengeful spirits within it, as if the Grim Reaper had suddenly descended into the room, silently surveying the world through the walls, contemplating where to begin harvesting souls.
The moment this aura appeared, Ting’er was forced back over ten steps, while Zhang Ningmei and Bai Yu were even worse off, falling to the ground with pale faces. Just the mere pressure from the room had already caused them some internal injuries, highlighting the aura’s terrifying nature.
After being forced back, Ting’er’s expression shifted suddenly; this aura could not possibly belong to Xu Qingfan. Xu Qingfan’s strength simply did not command such power. Could someone have unknowingly infiltrated Xu Qingfan’s room with ill intentions?
After over a decade of worry, Ting’er couldn’t help but imagine the worst. Her usually calm face now held a hint of urgency. Ignoring the fact that the opponent was far too powerful for her to resist, she prepared to rush into Xu Qingfan’s room.
Little Black had always been silent and reserved in front of Ting’er, never showing its true strength. Although Ting’er sensed that Little Black was extremely powerful and mysterious, Little Green, usually fearless, also seemed submissive around Little Black. Despite this, Ting’er did not truly comprehend Little Black’s abilities, as she wasn’t present during its last evolution. If she had been, she would have recognized the aura and unique stillness that marked Little Black’s advancement.
Just as Ting’er reached Xu Qingfan’s room, the door suddenly opened. She saw Xu Qingfan quietly standing there, looking curiously at her as she approached.
Seeing Xu Qingfan safe and sound, Ting’er stopped in her tracks, surprised. Xu Qingfan looked the same as before his seclusion, dressed in a flowing white robe with a jade pendant swirling with purple mist at his waist. The scar on his right cheek was fading, while the black and red phoenix totem below his left eye looked more vibrant than ever.
Xu Qingfan’s cultivation had advanced again, yet his graceful and calm demeanor remained unchanged. However, after everything he had experienced, he now carried a maturity and weariness that belied his youthful appearance. Whether it was the years of seclusion or the trials of cultivation, beneath his elegance lay a deep fatigue.
For the past eleven years, Ting’er had worried constantly about Xu Qingfan’s well-being, reminiscing about the time before his seclusion. Now that Xu Qingfan stood before her, though the rare warmth in her heart remained undiminished, her emotions calmed. She masked her surprise and bowed to Xu Qingfan.
Meanwhile, Zhang Ningmei and Bai Yu also managed to stand and, like Ting’er, bowed to Xu Qingfan.
Seeing Bai Yu and Zhang Ningmei’s pale faces and recalling Ting’er’s earlier anxiety, Xu Qingfan quickly realized that Little Black’s evolution likely caused an unusual disturbance, injuring Zhang Ningmei and Bai Yu and worrying Ting’er.
Reflecting on this, Xu Qingfan felt a pang of guilt. As their mentor, leaving them for over a decade and causing them concern and injury was highly irresponsible.
After giving Ting’er a reassuring pat on the shoulder, Xu Qingfan quickly stepped in front of Zhang Ningmei and Bai Yu. He gently grasped their wrists, channeling his "Flourish Qi" into their bodies.
The healing power of the "Flourish Qi" was exceptionally strong. After the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, Zhang Ningmei and Bai Yu’s faces regained their color from the earlier pallor, and their internal injuries completely healed.
Once finished, Xu Qingfan nodded with satisfaction. In addition to healing them, he had also assessed their progress in cultivation and was pleased with their rapid advancement; their progress had exceeded his expectations.
To his surprise, Zhang Ningmei, who had shown less potential, had almost caught up to Bai Yu.
Xu Qingfan smiled lightly and said, "It seems you’ve both worked hard over these years. You’re progressing well, far better than I did at your age."
Bai Yu and Zhang Ningmei bowed together to Xu Qingfan and said, "Master’s wise guidance and generous gifts of elixirs make us almost unworthy of the praise."
Hearing their words, Xu Qingfan shook his head with a wry smile. While it was true that the elixirs he provided played a significant role in their swift progress, he hadn’t given them much guidance beyond the initial years. Their words left him feeling undeservedly praised.
However, Xu Qingfan understood these words to be customary respect shown by disciples to their master, passed down through countless generations. Even when he knew Lu Huayan took him as a disciple to test cultivation methods, Xu Qingfan had said similar words to Lu Huayan.
Then, Xu Qingfan nodded at Zhang Ningmei with a smile and said, "You’re doing well. To be honest, your progress is beyond what I ever expected. In the cultivation world, there’s a saying about ‘hidden talents,’ referring to those less gifted in talent yet advancing far beyond others’ expectations. These individuals may lack innate talents but have remarkable insight and diligence. I always knew you had hidden talents, but I never imagined you possessed them to this extent. I believe your future achievements will surprise everyone."
As he spoke, Xu Qingfan turned to Bai Yu before Zhang Ningmei could say more, his expression becoming more serious. "Bai Yu, your progress is good, but you’re far behind Ningmei. Have you been focusing all your energy on practicing martial arts?"
Bai Yu nodded in surprise, a hint of shame on his face. However, he still didn’t seem too concerned. In his mind, while cultivation was important, martial arts were where his true passion lay. Though embarrassed not to match Zhang Ningmei, he didn’t let it bother him much.
Seeing Bai Yu’s demeanor, Xu Qingfan sighed softly. He already understood what Bai Yu was thinking but felt helpless. Compared to the tedious meditation, Bai Yu was indeed much more interested in martial arts, something that couldn’t be changed just by a few words of reprimand.
This Bai Yu probably dreams of becoming a hero who fights for justice after mastering martial arts, right? Growing up in a military environment and listening to tales of great heroes from soldiers has deeply influenced him in unimaginable ways.
Thinking of Bai Yu’s character, with his love for heroics and claiming to be a true man, an idea struck Xu Qingfan. Pretending to ponder, he said slowly, "The opponents you will face in the future aren’t ordinary people but powerful cultivators from the cultivation world. Ignoring cultivation and focusing on martial arts won’t do. Anyway, I know you won’t listen to me if I say this."
With that, Xu Qingfan turned to Zhang Ningmei with a smile and said, "Ningmei, it seems that soon you’ll surpass Bai Yu in cultivation. You must help Bai Yu more in the future so that he doesn’t get bullied by others."
Zhang Ningmei responded with a gentle smile, understanding Xu Qingfan’s intentions. She turned to Bai Yu and said, "Bai Yu, go ahead and practice martial arts. In the future, I won’t let anyone bully you. Just find what you love."
Bai Yu, however, did not notice the "hidden intentions" of Xu Qingfan and Zhang Ningmei. Guided by them, he was already frightened by his imagination.
On a night with high winds and a dark moon, the hero Bai Yu was accidentally captured due to lack of strength. Just then, Zhang Ningmei appeared, defeated the villain, and asked with concern, "Little brother, are you alright?" She struck a pose of a beauty saving a hero, even though Bai Yu had always fantasized about being the hero rescuing the beauty.
From a young age, Bai Yu always saw taking care of Zhang Ningmei as his own responsibility and prided himself on being a strong, responsible man. But now, the tables have turned, and he would have to be the one cared for by Zhang Ningmei to prevent being bullied, which was something Bai Yu couldn’t accept.
After these thoughts appeared in Bai Yu’s mind, even though his face wasn’t exactly pale, dripping with cold sweat, his expression did change drastically. Following Xu Qingfan’s words, Bai Yu indeed became much more diligent and hardworking in his meditation and cultivation.
The terrifying male chauvinism.
After finishing his remarks about Bai Yu and Zhang Ningmei, Xu Qingfan slowly turned to look at Ting’er, examining her carefully with eyes full of compassion. Unlike his detailed admonishment of Bai Yu and Zhang Ningmei, he simply said softly, "Ting’er, these past years have been difficult for you."
