Volume 5 Chapter 63

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Volume 5 Chapter 63: Determination to Die

Looking at the two green slips and the blue bead that Zhang Hualing handed him, Xu Qingfan took them with a puzzled look at Zhang Hualing, not knowing what they were.

Instinctively, Xu Qingfan used his Divine Sense to explore the green slips and the blue bead in his hand. The green slips indeed recorded some information. One green slip clearly noted the "Indefinite Sutra" that Liu Huaxiang had once taught him, but the content recorded inside was slightly different. Moreover, there was much more information following the "Indefinite Sutra," which Xu Qingfan couldn’t extract too much from at that moment.

The other green slip had a protective barrier around it, making it impossible for Xu Qingfan’s Divine Sense to penetrate. According to his detection, the barrier around this green slip was very strong. If he forcibly tried to break it, this green slip might not withstand the conflict between Xu Qingfan’s Divine Sense and the barrier. In that instant, the green slip would likely turn to dust.

However, what shocked Xu Qingfan the most was the blue bead. He didn’t know what material it was made from, but it shimmered with a mesmerizing blue light that drew people in. Most importantly, within the bead, Xu Qingfan clearly sensed a wave of Divine Sense, which felt very familiar – it was Zhang Hualing’s!

Seeing Xu Qingfan look at him in surprise and confusion, Zhang Hualing smiled gently, his expression still calm, but his words made Xu Qingfan very alarmed.

"The first green slip contains my Jiuhua’s two highest cultivation methods: ‘Indefinite Sutra’ and ‘Substitute for Heaven.’ After practicing the ‘Indefinite Sutra,’ Spirit Qi transcends the five elements. When used, it is silent yet powerful. ‘Substitute for Heaven’ is based on the ‘Indefinite Sutra’ and can act on behalf of heaven, drawing upon the powers of the earth. It is rare in the cultivation world. Only the Masters of Jiuhua throughout history can practice it. Initially, when I decided to make you the next Master of Jiuhua, these two methods should have been given to you. However, considering your skills weren’t fully developed, I hesitated to give you these advanced methods too early. But now that you have reached the late stage of the Real Golden Core Stage, it is time to share these two methods with you."

As he spoke, Zhang Hualing, feeling uneasy, reminded again, "You must be careful. That ‘Substitute for Heaven’ is very powerful, but it is not something you should practice right now. Practicing it forcefully will only bring you harm and no benefit. You must master the ‘Indefinite Sutra’ before you can train in it. Do you understand?"

After hearing Zhang Hualing’s words, Xu Qingfan’s face became serious, and he bowed his head in response.

Although deep down Xu Qingfan did not want to become a Sect Master bound by endless rules, this was a plan made by Liu Huaxiang and Zhang Hualing, and he did not want Jiuhua to fall into despair. Over the years, he had come to terms with it. If necessary, he could hand over the position to someone else, like Li Yuhan, who he thought would be a good fit. So when he heard Zhang Hualing’s words, he did not show any resistance.

What puzzled Xu Qingfan was that after Zhang Hualing introduced the first green slip, he fell silent. When Xu Qingfan looked up, he found Zhang Hualing staring at the other green slip and the blue bead in Xu Qingfan’s hand, his expression distant, as if lost in thought, with a hint of sadness and determination in his eyes.

"Sect Master…"

Xu Qingfan softly called out, bringing Zhang Hualing back to reality.

Once he was awake, Zhang Hualing gave a faint smile, showing no embarrassment, but he did not mention the other green slip and the blue bead. Instead, he changed the subject and said softly, "In the end, I have still failed."

Hearing Zhang Hualing’s words, Xu Qingfan was taken aback, his eyes showing shock. Zhang Hualing’s statement was abrupt; he only said he had failed without explaining where. But Xu Qingfan knew that while Zhang Hualing used the dark arts left by Zhang Xusheng to extend his life, his mind was unknowingly affected by the dark energy within. For thirteen years, Zhang Hualing had been researching ways to expel this dark energy, and in previous years, Xu Qingfan often studied with him. So when Zhang Hualing suddenly said he had failed, it was likely about expelling the dark energy.

"Sect Master, are you saying that you have failed in expelling the dark energy?" Although he had guessed this in his heart, Xu Qingfan did not want to believe it and asked cautiously.

Zhang Hualing sighed softly and said slowly, "I had thought to use dark magic to drive away this evil energy, but I was indeed wrong. Over the years, the evil energy in my heart has not only not been driven away, but has instead grown stronger."

Hearing Zhang Hualing’s words, Xu Qingfan fell silent. He felt a wave of sadness; although Zhang Hualing’s skills and insight were not as good as Li Xuhan’s, he had truly done his best for Jiuhua. In the end, he faced such a fate, showing how cruel destiny can be. After a moment of sadness, Xu Qingfan began to think more about how he and Jiuhua should face this situation.

The evil energy in Zhang Hualing’s heart was getting stronger. Although he still looked clear-headed and rational now, at any moment he could be controlled by the evil energy. As the Sect Master of Jiuhua, the damage and harm caused if he were controlled would be very serious. In this situation, the safest way was to have Zhang Hualing step down and observe closely.

This was the best solution, but it was not suitable for Jiuhua.

Firstly, Jiuhua was about to rise, and even though Zhang Hualing’s skills, mind, and vision were not as good as Li Xuhan’s, he was still the top person in Jiuhua right now. Only he could lead Jiuhua through this catastrophe. Although Xu Qingfan had matured quite a bit over the years, he was still far from being able to do this.

Secondly, and most importantly, among the most famous figures of Jiuhua, the three saints and four idle ones, Xu Qingfan’s master Lu Huayan had died of old age, the elder Elder Hou who protected the formation was severely injured and still needed care, and the others had all died in the last disaster, leaving only Zhang Hualing. If Zhang Hualing stepped down, there would be no one to take over as sect leader. The most likely candidates were Xu Qingfan and Gongsun Huasa, but Gongsun Huasa lacked skill and experience, while Xu Qingfan’s qualifications and strength were also insufficient. If forced to choose between the two, it would deepen the conflict between the two generations of elders.

Thinking of this, Xu Qingfan felt a wave of helplessness. While there were other ways to prevent this, their effectiveness was poor.

Seeing that Xu Qingfan’s expression showed some sadness, but more of seriousness and deep thought, Zhang Hualing nodded in satisfaction. If Xu Qingfan had only focused on feeling sad for his plight, Zhang Hualing would have worried about leaving Jiuhua in his hands.

One could say it was calm, one could say it was mature, and one could even say it was cold. Such is life; when one gains something, one often loses something at the same time. While gaining maturity, one might lose even more.

After a long time, Xu Qingfan let out a deep sigh and slowly asked, "Sect Master, what should we do now?"

After a brief silence, Zhang Hualing pointed at the green slip and blue bead in Xu Qingfan’s hand and said, "That’s why I am giving you these two items. Do you remember what I told you when you stopped me from continuing my research on those secret methods last time?"

Xu Qingfan knew that Zhang Hualing was referring to the phrase "At that time, you can kill me." Looking at the green slip and blue bead in his hand, he thought of Zhang Hualing’s method, feeling even sadder, and slowly said, "I remember."

Zhang Hualing’s expression, however, had returned to normal. He pointed at the blue bead and said, "This bead is my Soul Bead. Recently, I forcibly extracted a part of it from my Divine Sense. Because this bead is made from my Original Soul, it can bind me for a period of time and can also indicate my state. If one day this bead turns red, it means I have been taken over by evil energy. At that time, find me and act according to our original agreement."

As he spoke, Zhang Hualing pointed at the other green slip that was bound. A faint smile appeared on his face as he slowly said, "As for this bound green slip, it contains my last words. When I die, the binding will disappear, and when you crush it, my last words will appear. It will explain why you killed me and state my decision to make you the sect leader. You must crush it in front of most of the elders, understand?"

Xu Qingfan remained silent for a moment. For him, personally killing the Master of Jiuhua was a very cruel thing, but in the end, he softly said, "I understand."

At that moment, Zhang Hualing had already made up his mind to die.

Seeing Xu Qingfan’s expression was somewhat lost, Zhang Hualing smiled slightly and, rarely, patted Xu Qingfan on the shoulder, saying, "Don’t worry, I can still suppress the evil thoughts deep inside me. Maybe I can hold on until the calamity is over."

Xu Qingfan nodded slightly, knowing that Zhang Hualing was doing this not only because of the concerns he had thought of earlier but also because he wanted to lead Jiuhua out of this calamity himself. He also had a hopeful thought that he could continue to suppress the evil thoughts inside him, which was why he did this.

Watching Xu Qingfan quietly place the two green slips and the Soul Bead into his sleeve, Zhang Hualing gently nodded. His expression returned to its usual seriousness as he said to Xu Qingfan, "Let’s head back to the main hall. I think everyone has gathered."

Saying this, Zhang Hualing walked ahead towards the main hall, and Xu Qingfan quietly followed behind.