Volume 1 Volume 6 Chapter 145

Volume 6 Chapter 145: Message, Experiment (Part 2)

"What message? What thing?"

Xu Qingfan frowned and asked. After the earlier questions, he already knew, but hearing that Zhang Xusheng wanted to give him something still surprised him greatly.

With things reaching this point, it was only natural that Li Yuhan would take action; this person cared about Jiuhua more than anything else. But Xu Qingfan couldn’t guess what Zhang Xusheng wanted to contact him for at this time. The others were just as surprised. They all knew Bai Qingfu was here looking for Xu Qingfan with a purpose and thought it might be about Jiuhua, but they didn’t expect he would bring news from Zhang Xusheng. Thinking about Bai Qingfu’s previous identity, they looked at him strangely. Then they looked at Xu Qingfan curiously, unsure why he was connected to Zhang Xusheng.

Sensing the strange looks from everyone, Bai Qingfu smiled wryly, glanced around at the people, then looked at Xu Qingfan but didn’t answer his question. He clearly didn’t want everyone to know what Li Yuhan and Zhang Xusheng had told him.

Seeing Bai Qingfu’s expression, Xu Qingfan gently nodded. He then apologized to the others with a nod, reached out, and led Bai Qingfu aside for a private conversation.

"Senior Brother Bai, why are you getting involved with Zhang Xusheng again? Didn’t you already decide to leave your old life behind?"

The two moved to the side, but Xu Qingfan did not ask Li Yuhan’s message or why Zhang Xusheng was involved. Instead, he asked sternly, as Zhang Xusheng was too dangerous and Xu Qingfan wanted to limit contact with him. With Bai Qingfu, Xu Qingfan was friendly and respectful, feeling that Bai Qingfu was similar to him in some way, and he didn’t want him to make the same mistakes.

Bai Qingfu smiled wryly and shook his head, saying, "Zhang Xusheng found me, so I had no choice."

Xu Qingfan was silent for a moment, then sighed, longing for Zhang Xusheng’s mysterious smile, but he said nothing more.

Bai Qingfu waited for a moment, and when Xu Qingfan didn’t respond, he spoke alone, "Li Yuhan gave me only four words to pass on, ‘Jiuhua is important.’ Li Yuhan said if you still value these four words, then let me tell you his entire plan, how to cooperate without affecting the bigger picture, and you can decide on your own. But if Jiuhua no longer matters to you…"

At this point, Bai Qingfu hesitated, but did not continue speaking.

Bai Qingfu didn’t say it, but Xu Qingfan understood; for the long-term benefit and position of Jiuhua, Li Yuhan had to make sacrifices.

"The greater good is a heavy burden!"

Xu Qingfan suddenly felt a deep wave of fatigue and helplessness; the cold indifference in his heart boiled over at that moment, threatening to spread throughout his body.

Originally, Xu Qingfan wanted to hide the fact that he had been cursed. He planned to cover up the strange things happening to him and then return to the Righteous Alliance to settle the matters of Jiuhua, pretending that nothing had happened.

However, after learning that Gongsun Huasa made the appearance of the Shadow Tear Worm public, all his plans fell apart. Xu Qingfan realized that his future was already very clear. Demons and righteousness are naturally opposed to each other. No matter how much he contributed to the Righteous Alliance before, or that he had purified all the demonic energy within him into "Qi of Demonic Death," he still carried the mark of a demon. It was a well-known fact that he had once been cursed, and the righteous path could no longer accept him.

If he acted as he had planned before, the best outcome would be to live as a rogue cultivator. The position of Master of Jiuhua would be impossible for him, but he did not care about that. The Master of Jiuhua had only brought him endless pressure and exhaustion. Now, he was already one of the few great experts in the world. The Righteous Alliance could not trust him completely, and it seemed he would inevitably face a lifetime of imprisonment and surveillance, which was something Xu Qingfan deeply wished to avoid.

And this was still the best possible outcome. The more likely scenario was that he would be attacked by the Righteous Alliance as soon as he showed his face. After all, it was right and proper for the righteous to eliminate demons; there was no need for discussion. Demons were born evil, even if this demon had contributed greatly to the Righteous Alliance before becoming a demon.

Xu Qingfan believed that although he had many schemes throughout his life, he had always acted with integrity and never harmed anyone for his own benefit. He felt no guilt. But why had things now turned into this situation of right or wrong, demon or not, and why was he no longer accepted by the righteous? At this moment, when he was struggling to protect himself, he still needed to work for the greater good of Jiuhua and to restore its reputation.

Should he complain to the heavens? Would that help? Li Xuhan’s teachings during his life, Zhang Hualing’s wishes at his death, and even Jiuhua’s kindness made it impossible for Xu Qingfan to think only of himself at this time. Though the thought was strong, he could not bring himself to do it.

Xu Qingfan’s heart had never felt as exhausted and helpless as it did at this moment. In his exhaustion and helplessness, he suddenly had the urge to escape from the world.

The Demon Ancestor once said that Demon Thought is the heart’s desire expanded infinitely. Xu Qingfan finally understood why he felt such cold indifference after being cursed; deep down, he had grown tired of it all.

However, living in this world meant facing many helpless situations, just like Xu Qingfan was doing at this moment.

"If it weren’t for my master, I would have turned into a pile of bones in the Southern Wasteland over two hundred years ago. Though he didn’t save me for my sake, the fact is that he did save me. I cannot forget the care from my senior brother, the training from Martial Uncle Liu Huaxiang, and the support from the Sect Master. These four words are still in my heart. What is Li Yuhan’s plan? Just tell me, as long as I can do it, I will try my best."

Xu Qingfan sighed softly and said, "At the same time, he thought to himself."

"Given my current situation, Jiuhua can no longer officially recognize me. I cannot confine myself within Jiuhua, so after everything is over, being driven out of Jiuhua is almost a certainty. This time will be the last I can do something for Jiuhua. Well, with this, I can say I have repaid all the kindness Jiuhua has shown me. From now on, I can finally live for myself."

When Bai Qingfu heard Xu Qingfan mention "as long as I can do it" and "try my best," he understood that Xu Qingfan feared Li Yuhan would sacrifice him for Jiuhua’s sake. He quietly sighed. He knew Xu Qingfan well. Although he still didn’t understand why Xu Qingfan had become this way, he felt it was unfair and said, "Li Yuhan knows you will definitely have doubts at this time, so he lets you decide how to cooperate. As long as it doesn’t affect his plan, he won’t oppose it."

Then, Bai Qingfu slowly explained Li Yuhan’s plan to Xu Qingfan. Shock flashed in Xu Qingfan’s eyes; he clearly didn’t expect Li Yuhan, with his personality, to come up with such a wicked plan.

After closing his eyes and thinking for a moment, Xu Qingfan slowly opened them and nodded, saying, "I will find a way to cooperate."

Bai Qingfu nodded as well, then took out a green slip from his sleeve and handed it to Xu Qingfan, saying, "This is something Zhang Xusheng asked me to give you."

The green slip is something cultivators use to record information. After Xu Qingfan received it, he immersed his mind into it.

Inside the green slip, a line of words was engraved.

"Zizhen is straight and stubborn. The righteous path has my help, so don’t meddle in other people’s business. Just focus on growing, and I will find you."

This sentence seems confusing, but Xu Qingfan understood what Zhang Xusheng meant.

"Zizhen is straight and stubborn" refers to the leader of the Righteous Alliance’s attitude towards his own dark side. Zizhen’s emphasis on the righteous way leaves no room for him. "The righteous path has my help" means he is genuinely helping the Righteous Alliance and, with his strength, Xu Qingfan should not worry about the situation at "Black Emperor Cliff." "Don’t meddle in other people’s affairs" has two meanings: it tells Xu Qingfan not to get involved in the Righteous Alliance’s matters and advises him not to bother about Jiuhua. The last line encourages Xu Qingfan to focus on his training and building strength, as one day, the two will face a great battle.

Xu Qingfan smiled slightly, not expecting that at this moment, Zhang Xusheng would actually consider him, and even for once, not have any ulterior motives. It seemed Zhang Xusheng had great expectations for him.

Xu Qingfan shook his head and walked over to Dongfang Qingling and the others, saying to Bai Qingfu, "Come on, I need to explain my situation to them. I think you are also a bit confused, so let’s listen together."

Bai Qingfu nodded and silently followed behind Xu Qingfan.

Earlier, Xu Qingfan had instructed Ting’er to stay where she was. After losing her mind and memory, Ting’er only trusted Xu Qingfan. Now, standing among the crowd, she was being looked at strangely and felt a bit anxious. If it weren’t for Xu Qingfan’s orders, she might have attacked everyone by now. Fortunately, Little Green and Little White came to her side. Although she didn’t recognize her spirit pets, she felt a little more at ease and didn’t go wild.

When Xu Qingfan returned, Ting’er immediately moved to Xu Qingfan’s side without hesitation, clutching his clothes with a wronged expression. Xu Qingfan gently patted Ting’er on the head, calming her emotions.

He nodded to the crowd, sat down first, and said, "Everyone sit down. I will explain things clearly."

Hearing Xu Qingfan’s words, everyone surrounded him sat down. Xu Qingfan glanced around at everyone and thought about their decision to risk their safety for him. He felt touched and after a moment of silence, he organized his thoughts and said, "Everyone may be curious why I almost lost control and why I killed the Sect Master. These matters involve the secrets of Jiuhua, so I cannot speak too much, but since you all bravely came to find me despite the dangers of punishment from the Righteous Alliance and the risk of being killed by my madness, I cannot hide anything from you. However, some matters involve Jiuhua’s secrets, so please keep them confidential in the future."

Hearing Xu Qingfan’s seriousness, everyone swore an oath to the heavens.

Xu Qingfan nodded and explained how, after the calamity of Jiuhua, the top experts were either dead or injured, and the younger generation had not yet grown. He also shared how Zhang Hualing practiced Zhang Xusheng’s secret technique and lost control, and finally discussed the agreement he made with himself, followed by how he infiltrated Zhang Xusheng’s stronghold and nearly lost control.

After listening to Xu Qingfan’s story, everyone sighed and looked at him with pity. They knew the cultivators of the righteous way had a natural enmity and fear of demon cultivators and understood Xu Qingfan’s situation. They realized that Xu Qingfan had always considered Jiuhua and the Righteous Alliance, yet he ended up in such a predicament. Even though cultivators needed to maintain a respect for the Heavenly Way, they could not help but feel that fate was unfair.

Many wanted to comfort Xu Qingfan but did not know what to say, for at this moment, any comfort would be useless.

Among them, Dongfang Qingling gazed deeply at Xu Qingfan, filled with compassion. Looking at Xu Qingfan’s changed appearance, the lines of darkness on his face, and his sharp, cold eyes, she suddenly felt that it was a great irony to the saying "good people are rewarded."

Just as everyone was silent, Xu Qingfan suddenly stood up and bowed deeply to everyone.

Seeing Xu Qingfan’s actions, everyone was shocked and quickly stood up to return the bow.

Then Xu Qingfan said, "The reason I am explaining these matters is to make you understand that your trust in me, Xu Qingfan, has not been in vain. I have always been the Xu Qingfan you knew."

Saying this, a faint bitter smile appeared on Xu Qingfan’s lips, and he continued, "But now you all understand my situation clearly. Given my current form, my body has dark powers clearly visible. Even if I recover, I will no longer be accepted by the righteous path. If I return, I fear I will be imprisoned for life, which is not what I desire. So this is the last time I will see you all. From now on, to avoid all cultivators, I will hide away in a faraway place, living in seclusion. I am afraid there will be no chance to meet again."

"Master!"

Xu Qingfan was speaking when Bai Yu interrupted him. Although this Bai Yu was mischievous, he had always respected Xu Qingfan and had never dared to interrupt him before; this was the first time.

At this moment, Xu Qingfan’s expression was strange and terrifying, and his aura had grown even stronger since his cultivation had improved. However, Bai Yu looked straight into Xu Qingfan’s eyes and surprisingly showed a hint of anger.

"What’s wrong?" Xu Qingfan asked in surprise.

"Master, I would like to know if the ‘everyone’ you just mentioned includes me?" Bai Yu said, looking firmly at Xu Qingfan, his fists clenched, and he spoke slowly.

Xu Qingfan sighed and said, "I know what you are thinking, but your future is bright. With your talent, even if you are my disciple, if you choose to sever ties with me, you will still be valued by the Righteous Alliance. There is no need for…"

"Master, I have something to ask!"

Bai Yu interrupted Xu Qingfan again.

"You say."

"I have heard about the master, Ancestral Master Lu Huayan. The reason he took the master as his disciple was to have him experiment with a flawed cultivation method. Because of this method, the master almost faced Qi deviation and nearly died several times. So why does the master still respect Ancestral Master so much? Back in Jiuhua, unless he was in closed-door training, he would regularly take us to pay respects. Even though your cultivation level has long surpassed that of Ancestral Master, you have never spoken a single bad word about him from beginning to end?"

"Bai Yu, I understand what you mean. Ancestral Master has indeed used me, but he saved my life. Besides, I asked for this experiment. Although he used me for the cultivation method, he has always valued my life, teaching me sincerely. As my feelings for him deepened, he no longer sought to use me and truly regarded me as his disciple. Therefore, it is only right for me to respect him. However, my current situation is different…"

Interrupted again.

"What do you mean by different, Master? Is it that you do not regard us as true disciples, or do you think that we disciples can only enjoy wealth with you but cannot share in hardships?"

For the first time, Xu Qingfan didn’t know how to explain in front of Bai Yu.

"Master, you understand my thoughts, and I understand yours. You believe that at this time, we disciples should not be a burden to you. But since the moment we became your disciples, we decided to share both honor and shame with you. I do not care about what outsiders think; you are my master, and that is simple."

Bai Yu’s words were powerful and full of determination. Xu Qingfan was used to Bai Yu’s silly antics and stubbornness, and this was the first time he saw this side of Bai Yu.

On the other side, Zhang Ningmei also bowed gracefully, looking up at Xu Qingfan, and said softly, "Master, you once said that everyone has their own Heavenly Way and should follow it. The Heavenly Way represents one’s true heart, and at this moment, my true heart is to stay by your side without abandon. You have protected us for so long; it is time for us to repay you. Moreover, since you want to stay hidden, we follow you into seclusion and listen to your teachings; how can that be a burden?"

Zhang Ningmei’s voice was always calm, but it made it even harder for Xu Qingfan to argue.

After a moment of silence, Xu Qingfan sighed and said, "Alright, you two can follow me. Since both of you have special conditions, training alone might lead to some accidents."

"Thank you, Master!"

When Xu Qingfan said this, Bai Yu and Zhang Ningmei were both very happy. After bowing, they stood behind Xu Qingfan.

"Bai Yu." Xu Qingfan suddenly said, as if he remembered something.

"I am here, Master," Bai Yu replied.

"I remember that when I accepted you, I only took you as an introductory disciple. From now on, you are my direct disciple."

Xu Qingfan said with a smile.

Bai Yu was overjoyed and bowed again, this time bowing three times, while Xu Qingfan accepted it calmly.

The cultivator takes in disciples, which are divided into three types: direct disciples, inner disciples, and recorded disciples. Recorded disciples get the chance to learn about cultivation, but they are treated like servants. Inner disciples receive true teachings, while only direct disciples inherit this lineage!

"Master!"

At that moment, two loud howls suddenly rang out. Bai Qingfu was watching the scene in front of him with a full heart, thinking how Xu Qingfan had indeed taken in two loyal and devoted disciples, but he was startled by the loud howls.

Xu Qingfan turned around and saw Tian Zhenxian and Tian Zhenling kneeling in front of him, constantly bowing and saying together, "We have admired and worshipped you for many years. Please, Master, accept us as your disciples!"

The sound of their heads hitting the ground was constant. Even though the cultivator’s physical strength could easily shatter the rocks beneath them, this showed their sincerity.

"Master, the Tian family brothers are truly sincere towards you. They have good talent; the Grand Elder of the Five Elements Sect wanted to take them as disciples but they refused. Yet, they have been pursuing you for a hundred years, hoping you’ll accept them as your disciples. Every time you rejected them, they never felt disheartened. This time, although others close to you haven’t shown any signs, they followed us to find you without complaint."

Seeing Xu Qingfan frown in thought, as if he was about to disagree, Bai Yu quickly spoke up in their defense.

Xu Qingfan was also touched by the actions of the Tian family brothers. At this moment, if he did not want to take disciples, it would be a lie. He just didn’t want to delay the futures of the two. However, thinking about how they had followed him all this time just to become his disciples, he felt that if he rejected them again, it would greatly sadden them. Seeing the cracks in the rocks under their heads from their bows, his heart softened. He let out a faint sigh and said, "Since you are not afraid of delaying your future and being looked down upon by righteous people, from today onward, you two will be my… inner disciples."

He initially wanted to say recorded disciples. After taking in amazing talents like Ting’er, Bai Yu, and Zhang Ningmei as disciples, Xu Qingfan’s standards for choosing disciples were higher than anyone in the cultivation world. But feeling their sincerity and considering the status of recorded disciples in the cultivation world, he ultimately accepted them as inner disciples.

"Thank you, Master!"

They used to affectionately call Xu Qingfan ‘Master’ without his acknowledgment, but this time they finally received his recognition, and the joy in their hearts was beyond words.

Normally, according to the customs of apprenticeship, the two should serve tea to Xu Qingfan, but in this desolate place, there was no tea available. So after bowing three times and knocking their heads nine times, the Tian brothers stepped back behind Xu Qingfan, complaining to each other about why they hadn’t prepared tea earlier for their apprenticeship, but their happy expressions could not be hidden.

Under the joy of the Tian brothers, the heaviness in everyone’s hearts also lightened considerably.

Just then, Bai Qingfu suddenly smiled slightly, bowed to Xu Qingfan, and said, "Because of my lower status, I cannot follow Junior Brother Xu as an apprentice, but could Junior Brother Xu accept me as a companion, traveling together and living in seclusion later?"

On the other side, Wang Zegang also stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Please allow me to hide away with you, my benefactor. You have saved my life three times and helped me with my cultivation. I cannot repay your kindness. I have already told you that my life belongs to you."

"Senior Brother Bai, Taoist Friend Wang, what are you doing…?"

Xu Qingfan exclaimed in surprise.

"Junior Brother Xu, it’s not that I’m being shameless as your senior. You know my previous situation; even though I have returned to Jiuhua, everyone is on guard, and no one opens their heart. I wish to travel the world alone, but the current situation in the cultivation world is like looking for death. Adding to that the problem with Zhang Xusheng, I’m scared, so I can only seek you for support."

Bai Qingfu said with a smile, his expression just like when they first met.

"Please help me, kind sir!"

Wang Zegang’s words were not as many as Bai Qingfu’s, but they were clearer and stronger.

Xu Qingfan stared blankly at the people in front of him. In his dark eyes, the feelings of touch grew stronger, and without realizing it, the cold indifference in his heart caused by the Demon Thought began to melt away.

"Hahaha…"

Suddenly, Xu Qingfan laughed loudly, and after a long time, he walked up to Bai Qingfu and Wang Zegang, holding their arms, and said, "To be honest, just now I felt really frustrated. I thought life was unfair. I’ve lived my life with a clear conscience, yet I received such an ending. But now, I have no complaints. Not only did I receive four devoted disciples, but I also gained two dear friends who would stand by me through life and death. I have no regrets in this life."

When Xu Qingfan thought he had been abandoned by the whole world, meeting such a situation brought him unprecedented joy, and he could no longer hold back his emotions.

"Senior Brother Bai, how do you and Martial Brother Lv Qingshang stay in touch?"

Xu Qingfan asked.

"We agreed to meet thirty miles south of ‘Ronghua Mountain.’"

"Alright, let’s go meet him. We just need to finish the matters in Jiuhua and make everything clear. Everyone, come with me to hide from the world!"

Xu Qingfan said.

Originally, the scene of parting was filled with joy at this moment. Even Ting’er, upon seeing Xu Qingfan laugh joyfully, began to laugh along, not knowing the reason.

However, there was one person who did not fit into this joyful scene.

That was Dongfang Qingling.

Bai Qingfu could follow Xu Qingfan because he could no longer stay in Jiuhua. Wang Zegang’s life was already given to Xu Qingfan, so he could also follow. As for Ting’er, Zhang Ningmei, Bai Yu, and the Tian family brothers, they were Xu Qingfan’s disciples, so it was only natural for them to follow him into the hidden world.

Only Dongfang Qingling found herself without any reason to go. Xu Qingfan had saved her life, but she had saved his too; it seemed they owed each other nothing. As an elder of Jiuhua, she was essential at that moment.

Yet, Dongfang Qingling’s desire to be with Xu Qingfan forever was more urgent than anyone else’s. Unfortunately, she could not find an excuse to follow him.

In that moment, Dongfang Qingling wished that Xu Qingfan would say, "Junior Martial Sister Dongfang, come with me." If he had, she would have followed him without hesitation.

But sadly, he did not; Xu Qingfan only called everyone to fly towards the place where they would meet Lv Qingshang.

Dongfang Qingling quietly followed the group as they soared into the sky, feeling as if she were forgotten. No one spoke to her, and everyone was discussing where to hide away. Like her, they could not find a reason for Dongfang Qingling to follow Xu Qingfan, so it was natural for them to return to Jiuhua and continue as elders there.

What should I do? Dongfang Qingling thought, feeling a bit lost.