Volume 1 Volume 7 Chapter 3

Volume 7 Chapter 3: The World Is Divided, a Letter From Afar (Part 3)

Upon hearing Zhang Xusheng’s name, Mr. Liu was clearly taken aback, but then he showed a thoughtful expression and murmured, "So, the kid Xu Qingfan is finally going to take action? I thought he would hide away forever…"

Saying this, Mr. Liu looked up at Wang Zegang and asked softly, "Did Xu Qingfan not say what I should do?"

Wang Zegang shook his head and said, "The Island Master said that with your status, it would not be good to get involved. After all, if it fails, it would be difficult to bear."

Mr. Liu nodded thoughtfully, waved his hand, and signaled Wang Zegang to leave, staying alone to think deeply.

Wang Zegang bowed respectfully and left with his body bent.

After leaving Mr. Liu’s courtyard, Wang Zegang thought for a moment and then walked towards the courtyard in another direction at the foot of "Ronghua Mountain."

That was Jin Qinghan’s home.

※※※※

If there is anyone in the Righteous Alliance who has been most popular in recent years, it is undoubtedly Jin Qinghan.

Although he is only a Nascent Soul Stage cultivator, Jin Qinghan has made rapid progress in cultivation over the past thirty years. After blending the two paths of Buddhism and Daoism, his cultivation method is mysterious. With the "Silent Lamp" from the five elemental treasures given to him by Mr. Liu twenty-five years ago, his strength is unfathomable. Additionally, Jin Qinghan has a natural bravery in his character. Over the past thirty years, while humanity has suffered greatly, he has only killed eight members of the Shura Clan, half of whom were killed by him.

In fact, Jin Qinghan is one of the few cultivators among humans over the years who has perfectly completed all the tasks given by the Righteous Alliance.

In fact, Wang Zegang has secretly entered Yongzhou State for almost half a year, gathering daily necessities needed for the Rainbow Spirit Seven Islands while also collecting various information about the Shenzhou Continent over the years.

However, the information collected by Wang Zegang shows very few good news. Whether it is about the helplessness and heavy losses of humans in their war against the Shura Clan, or the rapid rise of Zhang Xusheng’s influence among human cultivators, Wang Zegang observes that the evil cultivators who were once despised are now fully accepted by the human populace. Among the cultivators Wang Zegang has encountered in these six months, nearly one-third have begun to practice Zhang Xusheng’s secret methods and refer to him as their master, including many from famous sects.

Wang Zegang knows that although Xu Qingfan has lived as a recluse over the years, he has not been able to let go of the situation in the Shenzhou Continent. Even far beyond the Eastern Sea, he frequently calculates the circumstances of the continent, planning for actions in the near future. However, after six months of observation, Wang Zegang feels that although Xu Qingfan has prepared for the worst, it is clear that the current situation facing humanity is even worse than what Xu Qingfan anticipated.

Among countless bad news, Jin Qinghan’s performance is perhaps the only uplifting aspect. From being unknown to shining brightly, he has outshone even Xu Qingfan from back then. In several actions by the Righteous Alliance, Jin Qinghan’s performance has been wise, decisive, calm, and has displayed command skills never seen before, greatly surprising Wang Zegang, who had previous encounters with him.

Wang Zegang feels that Jin Qinghan over the past thirty years resembles Xu Qingfan back when he was still in the Righteous Alliance. Though their personalities are very different, they share a similar trait: a strong sense of responsibility.

Some people fear pressure and responsibility, becoming timid and on the verge of collapse, while others may feel incredibly exhausted in the face of pressure and responsibility but can unleash unprecedented potential. Without a doubt, both Jin Qinghan and Xu Qingfan belong to the latter group.

※※※※

A few months ago, Jin Qinghan, alongside several Mahayana Stage masters, led by Immortal Zizhen, delved into North Iceland to harass and investigate the Shura Clan, and at this moment, he is in his courtyard, in seclusion and training.

At this moment, Jin Qinghan was intensively refining the "Silent Lamp," a top treasure representing the metal element among five elemental treasures. It had been blessed by the "Pure Land Sect" practitioners for thousands of years, containing three thousand Buddha mantras and a deep understanding of the Heavenly Way accumulated over millions of years. For Jin Qinghan, who practiced both metal-type powers and the "Pure Land Sect" cultivation method, this treasure was tailor-made for him. In his hands, the power of the "Silent Lamp" was even stronger than when Mr. Liu used it.

However, the "Silent Lamp" was still one of the top ten treasures in the cultivation world. Even though Jin Qinghan had possessed it for nearly thirty years, he could only unleash about sixty to seventy percent of its true power. Therefore, whenever he had time, he would go into seclusion to further refine it.

Thirty years ago, Jin Qinghan simply followed Xu Qingfan’s actions, with all decisions and responsibilities resting on Xu Qingfan’s shoulders. Jin Qinghan only needed to do as Xu Qingfan instructed and did not think much of it. But over the years, as one of the few masters among human cultivators and the only top cultivator in Jiuhua, the pressure that once burdened Xu Qingfan was entirely transferred to Jin Qinghan. In fact, under such circumstances, the pressure on Jin Qinghan was far greater than it had been for Xu Qingfan back then.

Through several missions, Jin Qinghan deeply felt his own helplessness at that moment. So whenever he had a little free time, he would frantically increase his strength. For instance, even after such a dangerous task, while Immortal Zizhen would take a break, Jin Qinghan immediately went into seclusion upon returning.

Thus, it is no surprise that Jin Qinghan’s brilliance and cultivation level have skyrocketed over the years.

Meanwhile, Wang Zegang had arrived at Jin Qinghan’s courtyard and bent down to convey, "An old friend has come to visit and requests to see Venerable Jin Qinghan."

In the cultivation world, highly respected individuals are referred to as Venerable Ones.

Originally, Wang Zegang was of the same generation as Jin Qinghan and did not need to show such deep respect. However, Jin Qinghan was now a master, so in status, his position was automatically much higher than Wang Zegang’s.

However, Wang Zegang called out three times, but Jin Qinghan’s courtyard remained silent, with no response at all.

Wang Zegang smiled bitterly, feeling helpless. He knew Jin Qinghan was focused on his training and had rarely paid attention to others in recent years, so he transmitted his thoughts again, "Venerable One, do you still remember the promise you made to Xu Qingfan long ago?"

As Wang Zegang finished his words, a slight disturbance in the Spirit Qi waves appeared in Jin Qinghan’s courtyard, as if surprised by what Wang Zegang said. Then, the door in front of Wang Zegang opened silently.

Wang Zegang smiled slightly and stepped into Jin Qinghan’s courtyard.

Then, Wang Zegang saw Jin Qinghan, who was standing with his hands behind his back, carefully examining Wang Zegang with a look of curiosity in his eyes.

Years ago, after Jin Qinghan achieved enlightenment, golden lotuses fell, and the shadow of the Buddha appeared around him, accompanied by many unusual phenomena. Now, these phenomena still existed but were limited to just a three-meter radius around Jin Qinghan, showing his significant advancement in cultivation.

Jin Qinghan’s expression was serious, with endless authority and coldness. The experiences of the past thirty years had brought an inexplicable yet obvious change to his demeanor. Though they were not hostile, Wang Zegang could still feel the pressure after seeing Jin Qinghan.

Suddenly, as Jin Qinghan was examining Wang Zegang, he smiled, like snow meeting sunlight, and the overwhelming pressure melted away.

"I guess Senior Brother Xu should be sending someone to contact me as well. How has he been over the years?"

Jin Qinghan asked.

After hesitating for a moment, Wang Zegang said, "Island Master is doing well, but I often think of and worry about you."

Jin Qinghan nodded and, after a moment of silence, asked, "Are you living in seclusion in the East Sea?"

Wang Zegang nodded.

Jin Qinghan sighed and said, "Senior Brother Xu sent you to see me to ask me to live in seclusion with him? If that’s the case, tell him I cannot leave right now… it’s not time yet."

Wang Zegang shook his head and said, "It’s not like that; Island Master has something to ask of Venerable One."

Jin Qinghan was slightly taken aback and asked, "What is it?"

Wang Zegang said, "I suppose Venerable One has sensed the presence of the ‘Azure Crystal Treasure House’ by now?"

Jin Qinghan nodded and said, "After entering the Mahayana Stage, everyone can understand the existence of the ‘Azure Crystal Treasure House’ through Heavenly Way. The opening day is approaching. What does Senior Brother Xu want me to do then?"

Wang Zegang shook his head and said, "No, Island Master hopes Venerable One will not go to the ‘Azure Crystal Treasure House’ at that time. Whatever Venerable One needs, just let me know, and when Island Master enters the ‘Azure Crystal Treasure House,’ he will naturally get it for Venerable One. Of course, Island Master has said that the ‘Azure Crystal Treasure House’ appears only once every 600 years. It’s a rare opportunity, so if you do not wish to go, Island Master will not force you."

Jin Qinghan’s eyes showed a hint of confusion. He then looked at Wang Zegang and said, "That last sentence was added by you, right? Senior Brother Xu would never speak to me like that. You don’t need to provoke me; you won’t understand the bond I have with Senior Brother Xu."

Hearing Jin Qinghan’s words, a touch of embarrassment crossed Wang Zegang’s face. After discovering the secret of the "Azure Crystal Treasure House," he felt it was unbelievable for Xu Qingfan to ask Jin Qinghan to give up such a rare and precious opportunity. In order to help Xu Qingfan’s plan succeed, he unconsciously spoke the words mentioned above, but now it seemed like he had acted thoughtlessly.

However, Jin Qinghan didn’t notice Wang Zegang’s embarrassment and simply asked, "Senior Brother Xu must have his own way of doing things, but I still want to know why he doesn’t want me to enter the ‘Azure Crystal Treasure House.’ What does he want me to do?"

Hearing Jin Qinghan’s question, Wang Zegang quickly gathered his thoughts and took out a demon beast egg and a green slip from his sleeve. He handed them to Jin Qinghan and said, "The Island Master’s plan is recorded on this green slip. Additionally, the Island Master mentioned that everyone entering the ‘Azure Crystal Treasure House’ has their own destiny. Although he can help you bring some items, it would still waste one of your chances. This demon beast egg is the ancient demon beast Six-winged Golden Garuda’s egg, and as compensation, I hope you will accept it. In fact, when the Island Master got this egg back then, he intended to give it to you, but he was in a rush to hide away and forgot."

Jin Qinghan took the ancient demon beast egg and the green slip from Wang Zegang’s hands. Although the egg was extremely precious, Jin Qinghan didn’t pay much attention to it. Instead, he focused on the green slip to explore its contents. After a long while, he suddenly smiled slightly and looked at Wang Zegang, saying, "Senior Brother Xu has been in seclusion for thirty years, and his skills have only grown stronger. Truly, when he acts, he shakes the heavens. He actually used the day the ‘Azure Crystal Treasure House’ opens to set such a plan."

Wang Zegang also smiled slightly, recalling the shock and disbelief he felt when he first learned about Xu Qingfan’s plan, but he said nothing more.

Jin Qinghan merely expressed his feelings and didn’t expect Wang Zegang to respond. He then took out another green slip from his sleeve, closed his eyes for a moment, recorded some information on it, and then handed it to Wang Zegang, saying, "Please give this green slip to Senior Brother Xu. This is what I wish to retrieve from the ‘Azure Crystal Treasure House.’"

After receiving the green slip, Wang Zegang bowed and said, "If you have no other matters, I will take my leave."

Jin Qinghan nodded and personally saw Wang Zegang to the gate. He then returned to his room to continue his quiet meditation and training.

Then, looking at Xu Qingfan’s plan from before, Jin Qinghan just couldn’t settle down, continuously thinking about Xu Qingfan’s plan in his mind.

On the surface, Jin Qinghan didn’t show any reaction to Xu Qingfan’s plan, but inside, he was extremely shocked. This plan seemed dangerous and unbelievable, yet it was carefully thought out and very detailed, making Jin Qinghan doubt that it could be Xu Qingfan’s doing.

Moreover, this method made Jin Qinghan feel a strange familiarity.

Suddenly, Jin Qinghan, who had his eyes closed in concentration, opened them wide and whispered, "Zhang Xusheng!"

It was Xu Qingfan’s plan that reminded Jin Qinghan of Zhang Xusheng’s behavior over the years. Unknowingly, Xu Qingfan had developed methods and thoughts similar to Zhang Xusheng’s.

※※※※

Meanwhile, after leaving Jin Qinghan’s courtyard, Wang Zegang saw a person dressed in black with half of a dead wood mask quietly waiting there.

This was a member of Zhang Xusheng’s "An" organization. Once upon a time, these people hid in the darkness, afraid to be seen, recognized by others as evil, but now these "An" members could walk openly in the former Righteous Alliance headquarters, "Ronghua Mountain", and had become objects of envy and respect for many.

"I am Mingluo." The newcomer smiled at Wang Zegang and said, "My boss heard about your arrival and asked me to invite you to meet him."

Wang Zegang sighed. As the original headquarters of the Righteous Alliance, he had been moving around for six months without Immortal Zizhen noticing anything strange. Instead, it was Zhang Xusheng who noticed things early. This hidden meaning made one think deeply.

"Lead the way."

Thinking about meeting someone as legendary as Zhang Xusheng, Wang Zegang felt a strange shiver inside him. Yet, everything was as Xu Qingfan had expected, including Zhang Xusheng coming to find him. So, Wang Zegang remained calm and smiled at Mingluo, saying.

Seeing Wang Zegang’s composed expression, a hint of surprise and admiration crossed Mingluo’s eyes. He then said, "This way, please."

Wang Zegang nodded and followed Mingluo as they walked toward the distance.

Even on Ronghua Mountain, few knew about Zhang Xusheng’s residence. Although Immortal Zizhen had arranged a place for him, Zhang Xusheng had never stayed there. If Zhang Xusheng hadn’t come to find Wang Zegang, he would truly have been troubled about how to contact him.

However, under Mingluo’s guidance, the place they were heading to surprised Wang Zegang.

Mingluo actually took Wang Zegang away from Ronghua Mountain and flew toward the mortal world at the foot of the mountain.

When they landed in a small town at the foot of Ronghua Mountain, Wang Zegang felt a familiar sensation as he looked around. When Mingluo brought him to a tea house, Wang Zegang’s body trembled, and he finally remembered that this was the tea house Xu Qingfan often visited. In the past, when he and Xu Qingfan were similar, Xu Qingfan had taken him and some people with similar identities to gather here.

Entering the tea house, Wang Zegang felt a shiver run through him. Not only because he finally saw Zhang Xusheng, but also because Zhang Xusheng was sitting in the same spot where Xu Qingfan used to sit. Wang Zegang suddenly realized how similar Zhang Xusheng’s expression and demeanor were to Xu Qingfan’s, who was far away beyond the East Sea.

For thirty years, Wang Zegang had spent a lot of time with Xu Qingfan. He hadn’t noticed any changes over the years, but now, seeing Zhang Xusheng made Wang Zegang realize just how remarkable Xu Qingfan’s changes had been.

"Greetings, Senior."

Wang Zegang tried to calm the shock in his heart.

"Have you been here for about six months? You’re moving around a lot and seem very busy… Is Xu Qingfan planning something big?"

Zhang Xusheng looked at Wang Zegang with a smile and asked.

"Yes," Wang Zegang replied directly, "but Taoist Friend Xu said this matter needs your assistance."

To Zhang Xusheng, Wang Zegang no longer referred to Xu Qingfan as Island Master. After all, Zhang Xusheng wasn’t Mr. Liu or Jin Qinghan. Revealing Xu Qingfan’s hidden location wouldn’t be good, although Xu Qingfan had once said that perhaps Zhang Xusheng already knew.

"Oh?" Zhang Xusheng said, sounding a bit surprised by Wang Zegang’s words. "I thought Xu Qingfan sent you here without involving me… But that guy keeps using my help. He must really be enjoying it."

Wang Zegang said, "It’s not about using someone, but about working together. Taoist Friend Xu mentioned that his plan could be very beneficial for you too."

"Oh? Please tell me more."

Zhang Xusheng seemed very interested and asked with a smile.