Chapter 32: The Descent from the Mountain

Zi Hao and Zeng Shushu, upon seeing Zhang Xiaofan, greeted him with more or less a smile. Only Lu Xueqi remained indifferent, though her gaze flickered towards him for a moment, as if a mysterious emotion flitted across the depths of her eyes, but it vanished in an instant.

True Daoxuan gazed at the four below, smiling as he spoke, “I have summoned you all today to entrust you with a significant mission. You are to descend from the mountain and undergo a period of trials.”

The four were visibly moved.

True Daoxuan recounted the recent events involving the “Cave of Ten Thousand Bats” on Kongsang Mountain, adding, “This matter is of great importance, and since you four are among our elite disciples, I am sending you to investigate. But be wary, for the Cult’s wicked minions are cunning and treacherous.”

Together, they responded, “Yes.”

True Daoxuan nodded, continuing, “Additionally, both the Flame Incense Valley and Temple of Heavenly Sounds have dispatched their finest disciples to join in the investigation. Conduct yourselves with decorum, but do not let the prestige of our Azure Ethereal Conclave be diminished. Moreover, Senior Brother Xiao Yicai from the Longmen Peak has already gone to Kongsang Mountain to look into the matter. If you find him, be sure to consult with him frequently.”

The four exchanged glances, agreeing once more.

True Daoxuan scrutinized these young disciples, his gaze finally settling on Zi Hao. He beckoned, “Zi Hao, come here.”

Caught off guard, Zi Hao approached. True Daoxuan examined him, then turned to Crooked Pine with a smile, “Brother, your Dragon Head Peak has a worthy successor!”

Crooked Pine, whose expression had been grim, finally managed a smile, “Brother jests.”

True Daoxuan smiled as he produced an object from within his robes and handed it to Zi Hao, “Take this.”

Zi Hao took it and found it to be a small, ancient-looking mirror. The bronze frame was intricately carved with dragons and tigers, and the mirror itself was inscribed with the eight trigrams. At its center, however, was not a normal copper reflection, but a hazy, yellowish blur.

Before Zi Hao could react, Crooked Pine exclaimed with delight, “Foolish boy, what are you standing there for? Kneel and thank the master!”

Realizing the item was likely the powerful treasure known as the Six Directions Mirror, Zi Hao quickly knelt, “Thank you, Master Uncle.”

True Daoxuan smiled, “Rise, rise. There’s no need. Now, you all may leave.”

Knowing that he was about to impart the secrets of the Six Directions Mirror to Zi Hao, the others withdrew.

Outside, Zhang Xiaofan and Tian Yibu moved to one side. Tian Yibu glanced at him, saying, “With this important mission, return not to Bamboo Peak. Set out with the other three shortly. I will inform Bamboo Peak on your behalf.”

Startled, Zhang Xiaofan lowered his head, “Yes, Master.”

Tian Yibu continued, “During your month of recuperation, I heard that your senior aunt taught you some sword control techniques and secret spells. Have you memorized them?”

Nodding, Zhang Xiaofan replied, “Yes, I have, Master.”

Turning, Tian Yibu spoke slowly, “Good. Though you lack natural talent, remember that you represent Bamboo Peak. Do not disgrace us.”

Zhang Xiaofan affirmed, “I will not, Master. I will not shame you.”

Tian Yibu snorted, his face unseen, but his voice revealed no anger. After a pause, he seemed to sigh, turning back to glance at Zhang Xiaofan. Without further words, he waved his hand and ascended, vanishing into the sky on a streak of crimson light.

Watching his master disappear, Zhang Xiaofan stood dazed until Zeng Shushu tapped him on the shoulder, startling him. Turning, he found Zeng Shushu grinning. Looking around, he saw the other sect leaders had left, leaving only the two of them and the solitary Lu Xueqi.

Zeng Shushu chuckled, “You’re lucky. I thought you wouldn’t make it through this test.”

Feeling more relaxed with Zeng Shushu, Zhang Xiaofan laughed, “Indeed, I was scared half to death.”

Zeng Shushu patted his shoulder, looking him over, “Why didn’t you bring Xiao Hui?”

Frowning, Zhang Xiaofan replied, “I was called by my master early, and I didn’t expect to leave so soon. I brought nothing, how could I think of Xiao Hui?”

Zeng Shushu grinned, “No worries, I can lend you clothes, or we can buy some in Heyang City.” Winking, he added in a low voice, “We’re in luck anyway.”

Confused, Zhang Xiaofan asked, “How so?”

Waggling his eyebrows, Zeng Shushu looked behind him, “Traveling with a beauty, of course!”

Both exasperated and amused, Zhang Xiaofan glanced at Lu Xueqi, who also happened to look their way. Her gaze, like frost, startled him, and he quickly averted his eyes.

After a brief exchange, Zeng Shushu was whispering to Zhang Xiaofan about Lu Xueqi when he noticed Zhang Xiaofan’s face suddenly freeze, his gaze fixed behind Zeng Shushu.

Zeng Shushu, puzzled, turned to see a man stumbling up the steps. He was in his forties, wearing clean clothes, but his face was blank, his eyes glazed, muttering incoherently, “It’s raining, dark… stinks… mother… gods, gods, hehe, gods…”

As Zeng Shushu and Lu Xueqi watched, Zhang Xiaofan slowly approached, finally reaching the man.

“Uncle Wang, are you well?” he said, struggling to contain his emotions.

The man ignored Zhang Xiaofan, still muttering, and walked past him, eventually disappearing behind the main hall.

“Who is he?” Zeng Shushu asked, walking over.

Zhang Xiaofan, watching the man disappear, said despondently, “A madman.”

Noticing Zhang Xiaofan’s expression, Zeng Shushu refrained from asking more. Shortly after, a beaming Zi Hao emerged from the hall, greeting the three of them.

Distracted, Zhang Xiaofan followed Zeng Shushu, and after a brief discussion (Zhang Xiaofan, lost in thought, said nothing), they decided to descend to Heyang City first.

Zeng Shushu, smiling, asked Zi Hao, “Senior Brother, is the Six Directions Mirror given by Master really powerful?”

Grinning, Zi Hao replied, “The Six Directions Mirror is one of our most prized treasures. It is indeed powerful, but I fear I lack the cultivation. Ha, anyway, since we are on the peak, we must go down to the cloud sea to fly to Heyang City.”

Lu Xueqi remained impassive, while Zhang Xiaofan nodded absentmindedly. Only Zeng Shushu seemed delighted, for this descent was a joyous occasion for the adventurous youth.

From the Azure Ethereal Conclave to Heyang City, the four “outstanding” disciples of the Azure Ethereal Vapors flew on their swords, effortlessly for the most part, except for Zhang Xiaofan, who struggled.

He had spent a month recovering, and Su Ru had foreseen this, teaching him some of the Azure Ethereal Vapors’ secret techniques and methods of controlling artifacts to fly.

In theory, it was simple: sufficient cultivation and a decent artifact, driven by the Azure Ethereal Vapors’ techniques and mental focus, would suffice.

However, Zhang Xiaofan, with shallow cultivation and a peculiar artifact, found it difficult. Su Ru hadn’t expected him to immediately leave, intending for him to practice the techniques more on Bamboo Peak. The other sect leaders, unaware of his peculiarities, assumed he knew the basic sword control techniques based on his performance in the Seven Peaks Martial Arts Trials.

Unbeknownst to them, Zhang Xiaofan had stumbled into the “Artifact Control” realm, knowing nothing of true sword control.

As the others activated their swords—Zi Hao with the icy “Frozen Ice,” Lu Xueqi with the azure “Tianya,” and Zeng Shushu with the slightly purpled “Xuanyuan”—Zhang Xiaofan nervously activated his “Burnt Firewood Stick,” but felt a distinct lack of mastery compared to the Seven Peaks Martial Arts Trials.

Traversing the clouds and mountains, a half-day journey, they arrived at Heyang City only as the sun set. To avoid suspicion, they landed outside the city, drenched and pale, appearing more exhausted than during the trials.

Had it not been for Zi Hao and the others, who noticed Zhang Xiaofan’s struggles and stayed close, he might have fallen from the sky and perished, disgracing the Azure Ethereal Vapors before he could achieve anything.

Deciding to walk into the city, Zi Hao and the others, wary of potential embarrassment, led the way. Resting briefly, they set out for the city under the setting sun, with Zhang Xiaofan trailing behind, feeling the questioning gazes of Zi Hao and Lu Xueqi.

Only Zeng Shushu, ever cheerful, continued to chat with Zhang Xiaofan, introducing the city, “This is the largest and most prosperous place within a hundred miles. With over two or three hundred thousand inhabitants, it is a bustling hub of trade and commerce…”

Impressed, Zhang Xiaofan commented, “Shushu, how do you know so much?”

Smirking, Zeng Shushu replied, “Reading books, naturally. I’ve even sneaked down here a few times.”

Startled, Zhang Xiaofan exclaimed, “You… you…”

Zeng Shushu shrugged, “What’s the big deal? I need to practice flying, and it’s fun to stop and wander around.”

Zhang Xiaofan was speechless.

As they chatted, Zi Hao, with a slight smile, suggested to Lu Xueqi, “Junior Sister, it’s late. We should stay here for the night and continue tomorrow.”

Lu Xueqi, her face as cold as ice, nodded faintly.

Entering the city, they changed out of their Azure Ethereal Conclave robes to avoid drawing attention. However, Lu Xueqi’s stunning beauty caused a stir, attracting many onlookers.

Zhang Xiaofan, noticing Lu Xueqi’s icy gaze, worried for the onlookers, fearing she might unsheathe Tianya. But Lu Xueqi’s composure was better than he’d expected, and she remained silent as they settled into the “Shanhai Garden” inn.

With Zi Hao leading, they were arranged in the best quarters. The Shanhai Garden was large, with four courtyards. They occupied the West Courtyard, each with a separate room.

Resting briefly, Zi Hao called everyone to the front dining area. The Shanhai Garden’s restaurant, located on the busiest street, was quiet on the third floor, with only a few tables occupied. Zi Hao, clearly a regular, ordered dishes and chatted with the staff.

For Zhang Xiaofan, raised in a rural setting, the grandeur was overwhelming. He marveled at the opulence, from the ornate decorations on the second floor to the elegant, antique furnishings on the third.

Sitting by the window, Zeng Shushu remarked, “Senior Brother, this place isn’t cheap, is it?”

Zi Hao smiled, “It’s the best in Heyang City, but the owner won’t charge us much, given our reputation.”

Zeng Shushu nodded. Soon, the server brought a variety of dishes, including a fresh, aromatic fish. Intrigued, Zhang Xiaofan asked, “Waiter, what kind of fish is this, and how is it prepared?”

The waiter beamed, “This is our signature dish, ‘Clear Simmered Mei Fish,’ renowned for its tender, sweet taste. It’s a delicacy in the area.”

Zhang Xiaofan, savoring the dish, praised the cooking, identifying the ingredients and techniques. His appreciation was evident, causing the waiter to exclaim, “Sir, you truly know your food!”

Blushing, Zhang Xiaofan asked, “Where does this Mei Fish come from?”

Before the waiter could respond, a girl at the neighboring table, dressed in green, interjected, “This Mei Fish is a specialty of the Southern Zhugou Mountains, a thousand miles away. How could it be here? Are you lying, waiter?”

All turned to see a table of eight, six men in yellow, and two women. One woman, in light purple, her face veiled, had a fair complexion. The other, a vibrant, pretty girl, caught their attention.

The waiter, apologetically, explained, “Centuries ago, True Daoxuan of the Azure Ethereal Vapors transplanted the Mei Fish to our region. It now thrives in the Hongchuan River, thanks to the blessings of the immortal Daoxuan.”

The girls exchanged a glance, while Zhang Xiaofan and the others were pleased. The meal concluded, they returned to their rooms. Zi Hao announced, “Rest tonight, and we’ll depart for Kongsang Mountain tomorrow.”

Zhang Xiaofan and Zeng Shushu agreed, but Lu Xueqi retreated to her room, slamming the door. Zi Hao, chuckling, bid them goodnight.

Zhang Xiaofan, feeling listless, bid Zeng Shushu goodnight and returned to his room. That night, he had trouble sleeping, haunted by dreams of blood and slaughter, and a thirst for more.

Awakening in a cold sweat, Zhang Xiaofan sat in the dark, his heart racing. Reaching for his “Burnt Firewood Stick,” he felt a chill.

Unable to sleep, he went outside, finding the courtyard bathed in moonlight. The night breeze carried a faint fragrance, and he walked along a winding path.

Pausing by a flower, he was entranced by its delicate beauty. Suddenly, a slender hand reached out from the darkness, plucking the flower.

Zhang Xiaofan, startled, turned to see the girl in green, her figure catching the moonlight, bringing the flower to her nose and inhaling deeply.