Chapter 46: The Scribe

When Zhang Xiaofan awoke, the sky was already dark. He must have slept for at least five or six hours, but Bi Yao was still unconscious, her hands gripping tightly onto his clothes, looking like a frightened child. Who would have thought that she was an important figure in the Demon Sect!

Zhang Xiaofan placed his hand under his head, listening to the soft rustling of the mountain breeze through the trees. Suddenly, he thought of the bamboo groves on Dazhu Peak of Qingyun Mountain. Didn’t they also make such sounds?

During these days, news of their disappearance in the “Ten Thousand Bats Ancient Cavern” must have already reached Dazhu Peak. He wondered if Senior Sister Ling’er would be sad when she heard the news. But if he suddenly appeared before her, wouldn’t she be happy? She would surely grab his hand, overjoyed, and tease him: “You stinky brat, I knew you weren’t that easy to kill!”

A smile spread across his face in the darkness, and even his eyes seemed to gleam in the night. However, he didn’t notice another pair of bright eyes that had been quietly watching him for some time.

***

The sky began to brighten, and the chirping of birds echoed through the mountains, clear and pleasant.

Zhang Xiaofan walked to the stream, cupped his hands, and splashed water on his face, feeling the coolness penetrate his heart. He checked his left hand, unwrapped the bandages, and found that the broken bone was almost healed. Delighted, he removed the firewood stick from his hand and placed it in his waistband, then flexed his left hand. Indeed, there was no major issue.

“Is your hand better?” Bi Yao came from behind, glanced at him, and then squatted down to wash her face with the stream water.

“Yes,” Zhang Xiaofan said cheerfully. “It’s fine now, no pain at all.”

Bi Yao wiped the water from her face with her sleeve and said, “You shouldn’t move around too much. Injuries take time to fully heal, so you need to rest more.”

“Understood,” Zhang Xiaofan replied casually. Then, hesitantly, he added, “Miss Bi Yao, we are fortunate to have survived and escaped from that mountain. We can consider ourselves friends, but our paths are different. We should part ways here today.”

Bi Yao remained squatting by the stream, but her body seemed to tremble slightly. Zhang Xiaofan couldn’t see her expression. After a moment, he heard her voice, low and subdued, “Different paths, you say?”

Zhang Xiaofan nodded. “Yes, I am from the righteous path, and you are from the Demon Sect. My teachers have always taught me that righteousness and evil cannot coexist. If we meet again, we may become enemies. I am truly grateful for your care and rescue in the mountain. I will repay this debt in the future, if fate allows it.”

Bi Yao stared at the faint reflection in the clear water, muttering, “Repay me, you say?”

Zhang Xiaofan affirmed, “Yes, I am clear about debts and favors. If not for you, I would not have survived. If there is ever a chance for me to repay you, I will do so. However, I cannot go against the principles of my sect.”

Bi Yao suddenly stood up and turned to him. “I think you have potential. Why don’t you join our Holy Sect? I can recommend you to my father. He values talent and will surely give you a position of importance. It’s better than being a nameless cook on Dazhu Peak.”

Zhang Xiaofan’s face darkened. “Miss Bi Yao, don’t speak nonsense. I am a man of the righteous path. I would rather die than join the Demon Sect. Even being a humble cook on Dazhu Peak is better than wielding power in the Demon Sect.”

A cold smile flickered on Bi Yao’s lips, and her words became sharp and cold. “Righteous path? The evils committed by the righteous path are no less than those of the Demon Sect. In the great war between good and evil, your ancestors killed indiscriminately, sparing no one, not even the elderly and children!”

“Nonsense!” Zhang Xiaofan burst out in anger. “These are the deeds of the Demon Sect. You think I don’t know? You massacred people, leaving the land in ruins…”

Bi Yao snapped, “Did you see it with your own eyes? Or did your teachers tell you? They only told you what they wanted you to believe to protect their reputation. Did they tell you the truth?”

Zhang Xiaofan sneered. “And have you seen it with your own eyes? Your elders are just trying to paint a false picture of the past, aren’t they?”

Bi Yao was taken aback, at a loss for words. Zhang Xiaofan looked at her, thinking back to their shared life-and-death experiences, and softened his tone. “Miss Bi Yao, let’s not dwell on the past. Our sect has strict rules prohibiting interactions with the Demon Sect. I grew up in Qingyun, and I cannot break these rules. Let us part ways here. If you ever decide to abandon the Demon Sect and join the righteous path, I, Zhang Xiaofan, will guarantee your safety and help you find the true path.” As he spoke, he noticed Bi Yao’s mocking expression and cold laughter.

“Your righteous path is worthless. Even if you invited me, I would not join. I will show you the true path, but if you refuse, go and be your righteous man. When we meet again, I will take your head first!”

Zhang Xiaofan was shocked by her sudden hostility. He sighed, feeling a sense of regret, and bowed. “Farewell.” He turned and walked away without looking back.

Bi Yao watched him leave, not turning once. As his figure disappeared into the forest, she felt a void in her heart, as if something important had been lost. She sat down slowly, her gaze wandering over the ashes of the rabbit that Zhang Xiaofan had roasted the previous night. Unbeknownst to her, tears began to fall.

She sat there, staring at the ashes, for what seemed like an eternity. Suddenly, the once lively bird songs in the forest fell silent, as if sensing a great danger approaching. A shadow emerged from the forest, enveloping her. Despite the daylight, the sky seemed to darken.

Bi Yao turned around, staring at the figure behind her. After a moment, she cried out, “Father!” and threw herself into his arms.

The shadow seemed taken aback, not expecting her reaction. Yet, seeing his daughter safe, his joy was undeniable.

***

Zhang Xiaofan traveled through the forest for a day before leaving Kongsang Mountain. He could have flown and arrived in half a day, but he was cautious of his injured hand. Kongsang Mountain was sparsely populated, and he saw no one along the way.

After spending the night in the wilderness, Zhang Xiaofan walked onto a road. The road widened, and more people appeared. He asked for directions and headed north.

By midday, the sun was scorching hot. Zhang Xiaofan, thirsty and hungry, saw a small tea stall under a tree. Several customers were already seated. Seeking shade, he bought a bowl of tea and sat down to rest.

To his surprise, the tea was refreshing and quenched his thirst. He decided to find a secluded place to fly back, hoping to see his master sooner.

As he sipped his tea, he thought of his sister, Tian Ling’er, and felt a warmth in his heart. Just then, a gentle voice called out, “Boss, give me a bowl of tea.”

A mild breeze blew, causing the leaves to rustle. The tea stall owner, in his fifties, poured the tea. Zhang Xiaofan, distracted, found himself unable to look away.

A middle-aged scholar, with refined features and a dignified presence, walked in. He wore a scholarly robe, and a delicate purple jade pendant hung from his waist, exuding a subtle aura of benevolence.

Zhang Xiaofan was captivated by the scholar’s demeanor. The other customers, including himself, fell silent, overwhelmed by the scholar’s presence.

The scholar took a seat and began to savor his tea. The atmosphere was strangely quiet, but the scholar seemed oblivious, sipping his tea in peace.

Eventually, the other customers left, and the tea stall emptied. Zhang Xiaofan, undisturbed, decided to leave. Suddenly, a familiar voice spoke from behind:

“Little brother.”

Zhang Xiaofan, surprised by the warm and familiar voice, turned to see the scholar smiling at him. “Are you speaking to me, sir?”

The scholar nodded. “Yes.” He stood up and walked over. Zhang Xiaofan stood up and bowed. “What can I do for you, sir?”

The scholar examined him and said, “Nothing much, just a bit lonely on my journey. You look familiar, so I thought we could chat. Do you mind?”

Zhang Xiaofan shook his head. “Not at all, please sit down, sir.”

The scholar smiled. “Please, sit down as well, little brother.”

They sat down, and the scholar asked, “May I ask for your name, little brother?”

Zhang Xiaofan, who had grown up in Cao Miao Village and later joined the Qingyun Sect, had rarely spoken to outsiders. He responded respectfully, “I am Zhang Xiaofan. May I ask your name, sir?”

The scholar repeated, “Zhang Xiaofan.” He smiled and said, “I am Wan Renwang.”

“Master Wan!” Zhang Xiaofan thought. The name sounded ordinary but had a powerful resonance. He looked at Wan Renwang, whose face was gentle, yet his brows and eyes carried an inherent authority.

Wan Renwang observed Zhang Xiaofan and asked, “Forgive my curiosity, but are you a cultivator?”

Zhang Xiaofan was surprised. He and his companions had changed into plain clothes after descending from the mountain, making them indistinguishable from commoners.

Before he could ask how Wan Renwang knew, the scholar pointed north and asked, “Are you from the Qingyun Sect, the foremost righteous sect?”

Zhang Xiaofan was even more astonished. He stood up and asked, “How did you know, Master Wan?”

Wan Renwang waved his hand, “Please sit down.”

Once Zhang Xiaofan sat, Wan Renwang explained, “I saw that you are full of energy and not fatigued despite your journey. Your youth belies great strength. With the prevalence of cultivation, you must be highly skilled.”

Zhang Xiaofan bowed in humility. “But how did you know which sect I belong to?”

Wan Renwang laughed. “I saw your travel-worn appearance and the longing in your eyes, directed north. The nearest and most famous cultivation sect to the north is the Qingyun Sect. I guessed, and I seem to have been right.”

Zhang Xiaofan admired his insight. “Your keen observation is remarkable. I am truly impressed.”

Wan Renwang smiled. “The Qingyun Sect is renowned for its profound cultivation techniques. You have a bright future ahead.”

Zhang Xiaofan, thinking of Qi Hao and Lin Jinyu, shook his head. “Master Wan, you are too kind. I am but a humble member, not worthy of such praise.”

Wan Renwang chuckled. “You have a good sense of humor, Little Brother.”

Zhang Xiaofan, not wanting to argue, asked, “Where are you traveling to, Master Wan?”

Wan Renwang stood up, gazing at the sky. “The world is vast, and I travel freely, exploring mountains and ancient lands.”

“Ah, I see,” Zhang Xiaofan marveled.

Wan Renwang turned, a peculiar smile on his face. “Being a disciple of the Qingyun Sect, you must be highly skilled.”

Zhang Xiaofan demurred. “Not at all. I am merely a mediocre disciple.”

Wan Renwang smiled. “I have a request, if you would be so kind.”

Zhang Xiaofan was puzzled. “Please, Master Wan, what is your request?”

Wan Renwang bowed deeply. “I have always admired cultivators. I long to see a magical artifact. Could you fulfill this small wish?”

Zhang Xiaofan was flustered. “Master Wan, I am willing, but my artifact is not worthy of your attention.”

Wan Renwang insisted. “Nonsense. No magical artifact is unworthy.”

Zhang Xiaofan, embarrassed, pulled out the firewood stick and handed it over. Wan Renwang’s expression briefly showed surprise, but he accepted it solemnly.

Zhang Xiaofan, noticing his expression, asked, “Is something wrong, Master Wan?”

Wan Renwang, startled, returned the stick. “Little Brother, I have read extensively about magical artifacts. I have a question for you. Does this artifact contain your essence blood?”

Zhang Xiaofan was shocked, recalling the terrifying scene in the Bamboo Peak. He stood up, pointing at Wan Renwang. “What did you say?”

Wan Renwang continued, “Is this artifact a combination of two items?”

Zhang Xiaofan was stunned. His deepest secret had been revealed. “What did you say?”

Wan Renwang lowered his head, sighing. “You don’t know, but the pearl on the stick is a sacred relic of the Demon Sect.”

Zhang Xiaofan, almost breathless, stammered, “What did you say?”

“This pearl is the legacy of Blackheart Elder, the Demon Sect’s founder, eight hundred years ago. It is called the ‘Bloodthirsty Pearl.'”

Zhang Xiaofan was frozen, his mind racing. The image of the skeleton in the Kongsang Mountain cavern haunted him.

Wan Renwang, seeing his shock, continued, “Little Brother, now that you know the pearl’s origin, would you like to know the history of the black stick?”

Zhang Xiaofan, stunned, could only stare at Wan Renwang.