Chapter 62: The Cult of Darkness

“Ahh!”

A soft cry echoed as Zhang Xiaofan awoke from his dream, gasping in the darkness, feeling the cold sweat that drenched his entire body. Ever since that day when he overheard Fahxiang speak of Puti, the horrific nightmare of his childhood had begun to haunt him once more—the ghastly image of the village massacre, engulfing him like a tidal wave, threatening to swallow him whole.

The firewood stick still lay by his side, emanating a familiar, cool sensation, as if nothing had changed. Yet, after this, Zhang Xiaofan also noticed that the peculiar treasure bound to his right arm seemed to emit a warmth, quite the opposite of the firewood stick, seeping into his very being.

He suddenly felt breathless, curling up quietly in the dark, unseen by anyone.

Who could know the burden of bearing too many secrets?

In the darkness, everyone else was sleeping peacefully, with night-watch disciples patrolling outside the cave, giving them a sense of security. As he listened to their calm and familiar breathing, Zhang Xiaofan’s mind wandered.

From afar, a gentle, sweet voice, even in dreams, seemed to whisper softly. The darkness blocked his vision, but Zhang Xiaofan felt as though he could see her clearly—that beautiful woman smiling, sweetly asleep in the serene night.

But who might she be dreaming of?

He reached out, gently grasping the firewood stick and holding it close to his chest, clinging to it as if it were his only companion, never to be parted.

In a daze, he remembered the pair of fox demons who had faced death with unwavering courage.

If I were in their place, would I have the courage to die with the one I love?

He pondered in the silence of the night.

* * *

The sun rose in the east, the sea breeze blowing, and the sky was clear and bright on this fine day.

Several disciples of Dazhufeng left their cave, summoning their treasures, and flew towards the depths of Liuboshan, carefully searching for any remnants of the Evil Sect. Tian Ling’er led the way, her “Amber Silk” gleaming red as she flew ahead, followed closely by Song Daren and He Daizhi. Du Bishu and Zhang Xiaofan brought up the rear. Among their sect, while Song Daren wielded the immortal sword “Shi Hu,” the others used various peculiar treasures, such as silk, brushes, dice, and the firewood stick, which stood out among the typically sword-wielding Qingyun disciples.

However, this was not Qingyun Mountain. On Liuboshan, there were numerous other sects, each with their unique treasures, making the diversity less striking.

Yet, in the idle chatter of the righteous disciples, some commented on the strangest treasures, naming the dice of a certain Dazhufeng disciple as the most bizarre and the firewood stick as the most rustic. It was clear that Qingyun, the leader among the sects, harbored hidden talents.

I wonder what Tian Yixi would think if he heard such remarks?

The disciples of the righteous sects formed small groups, flying around Liuboshan, creating a dazzling display of colors and lights.

Zhang Xiaofan glanced to the side, seeing the righteous disciples spread out in a fan formation. Not far from his group, the women of Xiaozhufeng, including Lu Xueqi, flew gracefully, her clothes fluttering, her long hair brushing her shoulders, and her cold, beautiful face exuding an ethereal charm.

Zhang Xiaofan’s heart stirred, but he quickly looked away, turning his gaze to the other side. A distance away, the disciples of Longshoufeng, including Qi Hao and Lin Jingyu, were flying. Lin Jingyu saw Zhang Xiaofan and smiled, waving at him.

Zhang Xiaofan smiled back.

Behind the Longshoufeng disciples, the remaining Chaoyangfeng disciples followed.

Suddenly, they heard Tian Ling’er’s clear cry. Zhang Xiaofan looked ahead to see Tian Ling’er, with a swift motion, make the “Amber Silk” glow red and soar into the sky, her speed increasing several times.

Song Daren, startled, knew his little junior sister was impulsive and enjoyed the freedom of flight. Su Ru, concerned, had warned Tian Ling’er multiple times, and instructed Song Daren to keep an eye on her.

But, raised in affection, Song Daren dared not scold her. Helpless, he sped up, followed closely by Zhang Xiaofan and He Daizhi. Soon, they left the Longshoufeng and Xiaozhufeng disciples behind.

Zhang Xiaofan caught up with Tian Ling’er, keeping a respectful distance, stealing glances at her. Her smile, excitement, and the red dress complemented her “Amber Silk” beautifully.

Mid-air, her laughter filled the air, warming Zhang Xiaofan’s heart.

“Little Junior Brother!” Song Daren called out. Zhang Xiaofan turned, asking, “What is it, Eldest Senior Brother?”

Song Daren, riding his greatsword, smiled. “I didn’t expect you to advance so quickly in your cultivation. In such a short time, you’ve reached this level.”

Zhang Xiaofan, grateful, replied, “It’s all thanks to your guidance, Eldest Senior Brother.”

Song Daren laughed, shaking his head. “I can’t take credit for it. You even surpassed me, Third Senior Brother, and Sixth Senior Brother in speed.”

Zhang Xiaofan realized he had inadvertently flown ahead, blushing. “Eldest Senior Brother, I—”

Before he could finish, Tian Ling’er, turning, beamed. “Xiaofan, isn’t this flying exhilarating? Look how high and blue the sky is!”

Zhang Xiaofan breathed deeply, smiling. The clear, blue sky was indeed refreshing, yet it couldn’t compare to the smile of the woman he loved deep in his heart.

Tian Ling’er continued flying, her hair billowing, admiring the blue skies above and the green mountains below, with the endless ocean stretching to the horizon. The picturesque landscape lifted her spirits, and she turned to Zhang Xiaofan, grinning. “Xiaofan, remember when we caught Xiaohei?”

Puzzled, Zhang Xiaofan replied, “Yes, what about it?”

Tian Ling’er grabbed his arm, laughing. “Come on!”

Startled, Zhang Xiaofan saw Tian Ling’er’s treasure descend rapidly. He quickly followed, and the others, taken aback, tried to catch up. But Zhang Xiaofan and Tian Ling’er were already far ahead, heading towards the forest below.

Zhang Xiaofan, following Tian Ling’er, found himself in the dense forest, where the air was fresh and quiet. Tian Ling’er, smiling, urged, “Hurry, Xiaofan!”

The “Amber Silk” darted through the ancient trees, its red light flashing, and Zhang Xiaofan, inspired, soared after her, lost in the joy of flight.

They flew through the forest, the ancient trees and the verdant world around them a blur. Zhang Xiaofan, entranced, followed Tian Ling’er, who moved with grace and speed, her silhouette a mesmerizing dance in the green world.

Time seemed to stand still, until the sky began to darken. They had been flying for hours without finding any Evil Sect members. Finally, they landed by a small stream, where Tian Ling’er, tired, washed her face.

The stream was shallow and clear, lined with smooth, round pebbles, reflecting the light. The forest stretched endlessly on either side.

“Xiaofan,” Tian Ling’er called, showing him a pretty stone she had found. “Isn’t this pretty?”

Zhang Xiaofan, looking at the tri-colored pebble, nodded. “It’s beautiful.”

Tian Ling’er, smiling, dried her face, then carefully polished the stone and put it away. “When we get back, I’ll give this to Big Brother Qi; he’ll love it!”

The sky darkened further. Zhang Xiaofan, frozen, lowered his head, unmoving.

Tian Ling’er, noticing his stillness, urged, “Xiaofan, come on.”

Zhang Xiaofan, his voice hoarse, replied, “Sister, let’s wait for Eldest Senior Brother and the others.”

Tian Ling’er, dismissive, insisted, “Never mind them. Let’s follow the stream and look for more stones, and maybe some Evil Sect scum.”

What was burning in his heart, like a fiery inferno?

Was it the urge to roar in anguish?

The demonic flame from the netherworld raged in his soul, burning him bit by bit.

He mumbled, “Alright.”

* * *

Tian Ling’er, her “Amber Silk” accentuating her beauty, led Zhang Xiaofan along the stream. After a while, they approached a small mountain, where the stream flowed from a narrow ravine.

Tian Ling’er, exhausted, suggested, “Let’s check the ravine and head back if we find nothing.”

Zhang Xiaofan nodded silently.

At the ravine, they discovered a large, dark cave, the stream emerging from it. The cave was well-concealed, and they debated whether to explore it. Zhang Xiaofan, wary of caves due to past experiences, hesitated, but Tian Ling’er decided to go in.

Suddenly, they heard a noise overhead, and a group of Evil Sect members descended, numbering in the dozens. Zhang Xiaofan and Tian Ling’er, alarmed, fled into the cave.

The darkness enveloped them, and soon, the Evil Sect members entered, lighting torches and stopping in the cavern. Zhang Xiaofan and Tian Ling’er, hiding in the shadows, held their breath.

One of the Evil Sect members, a tall, dark-skinned man, stood and spoke, questioning the purpose of their gathering and the failure to find the mystical beast, Kui Niu. Others, including the Wild Dog Daoist, voiced their discontent.

Then, a clear, cold voice spoke, “Do you really want to know why?”

The crowd fell silent, and Zhang Xiaofan, recognizing the voice, felt a shock. The figure, a green-clad woman, stood up.

It was Biyao.