The atmosphere, at some unknowable point, grew heavy. Tian Yizhi slowly straightened his body, his expression shifting between dark and light, making it impossible to discern the thoughts that churned within his mind.
Xiao Yicai remained silent for a moment before speaking, “Uncle Tian, I have hesitated over this matter for a long time, but I cannot keep it from you any longer…”
Tian Yizhi took a deep breath and nodded, “Nephew Xiao, I understand what you mean. Thank you.”
Xiao Yicai nodded, then as if remembering something else, he continued, “Uncle Tian, though Zhang Xiaofan seems to know the Ghost King and his daughter, it doesn’t appear that he has yet fallen to the dark path. But the Cult of the Black Flame is notorious for its treachery and cruelty. Zhang Xiaofan is young and inexperienced, and may be in grave danger.”
Tian Yizhi snorted, his face as cold as frost, “That worthless wretch! Just wait until I get my hands on him!”
Xiao Yicai glanced at him, “Uncle Tian, there’s something else I want to say, but…”
Tian Yizhi interrupted, “Go on.”
Xiao Yicai continued, “Yes. Uncle Tian, I came to you privately about Zhang Xiaofan because I hope you can handle this matter discreetly before it escalates. Uncle Cangsong oversees the punishments in Qingyun, and his nature is quite stern. If he finds out, Zhang Xiaofan might be in serious trouble. As your disciple, I know you have invested much in him, and if this were to blow up, neither you nor Uncle Cangsong would look good. Therefore…” He lowered his voice, “If Zhang Xiaofan hasn’t committed any major offense, perhaps a private reprimand will suffice.”
Tian Yizhi raised his head and looked at him deeply, then said, “Nephew Xiao, you truly have the makings of a great leader. No wonder the Chief values you so highly. It looks like the position of Chief will be yours one day.”
Xiao Yicai bowed his head slightly, “Uncle Tian, you flatter me.”
Tian Yizhi’s face returned to its usual calm, and he smiled faintly, “Well, you should rest now. The Dazhufeng lineage will remember your kindness.”
He deliberately emphasized the words “Dazhufeng” with a hint of significance.
Xiao Yicai, seemingly oblivious, smiled, “You are too kind, Uncle.”
Tian Yizhi nodded and walked out.
—
Tian Yizhi stood alone in the quiet corner of the forest, his back turned to the trees.
It was deep into the night, the sky filled with twinkling stars and a bright moon hanging high, casting a silvery light through the dense foliage onto his figure. In the darkness, a frown creased his brow, clearly indicating his troubled thoughts.
Just then, footsteps sounded behind him.
Tian Yizhi turned and, upon seeing who it was, was taken aback, “Is that you?”
His wife, Su Ru, walked silently through the still night, her presence drawing all eyes to her. Even after many years, her beauty had not faded.
She approached and, looking at Tian Yizhi, smiled, “You called Da Ren to summon Xiao Fan here. Xiao Fan was not around, so I sent him to see the Venerable Dalishi at Konggang Gate. He should be here soon.”
Tian Yizhi nodded, gazing at Su Ru, wanting to say something but remaining silent.
Su Ru, with a faint smile, said, “Ever since you visited Xiao Yicai tonight, you’ve been frowning. Is something wrong?”
Tian Yizhi let out a long breath, his expression relaxing, and he chuckled, “I knew I couldn’t hide it from you.” He then recounted what Xiao Yicai had told him about Zhang Xiaofan.
After listening, Su Ru pondered for a moment, then shook her head, “Regardless of whether Xiao Fan knows the Ghost King and his daughter, I do not believe he has joined the Cult or is a spy.”
Tian Yizhi snorted, “I know that too. Hmph, I’ve never had a disciple as troublesome and annoying as him.”
Su Ru looked at him and smiled, “But none of them ever made you proud like he did during the Seven Pulse Trial.”
Tian Yizhi paused, but retorted, “Proud? He looked like a charred rock after being struck by lightning.”
Su Ru laughed, “Ah, my dear brother Tian, I heard that you only made it to the top four in the Seven Pulse Trial three hundred years ago.”
Embarrassed, Tian Yizhi replied, “Back then, I was thinking of you and even ran off to watch the stars with you on the Heavenly Bridge. How could I compete with Elder Wan when I was so sleep-deprived?”
Su Ru blushed, her face softening, “Elder Wan was exceptionally talented. Among our generation, only Chief Daoxuan could match him in cultivation. You made it to the top four, and your master was already overjoyed. How could you think of beating Elder Wan?”
Tian Yizhi laughed, “Elder Wan was indeed superior, but you chose me over him. That means I have my own merits.”
Su Ru rolled her eyes, “I must have been possessed to choose you.”
Tian Yizhi smiled, taking her hand, which she allowed him to hold, though she chided, “We’re not young anymore. And Xiao Fan will be here soon. What if he sees us like this?”
Tian Yizhi smiled and pulled her closer, feeling her warmth and love, unchanged by the passing of three centuries.
—
Zhang Xiaofan and Song Daren left Stone and his master, the Venerable Dalishi. As they walked, they could still hear Stone’s resonant laughter. The night grew deeper, and most disciples had returned to their quarters.
As they neared Dazhufeng’s cave, Song Daren turned to Zhang Xiaofan, “Did you remember what I said?”
Zhang Xiaofan nodded, “Yes, Master.”
Song Daren nodded, “I don’t know why the master wants to see you, but he’s been frowning since returning from Xiao Yicai. There must be something troubling him.”
Zhang Xiaofan was silent, worried that Xiao Yicai might have revealed the meeting with the Ghost King and Bixi. If so, he had no idea how to explain.
Song Daren, seeing Zhang Xiaofan’s unease, patted his shoulder, “Don’t worry too much. Master may be strict, but he cares for us. But don’t be rash; we won’t be able to help if you upset him.”
Zhang Xiaofan felt a warmth in his heart, “Master, I’m sorry for how I treated you. Please forgive me.”
Song Daren laughed, “It’s okay. Go see Master now. Be careful in the forest; it’s getting dark.”
Zhang Xiaofan smiled and headed towards the forest. Song Daren watched his silhouette, feeling a pang of loneliness, and sighed, returning to the cave.
—
In the forest, darkness seemed to engulf him. Zhang Xiaofan paused, his eyes adjusting to the dim light. The moonlight filtered through the branches, casting a faint glow. The forest was eerily quiet, devoid of the usual sounds of birds and beasts. Tall, majestic trees stood like silent guardians.
A gust of wind rustled the leaves, and Zhang Xiaofan, lost in thought, remembered a childhood memory: the dim light, his mother’s embrace, and the fear of the night.
He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and hurried on, unaware that two red, burning orbs had appeared in the darkness, glaring at him like fiery, angry eyes.
—
Tian Yizhi, growing impatient, frowned, “Why is he not here yet?”
Su Ru looked at him, “It takes time. Da Ren went to fetch him, and he had to return from the Venerable. He can’t fly here, can he?”
Tian Yizhi grumbled, “Strange, the sky darkened so quickly.”
Su Ru agreed, “It was clear a moment ago. Oh, and there’s something else I’ve been wondering.”
Tian Yizhi asked, “What?”
Su Ru said, “If Xiao Fan really knows the Ghost King, he should have reported to Elder Cangsong. But he told you instead. It’s strange.”
Tian Yizhi mused, “Xiao Yicai mentioned that the Chief has been focusing on his cultivation, leaving administrative matters to Elders like Cangsong. Some even say Cangsong is the de facto Chief now.”
Su Ru, concerned, urged, “Be careful, dear. Don’t get too involved.”
Tian Yizhi sighed, “As the lineage head, I can’t avoid it. Xiao Yicai’s gesture is likely to build favor. We’ll have to take it one step at a time.”
—
A chilling wind blew through the forest. Zhang Xiaofan felt a shiver down his spine. The trees swayed, and the forest seemed full of malevolent spirits. He chuckled at his own fear and quickened his pace.
Suddenly, a ghostly howl pierced the air. Zhang Xiaofan turned, his face pale, and saw a red, glowing skull floating in the air, its eyes burning with hatred.
Behind the skull, two figures emerged. One was an emaciated, old man, his face twisted with anger, and the other was a familiar figure, the Wild Dog Taoist, held by the old man.
Wild Dog pointed at Zhang Xiaofan, “There he is! The one who killed Old Third Vampire!”
Zhang Xiaofan, startled, didn’t know what to expect.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage